Disclaimer: Inuyasha and co are not mine, they belong to Rumiko Takahashi. However, Kohana, Toshiro, Miki and the slight mention of Takara are mine! So no touchy without EXPRESS PERMISSION from me!
New Beginnings
Chapter 9 – Know the Enemy
the only way to defeat a foe, is to know them as a friend…
Sesshomaru stepped back from Kagome's side and walked out of the room, mulling things over in his mind. 'What is it about that girl?' He walked past the room that currently imprisoned Kohana, and glanced in at her as he went by. The elemental demon was sound asleep in Kagome's bed. Sesshomaru kept walking until he came to his study, where he slid open the door, walked in, and closed the door behind him. Unbidden, an image of Rin came to his mind. He wondered briefly how she was doing at his uncle's residence.
He then cleared his mind and sat down. Concentrating his thoughts on Kohana's subconscious, he discovered who was attempting to assassinate him. 'Ah, so the Southern Lord is my enemy… Toshiro…' Moments later, he broke the connection and leaned back in his chair. 'I must learn everything about this… Toshiro.' Sesshomaru got to his feet ad began looking through scrolls and scrolls, trying to find all the information he could about his elusive adversary.
After hours of searching his father's old records of demon clans, he had come up with nothing but the basic information. The Black Panther clan had governed the Southern lands for centuries. The latest lord was Toshiro, also referred to by the title, "King of Chaos". Sesshomaru let out a grunt of frustration.
'Nothing… absolutely nothing of value… no appearance, no fighting style… nothing. How annoying…' He leaned back and rubbed his eyes. Sesshomaru could not stifle the feeling of despair that started to overtake him.
Unknown to the tiring dog demon, a shadowy figure was creeping through the manor. It headed silently towards Kagome's room. Pausing outside the room, the figure gave no other indication of surprise that the woman lying on the bed was not the miko, than a slight shake of its head. The, it moved on, following its senses. Minutes later, the figure slid soundlessly into the room that contained the miko. It slipped a large dark gray cloak on the unconscious girl, picked her up and slung her over its shoulder. Then, it hopped off the balcony and vanished into the darkness…
At the southern manor, Kagome awoke to the feel of cold metal. She opened her eyes and blinked wearily. She was still drained from her use of power. 'Where… am I?' This certainly didn't look like Sesshomaru's home. Kagome looked around, taking in her surroundings. She was chained to a slimy wall in what appeared to be a dungeon. Kagome wondered absently how she happened to get in this dungeon.
The harsh sound of a door opening pulled Kagome out of her musings. She looked up to see a handsome demon with messy black hair and startlingly turquoise eyes. He was wearing an outfit similar to Sesshomaru's, only the color scheme was black and differing shades of turquoise-blue. His steps were silent on the hard ground as he walked closer to her. Stopping an arm's length away from Kagome, the demon unexpectedly smiled pleasantly. "Hello my dear. I am Toshiro."
Kagome blinked owlishly. 'What the… why is he so nice…?'
Toshiro continued, absently brushing a lock of silky hair out of his eyes. "I am dreadfully sorry about the uncomfortable accommodations, however, as you are a prisoner of war, there is nothing that I can do to help."
The confused miko only blinked again before shaking her head and managing a weary smile. "Oh don't bother. Chains and rough dungeon walls are no stranger to me. I quite fancy them actually." Unbidden, an image of her captivity at Naraku's fortress popped into her mind. 'Not now Kagome-girl… that was almost a year ago…'
Although Toshiro was laughing easily, inwardly he wondered what was causing the haunted look in the young miko's eyes. "Well, I am pleased to hear you have retained your sense of humor, though I must admit it is quite dry." He pulled out a small dagger and a dish. "Excuse me, I must borrow a spot of your blood to compose my letter." Toshiro moved forward and seized Kagome's arm. Paying no attention to her feeble struggles, he sliced her arm with the dagger and collected the blood that fell.
Kagome stifled a gasp when she saw a look of vindictive pleasure pass through Toshiro's eyes turning them crimson for an instant. 'Eh…?'
Toshiro squelched down the primal urge rising through him at the scent of the pure miko's blood. He snapped out of it when something thick and warm sloshed onto his hand. Clearing his vision, he noticed that the dish was overflowing with the girl's blood. Toshiro smiled again. "Thank you, young miko." Then he turned and left, leaving Kagome chained to the wall, her arm still bleeding profusely.
"Oh great… this is just great!" Kagome said irritably before the darkness edging her vision consumed her and she felt nothing.
'Sesshomaru, Lord of the Western Lands:
In return for the young miko, you will surrender your lands to
Toshiro, Lord of the Southern Lands. If you do not comply
within 24 hours of receiving this letter, the miko will be
painfully and slowly executed, her head placed on display,
and war will be raged.
Signed:
Toshiro, Lord of the Southern Lands
You have 24 hours'
Toshiro set down the quill and gently blew on the red ink. After it dried, he held the parchment to his nose and inhaled. 'Perfect, with his nose, the mangy dog will have no trouble in detecting the girl's scent.' Then, he folded the letter, sealed it shut with his official seal and tied it to a black falcon sitting on the table. He laughed darkly as the bird took flight. "Soon… soon the Western lands will be mine!"
Sesshomaru's had shook as he read the letter brought by the black falcon. The moment he had gotten it, the scent of Kagome's blood had assaulted his nose. The smell of it caused a dangerous snarl to appear on his face and he destroyed the bird with one swipe of his claws. Sesshomaru's eyes flashed crimson briefly. 'That… bastard! He has harmed her…' Making his decision without a moment's hesitation, he crushed the parchment in his hand and stood. Then Sesshomaru left his study and entered the room that Kohana was sleeping in.
He approached the elemental and shook her shoulder roughly. "Wake up wench." Sesshomaru said brusquely, his voice so infused with an angry growl that it was almost indistinguishable. Kohana's eyes snapped open and she automatically flinched backwards from the threatening hand. For a moment, all she could register was blind panic and she cowered in the corner, her arms raised as if to ward off a blow. Sesshomaru raised one delicate eyebrow at her behavior. Suddenly recognition flashed in Kohana's eyes.
"Oh…" she breathed, slowly lowering her arms and attempting to relax her taught muscles. "It's you. I… I thought that…" She trailed off and straightened, an impassive look settling on her face. "Never mind." Kohana caught the look on Sesshomaru's face instantly. "What's with you?"
Sesshomaru waited a moment before answering. 'You thought you were back with that… panther… didn't you?' He thought to himself. 'He must have caused you great pain.' However, to Kohana he merely growled and thrust the crumpled letter at her. His expression darkened with rage as he watched the elemental read the letter.
She looked back at him, her face pale and her mouth suddenly dry. "We have to help her. That… thing is a monster!" Her hands shook. "Listen, I may not have any scars to show for my mistreatment, but Kagome most certainly will." At those words, Sesshomaru nodded once, and for the first time since they had met, his eyes softened towards her.
The demon lord looked intensely at Kohana. "Tell me everything you know about him. His defenses, his weapons, and the way he fights. Everything." Kohana set her face in a determined expression and began telling Sesshomaru everything she could remember about Toshiro as quickly as possible.
CRACK
Kagome bit back a scream of pain as for what felt like the hundredth time, a jaki infused whip came down upon her. She had woken up to the sound of the dungeon door opening again and found herself staring at a vicious looking hawk demon with evil intent written all over his face. For the past five minutes, though it had felt like an eternity, the demon had been beating her with a whip that seemed to scorch her very soul with every hit. Finally, when Kagome could muster no more than a whimper, the hawk relented and smirked nastily at her.
"For a human, you are quite the pretty one, aren't you…" his voice was like nails on a chalkboard, and Kagome shut her eyes at the pain that exploded in her head at the sound of it. The demon kicked her viciously in her side, flipping the miko over onto her agonizing back. Kagome gasped at the sensation and her eyes flew open. The hawk chuckled darkly as he crouched down. "Did you know, little one, that if your dog doesn't come for you, that you belong to me?" His evil look turned into one of lust as he stared at her abused body.
Kagome felt a sick plummet in her stomach when the hawk trained his eyes on her body, and she shut her own, biting back tears. Yet when she felt a calloused hand roughly grope her chest and run down her body, Kagome could not prevent the strangled sob that burst from her. The hawk demon was grinning sinisterly at the girl's distress. Before leaving, he swooped down and pressed his mouth harshly to Kagome's. She desperately tried to keep her lips pressed together, but the hawk forced his tongue in her mouth and down her throat. Kagome gagged as he pulled back and stood. "You taste good, miko." He laughed insanely and gave her another violent kick to the side. Then he left the room, slamming the door behind him.
Kagome lay motionless on the cold hard ground, tears coursing down her face. 'Sesshomaru…' was her last thought before gratefully losing consciousness.
A young looking demon with cropped, spiky bright white hair was walking down the corridor, heading towards Kagome's cell. His lean, slightly too thin frame, was covered in little more than rags and his face looked tired and weary. His once stunning silver eyes looked dull and deadened. His name was Miki and ever since he failed in one of his missions, he had lived in a cell not far from Kagome's, suffering beatings and forced to do the dirty work around the castle. Now his chore was to heal the girl enough for her to sustain life.
With a great sigh, Miki opened the cell door with one dirty pale hand. If one looked closely, they could see a faint white pattern of stars trailing up his arm. The same faint star was visible on his right cheekbone. When properly nourished and cleaned, Miki was a stunningly handsome demon to see, for he was one of the most rare demons of all: a celestial demon. His powers were comparable to a fully trained miko's in strength and beauty. Miki in combat was truly a sight to behold. However, an ugly cuff attached around his slim neck controlled his amazing powers.
At the sight of the broken girl on the floor of the dungeon, Miki's eyes filled with tears. She was a pitiful sight to his eyes and he crouched down beside her. "I am so sorry that I could not prevent this from happening, young one." His deep soothing voice washed over the unconscious girl like a flood of warmth, effectively rousing her.
Kagome blinked the fuzziness from her vision and let her gaze fall upon the forlorn demon kneeling next to her. From the looks of him, he was a prisoner as well. "Who… are you…?" She managed weakly. The beautiful pale demon smiled gently.
He took her hand in his and answered, "I am Miki, and I have come to heal you." Then a sad look crossed his eyes again and he continued. "Although I am not permitted to heal you completely." Kagome gave him a weak smile.
"Don't stress over it, I've been through worse. I am Kagome, by the way." She relaxed and closed her eyes in the pain the rushed through her body and mind.
Miki concentrated on summoning what little powers he was permitted to use and focused them on the injured girl. Kagome's eyes snapped open at the feel of the powers. 'It feels… like holy powers…' She stared wide-eyed at Miki. After he ceased pouring his powers onto her, he slumped over, clearly exhausted. Kagome's heart gave a painful lurch at such obvious mistreatment of a beautiful and rare creature.
She felt better, not completely healed, but like she would be able to move around. Curious, she tried using her own powers, and gave gasp of shock at the painful sensation that ran through her. Kagome lifted one hand to her neck and felt cold metal. 'So, I have been restrained like Miki.' The girl started at the feel of Miki's hand on her arm.
"Please," He said, holding out a bowl of water to her lips. "You must be thirsty. Drink." Miki tipped the bowl slightly and Kagome greedily drank the water. Feeling infinitely better at the cool liquid, Kagome trained her eyes back on the unknown demon.
"Miki…?" she began hesitantly. But Miki merely looked at her, his silver gaze willing her to continue. "May I ask you a few questions?" At the demon's nod, she took a breath. "First, I was curious… what kind of demon are you? I have never seen someone who looks quite like you."
Miki smiled, and his silver eyes seemed to take on a bit of a healthy glow. "I am what is called a Celestial demon. My kind originates from the stars and the moon. There are not very many of us who come down to this planet." Kagome nodded, too astonished to speak.
After a moment, Kagome unstuck her tongue. "And is that why your power feels so similar to my own miko powers?" Miki nodded. "I have one more thing that I wanted to ask you…"
"Go on Kagome." Miki coaxed.
"Miki…? Why are you a prisoner here too? Are you also a captive of war?" Kagome's eyes looked innocently into Miki's suddenly pain-filled gaze.
"I once was a noble's son on these lands. My family had come down from the stars to make a life here. It was peaceful for a time, and I had found a friend who, if she were still alive today, I would have mated. You see, celestial demons typically search for elemental mates, and she was the most beautiful elemental I have ever seen…" He paused to swallow and take a deep breath to calm himself before continuing. "Then Toshiro succeeded his father, and all became chaos. He enslaved all those living on these lands, and for those stronger than the average demon, he forced to do his dirty work in his goal for absolute control."
Kagome gasped in horror and laid her hand on Miki's in sympathy. "I'm so sorry…"
Miki nodded and blinked back tears of painful memories. "My family died in the struggles that ensued, and I am shamed to admit that for a while I was Toshiro's assassin. I do not know what became of my beautiful Kohana, but I fear that she did not survive. One day, my assignment was to kill a small girl named Takara, for she was a very powerful miko, even for one so young. However, when I laid eyes on that child, I could not do it. And ever since that day, I have been a prisoner here."
He looked soulfully into Kagome's teary eyes. "Oh Miki… you may think yourself alone, but I do have some good news for you." She wiped her eyes and smiled. "Kohana is quite alive. She came a few nights ago to assassinate Sesshomaru, and I found her before she could do it. After being tortured by Toshiro's men, she escaped death and came to me, where I healed her. She was alive and well when I was captured." Miki's eyes suddenly regained all of their original splendor and Kagome held back a gasp at the beauty of it.
Miki held Kagome's hand within his own. "Kagome, for your kindness in telling me of my beloved, I promise to protect you with my life until your Sesshomaru comes to get you. I will do anything possible to keep you well." He let her go and got to his feet. "I must go before Toshiro discovers my absence. Please take care." And he disappeared.
Well, that's all for this chap folks! Just so you know, these chapters should be coming out fairly quickly, I know how I want the rest of the story to proceed, and let me tell you, the end is near!
Original Character Name Meanings:
Kohana – little flower
Toshiro – talented or intelligent
Miki – aboriginal meaning is the moon
Takara – a treasure
Miki – a celestial demon that had cropped, spiky, brilliantly white silky hair. His eyes are bright silver that shows his emotions clearly. Celestials mate with elementals and are usually very expressive. When properly nourished, Miki is tall and lean with a delicate structure. His skin is pale and seems to glow with an inner light. A trail of small faint white stars winds up his left arm starting on his wrist and there is another small faint star inside a faint white half moon on his right cheekbone. Typically he wears an outfit once again similar to Sesshomaru's only the colors are white and various shades of blue, and the pattern is stars wrapped in moons. However, he currently is wearing gray raggedy clothes due to his imprisonment. Miki has a very loving and gentle personality and he prefers to defend rather than attack. The years that he spent as an assassin damaged his mind and he has a hard time forgiving himself for it.
Ookay, that's it for this time around! I tried to make this chapter longer than usual! I hope you enjoyed!
myinu
