Hi! I am sincerely sorry I didn't update sooner! I had finals for a straight two weeks and band was just-hectic. But now that school is over, I can update much, much sooner! I have the ending of the first chapter to refresh y'all's memories. I know it has been WAY too long. I am soooo sorry!
Disclaimer-I don't own Inuyasha. OH THE UNFAIRNES OF LIFE!
We all have big changes in our lives that are more or less a second chance.
-Harrison Ford
Kagome swore as she tripped over a rock that jutted out of the ground right in the middle of the so-called path. She staggered and fell to the ground and scraped her already abused knees. Not having the strength to get up, she raised an arm to wipe her sweat soaked forehead. Kagome frowned as she realized how much she was sweating. Sweating was not a good thing when you don't have water and don't know where you are. Kagome sighed and looked around, no use moping about it though. The exhausted girl crawled to the side of the "trail" and collapsed under a huge oak tree.
The trail was old and from the looks of it, had not been used in many, many years. Wild grass had grown over the dirt path and many plants were untamed and over grown, making it difficult to walk through and harboring a home to trillions of insects.
Kagome sighed and laid her head back against the rough bark of the tree. She had been traveling for five days now and her food supply had been completely devoured. Her water had run out that morning. Five days, and still no sign of the village Kaede had told her about. Kagome had a sneaking suspicion that she had somehow made a wrong turn and was heading in the wrong direction.
That was very possible, she mused, since the trail was so overgrown with bushes she might had stumbled off it. But then, on the other hand, Kagome had been going north by using the sun's position as a guide. Licking her parched lips, Kagome pushed herself back up and wearily continued on her way.
Kagome was very aware of the hot sun beating down her sunburned neck. The heat was becoming increasingly unbearable and Kagome knew that with this heat, lack of food and water, and no shelter, she couldn't last mush longer. Is this my fate? To die of starvation and thirst on a god-forsaken trail, heading to god knows where? Kagome wondered. She stopped walking and closed her eyes and imagined herself somewhere else.
Kagome was in a cool, shaded garden. There was no lack of fountains or beauty. Roses reared their beautiful heads while bees and butterflies hummed contentedly. Behind the garden was a grand and magnificent castle. Kagome cheerfully went inside. The floor was made of cool white marble with veins of black. And the smooth walls were decorated with elegant paintings. Rosewood furniture lined the hallway and tall windows were at the end of the corridor. Velvet curtains were draped on the windows and the scent of fresh flowers lingered in the cool air.
Snapping back to reality, Kagome continued on her journey. When she was younger, Kagome had imagined herself a princess, living in that grand castle. Snorting, Kagome knew that was never going to happen. Faint voices suddenly filled the air. Glancing around, Kagome quickly darted behind a think patch of bushes.
"Miroku! What do you think you're doing?" a female voice shouted and a slap resounded through the air.
"My dear Sango, 'tis not my fault that you are so beautiful." A deep male voice replied.
Curious, Kagome peered out, stretching her back so she could see above the bushes. Her foot landed on a twig, causing it to snap. Kagome winced and moved her foot, thus causing her to lose her balance. She tumbled out and landed disgracefully on her butt. Two shadows blocked out the sun and Kagome peered up. A beautiful lady and a handsome monk stood before her.
The lady had warm brown eyes and wore her long raven hair up in a ponytail. She had on a tight black suit with dark green armor. At her hip, there was a katana and she had a large boomerang on her back. The man had short black hair that was just long enough to be pulled back into a ponytail. He also had gold hoop earrings and violet bluish eyes. He carried a staff and wore purple robes of a monk.
The two of them glanced down quizzically at the being that had tumbled out of the bush to the side of the road.
Kagome's dark tresses were mussed with some twigs and she wore filthy rags. Dirt was smudged all over her body and grime coated her face.
Miroku was first to get over his shock and bent down to lend the dirty girl a hand. Her eyes widened suddenly and she gave a small gasp. Flinching, Kagome backed away, and tensed, ready to deal with the blow she was sure she would receive. Miroku frowned as he watched the girl moved away. He glanced at Sango silently asking, what am I supposed to do? Sango shrugged and shook her head. Stepping forward, she kneeled down in front of the girl and gently brought her hand up to touch the young girl's head. The second she made contact, the girl recoiled and back away even further. Not giving up, Sango once again reached out.
"Don't worry; we aren't going to hurt you. My name is Sango, and the man is Miroku. Please, don't be afraid." Sango whispered gently to the trembling girl.
Kagome slowly opened her eyes and looked at the two people warily. The lady, Sango- as she had called herself, seemed nice enough, as well as the man-Miroku. They didn't seem to have a hostile aura and their smiles were not sly, but were friendly. Kagome relaxed a bit and shyly smiled up at them. Miroku slowly moved toward her and once again, offered his hand. Kagome cringed at first, but when Miroku made no movement to strike her, Kagome looked up confusedly.
"Come on, take it." Miroku egged on and Sango gave an encouraging smile.
Cautiously, Kagome grasped Miroku's hand and he swiftly pulled her up. A bit weak in the knees, Kagome stumbled a bit. Thus, Miroku placed a steadying hand on her shoulder.
"Thank you." Kagome whispered. She shifted a bit uncomfortably, not really used to being around anybody who was nice to her other than Kaede.
Sango gave a cheerful smile. "Hello, if I may ask, who are you? What are you doing out here all alone?"
Kagome shifted her eyes elsewhere. She didn't know how to answer that. Her eyes met with Miroku's and she froze.
Where had she seen them before? The eyes were full of sadness and mystery even though there was a twinkle of joy in the center. Where have I seen them! Kagome thought to herself.
Kagome and Miroku were pulled out of their trance by Sango, who hadn't noticed the exchange.
Sango had deflated a bit. "That's okay if you don't feel like answering at this moment."
Kagome gave a grateful smile. Looking around, Kagome asked, "C-can you please tell me where I may happen to find a village somewhere about a day or two's journey north?"
Cocking his head to the side, Miroku asked, "Yes, we do. Why do you need to go there?"
"I need to speak with the priestess there for I have been told that she can send me to an academy for-"Kagome paused. Sango and Miroku waited patiently. "-for abandoned and orphaned girls." Kagome finished.
Mirkou and Sango's eyes widened. Looking at each other, a silent question was asked. Should we take her back with us? Miroku sighed and nodded.
"We attend a special academy for orphaned children as well.
Why don't you come with us?" Sango asked. She silently hoped that Mistress Satsuki wouldn't be too angry. But Kagome seemed to have no family and she didn't see the harm in accepting her.
Kagome was unsure, should she go with them or not? What about Kaede and the village?
But one look at their smiles changed her mind. She could tell this would be a good friendship. However the haunting feeling that she had seen Miroku's eyes before kept tickling the back of her mind.
Over 500 miles away
" My lord, I have news of Naraku's movements" The toad waited for permission to continue. Glancing up at the slight nod from his master, he delivered the rest of his message.
" General Koga says that Naraku has conquered a third of the lands and is headed our way. Naraku now marches with an army of 100,000 men and youkai alike. The General says that he will most likely conquer Alastania with quite a few problems because Alastania has a formidable armada. But he will be able to do it. Conquering Alastania will make Naraku's army of 120,000 men and youkai. That's about even with your army."
The huge tail of the demon lord flicked as he pondered this new development. His usually cold amber eyes burned bright as the lord anticipated a challenge at last.
"How long until he reaches my kingdom?"
"About a year my lord"
"Very well, ask for allies to give me men or lend me some arms. Start building a fleet to rival Alastania's and set up camps for the women and children to go to. Order a draft for all men over 15 to train and join the army. We will defeat Naraku and I might even enjoy it, it has been quite a while I have had a challenge"
Sesshoumaru smirked in anticipation.
Arrival to the Academy
Kagome scanned her eyes over the building the she figured she would be living in for the majority of her life. It was a three-floor building with wide window in which squares of yellowish light streamed out. The building was built from square logs and each window had wood-green colored wooden shutters. Tall oak trees surrounded the area with a few weeping willows scattered about. The path to the front door was lined with cherry blossom trees in full bloom. Dusk had already started to arrive as Kagome, Miroku, and Sango silently made their way to the building.
Kagome had not talked much about her past to Sango and Miroku's dismay. They had hoped to find out more about her so that they would have more information to report to Satsuki-san. However, along their journey, they figured that Kagome seemly had a pretty abusive childhood, which was most likely the reason to her lack of self-confidence. They also noted that she had a very pure soul and her eyes shined with innocence. Sango hoped that this academy would not taint her as it had done to so many other girls.
As they neared the entrance, a girl who seemed about the age thirteen bounded out to greet them. She had shoulder length black hair tied to the side of her head. Her eyes were wide and deep brown. She skidded to a halt when she caught sight of Kagome. She glanced curiously at her and sent a meaningful look of warning towards Miroku and Sango. They shrugged and Miroku stepped forward.
"Kagome, we would like you to meet Rin, a good and lovely friend of ours. Rin, this is Kagome, possibly a new asset here."
Rin grinned towards Kagome. "Well, welcome! Why don't I show you to Satsuki-san?"
"Umm…sure. Thank you Rin" Kagome paused and shyly added "-chan"
Miroku and Sango grinned at each other.
"Why don't we come too! It would be easier to explain." Sango asked.
Kagome and Rin nodded and the foursome entered the large building.
The inside was very simple yet homey. Tapestries covered every inch of the walls but they did not make the place seen grander or more formal. Quite contrary, they made the walls softer and the long hallway in which they were traveling in warmer.
Kagome could not help marveling at the tapestries. Every single one of them was obviously done with care and effort. Each drapery showed a different scene. Some scenes showed purpled-topped mountains and pine trees. Others showed sparkling rivers with all sorts of animals. None of the wall hangings were alike.
Kagome's gaze suddenly came to rest on a certain tapestry and she started with surprise.
Pictured was a beautiful light blue castle back rounded by a sea and framed on either side by weeping willows and rose bushes. That castle looks familiar, too familiar. Kagome was sure she knew that castle.
Kagome nearly stumbled over Sango as she realized where the castle came from. It was from my daydream!
" Do you like that one?" asked Rin.
Kagome nodded dumbly. How is this possible! No, just a coincidense, Just a coincidense. Kagome repeated to herself.
Sango cheerfully cut in. " That is what the royal castle of Alastania looks like, a very beautiful castle, if I might add."
Kagome nodded her agreement whole-heartedly.
" Shall we continue? Great!" Rin once again bounded down the corridor.
After another 2 minutes of walking, Kagome had a strange idea that they might be underground. There was no way a building could go on this long.
Just as she was about to ask this question, she smelt a lovely smell. The scent of jasmine and lavender drifted through the air. In front of her, Rin rounded a corner to see a set of tall oak doors with brass handles. Sango knocked softly and a deep yet feminine voice answered.
"Come in."
Sango motioned for Kagome and Rin to stay outside.
"Let us talk to her first."
Sango and Miroku quickly disappeared behind the door.
Sango and Miroku both took deep breaths and went in, closing the door behind them.
Even before the pair had fully turned around, Satsuki had already started talking.
"Ahh! What a pleasant surprise! You two have already delivered the letter to Naraku? I hear he is now on his way to conquer Alastania. This should prove to be a bit of a challenge for, Alastania is quite strong and large. But a victory there will almost guarantee victory with the high Lord Sesshoumaru. And we will do all that we can to help." A dangerous gleam came to her usually pleasant light brown eyes. Lady Satsuki was a plump, forty year old woman with strands of graying hair. The gleam vanished as quickly as it had come and she smiled warmly at two of her best pupils.
Sango smiled back nervously. Clearing her throat she said, "Satsuki-san, on our way back, we had encountered a young girl about seventeen. She is a homeless girl and has probably had an abusive childhood. With this ongoing war, I figured it wouldn't hurt to have a new recruit. Would you please consider taking her in? And yes, we were able to deliver the letter safely without any problems."
She didn't bother commenting on Naraku. She had never seen him, yet she always felt a growing sense of unease towards him. She and Miroku were the only two to know much of Satsuki-san's past considering that they were her most trusted students and had to deliver all her messages. Satsuki had a deep hatred for Lord Sesshoumaru. His father- Inutaisho- had killed her son, who was destined to become the High Lord, but his death and the victory of Inutaisho destroyed all hope for that. That was about fifteen years ago. She had escaped, being the only that survived in her royal family and now lived her life as a mother to orphaned children. At least that was what she seemed to outside people. Sango didn't know anymore about Satsuki, and never dared to ask, for it was quite a sensitive topic for Satsuki. About 5 years ago, Satsuki had heard word of an enemy to the great High Lord. She immediately did anything to assist him in victory, even making her orphanage into a secretive academy for orphaned children to become assassins and spies. Many girls and boys had been sent off to assist Naraku's army, so Sango was pretty sure that Satsuki would accept Kagome since they were at a shortage of students currently.
Satsuki sighed and closed her eyes, deep in thought. She opened them and ordered, "Very well, bring her in."
Miroku bowed and stepped outside and steered Kagome into the room. Kagome quickly bowed and pleaded in a small voice, "Lady Satsuki, please accept me. I have nowhere to go and I would greatly appreciate it if I may stay here."
"What makes you think that it is so great here?" Satsuki asked.
"The people here seem very kind, as do you my lady, and there is no reason for me not to want to stay here." Kagome replied.
Satsuki chuckled and became very serious. "Very well. However, let yourself be warned, if you decide to stay here, you may never, ever, leave. Understand?"
Kagome felt a shiver of foreboding run down her back, but she swallowed her fear, and replied strongly, "Yes, I understand."
"Very well then. Kagome, this is a school to train young ones such as you to become assassins and spies. We are against the High Lord Sesshoumaru-"Kagome gasped. Satsuki ignored her and went on. "And we are currently assisting Naraku in Sesshoumaru's defeat. I will let Sango and Miroku explain the rest to you. You all are now dismissed. Oh, and Kagome may have the girl-Yuki's room. Your last name will now be my last name- Tanaka."
"Kagome Tanaka." Kagome tasted the name on her tongue. It felt sweet and strange, never having a last name before/ She nodded weakly and let Miroku lead her out. Her head was swirling with all the information she had received just moments before. I am now and assassin and spy. Whatever would Kaede think? What have I agreed to! I thought this was just a regular orphanage! Kagome mulled over her thoughts. Suddenly, she felt a hand squeeze her bottom. Her eyes shot wide and she instinctively turned and soundly slapped her assailant across his face. As her heart rate returned to normal, sounds of sniggering met her ears. She saw Sango and Rin giggling hysterically and looked down to see Miroku unconscious, with a bright red handprint on his face. Kagome looked away and blushed.
" I am so sorry! I didn't mean to hit him so hard!" Kagome apologized.
Sango laughed. " No, no. I should have warned you about him." shaking her head, Sango continued. "He will never learn."
A smile started creeping onto Kagome's face as well. The three girls then broke out in laughter again. Quietly, Kagome wrapped her fingers around the small chain with the pink jewel and felt hope fill her. It has been so, so long since I have laughed. Perhaps it won't be so bad.
So, what do you think? I know, long update. Also, I know Kagome seems to be very dismissive, but soon she will become way tougher with a hard spine. Well, please review! I would really like to know what you think! And please, no flames. If you have long comments, please email me. Once again, please review! Ja ne!