A/N: ok...you people feel special. The last two chapters came out in mere
days! I couldn't sleep as much because ideas would pop into my head and I
had to type them up....usually I like to update every week, but every 3 days
is cool too. (In some cases every other day, I'm so sad...) That's one thing
about ! The update won't show for 24 hrs, not that I'm
complaining...but I do update about every 3 days. So if you're impatient
look it up at 'A Single Spark' under the same title.
Intruder
Sesshoumaru rose early per usual, just before dawn. It was always a habit, ever since he was a little pup, to watch the birth of a new day. His mother always said the last star to disappear from the sky would be her wishing him a good morning. Even now, he wished that last star a good morning. Such a childish action, one of the only he still did. It was in tribute and memory of his mother.
--That reminds me...I should fix up her garden, well after the snow melts, but with the war...once again my mother falls to second priority--
The prince was now perched above his balcony, on the roof. There was a small ledge above his chambers, designed for look outs or scouts. From this post he could see mid way through the forests. The torrents or leaves were still holding the weight of the snow and dipping towards the ground with the effort. The iced over ponds and lakes. Soon the river beds would all been overflowing, pregnant with water from the melting snow.
His gaze continued farther, forests were all his perceptive eyes could catch. Behind him were mountains in the far out distance, on the border of the North and West. There were also mountains of the border of the South and the West. Unlike the West, the South was much more penetrable, with its flat plains and plentiful fields that thrived in the spring and summer. Millions of wild flowers, sakura blossoms seemed to cover the land in a blanket of pink and white, and luscious crops that held demand all over the four cardinal points.
The West was an ominous force that in its self represented the lord that ruled beneath its wings. The forests, where spirits ran free, caves, and other shadowed places that allowed protection to lower class demons filled the territory. Then, of course, the most feared of all, Mount Ellafebra. (A/N: made up .) This was a once rampant and explosive volcano that lays on the outer most edge of the west, right next the sea. The lava would run all the way to the sea, and black rivers still surge to life every now and then. All inhabitants that once lived there were buried in ash. (Like Pompeii, sort of)
There were rumors that only wood elves would risk living in those areas. This was all myth to Sesshoumaru.
--Pfft. Elves were an ancient race that has long been extinct. –
After all, if anyone would know if they lived, he would. He was sent there to train when the volcano was still active. Testing his powers compared to Mother Nature. He would try to calm the rogue beast (volcano) before all life was destroyed. Sesshoumaru was successful. He gained much respect for those efforts.
His thoughts ventured to his youth, but eventually turned to the woman slave now sleeping in one of the nicer guest rooms. His father wanted her to be treated like a diplomat from another land, and so she was. Sesshoumaru was adverse and still was to the idea, but again he couldn't go against his father's wishes. He was also required, by his father, to test her skills in offense and defense. Then train her if necessary, in order to learn more about a person, their fighting style told stories when their mouth said little.
In Kagome's Room
Kagome's face contorted, in silent screams. Her body shifted uneasily, tossing and turning looking for an escape from the nightmarish vision torturing her subconscious.
Sesshoumaru padded noiselessly into the woman's room; since he knew she was still asleep. Her body wasn't visible, but he could hear her movements behind the Japanese changing screen. Her aura was slightly distressed, but he paid no heed to it. Humans commonly had nightmares, she'd wake soon he imagined. He waited about ten minutes, listening to her tossing and turning. His patience wasn't immeasurable, it had limits and the girl was amazingly reaching them.
The demon unconcealed his aura, and let loose a bolt of youki. It wasn't anything too strong so as not to alert surrounding youkai, but enough to shake the human from her slumber.
He was rewarded with a small squeak followed swiftly by a loud crash. Kieina, already on her way down the hall, rushed into the room. One look at Sesshoumaru and they both trespassed into the sleeping area. Kieina smirked, and covered said smile with her hand, at the scene before her. "Shall I bring breakfast here, my prince?" Kieina asked. "Yes, but not much. She'll be training today." Sesshoumaru replied curtly.
Kieina then cast one last glance before leaving to retrieve the sustenance. Sesshoumaru could hear her soft chuckling as she traveled back down the hallway. Turning his attention to the girl, he saw the human in a sprawl on the floor.
The woman-child had been so startled that she had practically leapt out of bed. This would have been fine, had her feet not gotten tangled in her sheets. The blankets were now all pulled to one side, but since they were tucked in her feet were dangling above the ground.
Kagome had flipped from her side and was now lying on her back. Her feet remained entangled in the bedding and her arms were crossed, resting against her chest. Sesshoumaru left her there, waiting for her to right herself. He was baiting his time for when she would cast out her line to pull him in. Soon enough, a furious female rounded the corner of the screen to face him. She obviously hadn't bothered to fix her appearance. Seeing as how her yukata was slightly disheveled, revealing the right side of her collar bone. The opening slipped down, still resting on her shoulders, but showed the top curve of her breasts.
Her appearance wasn't what trapped his attention. It was the utter disbelief in her eyes, still slightly shining with unshed tears. Her eyes seemed to give him 'I can't believe it's true' look. He was puzzled as to what this was concerning, but pushed it aside for later. She was almost shaking, with anger or fear he didn't know. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and then reopened them again. Their normal clear cobalt colors shown through, but there were gray dashes randomly throughout their depths.
"What was that?!" She asked somewhat calmly. "...." Silence Kagome sighed and shook her head lightly. "You're going to train under my guidance. Eat and then have Kieina direct you towards the dojo." Sesshoumaru then turned on his heel and swept from the room. The only sound created by his exit was soft rustle of clothes.
It was then that Kagome gave herself a once over glanced and squeaked with embarrassment at the way she had shown herself to the arrogant prince. Not that he probably cared, but it was indecent.
--How could I have not noticed this?!—
Kagome dashed across the room. Beyond the foot of her bed, about 8 feet, were two doors. The doorway to the right lead directly into the bathroom and upon entering the left, one would come to a slim hallway. The hallway wasn't more than 3-4 feet wide and was about 20 foot stretch of wooden planks. At the end, she reached yet another door that led to the changing chamber. (To be more specific than before)
The female entered to change her clothes. She would then eat and prepare for the torture that was anticipated when spending an afternoon with Sesshoumaru.
In the Dojo
Sesshoumaru dodged her sloppily made attack. He then sidestepped to swipe the bokken and snap her in the side. The girl whimpered and hesitated holding her bruised side. "You're not trying." For once Kagome didn't say anything. This was completely different from her past behavior, and her other sarcastic or determined snaps that she threw hazardly back into his face. No, the girl before him was silent. Her face shadowed by her bangs, obviously buried in her own thoughts again.
--How can I hit him? I-I'm not even trying. Master Taeu (tay-ew) would be ashamed. He and Kaede, they tried so hard to teach me and now I can't even bring myself to attack. That dream...it was so horrible...so much pain--
Kagome's thin frame was racked with a sudden shudder. Sesshoumaru tilted his head to the side slightly, as if the view point would give him the answers to his jigsaw puzzle that seemed to have a million pieces.
He inwardly sighed. She was distracted. He had no intention of hurting her beyond bruises, but it seems she would have to learn the hard way.
Sesshoumaru, instead of charging directly, swept to the side. He brushed his bokken to outwards to the right, aiming for her left shoulder. But right before he could strike her, a large crack sounded through the dojo as her bokken raised in one fluid motion, perfectly blocking his attack. There wasn't a weak spot that his trained eyes could spot. He studied her face, through her bangs, he could see her eyes. They were dangerously slit and a slight purple had leaked into the once frustrated blue irises.
In Kagome's Mind
You see a boy, a young one. His long silver hair had been pulled back into a single braid to trail along his back, most likely keeping his hair from tangling. He had two sets of red marks on each cheek. He stood there, in the room, but not really seen.
In front of him were two people, joyously involved in wedding vows. The boy's cold eyes seemed to harden even more at the sight.
The picture fuzzes to retrace back in time, to see the same little boy in front of a cave, near a high ledge. The boy's cheeks were stained with silver tears and his chest heaved with repressed sobs. In his arms was a beautiful woman. She had striking red hair and brilliant blue eyes. Her eyes, though, were now clouded and dim. No longer full of the love that she had most likely breathed into her son's life.
The woman is covered in a layer of blood. The boy fell to his knees and lifted his hand to caress her cheek. As if hoping to replace the warmth that now escaped the skin. And only a few words escaped his lips, one he would never repeat ever again. "Ai Shiteru....haha-ue" (mother)
Kagome shuddered for the second time. She stood there unknowingly by the boy and passed woman. With her abilities, she could see the woman's soul departing from her body. With desperation, she reached out to it. She could save her, she could. Kagome released a gasp. The female demon's soul...was pure white. No evil or darkness tinted its unique brilliance.
It reminded her of her own mother. Kagome wished her mother had such a soul. No, her okaasan had a thick darkness. It was a wonder it didn't carry over to her child. She turned around and there behind her, there he stood. Naraku, her master, stood right before her, with his beloved sword in hand.
"Wench, how dare you leave." He replied maliciously.
The man raised his sword and aimed for her left shoulder. His wavy hair caught the wind and glistened with an unnatural inky nature in the sun. As if all the light had been swept into those locks and wasn't released, all light left this sunny world. The clouds now dominated the sky. They were gray and the air suddenly seemed thick. It practically choked Kagome and she could feel the moisture of the atmosphere on the bare skin of her face and hands.
She looked up at the man. He knew. Oh yes, he knew all about the secret she had to tried to hide. To save her freedom she hid it from the world. She moved around and never got close to anyone for fear they'd find out. In the end, it was taken away. Everything she loved, everything she cared for, was gone.
"I hate you." She spoke the words with such evil that her words seemed thick to the core with it. Her eyes shined purple. She would avenge her death...Leina. Kagome then let her power take hold of her and let go of the restraints she put on her body.
In reality
"I hate you."
The girl had such the words with such emotion. Emotion so evil and her eyes shined bright purple. An unnatural glow seemed to fill her. A tingle ran down his spine and his instincts were screaming at him to leave, but he couldn't move. He stood, mesmerized to the spot as he watched the light enfold her.
His hand reached out, unconsciously. The light around the girl did not refuse his touch. It warmed his skin and pulled him in. A living fire was around him, but it seemed to be more protecting than evil or harmful.
He saw her, sitting in a puddle of limbs on the ground. He realized, now, that he had been pulled into her mind through touching her. But the girl in the subconscious was a younger version of what he found in the forest that lone night. She had tears in her eyes that threatened to flood her plush cheeks.
He pulled her up, gentler than he intended. He picked her up and she curled into his arms, accepting their security.
Flashing back to reality, the world seemed so much duller. With the annoying female now wrapped in his arms, Sesshoumaru turned and left the dojo.
In Kagome's room
--Groan...and once again I wake up somewhere other than where I fell asleep.—
Kagome raised and entered her own personal bathroom. (A/N: I wish I had one...) The ivory fixtures gleamed in their cleanliness. She turned the handle to release the soon-to-be steaming water. Pouring in a soft, jasmine scented bubble bath, she watched as the light colored streaks swirled their way to disappear. The substance left behind numeral bubbles in its stead. Kagome deftly unclothed and slipped into one of her only comforts.
The water hugged her body and created miniatures waves with every one of her slight movements. She was almost enticed back into dreamland when a loud horn sounded not far from her quarters.
She recognized that sound and it was never good when it was used. She jumped from the small pool-like bath tub. She grabbed a towel and dried herself quickly. Then only clad in the short, fuzzy towel she opened the door that connected the bathroom to the changing room.
Throwing the used towel in a basket just inside the changing room, she pranced hurriedly to the armoires. She chose a soft rose colored yukata. It had blood red roses on it whose lush, green petals contrasted greatly. Pulling a green obi around her that efficiently tied the complementary colors of the roses together.
Brushing her hair quickly, she slipped on her getas and left her room. Kagome had gone a few feet when she realized something wasn't right. Her guard was missing and Kieina wasn't in her room.
Kieina had been only a few doors down in a small servant's room. Said room was meant for servants to rest in, so they could always be close to their masters if they were ever needed at night.
The southern slave girl padded silently down the hall and opened the closest shoji screen that led to the outside world. No one, she could spot not one person. She began to panic.
--Are we under attack?! Oh that dream have been a premonition? Is Naraku here to reclaim me???—
Least to say, Kagome didn't do too well under stress. She's like a frantic deer, jumping from one ledge to the next, sooner or later she'll tire and miss the edge.
She, somewhat stupidly, left the castle and entered the forest that lied only a few feet away, from the covered walkway and shoji screens.
With Sesshoumaru in the Library
Sesshoumaru was sitting in his library. All day yesterday he sat at the girl's bed. No, not because he wanted to watch over her. He was almost entranced by her aura. The whole way back to her room, a thrumming power had been flowing and receding from her body.
The power seemed to call to him, pulling, reaching out to him. It called to his beast and aroused it from its dormancy. Normally, if this were to happen, he'd have to fight his carnal side to keep control. But his beast, for once, seemed one with him.
He was puzzled then and still was. The girl's energy brought out his carnal side, yet it also gave them combined control, where both sides of his soul were one and were complete. He could feel the combined power flow through him and passed his humanoid form. It was a yellow potency.
When he reached the girl's room and laid her on top of the covers, her ambience continued to change colors. It was a whirl of hues and tints, some he couldn't even understand. There were more emotions then he could keep track of, combining with others beside it, morphing into new ones. It was a color wheel of tertiary, primary, and secondary combinations.
After an hour the power started to level off. It pulled itself back into the core of the girl's being as a purplish energy gathered it up. It was a kind of restraint for power that couldn't be controlled. Her miko powers he realized now, though it had taken him some research in his library and some continued thought.
That was where he was now, the library. His head jolted upright. Sesshoumaru could feel a large youki aura headed in this direction. But instead of charging forth like the animal the aura felt like it could be, the creature lurked around. It twisted its way around trees, under bushes, as if it knew that he knew it was there.
The thing slithered and slinked its way towards the castle. Sesshoumaru stood up from his seat to go meet the intruder who was trespassing so far into the western territory.
Outside
Sesshoumaru stood on the roof of the Eastern wing. The air blew his hair from his shoulders, whipping it gently. Looking around he could see lines of bodies, guards that had been killed by the beast. Most likely he'd kill one than hide in the shadows for the next one to find his fried and search for the killer, than strikes when he wasn't expecting it. A horn was blown behind him from the building, ringing in his ears, announcing an intruder. Several guards rushed towards the scene. One he noticed as the girl's guard. The beast was going to lure them into the woods, where they'd be at a large disadvantage. Kagome's guard was killed first by rushing towards the woods.
Sesshoumaru leapt down in front of the others, stopping them from entering. He told them to return to their post, and they did obediently. He turned towards the beast when another wind brought a horrible stench to his sensitive nose, blood and lots of it. It took a lot of will not to cover his sensitive nose. One that was now stinging from the mistreatment it was receiving.
The beast stepped from behind the underbrush where it had been hiding. He stepped to the side and sped towards Sesshoumaru.
--He's fast...but not fast enough. –
Sesshoumaru unsheathed Tokijin and slashed straight through the abominable creature's thick skin. He was about to leave, when he hear something behind him. The creature's body was regenerating. The body, once torn in half, was now completely one. The only hint that it had been damaged was the blood that still streamed over his reddish skin. His long white hair blew in the wind. He then recognized this demon.
Goshinki was a renowned assassin for Naraku. He'd been rumored to have psychic powers, but they were no match compared to Sesshoumaru's mental blockades. They would not help him in this fight.
Goshinki's power of regeneration came from some sort of magical object that he possessed inside his disgusting corpse that helped him avoid all injuries. Sesshoumaru would just have to find it.
The demon prince sent out several waves of his psyche to scan for power traces in Goshinki. There was a large amount in his chest, right by his breast bone. He should have known. Any demon would keep something so powerful close to their heart.
He charged forth, catching Goshinki of guard seeing as how he'd been just standing there for several minutes. Sesshoumaru's clawed hand ripped through Goshinki's rib cage to tear the object from its encasement. Goshinki in the meantime melted away to nothing but bones and sand.
He was puzzled now. It was known that the demon worked for Naraku. He entered his study and continued to peruse the subject of Goshinki. He entered the room adjacent to his study and crossed the room to head for the secret chamber in the recesses of the wall.
He slid his claw along the wall in a silent manner, sliding it along an almost impossible to see vein of indentation in the rock. A small click and wall slid to the side allowing his entrance. He entered and walked directly through the number of treasures he kept in there.
He found what he was looking for. It was a plain black box. He unlocked it with his mind, seeing as how the key had been lost centuries before. He placed the glowing sphere inside and closed the container relocking it instantly. This box was no ordinary encasement. It was lined and shrouded with many ancient containment and concealing spells. It was impossible to open unless you were the owner of the object inside or if you had the only key in existence.
He knew nothing about this object, but he did know many demons and humans with evil in the hearts would search for Goshinki just for the jeweled sphere. He didn't want demons after him for an object he had barely any knowledge about.
He slipped the box behind his thick armor in a small slot normally meant for a hidden dagger. It was easily accessible to him, but not to anyone else. His thoughts returned to Goshinki.
--The beast could have been here for the slave, but then why would he be on this side of the castle? Unless...it was all just a distraction, so another could get the girl.--
After the display of power the girl displayed, he couldn't allow this. He could only hope that he wasn't too late. But it had been only a few minutes, perhaps ten.
He once again, sent out his psychic waves to search for her miko powers. He growled. The girl had run into the forest. She wasn't off the castle grounds yet, but she was far into the shadowed woods where it was easy to get lost.
He sped in her direction. This girl was becoming more of a hassle, but was also becoming even more interesting.
In the Forest
--Crap! I'm lost...again! What is this?! –
Kagome sighed. Her feet hurt and of course she was lost. She never did have a good sense of direction and she kept falling over the stupid tree roots. She would swear that they raised themselves just to get a kick out of watching her fall. She turned to roughly kick one with her foot. She screeched and began hopping because she forgot she was wearing open toed sandals, not boots like she normally wore.
She should have stayed at the castle, she knew that. But her miko and her hidden powers had told her to run. That is wasn't safe and she never doubted her hidden powers. Especially since they rarely ever intervened unless she was in real danger or were able to break their containment scrolls...like yesterday.
Kagome trudged forward, continuing and only hoping she could find something familiar. But that's when it hit her. Like destiny calling out to her! She heard voices!! Beautiful, splendid voices! Oh...they were yelling. A man and a woman, she noticed as she crawled cautiously towards them. They weren't human. She cursed silently.
Suddenly the man stopped mid-sentence and turned in her direction. He had a puzzled look on his face. In a flash he was gone and before Kagome could react she was hoisted up by the collar. She looked up into his face. It was handsome, in a rough sort of way.
--Not at all like Sesshoumaru...(her eyes widen comically) I can't believe I just thought that! And about that pompous ass of a dog....—
The demon tilted his head to the side as he observed the girl. First she seemed in a daze, then disgusted, and now she had her arms across her chest and her head turned to the side. Her face held an irritated scowl. He placed her on her feet abruptly causing her to stumble to catch her balance.
Kagome looked at the man again. His cobalt eyes shined with youth. His long black hair was pulled into a high pony tail on top of his head. He wore a fur headband and armor. He also had pointed ears and a fuzzy brown tail.
--A wolf demon....—
She looked at the other woman in the clearing. She had jealousy in her sparkling emerald eyes. She obviously held the man, so aptly studying her, in her affections. Her red hair sparkled healthily and was pulled in two braids. A wolf demon also, it would seem. She gulped.
"Well...heh..heh...I'll just be leaving now." Kagome said awkwardly. She'd do anything to get away from the heated stares. One was looking at her with lust and the other was part jealousy, part hatred.
She turned to leave when someone grabbed her wrist.
With Sesshoumaru
He sniffed the clearing. She had been here just recently. Her scent was strongest against a tree root. She'd obviously kicked it. Seeing how he could sense a dying wavelength of pain. He turned his head abruptly as a wind blew in his direction. Her scent once more entangled in its streams. He jetted to the left and into a clearing.
He found her conversing with two wolf demons. He recognized them from the Northern tribes. Kouga the leader of said tribe was giving her a heated look of lust. The other female was Ayame and was awarding the girl with a look of jealousy and hatred. The girl noticed all this for she tried to leave.
"Well...heh..heh...I'll just be leaving now." But before she could take more than one step Sesshoumaru stepped from the underbrush, announcing himself to the persons there by grabbing the girl's wrist.
All in the clearing Kagome gasped as she looked into the irritated eyes of the demon prince. His gaze was molten and blazed with a burning fire that captivated her. Realizing she was staring, she bowed her head.
Sesshoumaru could see the blush staining her cheeks a cherry color. He had to admit it enhanced her beauty, but only to himself, never out loud would he say such a thing.
Sesshoumaru turned to the once forgotten wolves. He nodded in their direction before turning to leave, throwing Kagome over his shoulder ungracefully.
Kagome sighed, she had been here before. Kagome was silently glad to be back with the demon prince, even though he was dangerous, he was familiar. And she was getting used to his 'mood swings,' as she called them.
Kouga wanted to call out, but he didn't have the authority to. The prince was his senior in age, power, and wisdom. Not to say Kouga wasn't a push over, he'd kept his own in many battles. He'd gained the respect of his tribe, even at such a young age. Plus he was a high member in Inutaisho's army, a high ranking general.
He shrugged and turned back to the girl who now had her back to him. They had been arguing over the direction to head for their tribe. Only Ayame could argue with him, for she was just below him in command. She was almost his rival and was wise when it came to most things. Inutaisho had wanted them to continuously patrol the Northern border for spies, etc. They'd already caught several. He ran to catch up to the fire beauty, whom he held in high respects.
With Sesshoumaru and Kagome
The silent man carrying her never said a word on the trip back. He just carried her silently. Kagome was awed, and thankful, that he was carrying her. No one had ever done that before. Even if she was on the edge of dying, she had to make it on her own.
Sesshoumaru couldn't believe how far she'd gotten. She was almost to the Northern Mountains. A dangerous area, but he could tell by the way her scent has meandered around that she had been lost. He wasn't sure if there had been another demon, one to steal her. He could sense nor smell anyone in the vicinity.
They reached the castle by night fall. He placed her down in front of her door. A new guard was standing there, Kagome noticed.
--Did something happen that I'm not aware of?—
She turned questioning eyes to the prince, only to find him looking back at her with stoic, passive features. He then turned to leave saying, "Stay in your quarters from now on, unless your attendant is with you," over his shoulder.
--Don't know why I expected anything less from him. I'll just weasel it out of Kieina!--
She smiled, glancing once more at the retreating back of the prince as it turned the corner of the hallway. She bowed and introduced herself to her guard, which startled him, just like it had the previous one. She giggled and turned to enter her room.
-to be continued-
Extra! Thanks again to all who reviewed! I love getting reviews...it lets me know you like my writing. Anyway here's a poem or saying whatever you want to call it. I think it's pretty cool.
people may decide you're a child but what they don't understand the things you deal with everyday are more than they could deal with throughout their entire lives i may be a child but I'm danger beguile inside me is a waiting passion to emerge-
Oh and I got an email that talked about how Inuyasha always wanted to be a full fledged demon. And the writer of the email said that 'fledged' means to supply the feathers needed for flight. After that, the thoughts of Inuyasha in the form of a canary popped into my head. Thought I'd share that with you all. Until next time!
Intruder
Sesshoumaru rose early per usual, just before dawn. It was always a habit, ever since he was a little pup, to watch the birth of a new day. His mother always said the last star to disappear from the sky would be her wishing him a good morning. Even now, he wished that last star a good morning. Such a childish action, one of the only he still did. It was in tribute and memory of his mother.
--That reminds me...I should fix up her garden, well after the snow melts, but with the war...once again my mother falls to second priority--
The prince was now perched above his balcony, on the roof. There was a small ledge above his chambers, designed for look outs or scouts. From this post he could see mid way through the forests. The torrents or leaves were still holding the weight of the snow and dipping towards the ground with the effort. The iced over ponds and lakes. Soon the river beds would all been overflowing, pregnant with water from the melting snow.
His gaze continued farther, forests were all his perceptive eyes could catch. Behind him were mountains in the far out distance, on the border of the North and West. There were also mountains of the border of the South and the West. Unlike the West, the South was much more penetrable, with its flat plains and plentiful fields that thrived in the spring and summer. Millions of wild flowers, sakura blossoms seemed to cover the land in a blanket of pink and white, and luscious crops that held demand all over the four cardinal points.
The West was an ominous force that in its self represented the lord that ruled beneath its wings. The forests, where spirits ran free, caves, and other shadowed places that allowed protection to lower class demons filled the territory. Then, of course, the most feared of all, Mount Ellafebra. (A/N: made up .) This was a once rampant and explosive volcano that lays on the outer most edge of the west, right next the sea. The lava would run all the way to the sea, and black rivers still surge to life every now and then. All inhabitants that once lived there were buried in ash. (Like Pompeii, sort of)
There were rumors that only wood elves would risk living in those areas. This was all myth to Sesshoumaru.
--Pfft. Elves were an ancient race that has long been extinct. –
After all, if anyone would know if they lived, he would. He was sent there to train when the volcano was still active. Testing his powers compared to Mother Nature. He would try to calm the rogue beast (volcano) before all life was destroyed. Sesshoumaru was successful. He gained much respect for those efforts.
His thoughts ventured to his youth, but eventually turned to the woman slave now sleeping in one of the nicer guest rooms. His father wanted her to be treated like a diplomat from another land, and so she was. Sesshoumaru was adverse and still was to the idea, but again he couldn't go against his father's wishes. He was also required, by his father, to test her skills in offense and defense. Then train her if necessary, in order to learn more about a person, their fighting style told stories when their mouth said little.
In Kagome's Room
Kagome's face contorted, in silent screams. Her body shifted uneasily, tossing and turning looking for an escape from the nightmarish vision torturing her subconscious.
Sesshoumaru padded noiselessly into the woman's room; since he knew she was still asleep. Her body wasn't visible, but he could hear her movements behind the Japanese changing screen. Her aura was slightly distressed, but he paid no heed to it. Humans commonly had nightmares, she'd wake soon he imagined. He waited about ten minutes, listening to her tossing and turning. His patience wasn't immeasurable, it had limits and the girl was amazingly reaching them.
The demon unconcealed his aura, and let loose a bolt of youki. It wasn't anything too strong so as not to alert surrounding youkai, but enough to shake the human from her slumber.
He was rewarded with a small squeak followed swiftly by a loud crash. Kieina, already on her way down the hall, rushed into the room. One look at Sesshoumaru and they both trespassed into the sleeping area. Kieina smirked, and covered said smile with her hand, at the scene before her. "Shall I bring breakfast here, my prince?" Kieina asked. "Yes, but not much. She'll be training today." Sesshoumaru replied curtly.
Kieina then cast one last glance before leaving to retrieve the sustenance. Sesshoumaru could hear her soft chuckling as she traveled back down the hallway. Turning his attention to the girl, he saw the human in a sprawl on the floor.
The woman-child had been so startled that she had practically leapt out of bed. This would have been fine, had her feet not gotten tangled in her sheets. The blankets were now all pulled to one side, but since they were tucked in her feet were dangling above the ground.
Kagome had flipped from her side and was now lying on her back. Her feet remained entangled in the bedding and her arms were crossed, resting against her chest. Sesshoumaru left her there, waiting for her to right herself. He was baiting his time for when she would cast out her line to pull him in. Soon enough, a furious female rounded the corner of the screen to face him. She obviously hadn't bothered to fix her appearance. Seeing as how her yukata was slightly disheveled, revealing the right side of her collar bone. The opening slipped down, still resting on her shoulders, but showed the top curve of her breasts.
Her appearance wasn't what trapped his attention. It was the utter disbelief in her eyes, still slightly shining with unshed tears. Her eyes seemed to give him 'I can't believe it's true' look. He was puzzled as to what this was concerning, but pushed it aside for later. She was almost shaking, with anger or fear he didn't know. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and then reopened them again. Their normal clear cobalt colors shown through, but there were gray dashes randomly throughout their depths.
"What was that?!" She asked somewhat calmly. "...." Silence Kagome sighed and shook her head lightly. "You're going to train under my guidance. Eat and then have Kieina direct you towards the dojo." Sesshoumaru then turned on his heel and swept from the room. The only sound created by his exit was soft rustle of clothes.
It was then that Kagome gave herself a once over glanced and squeaked with embarrassment at the way she had shown herself to the arrogant prince. Not that he probably cared, but it was indecent.
--How could I have not noticed this?!—
Kagome dashed across the room. Beyond the foot of her bed, about 8 feet, were two doors. The doorway to the right lead directly into the bathroom and upon entering the left, one would come to a slim hallway. The hallway wasn't more than 3-4 feet wide and was about 20 foot stretch of wooden planks. At the end, she reached yet another door that led to the changing chamber. (To be more specific than before)
The female entered to change her clothes. She would then eat and prepare for the torture that was anticipated when spending an afternoon with Sesshoumaru.
In the Dojo
Sesshoumaru dodged her sloppily made attack. He then sidestepped to swipe the bokken and snap her in the side. The girl whimpered and hesitated holding her bruised side. "You're not trying." For once Kagome didn't say anything. This was completely different from her past behavior, and her other sarcastic or determined snaps that she threw hazardly back into his face. No, the girl before him was silent. Her face shadowed by her bangs, obviously buried in her own thoughts again.
--How can I hit him? I-I'm not even trying. Master Taeu (tay-ew) would be ashamed. He and Kaede, they tried so hard to teach me and now I can't even bring myself to attack. That dream...it was so horrible...so much pain--
Kagome's thin frame was racked with a sudden shudder. Sesshoumaru tilted his head to the side slightly, as if the view point would give him the answers to his jigsaw puzzle that seemed to have a million pieces.
He inwardly sighed. She was distracted. He had no intention of hurting her beyond bruises, but it seems she would have to learn the hard way.
Sesshoumaru, instead of charging directly, swept to the side. He brushed his bokken to outwards to the right, aiming for her left shoulder. But right before he could strike her, a large crack sounded through the dojo as her bokken raised in one fluid motion, perfectly blocking his attack. There wasn't a weak spot that his trained eyes could spot. He studied her face, through her bangs, he could see her eyes. They were dangerously slit and a slight purple had leaked into the once frustrated blue irises.
In Kagome's Mind
You see a boy, a young one. His long silver hair had been pulled back into a single braid to trail along his back, most likely keeping his hair from tangling. He had two sets of red marks on each cheek. He stood there, in the room, but not really seen.
In front of him were two people, joyously involved in wedding vows. The boy's cold eyes seemed to harden even more at the sight.
The picture fuzzes to retrace back in time, to see the same little boy in front of a cave, near a high ledge. The boy's cheeks were stained with silver tears and his chest heaved with repressed sobs. In his arms was a beautiful woman. She had striking red hair and brilliant blue eyes. Her eyes, though, were now clouded and dim. No longer full of the love that she had most likely breathed into her son's life.
The woman is covered in a layer of blood. The boy fell to his knees and lifted his hand to caress her cheek. As if hoping to replace the warmth that now escaped the skin. And only a few words escaped his lips, one he would never repeat ever again. "Ai Shiteru....haha-ue" (mother)
Kagome shuddered for the second time. She stood there unknowingly by the boy and passed woman. With her abilities, she could see the woman's soul departing from her body. With desperation, she reached out to it. She could save her, she could. Kagome released a gasp. The female demon's soul...was pure white. No evil or darkness tinted its unique brilliance.
It reminded her of her own mother. Kagome wished her mother had such a soul. No, her okaasan had a thick darkness. It was a wonder it didn't carry over to her child. She turned around and there behind her, there he stood. Naraku, her master, stood right before her, with his beloved sword in hand.
"Wench, how dare you leave." He replied maliciously.
The man raised his sword and aimed for her left shoulder. His wavy hair caught the wind and glistened with an unnatural inky nature in the sun. As if all the light had been swept into those locks and wasn't released, all light left this sunny world. The clouds now dominated the sky. They were gray and the air suddenly seemed thick. It practically choked Kagome and she could feel the moisture of the atmosphere on the bare skin of her face and hands.
She looked up at the man. He knew. Oh yes, he knew all about the secret she had to tried to hide. To save her freedom she hid it from the world. She moved around and never got close to anyone for fear they'd find out. In the end, it was taken away. Everything she loved, everything she cared for, was gone.
"I hate you." She spoke the words with such evil that her words seemed thick to the core with it. Her eyes shined purple. She would avenge her death...Leina. Kagome then let her power take hold of her and let go of the restraints she put on her body.
In reality
"I hate you."
The girl had such the words with such emotion. Emotion so evil and her eyes shined bright purple. An unnatural glow seemed to fill her. A tingle ran down his spine and his instincts were screaming at him to leave, but he couldn't move. He stood, mesmerized to the spot as he watched the light enfold her.
His hand reached out, unconsciously. The light around the girl did not refuse his touch. It warmed his skin and pulled him in. A living fire was around him, but it seemed to be more protecting than evil or harmful.
He saw her, sitting in a puddle of limbs on the ground. He realized, now, that he had been pulled into her mind through touching her. But the girl in the subconscious was a younger version of what he found in the forest that lone night. She had tears in her eyes that threatened to flood her plush cheeks.
He pulled her up, gentler than he intended. He picked her up and she curled into his arms, accepting their security.
Flashing back to reality, the world seemed so much duller. With the annoying female now wrapped in his arms, Sesshoumaru turned and left the dojo.
In Kagome's room
--Groan...and once again I wake up somewhere other than where I fell asleep.—
Kagome raised and entered her own personal bathroom. (A/N: I wish I had one...) The ivory fixtures gleamed in their cleanliness. She turned the handle to release the soon-to-be steaming water. Pouring in a soft, jasmine scented bubble bath, she watched as the light colored streaks swirled their way to disappear. The substance left behind numeral bubbles in its stead. Kagome deftly unclothed and slipped into one of her only comforts.
The water hugged her body and created miniatures waves with every one of her slight movements. She was almost enticed back into dreamland when a loud horn sounded not far from her quarters.
She recognized that sound and it was never good when it was used. She jumped from the small pool-like bath tub. She grabbed a towel and dried herself quickly. Then only clad in the short, fuzzy towel she opened the door that connected the bathroom to the changing room.
Throwing the used towel in a basket just inside the changing room, she pranced hurriedly to the armoires. She chose a soft rose colored yukata. It had blood red roses on it whose lush, green petals contrasted greatly. Pulling a green obi around her that efficiently tied the complementary colors of the roses together.
Brushing her hair quickly, she slipped on her getas and left her room. Kagome had gone a few feet when she realized something wasn't right. Her guard was missing and Kieina wasn't in her room.
Kieina had been only a few doors down in a small servant's room. Said room was meant for servants to rest in, so they could always be close to their masters if they were ever needed at night.
The southern slave girl padded silently down the hall and opened the closest shoji screen that led to the outside world. No one, she could spot not one person. She began to panic.
--Are we under attack?! Oh that dream have been a premonition? Is Naraku here to reclaim me???—
Least to say, Kagome didn't do too well under stress. She's like a frantic deer, jumping from one ledge to the next, sooner or later she'll tire and miss the edge.
She, somewhat stupidly, left the castle and entered the forest that lied only a few feet away, from the covered walkway and shoji screens.
With Sesshoumaru in the Library
Sesshoumaru was sitting in his library. All day yesterday he sat at the girl's bed. No, not because he wanted to watch over her. He was almost entranced by her aura. The whole way back to her room, a thrumming power had been flowing and receding from her body.
The power seemed to call to him, pulling, reaching out to him. It called to his beast and aroused it from its dormancy. Normally, if this were to happen, he'd have to fight his carnal side to keep control. But his beast, for once, seemed one with him.
He was puzzled then and still was. The girl's energy brought out his carnal side, yet it also gave them combined control, where both sides of his soul were one and were complete. He could feel the combined power flow through him and passed his humanoid form. It was a yellow potency.
When he reached the girl's room and laid her on top of the covers, her ambience continued to change colors. It was a whirl of hues and tints, some he couldn't even understand. There were more emotions then he could keep track of, combining with others beside it, morphing into new ones. It was a color wheel of tertiary, primary, and secondary combinations.
After an hour the power started to level off. It pulled itself back into the core of the girl's being as a purplish energy gathered it up. It was a kind of restraint for power that couldn't be controlled. Her miko powers he realized now, though it had taken him some research in his library and some continued thought.
That was where he was now, the library. His head jolted upright. Sesshoumaru could feel a large youki aura headed in this direction. But instead of charging forth like the animal the aura felt like it could be, the creature lurked around. It twisted its way around trees, under bushes, as if it knew that he knew it was there.
The thing slithered and slinked its way towards the castle. Sesshoumaru stood up from his seat to go meet the intruder who was trespassing so far into the western territory.
Outside
Sesshoumaru stood on the roof of the Eastern wing. The air blew his hair from his shoulders, whipping it gently. Looking around he could see lines of bodies, guards that had been killed by the beast. Most likely he'd kill one than hide in the shadows for the next one to find his fried and search for the killer, than strikes when he wasn't expecting it. A horn was blown behind him from the building, ringing in his ears, announcing an intruder. Several guards rushed towards the scene. One he noticed as the girl's guard. The beast was going to lure them into the woods, where they'd be at a large disadvantage. Kagome's guard was killed first by rushing towards the woods.
Sesshoumaru leapt down in front of the others, stopping them from entering. He told them to return to their post, and they did obediently. He turned towards the beast when another wind brought a horrible stench to his sensitive nose, blood and lots of it. It took a lot of will not to cover his sensitive nose. One that was now stinging from the mistreatment it was receiving.
The beast stepped from behind the underbrush where it had been hiding. He stepped to the side and sped towards Sesshoumaru.
--He's fast...but not fast enough. –
Sesshoumaru unsheathed Tokijin and slashed straight through the abominable creature's thick skin. He was about to leave, when he hear something behind him. The creature's body was regenerating. The body, once torn in half, was now completely one. The only hint that it had been damaged was the blood that still streamed over his reddish skin. His long white hair blew in the wind. He then recognized this demon.
Goshinki was a renowned assassin for Naraku. He'd been rumored to have psychic powers, but they were no match compared to Sesshoumaru's mental blockades. They would not help him in this fight.
Goshinki's power of regeneration came from some sort of magical object that he possessed inside his disgusting corpse that helped him avoid all injuries. Sesshoumaru would just have to find it.
The demon prince sent out several waves of his psyche to scan for power traces in Goshinki. There was a large amount in his chest, right by his breast bone. He should have known. Any demon would keep something so powerful close to their heart.
He charged forth, catching Goshinki of guard seeing as how he'd been just standing there for several minutes. Sesshoumaru's clawed hand ripped through Goshinki's rib cage to tear the object from its encasement. Goshinki in the meantime melted away to nothing but bones and sand.
He was puzzled now. It was known that the demon worked for Naraku. He entered his study and continued to peruse the subject of Goshinki. He entered the room adjacent to his study and crossed the room to head for the secret chamber in the recesses of the wall.
He slid his claw along the wall in a silent manner, sliding it along an almost impossible to see vein of indentation in the rock. A small click and wall slid to the side allowing his entrance. He entered and walked directly through the number of treasures he kept in there.
He found what he was looking for. It was a plain black box. He unlocked it with his mind, seeing as how the key had been lost centuries before. He placed the glowing sphere inside and closed the container relocking it instantly. This box was no ordinary encasement. It was lined and shrouded with many ancient containment and concealing spells. It was impossible to open unless you were the owner of the object inside or if you had the only key in existence.
He knew nothing about this object, but he did know many demons and humans with evil in the hearts would search for Goshinki just for the jeweled sphere. He didn't want demons after him for an object he had barely any knowledge about.
He slipped the box behind his thick armor in a small slot normally meant for a hidden dagger. It was easily accessible to him, but not to anyone else. His thoughts returned to Goshinki.
--The beast could have been here for the slave, but then why would he be on this side of the castle? Unless...it was all just a distraction, so another could get the girl.--
After the display of power the girl displayed, he couldn't allow this. He could only hope that he wasn't too late. But it had been only a few minutes, perhaps ten.
He once again, sent out his psychic waves to search for her miko powers. He growled. The girl had run into the forest. She wasn't off the castle grounds yet, but she was far into the shadowed woods where it was easy to get lost.
He sped in her direction. This girl was becoming more of a hassle, but was also becoming even more interesting.
In the Forest
--Crap! I'm lost...again! What is this?! –
Kagome sighed. Her feet hurt and of course she was lost. She never did have a good sense of direction and she kept falling over the stupid tree roots. She would swear that they raised themselves just to get a kick out of watching her fall. She turned to roughly kick one with her foot. She screeched and began hopping because she forgot she was wearing open toed sandals, not boots like she normally wore.
She should have stayed at the castle, she knew that. But her miko and her hidden powers had told her to run. That is wasn't safe and she never doubted her hidden powers. Especially since they rarely ever intervened unless she was in real danger or were able to break their containment scrolls...like yesterday.
Kagome trudged forward, continuing and only hoping she could find something familiar. But that's when it hit her. Like destiny calling out to her! She heard voices!! Beautiful, splendid voices! Oh...they were yelling. A man and a woman, she noticed as she crawled cautiously towards them. They weren't human. She cursed silently.
Suddenly the man stopped mid-sentence and turned in her direction. He had a puzzled look on his face. In a flash he was gone and before Kagome could react she was hoisted up by the collar. She looked up into his face. It was handsome, in a rough sort of way.
--Not at all like Sesshoumaru...(her eyes widen comically) I can't believe I just thought that! And about that pompous ass of a dog....—
The demon tilted his head to the side as he observed the girl. First she seemed in a daze, then disgusted, and now she had her arms across her chest and her head turned to the side. Her face held an irritated scowl. He placed her on her feet abruptly causing her to stumble to catch her balance.
Kagome looked at the man again. His cobalt eyes shined with youth. His long black hair was pulled into a high pony tail on top of his head. He wore a fur headband and armor. He also had pointed ears and a fuzzy brown tail.
--A wolf demon....—
She looked at the other woman in the clearing. She had jealousy in her sparkling emerald eyes. She obviously held the man, so aptly studying her, in her affections. Her red hair sparkled healthily and was pulled in two braids. A wolf demon also, it would seem. She gulped.
"Well...heh..heh...I'll just be leaving now." Kagome said awkwardly. She'd do anything to get away from the heated stares. One was looking at her with lust and the other was part jealousy, part hatred.
She turned to leave when someone grabbed her wrist.
With Sesshoumaru
He sniffed the clearing. She had been here just recently. Her scent was strongest against a tree root. She'd obviously kicked it. Seeing how he could sense a dying wavelength of pain. He turned his head abruptly as a wind blew in his direction. Her scent once more entangled in its streams. He jetted to the left and into a clearing.
He found her conversing with two wolf demons. He recognized them from the Northern tribes. Kouga the leader of said tribe was giving her a heated look of lust. The other female was Ayame and was awarding the girl with a look of jealousy and hatred. The girl noticed all this for she tried to leave.
"Well...heh..heh...I'll just be leaving now." But before she could take more than one step Sesshoumaru stepped from the underbrush, announcing himself to the persons there by grabbing the girl's wrist.
All in the clearing Kagome gasped as she looked into the irritated eyes of the demon prince. His gaze was molten and blazed with a burning fire that captivated her. Realizing she was staring, she bowed her head.
Sesshoumaru could see the blush staining her cheeks a cherry color. He had to admit it enhanced her beauty, but only to himself, never out loud would he say such a thing.
Sesshoumaru turned to the once forgotten wolves. He nodded in their direction before turning to leave, throwing Kagome over his shoulder ungracefully.
Kagome sighed, she had been here before. Kagome was silently glad to be back with the demon prince, even though he was dangerous, he was familiar. And she was getting used to his 'mood swings,' as she called them.
Kouga wanted to call out, but he didn't have the authority to. The prince was his senior in age, power, and wisdom. Not to say Kouga wasn't a push over, he'd kept his own in many battles. He'd gained the respect of his tribe, even at such a young age. Plus he was a high member in Inutaisho's army, a high ranking general.
He shrugged and turned back to the girl who now had her back to him. They had been arguing over the direction to head for their tribe. Only Ayame could argue with him, for she was just below him in command. She was almost his rival and was wise when it came to most things. Inutaisho had wanted them to continuously patrol the Northern border for spies, etc. They'd already caught several. He ran to catch up to the fire beauty, whom he held in high respects.
With Sesshoumaru and Kagome
The silent man carrying her never said a word on the trip back. He just carried her silently. Kagome was awed, and thankful, that he was carrying her. No one had ever done that before. Even if she was on the edge of dying, she had to make it on her own.
Sesshoumaru couldn't believe how far she'd gotten. She was almost to the Northern Mountains. A dangerous area, but he could tell by the way her scent has meandered around that she had been lost. He wasn't sure if there had been another demon, one to steal her. He could sense nor smell anyone in the vicinity.
They reached the castle by night fall. He placed her down in front of her door. A new guard was standing there, Kagome noticed.
--Did something happen that I'm not aware of?—
She turned questioning eyes to the prince, only to find him looking back at her with stoic, passive features. He then turned to leave saying, "Stay in your quarters from now on, unless your attendant is with you," over his shoulder.
--Don't know why I expected anything less from him. I'll just weasel it out of Kieina!--
She smiled, glancing once more at the retreating back of the prince as it turned the corner of the hallway. She bowed and introduced herself to her guard, which startled him, just like it had the previous one. She giggled and turned to enter her room.
-to be continued-
Extra! Thanks again to all who reviewed! I love getting reviews...it lets me know you like my writing. Anyway here's a poem or saying whatever you want to call it. I think it's pretty cool.
people may decide you're a child but what they don't understand the things you deal with everyday are more than they could deal with throughout their entire lives i may be a child but I'm danger beguile inside me is a waiting passion to emerge-
Oh and I got an email that talked about how Inuyasha always wanted to be a full fledged demon. And the writer of the email said that 'fledged' means to supply the feathers needed for flight. After that, the thoughts of Inuyasha in the form of a canary popped into my head. Thought I'd share that with you all. Until next time!