Nightly Radiance
CH 2: Entrance To Freedom
On the lonely garden, Nightly Radiance started to darken, as it's petals turned to dark, brownish colour. It's beautiful scent turned disgusting. Why this is happening is obvious to only the person who knows of the flower's curse. For at night, when the moon is high above the sky, this flower shone the most beautiful. However, at daylight, when the sun is high above the sky, this flower becomes the most ugly of all.
And like the flower, Kagome knew it was her time to return to the hideous creature that she is at daylight. A curse is a curse. She can't do anything about it. And the truth was she wouldn't try to do anything about it. She has accepted it a long time ago. She was ugly. What was so hard to not accept? It wasn't like she was going to need to be beautiful in the future.
She turned once again to the window and looked out towards the lonely garden. As the sun's light started to cover the garden, the flowers changed. Now no longer the beautiful flower, but the disgusting flower that it really is at daylight.
The man she met last night, he should come for her soon. However, she knew she didn't tell him the truth. She wasn't a boy, a man or a male. She was just a girl who looked almost like a boy. She looked down towards her hands. She observed them, watching as they turned from the smooth lady-like hands to long, wrinkly hands.
She touched her face, as she felt it transformed. She could feel it's smooth surface changing. Her mouth, once small, turned into huge ones that the side of her lips goes all the way up to her temples, almost to her ears. Her lips got thicker, while her teeth bucked. The long black hair on her back, got thinner and shorter until to the point where it looked as if no hair was on her head at all. The colour of her skin almost looked pale green. Her eyes brows grew longer, hiding some of her eyes from the view. And her eyes turned the colour red, making her eyes looked dangerous. She could feel the bones in her body started to move, as her body transform. Her shoulders slouched incredibly and her bones got thinner, making her womanly figure make her look like a man. Her kimono started to rip because of the pressure of her large bones.
The feeling of the transformation always made her feel a little weak afterwards, but she didn't have time for weaknesses. She needed to get out of here. Quickly, she went through the clothes her mother made her wear when she is in her daylight form. They were simple clothes, only something to wear for the top and the bottom. They suited a man, not a woman. But she didn't mind. No woman clothes could fit her in this form anyway.
After a few moments she was ready. She had her things pack (which wasn't much at all) and she was cloth. All she really had to do now was wait for him to arrive. The one who can take her away from this place. I don't care if I have to fight and pretend to be a man. She thought, trying to think through to what she is about to do. I'm sorry mother. She apologise as she heard some footsteps. In this form, she could hear a lot better. I'm sorry father... I just need to...get out of here. She added, knowing that even he will care if she leaves.
The footsteps got louder, and the door opened.
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He had not slept all night, but he didn't need to. Unlike others, he didn't need it. As a warrior he was use to not sleeping much. And with all the things planned out for today, who could sleep?
He got out of the bed, aware of everything in his surroundings. He should pick up the boy that the woman last night had told him about. He would get someone else to do that of course. He had something in his mind that he would do first. And it wasn't something that could be put off. It was something that should be done or said before leaving this house.
Knowing everything that he would do today, he went straight to his brother's given room. It was easy for him to find it, for it was the door next to his. He did not bother to knock as he entered. Inuyasha was still asleep, but he did not care. Without hesitation, he kicked the younger brother. His brother flew across the room, and a crack was heard from some part of his bones.
"Get up," he ordered, leaving no room for any argument.
Inuyasha's eyes glared at his brother. "What the fuck was that for!" He asked, anger and surprise within his tone. "Look, Sesshoumaru, I am not your fucking slave!"
"Get up," Sesshoumaru ordered, giving him a hard look, he then added, "Now."
The boy through the pillow away as he stood up, his bones giving off large cracks as he stretch his neck from side to side.
"I don't know what the hell is wrong with you, but hell, father is going to know about this." He threatened.
The older brother resisted the urge to snicker. "Father mentioned for I not to kill you, but nothing of hurting you."
"Fuck you!"
"And father ask why I find you intolerable." He hissed. "You will do something useful for once, younger brother."
"And what would that be...?"
"The monster that was mentioned was not true at all. It is just a mere boy, a hideous boy as I have heard. However, I have many important matters to attend than taking a mere boy from this family. So you, younger brother, will have to do it." He said, his voice unwavering.
"What?" Inuyasha asked, unbelievingly. "You come in here, waking me up, insulting me and you still think I'll do you a favour?" He paused. "Who the hell do you think you are?"
"Your older, much wiser brother." He replied simply. "The favour is not mine, younger brother, but father's. It is not my land to take care of - it is father's. And did you not know that the soldiers he collects is not for my army, but yours?" Sesshoumaru asked, his voice true and wise. "My army is tactic, younger brother. However, your weak, little army is defence. And father collects warriors to train for defence, brother." He watched as his brother's face contorted. "Silly boy, have you not realize it before?"
Inuyasha's eyes widened. "So all this time..."
"Yes,"
The young man looked away, "Where can I find this boy?" He asked, distaste in his voice.
Sesshoumaru smirked, unable to help it. "Near the garden on the West Wing. His name is Kaji."
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"So, she looked around last night?" Lord Sayoseke asked his wife, his face a little worried. He only got a nod from his wife as an answer. "I see... Only around the garden I presume?"
"Yes,"
"Good,"
"Why do you this to our daughter?" Lady Sekai asked afterwards, curiosity and anger in her tone. "She's your daughter too, why do you bother to hide her? She's bound to grow up and then take over this family property, you know that." She stated, "So why do you go so hard on her?"
He looked at his wife, his face handsome, but lines surrounded it, showing his concern. "Do you think everyone would actually accept her? I couldn't. Her own father couldn't accept his own daughter. Only after years was I able to finally accept her."
She looked at his eyes, as she walked towards him and laid her hand on his. "I know darling. But, don't you think we should let her out? You and I love her - so let's set her free." She suggested. "She doesn't even know what a reflection is. She knows nothing of the feelings a woman should have. - And nothing of the world. Sometimes, I'm afraid she doesn't even know love is."
His eyes were warm, but hard. "Leave her not knowing of woman's emotions. They would only bring her down. Let her be. Maybe, one day this curse will cease to take our daughter and we can set her free. But for now, she will remain here."
A long silence took over the room and both of them did not say anything to each other. Only when a knock from the door was heard did both of the move. It was Lord Sesshoumaru who entered.
Lord Sesshoumaru stood there for a couple of moments, before talking. "I will leave this morning. However, before I am to leave, I wish to discuss something with you." He said, his unwavering. Both Lady and Lord looked at him in question. "It is about the rumours."
"Which rumours about my family, Lord Sesshoumaru?" Lord Sayoseke asked.
"I have heard that you have a daughter." He said coolly, knowing that they'd be surprise. There wasn't any rumour of such; he just needed to make them aware that he knows they had a daughter. He could not break his oath to the woman last night by telling he met her.
Lady Sekai's eyes widen slightly as she took in a breath. "Our daughter...she is not well." She said, trying to sound truthful.
So what the woman last night said is true... He took a step towards them. "It does not matter." Lord Sesshoumaru simply said, watching every reaction they took. "Whether she is well or not, I wish to make certain arrangements."
Lord Sayoseke eyed him with suspicious eyes. "What arrangement?"
He kept his eyes on them both, his eyes hard and serious. He would not let this chance pass. For this sudden decision was something that he was able to think about last night. And he well knew that they would not dare refuse he, Lord Sesshoumaru. Not one can refuse him.
"As you know, I am without a mate." He said simply. "Because your family is in a higher rank, I have decided that your daughter be my future mate. She will become my mate soon after all the training for the Western defence is done." His eyes were serious, and his tone almost and a demanding tone in it. "Prepare her."
The Lord of the house's eyes widens. "L-lord Sesshoumaru, are you serious?"
"I do not like to play around with matters like this, Lord Sayoseke. Yes, I am serious."
Lady Sekai walked towards Lord Sesshoumaru, only to stop. "You have not even met her, Lord Sesshoumaru."
"It does not matter."
Without so much of a glance he started to walk away, leaving the room, as he said. "The wedding will be done three moons from now."
Both the Lady and the Lord watched as the Prince of the West leave the room, and then turned their heads to face each other. Lord Sayoseke was the first to speak.
"The worst has happened."
"I know, my darling. I know."
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Inuyasha stared at the boy in front of him, trying to hide his shock from what he is seeing. But he could not help it. "Your the monster?" He asked, a little loud. He shook his head a little, trying to regain control of himself. "I mean, you Kaji?"
The boy nodded, his double chin slightly moving.
"Well, we better get going."
"You are taking me out of here?" Asked the boy Kaji, in his hands is just a bag, big enough only to carry a few clothes.
"Yeah..." Inuyasha said as he stepped to the side and gesture for the boy to leave the room. "My brother will be at the carriage. I guess you were expecting him?" He asked, getting only a nod from the hideous boy, Kaji. "How did he know you were here, anyway?" He asked suddenly, as they walked silently through the halls. However, he did not fail to notice the disgusting scent the boy, Kaji, have.
Kaji looked at him, "He met my sister last night in the garden."
Slightly surprise, Inuyasha gave Kaji a look of shock. "She was your sister!" He asked, surprise in his voice. He only got a nod from Kaji. "No shit?" Kaji nodded. "I would have never thought... I mean, no offence, but you are low on the looks department."
"Do you mean to say I am ugly?" Asked the boy, no hurt in his eyes whatsoever.
The question made Inuyasha flinched. "Well, heh...yeah." He admitted and looked towards at the boy, who stared back at him with no feelings in his eyes, under than kindness. He doesn't seem so hideous when you look closely...but he definitely does look like a monster He thought. "You don't get hurt when people call you ugly?" Asked Inuyasha.
"No," said Kaji, simply. "I was locked up in that room for a long time, and I got use to it." The boy said. "Anyway, I don't really know what true beauty is, so the same for ugliness."
"Really?" Asked Inuyasha surprise. "I mean, haven't you seen your sister?" Inuyasha asked, as they walk through the halls silently. "Kagome...that's her name, isn't it?"
"Kagome..." The boy whispered, reminding Inuyasha of someone of have said the name before.
Maybe it was because the boy, Kaji and Kagome were brother and sister that way they talk were the same. But their voices were definitely different from each other.
"What about my sister?"
"You have seen her, have you?" Asked Inuyasha.
"I guess you can say that."
"Huh?" Inuyasha gave a questioning look. "Well, if you need a guide to who is beautiful and who is not, then remember the face of your sister, she'll definitely be in the most beautiful department."
"She is beautiful?"
"Exactly,"
"Oh, ok." The daylight from the outside can now be seen and the carriage. "I don't know about my sister, but I think that the pond fairy is much, much beautiful than my sister, Inuyasha." Kagome said, as he jumped towards the carriage, seeing the other man from last night.
Inuyasha stopped on front of the carriage as the hideous boy gets in. I don't remember telling him my name... He thought. And what is up with ponds...? He asked himself, remembering the woman from last night, Kagome.
"So you are Kaji." Stated the man in the carriage with a cool voice.
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Kagome looked outside the little window, her eyes wide with a feeling she has never felt before. She could feel something in her stomach that made her feel lighter that it almost seems as though she could actually fly. She didn't exactly know what was the feeling, but she knew it to be good. The scenery outside the window was so beautiful - so perfect. Well, I think so.
Little creatures ran around the place, some very little and some big. The dirt on the ground below looked much different from the one in her garden. And the flowers, they were so many of them. She couldn't believe it. And the thought that they were wild flower made her feel much better.
However, even how beautiful they were all were, the innocence and beauty of Nightly Radiance at night was something that can make them look so simple and not interesting. But she was interested in them anyway. Because unlike Nightly Radiance, these were free and wild, they could grow wherever they wish.
Her hands travelled to her bag and slipped in to touch something. Inside, her hands gracefully touched the one flower of Nightly Radiance. Beside it, are some seeds of the flower to grow Nightly Radiance. She knew she shouldn't have brought it with her, but she also wanted the flower to be free, just like her.
"What's in your bag?" Asked a voice, making Kagome looked towards the man, Inuyasha.
"Just some of my stuff, some clothes..." And grabbing the flower gently, she took it out. "And this." She added, showing the flower to Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru, who seems not at all interested.
Inuyasha gave it a look of distaste. "It's ugly." He said, eyeing it with hate.
"It is." Sesshoumaru added, staring at it. "Why bother carrying it around with you?"
"Well, unlike all the other flowers, this one suits me the best - I think."
The younger brother gave a smirk. "Yeah..." He said coolly.
"Maybe...one day you'll find out why." Kagome said, giving a half smile.
Snorting, Inuyasha looked at the boy. "I think I can already see why." He gave him the look, 'Isn't it obvious?' But the boy didn't seem to get it.
"By the way, where are we going to stay, Lord Sesshoumaru?" Asked Kagome, remembering to address him with the "lord'.
Sesshoumaru gave her a look of disinterest. "We will camp on the borders of the Western lands, where the army of defence lies. Inuyasha's army."
"So, he's going to be in my army?" Inuyasha asked, knowing the answer and getting a nod from his brother. He turned to look towards Kaji. "You're not planning of planting that stinking flower on the camp, are you?"
"I wish to."
"That flower is useless..." Inuyasha insisted. "Everyone there will hate it."
"I don't think so,"
Inuyasha gave another snort. "That's you - not everyone."
"And my sister doesn't think so. She thinks it's beautiful." She added, somehow in a defensive tone.
The mention of the 'sister' made Sesshoumaru's eyes turned towards the hideous boy. "Your sister...does not think of it as ugly?" He asked, seemingly more interested in the subject than before.
"No,"
"Why?"
Kagome looked towards the window. "We both believe that beauties are not held through what is beautiful on the outside." She said simply. "But we decide on what is beautiful and not through our own eyes and thoughts, no one else's."
"You mean, like how you don't think your sister is beautiful?" Asked Inuyasha suddenly, making his older brother look towards him. Inuyasha gave a look to his brother. "I met her."
Turning towards the hanyou, she gave him the flower to hold. "She thinks this is beautiful. Not because of its beauty, but for its qualities." She said. "Maybe, if my sister can find a quality in herself, then maybe she and I will find her beautiful. But for now, I don't see a reason."
"So she doesn't think she's beautiful?" Inuyasha asked.
"No…she doesn't think herself beautiful."
He grinned. "You and your sister are messed up." He stated, giving her the flower back. "Very messed up." He added.
The boy took the flower and hid it in her bag. Silence took over, as she looked out towards the scene.
However, in the carriage, Sesshoumaru was left to think through things. He did not know much of this boy's sister. Yet, he thought he knew why he had decided to make her his mate, only after one meeting. There was just something different about her. Something so different, that it told him to grabbed to his chance of becoming her mate. Soon enough, he knew he would have to tell his brother of his decision. But now, through her brother, he knew not only how different she was, but also how right he was to choose her.
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In the lonely garden, Nightly Radiance glowed a bright colour. Unlike before, when at daylight it gave the glow of loneliness, this time it gave something else. The glow of happiness. It's usual brown, dirty colour turning a new shade of brown. Now, it was no longer the most disgusting brown, dirty colour, but something less ugly. It had changed. Daylight will remain to haunt it, but will no longer have the so much affect.
Its spirit was happy. Happy that it was free. Free to roam the lands, to know others and to feel emotions that it has never felt before.
And with this, maybe there was a chance. - A chance for something other than ugliness to take over when daylight arrives. When most of the lies, the deceit and the betrayals happens. Maybe, something else on the daylight will take over. But for this to happen, its spirit must feel something. A certain emotion of which many feel, but many feel the need to compress. But how can one compress something that one does not know?
Now, all it has to do is wait...
END OF CH 2 - Nightly Radiance
Demon Tenshi: I'm not sure if people will like this chapter…but oh well. Thank you to the people who reviewed. I was impressed. I didn't think this story would get anything at all.
Ayanna Wildfire- Kagome/Kaji… LOL Anyway, my friend keeps telling me to make this a short story. And maybe it won't be very long. I already got like 3/8 of it done in my computer… Thank you for reviewing!
alchemistgrl09- I wouldn't say I'm talented, since my English sucks a great deal. Well, I have a great excuse err- reason. English is not my native language. Thanks and I hope you read more.
teh one- I know…but as you see, I am finishing this quite fast. I just posted the first chapter and now, I'm posted the second chapter in less than four nights! Heh…my head hurts a little.
Deadly Tears- Wow… Seriously, I think that after this chapter your idea will change. I mean I am not very good at story writing…seriously. And the highest I ever got in English is B. I'm so sad… Anyway, thank you for the very, very nice review.
Hoshi Gin- Yes, I do get the point. LOL
?- Kagome told Inuyasha because he only asked her name. While Sesshoumaru…well he asked for who she is, not just her name. And I think Kagome made a mistake at that time. Anyway, thanks.
Duzzie- Kagome is just very ugly at day, she's not actually a guy. Well, I hope you can keep reading. Thanks.
PegasusRider- Yup…she's ugly all day. However, when sunsets, she'll turn back to normal. Thank you for reviewing.
Stoictimer- I like the title too… But my friend thinks it's funny. Thanks for the review.
Kari konoko- I like hyper people…so no apology needed. Thanks for the review!
sakurachan-1- Yeah… Everything will go on pretty fast from here. Thanks for the review.
Kimonolover- Thanks, I was trying to make her the Kagome we all know and everything…but I guess she was a bit stupid, wasn't she? Oh well, thanks.
RoxyBunny- The flower is the reason. I think after this chapter you'll understand. The last second last paragraph kind of explains why the flower is like that and why Kagome is connected to it. Thanks!
Vi3t Babii- I can never forget A Twisted fairy Tale. I will update that…I mean, I had it at the back of my mind while I was typing this one down. I am glad that you also like this story. It brings tears to my eyes. Ok…I am being too dramatic. Thank you for the review!