Chapter 5: Shaimi, The Kingdom of the Sea
Slowly the miko opened her eyes.
Where…where am I?
She tried to sit up but slight pains in her chest stopped her. A sudden sadness filled her heart that made her want to cry.
What has happened to me?
Kagome, who was determined to sit up, tried a second time and succeeded. Once she was sitting up she began examining the bandages on her. Her chest and right leg were carefully wrapped.
Jeez, we must have gotten in some fight with Naraku. I hope the others are ok.
For the first time, Kagome looked around the room she was in. She expected to be in Kaede's hut but she was definitely not. The room was beautifully decorated with an astounding blue and white sea glass floor and the walls were painted with breathtaking waves. A white marble dresser sat on the opposite wall with four lit candles providing the only light in the room. There was a mirror above the dresser, surrounded with many tiny shells. On the right and left walls were tall blue curtains in the center of the walls, which she guessed were doors. Looking down she soon realized she was in a bed much like hers at home. It was pure white and extremely fluffy.
This is the most beautiful room I have ever seen. We must have either defeated Naraku or Miroku exorcised a thousand real evil spirits from this place.
Slowly Kagome got out of bed and headed towards the mirror. She noticed she was wearing a pure white, long kimono with cherry blossoms on it. Her hair was neatly pulled up on the top of her head into a bun.
After looking around the room for a few minutes, she went out through the curtains on the left. Kagome found herself in a long hallway filled with sunlight from star-shaped holes in the ceiling. The floor was many different colors of sea glass and the walls were painted with many murals. There were only four doors in the hallway including the one Kagome just came out of. Before going any further she started admiring the mural outside her door. It showed a small ice blue dragon, battling a huge gray dragon with red eyes and a mask like face in the middle of its' head. The gray dragon was shooting powerful beams of energy out of his mouth at the ice blue dragon who was twisting and flying around the blasts over a dark ocean.
"Oh, my Lady you have finally awoken!"
Kagome turned around to face an old woman with light pink hair tied loosely back. She wore similar clothes to a miko but her pants were a light purple that matched her eyes.
"How are you feeling?" asked the woman.
"My chest and leg just hurt a little. What is this place, I have never seen anything so beautiful."
"Where are my matters? I am Sakura, the healer. I have been helping to take care of you and this place is Shaimi, the city of the sea. Right now you are in a section of the palace."
Many questions filled the young miko's head but she did not want to be rude.
"I am Kagome Higurashi. Please, could you tell me where my friends are?"
"Friends? I am sorry Lady Kagome, you came all alone."
A look of worry and panic filled Kagome's face.
"Are you sure? I was traveling with a monk, a kitsune, a demon slayer, and a two-tail."
"I am sure my Lady, my humblest apologizes."
"It is ok."
"Well if you are feeling well enough, the king and queen will want to see you."
"Yes, I think I am well enough to go."
"Oh wait, I am sorry",Sakura handed a bottle of purple potion to Kagome that she had been holding, "Here take this it will take away all the pain you may be experiencing"
"Thank you"
What if it is poison? No it can't be, she has been taking care of me this whole time. I did not just get better on my own.
Kagome quickly gulped down the purple potion. Suddenly the pain from her wounds faded and the sadness left her heart.
"Wow, that really worked!"
Sakura smiled, "Of course it did. Now, Lady Kagome, we must go, the king and queen are expecting you."
Kagome closely followed behind the steady sound of the healer's footsteps. They passed murals upon murals of epic battles and celebrations along the seemingly never-ending halls. The healer moved fast, even for her old age, so one could presume she might be a demon, for Kagome had to jog sometimes in order to keep up with her, but no matter how fast they went one hall was always followed by the next. Millions upon millions of questions still flooded the young miko's mind, but she was not sure if Sakura was the right person to ask. She gazed up at the healer who had gotten more than just a few feet in front of her. Suddenly, Sakura stopped and waited for Kagome to catch up.
"What troubles you Lady Kagome?"
Kagome gazed at the ground as they started to walk again.
"I just have a lot of questions."
"Well, I can only tell you so much because the whole story might be better if you were told by someone else."
Kagome nodded her head as an indication for Sakura to proceed.
"You came here about two months ago on the brink of death. Your hand was torn, your right leg was badly broken, puncture wounds encircled your neck, and worst of all something pierced you straight through your chest. You had to be in some sort of battle to get wounds as serious as those were. The gods must favor you for any other human would have been long dead. I have been taking care of you ever since you arrived. You have been giving you various potions that have helped you to heal and one that gave you strength and nutrients that would allow you not to eat for such a long period of time. All of your wounds are just about healed except the one on your chest, which is still in the process of healing. It should be healed in about one more month."
"Thank you so much Sakura, I am not sure how I ever will be able to repay you."
"Please, it was no trouble at all and besides I had some help too."
"Sakura, may I ask what that potion you gave me earlier was. I have never encountered such a potion like that even in my own t…village."
"I have been giving it to you once a week. It is a powerful potion that takes away any and all pain you may be experiencing. I made it myself out of the rarest flowers but I have yet to name it."
"Thank you, Sakura. If there is anything you ever need, I will try to help you as much as I can."
"Lady Kagome it was really no trouble at all but if I ever need your help I will ask for it. Now the king and queen await."
Kagome was so intent on listening to Sakura she did not even realize they had descended a huge flight of stairs and they were now approaching a large chestnut door that had a crane delicately carved on it. Two guards stood on both sides of the door, wearing armor on their chests, lower arms, side of their thighs, and on their shins. Underneath they wore blue pants and their shirts were white with blue wave-like designs. Around their heads was a full armor helmet that only left holes for their eyes, nose, and a small slit for their mouths. They appeared to be some kind of wolf demon for their bushy tails layed behind them. Their feet and hands were more like paws covered in fur with long black, protruding claws. The helmets that cover their whole heads completely also depicted somewhat tall ears. The guard on the right had pure snow colored fur while the guard's fur on the left was that of midnight.
As Kagome and Sakura approached closer the two guards both unsheathed two long menacing swords and pointed them in their direction.
"State your order of business," demanded the guard, with a rough tone, on the right.
"It is I, Sakura. Kiba and Tsume this is Lady Kagome she was the one brought here a few months ago. Please let her presence be known because she will be a guest here for at least another month."
Kiba and Tsume gazed over at Kagome with their piercing blue eyes. Their gaze made Kagome want to squirm but she knew it would be improper if she did. Finally both of the guards looked away as they sheathed their swords.
"We hope you have a safe recovery Lady Kagome," said Tsume who was on the left as they both slowly opened the large chestnut door.
Sakura walked past the two with Kagome at her side.
"Thank you," whispered Kagome quietly.
Both Kiba and Tsume nodded their heads as they closed the door behind the miko and the healer.
"Everyone knows everyone in Shaimi. It is almost like one huge family. That is why they became so tense when they saw you. A stranger to Shaimi is considered somewhat dangerous unless the king and queen have approved of their presence. Do not worry the king and queen have approved of you staying here but Kiba and Tsume simply wanted to make sure it was you."
Before Kagome could respond, Sakura began walking again. Kagome straggled behind for a few moments when she saw what lay all around her. She was in the most extraordinarily beautiful courtyard she had ever seen. It was filled with magnificent fountains, beautiful trees and flowers, and a few statues lining the sides. The healer and the miko followed a cobblestone path passed the most magnificent fountain in the center of the courtyard. It had a finely sculpted crane in the middle and Kagome could only admire its beauty. As Sakura and Kagome neared the end of the courtyard she spotted two prominent figures coming into few. They quickly turned around as if they had sensed their presence.
The first figure on the left appeared to be a strong, powerful demon. He stood high in stature, being six feet tall. His face was finely chiseled showing a prominent jaw line and a perfectly shaped nose. The king's blue eyes were focused on the healer and the miko as they approached. His blackish-silver hair lay straight down on his back until it ended at his waist. On the side of his face two irregularly short pieces of hair that went up about two inches, and then rounded his face, passed his elf-like years, down a little past his chin. His clothes consisted of a loose, long sleeve shirt. It was a dark blue that resembled the sea in its deepest parts. Around his the collar of his shirt was luminescent light blue markings that resembled the sharp yet smooth curves of waves. These markings also appeared on his sleeves passed his elbow. The sleeves narrowed and went in between his middle and index finger only to thicken on the other side and be attached to the bottom of the sleeve. On his shoulder were two metal round plates that adorn the same light blue markings found on his collar and sleeves. A long darkpurple cap attached to the plates and lay several feet behind him on the floor. His loose pants matched the color of his shirt and puffed out more after his knees and then came suddenly in at his ankles. Around his waist lay a thick silver belt that held a very long sword.
On his left side stood the most beautiful women Kagome had ever seen. Her snow white hair was tied loosely back to about her waist. She wore beautiful clothes that Kagome had never seen anything like them in the feudal era or in her own time. The queen wore a silk white dress with a tint of purple in it. Her violet eyes and purplish-pinkish lips matched with the slight color in her dress. The dress itself was cut in a low u-shape in the front that hung off her shoulders. It fit snuggly on her body except around her arms which the sleeves were lose and long. On the sleeves, the farther down the arm they went the more outward it went. They stopped in the middle of her hands. The dress was extremely long and trailed a few feet behind her. Like the king, the queen had naturally tan skin, claws on her bare feet and hands, and a necklace with a silver amulet in the middle. A jagged like sword was also attached to a thin sliver belt around her waist.
As Sakura and Kagome got a few feet a part from the king and queen, Sakura stopped and bowed. Kagome quickly followed her example. The king suddenly took a step forward and began speaking in a loud, defined voice that seemed like it could calm any raging storm.
"Welcome to Shaimi, The City of the Sea. I am King Taiyou, the great sea dragon of the western seas, son of Suto-mu"
The queen took a step forward so she was standing by Taiyou's side. She spoke in an enchanting, beautiful voice that would have put any mortal man under her spell.
"I am Queen Murasakirro, the great snow dragon of the western lands, daughter of Ryuukotsusei, and we are the rulers of Shaimi. Please tell us what your name is miko."
"I am Kagome Higurashi."
"Kagome, are you not the one who travels with the monk, slayer, kitsune, two-tail, and the powerful hanyou who are on a quest to collect the broken Shikon Jewel and to defeat Naraku?"
"Yes I am"
"Our whole kingdom and probably everyone who lives on the mainland know of your quest for good. You are allowed to stay in Shaimi as long as you wish and you will be treated with the highest honor."
"Thank you King Taiyou and Queen Murasakirro for your kindness, I am truly in yours and Sakura's debt. I would be glad to help in anyway possible if you need it."
"Your offer is graciously Kagome. If we ever need your assistance you will be called upon."
I know we have become famous for our quest but how do the people of Shaimi know of us? I guess they have some connections to the mainland, but wait a hanyou? What was he talking about? There is only Miroku, Sango, Shippo, Kirara and sometimes Kaede but a hanyou? The only hanyou I know of is Jienji unless he has joined our group since I have been gone.
"Lady Kagome, now do you remember anything that happened that might have given you these wounds?" asked Queen Murasakirro.
Kagome was quickly broken out of her confused trance.
"The last thing I remember is our group had just settled for camp and I took off into the forest alone. I think I sensed a Shikon Jewel but I do not remember anything after that."
"I see, well I bet you are starving after your two month slumber and many questions must flood your mind about Shaimi so I will ask Sakura to accompany you for the time being. Kasumi will be sent to show Lady Kagome around Shaimi in a little while. At that time Sakura may you meet us in the great hall?"
Sakura bowed, "Of course King Taiyou. Farewell."
Kagome bowed as well and followed Sakura who had begun to walk. It was beginning to get dark as two cranes flew overhead.
"Lady Kagome would some rice and sushi suite your appetite."
"Yes, that would be delicious."
"Ok, we will eat in the room you have been staying in; you need to rest after so much walking."
Kagome nodded her head and followed Sakura back through the large chestnut door that had been opened just as they approached. After walking back through the countless halls, Sakura and Kagome made it back to her room. Once Kagome entered her room she saw the candles that were on the dresser were now replaced with a lantern that illuminated the whole room. Their meal was placed on small sea glass table that had been step up on the right side of the bed. Two chairs made of shells with cushions of light blue silk sat on either side of the table. The sight of the food suddenly made Kagome feel famished.
"Go ahead Kagome I can tell you are hungry."
Kagome suddenly sat down but she waited for Sakura to sit down as well before she began to eat her food.
"Sakura, may I ask you a few questions about Shaimi?"
"Of course, I have been here for a long time now. I think I could answer most of your questions."
"Is Shaimi far from the mainland?"
"Well, Shaimi is a pretty great distance from the mainland. No one can access it unless they know someone from here, since it is under the sea."
Kagome stopped eating and dropped her chopsticks.
"What?"
"Shaimi, the City of the Sea is literally under the sea."
"How is that possible? I thought it was an island."
Sakura let out a small chuckle, "Many people who come to Sakura first think that. I think it is the due to the sun stones. Do you see the lantern sitting on the dresser?"
"Yes, it is unusually bright."
"Well this lantern contains a mystic stone called the sun stone. It was part of an ancient sun that had fallen to earth. Thousands of these lanterns are hung from the cave ceiling of Shaimi. They are just like the same sun that you see overhead everyday. Unlike regular lanterns, the ones hung on the cave ceiling of Shaimi have their light come from out of the bottom. They are all connected by ten somewhat invisible strong strings so at night the strings are tightened. This resembles the stars that would normally be in the sky. In the morning and during the day the strings are loosened so the bottoms of the lanterns are fully open. Without these lanterns life in Shaimi would not be able to exist."
"So, Shaimi is in a giant underwater sea cave."
"Yes, it is 15 miles long, 10 miles wide, and around 16 miles tall in most spots. During the Territorial War, which was fought to see who controlled which parts of the mainland and ocean, this cave was discovered by King Suto-mu, King Taiyou's father. Once the war was over he decided to make this his new kingdom. It has prospered and flourished ever since."
"How did this kingdom survive without any fresh water?"
"Many of the citizens of Shaimi originally came from the sea so they were fine with the salt water but once other creatures and plants began arriving there was a slight problem. At one end of Shaimi there is a lagoon which is the entrance to the kingdom. The problem was solved by having small streams come out from the lagoon providing fresh water. The salt stays in the lagoon thanks to special barriers that only allow the water to go through. This fresh water provides life for the plants, animals, and citizens of Shaimi."
"Are the citizens of Shaimi are mostly…"
Suddenly a knocking on the door frame interrupted Kagome's question.
"That must be Kasumi," said Sakura, "Please enter."
Lovely Winds ' Lovely Seas