Protector
Anata ga kawari, sekai ga kawaru
(The world has changed, you are changing)
Yume ni todoke ai no hono
(The flames of love reach for a dream)
Yura yura shinkirou koete
(And pass through a wavering mirage)
Sora ni wa hikari, daichi ni mizu wo
(The light in the skies, and water in the earth)
Sono kokoro ni tsuyosa wo
(A prayer ANGELUS, the strength)
Mirai he tadoritsuku ANGELUS
(In your heart to reach for the future.)
- Hitomi Shimatani, ANGELUS, last ending song of Inuyasha
Chapter 16: It's My Life
An astounded silence fell over the Jewel Box, the type in which you would be able to hear a pin drop, or feathers swish against the ground. Kagome rose to her feet, posture defiant as she faced the whole court of demons head on. Then soft conversation filled the room, as speculative stares were slanted in her direction. Kagome waited until the murmuring died down, and opened her mouth to speak.
The interruption came from a bull-like demon who roared in protest. "My lord Sesshoumaru, this is preposterous! Women are not suited to make their own decisions; they are by nature weaker and more lascivious than men. This mere slip of a girl cannot be depended upon to decide for herself!" he called, outraged. The crowd made no effort to part as he attempted to push his way to the front. Kagome swung her head to look at him, eyes narrowed.
"Well, I finally understand why you still have no mate, Rendan," a lazy voice drawled slowly. Kagome turned to stare at a girl who had her arms crossed and was currently leaning against a pillar, eyes half-closed.
Sesshoumaru intervened before Rendan could come up with a witty retort, as that in itself could have overstressed his brain and given him a heart attack. Plus, it might have taken him so long to think of one that the older members of the court might have died. "I will have no unnecessary chatter in my court as long as I am present. Take your petty squabbles elsewhere. I am willing to consider any solutions that Kagome-san may have thought of," he declared, shooting Rendan a warning look. The bull demon subsided: cowed into submission, but by no way satisfied.
An expectant silence filled the hall as every eye fixed on Kagome, who looked like a child standing there.
"I know it is the tradition that a guest take a mate here if she is still unmated. I know that if I do not choose, those who wish to possess me must fight for me. What I ask is that you allow me to modify this honorable custom. Instead of letting them fight each other, let them fight me," Kagome pleaded, eyes flicking from person to person in hope. Some faces showed indifference, some disgust, some polite attentiveness, some genuine interest. Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed in thought, contemplating quietly.
"Do you imagine that you will be able to beat these demons?" a youkai standing near the front asked quietly. He looked the thoughtful sort, the type who considered each move before making it. "I have faith in myself," Kagome replied. He nodded and stepped backwards, nodding to her. Rendan's mouth opened, but the person beside him promptly jabbed him in the ribs, making him shut up.
"I have decided. All will be as she says. The first fight will commence at noon tomorrow. The rules will be told to the warriors later. It is now eight forty-five PM. All challengers will meet in my study at nine ten exactly. Latecomers will be disqualified. As I have said, so let it be done," Sesshoumaru declared, getting to his feet and descending from the dais, followed by Ikaru, Rin and Yukiko. Kagome breathed a sigh of relief and shot Sesshoumaru a grateful glance.
She was stepping down when a small weight leapt to her shoulder. Kirara had been awaiting the chance to rejoin her mistress. The miko smiled as she petted her cat affectionately. Kirara's tails swung from side to side rhythmically as she mewed in joy.
Kagome cautiously made her way through the crowd, enduring the curious and even some hostile stares, heading for the girl who had spoken against Rendan a while ago.
"Umm… hi. I'm Kagome. Thanks for defending me just now," she inclined her head to the girl, whose eyes opened fully to scrutinize her closely. Disconcertingly direct beryl orbs swept over her. "Yo. I'm Luria. And you're welcome," she replied.
Long, burnished golden tresses cascaded like a waterfall to her waist in soft, gentle waves. Slanted green eyes glittered with mischief, a hint of laughter sparkling in their depths. A nose that was a shade too long and a pointed chin a tad too firm made her seem real, instead of some perfect beauty. Her hair was tucked behind her ears. A few random locks of hair had faded to the color of thick cream. She wore wide-legged silky pants, so full that they looked like a skirt from a distance. A multi-colored blouse with billowing sleeves cheered up her outfit. A small rainbow was tattooed on the side of her left wrist. A bright green feather dangled from her right ear.
"So. You are the miko the humans call the Protector, right?" Luria asked, letting her eyelids drift down a little again. Kagome nodded, mystified by the strange topic of discussion her new acquaintance had picked. A small smile curved Luria's lips. "Then, I must thank you for having saved my younger sister last year. She escaped the house and entered the woods. You rescued her from wild demons. So, on behalf of my family, I beg you to accept my gratitude. We are in your debt," Luria bowed respectfully. Kagome looked surprised. "Oh, no. It is my duty and it is why I'm still hanging around here anyway," she demurred.
Shiruka coughed pointedly behind her, and Kagome realized that her time was almost up. "Well, it looks like I've got to go… see you around?" she asked. "Yeah, sure. I'll be rooting for you tomorrow. You go, girl!" Luria gave her a thumbs up and walked away to disappear in the crowd.
"Wow. What type of demoness is she, Shiruka?" Kagome asked as her guard led the way out of the room. "Lady Luria is not a demoness. She is a unicorn spirit, and is classed as an immortal," he told her, walking faster. "Oh dear, we're going to be late," he frowned. "I kind of doubt you can run in that get-up, too," he shot a glance at her dress, which was admittedly unsensible.
Kirara transformed in a whirl of flame, as Shiruka's mouth dropped open. He had assumed Kirara was just Kagome's cute little kitten. Kagome stifled a chuckle at his shell-shocked look. A grin formed on her face as one rather prissy old woman fainted dead away. She was unable to control a few amused snickers. "Thank you, Kirara. Shiruka, would it be faster to fly?" she asked.
"Yes, it would," he replied, staring at the fire-cat, who patiently bore his gaze. "Then let's go," she leapt onto Kirara's back, both legs dangling on one side. Shiruka gingerly climbed onto the fire-cat, and almost fell off when Kirara's paws sprouted flames and she bounded into the sky. Recovering quickly, he gave directions to Sesshoumaru's study.
----------
Kirara landed on the balcony of the study with a soft thump. Sesshoumaru turned, saw them and beckoned for them to enter. The six challengers were already in a row, in front of the large, sturdy desk.
"Do any of you wish to back out?" Sesshoumaru asked curtly, and was replied by headshakes. "Very well." He gestured for Kagome to seat herself, as the only lady in the room.
"I have prepared the rules. Weapons of any type and magic are allowed. No poison. A fighting companion no larger than a horse will be allowed. You may take Kirara over there as an example. The companion cannot be able to transform into a human. You will fight in the order of which you came out. All battles will be held at the dojo outside. All challengers will be required to attend all battles. And now, you seven are going to get acquainted. I will return in an hour's time. Shiruka will stay here." He rattled off quickly before leaving equally fast. Evidently, he disliked such things. The six were left staring at Kagome.
"Uh, since you all already know who I am, why don't you introduce yourselves? Come on, sit down," Kagome suggested. They moved to sit on chairs which Shiruka carried over, until they all sat in a circle.
"Who will fight me first tomorrow?" Kagome asked pleasantly.
"I will." A crimson-haired demon spoke up. "I am Manazabe Shirito, heir to the legacy of the fire demons," he nodded to her politely. Ruby-hued eyes darted nervously around the room. A tiny flame flickered on his brow, shimmering with red, orange and blue hues. His movements were quick and jerky. A blood red stripe ran down both cheeks vertically. Kagome could deduce that this guy would be no problem for her. Just one arrow and he would be down. "Nice to meet you, Shirito-san," Kagome said politely.
"I'm Korate Sakashi, second son of Korate Kakechi, leader of the bear demons," another one piped up. His voice was high, like a girl's soprano. And that was just too freaky! His clothes were eerily familiar… The exact same cut as Jakotsu's! A brown X symbol rested on his forehead, testament to his family. Kagome shuddered inside, remembering the Shichinintai and the horrible time the shard gatherers had had, having to deal with six out of seven. She smiled courteously, but said nothing.
"I'm Jikaran Shouro, heir to the snake demon leader. Pleased to make your acquaintance," he said, smiling. His voice was smooth, his words sounded as though he'd practiced them over and over. Black hair was spiked up in the back of his head and a spiral marked his forehead. One curved arc marred each cheek. She smiled at him, and turned her gaze to the next person.
Before he spoke, Kagome's miko senses rang with alarm. "Good evening. I am Hotori Katake, new leader of the dragon clan," he greeted charmingly, but his eyes were cold and hard, like ice. He moved like a wildcat, tightly controlled strength hidden in his daily routine. A six pointed star sat on his brow, and black hair framed his face. Kagome narrowed her eyes and nodded her greeting to him. She would have to be careful with him…
"Kochide Kimimato, cousin to the heir of the leader of the water demon clan at your service, my lady," a well-built demon smiled at her. A teardrop-shaped blue insignia filled his forehead. Water demons. Kagome had fought them before. Again, it would be tough if he transformed into his true form, but if he stayed in human form, it would be okay. Fire opposed water. She was good with fire.
"You know me already, Kagome," a masculine voice said. It was true. Kagome did recognize that voice.
"K-k-k-KOUGA!" she shrieked.
----------
Okay, everyone I apologize for updating so late. You guys know me, I had a reason. Really. School's started again for me, and I'm really busy now. Yeah. But I'll never forget about you guys!
For those who reviewed, replies were mailed out to all who were signed in. You all were also told the reason why I'm updating late if you reviewed early.
I broke my record! 36 reviews for one chapter! Oh my God, I am SO happy. This is the best New Year gift you all could give me, even though I don't think it was intentional. Okay. So.
I'm restarting the question/dedication thing. This question works on a different system. For each correct answer you give, you get one point. E.g. if the question is asking for what Inuyasha's attacks are, and you say Kaze no Kizu and Wind Scar even though they're the same thing, you get two points. For every English name you get right, you get one point. For every Japanese name you get right, you get another point. Understand? Great. I know the maximum amount of points it's possible to get. So, now, the person with the highest number of points wins the dedication. If there is more than one person who got the maximum points, the one who sent in his/her review wins. Yeah?
What are the names of Kagura's attacks?
So, what are you waiting for? Send in your answers!
If you are looking for an amusing fic to read, check out my latest one-shot named Tegami. Thanks to Yami396 for reading it first. Luv ya! And I do remember that I promised to read your story. I will, really. Promise!
To kibou hope: Hey, are you still out there? Since I've got my tablet back, I would like to have you beta-read again if it's possible. Email me and we'll discuss it, okay? I don't even know whether you're still around or not. Thanks. (P.S. When are you updating YOUR story?)
Remember to review!
Kyasarinyume07 signing off.
Quote of the day:
"It is better to stay quiet and be called a fool rather than to open your mouth and remove all doubt." –Mark Twain