A/N: Ok, I have officially decided that I will begin the main setting of the story in this chapter. So don't worry anymore about tiny flirting scenes between Kagome and Sesshomaru, now it gets serious. (Don't get any wrong ideas. I do not write lemons.) And of course we still have to examine the 21st century as our little friend Inuyasha is simply causing as much chaos as humanly possible. You should enjoy this chapter, even though I did no planning. Enjoy reading!
Previous: All of a sudden, the whole map of Kagome's city seemed to stretch out in front of them. It could have been easier to go through a forest! There were bustling monsters moving quickly along the street carrying people in their bellies and strange huts of all sorts.
"Our last encounter to this place didn't even seem this confusing," Sango said in a bewildered voice.
"That's because we were only concentrated on fighting the demon that had strayed into Kagome's world. Now the task is different."
"So, do you have any idea where we should look or what a PQ light (UV light...) is?" asked Inuyasha.
"Um…"
"Not a clue."
"Ok, look. I will just ask someone what the UP light is and we can go and look for it. The sooner we leave, the better," said Sango, "and besides," she added, "we don't even know how to trade for the machine yet."
"Well okay Sango, but don't go too far," said Miroku.
"Don't worry," she said, "and hold my hiraikotsu for we will you? I feel a little strange with it in Kagome's world."
"Mm." The monk let the giant boomerang rest on his shoulder and watched as his bride-to-be disappeared around a corner.
"You two are too close for my liking." An irritable hanyou voice tore Miroku's gaze away from Sango.
"Now what would give you that idea Inuyasha?"
"Is there something that you're not telling me?" (ahh, Inuyasha is being smart. 0.o)
"Well I guess there is not point in keeping it a secret. Sango is now my woman." Miroku closed his eyes and sighed non-pointedly as if this was an everyday matter.
Inuyasha blinked a few times and then snapped back, "don't play games with me monk! I know that Sango would never accept a proposal from you!" A small bird twittered by and then flew away at Inuyasha's outburst.
"Calm down my good friend. If you don't' trust my word then why don't you ask Sango yourself?"
"Feh, what's the point in that? It doesn't involve me in anyway." He sniffed and then placed his arms in the noose of his kimono.
"Do as you please then." Miroku turned his gaze back to the corner and waited for the demon-slayer to return.
"Oh wow, a whole garden!" Shippo exclaimed.
Kirara followed close behind the kitsune and let out a purr of delight when she saw the beautiful flowers, fruits, trees and fronds stretching out all over the plains. Morning dew still clung to the bracken above their heads and a periodic 'drip drip' could be heard as the moisture dropped to the green grass underfoot. Wild flowers and lush green clovers were all over the flat rolling plains, as far as eye could see. The distinct 'hum' of the bumble bees near by told the young feline that there was even life up here in this castle in the sky.
"It isn't just a garden," Kohaku added, "look over there!"
Shippo turned his gaze to where the young demon slayer was pointing and was astounded to see horses grazing along the pine-meadows and endless rolling plains. "But that's impossible, this is a castle in the sky!" exclaimed the kitsune. "There is no way that there could be a meadow floating in the sky! This has to be an illusion."
"I don't know," said Kohaku, "after all, who would want to create an illusion for us? Naraku is dead, the shikon no tama is restored, and why would anyone want to create such a pleasant scene anyways?"
Kohaku's reasoning did make sense, even if Sesshomaru had set this up for them; he surely would not have created such a beautiful meadow for them to get lost in, would he? "Well, if this isn't an illusion, then why didn't we see plains when we looked up at the castle? I didn't even see any extra land around it."
"Well, maybe it was a portal, or another barrier that you could only see when you entered the castle in the sky." Kohaku's words sounded uncertain and questioning.
Kirara licked her paw and brought it over her ear a few times. She then pawed at some ferns close to the ground. A few dew droplets of rain water dropped on her nose and she twitched her whiskers as she focused on the point right in front of her eyes. Then quickly changing her point of view, Kirara ran on over to a sakura tree, already in bloom with its beautiful blossoms. She let out high pitched squeaks and mews as the petals fell around her and sprinkled her pelt a bright pink.
Shippo giggled like a little girl and brushed the petals off Kirara. "I wouldn't mind staying here for a while, would you Kohaku? I feel a little guilty about leaving Kagome, but with the others looking for her, we won't need to do much now will we?"
For the first time since they had arrived in the meadow, the young demon slayer agreed with Shippo. "Yes, I think that we could stay here for a while, at least until my sister and the others come looking for us."
Shippo nodded and started towards Kirara. "But still, I really think we should do something. Let's see if we can take the horses around and scout the borders. Kirara, you stay here, we don't know this place very well so we need to you circle a small area in case we get lost."
"Yes, that is a good idea," Kohaku agreed.
Kirara turned into her large ferocious form and took off; she would scout ahead and make a large circle for the boys to pin-point in case they lost their way.
"Hey Shippo, do you know how to ride a horse?" asked Kohaku.
"No," admitted the kitsune. I have never tried before, but it shouldn't be too different from ridding Kirara right?"
"Well actually, it is different. Kirara knows where to go while the horses have to follow your lead."
"But we don't have any reins here."
"You can tap at their sides if they are anything like my village horses." said Kohaku.
"But wait, don't horses have to be broken into the rein?" asked Shippo.
"Well," said Kohaku slowly, "if we found a sparring ring, garden, orchard, and an area of endless rolling plains, I think that with a little more luck, these horse will be broken in."
Kohaku's remark seemed so superstitious that Shippo found it hard to believe. However, it was worth a try to see whether or not they could scout the area. "Ok, let's go and take a look," said Shippo.
They slowly approached the grazing creatures. One of them looked up lazily at the travelers, but simply went back to chewing as if they weren't even there. "You would think that they have never seen demons or people before," remarked Kohaku. He slowly reached up and stroked one of the horses. A sudden jolt of energy made him pull his hand back.
"Kohaku! What happened?" asked Shippo.
"I don't know, I think something strange happened, but I am not sure."
"What do you mean by strange," inquired the kitsune.
"Strange like energy," replied Kohaku.
"Are they demons?"
"No, I am pretty sure that they are not demons," said Kohaku.
"And you are right small child to not call me a demon."
Shippo froze and Kohaku looked up at the horses in surprise. It had almost been like the steer had spoken to them, and yet, it had been almost mind to mind.
"You have the gift of speech just like Ayame's wolves," said Shippo remembering their last encounter with the young wolf girl.
The deep golden stallion flared its nostrils and stomped its feet. His light colored mane glowed almost yellow in the morning sun. "Do you hear us speaking to you? Do not confuse the gift of speech with the ability to communicate naturally. Some of your other demons may need assistance, but we have our own way of words."
Now Kohaku was sure that the horse was communicating telepathically. "We do not mean that you needed help from a sorceress, we simply meant that you could speak." He knew that many demons and animals alike would be deeply offended by the idea that they had a sorceress put a spell on them.
The steer calmed a bit and nodded. He seemed to understand what the young demon slayer was getting to. "We do not have visitors frequently; it would be a pleasure to do a favor for you in return of my behavior earlier."
Wow, his attitude sure did change quickly, thought Shippo.
"Yes, we would be most obliged to have you help us," said Kohaku.
"Very well," said the horse. "First let me introduce myself, my name is Gladearis, and my mate here is Nulauna." A pretty she horse with a white mane and ginger splotched coat stepped forward. "You, right now are in the valley of Du Troughen."
"My name is Kohaku, demon-slayer, and this is my friend Shippo, fox-demon. I am from the village of demon slayers while Shippo came from the kitsune tribe."
Shippo stared at the horse in amazement. He had never before in his life heard of names like that. He didn't even think they were the Japanese dialogue. "Do you come from the mainland?" asked Shippo tentatively.
The mare snorted in amusement. Her soft, sweet voice rang out clearly in the boy's heads. "No, we are not of the Chinese or Japanese culture. We come from a land much farther away, one of the middle ages."
Shippo looked at the mare in confusion. What were the middle ages? "Is that a place?" he asked.
Nulauna shook her elegant head and replied back, "It is a time period of war; the warring estates. There is a time portal deep into this forest where we have traveled through. The time that we have come from is not one for horses. If we were to go back, certain death would await."
"Did you leave a war in fear of death?" asked Kohaku.
This time Gladearis answered. "No, we do not flee from battle like some demons and animals do! We had to leave or our whole tribe would have been wiped out! We have found peace in Du Troughen for many years on end. We have young and elderly, al l those who cannot withstand to battle." He whipped his golden tail back in forth as if simply telling the tale gave him irritation.
"I am sorry," said Shippo. "Kohaku didn't mean it that way. Will you still do us a favor as of now?"
"Of course we will," said Nulauna with a hint of humor in her voice. "What do you need?" she asked.
"We are looking for a friend, or at least some way to get to her. We want to scout this area to see if we can get any closer to finding her," replied Shippo.
"Very well," said Gladearis, "Meliuna," he called as a pretty young she horse with a dark brown coat stepped up. "You are in charge of the tribe while we are gone."
Meliuna nodded and trotted off at a slow speed.
"Now young travelers," he said, "where do you wish to go?"
"Just around some borders," answered Kohaku.
"Ok then, Kohaku you come with me, Shippo, you may ride upon Nulauna."
Kohaku nodded his thanks and swept his leg skillfully onto Gladearis. He looked over his shoulder to see Shippo clamber on a bit more clumsily.
"We will take you around our borders and see if you can find anything," said Nulauna. And with that, the mare, stallion, and two boys were off on an adventure of their own.
Kagome stood up to leave the dinning table when a voice stopped her. She looked over her shoulder and heard Sesshomaru whisper again, "when you are prepared, come to my quarters."
"But," said Kagome, however she was soon silenced.
"Just come when you are ready tonight."
Kagome nodded a little tentatively. But I don't know where your quarters are! Kagome thought to herself.
"I will wait for you." Tonight, I will see the whole extent of Kagome's new powers.
Kagome nodded again, completely confused and headed towards her room. Was Sesshomaru really asking her to be with him tonight, or was he going to try something else. Should I go to him? Well he did say that he would wait for me so if I don't go then he will come looking for me. Kagome sighed as she reached her door. Walking inside, she plopped down on her bed to think things through. All this time that she had been here, it hadn't even truly concerned her if Inuyasha came for her or not. Kagome briefly wondered if this was just because she was used to him saving her, or if she was actually starting to enjoy the youkai's presence. Shaking her head a bit, Kagome turned around and walked towards the dresser. If Sesshomaru really did want to see her tonight, then she should dress nicely.
Taking out a silk kimono with a lion at the bottom, Kagome measured it to herself. It was too short. She put it back and skimmed through the other selections. Finally, Kagome came upon a tiger kimono that went at least past her knees. It would do fine and it was very comfortable soft silk material.
Next step, her hair; not much to do with it really. She simply brushed it out and added a small tiger clip to her hair in order to match the kimono. Perfect, thought Kagome. Simple, but still pretty. Now how could she go about and find Sesshomaru? Shivering a bit, despite the fact that she was inside a room, Kagome threw on an old cloak in her yellow bag. Well, I guess I will just step outside and see what I can find… Kagome thought to herself.
She opened the door and closed it quietly behind her. Kagome walked quickly down the hallway, her shoes making a soft 'tap, tap' sound as she went. Then out of the corner of her eye, she caught a familiar flash of white. Sesshomaru! Wondering if the youkai had noticed her, Kagome sped up and tried to catch him. However, every time she got close, he would speed up. Is he playing games with me? Why that little!
Rounding one more corner, she almost went smack up against the youkai lord.
"Watch where you're going," he hissed.
"Sorry," Kagome mumbled.
"Come, hurry up," was all his response to the miko's apology.
They walked a while longer in and eerie silence. You could never guess the two had actually been flirting with each other earlier. "Sesshomaru, what are we doing?" asked Kagome.
Only silence greeted her answer, which only proved to annoy her even more.
"We're here."
"Huh?"
"Go inside," Sesshomaru motioned to another double-door room and followed Kagome inside.
Kagome cautiously went inside Sesshomaru's room and looked around. She jumped a bit as she heard the door click shut behind her. Kagome's eyes followed Sesshomaru very carefully, but she was surprised when he simply came to a stop in front of her.
"Um, Sesshomaru, why are we here?" she asked.
"This Sesshomaru needs to see what happened to you a few dawns ago," he answered.
Oh, so this is about the manipulation of the soul thing. Is it really that serious?
"Sit down."
"Why?"
"Fine, stand. It does not matter to this Sesshomaru."
Kagome remained standing and watched as the lord walked over to the other side of the room.
"This Sesshomaru must see what has happened. However, you must cooperate."
Kagome did indeed also want to see what had happened to her. However, she wasn't really sure if she wanted to corporate. "Mm…"
"Does this Sesshomaru have your word?"
Why is he being so persistent about it? "Yes, you have my word." I hope that was a smart choice…
"Very well, give me your arm," said Sesshomaru.
Kagome was about to obey, but stopped when she saw that Sesshomaru was holding out a small dagger. "What are you going to do?"
"I need to infuse your blood with mine. Do not worry; this Sesshomaru has no intention of marking you, if you infuse blood by the arm, then it is only temporary." I hope that the results of this are temporary too…
Kagome had heard briefly about marking from Myoga, however, she did not know enough about it to be truly concerned. "So…" Kagome said slowly, "If this is temporary, then whatever happens to me will be temporary too right?"
Sesshomaru had to tell the miko the truth. "This Sesshomaru does not truly know."
"But…then…" Kagome really was not too sure about this anymore.
"Please, you must do this."
Sesshomaru sounded so pleading, and Kagome was so surprised by this new emotion that she agreed. "Mm, ok." Tentatively, Kagome held out her arm.
Sesshomaru gently grasped the girl's arm and with a quick motion, cut it all the way down the length.
Kagome gasped in pain and shied back.
"Hold on," Sesshomaru murmured. He quickly cut his arm as well, and before it had time to heal, he pressed it against Kagome's wound.
There was a burning sensation in her whole hand and shoulder. It felt like her arm was going on fire. Then the feeling spread, first a little, and then through out her whole body. Kagome soon found herself on her knees grasping onto her arm. She tried to pull away, but Sesshomaru held her in place.
"Just a little longer," he said softly.
At last, with a final jolt, Sesshomaru pulled his arm away from Kagome. She lay slumped on the ground, her knees around her bleeding arm.
Sesshomaru carefully picked up the bleeding girl and supported her. "You need to sit down."
Kagome happily obliged and slumped down on the nearest chair. She felt horrid right now, her arm wasn't the only place burning. "What was that for?" Kagome asked weakly.
"Just wait," answered Sesshomaru.
And indeed they did wait, for almost an eternity it seemed. Kagome lay slumped while Sesshomaru stayed in his usual dignified pose and patiently watched the girl. By now, her arm had stopped bleeding, but there was still a raw spot that showed it had been a fresh wound.
Kagome felt like all the energy had been drained from her. She felt like the bones in her body had given way and she would be a pile of helpless body parts. And yet, the hours still ticked by, with nothing happening. She found herself dozing off and nodding a bit. And yet, they still waited. Then finally, after what had seemed like an endless time portal, Kagome felt her energy returning. First just a little bit, then a lot. All of a sudden, jolt of energy came back to the crippled miko and they were so intense, that she shot up out of her chair. Sesshomaru looked over at her in undisguised curiosity.
Them the strangest sensation came over her. If someone could describe what it felt like to grow out your arms and legs at birth in a mother's womb, then this surely would have been the expression. However, Kagome did not remember what that feeling was, so she simply stood there like a statue, stunned. Then as quickly as the feeling came, it left. But this time when it did leave, it left something behind. Kagome noticed with a start that she all of a sudden felt a new muscle in her body. Looking behind her, she gasped as she saw a beautifully patterned tail, with stunning, long feathers brushing outwards. Turning around and around, Kagome examined the tail, it was absolutely amazing.
She then turned to her head, she was obviously some kind of demon now, or so she thought. Did that mean she had ears? Kagome felt around on her head, nope, no ears. She next looked at her hands and felt her teeth, not claws or fangs either. Just a tail. Heck lot that did for her.
Sesshomaru was also looking at Kagome with interest. "As fate my have it, Kagome, you now are a phoenix." And with a start, Sesshomaru realized that her scent was completely irresistible. She was a demon now! He shook his head, in his effort to push Kagome away because of his new developed feelings, he had indeed drawn her closer by making her one of his own.
"A ph…phoenix?" she stuttered.
A/N: There, I finally wrote it! I am sorry I took so long to update, I have so much going on it is overwhelming. I hope you enjoyed it, now the story gets interesting. Please review!
Reviewer Responses:
Aya SL: Thank you so much! It means a lot to me to have reviewers like you!
lil fluff girl: Read read read read read!
kagomemiko13: Yay! Sorry I took so long to update. I will try and speed it up!
Tiana Davis (ano): Thank you so much! Your review made me feel so good and is what convinced me to write more right away!
And thank you to all my other reviewers AnimeLover45, (bring my dvds now!) Myst172, inuyasha1818, Erin, and meluvsokka (yes, you got it! "Me no comprehendo")
Recommended authors and stories:
Lynns: This is an absolutey amazing author! Her story Winter wonderland (1577839) is so funny! Her other fan-fics are also absolutely amazing. Must read! Very devoted writer!
Friend's Thoughts:
(I put the school computer in overdrive true story I swear)
Deborah: (working on a powerpoint presentation and starts hitting 'enter' button to add more slides on. enter, enter, enter, holds enter button)
Spencer: What are you doing?
Deborah: I wanna put at least 1,000 slides on this powerpoint!
Spencer: Why…?
Deborah: I don't know…I'm bored. (reaches 1000 and goes onto 2000 slides)
Spencer: Ok, you reached 1000, now stop!
Deborah: Wait, this is cool, just let me reach 10,000 slides and I promise to stop!
Spencer: Fine fine.
Deborah: (holds enter button) 2000…..3000……4000….. (reaches 8,216 and freezes) Huh?
Computer: beep…..beep….beep….beep…beep..beep..beep.beep.beepbeepbeep BEEPBEEPBEEP! flashing and freezing and blinking
Everyone in classroom: Omg Deborah! You are such an idiot!
Deborah: (pressing the power button continuously) Oh crap oh crap oh crap! It's not turing off!
Computer:(finally shuts down)
Deborah: (Turns on computer, and the screen is all black.) Crap...
Michelle: Nice…
((Never, ever, try to add 10,000 slides to a powerpoint presentation. Just doesn't work…))