Maiden of the Sword

Summary: To repay a debt, Inutaisho agrees to help Kaede's apprentice and illicit the aid of his son, Sesshoumaru. The task is to destroy the famed Tsugara sword, but the job is left to Kagome, a brash, arrogant, but kind hanyou priestess. Sesshoumaru can't stand her, Kagome doesn't care, and despite what they both say, Inutaisho is sure it's love.

"I understand your need to go see this woman, but why must I accompany you?" Sesshoumaru asked his father.

The two men trekked through a sea of red and yellow leaves. The air had just begun to cool down, not yet brisk. Inutaisho glanced back at his son and smiled. The demon Lord tugged at the reins of Ah-Un, Prince Sesshoumaru's two headed dragon.

"Years ago, when you were still a pup, I was travelling through the Osaka Mountains, dragon territory. I was critically wounded by the dragon, Ryuzaburo. I escaped to a cave where a young priestess found me. Her name was Kaede. Despite the tumultuous relations between demons and priestesses, she tended to my wounds and possibly saved my life that night. I am indebted to her, and I suppose the time has come to repay her kindness."

Sesshoumaru listened intently, but a scowl remained ever present on his face. He stopped walking and folded his arms. "This still doesn't explain why I must be present for this reunion."

Inutaisho chuckled. Normally his son carried himself with a regal air of composure and elegance, but at the moment he seemed to be more of a pouting child than the heir to the Western Lands.

"I've kept in contact with Kaede throughout the years. Her shrine now trains the strongest priestesses of the land. They are strong enough to even ward off Ryuzaburo's clan and tame dragons like Ah-Un here. Most importantly, these women are often tasked with the duty of transporting and protecting artifacts and weapons capable of things beyond your wildest imagination."

"Such as?" Sesshoumaru questioned with a tinge of interest in his voice.

"Rumors say there is an elixir that grants immortality, a horn that allows you to control hordes of beasts in battle, even a jewel to grant you the power of the gods," replied Inutaisho.

Sesshoumaru scoffed and began to walk again. "If there are items in this world that truly have that kind of power, it's foolish to have them in the hands of some human girls."

Inutaisho shook his head. "You say that because you have never fought a priestess. You underestimate them greatly. It is imperative you foster a good relationship with these priestesses as you both represent the future's greatest powers. Come now. We're only a short distance from Kaede. We should make it well before nightfall."

Kaede overlooked the small group of four cleaning the shrine with a small smile. The girls had been working so hard the past few weeks and her eye shone bright with pride. The woman glanced at the setting sun. Four priestesses were accounted for, but as usual one was missing and it would soon be night.

"Oh that girl. Always has to do things her way," Kaede remarked to herself. She walked to her hut to prepare the night's dinner, making sure to account for the guests coming. Kikyo's spine stiffened up and she turned to her fellow shrine keepers.

"Hitomiko, I sense demons crossing through our barrier. They must be powerful. Do you all sense them?" Kikyo asked tensely.

Hitomiko nodded, fidgeting with her crimson beaded necklace. She steadied her hand and smoothed out her already straight brown hair. "Yes I can feel them too and they aren't dragon demons. I wonder why they would be so far into the mountains."

The youngest priestess, Botan, balled up her fists. "Forget that question! I wanna know why these demons are heading our way!"

Botan's sister, Momiji, agreed, "I can't even sense them. Do they truly feel powerful to you all?"

Kikyo reached for her bow and sighed with a slight glare toward Momiji. "Yes and honestly Momiji, you're too advanced in your spiritual powers to not be able to sense your enemy. It is a pitiful trait for a priestess like us."

Momiji casted her eyes to the ground, tugging at the small gold tiara adorned in her brown bob. Botan's anxiety turned to anger toward Kikyo.

"Lay off Kikyo," spat Botan as she took a protective step in front of her sister, "At least Momiji is here ready to protect the shrine. That's more than I can say about someone."

Hitomiko grabbed her own bow and arrows. She sucked in a breath as she saw the outline of three figures approaching. "Ladies, I suggest we discuss Kagome's absence at a later time. For now, ready yourselves."

The four women prepared their bows as they tried to make out the figures. Finally, the demons were identifiable. One was a two headed dragon and the remaining were dog demons, dressed in armor and white.

"It's a shame they're evil because they're kinda cute," Botan whispered to Momiji, "I especially like the guy with the flowing silver hair."

Momiji nodded with a little blush, "I think I prefer the man with the high ponytail."

"Focus!" Kikyo hissed.

Kaede poked her head from the hut and called out to the demons. "Lord Inutaisho, you've arrived."

The women turned back to their mentor as she made her way to the group.

"You know these intruders?" Kikyo asked incredulously. Her arrow was still aimed at the trio.

Kaede ambled to the younger women and bid them all to lower their weapons. "They are not intruders, but guests of the shrine. Treat them as such."

Hitomiko spoke up, "Why are these two men here, Priestess Kaede?"

"Lord Inutaisho will escort the chosen maiden to the scared land. You all know it is too dangerous to go alone."

Hitomiko was the first to recover from the shock of Kaede's news. She bowed to the two men.

"Welcome to our home. I am Hitomiko from Iga. Pleased to meet you and thank you for your help," she said it all with a deep bow.

Kikyo laid down her weapon, but didn't speak. Even as the other girls bowed, Kikyo stood rigid with her arms crossed and her lips pressed in a tight line. Hitomiko glared up at her.

"Kikyo show some respect! These two are obviously friends of Lady Kaede," Hitomiko hissed.

Kikyo returned her glare, "I don't bow to demons; I purify them."

Inutaisho chuckled. "Well this is an interesting welcome Kaede. I see you've kept our arrival a secret."

Kaede offered a brief, apologetic smile to the bemused lord, "I wanted the girls to train and let that be the focus the ritual approaches."

Sesshoumaru turned to his father, silently asking him to explain. Inutaisho simply smiled and followed Kaede into her hut. The air was a mix of apprehension and confusion as Kaede beckoned them to sit and began the hand out bowls of noodles. After a moment of prayer, the group began to pick at their meals.

"Lord Inutaisho, these are the brightest apprentices I've ever had: Hitomiko, Kikyo, Botan, and Momiji."

Lord Inutaisho gave the girls a slight bow, "I knew you trained the greatest talent. That's why I've brought my son, Sesshoumaru. You all could very well be our future's next heroes."

Botan and Momiji giggled at the Lord's statement while Hitomiko gave a soft chuckle at their antics. Sesshoumaru watched his father unmoved.

"So if I am to escort one of these women, what is the purpose of this travel?" the prince asked.

Kaede cleared her throat. "As ye may know, as shrine maidens we are tasked with protecting items of great evil and purity. Ten years ago, the great Monk Iruka prophesized the ending of time if the power of the Tsugara blade were to be released. He spoke of very specific happenings and some have come to past."

The group tensed at the admission. Kaede continued.

"The biggest prophecy to date has been the rise of disasters brought on by the sword."

Sesshoumaru listened intently, "What is the sword and how can it be destroyed?"

Hitomiko spoke up, "Legend has it that this sword was forged with the demonic power of the devil, god of the underworld. The sword is evil, but powerful so it was originally used in battle."

"Now that you've mentioned it, I believe I have heard of this Tsugara sword," Inutaisho uttered, "It had the power to summon the dead for battle. It really cut down on casualties."

Hitomiko nodded in agreement, "That is one of its powers, correct. What many don't realize is the sword brings forth an army at the expense of the user's soul."

Botan spoke up, in confusion. "I didn't know that. So you become the sword's slave?"

Hitomiko shook her head, "Not quite. It is the person's soul that beckons the undead to them. Each time a person uses the sword, a part of their soul goes to the underworld and the undertaker's soul enters the host's body. If you call upon the sword too much, eventually your soul will be lost in the Underworld."

Momiji took a sip of her green tea, "I knew it was bad, but wow. How do you know all this Hitomiko?"

"There are many writings about this sword. However, because so many have succumbed so quickly to its control, we don't really know the full extent of its power."

"Well said, Hitomiko," Kaede praised, "Before now the power has been too great to seal. The lives of many priestesses have been corrupted and ultimately stolen by the Tsugara blade. Now, I believe Iruka intends to instill his power to one of my apprentices. Their strength combined will be enough to permanently seal its power."

Momiji beamed, "I can't wait for this ritual! Just think, one of us four will be savior of the whole world!"

Hitomiko shook her head, "You mean one in five. Don't forget about Kagome."

Kikyo rolled her eyes. "I don't understand how that girl even qualifies as a priestess."

Botan agreed with a nod, "Yeah, Kagome's got no chance of being anyone's hero."

"Girls!" Kaede chastised, "You are all eligible and I expect kindness and respect from all of you."

Kikyo folded her arms, "I'm just being truthful. We all know her history and she's always picking fights."

Momiji chimed in, "On top of that, she isn't reliable. If these two guests were really here to kill us, we would really need her help. Instead she's who knows where. It's not fair how you favor her. You hold her to a different standard than the rest of us."

"Who is this woman they speak of, Kaede?" Inutaisho inquired.

Kaede sighed, "Ladies, please return to your huts. I want to speak to Lord Inutaisho and Prince Sesshoumaru alone. Oh and someone please leave a bowl for Kagome in case she returns tonight."

Despite a bit of murmuring, the four women bowed and left the hut. Kaede turned to the two demons.

"Kagome is strong, probably the strongest of all the women, but I admit I am most protective of her."

"She doesn't seem to be well liked. Why is that?" Sesshoumaru asked.

Kaede didn't speak, but instead listened for the footsteps of her apprentices. After a moment, she continued.

"I took Kagome in ten years ago. She is the sole survivor of her village and I'm afraid her mystery has bred fear and contempt, despite the years we've all spent together. If Kagome is chosen, she will need your support and training on this journey. She may be a handful more than the others, but underneath all her anger, she is an incredibly sweet girl."

Kaede gathered up the empty bowls and then led the men outside.

"Well, after such a long journey, I'm sure ye would like some rest. The hut there has already been prepared. Our accommodations are humble, but please accept our offerings."

"We graciously do. This is the least I could do to repay you for all those years ago."

Kaede showed the two demons to their hut. It was bare with the exception of a small fire and two sleeping mats. Sesshoumaru waited until Kaede left before scowling.

"This is cruel, Father. I have no debt to repay. Why am I here?"

Inutaisho frowned, "Show some gratitude, Sesshoumaru. It is a trait befitting a Lord."

Inutaisho lied down on his mat. "I must admit, I'm curious to see how this will play out."

"I want only to be done with this."

Inutaisho scoffed, "Quit complaining. You may find some pleasure from this journey as well."

A silence fell over the hut and Sesshoumaru resigned himself to his own cot. Inutaisho's breath evened out as he slumbered. The air was still in a way that unnerved the prince. All was quiet, except for his father's shifting in the night and the occasional rustle of leaves. From outside the prince heard the sound of Ah-Un grunting and some whispering. Sesshoumaru lifted off the mat silently and peered out the door. A small hooded figure patted the two-headed beast.

"Now what's a big guy like you doing chained up here?" a soft voice murmured.

Sesshoumaru watched the figure and sniffed the air. Surprisingly he couldn't pick up a scent. He took a step forward. A small twig snapped underneath his foot. The figure turned slightly, acknowledging the man.

"Who are you?" Sesshoumaru questioned.

"You're the one at my home. I should be asking you that."

Sesshoumaru relaxed slightly and smirked, "You're the troublemaking priestess Kaede spoke of."

"You're a friend of Kaede? You shouldn't take advantage of her kindness by sneaking around," Kagome chided.

The young woman moved to push past Sesshoumaru when he grabbed her wrist.

"Release me!" She warned.

Sesshoumaru tightened his grip, "Watch how you speak to me girl."

Kagome bristled at his cold tone, "Listen closely. My name is Kagome, not girl. KA-GO-ME and you're the one who needs to mind his tongue."

"Even now, I can't make out your scent KA-GO-ME. What are you hiding?"

Kagome's body glowed a soft light pink and Sesshoumaru pulled back, feeling the priestess's burn.

"Mind your own business, boy," Kagome retorted pointedly.

Hitomiko ran out to the younger woman, "Kagome don't attack! He is an ally."

Kagome glared at the demon again. She pushed past him. Hitomiko ran to Kagome, inspecting her hands and arms. Her hands were wrapped in gauze. Even in the dark, Hitomiko could make out smeared blood on the wrapped knuckles. Hitomiko sighed and Kagome pulled her hand away, albeit gently.

"Oh Kagome, what did you get into now?"

"Nothing, I was just getting some fresh air," the young priestess muttered guiltily.

She always disliked lying to Hitomiko. Sesshoumaru didn't speak, but glared at the two women for ignoring him.

Hitomiko reprimanded, "You can't keep sneaking off Kagome. It's not fair that you leave the rest of us to carry on your duties. Additionally, you need to prepare for the ritual. It's very important and Kaede doesn't need to trouble herself more than necessary so please behave."

Kagome looked downcast, silent. She had gone from the arrogant woman to a petulant child being chastised. She nodded stiffly. She turned back to Sesshoumaru, offering him a slight bow.

"I'm sorry, I never caught your name, but regardless I must retire for the night. My apologies for my previous actions and your wound," Kagome couldn't help, but throw in a jab about the burn she'd given Sesshoumaru.

His glare deepened, "Of course. I wouldn't expect the likes of you to know how to act around royalty."

He smirked when he heard a low growl from the cloaked woman. Hitomiko grabbed her arm.

"Let's just go to bed, Kagome. Goodnight, Prince Sesshoumaru."

Hitomiko led the woman away, silently dreading what the next day would bring.