Chapter 2: The Journey

I opened my eyes to my scan my surroundings. I looked in front of me where Goshinboku should be. In its place was a patch of grass. That patch of grass looked like it was waiting. I smiled. I turned away and started my journey.

I headed eastward. I strode through a prospering youkai market/village. It surprised me initially, but I guess with humans still developing, youkai ruled the lands in relative peace. Absently, I checked my pockets when I saw the stalls full of trading goods. I knew that I had no money, but it was habit. To my surprise, I felt a fairly large and full coin purse. My eyelids lowered as I sighed. I pulled my hand out without taking out the purse. I'll need to check it in private before I buy anything. Casually, I stepped into the forest on the edge of the market.

Now that I have the privacy, I need to check my coin purse. I had found 300 gold coins within it. I didn't have anything else on my person when I checked, so I reenter the market again to browse the shops. So far I had gathered a sturdy pack, a dark cloak to cover my small frame and a simple dark blue umbrella. On a whim, I got a free paper fan. It was dark blue with black butterflies decorating it.

For fun, I flicked my wrist and opened it to cover my mouth and to hide my drool. I breathed deep to smell the delicious smell of cooked food when I entered the food market. Youkai of all kinds talked, ate, and just having a good time. Some youkai children ran around, playing. I smiled.

I stood in line for some dumplings. Suddenly, a small rabbit youkai child crashed into my legs and fell down. I looked down passed my nose and fan to stare at the now frightened child. Things and people seemed to have frozen in their spots, watching. I bent down to look at him in the eye on his level. I folded my fan to reveal my soft smile. The child and everyone seemed to relax and go on with their doings.

"Are you alright little one? You fell down rather harshly."

He blushed when I tapped his nose with the edge of my fan. He was so adorable. He nodded shyly. I stood up and offered my clawed hand. He gratefully placed his small paw in my hand. With ease, I lifted him up. It was my turn to get dumplings. I bought two shares. I turned to the child, who had not left yet but seemed to be looking for something.

"Now, young one," I stared and his attention landed back on me, "Will you promise to view your surrounding more carefully when you play?"

He blushed and smiled when he confirmed it to me. I smiled more and gave him my other share.

"Now, go on and find your friends and family."

I waved at him when he left. I tucked my fan into my pocket, so I could free my hand to eat. I traveled out of the village while nibbling on my treats.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 1 250 years later xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Many things have happened in those years, I have learned how to control my, midnight blue to black, fox fire. I can burn a great many things, even ordinary red fire. I have learned to shadow travel by accident around 400 years ago. It was a skill that had its risks, but is very effective and useful. In the shadow realm that I can travel through, I could store stuff in my own shadow. I also had teachers of all kinds throughout those years. I even met Sesshomaru and his father 300 years ago

I now have a reputation after I learned all that I could from my teachers and being associated with such high up youkai. I was mostly feared since most of the rumors are from my battles since those are more popular than my actual being and personality. I was also able to earned fourth tail from all my training. The legend of the youkai fox getting his or her 9th tail over a thousand years is only true if you train really hard for all those years. I have mostly been learning different arts and gaining information. I mean, I am already so powerful with 1 to 4 tails.

At the moment, I am returning from the main land* I have been traveling for 175 years now. My cloak was serving its purpose in obscuring my identity when I entered a small village. I am currently in a tea house to rest and to calmly sip tea and munch on treats. I listened to the surroundings and rumors. I almost did not like what I was hearing. I glanced at the door when it dramatically opened. I felt my right eyebrow twitch when a white fox swaggered in and calmly strode towards me.

Inari-sama of this time had sent me messengers over the years and now the newest messenger has come to this establishment to find me. The male white fox messenger sat across from me, gaining stares from the already weary folk of the tea house. I felt myself lightly scowl at his arrogance. I had hardened over the years, so a cold mask was almost always present now on my face. My personality might have sharped, but I am still basically the same. He sent me a nod, his own professional mask on despite his obvious pleasure of being the center of attention.

"Kagome-dono?"

I lowered my eyelids and narrowed my gaze. I twitched my ears to make my hood fall to my shoulders. I flicked my wrist to unfold my metal fan before he could get a clear look at my face. I had made it myself. It was carefully crafted with youkai materials and a few of my claws to be durable, strong, light, and mine. I had colored it black with pale sakura blossoms and petals. It covered my pale red lips to hide my slight frown. I nodded for him to continue when he just stared at me. He cleared his throat with a barely concealed blush. I did not like his expression.

"I have come bearing a message from my Lady Inari. She wishes for you to become her subordinate. When you are willing, you shall be turned into a white fox youkai to start your new position. It is an honor to be offered to work for our Lady and mistress."

After hearing his last sentence, I lowered my fan and scowled at him. The tea house was steadily getting warmer as my irritation at his arrogance sky rocketed. He seemed shocked. I struck him with my fiery glare. It took me all my discipline and knowing his position from killing him then and there.

"I am sorry to inform you that this Kagome shall politely refuse your Lady Inari. I have no intention of serving anyone. Now, please leave so that I may continue in peace."

I flicked open my fan again, and l stared out the window, clearly and rudely dismissing him. I heard him huff and leave. I called over my servant for the afternoon to bring me more tea and snacks. She seemed so terrified when she jumped and scurried around for my order. When she came back, she nervously placed my order down in front of me and took my empty cup and plate. I noticed she was shaking.

I lowered my fan, and I gave her a gentle smile. My eyes softened and held a gentle flame compared to raging fires from earlier. She stared at me in wonder.

"I am sorry for that small commotion. Thank you for your service. I would like to pay after I finish."

"Oh! Yes, thank you for coming!"

She bowed, and I smiled. I gave her a tip for her service. I left afterwards to find somewhere I can dwell and train. But before that, I want to meet back up with Sesshomaru again. He is just too adorable as a kid in these times!

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*footnote: China was called the mainland in those times, I think.

Kagome's age: 1,516 years old