Chapter 12: Explainations
Light filled the house through the back windows, growing brighter as they went forward. Kagome moved onto the back porch and leaned against the railing, "To what honor do I owe this appearance of an angel?" she asked archly into the light. Immediately the light seemed to suck in on itself, leaving a snow-white being. The only way to describe the features of this being was, awe-inspiring. Now they knew why angels in the bible said 'Fear not' when they first appeared, something so perfect should surely find mortals detestable creatures. Kagome merely looked at him with mild interest.
"Which one are you this time?"
The angel didn't speak for what seemed like an eternity, "Michael." Kagome nodded, "This is my home, Angel. Your kind is not welcome here." She cracked her knuckles, "Leave. Before I make you." Michael's expression didn't change, "We wish to cleanse you of your demonic half." He stated calmly. Kagome smiled serenely, "Why?" The angel looked slightly taken aback, "Because you need not be afflicted with demonic-"
"There is nothing 'afflicting' me. I do not want to be cleansed. I rather like what I am, thank you."
The angel's face became stormy, "If you do not willingly do this, I will-!" A blast of light energy lanced out toward Kagome. She simply straightened her spine, and absorbed the blast in a black shield.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, don't they tell you anything up there? If I could be forcibly cleansed, I wouldn't be half-demon now would I?" She scowled at him, "And if I wasn't The Gate, you wouldn't give me the time of day." She laced her fingers together, "If you don't leave by the time I count to five, you will not be returning to the heavens. Have I made myself clear?" The angel's eyes narrowed, "You will realize the mistake you've made, Higurashi Kagome, but do not worry, our kind is forgiving." He faded as she reached three. She sighed turned back to them, "I suppose you would like to know why I have God's creatures after me?" she asked nonchalantly. Speechless, they nodded. She smiled wickedly, "You'll have to wait, I don't even know half of the story. Pack your bags boys and girls, we're going on a trip."
"I'd like to visit my favorite niece." Replied Kagome to her niece's question. Moriko gave her an amused look, "Angel's bothering you again?" Kagome grimaced, "They came to the house, tried to cleanse me. You wonder why I don't believe in them!"
"I don't wonder." Retorted Moriko. "I was going to suggest you come here anyway, the house and ground have more protection the Fort Knox!" Kagome shrugged, "You wouldn't mind the extra people…?" she asked tentatively. Moriko shrugged, "The more the merrier. I'll send a private plane, how is 10:00 a.m. good for you?"
Kagome nodded, "That'll be fine. If I can get these plane chickens to move." She shooed the two brothers and the couple out of the room. Sighing, she flopped down on the couch, "Other then this and my having a murderer on my ass, life's okay."
Moriko smiled slyly, " And your relationship with Inuyasha?" she asked. Kagome's cheeks painted pink, "Nothing to report." She said hastily. Moriko smiled behind her hand, "Nothing? Oh well." Kagome narrowed her eyes at her niece, "What about you and Luki?" The question had the desired affect, Moriko turned bright red, "As my great and wonderful Aunt Kagome said, 'Nothing to report.'" She replied. Kagome rolled her eyes, but didn't comment.
"Well, I have to go. See you tomorrow." She hung up and sighed, stretching. Standing up, she made her way to the kitchen, "Please prepare some rooms for our guests." She requested politely. A rush of air past her shoulder indicated that her request had been acknowledged. Two arms wrapped around her shoulders, she whirled around one hand going to the person's throat and pushing them against the table another raised to strike. Her fierce gaze faltered when she saw that it was only Luki.
"Oh, I'm sorry!" she apologized hastily, face slightly pink. He shrugged and pulled her into a kiss. Her face turned bright red, pulling away, she stared at him, "What was that for?" she demanded.
He shrugged again, "Nothin'" she shook her head, "Did you get the groceries?" she asked pointedly. He waved his hand dismissively and they shimmered into view. "Help me unpack." She ordered politely. They were halfway through before he wrapped his arms around her again, his breath tickling her ear. She sighed; "If you can't control yourself until we're through here, why should I let you?" she asked coldly though her eyes spoke of amusement. He rested his head on her shoulder, "I just wanna have fun." He pouted. She sighed, "You are so spoiled."
He laughed.
"Tell you what, you help in the unpacking and I'll think about it, ok?" she offered. He sighed in defeat, "Alright." Knowing that that was the best he was going to get. When they finished, Luki acted like a perfectly behaved person as Moriko inspected everything. "Alright. That's good enough for now. Kagome and her friends are coming over, but considering that you apparently knew that, no I do not want to know how you knew that, I think we're all set." She opening her arms, "Come on, Dragon boy; show me what you can do." He was only too happy to oblige.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Kagome eyed the people sitting near her with an amused eye. "I can't believe you people are afraid of flying, "I would've expected demons not to be afraid of anything." She added. Sesshomaru shrugged, "It's a control thing, you can't control what's happening with the plane." He explained, his grip tensing on the armrest.
"You can't kill an armrest, Sesshomaru, and if you don't relax that grip you're going to be paying for a replacement." Commented Sango over her magazine. She blocked Miroku with a hand as he tried to get closer to her, "Try it, Monk, and you will not be able to have children, kapeesh?" He drew back instantly, smiling sheepishly. Kagome sighed, looking at the other demons and marveling at the way no one saw through their illusion spells. Sesshomaru, when she wasn't looking straight at him, had black hair (I've always wondered what he would look like with short hair so he is in this fic) and blue eyes and was clearly being checked out by a number of women who passed by. Kouga and Ayame only need illusion spells to hide their tails. Inuyasha's hair was pulled hair in a low ponytail, his ears hidden and his hair dyed black.
"Psst, Kagome," whispered Ayame, Kagome turned to her, "Stop staring at Inuyasha, he'll notice soon." She smiled slyly as Kagome turned slightly pink, "I was just looking through your illusion spells." She hissed back, but refused to look anywhere near him until their flight was called.
"Whoa." Breathed Ayame as they entered the plane. Luxurious seats were spaced strategically throughout the area.
"Hey look!" exclaimed Ayame excitedly; "They got practically every DVD out on the market here!" she dug through the massive pile, "Let's watch Miss Congeniality!" The guys scowled, "No." Miroku shrugged and the girls nodded, "We overrule you!" they cried, and forced them to watch. After it was over, they allowed the guys to choose the next one. They of course, chose a hard action movie that left Ayame and Sango playing cards in the back and Kagome fast asleep on a chair, her hand on the top of Sohi's head. When the flight captain told them they were half an hour away, they were all grateful. They got out of the airport and got a car and started out toward Moriko's house.
"Ugh, I hate jetlag." Groaned Kagome as they drove through the town nearest Moriko's home. She parked outside a wrought iron gate with a small electronic console. Kagome walked over to it.
NAME:
"Kagome Higurashi."
STATE BUSINESS:
"Visiting my niece with six friends and a dog."
PROCESSING-PLEASE GIVE AN ANSWER TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTION:
WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE CAT KAGOME TERRORIZED WHEN SHE WAS A CHILD?
Kagome smacked her forehead, "Oh for crissakes." She grumbled, "Buyo." She answered.
PROCESSING-CORRECT. YOU MAY PROCEED.
A soft clicking noise was heard. "I hope you guys have been on five mile hikes before. Moriko won't allow gas-using vehicles onto her estate." She warned.
"What's that glowy thing all around the area?" asked Ayame suspiciously.
"Huh? Oh, that's Moriko's shield. It's to keep out 'unwanted pests' or so she says. Be prepared for a tingling sensation and your illusion spells disintegrating." She entered through the gateway with a shimmer of magic, "Just leave your bags in the car, the servants will get them later!" she called over her shoulder. The group looked at each other.
"See you on the other side." Commented Sango as she followed her friend. Kagome wasn't anywhere in sight.
"Kagome!" shouted Sango as the others came through the shield.
"Shhh! Not so loud!" hissed a voice above them. A girl with slate-gray hair down to her waist stared down at them with cat-like eyes. Two dog-ears twitched back and forth.
"Kagome…?" asked Kouga incredulously. The woman grinned, "That's my name." She landed in front of them, two tiny gray wings on her back. She eyed them for a moment, "You aren't going to freak out or anything, are you?" she asked suspiciously. Ayame shrugged, "Are you going to give us a reason to?" Kagome grinned, "Nope. You ready to see my niece's house?" She sniffed the air, "This way." She instructed, leading them into the thick forest. She led them on no straight path but along what she said was her niece's scent, "Can't you smell it?" she asked after Inuyasha had demanded a reason why she was doing this. When he started to shake his head she added, "It's smells like coconut," she sniffed again and her eyes narrowed, "and…campfire smoke?" her eyes widened for a second and then she shrugged, grinning, "Ah well, use your nose! Or are you not a canine?" The demons sniffed the air. There, barely traceable, was the scent she had described, "It barely there!" answered Inuyasha indignantly. Kagome huffed, "Maybe for you. To me it's clear as day." She returned to her tracking,
"Kagome…shouldn't there be a trail?" asked Sango after another hour of walking. Kagome popped up next to her, upside down, making the slayer jump slightly, "Moriko says that if she wanted people to just walk up to her house, she would not live in a forest. Besides, this place needs to be protected." She didn't elaborate and disappeared into the trees again. Finally they came to the bottom of a hill; they looked up to see a mansion at the top. Beautifully constructed in stone, it looked just like a castle. Kagome stepped toward the house, "Don't worry." She assured them, "It's got all the modern conveniences." Moriko met them at the door, "Welcome to my castle." She greeted them, "Your bags are in your room and dinner will be soon if Luki gets out of the kitchen!" She shouted the last over her shoulder. Kagome sniffed the air, and raised her eyebrows at her niece. Moriko avoided her eyes.
"Kari?" she called. A transparent figure appeared next to her, "Your wish, Mistress Moriko?" she asked, curtsying. Moriko sighed, "I did ask you not to do that, Kari."
"My apologies, Mistress."
"I'm not your Mistress, you're a guest here until you move on. If you want to work, go ahead, but don't call me Mistress." She explained with a long-suffering sigh, "Anyway, Would you be so kind as to escort my friends to their rooms?" the, what they assumed, ghost curtsied as if in defiance and led the way up a flight of stairs. Kagome's thoughts were miles away as they walked up the steps. Kari curtsied as she showed Inuyasha his room, which was right next to Kagome's. Sesshomaru's was across from Kagome's Sango's was on Kagome's other side with Miroku across from hers. Ayame's and Kouga's were across from each other's as well. Kagome left her room and headed straight to the kitchen where she promptly began helping Moriko with dinner.
"So…you two have…?"
"Yes."
"And…?"
Moriko wordlessly, showed her the obsidian engagement ring. Kagome broke in a grin and hugged her niece, "Finally!"
Moriko gave her an amused look, "What about Inuyasha?" she asked slyly. Kagome exhaled, "No, Moriko. There is nothing between us." Moriko gave her a disbelieving look, "I can't believe you. You and/or Souta have to!" she retorted indignantly. Kagome scowled, "Don't you think I know that?" She sighed, kneading the dough, "It's just, I haven't found him yet. I don't know, I want it to be special." Moriko wrapped her arms around her aunt, "I know, but we have to do it if neither you nor Souta have any. We must continue the family line, no matter what the cost."
"Why?" demanded a voice. Inuyasha and the rest stood in the doorway. Kagome looked away, "Moriko, you want to front this one?" she asked. Moriko shrugged, "I think you need to explain, Kagome. I can't keep erasing memories forever." She pointed out. Kagome sighed; her ears twitching in anxiety, "Let's go into the family room, shall we?" she practically forced them into the room. Luki was reading a large book but snapped it with a thump when they came in, "Ah, I was wondering when you would arrive." He greeted nodding to them. Kagome nodded absently as Moriko entered the room.
"Do you want to begin, or shall I?" she asked, taking a seat on the armrest next Kagome.
"You should." Instructed Kagome, "You know more about this then I do." Moriko shrugged, "You live it." She pointed out archly.
"Just tell them."
"Fine," grumbled Moriko.
"Kagome…well Kagome and I are the most powerful beings on the planet. The reason for this is the fact that our family is responsible for keeping the flow of other worlder's to an absolute minimum. Kagome is the 'Gate' and I am the 'Gatekeeper'. Any questions?"
"Yeah. What is the 'Gate'?" asked Sesshomaru.
"Ah. Good question." She stood and began pacing, "To tell you everything would require seventy-two hours of hard study. So, a basic overview will do. There is something in this world that is basically a massive duct of raw power large enough to transport the entire Asian continent anywhere in the universe. Since this duct of power cannot function on it's own it 'seeks' a vessel that can handle the power required to do so. Following? Good. Our family has been it's chosen 'victims' so to speak. The Gate itself is whom we call the person that can handle the withdrawal of power. The 'Gatekeeper' is the person who can access this power. Now a little magical history, our family has shown that, those who are the Gate have very little personal magic. Those who are the Gatekeeper have almost unlimited magical ability." She paused and Kagome took up the story, "The Gate cannot access the duct of magic attached to them without going into a death-like trance, the Gatekeeper can access the magic anytime with no ill effects toward the Gate. Anyone else, and the Gate's soul gets pulled along with the person who is being transported. Now, I'm sure you are wondering how this relates to her saying 'we must continue the family line no matter what the cost'. Well, only our family has the ability to handle this amount of power for our entire lives. Our family dies, the power seeks a new vessel, if it cannot find one that exhibits the needed requirements, it will affect the entire world, causing the fabled, 'apocalypse' to come a little early. Now, any more questions?" she asked archly, lips twitching upward despite the situation. Ayame raised her hand as if in school, "Yes, why can't you have children? You said that only Kagome and Souta could to have the children." Moriko snapped her fingers, "Yes. You see, the side effect of having the ability to control that kind of power without protection is the death of anything not vital to the survival of the vessel. This includes the death of reproductive organs. Personally, I'm glad they're gone." She stopped pacing, "I think that clears up most of it. If you need any questions to future answers, not including anything inappropriate, please feel free to ask anytime." She sniffed the air, "Now if you'll excuse us, we'll be in the kitchen taking out the bread." She left them to think it over. Luki excused himself to follow.
"Do you think it's wise to tell them everything?" he asked as pulling Moriko away. She shrugged, "If I want some cousins someone is going to have to tell them." She pointed out. He chuckled, kissing her lightly. She pushed him away slightly, "Not right now!" she hissed. He let her be. After a dinner consisting of hamburgers for the non-vegetarians and grilled cheese for those who were (the bread was for a snack later on) Moriko asked if the girls would like to use the hot springs. They agreed to meet in the backyard in half an hour. Moriko led the way to the hot springs in a small clearing. There were three huge springs of various sizes, each with a waterfall flowing from the top of the hill above them.
"Wow, it's huge!" exclaimed Ayame appreciatively. Sango nodded, "Is this natural?" Moriko nodded, "It's one of the reasons I bought this place." She sank into the steaming water, sighing in bliss. The other girls followed suit, finding the water at a perfect temperature. They talked among themselves as they bathed and relaxed along the edge of the water.
"Hmm…" Moriko began after a while, "They say that in the old days when the people first found these hot springs it was used for late night romps between lovers, occult meetings and parties."
"Maybe we should brings the guys here?" laughed Ayame. Moriko shook her head, water flying, "Not unless you want to wear swimsuits, I'm not allowing nakedness between genders." She replied sternly.
"What about you and Luki?" asked Kagome slyly. Moriko scowled, "That's different, I am the owner of this place." She hoisted herself out of the water, "I'm going back up-!" Kagome snatched her hand, sucking into a ragged breath, her ears flattening and her eyes dilating. Moriko splashed back into the water, snatching a hold of her aunt's hands, "He's doing it again isn't he?" she demanded, "Well I gonna give him one hell of a backlash!" she closed her eyes, easing the pathway for the power to escape and tying the recoil back to the one who was casting. Kagome breathed easier as the final waves of magic left.
"Thank you, Moriko." She breathed in relief.
Moriko nodded, "I'm getting sick of this guy going after you." She growled, "To bad I can't find where that guy lives, if I knew…" she cracked her knuckles.
"Why can't you?" asked Sango, intrigued.
"Well, I can track that person who cast it but I can't tell you where in the world they are, just how far away they are from us" Explained Moriko. She hoisted herself out of the water, "I'm going back to the house, ok? You guys stay here as long as you want." She offered, wrapping a fluffy black robe around her.
"Going back to your fiancé?"
Moriko shrugged, "No yet at least. Wait, how is your engagement going Kagome?" she asked slyly. Kagome shook her head, "You know as well as I do that it's not real." She said dismissively. Moriko shrugged, "But if you're going to pretend it's real you have to get a ring." She left Kagome with her thoughts.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
TMK: Just some minor changes, some grammar mistakes I didn't see at first. By the way,does anyone want to be my editor? I usually don't see my mistakes until I haven't looked at it for a while and I would be very appreciative if someone would help me out. Hope you enjoy the story!