Kagome hastily entered her chamber as she reached her father's palace. The rest of the noon had turned to dusk, and lazy clouds had begun to roll in against the remainder of the sunset. The moment Kagome had met Kira's eyes, she knew she was going to have difficultly coming up with an excuse for her unkempt kimono and messy look.
"Where in Kami's Heavens have you been Kagome!" Kira scolded loudly, the anger clearly evident in her eyes.
"Kira... I just went out for a little stroll. Nothing serious."
"A little stroll? I had no idea a little stroll could make a person look like that had been in a battle. It must have been quite the stroll."
Kagome tilted her head to the side, closed her eyes, and smiled, "Kira! I'm fine!"
"Kagome, promise me that you will tell me where you go next time? I am in charge of your well being. Nothing means more in the world to me than seeing you well. Promise me you won't just run off and tell me you are 'walking in the fields'?"
"Hai, I promise." Kagome chirped cheerily as she stepped into the tub to wash herself.
Kira's eyes narrowed to Kagome's shoulder, where a slight bruise flared angrily against her creamy white skin. "Kagome! Why is there a bruise on your shoulder? A bruise that looks like a hand print nonetheless!"
Kagome turned to look at her shoulder, surprised. "Oh this? It is nothing, its from a Youkai who is far too arrogant for his own good. Hmph! I had no reason to even have to explain myself to him."
Kira's face had turned white. "You spoke... to a... a Youkai?"
Kagome nodded, with a pleased expression on her face.
"You know it is forbidden Kagome! He could have killed you! And by the mark on your shoulder, I am sure he would not have minded to do so either. You know it is kinshi!" *kinshi=forbidden*
"Kira, listen please. I can take care of myself. I am no fool, unlike the rest of the women at court here! I know how to yield a word, how to fight, and how to protect myself. I love you too much to let you go through the pain of me being hurt. If I had the slightest doubt in myself, I would not go out there. I love the freedom, the light, the nature, and what the world has to offer. I refuse to be a bird in a cage. I refuse!"
Kira settled the kimono for the evening's dinner on Kagome's bed, and looked at the girl standing in front of her. There was a determined look in those large blue eyes... one that held such strong conviction. She knew that look, for her mother often displayed it on her beautiful face for the world to see. Kagome was definitely her daughter. Kira nodded, and looked at Kagome straight in the eye. "
"I will allow you to 'exercise', dear. But what is kinshi, is kinshi. Promise me you will stay away from those Youkai. You fighting them is enough. But speaking to them? It is atrocious. They would savor seeing you dying before their eyes, especially you."
Kagome nodded quietly, knowing there was no point in exercising a view here. She loved Kira, but she was adamant about her conviction. Why should she abide by the laws of humans if there were few who considered her as one?
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A young man strode into Lord Osamu's palace. He was tall, with dark hair and eyes the color of midnight. He carried himself well, gathering the attention of many ladies that quickly let him pass through the halls. His richly garbed attire signaled he was no poor mans son, and the expression on his face indicated he came to the palace for more than just the evening meal.
The evening meal was just about to begin when a messenger appeared at the entrance of the dinning hall. Lord Osamu could tell the young man was nervous, for he never stopped to take a breath as he quickly reached the dais.
"My Lord! There is a guest who begs that you lend him your ear.
Lord Osamu turned to the messenger, his eyes narrowing.
"Who dares intrude so ungraciously upon my court?!"
"I uh... My Lord, I failed to ask for his name..."
Lord Osamu tried to control his temper, and calmly said, "Let the guest in."
"My Lord, my name is Naru. I come from the northern border. I am the son of Lord Kato. Due to his standing as a long time ally, I knew I could come to your court and be welcome. Forgive me for coming unannounced, but I needed a place to stay for a few days time until I can replenish my strength to travel."
"Lord Kato is a great ally of mine, and as his son, you will always find comfort in my palace." Lord Osamu signaled a servant to place a meal on his table for the guest.
"My daughters shall be arriving momentarily."
Naru nodded silently, staring at the grandeur of the court. He smiled silently, 'One day, I shall have all that I desire to be mine. Nothing will stand in my way.'
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Kagome walked into the dining hall, trailing behind Kikyo. She did not care if her sister demanded she be first when entering anywhere. She never failed to show that she was their father's real daughter. The lively chatter of the court died as quickly as a flame as she and her sister walked in. Their father stood up and smiled gaily, and in turn Kikyo and Kagome both bowed deeply.
"My daughters, it fills my heart to see such beauty before my eyes!"
"Thank you, my Lord." Kagome and Kikyo both said in unison.
"Come daughters, there is a guest I wish for you two to meet."
A young man stood up before them and bowed. He was indeed tall, handsome, and richly attired, but something about his eyes made Kagome wince. She gained her composure and smiled pleasantly. Unlike her sister Kikyo, she could avoid falling into the eyes of every man she met. Especially this strangers.
"I am Naru, son of Lord Kato. It is a pleasure to meet the daughters of Lord Osamu. I hear they are famed for their beauty and charm. I see that is quite true." Naru said quietly, his eyes meeting Kagome's.
Kagome smiled pleasantly, and left Kikyo and Naru to continue the conversation without her. She refused to be a part of this silly pleasantries. Besides, the young man evidently was hiding something. Whatever he was hiding, it sent chills down her spine.
Kagome felt a hand on her shoulder and turned.
"Katashi!" Kagome smiled happily as she met the eyes of her trainer. He was one of the few people at court who could make her smile so openly. Never was there such a true companion.
"Heh, I did not want to miss seeing the new guest. The moment he strolled in here, his presence spread through the court like a flame. The women refuse to stop gossiping about him."
"I can see that. Kikyo is hanging on every word of his."
"It is possible Lord Osamu may be contemplating a match between the two."
"Yes, it is." Kagome said, her voice becoming quieter.
Katashi faced her, watching her as her eyes stared through the archways into the night. She seemed to be drowning in deep thought, her expression mixed with pain and curiosity.
"Kagome?"
She shook her head, and turned to him smiling. "Forgive me, Katashi. I was just thinking."
"That was pretty evident."
Kagome laughed, her sweet melody turning the heads of those nearest to them. Although she rarely laughed, when she did, one could never fail to recognize it. Her laughter held a sweetness to it.
"I think I will retire early this evening. I had a long day. Goodnight Katashi"
Katashi nodded, watching her walk away. "Goodnight."
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Kikyo paced around her chamber, angrily. How dared that wrench even capture Naru's gaze?!
She sent her maids out of chambers angrily. She had always lived in the shadow of Kagome. No guest ever failed to forget Kagome's name, her beauty, her voice, anything about her. Yet, although she herself was a beauty, she could not capture what her sister was able to. This evening, she refused to let Kagome's name be remembered. Tonight, it would be hers, and only hers. Quietly, she undid her kimono, leaving only the last layer. It was the shade of deep red, complementing her complexion well. She slipped out of her bedchamber, taking caution not to let anyone see her. Finally, she reached the soji that lead to the guests bedchamber. Pulling it open slightly, she slipped inside. After closing the soji behind her, she stared at the guest laying on the bed. He was indeed handsome. He had the face of a warrior, rough, chiseled, and powerful. The muscles on his chest were proof of his hard work and energy. She undid her kimono, letting the red silk slip to the floor. For a moment, it seemed she was stepping a pool of blood. She saw his eyes flicker open, and meet hers. In an instant, he took her body in. The curves, the full hips and chest.
"Kagome...?" He whispered
Kikyo met his eyes, and let her anger subside from the remark.
She grabbed his hand gently, and put it on her breast.
"No, Kikyo. " She whispered.
He said nothing, and pulled her unto the bed, and crushed her body under his like the waves crushing against the shores.
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Well, that is the end to chapter 6. This chapter is more of a introduction chapter to a new character, and a transition to the events that will occur soon. You'll have to read to find those out.
I hope reading my story so far has been a pleasurable experience, as much as it has been a joy for me to write it. Please review, and let me know of your opinion, improvements, and/or judgments. Thank you!
Love, YourDarlingWriter