Blossoms in the Garden of the Moon
Chapter One
I stood there like an idiot, I just stood there and watched as a heat built in my chest rising through my body with each thrust and every word escaping his mouth the heat intensified until it spread across my entire body and vibrated across my skin bare controlled and losing control quickly. The Earth began the rock slowly as my power vibrated into the ground and the skies clouded over. Their heads snap to them quickly and their once lust filled eyes widen in slight trepidation.
My chest heaved as a sob tore through my chest. I could feel the barrier around my emotions shatter and as the emotions became a tsunami in my body the rain fell heavily around us and their eyes leveled on me as my voice raised and was carried by the fierce winds. "How could you?"
His mouth drops open in shock as Sango and Miroku run through the clearing with Shippou clinging to Sango's shoulder. They stop and stare in shock at me as my body glows with the telltale blue hue of my power. It strikes out harshly before recoiling to the thin layer and repeating. "K-Kagome this isn't what it looks like…" His voice is rough and his eyes heavy with shock and guilt.
"It is exactly what it looks like…half breed!" The words were rough on my tongue and even rougher in my voice causing him to cringe in hurt. "You really are just a no good dog. Can't believe I ever thought you could change and become a good man!"
The rain stops as my sadness is replaced by boiling anger and simmering hatred for the lowly child before me. "Who the hell do you think you're talking to, Ka…go…me?" He pronounces every syllable of my name with fierce sharpness. I curl my look at the man before settling my heated and positively glowing blue eyes on his.
"I believe I'm talking to a no good, whore rotten, half breed, and his graveyard tramp…am I right? Of course I'm right that's been the case since the day I met you and you called me her name! Hell you still call me her name!" My fists clench and the layer thickens with my fury. The blue jumps and crackles waiting for someone to hurt. The intent was purely murderous.
"Shut up bitch or I'll kill you!" Kikyo shouts pulling a bright pink sphere into her hand obviously hurt by the graveyard tramp bit. I snicker, my power booming now and thunder racks the skies rolling just like the blue waves. They move and then explode off my body in waves like a tsunami.
"I'd like to see you try bitch…you were always supposed to be more powerful than me but I guess that is not the case just because I can't use a bow as well don't mean shit because I don't give a fuck for being a pussy and staying away from the fighting. Damn that's sad I like to fight hand to hand. You want a fight well I'm right here…bring it on." I open my arms up and raise a slender brow as her eyes narrow at the challenge. Her hands clench and she flicks her hair over her shoulder before rolling her eyes.
"You're not worth my time…you're just jealous that I got Inuyasha." Her eyes bore into mine and I feel laughter rising in me as I take a hold of my power finally chilling out because of my pure amusement at her last comment.
"You know what I don't really care anymore…you can have him lord knows when another whore comes along that's more powerful than you he'll leave you hanging defenseless and broken. Have fun but I'm telling you now if that ever happen I might think about forgiving you until then good luck cause I plan to make your life hell…both of you." I smirk and turn walking back toward our camp. My smirk is devious as thoughts of how to piss Inuyasha off run rampant through my mind.
'Do you really think this is the best way?' The voice is calming and I frown and touch my chin before thinking over the question.
'In a way maybe, I can't be angry and hold hatred but I can make things hard for Inuyasha. Kikyo really never did anything. Inuyasha is the one that played me so he'll have to reap what he sewed. Arigato, Midoriko-sensei.'
'Of course Kagome-san…I just thought that you should have a clearer mind.' Her words strike me and I stop in my tracks halfway toward our camp and hear Sango catching up to me. I continue moving before I enter the camp.
'Perhaps you and I can train once we return to camp?' I question getting closer to the camp. She doesn't answer but I know she will give her consent.
I touch the grass of our camp and move toward a small clearing that Inuyasha trained in the day prior. I feel the deeply hidden power awaken in the center of my body as I close my eyes and just feel. The power flows under the skin of my arms and forms two blue blades. They rest weightlessly in my palms and aren't quite as long as a sword. I begin the dance that is burned in my memory after watching Midoriko practice it with me for so many nights. I can see her moving before me as we dance around one another the ring of the blades heard only in my mind.
I stop for a moment as Midoriko begins to speak to me. 'Child you are not as distraught as I had originally thought you to be. Why is that so?'
I turn the blades over in my palm and hear a voice that starts to irk me. "What, don't you know how to use them blades in yer hand bitch?" I grit my teeth and look at Midoriko before thinking over her question. I settle into a meditative position and she does the same facing me.
'I suppose that I had known in my heart that one day this would happen again and that I needed to stop becoming hurt and simply let all of it go. Training with you allowed me to find something that I can do to protect myself so that I did not need to rely on him any longer.' Midoriko nods and shuts her eyes while falling into her mediation.
'That is understandable…the hanyou he is very irrational and a horrific choice of a mate. You, Kagome-san, deserve a much calmed mate who will balance your temper and calm you as you would do the same for him. Just as well your mate would likely have to be much stronger than the hanyou because you would kill him if ever you were to mate.' My eyes flick open to stare at the woman as I process all of this information. I nod and fall back into meditation allowing my thoughts to pass by me listening to them but not dwelling on them.
'Midoriko-sensei, why do we look so similar?' This time it was her turn to flick open her orbs to stare into mine. They were just about the same color now as we were feeling the same peaceful emotions. When we are at peace they are soft hues of blue, when we are happy or joyful they are bright and wild azure, when we are angry, sad, or in turmoil they seem to match the hazy blue storm clouds that roll across the sky before a thunderstorm.
'Kagome-san it is inevitable that we would not look alike because you held the jewel that I created within your body for so long that it changed your features to look like mine. You hold a portion of my power mixed into your own for eternity also you have taken on my abilities with a sword becoming the second miko in history that could handle a sword better than a master swordsman.' Her eyes say that she is truthful but they also say that she is not telling me something. I allow it to slide knowing that she will tell me when she I ready. I continue to meditate and then sigh when I am fully at peace with the world around me. I can feel the energy of all things around me.
My son's energy is like golden wheat blowing in the breeze of a spring day. Sango's is like the leaves of a tree swaying in constant motion. Miroku's energy seems to spread calmly from him like ripples of water from the center of a pond, beautiful and calming. Inuyasha is like fire licking and startling me forcing me to want to take a step away from his dangerous presence. Not all demons have this aura but Inuyasha is so volatile that it stays with him almost always. Kikyo seems to hold a very firm energy that has very little movement, it's like a barren tree twisted from years of decay.
I focus on my sensei and read her energy finding peace in its silent reassurance. Her energy is like mist light and leaving a type of freshness about her that only could retain on her person. It remains me of the mist that blanketed my house in the mornings of the spring after it had rained all night. 'You enjoy my energy.'
'It reminds me of the mist that would be around my house when I was younger. It would always appear in the spring after it rained all night.' Her eyes smile as if she truly enjoys listening to my memories. Her laughter drifts to my ears and she smiles brightly looking more like a twenty something woman than the fierce warrior I know her to be. I join her laughter and smile just as brightly watching as her face is poised and nearly matches my own.
'Kagome do not hate Kikyo as much as you do…her fate is just as hard as your because the one her heart yearns for is no longer who he was when she fell for him. Why do you think she pursues the half demon Naraku so relentlessly?'
'So Kikyo truly loves Onigumo but settles for Inuyasha because Onigumo is no longer mortal.' Midoriko nods and rests her hand on her palm which is propped up by her elbow which is sitting on her knee. Her eyes study my face and she smiles dazzlingly.
'I'm afraid that is the case, I must leave you until we train again but please keep in mind that not every occurrence that you come upon is exactly as it seems on the outside and that fate has but one person for every being.'
I smile brightly and stand in a fluid motion as Midoriko does and bow to my Sensei in respect for her teachings. Her hand touches the back of my head and runs along the length of my tied up hair before she wavers and disperses into mist that dances around me for a moment before disappearing all together.
I walk back to our camp and feel a smile crawl across my face as I see my best friend Sango cooking dinner. I settle beside her and take over some of the work. She giggles and nudges me with her hip. I return the favor and we laugh together.
"You were so pretty while you were training Kagome, I didn't know you could wield a sword." I smile brightly at her and she smiles back before cutting up some vegetables.
"I didn't know how to until the last battle. You remember when I returned and told you all that I had died and Sesshoumaru brought me back to life? Well in doing so he had unintentionally unsealed the power that was hidden within my body and that power allowed me to link to the woman who I hold a small portion of her power. Midoriko trained me each night as I slept inside an inner world of my creation. In doing this I learned to manifest her so that I may train while I am awake and how to relock my abilities away so they do not interfere with my everyday life." Her eyes catch mine as we whisper to one another.
"I suppose I understand. I'm glad that you can rely on yourself now. It will make your life much easier. I can't believe he brought her back with us that no good whore." I look up to see a distant look in the once dead priestess's eyes. I sigh and turn to Sango taking her hand in mine and pulling her up.
"Although I do wish I was her at some points in time I do not ever want to feel the pain she has felt Sango. Do not hurt the woman more than needed. Your words should not be directed to her. She has lost much more than either of us can ever know and was ripped from her piece only to be brought back to the land of the living where her lover is no more." Sango eyes me wearily as if I'm going crazy possibly wondering if I am sane any longer.
"I don't understand what you mean Kagome. She stole Inuyasha from you." I pull her with me to a tree and smile softly as I fold into a comfortable position. "Kagome?"
"Sango, trust me for now, Kikyo is just trying to find her way in a world where she does not wish to be." Sango nods and looks to the sky. "I understand her pain, truly I do. I feel as if I do not belong here sometimes and then I see you or Midoriko-sensei and understand that I'm here for a reason whatever it may be."
"I understand that as well Kagome-chan. I will trust you and try to be nice to her it is just hard because she is the reason you have been hurt by Inuyasha so many times." I nod and we watch Shippou playing in the high grasses chasing butterflies. I smile and stand running toward him and rolling around with him in the grass.
I lay back taking in the cold breeze of the fall. I'd soon have to trade my short sleeveless kimono top for a long sleeve one. My black training tights would be fine for the winter before they were as long as my ankles and hocked around the curve of my feet. Of course you couldn't see than because of the flat like shoes that I have on. My hair is usually tied up now because it is easier.
"Momma why were you glowing blue today?" Shippou asks softly resting his head on my stomach and laying perpendicular to me. I run my fingers along his tied up hair in a soothing rhythm before answering him softly.
"I was very angry and lost my control on my power for a moment. Don't worry Shippou I promise I will never get that angry again unless someone hurts someone very dear to me." She green eyes find mine and he smiles before sitting up. He has become so big over the last few years he's about the size of a seven or eight year old now.
"Okay momma as long as you promise. I'm going to go color now alright?" I nod and sit up before watching him walk over. I stand and move to the food before dishing it out. I hand each person a bowl and smile softly even to Kikyo. I hum as I go and then my senses pick up on a demon coming toward us and the bowl drops from my hands falling to the ground and splattering the stew across the earth.
"Kagome what's wrong?" Sango says her voice rushing through her half parted lips as she looks over me once to check and see if I was injured. "Kagome?"
"A demon is coming this way…and Sesshoumaru is chasing it." My eyes light up and whirl around to cover Shippou as my hand light blue and my short swords appear before everyone. "Shippou dear I want you to go with Kirara and stay safe alright?"
He nods and scurries toward Kirara as a large demon crashes into the clearing holding Rin tightly in his hand as she cries hysterically. I feel my power simmer in anger at it disgusting words. "Move from my path I wish to take this girl and mate her I will kill to do so."
"Foul beast you will not touch my ward!" Sesshoumaru growls crashing through after the demon. His eyes are positively blood colored and his teeth are clenched as growl ripple through him. I watch as the demon looks to the livid Lord of the West and loses focus on me. I release my blades into the ground and they sink into the energy moving toward the beast secretly.
I raise my fingers and the blade wraps around his legs barely touching his own energy. I feel my body vibrate and I'm in motion as Sesshoumaru is. I tighten the energy and the demon's eyes flick to me in horror as I move quickly across the ground. I flick my hand open feeling my fan blade appear in bright azure blue. I bring it back and throw it toward the demon's hand and jump at the same time aiming for Rin who begins to fall as the demon's hand is chopped cleanly off. I catch her and tuck her under my body as I hit the ground and roll hitting a tree and stopping dead still. Rin faints and I cough causing blood to splatter from my mouth.
Sesshoumaru glances at me and his eyes dim at seeing his ward safe before completely ripping the trapped demon limp from limb with his poison claws. He stops and drops his head trying to calm down. His feet turn to me and walk toward me before he reaches down and takes my hand pulling me to my feet.
"Miko are you and my ward healthy?" His voice is strained but you can tell that he is not hostile anymore. I nod and feel my power light up around me covering Rin and healing any injuries that she may have had from our fall.
"Your ward is fine she just passed out due to shock." I place her unconscious form onto Ah-Un, who flies away, before turning to him and coughing softly. I feel the blood trickle from my mouth. His claws reach forward slowly and wipe away the blood before he stares at me.
"You are injured Miko perhaps you should sit down and allow your body to heal." His words are to the point and no one saw him touch me but I watch in amazement as he brings his fingers to his lips and licks the blood from them all the while his eyes never left mine. I nod and settle to the ground allowing the Earth's energy to come up around me and merge with my own to create a dark water blue energy that covers my body seeping into my skin and healing me from the outside in.
"Lord Sesshoumaru…" I murmur pulling my body to my feet when I realize that he was leaving. His head rolls over his shoulder and he stares at me for a moment with his hand resting on his shoulder.
"Thank-you miko…my ward would have been injured if it had not been for you. We are even you owe me nothing for bringing you back to life." I gasp as he turns in a whirl of silver and disappears.
"Kagome what does he mean 'for bringing you back to life'?" Miroku asks softly while his gaze settles on me and Inuyasha seethes.
"In our last battle Sesshoumaru found me lying dead and using the heavenly fang he brought me back to life. I don't understand why but I did understand that I owed him greatly and he told me such when I awoke. I suppose my debt is paid off now." I stare into the distance the feeling of his fingers brushing my lips still linger greatly on my skin. However, what sticks with me the most is him licking the blood from the tips of his fingers as if it were precious wine that could not be wasted a single drop of it.
"Since everyone ate let's move camp and get some sleep before setting off to find the rest of the jewel shards." Inuyasha says oddly quite for a change. I nod and help collect the camp before following behind them about twenty minutes away to set up camp again.
"I think I'm going to go for a walk." I murmur before walking into the forest back the way we came. I reach the clearing and sit down just a few steps away for the slowly blood stained Earth. I press my hands into the grass and push my healing energy into it before watching as Shirayuri sprout from the ground and rise across the healing field. I lay back into the flowers and allow their pure energy wash over me/ the white color surrounds me and I close my eyes jumping slightly when a voice shakes me from my thoughts.
"Lord Sesshoumaru, look at all the beautiful flowers may I pick them?" I turn my head to catch the sweeping silver hair billowing in the breeze. He just nods and she skips toward the far end of the field.
"Miko have you healed this field?" He says without sparring me a glance. I sit up and look out over the field smiling softly.
"Hai, I have healed the field." His eyes linger on me before he crocks a finger at me. I stand taking this as my chance to talk with him. Jaken stares at him wide eyed as I follow behind him.
"Jaken, watch Rin if she is hurt I will kill you." He walks into the shade of the trees and I follow him to a small pool of water where he settles on a rather large rock. "You wished to speak to me and if it was about today I have no explanation."
"It is not about today I wish to ask something of you…well more of a proposition." His head turns to me and he beckons me forward sliding slightly on the rock to offer me a place to sit at his side. I slip of my shoes before unhooking the part of my pants around my foot and slipping my stocking off. I repeat the process on the other foot before rolling my pant legs up. I glide onto the rock beside him and dip my feet in the cool water feeling my reiki purify it.
"What do you propose Miko?" I look to the water as my toes circle around it creating ripples in the small pool.
"I wish for your group to join with my own because it would irritate your half brother to no end and it would be easier to defeat Naraku." His eyes dart to mine as a short growl leaves his lips. "I know it would be hard and irritating for you lord knows it is for me already it would probably be ten times worse if…" He cuts me off by raising a finger to my lips and stopping my lips from moving. I glare at him and he chuckles softly causing my glare to slacken and my eyes to trace and retrace his features as they lighten and rid of the usual heaviness around them.
"Miko what exactly would you give me in return?" He asks in an unusually soft tone. Is he comfortable around me?
"I would return to you your arm in front of Inuyasha." His eyes find mine and they are soft. His nostril flare and he sniffs slightly as I stiffen. "Please Sesshoumaru-sama…"
"There is another reason you are not telling me for this joining you speak of." I freeze and bow my head my feet stilling in the water. My hands clench around my top and I clench my teeth. "I will not consider helping if you are not completely honest with me I could be taking my ward into a dangerous situation."
He stands to walk away and I lunge forward gripping his hand while staying on the rock.