chapter eight
Chapter Eight of The Gates of Heaven and Hell has been officially posted. ^^ Though it has been done for three weeks. I have started nine and am still working on revising chapter two of Reunion.
I want to say thank you to mia1837 @ fanfiction.NET and megumi @ asinglespark.COM
The Gates / Fanfiction.net / Mediaminer.org / A Single Spark.com
~ chapter eight ~ homepage / ff.NET
o.O.o
The dawn’s warmth reached the sleeping miko a couple of hours after sunrise. Her eyes groggily opened. She felt the child’s heat at her side and carefully untangled her limbs from the blanket, climbing out so as to not disturb her. There were no signs of anyone else and though she was sure that she was safe, she did not know where she was. Kagome noted her tattered clothing and quietly stepped to the small fire, finding a bundle of miko robes and a waiting breakfast. Quickly, the woman changed. Though there was little time for her to waste, her stomach seemed to demand her current attention and she heartily ate a bowl of the steamy soup.
Sparing a glance back, a small smile crossed her features. The child was sleeping soundly and a peace washed over her before she pushed it away. Kikyou was waiting and she did not think it wise to anger her mentor any more than she might have already.
The young woman crossed the bridge. She could smell the river that was a few yards away and she picked up her pace. When Kagome reached the top of the hill, which overlooked the small valley that the water-way has settled in, she saw the priestess’ form. Kikyou turned and motioned her down.
“I see you are well, Kagome-chan.” Her words held an unknown meaning to Kagome, and one that she did not catch as she bowed.
“I’m sorry, Miko Kikyou-san.”
Her formal tone surprised the elder of the two. Sesshoumaru had taught her some formalities, yet it was wasted. “You need not address me with such a formal greeting. I am to be your mentor, your master from now on. Sesshoumaru may say different young priestess, but he has requested my assistance in training your powers and you will do as I say.” Her tone was demanding and hard. The woman had to know that she was in charge.
Kagome winced a little, but nodded. “I understand.”
“You may address me as Kikyou-sama.” She turned walking to the flat stone near the edge. “We must bathe, Kagome-chan. Come undress. I assure you that this area is safe from any prying eyes. I would be able to sense them before they were able to get close to do any harm.”
The girl nodded and followed Kikyou’s movements as she disrobed and entered the water. Kagome laid her clothing beside the elder’s and waded into the cool liquid. Out of instinct, Kagome pushed herself deeper into its depths as she began the motions of purifying herself. The experienced miko hid her shock. ‘How does she know this?’ Stunned, Kikyou decided to wait until the right time and ask. She had to remember that this girl was not even conscious of it herself. The woman adverted her eyes before the younger could notice. ‘Who is she and where did she come from?’ Questions flooded her mind. ‘Why does she look like me?’
The ceremony took about an hour. The two retreated to the shore, gathering their clothes. Kagome had not paid Kikyou much attention as she drowned herself in the strange but soothing ritual. It had brought a peace out in her that she did not know existed, so it had been a surprise and shock when her eyes saw the horrible scaring. Kagome quickened her pace, wanting to erase the images and questions that filled her head.
The female’s voice broke her out of her daze. “Come, we will meditate before lunch. I must see how well you can calm yourself.”
She nodded in silent agreement as the two began a short walk into the forest. Kagome started to wonder where they were going until a small shrine appeared in a hazy fog of magic. “Kikyou-sama, what is this?” She heard her voice but had not known she had spoken.
“We are on holy ground Kagome, and this is a holy shrine. Only those with pure intentions may even lay eyes on this place.” The two ascended the wooden steps and entered the double doors. Kagome’s eyes had to adjust to the dim setting. The young woman sat where Kikyou motioned as the miko went to light a few candles. It was apparent to the young woman that this was a very special place surrounded by incredible waves of spiritual energy. “The first task is to clear your mind in order to achieve a balance in yourself. You must not let emotions overcome you and cloud your judgment. It will be your downfall Kagome-chan.”
The elder female sat down across from her. Their eyes connected. Kikyou’s chocolate pupils pierced her soul. “Clear your mind.”
Kagome nodded slightly as her lids closed. She could feel the youkai energies of nearby demons pushing on her, making it hard for her to breathe. ‘Is this what it feels like? I can barely breathe!’
“Steady your breathing Kagome. You must not let them physically effect you.” Kikyou’s command calmed her soul. “Deep slow breathes. Inhale. Exhale.” Her voice was rhythmical and her coaching eased the pain on her chest. The shadows did not disappear but she could easily restrain them.
Kikyou’s voice faded into a hum. Kagome found herself floating, surrounded by various shades of grays and blacks. On occasion, she could catch glimpses of deep blues, greens, and reds. She felt sure that these were the evil energies from before, but she could not feel the darkness or malice hidden within. Her thoughts went to Sesshoumaru; his touch and warmth. She did not feel any malice in his heart, nor could she see any of the darkness that Kikyou spoke of.
A searing pain caught the girl unguarded. Kikyou’s words rushed to the surface; ‘clear your mind.’ Her eyes managed to catch a shimmer of purple before she involuntarily screamed. Her hands went to her chest; she could feel the jewel burning with hatred. Quickly, she stood and darted out of the small room, not waiting for Kikyou’s questions. It was hard to breathe and the youkai spiritual energy of that monster had made her claustrophobic. She needed air. And Sesshoumaru. Her mind screamed for him. ‘Sesshoumaru, where are you?!’
‘Dammit!’ she cursed. ‘Why do I think of him? I was doing so good too.’ Tears sprang up. The pain had been horrible. Her breaths were heavy as she slowly calmed the turmoil of emotions raging in her chest. The image of Kikyou’s nude torso flashed in her mind. ‘The pain had been in the same area as her scar.’
“Kagome.” The sound of her name startled the woman. She turned to see Kikyou’s eyes trained on her; the emotions masked underneath her exterior. “We shall take a break. Let’s walk to the village and eat lunch.” Her voice took a lighter tone, trying to whisk away some of the horrors that she knew the girl must have felt.
She was a little shaken and had expected the woman to question her, especially after her outburst inside. The walk to the center of the hub was quiet as they were both lost in the events of that morning. The screams of the children greeted the two mikos as they entered the square. Several girls and boys ran to Kikyou, jumping up and down. Kagome noted that some had weeds and such in their hands; ‘Those must be herbs.’ A small body crashing into her lower form caught her off-guard. She smiled warmly, “Rin.”
“Nee-chan! Rin missed you! Rin picked these pretty flowers for you!” The child’s bubbly nature lifted her spirits. How could she keep her cloudy demeanor with her around? Kagome desperately wanted to ask her where her master was. She needed to see Sesshoumaru.
“They are beautiful Rin!” She knelt to the girl’s eyes. “Thank you, I love them.” Before Kagome knew it, the child wrapped her arms around her in a hug. The miko returned the affectionate hug and held her tears. Kikyou had to be wrong. ‘Not every demon was like that.’ Sesshoumaru could not be. The proof was this little girl in her arms.
“Will you eat with Rin?” Kagome nodded and stood. The child took her hand and lead her to the stones around a circular pit. She noticed that Kikyou was staring at her, watching her intently as the miko was still surrounded by children.
Rin’s chattering voice brought her back. She heard Kikyou’s gentle command. “Come, let’s follow Kagome-chan, shall we? I am very hungry.”
Kagome noted that there were only humans around. Although she felt comfortable, there was an uneasy pulse underneath the calm. ‘Where is Sesshoumaru? What about the other toad-demon that Rin speaks of? And Inuyasha? What is going on?’ Her head began to hurt a little. She knew there was something wrong. ‘What happened to me last night?’