Tremors by Unconditional.Attraction.
Chapter 1- Encounters
A/N: Here is the first chapter of my first fanfiction-- Tremors.
The time it took him to realize that he wasn't alone wasn't enough time to see the face of his murderer. The raging bloodshot eyes, the elongated fangs peeking from under their lips, the blood encrusted claws, he saw none of that; only hearing the satisfied chuckle of a woman. She cracked her fingers slowly, and sucked her fingers clean of the blood. His blood was rusty and dirty, telling her he had poor health.
That was fine; she didn't kill him for nutritional value, anyway. He was just someone that didn't pay back her money, is all. He stole from her in the past, and that wasn't okay. She got her revenge, and now she was satisfied. Or, so she thought. Her inner beast growled at her, urging her to kill some more. She shook her head, her eyes returning to orbs of sapphire, her fangs retreating back under her lips, and her claws clean of blood and the stench of death.
She scoured his pockets for money, finding enough to rent a room at an inn and afford food for three days. She scoffed. "Really, this wasn't even half of the amount I let him borrow!" She shook her head, and threw the money sack into the air, catching it with a swipe of her right hand. She smirked. "Well, I might as well get situated in a village nearby. This money isn't going to spend itself." She stalked off, her laughter echoing throughout the forest.
The aura of the village was large; there were many merchants selling cheap products to stupid women, and there were large crowds of children gathered in the square; some playing "Kagome" and others wandering around, panhandling.
Kagome, Kagome...
Come out of your cage...
She froze, enchanted by their sing song voices and dancing. The children were all laughing, surrounding a boy with his hands over his eyes. He was frowning in frustration; this obviously being his second or third time being the bird. The children scuffled around slowly, all shouting in unison.
Who is behind you now?
He sighed, before replying apprehensively. "Is it Nori?" They all widened their eyes, whispering words such as, "Dang, I thought for sure he wouldn't know," or, "thank God I wasn't behind him!" With the bird released, a new one took his place, and the chanting started over again.
Kagome, Kagome...
Come out of your cage...
She fled the scene, not wanting to hear their joyful voices any longer. Did they not recognize the meaning of the nursery rhyme? She shook her head, no longer able to fret on the issue. It didn't matter anymore to her, anyway. That game no longer aggravated her anymore. Neither did her name, either.
"Momma, why'd you name me Kagome? All the kids at school tease me because of it." Kagome crossed her small arms over her chest, pouting just a little. Her mother, Kaori, put down the dish she was scrubbing and sighed. She didn't understand why her daughter cared so much.
"I named you Kagome because it is a beautiful name. Your name holds meaning. That's all I'll say, Kagome. Accept it for what it is; a beautiful name for a beautiful girl." With that, she'd promptly kiss her daughter on the forehead, and usher her to play or take care of her school work.
Kagome snapped back to reality. That incident happened long ago, well over thirty years. It was trivial to recollect something from her days as a human. That side was long ago abandoned; even if her body remained the same; slender, muscular, and overall, physically human. Well, as long as she was in this human village. She would keep the concealment spell on until she was out of here. Kagome's expression soured, recollecting the final hours before her transformation.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome shouted from the top of her lungs, her chest heaving as she ran. Naraku may have died, but his minions were still lurking about. She turned a sharp corner, her shoes making loud clacking noises. Clunk, clunk.
She ran into a room, rushing towards the side farthest from the sliding door. She calmed down her breathing, crouched onto one knee, and aimed her bow at the door. She heard the footsteps approach the room, and seeing the offender slide open the door with a quick motion, she let her arrow fly towards his heart.
"I-Inuyasha!" She ran towards his crouched body, sobbing loudly. "Oh, Inuyasha, I didn't mean to hurt you! I thought you were that damned demon..." He looked up towards her, feigning forgiveness in his amber eyes. He murmured. "Would you mind helping me up?" Kagome nodded, wrapping her arm around his shoulders.
With a chuckle, he swiped at her shoulder, leaping to his feet. The blood rushed out of her bloodied shoulder. However, in his place was not Inuyasha, but the demon that chased after her. Figures he'd be an illusion demon. His blood red eyes stared hatefully, his tongue flickering over his long snout. The air rushed out of his nostrils with every breath he took, and he stalked forwards, seething.
"You'll die, wench."
Kagome stared, unblinking. Her tears dared not to pour, and the words that flowed out of her mouth were those from her subconscious. The pearly pink aura that flared around her destroyed the demon quickly, but she still hadn't noticed. As far as she knew, she was on her way to death.
She didn't want to die. There were places to see, people to meet, people to love... Images of her friends appeared before her, as well as the images of the traveling Western Lord. She loved the power expelled by her friends; wishing to be like every one of them.
Sango; the beautiful demon slayer. She wanted her impeccable beauty, but knew that she would never be as beautiful and graceful as her. Her dream was quickly dispersed, followed by the image of Miroku.
Miroku; the lecherous monk with incredible spiritual power. His spiritual power reached no bounds. Not able to be measured without underestimating it. His power was more than her's could ever amount to, even if she was trained properly. She wanted her spiritual power to be as much as his, no matter what it took. His image was followed by Shippo.
Shippo; the brave youth. His innocence and happiness knew no bounds. His face forever youthful, she was envious, knowing that he was older than her by many decades. She cared for him as a son, but she couldn't help but envy his demonic beauty. How she'd love to have his youthful glow and forever immortality. His image was followed by Inuyasha.
Inuyasha; her hot-headed warrior. There wasn't much to say about him. He was rash, two-faced, (in the good way), and intelligent when he was thinking straight. He wasn't a very good romantic, but he had his good points. Kagome thought about how she'd want his skill for fighting, when another image flashed before her eyes.
Lord Sesshomaru; the regal, sophisticated, stoic, aristocratic demon lord. Not much to say about him, except that he was the "Killing Perfection". She briefly thought about his emotionless face, and wished for his capability to be so... Perfect.
"I want to be someone different."
In this brief moment, the Shikon jewel had registered her wishes-- Grace, spiritual power, immortality, demonic beauty, superior fighting skills, and emotional distance. Her body arched forward, engulfing herself in the pink fluorescent light. Blue youki drifted from the completed jewel around her neck, fusing with her spiritual light. Her aura turned into a light purple, and with an explosion of color, she disappeared from the scene.
Kagome blinked. She remembered it as if it were yesterday. Well, now in her demon form, it almost was yesterday. That happened sixteen years ago. Sixteen years was nothing for a demon. She could blink her eyes, and a month would pass by. Life was so short.
As well as painfully long. Kagome had traveled the entire length of Japan, only to end up back at the western lands. She had also passed by her friends' graves as well. Kagome remembered the afternoon clearly on her friends' deaths. Her breath hitched in her throat; the memory flashing before her ocean colored eyes.
"Good monk Miroku!" Kagome ran towards the crumpled form of her friend, his body completely mutilated. His wind tunnel was gone, but the miasma that he sucked in was completely tearing at his body. The fact that he warded off demons with his physical attacks didn't help, either.
He only smiled, his bloodied lip quivering. "Kagome, I am dying. Please leave Sango my best regards. Please tell her I love her." Kagome's eyes widened, her voice shaking as she spoke. "No, Miroku! You must tell her yourself!" Miroku shook his head, spitting blood onto the dirt next to him. He rested his head on Kagome's lap. He smiled.
"Your lap is most comfortable, Kagome. I am happy to die here. Thank you for being such a good friend of mine. Please tell Sango I'm sorry for not keeping the promise." Miroku closed his violet eyes, smiling happily. Kagome sobbed, clutching his bruised head to her chest. He was gone.
Sango had not taken the news well. Her fire cat companion, Kirara had died in honor. She was exhausted, and suffered too many physical wounds. She had died in Sango's lap, in her master's company. When Kagome had approached her, Sango's eyes were void, as well as her voice. She mumbled.
"I see." Sango looked at her lap, examining the peaceful expression on her childhood companion. She was gone. Sango looked towards the East, where her husband was lying dead. He was gone, as well. Kohaku had died in the hands of Naraku.
At least it was quick. Sango embraced her friend Kagome, whispering into her hair. She shed tears, but was relatively silent. She murmured. "Please live well. I am sorry that I cannot be there for you and witness your life's achievements. Forgive me for my selfish decision." She headed for the East, Kirara in her arms.
Kagome found Sango in the arms of Miroku, laying next to the place where his heart would've been. Kirara was curled in between them, resting peacefully. Sango died of poisoning. She ingested her entire stash. Kagome wrinkled her nose in distaste; suicide didn't fit well with Sango's name. Kagome burned their bodies separately, watching as they turned to ash.
Kagome had collected their ashes in vials she used to hold spices. Not a proper urn, but it was enough until she got to Kaede's village. Kagome had sat for hours, waiting for Inuyasha. Waiting until the pink sky fell into a blanket of black, clutching the three vials to her heart.
He had never come.
To this day, Kagome never found his body or his whereabouts, but she was almost sure she knew where he was. She didn't want to believe her doubts, but she remembered his promise to the undead priestess. She was sure he remembered as well.
Kagome ran her slender fingers through her wavy tresses, and searched for a respectable inn. The village was a busy one, and because of the constant stream of humans passing through, Kagome knew they'd have at least one good inn.
What she didn't expect was the young demon at the entrance. He had bowed politely at the waist, and his hair was a shocking auburn. His hair was worn down; reaching past his shoulders. When he looked up from his formal bow, his eyes were shining emeralds. He spoke brightly; a beautiful voice for a beautiful boy.
"Welcome to the Maple Inn!" He beckoned towards the building behind him, which appeared much more beautiful with him standing in front of it. He was good publicity, she thought. She nodded, and responded in her own feminine tone.
"Yes, I am shocked to see such a regal inn at a location such as this. May I ask who my server is?" He seemed much too familiar, but she could not place a name for his face, nor for his scent. It was quite possible that she knew him before the transformation. She was snapped out of her thoughts when he grinned widely. His teeth were perfect.
"Your humble servant for this evening is an orphan named Shippo. I am honored to be in your presence." He bowed flamboyantly; a perfect act for a perfect gentleman. Kagome froze. She recognized this name. She recognized his face. However, he seemed much older now. Why?
"Kagome! Look at me! I've performed a new illusion!" The young Shippo bounced happily on top of his spinning wheel, his mouth agape with delight. His giggle fits were spontaneous; loud and cute. Shippo hopped down from his perch on his wheel, trotting towards his friend Kagome. He smiled.
"Did I do well, Kagome?" Kagome nodded, her blue eyes sparkling with bliss. She patted him twice on the head, before engulfing him in a big hug. She kissed his cheek only to hear a whine.
"Aww, come on, Kagome! I'm not a baby!" She'd only smile softly, tucking a stray hair behind his ear. "That may be so, but you are much too cute to not adore and kiss." With that, she'd give him a piece of her modern candy, and continue with whatever she had been doing.
That was the last happy episode they'd enjoyed before the battle.
"Kagome! Run!" Shippo had engulfed several demons in his fox fire, able to kill two of them. He was proud of his achievement, but knew his glory would be short lived as he watched his motherly friend run across the battlefield. Demons chased after her, leading her towards the castle. He watched most of them go down with her sacred arrows; the light almost blinding him.
Shippo stared in awe; distracted by the scene. She stood in front of the castle, legs apart, and arms sending arrows flying through the air. Kagome screamed from her position; hair flying lightly around her, and her blue eyes crazy with movement. Their line of sight went from Shippo to the demons, Shippo, demons, Shippo, and so forth.
"Shippo! Get out of here! Fly to a nearby village! I'll come get you at a later time! I promise!" With that, she had run into the castle Naraku had once occupied, and Shippo heard her scream in the far off distance.
"Please, run now! I love you and always will. Remember my promise, no matter how long it takes!" With the assurance of her promise, Shippo transformed into a crane; taking his leave for a human village.
It had been well over a decade since he had last seen her. She still hadn't come back, as far as he knew. He would've recognized her scent. Shippo looked over the guest from head to toe, almost marveling at the uncanny resemblance. But Kagome wouldn't have looked so young. She would've been well into her thirties, almost forty.
It wouldn't hurt to ask, right?
Shippo cleared his throat, mumbling. "What is your name, Miss?" Kagome smiled softly, extending her arms. She knew who he was, he knew who she was, it was a relatively happy reunion.
Except for the fact that she was now a demon. Kagome furrowed her brows, hesitating to tell him. Shaking her head slightly, she smiled. If she told him now, it'd ruin him. Knowing that the only way she could look the same to him would be if she was a demon.
That would mean becoming an entirely different person to him. He couldn't come with her on her journey, anyway. He'd be subject to the dangers of her rage, and witness a side of her that'd he'd never dream of seeing.
No, now is not the time to tell him. She'd tell him later, maybe on her way out of the inn. Kagome smiled knowingly, and pressed her fingertips to his humanoid ears. So he was wearing a concealment spell, as well. She whispered into his hair.
"I'll tell you another time, Shippo. But do well to hide your youki better. Concealment spells only work on stupid humans. Not persons like me." Kagome waved slowly, walking into the massive building. She felt bad for what she did, but it was for the best.
The jewel made her this way. Emotional distance inherited from Lord Sesshomaru. She shook her head, wondering where he was now. He was the only one who survived without running away. Except Inuyasha, but he was as good as dead. Kagome cursed under her breath, dispersing the images of the two brothers.
She abandoned her human sentimentalities long ago.
- - - - -
"Greetings, Lord Sesshomaru." Jaken bowed at the waist; his bulbous noggin nearly touching the oak floor. He kept his eyes on his Master's feet, waiting for further instruction to talk. He was honored with a response from his busy lord.
"Hn. Jaken." Jaken's head nearly snapped off his neck from the jerking movement. He stuttered; some how nervous. "Ah, Milord, there has been rumors of a most terrifying demon. Several of our scouts have been dispersed off because of them." Jaken shivered. He had been the one to find the bodies.
It wasn't as if he never seen a dead body before. No, these bodies were completely destroyed. Skin hanging off of the white bones. The wounds were clearly claw marks; but the burns that followed were not those of a flame, but purification.
Spiritual power. It wasn't unknown that demons had magical properties, but there had never been a demon that inherited spiritual abilities. Not even half-breeds that were born from a priestess' womb. Jaken tensed visibly; almost able to feel the sheer pain from being burned alive.
Sesshomaru arched a fine brow, amused. "Which of our scouts had been murdered?" Jaken closed his eyes. This was going to be the scary part. He cleared his throat, and with a croak, boasted.
"The level As, sir." Jaken cracked one of his eyes open; his pupil darting from the floor to his Master's gaze. He was completely still, and had the mask of indifference stapled onto his face. Sesshomaru spat icily.
"Our highest level of spies? That isn't possible, Jaken. I hand-picked and trained them myself." He was clearly irritated; even if he didn't show it on his face. But the way his pelt twitched clearly showed it to Jaken. If he wasn't careful, his body was on the line. He coughed.
"Yes, your honor, but this demon is a formidable one. Even honing powers that I have never seen in my seven hundred years of life." Jaken clutched his staff until his green, gangly hands turned purple. The human equivalent of white. Sesshomaru barked.
"Speak! What are these powers that you speak of?" Jaken gulped, cowering from his master's powerful aura. This might be the phrase that ends his life. Jaken prayed silently to the Gods, and whispered so low even Lord Sesshomaru had to strain his ears.
"Claws that purify, Milord."
- - - - -
It was two days that Kagome had stayed at the inn. Two short days that was spent with the young lad, Shippo. Kagome hadn't told him about her history with Naraku, only telling him she was nineteen.
Well, it wasn't completely a lie. Kagome swept her feet gently in the river; her boots thrown to the side and her hakamas rolled to her knees. Shippo had questioned her about the outfit, but she responded with a generic response. Everyone asked her the same question.
"Miss, where did you acquire such... Eccentric clothing? Those are not befitting for a woman." Shippo had examined her stature, and wrinkled his nose. Women that he encountered were awfully strange.
Kagome simply laughed, her fingers touching her cheek. With a wipe of her eye, she spoke heartily. "Ahh, that may be so, Shippo. But these clothes are befitting for a warrior." She twirled in a circle, showing him the full view.
Her haori was one simple in color; a harsh black that resembled her midnight hair, (albeit the one her concealment spell supplied her with), and the embroidering of stars on her sleeves. They were dazzlingly bright; made with real spider demon silk.
She wore armor over her dainty torso; a bleak gray that resembled the clouds in color. Three prongs jutted from the top; made of the bone from a dragon she had slain. Dragon hide covered the bottom half, the scales formed up of millions of hexagons. At her sides were hidden compartments for poisons.
To her right flank was a thin katana. Simple in design with only a red handle, but the sharpest of blades that could cut a diamond with only a slight movement. The sword was made by a master blacksmith, (Totosai), as was the weapon strapped on her back.
Made of sleek cherry wood, the dual-headed scythe was a sight for sore eyes. Scythe heads made of fangs from the great Komodo clans; they shimmered with an almost ethereal glow. Gold had been mended into the scythe heads, insuring optimum beauty and grace. Her weapons were those of utmost condition and power.
Her lower half was clad like that of a man; hakamas similar in color and design as her haori. The legs flowed like that of a pear; ballooning until retreating back into her boots.
Made of turtle hide, the red-shelled footwear was ankle height, and had buckles strapped on each side. If worn on the feet of a common human, they most certainly would've given away their position from the chains dangling at the top. Only one with grace and power could've worn her clothing without looking foolish and arrogant.
However, Kagome had looked regal and womanly in her outerwear. She still managed to maintain the womanly figure even underneath the armor; she was most definitely the most beautiful human he had seen. Even if she resembled the girl he once knew.
Kagome sighed, almost dreamily. The days she had spent here were the best in the past sixteen years. She had eaten wonderful food because of Shippo, and met all of the girls that fawned over him, following him restlessly throughout the town. He was most definitely a miniature Miroku.
Kagome took her feet out of the water, drying them in the hot grass. The grass around her was yellow, wilting as she slid her feet over the prickly plants. The summer had been a hot one, and according to the monks, the drought was caused because of a great spiritual disturbance.
She could only guess what that meant. Kagome wanted to stay here forever, but knew that she could not. Staying in one place too long meant an emotional attachment to the place. She couldn't deal with that again. Watching the people around her die, no, that's why she became a demon like Sesshomaru.
Cold, distant, and a killing machine. Yes, that’s exactly how she wanted her second life to be. Now that her slender legs were dry, Kagome slipped on her socks and boots. She planted her feet firmly inside of them, and walked towards the inn she was staying at. She had bathed, ate, and slept enough to last her a month without sleep. She was ready to leave.
"Miss, why are you leaving so soon? It has only been two days! Please, stay longer! I will even pay for the extra night! I will be most lonely without you here." Shippo ran towards the pay counter, his teeth chewing on his lower lip. Kagome could smell the stench of blood beginning to rise, and she tried swallowing her spit. Her mouth was suddenly parched.
With a cough, she paid the manager his money and stalked off. Shippo followed patiently behind her. He screamed as she escaped farther from his view. He was almost crying now.
"Please, Miss! Tell me your name!" With a heart-breaking smile, she mumbled back; knowing his demon ears would hear her.
"My name is Kagome Higurashi. I kept my promise, right, Shippo? I came to visit you. Sorry that it was so late, though." Kagome stalked forward, the tears coming towards the surface. She kept them at bay, however and continued walking away from the inn, but on second thought, she screamed from the bottom of the hill.
"I promise to come back, Shippo!" Kagome waved from her spot, and with a giggle, walked away. Not before hearing his response, however.
"Don't worry, Kagome! I'll be here waiting!" Shippo waved his arms excitedly over his head. He grinned triumphantly, and waltzed back towards the entrance. He would wait here for another thirty years if he had to.
A/N: Thanks for reading! Please review and critique, yes? (: