Golden Cage by Stella Mira

The Well Which Shattered Her Hope

The Well Which Shattered Her Hope

People often act in a cruel manner, disregarding the consequent effects their thoughtless behavior could have on others. It is a natural occurrence; above all we are mostly loyal to our own pleasure zone. An accepting gesture or a comforting word is sometimes harder to elicit than a veiled threat or a hostile accusation. I had known such kindness and love that when they were abruptly stolen from me, I was left bereft with no direction as to what my place in this faceless world was supposed to be anymore. I wandered aimlessly the unforgiving lands, driven by an all consuming feeling of futile revenge, to distract myself of the despondent truth; I was alone with no one there to offer me protection from the harsh savageries of life.

Then she came, a radiant being forged by the blinding light of the sun itself. She acknowledged my insignificant existence and gave me reason to truly smile from the bottom of my heart again, unperturbed of the violent suffering raging all around us. She gathered the shards of my seemingly jaded soul, melding them back together with her unconditional love and care. Gradually, I began to see benevolence in people instead of malice; whereas, before, my eyes were closed to the wonders of life, they became crystal bared. She taught me how to appreciate the heart I was gifted with if only I dared chance a peek under my heavily shielded eyes.

However, when the accursed time I had to repay her altruistic favor came, I miserably failed. I stood petrified as I watched horrified the lustrous light fading from her brilliant pools slowly, day after day. At first, I could neither understand why her glow was diminishing so quickly nor offer any kind of comfort. Perhaps, the young of my age was partly to blame for this terrible misconception. All I know now is, by the time I had the strength of character to offer her support, she had succumbed so deeply in despairing darkness I was never able to witness her resplendent light again.

Shippou

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“I am truly sorry, child. Yer fate proved to be much harsher than my late sister’s ever was,” the old miko commented in a saddened voice, sighing deeply as she pressed her withered palm on the younger miko’s shoulder in a kind gesture of support.

“Thank you, Kaede-obaachan. I’m sure I will be fine, though; after all, I have all of you here to lend me strength,” Kagome replied with a faltering smile towards the seasoned old miko, struggling to hide the despair taking root deep in the confines of her heart.

“Of course we will, Kagome-chan! We consider you a part of our family. You won’t have to go through this alone. Our home is always open for you and you can depend on us for anything,” Sango exclaimed with tears shining in her large chocolate eyes, rushing forward to embrace her friend tightly.

You are lucky, Sango-chan. Finally, you have a place to call home. May your life be full of happiness from now onwards; you deserve it, my dear sister, Kagome prayed silently with a bittersweet expression on her delicate features, returning fervently the emotional hug.

“It appears fate has placed yet another tremendous burden on your shoulders, Kagome-sama. However, I have no doubt you will overcome this recent obstacle and resurface victorious this time as well. Do not hesitate to call upon our assistance should you ever find yourself in a time of need,” Miroku offered with one of his charming smiles, bowing his head in recognition and respect of the miko’s continuous struggle.

“I appreciate the offer, Miroku-sama. I have a distinctive feeling little angels will be added soon to your wonderful family, so you will be seeing me quite often. I plan on spoiling them greatly with gifts of my time.” Kagome laughed jovially as a great shadow was finally lifted from her clouded eyes at the happy prospect.

“Kagome-chan… are you sure the well is still functional though?” Sango asked hesitantly, not wanting to see her friend’s vibrant eyes darkened with worry again, but needing to ascertain this matter. It would be better if all the grave revelations happened in one day, and they dealt with the aftermath together, than Kagome finding out on her own alone.

“Keh, let’s go see,” Inuyasha intervened, gracing Kagome with a warm, soft gaze, in absolute contrast to his rough voice.

“Yes, I believe I’m ready now,” Kagome nodded in a grim voice, determination seeping through her steely posture as they all followed behind the brusque hanyou, exiting the hut quietly.

“Don’t worry, Kagome. I’ll always protect you. I’ve given my promise and I won’t go back on my word,” Inuyasha murmured in a rare gentle tone, while on their way to the old wooden well which had connected their fates.

“I know, Inuyasha. I know…” Kagome whispered back, inhaling deeply his earthly scent; she was always reminded of fresh pine trees in a deep calm forest whenever she buried her face in his silver locks as he carried her securely on his dependable back. However, slowly, a memory of another promise to a different miko, one he eventually could not keep, resurfaced in her mind, causing her heart to constrict painfully.

Would you have made that promise if Kikyou had still been alive, Inuyasha? she mused dejectedly, cursing her weak nature for shamelessly clinging to a fleeting promise made on a rush impulse.

The well did not respond to her calls, no matter how many long hours she spent, trying desperately to elicit even a faint spark of the familiar azure glow, exhausting her spiritual reserves.

“Kagome… enough. You can let go now. We will try again tomorrow,” a low, gruff voice prompted her, and a large, clawed hand circled her frail arm gently, pulling her into the familiar reassuring embrace she had known to scare away all her nightmares before. This time though, the haunted look in her hooded eyes refused to disappear so effortlessly.