InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ In the Shadow of Destiny ❯ Chapter XII ( Chapter 12 )

 

 

In the Shadow of Destiny

By

Firebird Phoenix

Chapter XII

 

“What are you doing here, you're free?” asked InuYasha in bewilderment, a cold scowl crossed Suki's lips; she looked away from him her eyes glistening with tears.

“No I'm not, no one from Lord Akira's mansion is. The law that says if a slave's master dies, the slave is free doesn't work for slaves like us. It's just some cruel joke created to cause false hope. We we're all picked up shortly after we met up in the forest, I was sold here, I don't know what happened to everyone else. Hiroshi's free though apparently that law only applies to slaves with Bonded Freedom.” Explained Suki with such venomous hate it was seeping from her, the lynx demon was a little taller now, she wore a tattered dark blue dress. Suki had no human features; she looked like a walking cat, with her bob tail sticking out of an especially made hole.

“What about you InuYasha, did your master sell you?”

“No, Kagome didn't sell me.” Admitted InuYasha solemnly

“Oh, then what happened?” asked Suki

“I don't want to talk about it.” InuYasha returned to his work hoping Suki would go away and stop prying, she was always too curious for her own good.

“You were stolen, eh?” InuYasha narrowed his eyes at Suki that was a hushed topic amongst slaves, it was a common reality, and thieves would slip into small towns under the cover of night and kidnap healthy strong slaves while they slept. The unlucky slaves would be forced into silence and taken to God knows where, rumours spread that it was the Drakmen kidnapping slave to sacrifice.

“I wasn't stolen Suki, I just don't to talk about it.” InuYasha Barked, It would have been easier to let her believe he was stolen but that might create problems for him later.

“Well maybe this new master of your will fix that bad attitude of yours Mutt.” Rebutted Suki in an angry tone, InuYasha returned to his work let Suki believe what she tomorrow he will be back on the road again looking for Kagome.

*~~~*

Kagome walked thru the valley surrounded by the carcasses of dragons; there must have been dozens of them each lying silently encased in crystal. And it gave Kagome the creeps she could feel their restless souls watching her, almost sounding like voices echoing in the distance like a low whisper unable to make out. Fear swelled in her chest like she was being hunted she started to see shadows and shapes where there were none. Something was there waiting in the corners, and it was coming she had to get out of there; Kagome ran she didn't care where as long as she was away from there. She ran into a dense fog, Kagome could barely make out the shapes of the crystallized dragons around her, her panic intensified, finally she tripped on a stone as she laid there not wanting to open her eyes, for fear that whatever was chasing her caught up. She mustered up the courage to open her eyes and found herself at the entrance to a temple, the large single story eastern styled temple stood like a beacon of light in the darkness.

Kagome hurried up the stairs and pushed open the large wooden doors with, magnificent flying dragons carved into them. Kagome leaned against the inside of the door slowing her speeding heart; the room was large with ten pillars standing in a circle, four torches illuminated the circle, casting tall dark shadows in the walls. Kagome slowly walked toward the pillars admiring the magnificent carvings of dragons on the walls, carved into the floor if the circle was a mighty dragon, standing tall and proud with outstretched wings. Kagome was mystified by the dragon's lifelike eyes as they seemed to follow her, when Kagome knelt to touch them; flames exploded around the circle, the tall flames darkened the shadows to pure blackness. She looked despite to find a way out of the fire circle, straining her eyes Kagome saw something move, fear swelled in her chest again as she watched the shadowy figure dart between pillars.

“Show yourself!” Kagome Demanded, the figure stopped and turned to her, Kagome mustered her courage to face it, as it move closer a pain burned in her chest it grew more intensely with every step the creature took until Kagome was forced to her knees.

“Your power is truly great pet.” Said a cool voice that haunted Kagome, the figure stepped into the light and Kagome's heart stopped, Kane stood smirking at Kagome holding a clump of bloody silver hair. Sitting on his knees at Kane's feet was a beaten InuYasha, and his sword in the other hand.

“You surprised me Kagome being able to transform into a dragon in my presence. But I've learned that it was this mongrel that gave you the strength, during your weeks of freedom you grew to care for this abomination and the thought of his death gave you the strength to save him. I believe it was only a one time experience, but even still I can't risk it happening again. measures must be taken. Say good-bye to your lover Kagome.” Kane pushed InuYasha in front of him and raised his sword above his head, a raw serge of power erupted in Kagome's core and despite the intense pain it caused she changed into a large wolf and charged at Kane. She leapt threw the flames aiming for Kane's throat, but instead of taking her much deserved revenge she past right threw him. Skidding to a stop she looked back Kane, and InuYasha were gone, the flames died down and an elderly man in emerald green robes stood in the centre of the circle.

“Congratulations young lady you past the test.” Said the older man in a shaky voice, Kagome looked at him perplexed, the torches died down and sun light beamed in threw high windows. The room wasn't so frightening anymore there was an air of peacefulness in the air.

“I don't understand?”

“This is the Dragon Temple, long ago before dragon's craved the taste of flesh and blood they were a proud and mighty race. Once they died their souls would come here and be encased in crystal waiting for the time when someone deemed worthy would take their crystal souls and put them to good use. What you experienced here was a test of worthiness by the Fires of Illusion, is showed you your worst nightmare and tested your reaction. You showed courage in defying the man who owns you.” Said the Mage pointing a shrivelled hand at her mark, Kagome lowered her head she hated being reminded Kane held so much power over her, rubbing the cloth of her Ao-Dai in some futile attempt to remove it.

Hundreds of multi-coloured lights surrounded Kagome dancing around her like the fairies in the old fairytales, red, blue, green, and gold were the most common but Kagome spotted a single amethyst light, it was larger than the others. It floated and danced like a leaf in the wind it was so beautiful it would lighten its colour in sunlight and darken in the shadows. Kagome was enchanted by the light she reached to touch it the light pulled away from her hand but slowly moved toward it and touched her fingertips. Kagome felt the surge of power course threw her like a waterfall, never had the world felt so clear, she could sense everything, these lights were Dragon Souls from hundreds of years ago she felt their valour and honour. They were a great race who would never lower themselves to devouring human flesh like the Dragons and Drakmen of today did. Suddenly the light pulled away and the power was gone Kagome felt a hole in her soul like something precious had been ripped away; the light split in two and floated their as if watching Kagome then suddenly they shot at her entering her eyes with streams of amethyst light following them. Kagome lost all sense of the world around her only the vision being played out in her mind.

Kagome stood on a high mountain surrounded by a thousand dragons flying carelessly in the clouds and resting on the other peaks. They looked so glorious not anything like the frightening creature Kagome saw when she was first brought to Blackheart Castle, sitting on the highest peak was a beautiful amethyst dragon. He embodied the values Kagome sensed when she first touched the light, his aura oozed with honour and valour when he took to the air his wings looked like they'd block out the sun when he handed in front of Kagome the mountain shook.

The towering dragon looked down at Kagome with its sapphire blue cat eyes, as she gazed into them, transfixed by their beauty the world around her spun in dark clouds like a twister. The world settled and the dragon pointed behind her, Kagome turned she now stood over a valley. Small buildings were etched strait from the rock they stood on in the centre on the town was a large temple twelve or thirteen stories high made up of large square slabs piled on top of each-other each small then the one it laid. On the top slab arched awning stood on the edges of the slab with a large raised stone alter in the center, for sacrifices no doubt. Kagome noticed two Drakmen dragging a woman up the stairs. She watched curiously as they forced to woman onto the slab and bound her hands with chains above her head, the woman wore a flimsy white garb she struggled with her bonds until she heard a snarling growl. A large emerald green dragon walked up from the opposite side of the temple she stopped dead staring at the mighty beast who watched her with hungry eyes, the dragon tilted her dead to the side examining his offering. Kagome's eyes widened as the Dragon started to change and took the shape of a human. He walked over to the woman who stared misty eyed at him, he traced along her exposed skin with his finger tips.

“You can be useful.” Said the dragon in a deep powerful voice, though she was far away Kagome could hear as if he were right next to her. With a wave of his hand the two Drakmen freed the woman and lead her away.

“I don't understand, what happened to the dragons to turn them into this?” asked Kagome as she turned to her guide, the Dragon lowered its head levelling evenly with Kagome. Again the world changed but so did the dragon, he stood in human form, he was handsome, the only references to his dragon nature was his emerald cat eyes and his long amethyst hair. The world settled they were once again at the mountains but there were no Dragon's soaring above her, instead they lay on the mountain peaks they colours less vibrant, they looked hungry, with wild eyes.

“We dragon's were more than the beast we are seen as now, a sickness came to my people; nothing we did would stop it. Slowly all dragons' succumbed to it, but it didn't kill us, it changed us. We became bloodthirsty craving the taste of blood, as well as human company. Most that became infected chose to end their lives rather than live as beasts, easily swayed to the whims of others. The others embraced their madness, their union with humans crated the abominations your kind call the Drakmen, and they built temples to slaughter lives.” Said the Dragon, Kagome's mind swam trying to understand what the dragon was trying to say.

“Why... are you telling me this?” she asked slowly

“I have lived for many centuries young blood, and I have seen your kind of soul before.” As Kagome stared into the Dragon's emerald eyes, they twinkled like starlight's.

“I don't understand?”

“There is a fire burning within you, it is not easily extinguished you are destined for great things. Don't forget, that as long as you have someone to love you can achieve anything.” The Dragon's words were wise, she experienced the fire he spoke of first hand, when she changed and saved InuYasha from the gallows, but even with the Dragon's reassurances' Kagome didn't believe she could do anything of importance.

“But how can I accomplish anything great, I barely understand my abilities.” Said Kagome voicing her concerns, a smile crossed the dragon's lips.

“I have seen many wars and battles in my life, and the saviour isn't who kills the most enemies, or slays the evil king, but who can inspire courage in the meek. You don't have to be a gallant knight to be a saviour Young Blood; your very existence gives courage to those who need it most.”

“How can you say that, I've been hidden away all of my life, first in the village then... with Kane.” Kagome's voice was barely above a whisper when she spoke Kane's name, the Dragon sighed deeply, Kagome's gaze was cast down her shoulders slouched she held herself with such disgust it was disheartening.

“It is understandable to hate what you are. After all you have caused unimaginable grief to Mika's people by simply being born. But if you do not want to fight for yourself, then fight for your love and your children for as long as Kane breathes he will never stop hunting you. And no matter how far you run he will find you sooner or later.” Kagome awoke with a start the dragon's words echoing in her mind, she lay in the dragon circle, slowly she got up taking in her confusing surroundings when things came flooding back. Kagome clasped her mouth trying to hold back the sobs; she felt the Dragon's ancient sadness and despair as if it had just happened, her knees crumbled she hugged herself trying in vain to comfort the countless souls resting here.

“It is truly a tragic tale,” said the old Sage solemnly, “The dragons were a glorious race it is disheartening to know they fell so easily.” Kagome looked up the Sage behind her stood with his eyes cast down gazing at the mightily dragon in the circle.

“Who are you?” Kagome asked in a braking voice

“Forgive me, you can call me Sage. And congratulations you have been chosen for a great honour.” Sage said in a glorious tone, “You have been chosen to share in the Dragon's power, see for yourself, your Mark reflects this honour.” Kagome unbuttoned the opening on her Ao-Dai and staring her in the face was a different Mark, Kane's crest was gone but so was the chain that bound the dragons' neck, this new purple dragon stood tall with its wings outstretched. It looked fearsome and powerful like the dragons from her vision.

“His supreme Highness Ahura Mazda has chosen you as his Soul Pyx.”

“Soul Pyx?” echoed Kagome

“A Soul Pyx is a living person chosen by the dragon soul so the person may use his power and attempt to restore honour to the disgraced Dragon Race. You should be greatly honoured Ahura Mazda, King of the Dragon's has chosen you as his Soul Pyx. I'm sure you are already feeling the effects of his presence.” Explained Sage, Kagome admitted the hole in her soul was filled and the world did feel more vibrant.

“Many others have received this gift but none lived up to the expectations.”

“What do you mean?”

“The High Mages in the Zen Kingdom's The Sorcerer Army were granted this gift but instead of defeating the evil of the world they pledged their loyalty to King Iscah. They somehow duplicated the Dragon power to a lesser extent and gave the King untold power, a power the tyrant Kane desires. When Kane first conquered Mika he was no match for the Zen Kingdom, but in three short years he has built up the Yin Kingdom's armies and allied with the Jade Kingdom's corrupt Emperor. Together with his Dragon's and Drakmen I fear not even the Sorcerer Army can stand against him, and if the Zen Kingdom falls then evil will never be purged from this land.” Explained Sage, Kagome shifted uneasily overwhelmed with the responsibility rushed upon her, she held the salvation or destruction of every kingdom in her hands. The Prophecy was coming into realization whether she wanted it to or not.

“Don't fret child, everything that has taken place is destiny. The Mighty Dragon race always knew you would come and become the Soul Pyx to Ahura Mazda, so relinquish whatever doubts you have and embrace the destiny Fate has written out for you. Become the Shape-Shifter of legend and purge this land of evil.” Kagome looked up onto the sunken eyes of Sage, his words brought her comfort and courage she may well be able to pull this off and save the world. Upon accepting her quest the temple was consumed with blue flames, Kagome stumbled back shielding her eyes but when she couldn't feel the fire's scorching heat or smell the smoke she braved a glance at the temple. But it was gone, not even a remnant of its existence Kagome stood alone in the mist, she looked down at her chest and the Purple Dragon was still marked on her chest so it wasn't a dream. But the debate on if what she experienced was a dream or not wasn't important she needed to get out of here and find InuYasha; thankfully there was a passage between the mountains where the temple formally stood.

*~~~*

Tristan could barely move he'd spent most of yesterday in Kane's playroom as he called it, he still lay flat on his face where the guards thru him. He understood why Kane wanted healthy playmates a sickly or weak person wouldn't last an hour in that room of nightmares. Niele hadn't returned sense their argument last week, or last month maybe Tristan had lost all sense of time, his days blended together there were times he was too weak to pull his body from where it was thrown in too watch his flower and the days pass. He heard the heavy front gate open and the footsteps come for him, he watched with hope and fear he hoped Niele forgave his ignorance and gave him another chance but feared the guards how they loved to add to his misery whenever possible. Tristan's heart swelled, hot tears stung the lashes on his cheeks as he laid eyes upon the only compassionate face in this hellhole.

Niele knelt next to Tristan, surveying the harsh punishment inflicted upon him. Tristan was trying desperately to lift his head to say something, sympathy tugged at her heart as she watched the sad scene; as gently as possible Niele rolled Tristan on his back and laid his head on her lap, affectionately brushing his hair with her gentle hands.

“You were right; I've never concerned myself with the life of a slave. I never thought about where they came from or what they left behind. I chose to forget they were people just like me, with family and loved ones who missed them. Even when the brutality of their treatment was thrown in my face I still refused to realise them real people.” Admitted Tristan, choking back tears Niele never looked at him with disgust only compassion and understanding.

“I've spend the last three years of my life consumed with hate and obsessed with avenging my family, I lost sight of everything that's important and ended up hurting an innocent girl because of it.” Tristan closed his eyes letting the tears fall, his felt the weight lift from his chest for the first time in three years he felt free and hopeful.

“Hate is a poison; it consumes everything if you let it. Everyone has hardships in their lives Tristan if we overcome them fortune follows but if we fall victim their darkness control us.” Tristan looked up at Niele with an odd amazement for someone so young she seemed to understand so mush.

“How can you say that, surely you've had a more difficult life I could ever imagine.” A shadow cast over her face as Niele looked away with glimmers of tears in the corners of her eyes.

“My life has been hard, I've seen horrible things, and had them done to me. But if I let those things change who I am then it give my captors even more power over me.” Tristan couldn't help but admire this amazing woman, whose witnessed the worst of mankind and kept true to herself.

“I envy you Niele; you have a strength I can't even understand.” Niele smiled, she'd never imagined herself as strong but maybe in her way she was.

“Do you really think your brother will change anything if you defeat master Kane?”

“Yes, he's experienced life in this hell I'm sure he'll understand it's time for a change.” There was so much determination in Tristan's voice that it sounded like he was trying to convince himself.

“How did you become a slave Niele?” Tristan's question startled Niele no one had ever asked her that before, it was well known Kane had given her bonded freedom several years ago, but not a single soul free or enslaved ever asked how she became that way.

“I was born in the Zen Kingdom, in a small farming village bordering the Yin Kingdom; I lived there with my parents and older brother until I was sixteen. Back then Master Kane was only a warlord gaining his fortune in the slave trade; I always believed that all of the Yin Kingdom's problems stopped at the border and they'd never spill into my perfect life. One day just after a great thunder storm master Kane attacked, I was in the forest gathering herbs, I heard the villagers screaming and ran to see what was happening. My father always told me that if the village was attacked, I should run and hide in the forest so I stayed put and watched, I can still hear their screaming sometimes. Master Kane's raiders killed the old including my parents and capturing everyone else, his men saw me it didn't take much to catch me. We were taken to the Yin Kingdom I still remember believing that the Magnificent Sorcerer Army would come to save us, everyone was sold off to rich families or other Kingdoms, but for some reason Master Kane kept my brother and me. I worked in the house while my brother worked in the stables. One day Kane's men decided they wanted some fun and were board of the other girls Kane kept prisoner, my brother heard me screaming, begging for help and of course came to my rescue, he killed five of his men before Kane intervened. He was horribly punished for that, shortly after Kane offered him a deal, he'd give me Bonded Freedom if he becomes a commander in his army. Master Kane keeps me close by, as leverage against my brother, Master Kane can still take away my little bit of freedom or kill me whenever he likes. My brother doesn't know I'm aware of his deal.” Before Tristan could respond Niele heard a commotion, the guards had finely how long she was taking and where coming down to figure out what was going on. Tristan painfully moved his head from Niele's lap and gulped down some of the soup she'd brought. Niele was just closing the door when three guards overshadowed her, they were giants compared to her petite form. It was obvious these large guards terrified her, she was alone in the dungeon with the only way out block by three large men but she hid it relatively well.

“What are you doing in here for so long?” asked the guard with his large ogre face in Niele's, his breath was rancid it smelled like rotten eggs and most of his teeth were gone the rest were yellow and disgusting.

“Some of the Prisoner's wounds were infected, I needed to treat them immediately or it would spread and cause sickness.” Niele answered in a small but confidant voice, these men were like wolves one smell of fear and they'd tear her apart. The grotesque guard looked over at Tristan's motionless form and spat directly on his largest gash.

“The pig looks fine to me.”

“See that radish red colour around the wound, that's one of the first signs of infection and if I don't stay on top of it not even the most skilled healer in the all of Mika could save him.” Niele lied threw her teeth; Tristan's wounds were nowhere close to infection and she prayed the guards didn't realize that; the ogre guard eyed Niele up suspiciously but seemed to buy her story.

“The only reason I don't ravish your pretty self Niele is because your brother is a Commander and he'd kill anyone who touched you, but I'm retiring in a month and moving far away. So I might come calling wench; your brother can't kill me if he can't find me.” The guard moved too close for Niele's comfort he moved his hand up as if to rip Niele's dress from her body but stopped and flicked her chin with his thumb instead. Niele swallowed the lump in her throat and left without another word. Tristan pulled his aching body up to the bars and peered down the prison corridor, worry clear on his face.

`Bonded Freedom or not Niele still has no say in what happens to her Niele is in danger I have to get her out of here, God have mercy on that bastard if he does ravage her.' Thought Tristan, his jaw clenched and he tightened his grip on the bars till his knuckles turned white staring down the corridor with a new purpose, his family's throne and honour can wait, saving Niele is what mattered most.

End Chapter

Tristan has found someone to protect someone he could care about, but will she return the affection? And Kagome has become the Soul Pyx to a once mighty and powerful dragon, what will this mean for Mika, will InuYasha still view Kagome in the same light or will this change his view or even love for her? Read my Next Chapter to find out.