The Mystic Scroll

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Chapter 11: Flight Of The Guardians


Kouga raced around the entire perimeter of the grounds before locating the perfect spot for the girl’s flight. He slowed his pace, his breathing barely affected by the quick run. He searched the lower grounds, seeing another Shiiyon Warrior wondering some distance ahead. He started at a leisurely pace to move towards them.

Kagura breathed deeply, taking in the clean and fragrant air. She would be quite content to live here, in these beautiful surroundings. The only thing to dampen her spirit was the fact that her treasured flights were now narrowed to a much smaller area. She had no wish to traverse the dead lands any more than necessary. She sighed, shaking off the morbid thought as she lifted a pink rose to inhale its beautiful fragrance. So lost in her thoughts was Kagura that she had no idea that someone stepped close behind her until a quiet voice spoke, causing the young woman to jump. She spun around, eyes wide with fright as she look into the laughing eyes of Kouga.

“I think those Shiiyon skills fail you, Harkinia.”

“Is it a habit of yours to sneak up on people and scare the life out of them?” Kagura smiled at the handsome wolf demon, liking his earthly form very much. Kouga took the pink rose from her fingers and moved closer to her.

“Only to the most beautiful, would I do this.”

He lifted his hands to thread the stem of the flower into her hair, above her left ear. When he finished he stepped back slightly to admire his handiwork. Kagura kept her eyes fixed on his face.

“I have found a place from which you and Shyra can leave.”

“Where?”

“Behind the stables, some distance. There is no activity there, so you can fly without detection. I thought we could all meet there. The stables are a perfect excuse for loitering, do you not agree?”

“Absolutely brilliant Roohan. Shyra will be very pleased.” Kagura smiled in admiration.

“And you Harkinia, are you pleased?”

Kagura felt slightly breathless at his tone and at the look in his eyes but continued to smile broadly. “Of course I am Roohan.”

Kouga gave a self-satisfied smirk as he moved away from her, throwing the words over his shoulder as he went. “Let us find the others. I will go in this direction.”

Kagura frowned at his retreating back. That darned spirit had been doing this to her for far too long now, making her breathless only to leave her disappointed. She almost growled at him but quickly managed to suppress the urge, instead she sighed and turned to walk in the opposite direction. She would have to put an end to this game of his and very soon. She pushed him to the back of her mind as her eyes scanned the area for the other Shiiyonians. She remembered seeing Kagome in the rear gardens and decided to head there first.


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Sesshoumaru could not breathe. He stood transfixed as Kagome moved closer. Her loc locked on his lips with a look that flamed his desire to incredible heights. He struggled desperately to fight the emotions that overwhelmed him. However, the soft brush of her lips ended all thought. He wrapped his arms around as his mouth moved against hers. He felt the gentle caress of her fingers, brushing his scalp. The soft touch inflamed his body further. Her lips parted and a small moan escaped her as his tongue slid sensuously over her. His arms tightened, causing their bodies to press closer together.

Amid the swirling desire, came an image of Himari holding her hand and smiling lovingly into her eyes. Sesshoumaru felt anger replacing the desire. He pulled away from her mouth, pushing her roughly from him. How dare she toy with him in this manner, when she obviously shared feelings with his friend?

Kagome staggered from the force of the shove. She looked back at him in confusion, still caught in the haze of desire and not understanding what happened. She took a step forward, her hand reaching out to him.

Sesshoumaru felt his anger fading as his eyes ran over her face. Her expression was making his blood stir, once more. He gave a hiss of frustration as he stepped further away from her, watching as her hand dropped back to her side and her face clouded with confusion.

“I have no desire to be one of your playthings.” With that, he turned on his heel and walked swiftly away, his frustration obvious with every stride.

Kagome watched him, completely baffled. What was he talking about? ‘Did he say plaything?’ She shook her head in confusion before remembering her actions. She groaned as she recalled her loss of control. She had actually kissed him. ‘Why did I do that?’


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Kagura rounded the bend in the path and gasped as someone crashed into her. She looked up in shock as the Lord of the Western Lands frowned down at her. She was about to apologise when he nodded curtly, excusing himself before exiting in the same hasty manner. She shook her head as she watched his retreating form, wondering what agitated him so. She turned to see Kagome standing near at the rear of the gardens. She was deep in thought with a frown marring her perfect features. Kagura looked from the troubled Shiiyon warrior to the stiff back of the Western Lord, wondering what had occurred between them. She walked towards her friend, who did not even notice her approach.

“You look troubled Shyra.”

Kagome whirled to face Kagura, a look of surprise on her face. “I do?”

Kagura smiled, taking two more steps towards her friend. “Yes you do. Would you care to talk about it?”

“There’s nothing to talk about.” Kagome turned quickly, hiding her face from the other girl.

“Are you sure? You look quite troubled. I also do not understand why you stand by a row of bushes.”

“It’s simple, I was looking for somewhere for us to leave.”

“In the bushes?” Asked Kagura feeling amused as she saw the flustered look on Kagome’s face.

“No through the bushes, see. She gestured to the girl to look through to the other side.

Kagura peered through as indicated and felt her amusement rising. She decided to have some fun with her leader.

“Oh I see, you were… observing the soldiers through the bushes.”

“Oh, honestly Harikina.” Kagome started walking away, extremely irritated. She was just thankful that Kagura had not come earlier or she would be feeling a great deal more than irritation right now. Kagura’s voice stopped her mid-step.

“Roohan has found a place, from which we can depart.”

Kagome turned to face the other girl, her irritation forgotten as she smiled excitedly. “Really? Where?”

“Behind the stables. He thought it would provide a good reason for our presence.”

“Very clever is our Roohan.” Kagome smiled as she grabbed Kagura’s arm. “Come Harkinia, I am most anxious to depart.”

They walked quickly in the direction of the stables, noticing the group that headed there already. They ran to catch up with the others.

“Where’s Ibaanyah?” Kagome noticed that Inuyasha was nowhere in sight.

Miroku chuckled as he looked at her. “He went to keep his brother occupied, so the two of you could leave unnoticed.”

Kikyou found this rather amusing. “Oh I am most sure that Lord Sesshoumaru will greatly appreciate that. There is nothing more pleasing to him than his dear brother’s company.”

They paused at the stables, feigning interest in the horses as their eyes searched about them, all awaiting the chance to sneak the pair away. Finally it came, when a lull in activity presented the perfect moment. As the others covered them, Kagura and Kagome ran quickly to the obscured area. When they received the signal they lifted themselves into the air. Kagome did a double take when she saw Kagura’s large white feather. She frowned questioningly at the other girl and received a sheepish smile in returned.

“Well it has been some time since we left Shiiyon. You do not expect me to take up old ways just like that. I am sure that after some practice I will fly without aid.”

Kagome frowned again at this. “We will have to begin training soon.”

Her frown faded into a smile as she took in the feather once more. “You know, we may as well be blaring a trumpet for all the attention that thing is attracting. Look, see?”

She pointed to the ground where many heads were raised to watch their progress. “Now make sure you wave to all the nice Western soldiers dear.”

Kagura laughed at her, suddenly enjoying the freedom of her flight and the company of her good friend.

“Let us have a race!” Kagura dashed off, her feather flying through the air with great speed.

“Hey that’s not fair! You got a head start!” She raced off after her friend laughing as she came alongside her large feather. They flashed across the sky with incredibpeedpeed, laughing as they went. Suddenly the pair slammed into an invisible wall. They were both thrown back several meters and managed to catch themselves before falling to the ground. Kagome groaned as she rubbed her head and side, which throbbed from pain. She frowned as moved closer to touch the energy shield.

“This wasn’t here before.” She had been expecting the barrier at the boundary wall, but that was still many meters away. Suddenly it occurred to her.

“Damn that interfering youkai!!!” She heard her friend’s shocked gasp and turned to look at her.

“Sorry Harkinia, in the world from which I come, that word is not so bad.” She sighed as she turned her attention back to the barrier. “It seems that our mighty Lord knows of our departure.”

“Does this mean that we must return.”

Kagome looked at her in surprise. “Absolutely not. What this means is that I now have to waste time breaking through this.”

She turned and starting whispering.


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Ten minutes later, Kagura was sitting on her feather; chin in hand, watching the aggravated Shiiyon leader, whispering angrily at the invisible barrier. She sighed and shook her head at the girl’s stubbornness.

“Damn, damn, damn that bloody man!!!” Kagome looked at her friend’s disapproving face and cursed some more. “Don’t say it Harkinia, I don’t need a lecture right now!”KaguKagura held up her hands in a defensive gesture, looking innocently at her friend. “I would not dream of it.”

She floated her feather closer to the barricade. “He must be very powerful, to hold you off so long.”

This only annoyed Kagome more. With new determination, she faced the wall, lifting her hands to lay flat against the powerful field. “If he wants to play, then so be it.”

She focused all her energy into her hands. After several seconds she could feel a shift begin.


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Sesshoumaru cursed when he felt the shift. He frowned and focused more energy into the shield, cursing again as he felt the rip grow larger. He used a great amount of energy to counter it and gave a pained cry of shock as he was hurled across them. Hm. He smashed into the wall before dropping to the floor. His office door flew open and a very concerned Dehndir appeared, helping the master to his feet. The little retainer glanced at his Liege’s irate face and chose wisely to keep his silence. Sesshoumaru muttered under his breath as he sat in his chair and stared out the window. This woman made him feel weaker and more helpless by the day. He frowned as he thought of her out there in the wild and perilous dead lands. Did she not realise what danger she was in? As much as he hated to admit it, he was greatly concerned for her safety. A small hiss of irritation escaped him as he stood and walked to the door. He would find his brother and strangle him, after all this was partly his doing. Sesshoumaru thought back to earlier when his brother stormed into his office, insisting on spending time with him. At Sesshoumaru’s unconvinced look, he had declared that they were brothers and as such, they needed to spend time together. He had endured Inuyasha’s presence for as long as possible. Finally becoming fed up, he was just about to hurl him from his office when a knock sounded on the door. A very harassed looking Tiyaku entered, explaining that he had seen the two departing Shiiyon warriors. Sesshoumaru had been shocked. When he had turned to his brother for explanation, he was nowhere in sight. ‘So they play games with me now.’ He sat at his desk a moment, in disbelief and anger. Finally he let out a string of curses before walking out the door.


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Gadarva was bustling with activity as many youkai prepared for battle. The two girls sat in a high tree a short distance away, watching the mayhem within the city walls. They were hidden by Kagome’s cloaking spell so their presence would not be detected. Both girls were amazed at the size of the army within its gates

“How is this possible?” Kagura asked. “Where did this man find so many youkai?”

“I have no idea Harkinia bometomething about this gives me a terrible feeling.”

“Yes Shyra, I know what you mean. I too feel it.”

Kagome pointed to a large tower at the rear of the castle grounds. “That’s it. That is where the monks are held.”

“We need to get closer.” Kagura turned to look at Kagome, knowing the girl was already formulating on a plan to do so as they spoke.

“I will go Kagura, you stay here and keep an eye out. If you get worried send me a warning.”

Kagura nodded as she watched Kagome use a spell of illusion. After several seconds, her whole body shimmered and changed, bit-by-bit taking the shape of a giant eagle. Kagura laughed at her when the transformation was complete.

“Now that looks familiar.”

In the form she was in Kagome could not use her voice, stherther she spoke to her friend mentally. “Sorry Kagura, I know I am stealing your spirit form but I thought that the Eastern soldiers might be rather suspicious to see a giant phoenix flying their skies.”

Kagura laughed in agreement, as she watched her friend soar into the heavens, sailing gracefully over the large turrets and battlements. She glided through the sky, swooping left and right in what seemed like no particular pattern. She was careful to appear as a bird in free flight, only sailing past the large tower occasionally, though her sharp eyes missed nothing. Eventually, when she noticed that the activity in that part of the grounds had quieted, she sailed closer to the tower, circling it slowly. After passing several times by the window that shielded the monks, she perched atop the roof of the tower. As she settled herself, she cleared her mind and scanned the room below, taking careful note of all that it contained. She focused on the monks, who seemed to be aware that something was observing them, as their eyes lifted to the ceiling with a look of hope. She was focusing on the collars about their necks when she heard the warning signal, three high chirps, and two low coos. She turned her gaze downward and noticed the soldiers below, raising their bows and taking aim. She waited until the arrows were flying upward before spreading her mighty wings and taking flight. She soared away from the tower, only to turn when she was several feet away and fly straight back. Through the tower window, she saw the delighted faces of the monks as they watched the magnificent eagle flying gracefully from side to side to dodge the many arrows that flew towards it. Kagome passed the tower and sailed away in the opposite direction from Kagura sending her a message via their link.

“Harkinia, meet me at the end of the forest. And be sure to go carefully. I will lure them away from this area so you may leave here unseen.”

“Very well Shyra. Be safe my friend.” She watched as the gathering crowds of Eastern soldiers, chased after the eagle with their arrows flying into the air. Kagura fought a sudden urge to send a massive wind attack their way. She sighed and waited for the opportunity to leave her hiding place unnoticed.


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Thirty minutes later, the two girls sailed through the sky toward the Seven Caves in the Southern Lands. As they passed the border, they saw the large encampment that housed the Southern and Western soldiers. They travelled on some distance before finally arriving near the woods, surrounding the caves. They were immediately on guard as they sensed the evil presence in the area. Creeping slowly through the foliage, they were careful to keep their cloaking spells in place. They stopped near the foot of the caves and watched in disgust as the creatures from hell tried to break through the powerful barrier that guarded the caves’ entrance.

Kagome looked at Kagura and smiled. “I know that we did not come equipped for this but somehow we have to stop them. I have only my sword.”

Kagura giggled quietly, as she pulled out her fan. “And I have only my fan. I think that we are ready. Let us be rid of these hideous beasts.”

The two girls stood and dropped their cloaking shield before stepping forward, prepared for battle. They ugly beasts immediately turned and unsheathed their swords, letting off an almighty roar as they charged forward. Kagome withdrew her sword, racing toward the leader as she yelled orders to Kagura.

“I will take them one at a time while you keep the rest back.”

Immediately Kagura brought her large feather beneath her and lifted from the ground. She sent a massive wind attack on the creatures, forcing all but the first back to smash into the rocks across the other side of the clearing. Kagome ducked beneath the slashing sword of the beast and drove her own into its chest, watching as it disintegrated. She jumped back as another lunged at her and brought her sword up in a graceful arc, decapitating the beast immediately. Another surge of wind swept by, sending more beasts careening into jagged rocks. Kagome turned quickly and ran at a creature that appeared suddenly from behind some rocks and took aim at Kagura with its crossbow. She jumped high in the air, somersaulting before landing a short distance from the creature and immediately severing its head. She turned immediately and killed the next one that came at her. Kagura sent another windblast. She looked about her and noticed more emerging from the bushes.

“Shyra!!!” she yelled as she sent a powerful attack at the new bunch. “More approach!! They are too great in numbers, we cannot defeat them!!!”

Kagome made quick work of the beasts before her then turned in the direction her friend indicated. A feeling of horror rose inside her as she watched more beasts, slowly rising from the ground and preparing to advance. Another windblast sent them flying back, further into the woods.

“Shit! There are so many!” Kagome had no more time for conversation as two beasts charged her. She jumped up into the air, flipping over the pair to land behind them and quickly turned, slashing at their two heads with one swing. She dropped to the ground and turned to embed her sword into the beast that attacked from behind. Kagura gave her some time to recover by sending the rest back with another attack. They kept up the pace; blasting and slashing but somehow there always seemed to be more. Just as the two girls thought of making a quick departure, the earth beneath them shook. All fighting ceased as everyone on the ground struggled, trying not to fall. Kagura floated on her feather, watching in amazement as the ground shifted.

“Shyra, get up here now!!!” she yelled urgently to her friend.

In a few seconds, Kagome was next to her, watching in awe as the shield that guarded the cave’s entrance suddenly shimmered and disappeared. The girls gasped as five beautiful white dragons flew from its opening, fire raging from their mouths. The hideous beasts were now in flames, yelling in pain as they ran aimlessly around the clearing.

“Kahsato” Kagome cursed. “They still live.”

Kagura watched the creature’s frantic movements, amazed at their resilience. Kagome dropped to the ground and attacked the hideous creatures. Blinded by flames, they hardly noticed her approach and had little time to respond. It took her several minutes, but she eventually put them all out of their misery. When she was done, she turned her head and stared at the five white dragons perched on top of the caves. She smiled as she bowed to them. The oldest dragon lifted its wings and flew to stand before her.

“Ingarde liahna ter Shiiyon, usu pendeh odohl nien imahkan ter inti narho dar. (Great Lady of Shiiyon, you perhaps hold no memory of this old one).”

“Mal imahkan siehnz vahn winarh. (My memory serves me well)” Kagome smiled warmly at the familiar form. “Imuro tawarin asa pien jhintu iehr alahum emeh Dharron. (Much time has passed since we last met Dharron).”

The other dragons now came to stand by Dharron, bowing to the two Shiiyon Warriors. Dharron turned to address Kagura.

“Misinti ter ualuhi, mahl hinei odohlz iensho mor giyen piniah usulah fahren. (Mistress of Flight, my heart holds joy to gaze upon your face).”

Kagura smiled into the beautiful kind blue eyes and bowed respectfully.

“Menho usu ter tun fiahtez haya bidahlz tun Drakwanz ter Ruun? (Know you of the fates that befall the Dragons of Red?)”

“Siehte Shyra. (Yes Shyra)”

As he spoke, Dharron turned his gaze towards the cave. Kagome was filled with great relief as she saw two red dragons appearing in its opening. She walked towards them, stopping a short distance away and bowing.

“Sahndron.” She greeted the leader with a smile.

“Winarh emeh Shyra. (Well met Shyra.)”

“Isi toneh haya usu erde lirni mor uhn twan. (I feared that you were lost to us all.)” Kagome felt a surge of happiness. She had feared the worse but now realised that things were not so bleak. With the entire dragon clans safe, Earth now had a fighting chance.

Dharron stepped forward, gesturing to the girls to follow him into the cave. “Iehr hende imuro ter vinya mor kehnse. [We have much of which to speak.]”


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It was nearly halfway to the sixteenth hour by the time the two girls landed at the back of the stables. They scanned the area and were satisfied to see that none was about. Hurriedly, they headed toward the back of the large castle, jumping as they rounded a bend and crashed into the rushing figure of Inuyasha.

“Ibaanyah, what causes you such haste?” Kagura grumbled as she picked herself off the ground.

Inuyasha stole another glance over his shoulder before answering. “I have never been so glad to see you as I am at this moment.”

Kagome took in his worried expression and asked him calmly, “Where are the others?”

Inuyasha looked at her in amusement, as he started leading them in the opposite direction to where they headed. “Somewhere, scattered about the grounds, all trying to avoid my brother.”

“Oh.” A feeling of apprehension crept up Kagome’s spine. She stopped walking and turned to face the pair.

“Let’s split up and look for them. We’ll all meet back in the same room as this morning.” She turned to leave but stopped when a hand grabbed her arm. She looked at Inuyasha, inquiringly.

“Ah…Shyra…Do you not think it wise to change before any see you.”

Confused she looked down at her uniform to see what he was staring at. She gasped in horror at the sight of dried blood that caked the front of her tunic and armour.

“It covers your hair and face too.”

She heard Kagura laughing and looked at her in amusement. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Oh sorry Shyra, I simply did not think to.”

Inuyasha held on to her arm, dragging her down the path as he spoke. “We should move quickly. You need to change before my brother sees you.”

The three stopped suddenly, all giving a gasp of dismay as they looked at the enraged figure that blocked their path.

“Too late little brother.” Sesshoumaru wore a cold smirk as he glared at the three warriors.

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