Revelations

Chapter 10: To the Dark Places where nightmares sleep

“Are you sure your OK Kagome?”

Shippo was still having problems coming to terms with all that he’d heard.

“For the final time Shippo it doesn’t bother me. Now, stop pestering me or Inuyasha’s food will get wrecked and you and I both don’t want that.”

With that she playfully nudged the little cub aside and continued with dinner.

Kagome and Inuyasha had returned late last night to find the others fast asleep, on arriving Valcos immediately took his leave telling them to expect him in five days.

This morning she had told the others about all they had learned from Arias.

“Ahh, if only we all had the strength of Kagome-sama. I just learned that there is a god, but somehow I don’t feel so comforted by the fact.”

“Houshi-sama’s right, I don’t know what I’d have done if I learnt that my world was an experiment it’s so s-erp!”

Sango had been just sitting down near Kagome when she froze, her cheeks turning bright red…

“HOUSHI-SAMA what do you think our doing.”
Whipping around she noticed the Monk had foreseen her move and taken several steps back. There he stood just out of reach, his arms raised indicating for Sango to calm herself, a lecherous smile on his face…

“Uh-huh, S-Sango, be reasonable, all this talk about experiments and what…I just wanted to make sure you were still real that’s all…I was concerned.”

“Is that so houshi!! Well here’s proof I’m plenty real.”

SMACK!!

Miroku just didn’t have the speed to match a demon hunter’s…plain and simple…

“I take it back…I think Sango could go with a little less strength.”

Miroku was slowly picking himself up of the floor when he looked up to see the disapproving faces of Inuyasha and Shippo. Smiling almost stupidly he replied

“It was worth it.”

The comment almost made a now blushing Sango to drop all the clay pots she was carrying. Kagome had to force the laughter down her throat; I was moments like these that truly made her enjoy the world…whatever it was. But all was to become far less enjoyable fast…

“Please stay calm.”

The entire group jumped as a man emerged from the bushes near bye. Inuyasha’s hand flying straight for tessaiga, even Sango began inching her way towards hiraikotsu.

“Please, we are near a village, we don’t want any casualties.”

One could hardly believe that the man could hide in a forest. He was about six feet tall; he wore bright silver armor all over his body save his head. A flowing white cape around his shoulders completed the image of the proverbial night in shining armor. Adding to the look was his short blonde hair and blue eyes.

On his breastplate was a coat of arms, two beautiful winged angels about a mighty sun, what it stood for none of them knew, a mighty long sword at his hips commanding the attention of all around.

“Excuse me sir, what is your purpose here in this land?”

Miroku addressed the man clearly and formally though much of his credibility was ruined by the reddened handprint on his cheek.

Inuyasha stood, oddly quiet in his waiting.

“I am Marshal Klaus, I command the eastern divisions of the Gaugan army.”

Everyone by now had learnt what the term meant.

“Greetings to you Marshal, we were just sitting down for dinner, perhaps you’d like to join us.”

Miroku was trying his best to act cordial; he sensed danger all around,

“I am indeed sorry monk, but today was not destined for pleasantries. Sadly I am here on orders. Please don’t resist.”

“Kagome get behind me!!”

Inuyasha instinctively grabbed the girl and placed himself between her and the man.

“There are more of you aren’t there.”

Klaus looked worn out…scratching the back of his head he spoke,

“There always are.”

With a wave of his arm it seemed that the forest came alive, at least a dozen soldiers jumped out of the surrounding foliage. Brandishing long pole arms, they surrounded the group with chilling accuracy.

“Please drop your weapons.”

Klaus was still calm as he spoke. Within the daggered circle Kirara hissed at the surrounding men, all clad in white robes with silver breastplates bearing the Gaugan brand. The nekomata was about to transform when one of the guards took initiative and knocked her out with a sharp blow to the head.

“Kirara!” Sango screamed dropping her boomerang and running to as unconscious

Kirara’s side. Even Kagome was having trouble holding her anger back.

“What is wrong with you!! What was that for!!”

Klaus seemed exhausted. Behind him another slightly scrawny man appeared whom Klaus addressed immediately,

“General, please tell me we have the right ones this time, I grow weary of detaining complete strangers.”

The new man gazed long and hard at a piece parchment before him. Looking up his eyes found Kagome…what could be seen of her behind Inuyasha’s protective frame.

“You their” His voice was oily, slightly nasal.

“The girl with the odd dress, what is your name.”

No one replied. Miroku comforted an enraged Sango as Inuyasha shielded Kagome and Shippo from View.

“I’m not sure lord Marshal, but she looks the most convincing. Her attire matches the description perfectly.”

Klaus nodded absent-mindedly. Sighing he went on,

“Very well, our orders are to detain them and so we shall do. I beg of you.” He said now more to Inuyasha and the others rather than his soldiers.

“I beg you please do not resist. These men are trained experts. They have ventured across the universe under me many a time and have braved many a horrible thing, they shall not hesitate.”

There were no lies in his words. Due to the presence of the barrier much of Gaugan had never come in contact with the shadow, only a handful of regiments had ever experienced it. Klaus and his regiment of twelve before him were one of Gaugan’s elite…which was why he was slightly surprised to be on this current assignment…but of course other very important people were also attending.

The ring of spears closed in, threatening to jab at the slightest change in the winds.

Slowly, with considerable coaxing from Kagome, Inuyasha put tessaiga down. It was like someone had thrown a switch, as soon as the sword hit the ground the guards pounced on them. They were all brought on there knees, their hands bound behind their backs as well as their feet.

Inuyasha smirked.

“Hah, you think these shackles will hold me.”

With a cocky glare directed straight at Klaus Inuyasha attempted to break free…to his astonishment he found himself unable.

Klaus spared a small smile…and an explanation.

“I told you half demon, we have seen the dark places of this universe and we have emerged with ourselves…these binds are magical…frail only to an outside force.”

Oddly enough the group had encountered shackles of this sort before. A long silence ensued where the entire Gaugan regiment just stared at the captives aimlessly. Inuyasha and the others stared defiantly back.

After what seemed like a mature amount of time spent just…staring at each other Klaus broke the monotony.

“Monk it seems we shall be dining together after all. Set up a perimeter immediately, I think it’s going to be a long night.”

Immediately, without question, the men began bustling about scouting out the surrounding area, every now and then one would return and report to Klaus. After thoroughly examining the area Klaus gave his next orders.

“All right, there’s no need to set patrols this is but a humble village. Let’s get a little comfortable shall we? Harold.”

“Yes my lord.” Spoke a middle-aged man with auburn hair.

“Go down to the village, get us something to drink.”

Catching the pouch of gold thrown at him the man hurried off towards the village. Turning back to the fire Klaus looked around for some food. After carefully examining the ramen noodles he had a taste.

“Hmmm, such bland food in such colorful parcels. Someone go get us some boar, ay men, how does a roast boar sound.”

At the sound of cheers Klaus nodded to one of the older members who had flowing white hair. The man nodded in response and smacked two others on the head and the trio immediately left for the forest.

“Ok men lets let our hair down, I don’t see anything eventful happening this night.”

With that Klaus rested his long sword on a nearby tree and sat himself down as the rest to found places around the lit fire. Immediately they all began talking about family and home…it was clear the regiment hadn’t seen work for a while.

Inuyasha kept his eyes trained on Klaus’ now unguarded sword. If he could reach it them maybe…

“Inuyasha no.”

Turning he met Sango’s warning glare. With a subtle tilt of her head she indicated towards the group. There sure enough, even the ones in deepest of conversation kept frequenting glances towards them…they were being watched.

Looking up they saw the man named Harold hobble up the path and straight to the fire completely out of breath, about five jugs tucked under his harms and in his hands.

“I’ve got sake”

“God I hope that means rum.”

The group laughed as Klaus spoke,

“Don’t worry, it’ll do the job just fine.”

The group clambered around and almost finished an entire jug on their first helpings. Slowly they all resumed their places by the fire recounting old memories telling jokes, even Klaus submitted and was seen at the heart of most conversation thereafter.

The night grew cold, bones grew stiff, eyes still lingered upon Inuyasha and the others. There they sat, in single file on their knees. But as the drink began to cloud the senses, things got a little out of hand for the ‘pups’.

Two youthful looking soldiers stumbled across the grass and sat down next to Sango and Kagome.

“Hey, these ones are cute…looks like we got something to do huh.”

“HEY! GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM Kagome!!”

One of the men had put an arm around her…the other was forcibly trying to get Sango to look his way. There was a fair amount of yelling from Inuyasha and Miroku and fair amount of struggling but all that soon came to an end.

“Grhm”

Klaus’ over exaggerated grunt was enough make the two delinquents stop. They both snapped their heads in the direction of their commanding officer. The one on Kagome retracted his arm and began slowly retreating from the flustered girl. The other was a little slower.

As he was looking towards Klaus, Sango decided to…well ‘look his way’ as it were. Rearing her head back she took aim.

CRACK

The explosion of laughter as he clutched a bloody nose easily drowned the boy’s muffled screams of agony. Even Klaus seemed on the verge of laughter but was able to marshal his own senses.

“Drink is meant to help pass the time, not for such buffoonery. Since you two are new to this group I will go easy on you.”

The laughter died down as the rest of the men eagerly awaited the punishment.

“You boys have to keep watch for only…half the night.”

There was some tumultuous cheering and laughing that ensued.

“And somebody please bandage that boy up.”

Immediately, the man with white hair sprung for ward and slowly dragged the battered boy towards his med pack.

But all the noise died down almost immediately, heads turned as there in the clearing stood an old Miko, a modest lantern in hand. Immediately, one of the soldiers rose and blocked her path.

“My lady, please find another way to you destination.”

But Kaede was resolute.

“What is going on here.” Craning her neck from side to side she was just about able to catch a glimpse of a bound Kagome. Immediately she drew back, her hand flying to her quiver.

“Release them at once! What do you want from Kagome and the others?”

Ignoring the others cries to get back she stood resolute, bow drawn. The guard before her had his hand in the hilt of his sword…ready to defend himself. Klaus now walked the length of the makeshift camp…sword still leaning against a tree he came to stand behind the guard.

“You know these people Miko?”

Kaede shifted her angle to better see the marshal.

“Yes, I know them fairly well. Now who are you?”

Klaus tapped the soldier on the shoulder; relaxing his form he steped aside allowing the other to step forward.

“My apologies, I am Marshal Klaus of the Gaugan army. Pardon the hostility but we have orders. Please, you may join you friends.”

Stepping aside, he allowed the miko to go to the others. As she sat down Kagome warned against attempting anything daring and filled her in on the situation.

“Set food and drink before them, and prepare adequate bedding.”

Klaus said to his men and then turned to Kaede.

“My lady, though I have permitted you to enter…I regret to say that you are not permitted to leave.”

Kaede glared at the man. How dare he impose his will on them so? Defiantly Kaede reached for Kagome’s binds. It happened in a flash, as if unburdened by his mighty armor Klaus reached for his sword and unsheathed it…its tip inches from the back of Kaede’s head. His patience running thin.

“Do not mistake my weakness for kindness.”

Kagome was about to open her mouth to correct when he ploughed on.

“Just because a part of me cringes to see you lot bound, in the cold and unfed does not mean my hand shall quiver the slightest in killing you. So, I request that the lot of you refrain from any frivolous activities which might endanger you health.”

Miroku had to admit…he’d never quite heard it put that way.

“Now, I’m going to have your hands bound in front of you rather than behind so that you may eat…I presume I shall have you obedience.”

Without hearing a word of protest Klaus waved his hands and had their bindings rearranged. The night continued hence forth uneventfully. The only change being that now they had a permanent sentry watching over them as some of the others caught some sleep.

“Kagome are you OK?”

Inuyasha’s concerned gaze met hers. They all had decided to lie down. Now that their hands were in front of them it made things a lot easier.

“This stinks Inuyasha these shackles are killing me, get me outta here you dumb mutt.”

A vein popped in Inuyasha’s fore head, why did Shippo interrupt so much. Kagome in the meantime was peacefully looking up into the starry sky.

“Hey Inuyasha, what do you thinks going to happen.”

Inuyasha was slightly shaken by the question.

“Keh, once I break out of these I’ll rip all their faces off.”

Kagome giggled silently.

“Inuyasha, I think Kagome-sama means it in a more metaphysical sense.”

“A meta what!! Miroku start making some sense already.”

They all laughed inwardly at Inuyasha’s ignorance. They all huddled close; Kirara who’d been released as well curled up contently in Sango’s arms much to the silent jealousy of the monk. It was times like this that life seemed all the simpler. Happiness in company, sadness in solitude, it really seemed that simple.

“I think whatever the future holds we’ll be together, right guys”

They all smiled at Kagome’s words. Miroku and Sango exchanged glances. Miroku’s face slightly saddened. But Sango smiled on.

“Don’t worry houshi-sama. We’ll get rid of that black whole before the end comes. I never liked that hand of yours anyway.”

Smirks and giggles were passed around, as they slowly understood the double meaning. But all that slowly stopped as they were made aware of a distant rustling. Even the soldiers began to take notice as they slowly awoke from their rest.

Klaus’ large form was seen walking briskly towards the source of the noise, barking orders as he went.

“All rise men, restrain the prisoners, hands behind their backs, the cat and the old woman as well. Hide the drink, you know how it goes come on!!”

Men were bustling all about the place, some came and adjusted their binds to which the group complied.

“Why the hell are we going along with them, lets get out of this stuff.”

Inuyasha’s impatience was seconded by most but Klaus’ warning words seemed to hold each of them back.

As he walked he re fit his sword at his hip and disappeared out of sight. Inuyasha and the others were once again propped up on their knees in waiting for Klaus’ return.

He did return, but not alone. Walking in front of him was a being not of this earth. Its face hidden by the blinding brightness of its skin, bright silver armor about its form making Klaus’ defenses look rather rag-ish.

On entering the camp area he surveyed the now bowing forms about him. Without sparing time for pleasantries he began.

“Now marshal, where are the detainees.”

Klaus pointed in Kagome’s direction.

“There my lord Khadriel, hopefully we have the right one.”

“Hopefully indeed.”

With that the angel made his way towards the bound captives and surveyed each of them in turn, finally resting his unseen gaze on Kagome.

“Well done marshal. You have successfully detained the Balance.”

Klaus nodded silently all the time looking at Kagome.

“Very well, come along, let’s get this over with…execute them.”

Sango’s eyes went wide. Inuyasha began to thrash around.

“What the fuck did he say, let me go now!!”

Klaus’ lazily waved his hand at which a guard stepped forward and delivered a sharp blow to Inuyasha’s temple with the back of his spear. Immediately the hanyo-who had had wholes ripped in his abdomen and stood firm-crumpled to the floor.

Among the shrill cries of ‘Inuyasha’ from the others-mainly Kagome-Klaus turned to the angel.

“On what charges, my lord…Are they to be put to death?”

“On the charges of treason and conspiring with the shadow. It is they who have caused this rip in our most sacred barrier.”

Kagome let out a gasp, perhaps she was responsible for causing the rip…but she-none of them-had ever conspired with…what was gong on!!

Klaus restrained his eyebrow from rising.

“My lord, is this not a matter for Lord Hadriel?”

Khadriel looked affronted,

“Do not question the workings of the light. You have you orders now finish these traitorous souls. Begin with the balance.”

Klaus did not know nor did he care for what the balance was, all he knew is that the angel meant the girl with the odd clothing. So, hesitantly, Klaus walked up to Kagome’s kneeling form and unsheathed his sword. Holding it vertically before him.

“In the name of the Light, I purge this tainted soul from our world. May the darkness have pity on thee.”

With that he raised the sword in both hands and prepared to bring it down amidst the screams of Kagome’s friends.

Kagome closed her eyes and clenched her jaw. She heard the cries of her friends…but it all could not save her, what was going on? Just moments ago she felt so elated that they were all together and now they faced their deaths. She could hear Sango, her voice chocking on tears she forced back, even Kagome felt the onset of such ‘optical rain’ as the term went.

“Come now Klaus finish her.”

Klaus nodded staring at the girl, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Why was he hesitating? Mustering his strength he brought the sword down.

“Put the weapon down Marshal.”

Kagome almost jumped, the voice only too familiar. The others to turned in the direction of the voice. Kagome took the moment of distraction to hobble over to Inuyasha and lean her head against his chest. Thankfully she heard slow breathing.

Klaus almost dropped the blade, looking to the source of the voice he bowed.

“High Marshal, welcome.”

With a wave of his hand the ghostly form of Vash dismissed the marshal.

“Hello marshal Klaus. You are relieved of your duties here, you and your men may leave.”

“How dare you give such orders in my presence!”

The angel was clearly outraged at such blatant ignorance on Vash’s part

“Ah, my lord Khadriel.”

With a curt bow Vash went on with his business as if he wasn’t there.

“Vash, what are you doing here?” It was Miroku who asked the question.

Vash seemed to hesitate as he surveyed the monk.

“Me, well I’m second in command of the Gaugan forces on earth. I can be wherever I please.”

They al looked at him with a mild awe. Coming over to observe the unconscious form of Inuyasha he spoke.

“Ah so this is Inuyasha.”

Vash seemed to chuckle to himself.

“Has Valcos met him, well I’m sure he has. Must have shocked the daylight out of him.”

They all remembered him paling when he first met the hanyo. Now turning to Kagome he spoke again.

“Terribly sorry my dear. There’s been a huge mix up.”

Kagome looked slightly dim as Vash looked on at her.

“Um, you know Valcos?”

“Of course I do…doesn’t everyone?” he added with a laugh

“Now lets get these binds of you.”

With a familiar wave of his hand about two-dozen soldiers flooded out of the forests-where did they come from???-Some began tending to Kagome and the others while some set up a defensive perimeter.

Once free Kagome immediately scrambled towards Inuyasha. Reassuring herself that he was all right again she slowly got to her feet…ready to face what ever was coming.

“High Marshall Vash, my patience runs thin. Explain you self or allow the Marshal here to carry out his orders.”

“I’m afraid that is impossible my lord. Marshal Klaus has just been given new orders by me.”

“What orders?”

As if waiting for the angel’s cue, Vash promptly removed a black folio from his inner robes and handed them to Klaus. Klaus in turn bowed and began making his way,

“Oh by the way Klaus, leave the remaining sake behind…might get a little thirsty.”

Smiling, Vash bid the marshal farewell and turned back to the angel.

“You see my lord, he has new orders.”

Khadriel seemed to shake with rage.

“Very well then, I order you to kill these people. You do not dare disobey mortal. My authority is absolute.”

“I am sorry my lord but it is not.”

Vash turned and smiled wide. Bowing low-with genuine respect this time-he greeted the new arrival.

“Greetings my lady Rikbiel.”

The angel was definitely a lady, her breast plate for one made it obvious, also where others appeared bald, brilliant white hair could be seen flowing about the form of the new angel.

“Now Vash, there are no such demarcations in heaven…it shall be Lord Rikbiel henceforth.”

Vash dutifully nodded and fell in line with Kagome and the others as they watched the angel speak.

“Lord Khadriel, I regret to inform you that as of this moment you are placed under detention by holy law.”

Khadriel’s entire form seemed to shudder.

“What, this is an outrage how dare you ar…under what charges?”

“Under the charges of treason.”

The angel almost jumped at the words.

“You have it wrong Rikbiel, it is they.” Khadriel wildly pointed at Kagome and the others.

“Some time ago I found out of the existence of this other world, when I went to inspect it I found these three Vaqutars. That place is an abomination of the shadow. And SHE!!!…She came from there with the cursed jewel, it his because of her that all this misfortune has fallen upon us. They are the infidels!!”

The lady raised an arm to silence the possessed angel.

“That is enough lies for one existence Khadriel, silence your tongue from blackening itself. We know for a fact that it was you who allowed those Vaqutars to enter the other world. We know it was the late God who created the other world, we know every thing.”

Khadriel let out a defeated laugh

“You speak of my lies and feed me such poisonous words. From where have you learnt such ill things?”

Rikbiel almost collapsed with grief.

“What is it with this seat of power that drives us so, Galadriel wanted to destroy mortality, now you wish to destroy half of it, is there no hope left for you…men. Vash sent us word about the new world. On learning of such things we attempted to reach you…sadly you were away hunting Vaqutars.”

Sango could sense that this Khadriel saw the end, she was quite in awe of the scene before her…unlike the others she had been rather…busy when they last encountered an angel.

“Being unable to find you we called upon your closest friend…Abrasiel. He was questioned personally by god…yes god came and spoke to him in person and I dare say that Abrasiel dared lie in his presence; he told us all we needed to know. Your title has been taken from you. Leave this place. Lord Hadriel is awaiting you in heaven.”

Khadriel didn’t say a word. His whole existence came crashing around him…he was a disgrace. Silently he transported himself in a beam of dazzling light to his fate…

Seeing the lord off the lady stretched her arms above her head in a very uncharacteristically human way.

“Ahhh, it has been awhile since I came here.”

Miroku now walked up to the angel sheepishly.

“So you have been to earth before.”

Rikbiel suddenly turned to face the monk.

“Yes noble monk I have, I was praetor of earth before Galadriel.”

“Um what is a praetor exactly?”

Kagome was unsure whether her question was relevant or moronic. It was Vash who supplied the answer.

“I heaven there are three praetors, one who is in charge of all the dealings on mortality, one who is in charge of the dealings in heaven, and the final who is in charge of heavens dealings with the shadow. A long time ago Rikbiel was praetor of earth, then she became that of heaven”

Rikbiel nodded.

“I was the praetor of heaven. Now at last I’m coming back to my old post. It feels good.”

“I’m sure it does.” Said Miroku inching closer to the divine maiden.

“By the way, could there be any chance that you would be-ouch.”

“That’s enough houshi sama, I think you should let this one go.”

Kagome was unsure whether Sango’s actions were out of jealousy or genuine concern for Miroku’s health.

With that they bid adieu to the angel and Vash who once again apologized for his hasty departure but promised that he would meet them again soon and that the weren’t to move from the village until he did. Within minutes the dozens of guards around them seemed to disappear into the woods fro whence they came leaving the group to themselves.

Four days passed without any notable event. Though Inuyasha and the others did find themselves staying awake till odd hours of the night talking about all the different people they’d met and what the future would hold…on a less metaphysical level.

On the fourth morning after their release Sango awoke to a very bizarre sight. On her trip to a clearing for morning training she saw, far in the distance the dim silhouette of a man standing beside the time tree as if he was trying to start a fire. Looking to her side she saw that Kagome was beside her, toothbrush in hand.

“Kagome, who is that?”

Kagome was far too sleepy to think straight. Ahead a bizarre red light shone in front of the man bringing his face into some contrast.

“Oh that’s Valcos, he said something about returning in five days but I…”

Kagome trailed off in mumbles as they saw Valcos enter the light and disappear completely.

“I think he’s trying to save Sango-chan’s brother.”

Clearly Kagome was to dazed to know what she was saying. Realizing what had left her mouth she screamed for Sango to stop but the woman was already running…running full tilt towards the ever-fading light. Knowing she wasn’t going to make it she dropped her boomerang and jumped at the portal.

WHAM

She felt herself hit the dirt hard. Shed missed.

**

Valcos dusted the cobwebs out of his head; going through portals was always hard work. Looking around at the gloomy surroundings he wondered why he was here…

‘You’re gonna redeem yourself… save you soul from damnation.’

But he stopped dead in his tracks when he heard the sound of rough coughing. Looking to his side the blood drained from his face.

“S-Sango, what the fuck are you doing here?”

The young woman slowly dusted herself of and faced the man.

“W-where are we? Where is Kohaku?”

Valcos felt more blood drain from his face.

“Oh don’t worry Kohaku’s here all right. Where is here? That’s simple were in a little modest place we like to call hell”

**
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OOOOOOOOOKKKKKKK now it gets interesting. Sorry if bits were a little hasty I just needed to write a whole lot in one little chapter. Enjoy folks!!

Ginny:

So a a story actually inspired the all I-wont –write-stories-ginny to wraite a sequel CALL ME JEALOUS…cool

Ah I don’t care what happens just as long as there is someone reading the stuff I write that’s all I need. I’ve had raindrops up on that site for a long tie now. ALL GOOD.

MOST IMP!!!

I demand that you start writing more stuff even if they are small one shots…if you need ideas…well im full o them. If you need readers…well…ok I cant think of a song if I had mo….oooooh I got one ‘I’m gonna try with a little help from my friends’ no!!

Peace