A Sister's Gift

Chapter 36 – Duty Revealed

The miko’s were all gathered in the shrine for morning worship. The only thing different about morning worship on this particular day was that the doors to the shrine were closed to visitors. The huge shrine was empty of anyone not bearing the red and white robes of the miko.

Kagome and Kikyo kneeled side by side, listening as Daisaiin-sama, Senshi, revealed her secret. She began the speech with a warning.

“My children, I stand before you today in order to say that one of you will be destined to live a life uncommon to all others. A life full of danger, with little reward. One of you will be chosen to rise above all others in a duty that will alter your life forever. This duty is of the highest honor in our lands. One of you will be given the task of keeping our world safe. Safe from evil and destruction.”

Senshi raised an intricately carved wooden box, which glowed eerily of a magical spell. They listened quietly as she continued. “In this box is a jewel known as the Shikon No Tama.” The gasps of surprise drowned her voice briefly, and the daisaiin waited for them to quiet down once more. “The Jewel of Four Souls has been protected for years by a dutiful and pure miko. The miko Chinatsu has been forced to hand this honor over to the younger generation. She has fought proud and strong for many years, but as goes the cycle of life, her strength drifts away with her youth. It has fallen on me, as Imperial Daisaiin, to find her replacement. Someone to ensure the safety of the world.”

The old woman faltered for a brief moment. The burden she now held was not to be taken lightly. She surveyed the one hundred faces captivated by her speech, and wondered who would be the one cursed as the jewels protector. She felt pity for the girl. The days ahead of her would be nothing if not full of youkai attacks, and human schemes. Many dark hearts wished to obtain the awesome power of the Shikon No Tama. Human and youkai alike.

Senshi continued her speech, explaining the dangers of the jewel. She told of its origin into this world. The tale of the great warrior priestess, Midoriko, who fought bravely to the death against her enemies, finally succumbing, only to take the soul of her enemy with her own, to be forever encased inside the jewel. Only a truly unselfish wish would remove the jewel from this world.

Senshi sighed despairingly. “Unselfish. Can anyone truly ever wish for something completely unselfish? I do not know, but my many years on this Earth has told me that there is no such thing. I believe that this jewel will forever be a curse on the world. Its power, in the hands of evil, will corrupt and tarnish the jewel, as well as anyone in the enemy’s path. Only the power of pure good can maintain its purity, so the competition will also be governed by your purity of heart.”

The gathered miko’s were openly uneasy about the situation. Honor and duty bound them to spreading good in the world. To protect it from evil, and keep the weak safe. No one wanted the job of protecting this jewel, but no one could walk away without losing face.

The fate of the world rested on the head of one honorable miko, and the question in all their minds was the same. ‘Who would it be?’

Senshi began speaking again, gaining the attention of the women, “The competition will begin in one hour. You will all report to the courtyard to be given your schedule. We expect the competition to last five days. By then I should have my decision. Do you have any questions?”

“Is it safe to keep the jewel here?” Asked a miko up front.

Senshi answered, “My dear, it is as safe as can be expected. It is sealed in this box by a powerful spell, which can only be broken during a ceremony involving a drop of the Emperor’s own blood. While this is effective under temporary circumstances, it only places the Emperor in grave danger. The sooner the Shikon is placed in the hands of it’s rightful protector, the better.”

A murmur swept across the room, as the miko’s discussed this new information. The light hearted banter before this meeting was now a thing of the past, now that they were aware that the world as they know it, was in danger.

Suddenly a sharp voice, immediately recognized by Kagome, spoke up. “If the jewel is sought out by youkai, then it should not be entrusted to a miko who favors youkai,” Sadae said loudly.

Kagome gritted her teeth to stop from leaping to her feet in protest. She knew very well whom Sadae was referring to, and she didn’t appreciate it one bit. Kikyo knew as well, and immediately patted Kagome gently. She was glad she did, for she was about to jump up and make a fool of herself.

Senshi knew to whom Sadae was referring, as well. She had been keeping a close eye on many of the stronger mikos, and the events yesterday between her and Kagome did not go un-noticed. She knew Sadae had a valid concern, as it was true that youkai did lust after the jewels power, but humans were not impervious to its darkness either, making it hard to agree with the woman.

“It is sought after by human and demon alike. The youkai slave bond is a strong spell, which governs their actions even against their will. The spell to break the slave bond is complex and unique, and requires a pardon by the owner as well as the Emperor himself. I believe the Shikon will be safe in the hands of the chosen one.” Senshi stated.

Kagome followed Kikyo out of the Shrine. There were many visitors waiting to enter for morning worship. The resident miko’s were going to be busy catching up. She looked to her left, where Sesshomaru stood waiting patiently for her. Rin was busy playing beneath his feet. She gave him a half-hearted smile, as he joined her. “Rin, come.”

On the way to grab the weapons from the hut, Kagome and Kikyo told Sesshomaru and Inuyasha about the Shikon No Tama. The untold destiny before them was a bit frightening to the young women, and Sesshomaru had a powerful urge to comfort Kagome. His slave bond would not permit such public affection to his mate, however, so he resigned himself to walking closely behind her. The depth of their relationship had not been revealed to the general population on any account, and he knew it was best not to add fuel to the fire. Someone like Sadae, would relish the opportunity use their relationship against Kagome.

Soon Kagome found herself standing in the dojo, ready to do hand to hand combat against her opponent. A fairly nice girl from the Southern Territory. Uzuki stood just a little taller than herself, and was just a little heavier. Kagome watched her carefully before the match began. Sizing her up for a weakness. Sango’s training played through her mind, and as the spar began, Kagome fell into a defensive stance.

Kagome blocked each blow effectively, and waited for her opportunity to dispatch her opponent. When Uzuki misplaced her left foot, Kagome took her opportunity. A well placed kick, accompanied by a swift jab to the ribs, sent the friendly female to the mat. Kagome took her first win.

Kikyo held the blade in her hand, as she prepared to make her move. Her opponent was that wicked, stubby, friend of Sadae’s, and she couldn’t wait to put her in her place. A leap to the left, a quick duck, and a spin brought the blade to the throat of the little wench. Kikyo stepped back from her win and accepted the girls bow of defeat.

The day wore on, as Kagome and Kikyo met each opponent in mock battle. One by one the competition diminished, leaving both women standing victorious at the end of the day. Tiredly they made their way back to the hut, followed by Inuyasha, Sesshomaru, and Rin.

Kagome suddenly felt a chill run down her spine, which Kikyo felt as well.

“Konbanwa, Lady Kagome,” Onigumo called.

Kagome stopped, ignoring the warning growl from Sesshomaru. She would very much like to ignore Onigumo, but that would be rude, since the man had not done anything to warrant such behavior. “Konbanwa Lord Onigumo.” Once Kagome turned completely, she was aware that Onigumo was accompanied by none other that Prince Hasun. She bowed low to the prince. “And to you as well, your highness.”

Hasun gave a hearty laugh as he stepped up to Kagome. “We would like to congratulate you both for your outstanding performance today. Your strengths are truly remarkable. Onigumo, here, tells me that you are both experts at archery, as well. I look forward to seeing you both in action.”

A low growl could be heard from Inuyasha, which was ignored by all. Sesshomaru kept his eyes trained on Onigumo. This ningen made him feel uneasy. A feeling that he new better than to ignore. There was no way in hell that human would touch his mate.