The Icy Priestess

A/N: All fairy tales have a grain of truth in them and a moral of sorts, that is why they are fairy tales. Based loosely on the Princess Bride. Sorry, no lemon, lime or citrus, just WAFF. Please be kind. No flames. Also, I have a major problem with ver tenses, so please forgive my mistakes.

Disclaimer: I don’t own any of them except for the plot. Please don’t sue.


~V~V~V~ The Icy Priestess ~V~V~V~


The battle over the Jewel of the Four Souls was over. They had won or had they?

Sesshomaru walked onto the field surveying the destruction. Moving silently forward, his attention was on his younger brother who was slowly coming to. He watched as Inu Yasha crawled to the strange little priestess who was sprawled next to him. Her bow was shattered and blood was pooling at her side. In her hand was the completed jewel.

A ear piercing cry of rage and grief filled the air as Inu Yasha clutched her body to his bloody chest, rocking back and forth. Sesshomaru stood behind his grieving brother with a expressionless look on his face.

Turning to his brother, Inu Yasha pleaded, blood and tears streaming down his face, "She's sleeping. Right? Tell me she isn't dead, Sesshomaru."

Placing a hand on his brother's shoulder, "Little Brother," Sesshomaru said.

Inu Yasha's eyes grew wild and unsure. He let out one more blood curdling scream before Sesshomaru lead him off the battle field, still clutching Kagome’s body tightly in his arms.

************************

Mrs. Higurashi was busy cleaning out an old storage closet when she pulled out an old fairy tale book. One that she had read to her children time and time again. She was leafing through it when she heard her son, Souta call out.

"In here, Souta." she called back, closing the book with a tired sigh, wiping away a tear.

"Whatcha doing, Mama?" he asked, coming to sit by her, munching on an apple.

“Ohh just going through some things. Look what I found. This was Kagome’s favorite bedtime story when she was a child.” Leafing through the old book, she sighed.

“Aww Mama. Not that old story. It’s so mushy.”

Opening the book to the first page, she smiled. “I know dear. But let me read it to you again. ‘A long long time ago. . . ‘ ”

Souta sighed, rolling his eyes as he settled to listen.


***********************

A long long time ago, there lived a priestess. She was said to have great healing and spiritual powers but for all that power, she wanted to live a simple life.

She lived for so long that villagers couldn’t even remember her name. They called her just ‘Priestess,’ or ‘The Priestess’ and on the rare formal occasion, ‘Lady Priestess.’ She was well loved and respected that children would come to listen to her stories, and adults for her wisdom and healing.

That is not to say, she was homey or ugly. By no means. She was fair and beautiful to look at, an ageless grace unraveled. Her hair was white as new fallen snow and her skin was as fine bone clay and as translucent as silk. It was said that her eyes was what caught people’s attention. They were as grey as a snow cloudy sky in winter and she dressed only in white.

She never laughed, she never cried. She walked through life in a serene calm with a slight smile on her lips. For you see, time had become frozen in her heart. It was if she walked outside of time and she never seemed to age.

One of her duties was to calmly walk into the nearby forest. Villagers had been afraid to walk into the dark terrain. They said evil walks under those trees, some had tried to follow her but turned back. Some had seen her talk with a figure all in white with long white hair, at the forest‘s edge. It was thought he was a lover or a demon, or maybe it was a wise man giving her advice. She and this person were seen walking into the forest without fear.

Inside the forest, there stood an ancient tree, the great Sacred Tree, a Tree of Ages. She would step up in a root to a bare patch where the bark refuses to grow and place her forehead on the patch as her fingers would gently caress an arrow hole.

How long she would stand like that, no one could say. Why she did was also a mystery. But stand there she would, against the Tree as if in a lover’s embrace. Now everyone knows that a tree doesn’t have arms, and could not offer the comfort the priestess seemed to be seeking. A lone tear would fall from her cheek to land on the rough wood, then she would step back, bow in homage and serenely walk back into the forest without looking back. Very few have witness this ritual and puzzled at her behavior.

Yet, she took things in stride. Demons great and small would come to test her powers. After a warning, she purified them, but some demons came, offering her homage and gifts. Those she blessed and sent on their way. She didn’t have the heart to harm them.

Men too came. Some wanted to use her powers for their own schemes, demanding she would stand by their side either as wife or advisor. Some of the offers were very unsavory and lewd. In all cases, she would smile and graciously decline their offers. She had no use for their petty schemes of conquest or power. She was only a village priestess and would remain so. Sometimes, it took an arrow or two to persuade them, but in the end, they would leave her in peace.

Sometimes, men came asking for her help in matters of body, mind or soul. These she gladly helped, cured or blessed them as they needed, then sent them on their way.
**************

"Aw mom. Get to the good part, this is so boring," Souta whined, tossing his apple core into the nearby trash bin.

"Now Souta, I was just coming to that part. Please let me finish, dear," she smiled at him as she turned back to the book.

****************


It was now spring, the meadow wild flowers were in full bloom when she walked up to the Sacred Tree. She stepped up on the root, placing her forehead on the rough bare wood as her fingers gently caress the arrow hole. How long she remained there? Minutes? Hours? It was hard to tell. A lone tear fell from her cheek, staining the rough wood.

Stepping back, she bowed to the Tree before walking back into the forest but this time, she was being watched. A figure in the shadows had seen it all. As she faded into the distance, he stepped out into the sunlight.

Walking up to the Tree, this young man stared up at the tear stain that was quickly drying in the afternoon sun. He had golden skin and hair as white as a new born lamb. His eyes were the color of liquid amber. He wore a red kimono with a rusty sword at his side. His eyes moved to where the priestess had disappeared, then back at the tree. Then with a soft snort of disgust, he too disappeared back into the forest in a different direction.

Spring was giving way to summer when the priestess appeared again at the Tree. It was the day before the Night of the New Moon. She stood on the root, placing her forehead on the Tree, her fingers caressing the arrow hole. All the while, the young man stood in the shadows, watching her.

When she had started to walk away from the Tree, he moved quietly out into the meadow. His hand reached up to touch the tear stain she had left. Who could say what gave him away, for the priestess turned around. Their eyes met across the meadow, grey eyes looking into amber. She gave him a slight smile, bowed before she turned and walked away. He in turn gave a soft snort and disappeared in the other direction.

The next day, he found her sitting by an old dried up well. The day was beautiful to behold. The sun was warm and bright, a gentle breeze stirred the wild flowers and tall grasses. Her back was against the old well, her face with eyes closed raised to caught the sun’s warmth, when he stepped out of the forest.

She bade him to come closer. She wouldn’t harm him. She had food in a basket if he was hungry. He settled down beside her, studying this strange priestess. How long he studied her, it isn’t given but he finally spoke to her, saying that she was the strangest priestess he had ever seen. Why wasn’t she trying to purify him? After all, he was a half demon.

Opening her eyes, the priestess gave his a slight smile, and said that she didn’t kill unless she had to. She had seen enough of death and killing and wanted only peace. Since he wasn’t causing her any problems, she was willing to just enjoy the beautiful summer day, to which, he snorted, rolling his eyes, reaching for the basket.

As the day ended, she stood, dusting the grass off her white priestess robes. She informed the young half-demon that she needed to return to the village. He was welcome to share her supper with her.

After that, he was often seen in her company. The villagers got used to him sleeping on the roof of her hut. Sometimes, they would complain to her but she would only say, he’s harmless and to leave him alone.

Summer gave way to early fall. She and the young half-demon could be seen strolling through the forest, not as young lovers, more like easy companions. They would talk of many things, simple things, things that had no real meaning to them.

He had finally told the priestess that he had no memory of his past life. His older brother had been taking care of him until recently. He had been restless and bored and that’s how he had ended up in her village. She gave him a slight smile and told him she was pleased that he was able to share his past with her. She told him some of her life as a village priestess. It was a lonely life but fulfilling.

He spoke of an image that haunts his nights. It was an image of a young girl with long hair as black as a raven’s wing. She was long in leg and arm, wearing a strange outfit of white and green. She had a sweet laugh and he could hear her voice telling him to be happy. The problem was he could never see her face and he knew once he could see her face, everything would become clear.

It was the day before the Night of the New Moon. They walked through the forest until they came to the Tree. The half-demon watched silently as she stood on the root, placing her forehead on the rough wood, her fingers caressing the arrow hole.

************

"But you said that already. Where is the action?" Souta whined again. "Who cares about all this anyways?"

Mama glared at him, "Now Souta. This was Kagome's favorite bedtime story. Would it hurt for you to humor me?"

Souta roll his eyes and sighed. "Ohh I guess not."

"Now where was I. . . Ohh here. . .'The half-demon watched silently as she stood on the root, placing her forehead on the rough wood, her fingers caressing the arrow hole.'"
"
************

When she stepped back and bowed to the Tree, he asked her why she always did this ritual. Still looking up at the Tree, she explained a very tragic injustice was once done here. Two people were tragically tore apart by hatred and greed. By performing this ritual, she hoped that the two souls would find peace.

The young half-demon reached up to touch the tear stain that she had left. For a moment, he was silent, then he asked for the story. She turned from the Tree and started to walk away. She bade him to come. She told him, a misguided soul had been pinned to the Tree by an arrow until love freed him. He asked what happened to the soul. She stopped and sighed. Looking up into the trees swaying in the wind, she told him that the soul was given a second chance at love but a great evil snatched it away. The young half-demon asked what happened next. The priestess paused, then looking him in the face, a slight sadness clouded her eyes. She told him that the poor misguided soul had his spirit broken and his love shattered.

She didn’t see the half-demon for the rest of that autumn. She had given him much to thinking about. As for her, she continued to walked through life as if he had never been there.

Now it was late fall when a powerful ruler with many warriors came to the village. Striding a huge dark horse, he looked menacing and cruel. He proclaimed loudly that he and his men had conquered this land and all must bow to his rule. He had heard of the priestess that lived in this village and had heard that she was powerful. He meant to have her by his side.

The priestess with bow in hand stepped out into the road far enough away from the men and said, she was the priestess. She had no interest in going with him. The warriors moved to surround her. Spears and arrows were pointed at her as the ruler laughed.

He informed the foolish woman that he wasn’t going to take no for an answer. She would come or she would die. He couldn’t have her helping his enemies.

The priestess sighed. She raised a purifying barrier, aiming an arrow at the ruler. She told him again to leave. However, just as she spoke, a flash of red and silver landed in front of her. The half-demon that had been her companion all summer stood in front of her. In his hand, his sword poised to strike any who dared touched the priestess.

******

"Well finally, we're getting somewhere."

"Yes dear, now hush and let me finish."

********

Now let me say something about that sword. It was no rusty sword as many had thought. It was huge and gleaming silver. In fact, it looked more like a fang then a sword. It was as long as the half-demon's body and as wide as a man.

The pair glared at the ruler and his men. She repeated that she wasn’t going to leave and that she had no interest in power or ruling. She was a simple village priestess and would remain so.

Her barrier started to push out, purifying all that came in contact with it. The warriors fell back, screaming in pain. The half-demon raised his sword, slamming it to the ground. A huge wind sprang from the impact, hurtling towards the ruler. It was said that the horse had more sense, for when the sword hit the ground and the wind started to form, it bolted carrying the ruler away from the village. His men all ran after him in terror.

When peace once more settled on the village, the priestess serenely walked away. The half-demon disappeared into the forest after her. He found her by the old well. She sat in the grass with her back against the old wood frame. She was studying the clouds that drifted over head when he found her.

As he sat by her, watching her quiet contemplation, he was puzzled by her serenity and said so. She sighed and told him that she was waiting. Waiting for what, he asked. She looked over at him and gave him a slight smile. Just waiting, she replied. Then she asked him about his memories. If there was a way for him to get them back, would he accept what they told him?

Stunned, he said he would have to think about it. She told him, there would be a price. He asked what kind of price. Looking back up at the clouds, she said, he needed to get his brother’s permission and that when he got his memories back, he had to tell the person who loved him that he loved her back.

Jumping up and after from her, he shouted that it didn’t make sense. He didn’t love anyone. At least, he didn’t think he did and besides, his brother would never agree to it. She shrugged and said that was her price.


Fall was fast becoming winter, the priestess was again in the forest when the young half demon found her. He had his older brother with him. Now this brother was a force to behold. He was a full demon unlike his younger brother. He was dressed all in white. His hair fell behind his back in long and straight and was as white as lamb’s wool. His golden eyes peered down at her cold and aloof. Tall was he, proud and stately. His only flaw was the fact that he was missing an arm.

The priestess bowed to the brothers and waited for their answer. The elder brother glared at the priestess and said he would approve of this but she had better not harm his brother. The half-demon agreed to pay the priestess’ price. He wanted to see the face of the girl who haunted his dreams and thoughts.

************

"Say mama, that sounds like. . ." Souta looked over at his mother, puzzled, interrupting again.

"Please let me finish this, Souta," Mama interupted him, as she took out a hankie and dabbed the corners of her eyes. "I'll never get through this if you keep interrupting."

"Sorry mama." Placing his elbows on his knees, jamming his fists into his cheeks, Souta suddenly had a sinking feeling about this story.

************

The priestess lead the brothers to the Sacred Tree. She had the younger brother sit at the base, leaning his back against the rough bark. Closing his eyes, she gently placed her finger tips to his forehead. Pink and white light glowed from her fingers. How long it took, no one could say. When it was over, she walked away and disappeared into the forest without looking back.

The older brother caught the younger as he slumped against the Tree. Amber eyes flickered and met golden eyes. The half-demon let out a scream of pain and grief that echoed through the forest. He remembered.

Then a loud slap slammed the half-demon back against the tree. The older brother growled a reminder that there was a debt to be paid. But the half-demon sobbed back how could he if she was dead. Walking away from his younger brother, the elder asked, was she died? The priestess wouldn’t have asked such a thing if it weren’t so.

The first snow laid on the forest floor, crunching and crumbling under her feet as the priestess walked serenely to the Sacred Tree. It was the day before the Night of the New Moon and she had come once more to pay her respects. The leaves were gone for the season, frost and snow laid on the bare limbs.

Because of the frost and the coldness of the day, when she stepped away from the Tree, her tear had turned to an icy crystal on the bare wood. A warm hand rested on her shoulder causing her to turn around.

The young half-demon looked into her calm grey eyes and said that he was an idiot and asked her to forgive him. Then he called her by her true name. One she hadn’t heard on anyone’s lips for over a hundred years. Kagome.

His lips met her’s as he pulled her into his arms. She returned his kiss as she pressed her body against his.

Then a curious thing happened.

Her snow white hair melted away turning her hair as black as a raven’s wing. As tears flowed down her cheeks, the kiss ended. Amber eyes widen in awe as eyes that were as grey as a snow clouded day turned into a brilliant blue as she smiled a full and brilliant smile.

Her waiting was over. Time that once had stood still beginning on that horrible day when they had faced great evil, when his mind broke at the mere thought of losing her. She, using her priestess powers, willed herself to walk outside of time when she learnt of his plight. For you see, his brother, a great dog demon lord, had kept her informed over the years on his brother’s condition.

He whispered her name once more as she whispered his. Inu Yasha.

Turning to walk back into the forest, standing at the edge was his brother, dressed in white with long hair as pale as fresh fallen snow. The couple bowed slightly to him and he back to them. Then the three of them walked into the forest, disappearing into the cold darkness, never to be seen again.

***********************

As Mrs. Higurash closed the book, wiping away a shed tear, as she finished the story, “It is said when the first frost fells on the day before the Night of the New Moon, the priestess and her half-demon lover can be seen in front of the Sacred Tree paying homage.” She sighed, running a loving hand over the closed book, wiping away the tear.

Souta let out a loud sniff, “Ohh man. I didn’t realize. . . Mama. There’s frost on the ground and tonight’s the New Moon. You don’t think?”

Hugging her son and only child left to her, she said, “I don’t know dear. Kagome never came back to us and it’s been over a year.”

That night, under the new moon, standing in the cold in the shadows by the Sacred Tree, two silhouettes waited. One of them gave a gasp as they looked to the top of the steps that lead to their shrine.

A shimmering of light appeared at the top of the stairs, as two figures, male and female, slowing formed. Shadowy were they , silvery as they walked out of the light. The female’s white clothing where that of a priestess from long ago and the male’s hair was long and as white as a newborn lamb’s.

Slowly the female’s hair turned to black and the male’s outfit turned to red as they walked to the Sacred Tree. Stepping away from her companion, the young woman stepped up on a root to place her forehead on the bare patch on the Tree. Her hand touching the arrow hole. A lone tear falls from her cheek to slide down the rough wood. Then she stepped away.

Mrs. Higurash and her son stepped out of shadows as the couple bowed to the Tree, turning, they bowed at mother and child. Then, silently as they came, Kagome and Inu Yasha walked away as colors faded from them as they slowly disappeared into the darkness.