Magenta Stripes by Ayame Kunizaki

A New World

Hi! I just had this wonderful idea for a new fan fiction, and though I still have many storied running at the same time, I couldn’t resist but make this one too! Enjoy!

Magenta Stripes

Chapter 1: A New World

                Kagome stared down at the well, her gaze skeptical. What was making that repeated knocking noise, if not her cat? She shrieked as the wooden boards that held the well closed flew open, revealing a startling violet light. Her scream was lost as she was pulled inside by two long, pale arms, and the boards closed the well once more. As she plummeted through the mist, she found herself face to face with a very pale woman with two pairs of arms.

                “You have the jewel shard, don’t you? Give it to me!” the woman shrieked, her extensive tongue flicking over her face. Kagome tried to push the woman away in vain.

                “What are you talking about? Let go!” she screamed, her hand shooting out and shoving the woman away. She felt a slight tug in her heart and a blinding light exploded from her hands and repelled the demon woman. The woman let out a loud, high screech and floated away slowly, her eerie voice echoing through the mist.

                “I must have the jewel shard!” she cried as she disappeared. Kagome was about to yell after her, but was stopped as she landed hard on a cold surface, thrusting her hands out just in time to catch her fall. Standing up unsteadily, she swiveled her head to observe her surroundings, and realized that she was at the bottom of what looked to be a well. Groaning inwardly, she grunted as she grabbed a hold of some vines that wound their way around the inside of the well and began to climb. After what seemed like years, she managed to heave herself over the rim of the well, mentally cursing her weak limbs that were a result of her non-participation on gym class. As she hauled herself over the top of the well, she found herself in what seemed to be another world. Overgrown emerald grass adorned the ground and stretched out for as far as the eye could see, and tall, ancient trees freckled the landscape. The songs of birds and the twittering of unseen critters floated to her ears.

                “What the…?” she whispered, her eyes wide. She rose shakily and looked around for a familiar face. “Grandpa, mom? Are you there?” she shouted, her voice rising. When there was no answer, she decided it would be best to have a look around this place, and find any familiar land marks. Before she could even take a step however, she heard a loud, high squeak from behind some trees off to the south.

                “Lord Sesshoumaru? Where are we going? Hello?” The voice squawked. Kagome froze as the bushes rustled, and soon, out came two figures; one very short, and the other very tall. As they approached, Kagome saw that it was a man, and a very handsome one at that. He was pale, with flawless skin, narrowed; honey colored eyes, and two magenta stripes that clawed at his cheeks. He ignored her blatantly as he walked past, his gaze held firmly ahead of him. The small creature at his feet, however, was not so uninterested. His large, bulging yellow eyes appraised her and his mouth turned down.

                “Lord Sesshoumaru, look! It’s a woman! Look at how she is dressed; I’ve never seen anyone clothed so scantily!” he exclaimed, his globular eyes growing even wider than they already were. The man ignored the imp-looking creature and continued to stroll leisurely, not even giving Kagome a glance. Kagome was desperate though, so she decided to follow him. 

                “Please wait! I think I’m lost, can you tell me where I am?” she shouted after him. When he didn’t answer, she grew frustrated. “Hey! Quit ignoring me, you jerk!” she yelled as she trailed after him. The imp turned to her, his eyes flashing.

                “Don’t you dare talk to Lord Sesshoumaru that way! Apologize immediately!” he ordered importantly, glowering at her. She snorted, stepping out him.

                “I’m not apologizing to anyone! I just want directions!” she retorted. The imp was about to say something, but just let out s terrified shriek instead, his gaze drawn to something behind her. Kagome whipped around to see the same demoness from inside the well flying at her, her many arms outstretched. Kagome screamed and tried to dodge, but ended up just tripping and falling heavily to the ground. The demon let out a loud cry and charged at her again. Kagome squeezed her eyes shut and waited for her impending doom, but moments passed, and she found she was still alive. Cracking one eye open, she saw the disgusting demon lying dead on the ground, blood pooling around its body, and the mysterious and apparently mute man standing beside it, his claws stained with the creature’s blood. Kagome stumbled to her feet.

                “Thank you! I thought I was a goner!” she said sincerely. He merely nodded and her and turned to go, his long silver hair swishing behind him. Kagome raced after him. “Wait, wait! May I please follow you? I have nowhere to go, and you did save my life so…” she trailed off, and when he didn’t give her an answer, she took it as a yes and uneasily followed him. They walked in silence for a while, until her loud gasp broke it.

                “It’s the tree! The ancient tree!” she exclaimed happily. “Thank goodness!” The small green toad-looking thing gawked at her.

                “You know of this tree?” he squawked. Kagome opened her mouth to reply, but stopped as her breath caught in her throat. As they pushed away the trees, they came into a small clearing where the giant, ancient oak sat. Pinned to the trunk by a long, rotting arrow was a man, with her savior’s same long ivory locks. His eyes were closed, but he didn’t seem to be dead. Kagome squeaked with excitement as she caught sight of the small dog ears that sat at the top of his head.

                “Ooh! How cute! I want to touch em!” she squealed, her arm outstretching. Suddenly, the silent man’s arm shot out and held hers there.

                “Don’t touch him.” He warned quietly, his low, silken voice dangerous. Kagome was bewildered, but nodded anyway; she found that she trusted this man for some reason. The toad examined the strange male with the dog ears.

                “Yep, I don’t think he will be waking up soon, Milord!” he informed him importantly. “But how are you going to find out about your father’s tomb?” The man named Lord Sesshoumaru stared at the strange dog-eared male for some time, his pupils thin slits.

                “We’re going.” He finally said as he turned on his heel and began to walk away. Kagome was befuddled, but she turned and followed Sesshoumaru anyway. She had no idea what following him would mean for her later on.