Shiro Inu by Aiko-san
Kodomo
Shiro Inu
Chapter One
Disclaimer: I own nothing what so ever…I swear!
Warning: This story has graphic imagery and death. Because I am a terrible person, it will contain dark themes. If you are under the age of 18,…no…no…bad.;)
Author’s Note: This story will contain a total of 3 chapters. I originally wanted to make it a one-shot, but I decided to split it up into three different time periods. This is an A/U ultimately, so please go into this with an open mind. Thanks for deciding to take a look! Proceed!!
Listening to... 'Human' By: Christina Perri
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They say youkai are uncaring creatures, who prey on innocent humans for their own selfish desires.
Because of these beliefs I was never to go into certain areas of the forest. My mother feared I would be stolen and inevitably eaten by these rare beasts.
I now believe that most youkai had evil tendencies, but for some reason I couldn’t help but wonder if some of these youkai were just misunderstood… There were plenty of evil humans in this world who looked to kill, steal, and rape for their own pleasure. Could it be the same…for some youkai? I knew it was true because of ‘Shiro Inu’…
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“Kagome!” Haru placed her hands around her mouth and shouted, waving an empty basket through the air, “Come on, Kaede-sama is back!”
A small brunette child sat upon the forest floor, picking ripe berries for her mother’s famous pastries. She plucked the ripe fruit, placing them in her basket. Of all three of the girls, Kagome had obtained the most. She alone seemed to enjoy the thought of warm pastry in her mouth, more so than the others, who barely obtained enough, or ate them before they hit the basket. Her blue eyes lifted, glaring in the direction of her friend, Haru. She was a spit fire, with a short bob like haircut. She had always been the one who acted the toughest of the three friends, which could be due to the fact that she had three older brothers.
Yumi was the smallest of the girls, as well as the youngest. She had been by Kagome’s side, obtaining just enough berries in her small basket. She didn’t talk much, but it could be due to the fact that her parents had died a little over a year and a half ago. It had been a terrible thing. She had heard her own mother talking about it one night. Staying Yumi’s father had gone mad, hearing voices which told him of his wife’s infidelity. It wasn’t a normal affair. Her mother spoke of a youkai being involved. That he had gone mad with this untruth. No one believed this fabricated lie, but Kagome couldn’t help but ponder it. Had there been a youkai, could it be possible, a woman being swayed from her own husband by a horrid, drooling monster? Kagome couldn’t even fathom such a horrible thing. Yumi’s father had led his wife, by force, out to the lake not far from the village and drowned her, killing himself after. Yumi hasn’t talked for days, and Kagome cried for her loss.
The blue eyed girl shifted her gaze toward the small figure of Yumi, who stood with little confidence yet offered a fake, but kind smile toward her. Of course she returned it, wiping off her hands and standing with her overly filled basket.
“You have nothing in that basket, Haru.” Kagome shouted, glaring at the girl.
Haru glanced up at the empty basket and dropped it to her side, “No, I got some.” Her cheeks reddened as she stumbled over her words.
“Yeah, yeah… stop lying. I have been doing all the work with Yumi, while we sat here for an hour listening to you sing about youkai.” Kagome raised a brow, holding her overflowing basket close to her chest, “Let’s go,” she said, glancing through the thick tree line to see the villagers surrounding Kaede-sama, who was indeed back from her trip.
Haru pursed her lips talking under her breath, not taking kindly to being reprimanded. Kagome walked up beside her and wrapped a hand around her friend’s shoulder, “Stop sulking,”
“Am not,” She retorted, crossing her arms, basket and all, across her chest. Kagome rolled her eyes and began to chuckle, glancing over her shoulder to watch Yumi following with a soft smile on her lips. She could have sworn she heard her giggle.
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“I got them,” Kagome squealed with delight, causing her mother to jump.
“Kagome, you scared me to death,” She placed a hand to her chest, and offered her daughter a grin. Her other hand descended to the soft swell upon her belly, smoothing the material of her apron over it as if feeling the child jolt within her.
“Sorry momma,” The young girl glanced up, feeling guilty. Her small hands gripped the basket, sliding it upon the counter space. The counter was almost as big as she was.
“Do you want help, sweetie?” Her mother chuckled, walking toward her. Her arm extended, going for the handle of the basket.
“No,” Kagome nearly shouted, grunting as she stood upon her tip toes. She may be a young girl of only seven, but she wasn’t completely useless. She wanted to prove to her mother she could help, especially with her baby brother or sister on the way.
Her mother held up her hands and nodded, “Go ahead, just don’t hurt yourself over it.” A soft chuckle could be heard, which just caused the young girl to be even more determined. She forcefully shoved the basket to the wall, making sure it wasn’t too close to the edge.
“Feel better?” Her mother asked, placing her hands upon her hips.
Kagome rubbed her hands together and nodded, grinning to showing off her missing front teeth, “Yep.” She said proudly.
Her mother leaned in, taking her small cheeks between both hands and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, “Would you like to help me?” Kagome nodded, even though her cheeks were being held hostage.
“Alright, wash up and come help. We have to make quite a few of these.” She chuckled, swatting her daughter’s rear end, causing the girl to squeal and rush off to the door rather quick.
“Where is papa?” She asked, pausing at the doorway.
“He is preparing the fish caught this morning. Would you like to gut fish instead?” Her mother’s brow cocked.
Kagome stuck out her tongue and rushed off, without even responding to such a silly question.
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They had spent all afternoon making pastries. She hated the process in which was required to make them. It was so painful, rolling the dough, letting it set. It was like watching water boil. If only there was a way to snap your fingers and instantly cook them. Even though preparing the dough wasn’t as fun, Kagome did enjoy the making of the fruity inside. Sticking her finger in the bowl to get a large glob happened frequently when her mother wasn’t talking. At one point, Haru’s mother had stopped by; bring more goods for another batch of pastries. Haru’s mother was a sweet lady, small yet sweet. She was plump after having four children, which provided for warm hugs that the small child enjoyed. Haru had appeared not long after, which had her mother nearly threatening to have them both thrown from the kitchen because of her obnoxious chatter.
Their mothers prepped the shape of the pastry and shooed them from the kitchen when the time for cooking came. Kagome’s mother didn’t wish for anything to happen to their small fingers. Honestly, she was grateful. The sun was setting and that meant one thing, fire. She and Haru had been excited about the fire and dancing for weeks. Without even a complaint and one more swipe of filling, both girls rushed out to collect Yumi from her aunts.
“Do you think she will tell us another Youkai story after the ceremony?” Haru asked, swiping a stick across the air as if fighting something, Kagome wasn’t quite sure.
Rolling her blue eyes, Kagome kicked a stone across the dirt path, “You talk too much about youkai.” Sticking her in the side, she nodded to Yumi who was trailing behind them with her arms wrapped tightly around her, braid hanging loosely over her shoulder. They couldn’t see her eyes.
Haru pursed her lips and shook her head, “I didn’t mean to be rude,” she muttered to Kagome.
“I know, and I am sure she will.” The blue eyed child responded, trying to appease her friend’s excitement, “Are you coming, Yumi? Don’t trail,” Kagome said softly.
The black haired girl lifted her dark gaze and nodded, rushing to Kagome’s side to grip her arm. Kagome giggled and hugged her back, following after Haru who continued to fight off invisible beasts, “I better not have a brother, Haru is brother enough for me,” She whispered to Yumi, who giggled and smiled up at her.
Kagome’s blue gaze lifted to the darkening sky, watching the beautiful rays of gold shoot across the horizon, as if fighting the inevitable black night in which descended upon them each evening. The crickets were out, playing the evening theme song. She was happy the sun was diving below the horizon, easing the heat which had nearly scorched her today. It was mild now, easing up on her bronzing flesh. Her large orbs skimmed the tree line leading to the center of the village, where everyone was in an uproar for tonight’s events. The soft glow from the fireflies beamed across the tall grassy terrain, leading them down the path.
“Look, they are beautiful,” Yumi said softly beside her.
“Yes they are,” Kagome agreed.
In the distance was her father, standing among the other men, lining stone to keep the wooden logs in a specific area when the time came to finally light them. They would have a massive fire this evening. Releasing her friend, Kagome rushed past Haru toward the man chatting and laughing with a drink in hand.
“Papa!” Kagome shouted, flinging herself into his arms. The man dropped his cup, wrapping his arms around his tiny daughter, lifting her high in the air.
“You are early,” He grinned, tickling her with his fingers, “Weren’t you suppose to help you mother?”
“I did, but then Haru’s momma came over, they were finishing the pastries when I left. Momma didn’t want me to get burned. There were so many, poppa.” Kagome wrapped her arms around his neck, allowing him to lower her back to the ground. Her father picked up his cup from the dirt floor and smiled up at his feisty daughter.
“Well, that is understandable, and even though you are getting older there are still things you need to be careful around. No ‘if-and or-but’ about it.” He glanced toward the dark homes near the forest line, noticing the cart was still empty and in front of their home, “I hope she hurries up. This fire will be blazing soon. Everyone has been talkin’ about those pastries.” Her father’s dark gaze slipped toward to the massive wooden tower, observing his work.
“Me to, they smelled yummy.” Kagome giggled. Her curious gaze shifted across the mid-point of the town, watching the men begin to light the lanterns. Hanging from stings in the trees scattered across the village floor, were masks of Oni. Tonight they would be warding off evil spirits, feasting, and playing music. She couldn’t wait to dance. Maybe she would stuff her face after she got her fair share of dancing. Dancing with a full belly was never fun.
“Kaede was looking for you, you best go fine her,” Her father waved her away, most likely wishing to get back to his drinking and fun. He usually acted as such when her mother didn’t have her watchful eyes on him. Kagome grinned and nodded, leaving behind a confused Haru and a detached Yumi.
Rushing toward a small lodge not far from the activities, Kagome swiped a hand across the cloth separating the inside from the view of those behind it. She stepped in and glanced toward the towering form of the older woman, blessing herself with the smoke from the incense. Her old hands cupped the white smoke, pressing it into her face as she whispered a soft prayer.
Slowly turning, the Miko smiled upon her with a knowing grin. Her dark gaze filled with happiness, “It has been many weeks, Kagome. I see you have kept the shrine spotless.”
Kagome felt a blush form across her cheeks, almost forgetting the merciless hours she spent cleaning the wooden floors, dusting, and changing incense. Kaede had left the village to preform cleansing rituals upon fortresses were in dire need. Supposedly, youkai had been seen floating over villages in the south, reaping havoc upon innocent bystanders. The problem had most likely been taken care of for the time being; with Kaede’s presence here, she didn’t need to ask.
“Yes, Kaede-sama,” Kagome bowed, offering a bright smile.
“Your mother and father tell me you have been thinking an awful lot on the offer I made you.” Her voice was soft, reassuring.
“Yes, Kaede-sama,” The young girl responded, feeling slightly overwhelmed. Did this woman know she questioned the existence of youkai…? Wasn’t that all she did? Was ward off these ‘youkai’?
“I sense great power in you, girl. I would enjoy it greatly to train you in the way of the Miko. With this training, you will need to do extensive research on youkai. You must learn how to safe guard the shrine and what rituals need to be performed in order to cleanse a home…or person of the unclean spirit.” The older woman tiled her chin up, watching her feature quite closely.
A person…?
Kagome’s eyes narrowed slightly, taking in what Kaede would expect of her. Did she or didn’t she wish her to become a miko of the village? From the way she was sounding, the old woman was speaking to her as though it was a test of some sort. Honestly, with her questionable attitude toward the topic of ‘youkai’, Kagome wasn’t sure this was a smart idea. She just wished to be a kid, not dwell on these sorts of things. ‘If’ youkai existed, would she honestly want to risk her life? For a seven year old, this topic and duty was a little farfetched.
“Kaede-sama, I would like to train, if you would allow me to, but when I am older. I am just a girl… I really like the shrine, and helping you and all, but…” Kagome spoke softly, fumbling with the material of her kimono.
“But?” Kaede asked, crossing her arms over her chest, genuinely curious.
“Nothing,” Kagome muttered, shaking her head.
“Very well, that is all I needed to speak with you about,” Once again a smile formed on her lips, reassuring Kagome once again that everything was fine, “Now, you had better get on out there, many people are going to be joining the festival and you need a good spot in order to see,” Kaede reached out and patted the girl upon the head, helping her out the door.
By the time Kagome had returned outside, the fire had been lit. Her mother was near a massive table, setting up her berry pastries. Men and women were gathering near the center, in which housed the massive fire, blazing brightly and kicking up a cloud of smoke. The smell of meats and other delectable goods wafted up into her nostrils, drawing a gurgle from her stomach. Not far from her stood Haru, who had a streamer in her hands. It was literally a stick with a colorful fabric attached. Her friend was flinging it into the air, waving the object and giggling as small children gathered around her, trying to snatch the fabric.
“Haru,” Kagome called, waving her hands in the air and smiled.
“Kagome,” Haru gripped the fabric and tightly wound it around the stem, hissing at the kids who immediately scampered off, “What did you screw up?”
Kagome frowned, crossing her arms over her chest, “I didn’t screw up anything. She just wanted to speak with me.”
“About?” Haru drawled, popping out her hip.
“Nothing really, just about the shrine,” The long haired brunette shrugged her shoulder, scratching her head and looked around inconspicuously, “Hey, where is Yumi?”
“Oh no, what did she want.” Haru glared, raising a brow and tapping her toe, “Stop lying. I can tell when you are lying. You have never been any good at it.” Her friend said jokingly, shoving her playfully in the arm.
“She has been asking me to become a miko, to train to become one.” Kagome whispered, tightening her arms closer to her chest.
“Wow, really?” Haru nearly shouted, grabbing her by the arm and bouncing, “That means you will be fighting youkai, did she say anything about her battles?” Kagome shoved her off, glaring awkwardly in her direction.
“I don’t really care much for youkai. I am not even really sure why she wants me to become one, honestly.” Kagome said softly, knowing full well that was a lie. It was because of this ‘sense’. Yes, she had never been interested in youkai; because a part of her thought it was nothing but silly superstition. She had never laid eyes on a youkai, so she wasn’t sure what to believe on the matter. To Kagome, most people decided to put the blame on youkai to give an explanation to events that happened. Yumi’s father had heard a youkai speak to him; to Kagome he just went mad. It was as simple as that, no youkai talked him into killing her.
“Don’t tell me you don’t believe in them. They are everywhere. This one time, I went out to go to the bathroom, and as I sat to squat I saw these three beady little eyes staring up at me just as I lifted my kimono,” Haru placed both hands in the shape of circles around her eyes, blinking rapidly. Kagome couldn’t help but giggle, “It was a youkai, a frog youkai. They are harmless little turds, but they smell awful. I think it is because of their youkai aura.” Haru crossed her arms over her chest, stating matter-of-factly.
Letting out a soft breath of air, Kagome raised a brow, “I don’t think it was a frog demon, but possibly a rather large frog. That is what I mean. Stories, I hear stories all the time, yet I haven’t seen anything. Once I see one, then I will believe it.” She said, side glancing toward the flames, noticing the dancers had their Oni masks upon their faces and were preparing for the celebration. The crowd roared with excitement as the sound of the ceremonial flute began to play.
“How much do you want to bet?” Haru sneered, leaning to look her in the eye.
“Bet?” Kagome’s head jerked, “I’m not going…”
Instantly, she was cut off by Haru’s annoying voice, “The forbidden part of the woods, after the ceremony. I will show you a youkai.” she said, pursing her lips.
“And if there aren’t any?” The blue eyed girl asked, allowing her arms to drop to her sides. In the distance her mother began to shout for her, waving erratically for her to come and help pass out pastries. People were beginning to swarm the pregnant woman, overwhelming her.
“I’ll buy you three sweet rolls from the bakery, and if there are you have to buy me three, deal?” Haru held out her dirty hand.
Kagome narrowed her eyes, glaring down at the hand offered to her, “Deal.” With that the girls shook.
“Meet me by the tree line nearest to the shrine. I will be waiting. Don’t chicken out.” Kagome stuck out her tongue and waved a hand.
“I won’t,” Kagome said instantly, offending slightly. With that, the young girl hurried to her mother’s side, getting scolded for not coming quick enough. No matter what her mother said, she was just in time for the show. The men began to wave incense around, creating massive clouds across the muddy floor. Their knees raised high in the air and slammed down, shaking their youkai masks and making loud noises as they danced around the fire. Many carried torches, waving them high in the air.
Drums began to thud loudly in a perfect tune, causing many people to bounce in anticipation. A gong sounded each time the group would hop, making their way around the fire, warding off any kind of evil spirit hiding within the village. Many people discussed what a perfect time the ceremony had been planned, with Kaede-sama coming back after dealing with unclean spirits of her own. The sound of the drums began to grow wild, rampant as the dancers sliced fake swords through the air, tilting their youkai head back, calling up toward the sky. Kagome began to giggle, taking notice of a little boy who had snuck away from her mother’s arms and mimicked the ‘youkai’ dance movements. Many villagers began to laugh. Her favorite part approached, which happened to be a flute solo. Kagome extended her arms and swayed to the tantalizing tune, dancing away from the prying eyes of those around her. She looked to the sky, singing the same tune everyone else and allowed her eyes to shift up toward the moon.
Its silver hue beat down upon the terrain, lighting a pathway of hope. If there were youkai present, the dancer’s efforts surely did the trick. She blinked, just as a massive shadow rolled across the sky. She blinked again, narrowing her blue eyes and even decided to rub them. The object was gone within seconds. She lowered her gaze and ceased her movements, glancing around at each smiling face she could find. No one noticed the object in the sky.
Shaking her head, Kagome muttered to herself. She had been listening to far too many stories Haru had been telling her, not to mention she was tired, yes, she was tired. Glancing to the sky one last time, it was clear with no sign of anything out of the ordinary. Kagome jumped just as the dancers threw some sort of powder into the flames, causing a burst. Rolling flames sprouted, rolling high into the atmosphere, as if it were, indeed, youkai clawing to be released. Her lips formed into the shape of a circle, breaking into a smile as everyone shouted and clapped.
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Dancing had begun. Tea, sake, a variety of food had been distributed. Haru had slipped away already, knowing that Kagome would soon be following after her. In her hand was a rather large pastry her mother had spent hours perfecting. Stuffing it between her lips, the gooey center, oozed out into her mouth. Kagome’s eyes nearly rolled as her taste buds fired up. It was still warm. She rounded one of the houses, taking the back side. Peeking from behind the small home, Kagome glanced in the direction of the festival. Her father and mother were distracted. It was only a matter of time before her mother would retire due to her pregnancy, and her father would be feeling pretty good, too good to even think about her whereabouts. Keeping to the shadows, she slipped through the thick grass, making her way toward the shrine.
“Pst,” Came a quiet sound from the shrubs. Kagome paused in mid-chew and stood up on her tip toes, noticing a small hand waving from behind the greenery.
“Haru,” Kagome whispered, narrowing her eyes as she approached the shrubs in which the hand had just been sticking out of. Out of nowhere, a hand came up and gripped the back of her kimono, yanking her back into the shrubs beside the one she was inspecting. Kagome shrieked, her back hitting the ground. Her small hand tightened on the pastry, fearful it might be lost and as far as she had gotten, she would be able to go back and gather another one without being noticed.
Above her stood Haru glaring down at her, and as soon as a shriek escaped her hand was upon her mouth quieting her, “Are you crazy?”
Kagome began to breathe heavily, narrowing her angry blue eyes at her friend. Her hand slipped from her tightened lips, “Are you crazy?” Kagome nearly shouted.
Haru placed an index finger over her lips, “Gosh, be quiet. I cannot show you the youkai if you are yelling, the adults would never allow us past this bush,” she pointed her thumb in the direction of the shrubs they tumbled over.
Kagome sat up and pursed her lips, brushing off her dirt covered thighs, “You dirtied my kimono, Haru.”
“Oh, shut up. Wash it.” She threw over her shoulder, stepping farther into the wooded area, waving her in the direction of the veiled pathway.
The longer haired girl glared, allowing her mouth to drop open, “Haru, I should…”
“Kags, be quiet…I think I see one.” Her hand parted through the dangling branches.
Kagome instantly quieted. She glanced in the direction in which Haru was so focused on. If there was youkai, she wanted to be the first one to lay eyes on it. Would it be scary? Would it be huge? She had heard that some youkai had multiple eyes and three noses. Their claws were massive and could slice a man into ribbons with one downward swipe. Her mouth instantly went dry as she stepped around a massive rock, which led them down a small pathway toward a misty body of water. There were no crickets. The glowing of the firefly ended at the tree line. Kagome instantly felt a cold chill drift down her back. Haru paused, placing an arm across her friend’s chest.
“Do you see it?” Haru pointed toward a small rock near the shore. The soft wind caused the dark, murky water to lick up toward the shore, which was exactly where she had been looking. Her blue eyes searched the tiny rock, taking notice of a small object, whose chest was puffing and receding. Her eyes lifted toward the sky, noticing the jagged branches reaching down claw-like into their walkway.
“I don’t see anything, Haru.” Kagome shook her head, allowing her anticipated look to be replaced with that of displeasure. She crossed her arms over her chest and glared.
“Are you serious? Look, come on…” Haru slowly approached the rock, upon the rock sat a rather fat toad. The only difference was it had three eyes. Its belly was bright red, and it let out a deadly hiss when they approached.
“This is the youkai?” Kagome let out a groan of anger, “Really, Haru? I knew you were lying.”
“It has three eyes!” Haru shouted at her, waving her arms.
“That is a toad,”
“Toad demon,”
“I don’t care what it is. I cannot believe you allowed me to miss out on the rest of the festival for a freak shaped toad.” Kagome turned, stuffing a bite of the pastry in her mouth.
“Ka…Kagome…” Haru whispered.
Kagome kept walking, shaking her head, “Oh no, do not pretend to be scared of that thing, Haru. You owe me three sweet rolls, you lost.” Kagome grinned, glancing over her shoulder to see a slithering tentacle approaching her friend from the black shoreline. The pastry instantly fell to the ground, watching the grotesque limb attach itself on Haru’s leg.
One hard yank and Haru was screaming loudly, being dragged across the muddy floor. Kagome thrust forward, flinging herself on top of her friend, gripping her arms tightly; afraid she would be tossed off. She tumbled forward, shouting at the top of her lungs, yanking as hard as she could. Her fingers clawed and clenched around her friends forearms, trying with all her might to keep her from sliding into the black abyss.
“Don’t let me go!” Haru cried, screaming as the water began to ripple, giving away how large the youkai actually was. Water poured from the lake, surrounding them both. Kagome inhaled a mouthful of water. Her nostrils flared, tilting her head back as she tried to keep over the water.
“Hang on!” Kagome screamed, feeling the blood leave her face just as the thing roared giving one final yank to submerge her friend under water. Her wrists slipped from brunette’s hands, causing her to suck in a sharp breath and stare at the surface of the murky lake. Kagome began to stand slowly, feeling water roll down her small, damp form. Her knees felt like jelly, she couldn’t move, she couldn’t speak. Completely losing her voice, Kagome dug her fingers deep into her wet hair. Her digits clenched tightly upon her scalp, feeling tears pool into her eyes.
“Ha-Haru…?” She shouted, pacing the edge of the water, “Someone!” She called out, “Someone help, please…gods…please help…me…us,” Kagome felt her body begin to hyperventilate. Turning toward the tree line in which they came, her legs launched into a full on sprint. She screamed, calling for both her mother and father…anyone who would listen.
Glancing over her shoulder, the dark creature sprouted from the lake. It had a large humanoid form with a snake body. Claws were protruding, reaching out as its stringy, damp hair stuck to its feminine features. The mouth upon its face didn’t open, which she soon wished it had been its only mouth. The opening upon the scaly underbelly widened to reveal a full mouth of razor sharp teeth. A blood curdling shriek emoted from its mouth. Kagome turned, eyeing the thing with wide eyes. She was frozen. Her mouth dropped open, screaming at the top of her lungs as the youkai lunged forward, extending those horrifying talons and descended upon her.
Her arms launched forward, as she closed her teary eyes, which caused hot tears to seep from the corners of her eyes and down her cheeks. Curling up in a small ball on the ground, Kagome covered her head. The blow never came. A loud shriek from the youkai drew her attention. Her blue eyes opened slowly, noticing a massive white dog had its fangs deep into the neck of the humanoid portion. It’s shaggy fur covered the entire length of the body, and upon its face were interesting markings. The creature began to twitch and scream as it struggled upon the forest floor to breath, as the massive jaws of the dog shook. The dripping fluid from its mouth was penetrating the creatures flesh, killing it faster.
Within seconds the youkai was dead and the massive white dog finished off by ripping the throat completely out. Blood dripped from its joules, glaring directly at the small girl. Kagome felt her lower lip tremble, fearing she would be next. She was easy prey, a delectable morsel, no doubt. There was an evil look in the massive dog’s eyes. Somehow she knew he could kill her if he wanted to, but he had no interest. The large muscled legs extended, stepping over the dead body. The dog snorted once, and began to walk off toward the shadows of the forest.
“W-wait…,” Kagome shouted, pushing up from her seated position to run toward the massive dog youkai.
The creature wheeled around and dug its powerful claws into the damp soil, snarling as she approached. Kagome paused, freezing once again in her stance. Those curious blue eyes met the glowing red orbs, watching her every move. Drool poured from its lips, hissing upon impact on the ground. Blood mingled in the gooey substance, reminding her that he had just killed the creature close by and would most likely kill her too.
“Don’t hurt me. I only wish to thank you…” Kagome murmured.
The beast’s upper lip twitched, letting out a snarl of displeasure. The child whimpered, stepping back, yet keeping a hand extended, “Please…” It bared its teeth, and then released another snort, before turning its head away from her. With that, Kagome began to step toward the creature once again. Sucking in a hopeful breath, she approached him placing a shaky hand upon the thick fur of his body, “Easy,” She whispered.
The dog growled as her fingers slid up toward the floppy ears. Releasing them instantly, she glanced down to see his red eyes inspecting her. Relaxing slightly, the dog’s snout found the material of her kimono, taking in her scent. Kagome bit her lower lip, feeling tears form once again, “Thank you for saving me…” She whispered softly, surprising the creature with an embrace.
“Kagome!” A loud shout came from the tree line.
Her watery blue eyes snapped open, craning her neck to see a wall of men with arrows. Kaede had her own bow drawn. The dog youkai nudged her to the ground, releasing a snarl toward the men. The creature took off toward into the darkness. The men released a wave of arrows, trying desperately to meet their target.
“No!” Kagome shouted at the top of her lungs, picking up a rock and throwing it at the first man she noticed readying another arrow, “It saved my life, do not kill him.” Kagome felt her emotions get the better of her, and without realizing she had begun sobbing uncontrollably, “Please, don’t kill him. He spared me…” She whispered to herself.
The men lowered their weapons on Kaede’s command. The young girl had her face buried deep in the ground, clutching at the dirt. Tears were pooling, as her body shook out of pain of her loss.
“Kagome,” Kaede whispered as the girl’s mother and father rushed up toward her, lifting her into their arms.
“My baby…” Her mother whispered, holding her close to her breasts, which had the small girl hoping she never let go. Kagome began to cry against her shoulder, “I’ve got you,” Her mother whispered against her ear, glancing in the direction of the massive youkai lying dead upon the forest floor. Her father’s eyes narrowed, placing a hand over his mouth, baffled by the size of the beast. He glanced back toward Kaede, who was shocked herself.
“At least the girl is safe,” She nodded, placing her weapon back into place.
“Where is my little girl?” Haru’s mother shouted from the group of bystanders. The older woman had pushed through, followed by her husband looking around the for her small daughters sweet face.
Kagome lost it once again, gripping the material of her mother’s kimono. Haru’s parents received their answer. Their little girl didn’t make it…
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She had gotten away with minor cuts and bruises, yet her heart was forever broken. She owed her life to ‘Shiro Inu’. If it wasn’t for him, her life would have been stolen from her. Some days were better than others. Kagome often feel happy she was given a second chance, but when she thought back to her agreement. That stupid bet had cost her friend her life, making her feel she should have died with her, or possibly in her place.
Refusing to eat, refusing to go out, Kagome sat in her room under the blankets replaying the scene in her head, most days. Her questionable view on youkai had forever been changed. She had made it clear that she would indeed become a miko, become strong like Kaede-sama. She would rid the world of such disgraceful creatures, creatures who stole life for their own selfish greed. Of course, she couldn’t say that about all. Some were different. Some…were understanding…to an extent.
Those red eyes understood her. He had listened to her. Shiro Inu might not have fully understood her human tendencies of reassurance, but yet he allowed her what he most likely didn’t allow many. The creature was timid, hating those of her kind. The look in his eyes told her all she needed to know. Kagome wanted to think he had saved her, but something told her that wasn’t the case at all. That dog youkai had his own agenda, possibly territory. If only she could see him once more. To see him without interruption would ease her pained heart. The feel of his fur under her hands had eased her terrified mind, just one more time, at least.
It wouldn’t happen for a while, leaving to get anywhere near the woods, that was. Her mother had eyes like a hawk on her. She couldn’t go anywhere without her. Not to mention she had just recently given birth to her baby brother, keeping her in the house and near her daughter at all times. To sneak away would be foolish. Noticing the negative impact being in the house all day had on the child, Kaede offered to watch over her, allowing her to visit the shrine and begin her studies. All she could do and wanted to do was spend massive amounts of time in the shrine, researching youkai, Shiro Inu’s kind to be exact. Inu-youkai, was what they were called. Not much was in text about them. They were enigmas, which she wished to obtain more information about. Of course that didn’t stop her, she would find answers, even if she had to go back into that forest and find him. If her territory theory was correct, he would be around.
Of course over the years, she hadn’t seen Shiro Inu. Not even a glance. He had disappeared, as if he hadn’t existed. So, instead of making herself sick over it, she began to study under the watchful eye of Kaede. She had been right about her power, Kagome had proven to be a powerful miko, especially with a bow. She was promising student, showing exceptional skills, with a deep dark secret. Deep down, locked away in her secretive heart, Kagome wished to see the youkai. To feel what she felt when she realized her life had been spared. Shiro Inu would always have a special place in her heart… for many years to come…
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Chapter 2 will have a time jump… Kagome was seven in this chapter, and in chapter two she will be a young teenager. One down, two more to go! Thanks for reading!
-Aiko