Kagome's Paths

Kagome's Paths
By Kagehoshi
CH6 Knowledge is Dangerous

At least the mold was gone. While little else in this adventure had improved, she could at least be thankful that the current passageway she was walking down was completely free of mold and that weird fungus with eyes. Unfortunately it was also completely free of everything else, including turns and openings. This passageway was much narrower then the previous one so she walked down it with her hands touching both walls as she moved forwards. Yet her actions had yielded no results, and she continued her way down the seemingly unending passageway.

'Walking like this is boring.' She thought as she trudged onwards, 'at least in the Sengoku Jidai I had my friends to talk to.' Kagome had to pause and take a deep breath as a sharp jab of pain shot across her chest. 'Gotta keep my mind occupied, now is not the time to break down.' Opening her mouth Kagome began to recite the Harae no Kotoba, a prayer of purification.

“Kakemakumo Kashikoki
Izanagi no O Kami
Tsukushi no Himuka no
Tachibana no Odo no Ahagihara ni
Misogi harashi tamaishi toki ni nari maseru
Haraedo no O Kamitachi
Moromoro no magagoto tsumi kegare aramu o ba
Harae tamai kiyome tamae to
Maosu koto o
Kikoshi meseto
Kashikomi kashikomi mo mao….oomph!” (1)

As she uttered the last line of the short prayer Kagome had turned to look behind her, to see how far she had gone, only to run headlong into something rather solid.

“Ooooh my butt!” Kagome groaned, rubbing her sore bottom before looking up at what she had run into, “Where the heck did that door come from?” And indeed a door had appeared, seemingly from nowhere, to sit quite contently in the middle of the path. Kagome painfully got to her feet and gave the door a closer look. Her close observation yielded old sturdy wood, polished to a deep glow, and quite obviously well cared for. The golden doorknob was old fashioned and very ornate, featuring quite an amount of curls and swirls in the metal work.

“Well nothing ever got accomplished just standing around.” Kagome muttered, and drawing in a deep breath she grasped hold of the doorknob and entered the doorway.

What met her sight on the other side stole her breath away. A Library! Not just any library though, this one was HUGE and filled from floor to ceiling, wall to wall with books. Kagome closed the door softly behind her as she walked further into the hushed room. She remained quiet as she walked among the bookshelves, unwilling to disturb the peaceful quiet that always seemed to permeate libraries.

As she softly treaded through the stacks, Kagome read the titles of the books she passed. She seemed to be in the philosophy section now, and works of Plato, Aristotle and other great thinkers perched on the shelves as if they were in a state of great contemplation. Soon though she came to the end of the Philosophy shelves and saw the start of a new section before her. Reading some of these titles, Kagome grimaced to herself.

“Ug, math books. I hate Math.” She muttered as she walked down the narrow aisles. Pressing onwards through the shelves Kagome thought she heard some strange rustlings behind her, but when she turned to find out what was there all she saw was row upon row of books. Shaking her head Kagome continued onwards and saw a flash of red in the distance. Quickening her pace, Kagome scurried forward hoping that she had found an exit, or at least a break from all these books. Reaching the end of the aisle Kagome saw, to her delight, a little sitting area complete with large red squishy chairs and a cherry wood coffee table. Taking several steps forward, Kagome suddenly pitched forward as something heavy slammed into the back of her head.

“Kuso!” She swore as she found herself sprawled across the polished marble floor, “What the hell was that?!” scrambling to her knees Kagome gingerly touched the back of her head, where a large bump was forming, and looked around to find what had clocked her. Sitting somewhat innocently by her right leg was a rather large old book on Mathematics.

“Man I really hate math!” She exclaimed, growling at the prone book and getting to her feet. Almost at once the strange rustling from before filled the air, and Kagome turned in horror as almost every book on the nearby shelves seemed to lift themselves upwards and fling themselves at the terrified girl. Any exclamations she might have uttered caught in her throat as Kagome stared at the flock of books headed straight for her. Nearly too late she flung up her hands and a barrier surrounded her form, barely stopping the angered volumes as they crashed into the invisible wall. The force once again knocked her off her feet and she fell backwards catching herself with her hands just in time. The books surrounded her, continuously banging on the hastily erected shield, so that Kagome could no longer see her surroundings her vision obscured by the massive amounts of paper floating around. Shocked and unsure of what to do Kagome remained still, her mind a complete blank. 'I'm gonna get killed by math!' was the only thought echoing around in her head. Just when the energy bubble around her started to waver under the relentless onslaught, a large roar sounded throughout the sitting area.

“GET BACK ON YOUR SHELVES THIS INSTANT!!!!” Instantly the books ceased their attack and rushed back to the bookcases behind them, quivering slightly in their bindings. As soon as the coast was clear Kagome dropped her barrier and turned towards the source of the voice.

“Oh!” Was all that she could utter, as her savior came into sight. He was large, grey, and ugly with large curling horns on the side of his head and equally large fangs distorting his already overly large mouth. He caught sight of Kagome and moved towards her and further into the light. Large bat like wings were revealed as well as large clawed feet and sharp taloned hands. Strangely though, there was also a pair of small golden spectacles perched on his nose, giving him a slightly scholarly air.

“Little human, just what do you think you are doing in my library?” Kagome quickly got herself together and rushed to her feet.

“I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to intrude…”

“If you hadn't meant to intrude you wouldn't have entered.” The creature grunted, removing his spectacles and rubbing them between the grey piece of cloth draped around his waist. Kagome flushed and tried again.

“I was just walking through the Labyrinth and this door appeared out of nowhere, so I went through it and ended up here.” Kagome chewed her lip ruefully then rushed on as she noticed the creature scowling, “I didn't know it belonged to anybody, and I'm really sorry I just came in without making myself known. I was just anxious to solve the Labyrinth and go home.” Kagome wrung her hands in her skirt hoping that the strange being would accept her apology. Her head was killing her where that book had struck and she didn't think she could concentrate enough to erect another shield at this point.

“Did you say you're trying to solve that Labyrinth?” He spoke again after awhile, at Kagome's hesitant nod he snorted and moved forward further into the sitting area, “I should have guessed you were another wisher. There aren't a lot of humans left in the Labyrinth.” He stopped a few feet in front of Kagome and looked her over, “Just what did you do to upset the books so much? I haven't seen them that agitated in centuries.”

“I didn't do anything I was just minding my own business.” She glared at the books sitting innocently on their shelves, “It would have to be math books.”

The creature let out a loud bark of laughter and shock his head ruefully, “Not to fond of Math are we?” Kagome's expression said everything and he let out another burst of laughter, “These books are very sensitive, they probably felt insulted over your dislike of their contents.”

“I'm sorry to have caused so much trouble.” Kagome said softly, her guilt clearly reflected in her blue eyes.

“Think nothing of it.” He waved his hand at her, “I've never rescued a damsel in distress before, it was quite an experience.”

Kagome grinned up at him and offered a slight bow.

“My name is Kagome, thank you very much for rescuing me Mr…”

The creature raised an eyebrow, or at least she thought it was an eyebrow, and gave a small smile.
“Gargoyles do not use names, as such, and I am most definitely not a Mr.”

“No names? Then how do you address each other?” Kagome asked genuinely curious, she had heard about gargoyles but had never had the opportunity to see a stone one before, let alone a living breathing one.

“Friend is usually adequate enough.”

“Well that's a little silly. Do you mind if I give you a name? Just until we part ways?”

“Do as you like it doesn't bother me.” The Gargoyle stated moving past Kagome towards the bookshelves behind her. Kagome turned and watched as he checked over the books sitting on the shelves and fixed those who had misplaced themselves during the scurry back to their cases.

“How about Hiroyuki? I've always liked that name.” Kagome queried, still watching as the Gargoyle tenderly handled each book.

“Hiroyuki?” He tilted his head in interest, “That's a Japanese name isn't it?”

“Of course it is. I'm Japanese after all.” Now it was Kagome's turn to tilt her head, but in confusion, “Couldn't you tell? We've been speaking in Japanese this whole time.”

Hiroyuki grinned widely and turned to regard the little human female before him.

“No we haven't. We've been speaking the Fae tongue. Everyone in the Labyrinth speaks it, and it's universally understood.” He moved back in front of her, “Didn't you realize this?”

Kagome shook her head, and instantly regretted it. Pain shot through her skull and Kagome hissed as her vision blurred.

“Oh dear, did one of them get you?” Hiroyuki asked in concern.

“Yes. That one,” Kagome pointed to the large book sitting on a nearby shelve, “got me in the back of my head before I realized what was going on.”

Tutting softly Hiroyuki gently held her head as he lightly explored the back of Kagome's head with a claw.

“Oh yes, that's a nasty bump. Come with me and we'll see about getting that taken care of.”

Kagome bit her lip in indecision. She really wanted some aspirin, and any pain relief Hiroyuki could offer would be most welcome. However, Souta was waiting and she didn't want to leave him for too long.

“I would love to, but my brother…”

Hiroyuki gave her a sharp look and then nodded knowingly.

“The one you wished away?”

“Yes.” Kagome replied softly, tears threatening to spill, “It was an accident, I was just so angry and hurt that… that…”

“That you said something you did not mean?” Hiroyuki finished, his voice equally soft. When Kagome nodded slightly, Hiroyuki sighed and drew her into a soft hug. Caught by surprise Kagome did not resist and was actually quite soothed by the slightly musty smell of the kind Gargoyle, “We all say things we do not mean. I wish that I could take back some hastily uttered words over the centuries.” Kagome laughed softly and spoke into Hiroyuki's chest.

“You're a very gentle gargoyle Hiroyuki, I'm glad I ran into you.” Hiroyuki grunted and released Kagome.

“Yes well most other gargoyles are actually quite brutal and rude. I just happen to be a strange one.” He began to walk towards a different set of shelves across from the sitting area, “Now lets see about that bump of yours shall we? After I'm done I'll escort you to the path that will get you to the castle.”

Kagome smiled brightly and followed the gargoyle through the library. He led down row after row of books and scrolls all stacked neatly in their place. Kagome was in awe as she continued to look around the vast collection of books.

“Wow! I've never seen so many books before in my life! You must really like to read.” Kagome paused as she noticed a shelf filled with the latest bestsellers in Japan, then rushed onwards to catch up with Hiroyuki.

“This Library contains every book that was ever written, they show up here almost as soon as they are completed.” Hiroyuki replied brightly, “It's about all I can do to keep up with them.” Kagome laughed.

“You remind me of a friend of mine, he loved to read and learn new things.” Suddenly Kagome clenched her teeth as the familiar feeling of despair made its way up her throat from her chest.

“Come along then,” Hiroyuki called out, “We're almost there.”

Pushing down the painful feeling Kagome quickened her stride and soon had caught up to Hiroyuki who was standing by a small plain door.

“Ah, here we go. These are my living quarters, everything I'll need is in here.” With that he opened the door and motioned Kagome through. Entering the room, Kagome noticed that it was every bit as neat and tidy as the library outside. Notebooks and quill pens were stacked neatly on a large desk and there was no clutter on any of the flat surfaces. A bright cheery fire roared in the fireplace and Kagome gratefully felt the warmth wash over her. Motioning for Kagome to sit in one of the nearby soft chairs Hiroyuki opened up a set of cabinets and pulled out some mugs and dried herbs.

“Willow bark and lunar mushroom tea for you my dear. That should help with the pain, and the swelling.” He moved around for a bit, measuring out the dried herbs and grabbing a teakettle that had been sitting near the fire.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Kagome questioned, not feeling right as her host did all the work.
“No, no, it's quite alright. I'm almost done.” He proceeded to pour the boiling water into the mug containing the dried herbs, “There we go, now drink up.” He proclaimed, triumphantly placing the steaming mug before her. Kagome picked it up and held in closely as the warmth sank into her hands. Blowing softly she brought the mug to her lips and took a small sip.

“Mmmmm, it's good!” She exclaimed quite surprised.

“Yes that would be the lunar mushrooms, very tasty but unfortunately they only grow on nights of the full moon.” Hiroyuki responded sitting across from Kagome another mug in his hand. Sipping their tea they remained silent as they watched the flames flicker in the fireplace. Kagome looked up as she heard another door open up and a deep voice call out.

“Fwend?”

“In here Ludo!” Hiroyuki called out, not moving from his spot. A door next to the fireplace opened up and Kagome's eyes widened as the creature entered the room. It was huge! And so fuzzy. Kagome hid her grin behind her cup as she pictured snuggling with the giant orange teddy bear that had just entered the room.

“Ludo! Come in and meet a friend of mine.” Hiroyuki gestured the big beast over and Kagome felt a slight twinge of apprehension as the creature caught sight of her and started shambling forward at an alarming pace.

“Sa-wa! Sa-wa!”

Hiroyuki immediately got to his feet and headed off the monster before it could crush the tiny human girl.

“No not Sarah, this is Kagome.”

“Kagoeh?”

“Yes that's right Kagome.”

“Kagoeh Fwend?” The creature seemed so anxious that Kagome couldn't help but smile.

“Yes Ludo, I'll be your friend.”

At this Ludo's eyes lit up and he shambled towards another doorway as if anxious to share the news of his new friend with others. Hiroyuki watched him go and shook his head in amazement.

“He never changes.”

“Who is Sara?” Kagome asked suddenly, taking another sip of her tea. Hiroyuki regarded her for an instant than responded.

“Sara was another human, just like you, who called upon the Goblin King and who regretted it. Unlike those who walked the Labyrinth before, however, she managed to solve the Labyrinth and take her child home.”

“She took her child home?” She sounded surprised “So it is possible to solve the Labyrinth.” Kagome exclaimed happily.

“Possible?” Hiroyuki sniffed, “Of course it's possible. There's no such thing as impossible.”

“What?”

“You heard me, there's no such thing as impossible. There's only the lack of intelligent people to figure it out. I believe there was some song written about this subject, some years ago in the mortal realm. However, since Gargoyles were created to scare the bejeezus out of you and not sing uplifting songs about overcoming the odds I shall refrain.”

“You're too kind.” Kagome smiled over her mug and Hiroyuki snorted and plopped back down into his chair, grabbing his mug and taking a swig of tea in the process.

Soon they had finished their tea and Kagome was anxious to get going. As if noticing her impatience Hiroyuki stood and offered his hand to Kagome.

“Feeling better?” He asked as he helped her to her feet. Kagome nodded, she really truly did, those mushrooms were awesome. “Then let's get going shall we. You won't get any closer by just standing still.”

Kagome laughed and followed him out the same door Ludo had entered earlier. The door led to a small kitchen like area, which Hiroyuki ignored in favor of a beaten wooden door set into a wall on her left. Opening it Hiroyuki stepped through and Kagome quickly followed, blinking her eyes at the sunlight that filled her vision.

“Your pathway is there.” Hiroyuki stated pointing in between two green hills. “ Once over those hills you'll see a dirt road, follow it until you see a courtyard and a fountain. In front of the fountain is a man in a bird hat. Ignore the bird and take the left path, that way you can avoid the bog of eternal stench. And trust me you want to avoid that. That is all I can help you with now little one. I'm afraid I don't know the Labyrinth very well.”

“That's OK Hiroyuki, you've been a huge help already. I don't know how I can ever thank you.” Kagome said warmly giving the startled gargoyle a big hug and walking towards the hills. When she got to the top Kagome turned and waved enthusiastically to the stationary gargoyle in the distance, before disappearing over the other side.
He stood there for a while after she had disappeared, then snorted to himself and shook his head ruefully.

“Hiroyuki. Ha! I must be getting soft in my old age.” He turned and went to go back inside, before entering he paused and turned his head back towards the direction she had taken. “May the fates be kind to you little one, for the Labyrinth will not.” Then sighing to himself he entered the building.

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

(1) The Harae no Kotoba is a short prayer of purification, often recited at Shinto shrines. I've done my best to try and translate this, but unfortunately some things just don't translate so I skipped a couple lines (sorry)


Humbly, I approach the Kami in prayer
Our ancestral kami Izanagi no O Kami
(SKIP)
Where his very being was cleansed by Great Kami of purification
I humbly beseech the kami to cleanse me of all impurities
Within myself, in my relations with others,
Between myself and the way of Nature
Hear these modest words.
Humbly, reverently, I speak this prayer.

And… that was pretty bad; I don't think I got quite the right tone with this translation. If you want a better one go ask a professional. My English sucks. Oh and in case you were wondering the last word was 'maosu'. I often recite this prayer to myself because it helps me calm down, and clear my mind.


Review Response (for postings in both sections)

Obaasan- I agree about David Bowie

Ulla- If you couldn't actually tell, my feelings for the character of Sara aren't exactly warm and fuzzy.

Ume- I'm glad I inspired you to watch the movie again; It's a very good one.

DarkMe- The Goblin King has no power like a pissed Kagome.

Banana Flavored Eskimo- Your review made me feel warm and fuzzy. Thank you

Ralina- Kagome's powers will play a role, as you can see.

Fallenangel7583- Actually I had no intention of stopping this story. I just wanted to scare people into giving me reviews. I'm horrible aren't I?

Kage Otome- Well I'm glad you're enjoying it. And as long as you go back and fix you're mistakes it's fine. It's the people who don't seem to car who annoy me.

EvilKittenn- Thanks for the good advice, it was much appreciated

Amythest- If you give me what I want I'll squirt out my literary babies.

Jynkers- Kagome is not Sara, so she should face different trials and pathways. Besides it wouldn't be very creative to just repeat the movie.

Luvspanky- I hope you get your chance to go to Japan. You can come and visit me in Tokyo.

Kai Mastermind- You see, you try to improve yourself and fix your mistakes, and that is the whole point of doing something like this. At least to me it is. Thank you for your kind words, they are appreciated and I look forward to hearing from you again.

J Glessner- Actually writing these stories is part of my schoolwork, it's supposed to help with my English so I have to write continuously or else I don't get credit. Shhhhhhhhh! Don't tell anyone.

Anne- Just for you, so don't kill me.

HollyS- I found your stories to be quite good, and look forward to updates.

Corrin- Sorry but I don't do mailing lists, my e-mail account is Japanese and some AOL accounts don't accept it, so to be fair no one gets warnings.

Tsume- I am not fond of Sara either, she was extremely childish.

Chelsea- If Jareth sang to Inu Yasha in those pants, Inu Yasha would probably hyperventilate.

Arin Ross- A lot of people have noticed, just nobody cared to comment on it. I wonder how he got into those pants for the movie.

Zyn1213- Your story sounds interesting, please tell me when it's up I'd like to read it. I'm glad I inspired you, and I hope you take pride in your work. Thank you for your kind words and that Labyrinth website you gave me was awesome. And I love the Princess Bride!