My Light
by Kagehoshi
Ch3 Enlightenment

"A guest?" Kurama asked looking up from his meal, he hadn't sensed anything unusual, but then again the aura radiating from the shrine did tend to dull his demon senses. Kagome stood and began to undo the tie holding back her sleeves.

"Shippo finish your lunch and put your dishes in the sink, I'll be right back and then we'll start on your lessons." Kagome shook out her sleeves then glided gracefully towards the back door, swiftly making her way to the backyard. Shippo seemed unconcerned as he barely acknowledged his mother's commands and continued to stuff his face with the tasty meal. However the others were not so calm about it and were only a few steps behind their hostess as she went to greet her mysterious guest. Reaching the backyard they were confronted with the sight of an obviously greatly annoyed Kagome facing a somewhat sheepish Koenma.

"Lady Kagome how nice to see you again." Koenma said politely, though his tone was of someone who wished they could be anywhere else right now.

"Koenma." Kagome responded stiffly, noticeably leaving out any honorifics.

"…Errmm yes" Koenma nervously cleared his throat, "I hope all is going well."

"Everything is perfectly fine Koenma, though I would appreciate an explanation of why you have sent your war hounds after me." Kagome replied, her displeasure quite obvious to all.

"Ahhh…Yes, I do beg pardon I was not informed of your plans so I grew a little worried. Perhaps in the future you could…" Koenma visibly winced as he was abruptly cut off.

"I am not beholden to you in any way Koenma, I have no reason to inform you of anything. And you have no right or reason to be worried for my welfare." Kagome was definitely upset and the Spirit Detectives backed away several steps as the felt her aura spike. Koenma whimpered and grabbed his bottom, remembering what happened the last time he had 'dropped by'.

"Uh…Of course. Is…is your grandfather in?" The young Godling would much rather converse with the kindly old man rather than dealing with the angry young woman before him.

"Jiichan is gone, he retired and went south to Ise (1), and mother has gone to visit him for awhile."

Koenma seemed shocked at this information and stuttered out his response.

"Re…retired? How is that…? When did this…? I mean… Who… Who is in charge now?

"Who do you think halfwit? The garbage man" Kagome was seriously annoyed now, stupid Godling assuming that just because he wanted her to be weak that she would quietly assume the role as damsel in distress.

"Oh…I see… Well I guess congratulations are in order then." The young ruler seemed to pull himself together and gave a little half bow to the glowering(2) priestess. Kagome remained unmoved by the show of kindness and remained as she was, her face still portraying a look of extreme annoyance. Koenma noticed this and immediately straitened up. "Well I suppose you're curious as to the reason for my visit."

"I'm breathless with anticipation." Kagome said flatly. Koenma paused and peered at the girl as if not sure whether or not she was being sarcastic.

"Ah yes well, my father has decided that your powers are to great to be wasted by simply guarding an old artifact." Kagome snorted most unbecomingly at this statement, and Koenma flinched back out the sound before quickly amending his statement, "Powerful though it is. Most youkai who are aware of its existence are too scared to face you, and those that are brave enough to try for them gem, well…"

"Mama fries them into little piles of ash!" This came from Kagome's feet where a hereto-unnoticed Shippo had grabbed hold of Kagome's robes.

"Yes, that's correct." Koenma let loose a soft smile towards Shippo before turning back to the still frowning priestess, "Therefore, my father would be most gracious if you would agree to perhaps join our troops in keeping balance between the worlds." He said this last bit in a rush as if anxious to just get it out, then peered anxiously at the young woman before him. Kagome expression was completely blank as she responded to the Godling's announcement.

"Let me get this straight. You want me, the person you have been saying for years is too weak to protect herself, to suddenly join a group that goes around saving the world?"

"Well… yes, my father-" Kagome cut off the nervous demigod her voice a few decibels louder.

"You want me to accept a position that would, in actuality, make me your subordinate and therefore subject to YOUR will?!" She was seriously getting angry now, "What kind of half-witted incompetent imbecile do you think I am?!" Kagome drew herself up regally and pointed a single finger directly at the floating prince. "I am the Mitama no Saiin (3)! Not some silly female whom you can control as you wish! I am beholden to no one!" By this time Shippo had taken cover over with the guys as Kagome's rage caused the air about her to crackle with power. "Do not think to force your will upon me Godling, you forget I am beloved of Amaterasu O Mi Kami (4) herself!"

This statement surprised Kurama as did the information of her full title. The Mitama no Saiin was not a position to be taken lightly, and as far as Kurama knew it had not been held in quite some time. Amaterasu was not a Goddess who gave her love freely and for this woman to be among Her chosen was truly spectacular.

"You forget your place Koenma! Your lust for my charge has blinded you little prince, and made you foolish. I am NOT one whom you can use as you wish to further your own ends!" Kagome's voice, though not notably louder, had a ring of power to it that caused the young kami to sink to the ground and grovel in obeisance. Gone was the sweet caring girl from before, and in her place was the Priestess that struck fear into the hearts of Gods and demons alike. She tilted her head down towards the groveling demigod, her expression one of annoyance. "Get up Koenma." Her voice cracked out like a whip. The godling scrambled to his feet and faced the Priestess trepidation apparent in his face. "I will assist your team Koenma." Kagome continued on before the cowering child could speak, "But know this Koenma, I will only assist in those missions that are a part of my duties. I will NOT waste my time fixing your idiotic mistakes. Nor will I lower myself to you in any way. Is this understood?"

Koenma gulped and nodded his head, "Yes Lady Kagome."

"And Koenma, you will never again interfere in my business, or I will use my powers as Mitama no Saiin to disassemble you into your basic parts. Do. I. Make. Myself. Clear."

Koenma shook in fear and bowed in understanding, he mumbled a polite farewell under his breath and then quickly beat a hasty retreat back to the spirit realm. As soon as the young God was gone Kagome visibly relaxed and turned towards the guys, who had been silent this whole time. She smiled softly, then crouched down and held out her arms.

"I'm sorry chibi, did I frighten you?" Shippo pushed himself out from between Kurama and Hiei and launched himself into Kagome's arms.

"It's Ok mama, I know you'd never hurt me."

This statement seemed to cause Kagome some distress as she squeezed her kit a little closer to her body. Standing she faced the Spirit Detectives and quite calmly, as if nothing had happened, spoke up again.

"Would you like some more tea?"

This question had them all reeling, as she had just scared the shit out of their boss, and made her dislike of him quite clear.

"Hey, uh, are you sure we're welcome in your home? I mean I got the impression you didn't like us very much." Kuwabara spoke up, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head. Kagome tilted her head in a gesture of obvious surprise and confusion.

"What ever." Her voice portraying her confusion, "Gave you that idea?" Kurama decided to speak up at this point.

"I believe being referred to as Koenma's dogs might have been a rather large reason for forming this thought. In fact, if one were to listen to your speech one would come to the conclusion that you hold us in the same contempt as you quite obviously hold Koenma."

Kagome frowned and remained silent for several minutes, then spoke softly in that soothing voice Kurama had come to associate with her.

"I did not mean for you to feel that way. In truth I actually like you guys a lot, and I honestly hope to become friends. I admit I might have been a bit harsh when speaking to Koenma, but he has been pushing me for a long time now and I finally snapped." She then turned to face them fully and gave a slight bow of apology, "I am sorry for any misunderstanding, and would be honored if you would join me for some tea."

Though he wasn't sure if the gesture would be noted Kurama bowed back and smoothly replied. "And we would be honored to join you as well, Lady Kagome."
Kagome smiled softly, "Just Kagome is fine, we are not at court and I do not like formality."

"As you wish Kagome." Kurama smiled back.

Gracefully the Priestess re-entered her home, closely followed by two Youkai, a Kitsune Avatar, and a Human Psychic. She had a feeling that something big was going to happened, and she hoped that it would be positive. Laughing softly as the one called Kuwabara's stomach grumbled again, Kagome felt that whatever happened she would come out with some good memories and close friends.

(1) Ise is located on the Shima peninsula across from Osaka. Some of the most sacred places in Japan are located in Ise and it is a very nice place for a retired priest to live.
(2) I am so proud of myself, I just learned that word today and I'm already using it in a sentence. Sorry to interrupt but I was just so excited.

(3) Mitama no Saiin-Saaaa, how to translate this. Ummmm... lets see. Well Saiin is an old term that means High Priestess and is not used too much today, while Mitama… ahhhh so hard to explain. Mitama is like the aspects of the Kami…or the parts of them that make them whole. Wait that's not quite right either. Right, the Shikon no Tama is composed of four parts yes? Aramitama, Nikimitama, Fushigitama, and Sakimitama. These four parts make up the whole of the Shikon no tama, they are the Mitama or the different parts that make the whole. So when Kagome says that she is the Mitama no Saiin she is saying that she is the High Priestess of the separate entities that make the whole. This title is completely made up, but I was trying to make a point of Kagome's position and views. Being the Mitama no Saiin mean that Kagome is not just a priestess for Kami or humans or a bridge between the two, but that she is a priestess for ALL parts of the whole. So she is essentially a priestess for demons, and humans, and Kami, and the spirits of the dead, as well as for nature and life. She is the Priestess for that which binds these things together and creates the whole. Is this good yes? If you have questions please don't hesitate to ask I will do my very best to explain it to you.
(4) Amaterasu O Mi Kami- The Shinto Goddess of the sun, first born of Izanami and Izanagi. She is the most powerful of the Shinto Kami and the leader of the pantheon. She is also supposed to be the ancestor of the Imperial Family.

Cultural Note: Shrine Etiquette

Shrines are sacred places for the people of Japan and there is a very specific etiquette to follow when entering and leaving shrine grounds. The most important of these is the ceremony of Te Mizu, or hand purification. On the grounds of every shrine you will see a fountain or well with wooden ladles on or near it. This is to purify yourself from the contamination of the outside world and MUST be done before entering the shrine building. Taking the ladle with your right hand first fill it with water then pour it over your left hand making sure to pour the water out over the ground around the well and not back into the well. Then with your left hand rinse your right hand. Then with your right hand again fill the ladle then pour the water into your left hand, use this water to rinse out your mouth making sure to spit out the water onto the ground. Then once again rinse off your left hand. Then when all this is done fill the ladle one more time. Tip it backwards so that the water runs down the handle, thus cleansing it for the next person. Now you are cleansed enough to enter the shrine grounds. DO NOT EVER use the water to cool yourself off in the summer, nor should you drink it. This is holy water not drinking fountain it should not be used for anything other than Te Mizu!! When you are entering a shrine it is customary and polite to make an offering of money in the saisen bako, or offering box in front of the shrine, after you have done this you may present your prayers to the Kami. When leaving a shrine you should give a bow to the Kami in thanks for being in their home. Do not ever enter a shrine building without permission. If there is no one around then remain outside, I cannot begin to tell you the number of times foreigners have intruded upon the shrine in a most rude gesture. Ignorance is no excuse for rudeness; shrines are the personal residences of the Kami and should be treated as such.