After the Mask (Secret of the cursed mask game sequel)

Part 14

"My goals. You mean..." I almost choke up. He smiles warmly. "I understand that nothing will keep you here honey. But I want you to at least be safe when you go back so your mother and I won't have to worry about you."

He sighs, "You've gotten really far already, but this will make sure that you can take the last leap." He slides the box open to reveal an impressive looking nagamaki. It's a sword similar to a katana, but its handle and blade are of equal length, both two foot long. It's handle is wrapped in black thread on two parts with the rest of it black lacquered, just as the sheet. It bares our family crest in red.

Taking it out of the box, my dad puts it in front of me. Taking it, I slide the blade out of its sheet. It's really sharp looking and impressive to say the least. "It's hundreds of years old, so take good care of it."

"Why give this to me dad?" I ask him when my awe turns to confusion. He takes my hand in his. "I love you and I want nothing more for my child then to be happy. Be it here or somewhere else." I tear up at this and put the nagimaki down and hug my father. He holds me tightly before letting go, looking me in the eye. "I guess all that's left is training. You need to be able to use it or it won't have any use." he says. "Training? From who though?" I asks confused. "Hey, don't insult me young lady. I will of course." he states proudly. "Really?" "Yeah, I am a Kururugi after all." he smiles.

Soon I found out that dad's way of training is pretty brutal. It's fair to say that I was pretty shocked at what he could do. It makes me wonder what he's been up to when he was younger. He cheers as the sword glows with my power and I swing it at a nearby tree. A blast of Shikigami power flows from it, cutting the tree down cleanly.

My mom sweat drops at her destroyed garden. "Can't you two do this somewhere else?" she asks. "No need honey. She's finished." dad exclaims. I stare at him. "Really? Are you sure?" He nods confidently. I look down at the sword smiling, feeling a deep connection with it. Maybe this is how ancient samurai felt about their swords. It's a nice feeling.

...........

I packed all my stuff ages ago it seems, but it's only been two months. I never felt more ready to take on whatever the feudal era brings me. Stepping outside in a new shrine maiden outfit but with a chest plate added for protection, I see my parents and Kagome wait for me.

"Kaname, if this works out, I'll see you there." says Kagome. I nod, "Don't worry, I won't fail." Next I turn to my parent giving them both a tight hug. Both give me a kiss on the head. "Be careful sweetie. And make sure to come and visit." I nod at my mom. "I will, I promise. Love you mom." "I love you too." "Thanks for everything dad." I say to him. He smiles sadly, "Make us proud honey. I love you." "I love you too."

Turning to the pond I feel my heart beat loudly. I make sure everything from my pack to the sword and tanto are strapped on tightly for the last time. Turning to my parents again for the last time in who knows how long, I say, "Goodbye." Mom waves me a kiss while my dad nods smiling. With that said I let myself fall backwards into the pond, wishing to Kami that I will end up where I want to be.

I gasp for breath when I emerge and look around wildly before a huge grin appears on my face. "I made it." I breathe out relieved. Climbing out of the water I spot a familiar looking demon horse grazing a bit away, not minding me at all. After squeezing out the water from my ponytail and clothes I approach the horse. Once I pet it, its dark red eyes turn to me. "Have you come to take me to Sesshomaru?" It snorts at me. "Alright then." I say, climbing up on its back. "Let's go!" I grab onto the manes tightly as it takes off in full speed, which is very fast I might say.

Once I reach Sesshomaru's home my smile is wiped from my face. The place is wrecked. Dismounting, I look through the rubble, but don't find anything of interest. "I can guess who did this." I whisper angrily. "But where did they all go?" Considering my options I decide to head for Kaede's village. If they aren't there, then I could at least ask Inuyasha if he knows more.

On my way I encounter a lot of destruction, the peaceful scenery is completely gone. A lot has happened since my absence and I wonder about my enemy; the enemy I don't even know. It's a scary thought, but I will push on. I'm a lot stronger now and I will do my best to defeat him. I will do whatever it takes.

Upon my arrival I see that the village still looks pretty much intact. It hasn't been hit as hard as others. When I dismount I hear Kagome's voice calling out to me. "Good, you made it." she says smiling.

"Kagome, have you seen Sesshomaru? His place is in ruins." I ask concerned. She shakes her head sadly, "I'm afraid not. He's been looking for Akuhei since he was attacked. He left Rin and Suki here though, that's how I know." I look at her surprised. "So that's his name?" She nods, "Come."

Taking my hand she pulls me to Kaede's hut. Stepping inside I look to see everyone there, and I mean everyone. Kaede, Inuyasha, Shippo, Sango, Miroku, Kohaku, Rin and Suki. "Big sister! You're back!" shouts Rin excitedly before running up to me. I pull her into a hug. "I missed you." she says. "I missed you too."

Letting go of her I am greeted by Sango. "It's been so long. I was so surprised when I heard about your return. It's nice to have you back." I smile at her, "It's good to be back." I turn to Miroku, "How have you been Miroku?" "Very well actually. I see you look ready to pick a fight." he notes. I nod at him.

Inuyasha points behind my back. "What do you have there?" I take my sword from my back and show it to him. "Meet Nagare-boshi." He looks it over. "It's awesome. Heh, you could slice that guy down no problem." "Speaking of him, do you know where I can find him?"

Inuyasha grows serious, "Yeah, are you planning to go at him alone?" "I was hoping to find Sesshomaru first. He must be close to where Akuhei is." I explain. Inuyasha nods. "He hides up in the Northern mountains. It's not a nice place to be." he warns. "I understand. But it's better if I find him before he finds me."

I get ready to take off again. "You're not wasting any time are you?" asks Inuyasha. "The sooner the better." I reply. "Hey, find Sesshomaru first okay? Don't go after that guy alone. We'll be right behind you." I nod at him. "Thanks." I say my goodbyes to everyone before mounting the horse and riding off once again.