Catabasis by Madame Fury

The Finding

Chapter 1: The Finding

It had begun when she met an injured monk. He was perched precariously among a rock near the edge of a river. His staff was snapped in two, the longer of the two pieces was clutched in his hand while the second piece lay before her feet. After years in the feudal era Kagome had learned that one could never be too careful among those who appeared innocent or injured. She weighed the pros and cons of calling for Inuyasha but the monk had started to rise before she could come to a decision.

He stumbled and used the remaining portion of his staff to hobble toward Kagome. She stepped back and quickly notched an arrow.

"Please tell me you are the Shikon miko" the monk pleaded as he halted his gait.

"Yes but I don't exactly know who you are" Kagome said cautiously lowering her bow.

"I do not have much time left. I have been entrusted with the task of bringing you impertinent information."

Kagome dispersed the energy surrounding her arrow and secured her bow over her shoulder. It was obvious that this monk had tangled with some kind of demon. Claw marks littered his body and his staff had seen better days. Kagome gathered her energy and used it to observe the monk's aura. It was a rather simple technique that Kaede had managed to teach her and judging by the results she got, this monk wouldn't pose any kind of threat.

"Do you know of a place away from prying ears?" The monk inquired stumbling towards to Kagome.

"As a matter a fact I do, follow me and I'll lead you to the village." Kagome said.

The village was close by and Kagome guessed that the monk would have made it there on his own if it weren't for the demon attack. When they made it to the village Kagome asked a villager to make Kaede aware of their presence. The man ran to the hut to deliver the message. The man must have gotten there quicker than Kagome expected because out came Kaede to meet their guest. As soon as Kaede spotted the man she bowed lowly.

"What are ye doing child? Ye must bow to this man!" Reprimanded Kaede as she pulled Kagome's arm to try and make her bow.

"What are you talking about Kaede? This guy came to see me plus I still don't exactly know who he is!" Kagome retorted. Kaede shook her head in disbelief and began to lead the monk into her home. He pushed aside the flap covering the entrance. Once they were situated and tea was served, Kaede choose that moment to divulge the monk's identity.

"Even with those robes I would recognize ye anywhere Daisuke." The Monk chuckled and removed his haori to reveal the bright flamboyant colors of his expensive silks.

"So I'm guessing you're not a monk?" Kagome murmured as she sipped her tea. She really needed to remember to bring Kaede more sugar, this tea tasted awful.

"No. Please accept my apologies for deceiving you priestess but I had my reasons. I am being hunted by that dreadful half demon"

"You mean Naraku?" Kagome asked. Daisuke nodded.

"No offense, but you don't seem like Naraku's usual targets. Why would he be looking for you?" Daisuke looked offended at Kagome's blatant dismissal and pulled his sleeves to reveal his upper arms. Upon his arms were a series of scars that looked like burn marks. However, upon closer inspection the marks seemed to resemble a series of kanji. With a wave of his hand the marks began to move and formed a single phrase. Daisuke sipped his tea and placed the cup back on the small table.

"I have come to awaken you Kagome" Daisuke said ominously.