Disclaimer for the Entire Story:
All rights reserved to Rumiko Takahashi and to the respective owners of "The Moon Embracing the Sun."
However, ALL storylines, albeit: (a) an adaptation of Rumiko Takahashi works; and (b) the original works of the owners of "The Moon Embracing the Sun" is the intellectual property of Maria-Salvatore29.
Author's Notes: Thank you for all of your wonderful reviews! However, I wanted to say a few things:
a.) If you are confused with the story, that's alright, because you should be. However, keep in mind that everything would be explained later. *wink* So for now, enjoy "not knowing".
b.) There are/will be a lot of Original Characters in the story. I would make a list at the end of each chapter to avoid confusion.
c.) DON'T BE CONFUSED WITH THE NAME. Kagome is Tsuki. When the story brings you Further into the Past, Kagome would be addressed as Tsuki there, okie?
Further into the Past…
Sesshomaru never had the urge to hold onto something…or someone, but parting with Tsuki after spending so much time with her made him uncharacteristically possessive and needy. As the carriage landed in front of her family's pavilion, his eyes were glued only to her, ignoring Hideo's scrutinizing stare and Akina's not-so-hidden grin.
He helped her step out of the carriage and spoke quietly so that only she would hear, "Would you like to join me tomorrow at sunset?"
She tilted her head to the side and smiled despite the confusion behind her lovely eyes. "Of course, Sesshomaru-sama," she agreed without questioning him, her tiny hands squeezing his in reassurance of her trust. "You have made me very happy with the trip you arranged."
A smile threatened to slip from his lips, but they were with company and lacked privacy, so he settled for a soft caress upon her blushing cheeks. He was overfull with strange emotions, so he can only utter, "I am glad."
She grinned mischievously at his response and playfully pushed at his chest. "You are just glad to see me flail in the waters, so you can show off your impressive swimming skills."
"I was not showing off."
"I was just teasing you, Sesshomaru." Her smile gentled. "I am honored to make you happy just by being happy myself."
In all seriousness, he said, "Indeed. I have placed upon you a responsibility."
"A responsibility I would strive to fulfill," she replied with equal solemnity, her words laced with a promise that calmed his longing heart.
His vision was filled with her expressive eyes and the words had fled his lips. However, the moment was broken when she turned to look at Toshio's approaching figure, so he let her go to the people who adored her as much as he did. Maybe more. "Go, Tsuki. Your family must have missed you."
With one last glance at her face, he stepped away with Hideo and started to leave, but she called out to him. "Sesshomaru-sama! Thank you…for this new clothes."
He did not look at her again, because he was afraid of not being able to turn away from her radiant beauty that captivated him as much as it befuddled him. I could give you more than that, Tsuki. He smiled to himself, anticipating their next meeting.
-c-C-c-
Feudal Era…
"Kagome," he called out, eyes slowly widening at her sinking form, before diving in to pull her from the river. But there was something eerily familiar about the situation, as if he had lived in this way before, as if he had dived in deep waters for someone else.
He wrapped his arms around Kagome's waist, looking at her half-closed eyes that were currently full of fear and anguish. He raised both of them upwards and wondered if she had her own suffering too. Not that I cared. I am merely curious.
Once the warm air hit them, Kagome started sputtering, her limbs flailing around as if to save herself, but lacked the strength to even find air for her tiny body. "Kagome," he said again, trying to calm her as he settled her down the grasses, beside the riverbank. "Don't be afraid, Kagome." A hysterical cry escaped her throat as he knelt beside her. "I am here."
He was not certain where those words came from, but the nightmares in her sapphire eyes was chilling even him. His voice seemed to break into her numbed mind, "Sesshomaru-sama," she whispered in a rough voice, before surging into his chest to seek comfort that he could not possible give.
"Hnn. I leave for a while and you already managed to drown yourself."
His admonishment seemed to amuse her and she gave a broken chuckle. "I think I've been drowning for a long time. I just didn't know that I am."
She sounded as exhausted as he felt and Sesshomaru could not express how much her words reflect his inner turmoil. "Stop drowning, then." An advice he could not follow for himself.
"I can't! It's so hard!" She wailed, gripping his kimono in her tiny fist.
"In order to stop drowning, all you have to do is to…let go."
She pulled back to look at him, her face a painting of desperation. "Let go of what?"
Absentmindedly, he caressed her heated cheeks with soft fingers, tracing the dried tears as if it could lead him to the past. "Of what burdened you the most."
"I am afraid, Sesshomaru-sama," she whispered.
He lifted his eyes to hers and this time, he uttered it with surety, "I am here, Kagome."
A/N: For those who are reading my other story, The Mischievous Lady, I would be updating it this coming weekend. Hope you like it! :)
Prompt: Stella's The Soundtrack Challenge - The Last Pain
Word Count: 770
Date Posted: 09/20/16