Hello All, Caleesci here. Here is the next chapter in Of Slaughter and Salvation, Freefalling. ENJOY! Hope you like it. As always, I would love to hear your feedback!
Now on with the story:
Kagome had ridden upon Inuyasha's back, she had ridden on a horse, on her bike, on Shippou's pink bubble form, on Kiarra, and even on Ah Un. She had ridden on a plane, on a bus, even an ambulance once. She had even flown at great heights on Sesshomaru's youki cloud. However nothing in the world could have prepared her for this. The rhythmic beats of the dragon's wings were like the drums of war infusing her with a sense of power. The light reflected off the brilliant blue scales of the dragon's body with such beauty it was breathtaking. Just the fact that beneath her legs was a giant beast of sheer power left her in awe. Though she had seen dragons before, none had ever really come close to the fantastical portrayal of them in her time. Yet Josuke was the embodiment of what her time believed a dragon to be. Even the look in his eyes was enough to tell her that he was more than just a beast. The intelligence that sparkled back at her was somewhat eerie.
Even with all these wonderful reasons, there was one more reason that made this experience even more awe inspiring, and nerve wracking at the same time. That one thing was sitting in front of her, his silvery white hair flowing about his body. She had to duck and press her body to his back to keep from being whipped by the silken strands. His powerful muscles were relaxed and melded with the movements of the dragon. His seemed completely relaxed and even somewhat peaceful. Every now and then he would growl and the dragon would change course or adjust its altitude. Whenever he did this, a pleasant rumbling reverberate through her body. It astounded her that she was here, five hundred years in the past, holding on to a youkai that was never known to exist, and flying atop a dragon that was believed to be a myth. It was if she had stepped into a fantasy book instead of a well to the past. Even now as she looked over the misty clouds that they wove through she could not believe that this was even earth. The sun shone with such radiance that the lack luster version she was used to was forgotten; the sky illuminated with such clarity that Kagome wondered if she had ever truly seen it; the very air that filled her lungs was held a refreshing sweetness that she did not recall before. She rest her head against Sesshomaru's back, not noticing the way he stiffened and shot her a look. Instead her eyes were focused on the brilliant blue of the sky that was dotted with fluffy white clouds and flocks of birds. Taking a deep breath, the spicy scent of pine filled her senses.
"Are you done smelling this Sesshomaru?" The tone was somewhat teasing. Kagome was pulled from her euphoric joy and thrown into the fires of embarrassment. Her face burned but she made no move to pull away from him. She was far too comfortable.
"You smell like trees." She said, mentally wincing at how completely stupid she sounded. A soft rumble had Kagome's mouth dropping in slight shock. "Did you… Did you just chuckle?" Her voice took on a slightly higher note as she pulled away and shot him a disbelieving look. Silver locks whipped backwards and Kagome gave a soft eep as they assaulted her face. Reaching up she gently pulled the offending hair into her grasp and returned her accusing glare at him.
"First you laugh at me, then your hair attacks me!" He turned slightly in his seat, throwing a look over his shoulder.
"You cuddle against this Sesshomaru, sniff me like a flower, then fist your hands in my hair?"
"I did not cuddle you! I was hiding from your hair! And I didn't sniff you like a flower I was breathing! You just so happened to be occupying the space that I was breathing in! And I am not fisting my hands in your hair I am DEFENDING myself from it!" Kagome shot back. A wicked gleam passed over her face and she set to work. Sesshomaru growled as he felt her fingers running through his hair.
"If you do not remove your hands from this Sesshomaru's hair I will throw you off." He growled out. He nearly pouted as she ignored him. As her tiny fingers worked through the silken strands, Sesshomaru was torn on his instinct to melt back and purr at the wonderful sensation, or toss her over the side for daring to think she was worthy to touch his person.
"Done!" the chipper shout made his decision as her fingers deftly left his hair. Reaching back Sesshomaru pulled out a long thick end of a braid. Golden eyes widened ever so slightly. She had braided his hair! His eyes narrowed to dangerous slits at her triumphant grin. Growling lightly he flung the braid back, smirking when he heard the thunk as the heavy thickened braid hit her.
"Ow! Ugh your insufferable." She crossed her arms over her chest and glowered at his back. She stayed like that for an hour, her gaze boring holes into his back. When he made no move to show that it was bothering him, she settled for staring out over the beauty of the scenery once again.
Natsuyo opened the door, the soft cries coming from the room unnerving him. They were soft, hardly noticeable but to him they were like screams. At first he feared that she had taken a partner to her bed, but he quickly dismissed that thought. He knew very well what sounds she made when she was in the throws of passion, and these were not them. These small sounds were like groans of discomfort, and even pain. As he stepped into her chambers, a small strip of light illuminated her. She was tossing and turning, her skin slick with sweat. Her eyes were closed and her pretty little mouth was partially open as she gasped. She bit down on her lip, her fangs piercing the tender flesh.
Sekuya looked about her, trying to make sense of the darkness surrounding her.
"Sekuya…" the whisper sent shivers down her spine. "Sekuya, dear child…" Sekuya turned around wildly, trying to find the owner of the voice.
"What! What do you want with me?" She called out to the voice, her heart beating wildly within her chest. Sekuya saw a small floating light and took a step closer. Suddenly, the enveloping darkness began to swirl and absorb into the floating light. As the darkness was sucked away, Sekuya noticed she was in a field of brilliant colors; rolling hills of green, bursting colors of wild flowers, and the soft blue of the endless sky. She turned back to where she had seen the small light and gasped as she found a woman of unimaginable beauty. She was tall, dressed in the most beautiful layers of silk Sekuya had ever seen. Her skin was a soft pale color, with eyes a vibrant violet. Her lips were perfectly plump and colored a soft hue of rose. Her hair shone like silk in the light and fell to the ground beautifully. Adoring the top of her head was a gold chain that suspended a the most beautiful diamond across her brow.
"Who are you?" Sekuya asked suspiciously. The woman smiled softly.
"I, like you, am a woman scorned. I am Izanami, Kami of Creation." Sekuya gasped and fell into a respectful bow. Rustles of silk signaled that she was approaching and Sekuya felt her nerves highten. A gentle hand touched her chin and lifted her face.
"Sekuya, my child, stand before me. I come to you for help." Sekuya rose, staring at the taller woman in awe.
"What can I help you, the great kami of creation?" Izanami's face grew sad.
"I have been sealed in the underworld for many hundreds of years. My traitorous love betrayed me and locked me within its fiery depths to dwell for all eternity. I need you to assist me in helping the one man who can free me."
"Man? Who is it, Izanami-dono, that can help you?" Izanami smiled.
"A daiyoukai of exceptional power. The whom your heart pines for. Sesshomaru, lord of the West." Sekuya gasped. "Should you help me, Sekuya, then Sesshomaru will be yours and together you will lead the new world I shall create with power unlike any other." Sekuya's heart leapt from her chest.
"I accept! I will do anything you ask!" Izanami smiled, though if one looked closer they would see the fury behind the masked eyes.
"Kill the miko he travels with. She is leading him to his death. You see, Sesshomaru contains the soul of a god who can unseal me from the underworld. Izanagi has tasked her with his death. You must protect him, protect the man you love." Sekuya gritted her teeth.
"That vile bitch! I knew it! She uses dark magic to hold him! I swear it, Izanami-dono, I shall destroy that little miko, and then Sesshomaru and I will unseal you from the underworld." Izanami straightened, her gaze strong and beautiful.
"Then I give you this, my child, to protect and aide you in your journeys." Izanami reached up with a blade and held out her arm. With a swift downward plunge, the blade sliced through her wrist. Sekuya watched in rapt fascination as the blood that flowed from the wound poured down and gathered into a circle in mid air. With a brilliant flash of red, the wound was healed and the blood solidified.
"Take this, a ruby of my own blood. Let it grant you the power you need to serve your Kami." Sekuya's hands closed around the ruby, and she felt the power course through her.
"Yes, Izanami-dono."
Brown eyes opened, and Natsuyo's worried face came into sight.
"Sekuya-sama?" He said quietly. "Are you alright?" Sekuya lifted her hand and there upon her finger sat a golden ring with a ruby center. Even now she could feel the power coursing through it.
"Yes, Natsuyo, I am perfectly fine." She stood, ignoring the look he gave her as she bared her nude form to his gaze.
"Sekuya…" He said quietly, his eyes glued to her body. She turned to him, an arrogant look upon her face.
"Come Natsuyo, we set out."
"But Keriku-sama said that we were to remain here in his absence." Sekuya paused in her dressing, casting a look to him.
"I serve a higher calling now, Natsuyo. My father can have his kingdom I have no need for it now."
"I do not understand Sekuya-sama, why would you just throw it away? What higher calling could possible be greater than the leader of the East?" Sekuya moved towards him and placed her hand upon his cheek.
"So simple, Natsuyo. You think in such small terms. Why settle for the East when I can have everything? I have been chosen, my dear, by Izanami to bring about a new day. Blessed with her power, I will seek out Sesshomaru and his miko harlot and destroy her. Izanami will use Sesshomaru to free herself from the underworld, and then together, you and I can rule everything." Sekuya leaned forward and placed her lips upon Natsuyo's. He responded quickly, his arms coming about her as if to lock her into place. Sekuya smiled against his lips, her plan haven worked beautifully. She knew o fNatsuyo's affection for her, and she knew of his great hatred for Sesshomaru. She needed his assistance, and she would get it no matter what it took.
The air was beginning to hold a chill to it, and that was the first tip off that the weather was turning. It was well after midnight, and surprisingly the miko was still awake. They had not spoken much since their small outburst of amusement earlier. He knew that her alertness would not last long however, for even now she was slightly swaying in her seat. He scanned the below area and found that they were passing over the northern territories. Landing would not be optional at this point due to the close proximity to the Northern Lord's keep. He did not wish to attract the attention of him. He felt the miko lean against him ever so lightly.
"I am not cuddling." She said tiredly, "I am just resting my eyes." Kagome let out a strangled cry as Sesshomaru sudden spun in his spot and lifted her. For a passing second, fear flooded her as she was nearly dangled over the side of the dragon.
"I am sorry I didn't mean to invade your space!" She stammered out before she was dumped into the spot in front of him. Confused, she turned to look at him. "What did you do that for?"
"If you fall asleep, you will fall foolish girl." Kagome would later blame it on her sleep deprived mind but still nothing was connecting. Sesshomaru briefly wondered how she managed to function with such little sense. With a snort of annoyance he wrapped his arms around her waist to grip the reigns.
"Sleep, miko, or this Sesshomaru will toss you over." Kagome cracked a small smile.
"Careful , Sesshomaru-sama, people might start to think you have a sense of humor." Kagome closed her eyes and snuggled into his warmth, missing the narrowing of golden eyes. Within minutes Kagome was fast asleep. Sesshomaru looked down upon her, his gaze impassive. The longer he stared at her, the more an unusual feeling began to spread. Her skin seemed to begin to glow softly, and he had the oddest temptation to run his fingers over it to see if it was as smooth as it looked. Her hair smelled prettily of berries and the youkai in him tried in vain to force him closer to get a closer smell. Her lips were soft and pouty and for some reason he continuously found his gaze drawn to them. Every once in a while she would shift and her natural scent would flood his nose and his beast would purr within. Soft noises were mumbled in her sleep that he found somewhat odd, yet made his lips twitch in a need to smile, a need he crushed as soon as it was roused. Yet when her head fell to the side to rest against his forearm and the beautiful curve of her neck was exposed, even the great Sesshomaru could not control the urge. Dipping down he lightly touched his nose to the area that concealed her pulsing vein and inhaled. Her scent seemed to send pulses through his body like sparks. His eyes seemed to darken, the golden tinted with the softest glow of red as his beast roused just beneath the surface. He pressed his nose a little more firmly against her neck, the brush of his lips just barley touching the skin where her neck met her shoulder. Kagome shifted slightly in her sleep, a soft sigh escaping her as she tilted her neck to give him better access. The action scent his beast into a frenzy, effecting shocking Sesshomaru back into control. With all the power he held he forced his beast down and pulled himself away from her neck. He growled low at the soft chuckle in the recess of his mind.
"Enticing, beautiful, and smells heavenly. You are in for it now, Sesshomaru." Sesshomaru all but growled at Inukeyu.
"This is your doing." He whispered quietly, not wishing to rouse the miko with his emotions in such disobedience. The spirit chuckled again.
"Come now, Sesshomaru, you have never been one to lie to yourself." Sesshomaru ignored him. Instead, he once again returned to trying to occupy himself with anything besides the miko.
Kagome was awoken to a sudden onslaught of chilling wind. She blinked her eyes open before lifting her hands to cover her face. Kagome gasped as a sliver of ice shot through the wind and slced her cheek.
"Hail." She said nervously. Sesshomaru felt an odd feeling as the scent of her blood reached his senses. With a frown he urged Josuke lower. The storm had appeared quickly, far too quickly for his liking. Josuke heeded his master's demand and dipped suddenly into a spiral. Kagome felt weightless for a moment as the dragon stopped and shot downwards. Her hands instantly gripped for Sesshomaru's arms that were holding the reigns. Her body was pushed flat against his chest, and she could see his chin just above her to the left. His eyes were narrowed, looking about them in suspicion. She had felt it too, the gut instinct that this was not natural. Suddenly it hit her.
"Sesshomaru! Do you feel that?" She whispered. "Power, and a great amount of it." Sesshomaru growled. He could sense nothing.
"This Sesshomaru is unable to sense it. Perhaps it is something only your miko powers can detect." He offered tersely over the howling winds.
"There! Over that way!" Kagome cried as a figure shimmered in the distance. For a brief moment Kagome had seen a woman atop a mare of peculiar appearance. It appeared to be no more than swirling winds massed into the form of a horse. As soon as she pointed to the woman, she smirked and disappeared. Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes.
"I see nothing."
"She was there I swear it!" Kagome franticly searched the sky as it flew around them. They were in a shroud of mist that blocked most of their view.
"Up!" Sesshomaru suddenly shouted. Suddenly as if a curtain had been pulled aside, the mist broke and a wall of raging dark blue loomed before them. Joskuke roared as he spread his wings to stop his hurling body. His massive feet collided with the ocean which was churning angrily in the sea. Waves gathered about them reaching frightening heights. With powerful beats of his wings, Josuke pulled upwards and just out of reach of the icy water's deadly grip. She felt Sesshomaru's grip come around her waist and grasp her somewhat roughly. Then out of the corner of her eye she saw it once again, the strange woman riding the unusual horse. She watched the beautiful woman phase in and out of view from the mists. Squinting her eyes, Kagome tried to keep her gaze on the woman as Josuke twisted and turned in the air. Through the mist Kagome watched as she raised a bow.
"Sesshomaru!" Kagome twisted and pushed Sesshomaru as hard as she could. His golden eyes widened as an arrow whiz passed his face. Turning quickly in the direction the arrow came from, Sesshomaru roared in fury at the unseen attacker. It wasn't until he heard her scream his name.
"Sesshomaru!" Whipping around, he found no pretty miko in front of him. His eyes widened and time slowed. She was reaching for him, her hand outstretched and a look of terror on her face. Before he could even second guess himself, Sesshomaru threw himself over the side of Josuke. The dragon roared and followed its master. Kagome fell faster than she thought possible, and all she could think of as she fell was how beautiful his eyes were as she fell. She felt the spray of the water before it hit, and fear curled within her. With a silent gasp, Kagome hit the water and was engulfed. Sesshomaru watched as the black waters took her and odd feeling he was not used to blossomed within him; fear.
Love,
Caleesci
