What do you guys think will happen? I hope everyone is still enjoying the story, I'm still a couple chapters ahead of what I am uploading so I will still be updating steadily for a while to come
Chapter 12
Out of the shadows the next morning, InuYasha stood waiting as he watched the figure in white make itself known. Although he didn't have his sword out, his hand was on the hilt just in case. Old habits die hard, after a lifetime of needing to be at the ready for anything he just can't help the need to at least be touching his weapon of choice. With not much else left to do but wait as the figure came out from the shadows and walked towards the bottom of the hill, he felt jipped when they leaped to the top and ignored him completely.
With an irritated growl he stomped up there while he was still being thoroughly ignored by someone who used to lash out at him for barely any reason at all. With little else to do but glare and wonder why they were here in the first place he almost opened his brash mouth when an icy glare shut him up immediately. It actually stunned him into silence. Sure he has had his fair share if not even a boat load more of any kind of glare, even from this person but the reasoning, the depth of it had kept him utterly stunned. That had of course lasted only a few seconds before the loveable but loud mouth half demon decided to get a new glare of a different intensity aimed at him.
"What the hell Sesshoumaru?"
With an irritated look from his newly reacquainted friend he shut up for a few seconds more. Not one to do what others clearly want him to do his mouth opened again.
"Why the fuck are you here?"
"InuYasha, since you do not have decency to shut up, I am here to see to the priestess. Even I had sensed her immense release and sensed the Eastern Lord; I will not be letting such a powerful priestess go unchecked when the last one created the Shikon No Tama." InuYasha just grumbled irritably before squatting down and listening to her healing process take place. He could barely feel her powers still at work; they had not been able to recover as easily with the large amount of stress on her body.
After feeling satisfied that she didn't appear to be doing anything beyond recovering he left her side to walk over to Lord Satoshi who sat relaxing by the fire with the other priestess. After the chaos with Naraku he wanted a full account as to what happened to the priestess. Just as he was about to address the other lord is when he felt a mixture disbelief and rage.
"Oh by the way bastard, we also killed the damn spider again. Yeah that is right, I killed Naraku just a couple days before this happened." InuYasha grinned to himself at stopping his brother in his actions so easily. He watched his eyes flash red with a short burst of his own aura before he gained control of himself.
Glaring at his younger half-brother, "Do not attempt to play games InuYasha."
"I wasn't bluffing, nor did I stutter," inside he did a mental cheer at finally being able to use that on someone, it was even better that it was against his older half-brother. 'Thank you Kagome for your futuristic terms and phrases,' he mentally praised her.
"InuYasha." You could almost tell how irate he was feeling, InuYasha knew that Sesshoumaru was a second away from tearing into him.
"He isn't lying, I was there. He is now marked off the list," Tamotsu voiced.
"And the priestess?" Somehow he began to trust her word to a certain degree and if she witnessed it all he would feel more inclined to believe it all.
"She was unconscious at the time Lord Sesshoumaru," he replied respectfully, never looking away from Kagome.
"If her stupid ass would just listen in the first place," InuYasha mumbled with the renewed annoyance, his sentence left hanging out there.
Noticing the other demon a little more closely he narrowed his eyes at how vigilant he is over the priestess. Before he could even begin to interrogate him he was distracted by the Eastern Lord deciding to cut in and take his attention off of Tamotsu. "Lord Sesshoumaru, I assume you wished to speak?" He asked as he gracefully stood up.
Sesshoumaru cast a glance at him with a quick nod before looking over the other priestess and taking another look around before they walked off into the shadows. InuYasha grinned at his success in riling up his bastard of a brother. He sat down feeling smug next to Tsukiyomi.
She noticed his smugness and purposeful comments, wondering what it was all about. There really hadn't been much for her to do since she had come back to life. Though she was quite bored at times, the other Lord had provided a distraction from the quiet that came over their camp. She had yet to really try and speak with anyone primarily due to it being her lover wanting her back alive that had caused all of their worry and upset.
For now she will let them make the first move but she will also keep checking on the other priestess to ensure she will be fine. It would seem she could help them with one more worry by speaking to her about taxing her body so much. It had certainly taken her life quickly being she was not all that old to begin with.
Calmly she sat at the fire waiting for the next thing to happen, it may be some time before she can really be of much use. Deciding that going back to meditation she made a quick journey to check Kagome once again before falling into herself so she can once more be as she was before death, yet better. On top of that, the feeling of loneliness and near heartbreak at her possible future was almost getting to be too much to hold in around ones who may not care for a sudden meltdown.
Tamotsu felt the stirrings of hunger beginning to hit him. Though he could still go a very long time without food, his body was not used to him doing so anymore. He became quite used to eating on a near daily basis. Looking at her dry lips he decided to get up and stretch as he scented a nearby river. One that he didn't know is the very same one Kagome had fallen into. With a decision to eat and get her some nutrients and hydration he signaled to InuYasha that he is in charge for a short time.
Misuto gladly joined him in his tasks, happy to stretch his legs a little more. They were out of sight and crossing the forest within seconds. The river rumbled with its whitewater rapids and thundering water as it speedily passed them by. For a demon of his caliber it would be nothing but a nuisance to try and capture fish for everyone to eat. Remembering the broth he had made before he put red meat on his mental list as well.
Diving into the water without his swords and extra items he reached the bottom of the river quickly, snatching up fish as he went before throwing to the bank when he would break the surface of the water. He attempted to primarily grab larger fish so it would last them with the appetite a demon can have at times. With a dozen good sized fish ready he grabbed the canteen from his waist and filled it with water before he swam over to the steep bank. With a firm hold he pushed off it, sending himself to the top where he landed right next to the fish.
With some quick slicing the fish was prepared and ready to be taken back to camp. He kept an eye out for any deer or something larger so he can make broth and have meat that would last several days. With so much activity in the area he figured they must be spooked and returned to camp so he may deliver the fish. Sitting down by her once more he carefully lifted her head to slowly, with a steady hand, drizzle small amounts of water down her throat.
Grabbing his wet decorative handkerchief he moistened her lips with gentle strokes and small drips. He didn't want her to be any more uncomfortable than she already may be once she awoke. With how well she had been healing he thought she may stir by now but with her powers weakening further he realized it may be a few more days yet. By tomorrow morning though, it would be safe to move her to a better location.
After spending time taking care of her needs he left to hunt in the opposite direction he had left earlier in hopes that he may have better luck. InuYasha in the meanwhile was cooking the fish over the fire after setting them on spits stuck into the ground. By the smell of it, it would be ready by the time he came back from hunting.
The forest was quiet beyond the normal wildlife in it. He rolled a few kinks out of his shoulder before his steps became stealthy. He used his senses to pick-up any heavier footfalls belonging to a larger mammal. Stepping quietly past the bushes, ducking under the branches his ears picked up the sound of a deer making tracks.
Listening close he let his hearing guide him to it, once in sight he struck, it didn't even have a chance but it also didn't suffer with pain. He carried his kill to a clearer space where he cut it open and began using his claws to cut portions of the meat out. He left the rest for nature to continue to take its course. Carrying the bloody remains to be cleaned off of the fur and grime he was soon back to camp ready to make the broth.
His leftover meat was left to dry out, it would do them good to have more food on them. He had mostly forgotten the food he had bought at the village and feeling a slight bit moved, he gathered some up for the other priestess to cook to her liking. She came out of her meditation calmly, a clawed hand holding a bag in front of her for her to take. After taking it and seeing who the hand belonged to she nodded a slight bit stung from the mostly quiet demon. The act was one to signify peace and she took it gratefully.
Not long after she was eating, having a wide variety to give her plenty of nutrition. The afternoon came along at a crawl, both Lords still gone but no one really noticing or caring. Kagome had mumbled in her sleep a few times, catching all those that could hear its attention. Tsukiyomi noticing their expectant gazes on Kagome had risen up; heading up there to see what is going on.
Settling down she patiently watched and listened before doing another scan of her body. When she pulled back she was surprised, her eyes wide in show of it. "She is almost completely healed. We could move her now if you wished to, the bones are done. It is just the external injuries healing now."
"Fascinating," Tamotsu mumbled before carefully sliding his arms under her body to pick her up. He brought her near the fire where he kept the broth warm and after grabbing the cup he left out, he scooped some out to slowly feed to her.
The process was slow and time consuming but making sure she had the nutrients she will need to recover her powers and energy it will be crucial. Never did he expect he would have to take care of her like this so soon once again. It only showed that he will not be able to let down his guard or hardly let her out of sight. With her aura so weak compared to theirs he noticed a lack of demons in the area compared to when they would be on the road walking to the next location.
Just after he set the cup down to wipe her chin of the dribble of broth a letter fizzled into existence in front of him. Letting it fall into his clawed hand he adjusted Kagome on his lap to be able to free his other arm that held her head. Once the letter was opened he noticed it was a letter from his Lord; he had returned to the castle and is allowing him to pass judgment on Hoshiyomi. To be honest he was only a slight bit surprised at that decision. It appeared Lord Sesshoumaru had gone with him, wishing to interrogate the new prisoner on where he found the ability to resurrect his lover from the grave in that manner.
Thinking of the colder, more ruthless Lord of the West, he could only imagine what the interrogation might be like. Sparing Tsukiyomi a glance he knew she was doing her best to stay strong and hold in there. It has not been a pleasant time since she was resurrected. His thoughts tumbled around in his head as he made up his mind what to do.
He didn't want the demon going unpunished after the interrogation but he also had a feeling that Kagome would look down on him if he were to maim or kill him. With the demon race needing all the help it can get he made up his mind after a few more blood thirsty thoughts reverberated through his mind.
Using his power to erase the text, he waved his hand across the page a couple times, the words appearing with his signature on the bottom, a handy trick for short replies when he is unable to do it properly. With his own power it sparked before disappearing, going straight to his Lord.
Late that night, with the moon already beginning its descent in the sky did the two Lords reappear. Apparently they were done with the interrogation. Seeing her new place on his lap they crowded around him to take in her progress. With a slight nod of his head, Lord Sesshoumaru disappeared into the darkness, apparently pleased with what he had seen.
Lord Satoshi settled down next to him and found his attention on the other slumbering priestess for a few moments. "Tamotsu," he started, "I will understand if you would prefer another punishment. No one can fault you in demon society."
Eyeing his Lord for a few seconds before his gaze drifted between the two priestesses he sighed. "I suppose my decision was affected by other factors but I do not regret it yet. I hope I will not have to."
"Then if that is what you wish I will uphold my end of it," he promised.
"It is," he answered soundly, "Thank you for your generosity mi 'Lord."
InuYasha studied the two of them with slightly narrowed eyes but decided to just let things be for now. He will see what will come to pass and judge then instead. It was a three-quarter moon out tonight as he gazed up into the post-midnight sky. The eastern sky was already becoming lighter, fading out the stars as the moon began to make way for the sun to shine down on them once again. Letting his eyes rest for the time being he calmed his thoughts as the chirping of crickets began to dim down.
A startled intake of breath accompanied with the fluttering of eyelashes caught everyone's attention. The wild gaze and ragged breaths as she woke had caught them by surprise. She was just peaceful a moment ago then the next it was like she woke from a bad dream. Hand over her heart as she attempted to calm it her eyes looked around her at the faces before she felt confused.
"What happened?" The question lingered but none seemed to know what to answer. Did she recall any of it? Or was her memory of the whole thing gone?
"What do you remember?" Tamotsu answered her back.
With his help she slowly sat up, her muscles feeling stiff and weak. With a finger to her chin she went over the events before she drew a blank. "I was attacked at the campsite, Misuto was knocked unconscious, and then I was restrained to an altar or something while that one demon chanted in another language. My powers felt like they were ripped from my body. Next thing it was pain, I felt like I was being crushed before I found the wind knocked out of me. I was suddenly on the floor among a bunch of broken floor boards when I noticed the skeleton turned into a human body under a red cloth. That is all I can recall," she finished, her eyes rising up to latch on to theirs before noticing Tsukiyomi and her red cloth.
Recognizing it her body flinched, acting on its own accord as it recognized it being the one that was used in that room. Tsukiyomi felt bad immediately, leaning a little further away from her after she got over the blue eyes that were revealed. Both felt guilty but the males were not about to let them linger in those feelings.
"Remember Hoshiyomi, that crazy demon that kidnapped you to end all of mankind?" InuYasha questioned. With a nod of her head he plowed forward, "he kidnapped you again, this time he used you to bring Tsukiyomi back to life somehow."
With a slow blink she recalled the time Kikyo was brought back to the living plane. The flashbacks from both priestesses being brought from the dead left her head feeling like it was spinning. Grabbing it in an attempt to steady her thoughts she gave a dry comment, "how ironic."
"Kagome, you should lay back down," Tamotsu suggested. She let him guide her back to a laying position before turning her gaze back to Tsukiyomi.
"Are you okay?" She blinked, Tsukiyomi felt captured by the younger priestesses gaze, it was like she could read her soul.
Eyes wide at the question, "I – I," she stuttered a moment. "I am fine; it is I that should be asking you that question. You were hurt really badly," her eyes shimmered with worry and guilt.
"I feel like I had been run ragged," she commented. Concentrating on her body it felt okay, though her powers were quite weak yet. "I should be fine in the morning, I just need more rest."
Tsukiyomi didn't look nearly so convinced; she had been in her place. Deciding not to press at this time she instead focused on getting her better. "You should eat before you rest, it will do you good."
"You're right; my muscles could use the protein," she agreed, not noticing the confused stares.
InuYasha grabbed some meat chunks and broth to help with her recovery. "Here ya go, just make sure you eat all of it, okay?"
Nodding her head she accepted the bowl, "Thank you InuYasha."
"Keh, it was nothing," he crossed his arms and waited to see her finish every last bit.
Slowly she ate, her body beginning to feel taxed while she fought off yawning. Gradually she felt her body slowing down, each bite getting harder to bring up to her mouth before it was getting to be too much to even chew. Head slumping against Tamotsu's chest her eyes drifted close while her breath evened out.
Taking the bowl from her hands, Tamotsu set it down. It couldn't be helped, she still had half of the food left to finish. InuYasha looked irked but just let it dropped. Walking off he wandered into the trees before jumping on to a branch for the rest of the night.
Tsukiyomi sat staring into the fire making a few goals for the future. She had a feeling that InuYasha would have the answers she needs along with Tamotsu. If she is to help Kagome to try and make up for what Hoshiyomi has done then she needs to get everything straight. Her body was still showing other signs of distress but she can't be certain until she is back to perfect condition.
Stretching a little she covered a yawn and decided to lay down for more rest. Morning will be here soon enough and she needed to speak to them before Kagome woke up again. Staring up at the sky she wondered how Hoshiyomi is doing, that is, if he is even alive at that point. Eyes reflecting her sadness she continued her gaze into the deep, dark blue sky. With a final yawn she let her eyes drift to sleep, memories of the better times she had with her lover to comfort her lonely heart.
I decided to give you this chapter early, sort of feeling sick, bleh :-p I'm super happy that I got my touchpad working again, been using a wireless mouse for months and I haven't even had this laptop for a year yet. Happy St. Patrick's Day of 2015!
