Good afternoon, and welcome back!
It's great to see you back and to have a new chapter ready for you after such a long wait! Though I can not promise that there will be any other new chapters soon, I have just recently rushed this one into completion, which leaves me hoping it does not lack anything in any way. Please enjoy, and thank you so much for your patience and understanding.
Please take great care, and I hope to see you again soon!
Visit my profile to check out links to my Facebook, DeviantArt, and Youtube. Can't wait for all of your reviews, favorites, comments, likes, questions and concerns.
The sun had peaked over the horizon, and with its shine was Sesshoumaru's signal to follow Enju's trail. His rage was almost out of his control as it whipped violently within his demonic aura which had all near his presence scurrying to stay out of his way. Using his sense of smell, he followed the smell of Kioko's ashes and the scent of the dead woman's bones. The red-haired woman entered his mind as Kioko's jar of ashes laid within her hands. That vermin had stolen the ashes of his beloved Kioko. The downright disrespect to his human mates burial site was enough for Sesshoumaru to take it personally upon himself to not only retrieve the remains but to slaughter the wretched wench. His frigid cold golden eyes stared ahead as an image of Kioko's smiling expression looked back at him, and his stomach burned with further anger. He knew it would have been better to scatter her ashes within a stream of water to prevent this very kind of ordeal. He knew the kinds of witchery that existed around this demonic world, and still, some part of him filled with sentiment for the human who owned his heart until the end of time made him choose otherwise. To choose that a burial site for her would be a place for him to return to, for him and Rin who both frequented the grave as often as they could despite their travels. He had allowed this. Just as he had allowed Kioko to die so violently right outside his home's stone walls with a pup, that the two had shared, beside her. This was a result of his choices, and he was at fault.
How he wished this undead wench was still alive, if for nothing else, for him to kill her painfully in retribution of the crime she had committed in his eyes. What was she planning? Surely she knew the irreversible death sentence she had assured herself by doing this. He was not known to be lenient to those who did not know their place. Then it struck him. Enju was the same as Inuyasha's dead priestess, Kikyo. Did she intend to make Kioko the same as them? Make his beautiful angelic human as much a walking corpse as themselves, to walk around absorbing the souls of the dead? Kioko's irrefutable adoration for humans even at their ugliest would be a torture for her should that become of her.
It was then that a dash of red appeared into Sesshoumaru's sight, causing him to stop and look at who foolishly ignored his powerful demonic aura to stand before him. Cold gold with a glint of anger met guarded and confused amber.
" Inuyasha. " Sesshoumaru greeted with his mood very clear in his voice as a growl hinted in his tone. Inuyasha, who had froze in place at the feel of Sesshoumaru's more than intense aura taking over his instincts to remain still and not make any sudden movements. Inuyasha's group appeared behind him from the trees, out of breath from trying to catch up with him. Once they noticed Sesshoumaru, they too stopped all movement. All but Kagome's eyes looked at him with wariness, while her's looked at him with an empty and angry glare. The nerve of her had him itching to lop off her head for such blatant disrespect. Not to mention his grudge against how she treated Kioko in life. However, for the sake of his dead mate, he would not kill the young vermin, for now.
" Sesshoumaru, what are you doing here? " Inuyasha asked with his usual accusing tone. Sesshoumaru couldn't help but be more agitated by it than usual. He had no patience for this today.
" I have business in this area that is of no concern of yours. " Sesshoumaru responded emotionlessly, ready to continue ahead, past Inuyasha and his friends, to continue his way to where he was sure Enju had taken Kioko's remains. Before he could move to do so, however, Sango spoke up.
" The demon witch, Urusue, who revived Kikyo had a cave near here. A traveling villager told us that all the humans who moved into this area after her death were leaving on account of activity that has been going on there. They knew someone had moved there long ago after Urusue died, but they hadn't seen any happenings like when Urusue was alive until recently. They fear Urusue has returned. " Sango reported to the Demon Lord of the West. Despite the looks the group was giving her, Sango had a certain respect for Sesshoumaru. She had witnessed his behavior when Kioko was taken by Naraku and had watched as he did not allow Kioko to die alone but in his arms instead. Twice.
Inuyasha and the others looked from Sango to Sesshoumaru instantly at the feel of his demonic aura spiking dramatically. So his suspicions could very well be correct. That fool intended to revive Kioko from beyond the grave and into a body made of clay. Sesshoumaru, not wishing to waste any more time, continued his way quickly towards the place he recalled meeting Enju when Kikyo had brought Kioko and his group to visit the red-haired woman. The whole way there, Sesshoumaru kept track of Kioko's ashes through his sense of smell. Sensing Inuyasha and his friends following behind him, he ignored their presence, and darted ahead, faster than they could keep up with. Making it up the mountain and then to a cave, he stopped a distance away from where he could see Enju working quickly and efficiently with what looked like a human-shaped casket made of clay. It wasn't until Sesshoumaru walked calmly into the space with his blood rushing in his ears at the anger he was feeling, did she notice his presence.
" Lord Sesshoumaru! " Enju called out in fear and surprise. His rage was easily detectable even by a dead human who in life never had abilities of the spiritual kind. Ironically enough given how she must use souls of the dead to sustain her life. " Please, I understand that you wish to kill me but give me a moment to explain my actions. " Enju asked with a pleading tone, not allowing Sesshoumaru to yet know that she had just about completed her ritual. All she needed now was to place Uruse's twig upon the clay casing to revive the priestess that Sesshoumaru has so desperately grieved. Sesshoumaru said nothing in response; instead, he took a step towards Enju, ready to lunge forward with golden orbs revealing his lack of tolerance. It was then that Inuyasha and his friends arrived only to be surprised to see Enju there. They hadn't seen her since they saved her from her brother a long while back.
" Lord Sesshoumaru, I'm sorry about violating Lady Kioko's resting place and intruding into- " Enju began to say but stopped in her idle apology when Sesshoumaru's eyes flashed red in their rage-filled glare. A warning for her to not dawdle. Had she still been alive, she was sure she'd be soiling her clothes. The demon lord was terrifying when face to face and angry. " I intend to revive Kioko in the same manner Kikyo, and I have been. " Enju said with a fake image of courage as her body shook in fear of what he would do. So odd, when her body was not one of flesh. " I have already completed most of the ritual. One last step, and she would be here standing amongst us once again. You could see her again. Is that not something that piques your interest? " Enju then dared to ask, getting her answer as neon green glowed around his hands.
" You what? " The two heard Inuyasha ask in his own sudden anger. Enju's eyes darted to Inuyasha and his party who looked at her with looks of disbelief. Yes, what she intended to do wasn't exactly the right thing, but she felt it was right. What was the point of her second chance of life if she wasn't able to do something good with it? Not to mention, she felt that Kioko could aid in defeating Naraku, and in the end, allowing Kikyo to rest in peace in the process as well.
" Why? Why would you think for an instant that this is okay for you to do? " Sango then outbursted with teary-eyed anger the demon slayer was usually only known to express when her little brother was involved. The others within the group were just as interested in Enju's answer, everyone but Kagome, who simply stood there staring at Enju with wide and shocked eyes. Revive Kioko. Surely she heard Enju correctly. The sorceress wished to bring her older sister back. Back to her. Things hadn't been the same since Kioko died right in front of her. Her older sister, who she hated and all the while, still wanted all to herself. The memories of Kioko's dying moments broke even her heart, as the sight of Kioko's broken smile, heartwrenching pink gaze and blood caked body flooded the young Higurashi girl's mind. Kioko died with a baby that had obviously been horribly ripped from Kioko's body in a clear message that the child was not well received by whoever had done such a thing.
That wasn't what Kagome wanted. It was like experiencing the time Kioko had disappeared without a trace all over again, leaving her behind without so much as a care or goodbye. It wasn't fair! Kioko did not look at her or acknowledge her existence. She was there and devastated for Kioko's last minutes, and still, Kioko had not spared Kagome a single glance before she took her last breath. Kioko owed Kagome her adoration, and instead, she went and left her behind. Again! It was unacceptable that Kioko left her to go home and tell their family that Kioko was gone. It wasn't fair that she had to witness their mother appear entirely unaffected and unfeeling by the news while Gramps and Souta fell to ruin from the loss. Kioko had died and left her without caring what it would do to her. Kioko was her sister. Hers! Kioko owed her!
" Do it. " Kagome's croaked just above a whisper. Her words catching everyone's attention, even Sesshoumaru's as he looked over his right shoulder at her with a still frigid and infuriated gaze. " Revive her. " Kagome then said slightly louder and more clearly. Her brown eyes were staring at Enju with a look of solemn seriousness.
" W-what are you saying? Kagome you can't be serious. " Kagome heard Miroku say in disbelief to what he was hearing. " Kioko should be left be. She deserves to finally rest! " Miroku then yelled out at the young girl who ignored him and kept her eyes locked on Enju who was staring at Kagome in shock as well. Enju hadn't expected Kioko's own sister to agree to what she had intended to do. However, with it being all she needed, other than everyone distracted from her, Enju's face turned to one of pure determination before quickly pulling Urusue's twig from inside the chest of her kimono and quickly turned towards the coffin. Seeing the action from the corner of his left eye, Sesshoumaru turned and took a step forward to dart towards Enju to stop her, but even he was too late. Enju quickly placed the tiny piece of foliage on the clay coffin's chest, and instantly, the casing began to glow, and everyone froze. With baited breaths, they all stared at the bright purple light shining around the object with shock. Until, a moment later, they witnessed the light fade to nothingness. It didn't work.
Enju was confused; she didn't understand. She had never witnessed such a thing before. How could it be that Kioko hadn't ascended from the clay shell? Something wasn't right, yet she was sure she had performed the ritual perfectly as she was certainly no stranger to it. Sesshoumaru who had froze where he stood was now berating himself as his temper rose to new heights. He hesitated. He came to prevent Enju from causing Kioko further harm by reviving her, yet when the time came, he hesitated. He was a fool. Weak to his feelings for his long gone mate. A profound and overwhelming wave of mourning filled him as if he had just lost Kioko all over again. His anger burned in the pit of his stomach and his misery from the bottom of his heart that lay within his chest. He hesitated. Standing up straight Sesshoumaru glared hatefully towards Enju who still stared at the cacoon in confusion. This woman had robbed him of Kioko's ashes. With her remains mixed into a clump of clay meant there was no place for him to return to Kioko. There was no place left.
" I don't understand; I did everything right. Even waited six months for her remains to soak into the soil of her gravesite properly. What went wrong? " Enju asked to no one in particular as she thought aloud. Sesshoumaru then turned away, no longer wanting to hear the farse this woman was trying to fool him with. He couldn't bring himself to kill her for her obvious treachery. Not when he had ridiculously hesitated in hopes of having Kioko return to him. Sesshoumaru's hardened appearance and a presence of pure malice, caused the others to back away and part for him so that he may walk by. It was then that the clay casing began to glow again only this time, in a sudden shocking blinding glow of white catching Enju off guard who had no time to prepare herself. In that instant, the casing not only cracked but shattered with such tremendous force that the fragments flew about in dangerous shards that, like glass, would impale all who stood too close. Like Enju.
Inuyasha and the group threw up their arms to guard and protect themselves from any impact as well as the impressive bright light. It wasn't until they lowered their arms that they all saw a glowing clay body within a priestess kimono begin to rise from the now shattered cacoon it was once in. Beautiful and familiar long black hair flowed around it as it got higher into the air, the face began to form into one they knew without question. Though her eyes were closed, there was no mistaking the aura right in front of them. Kioko's aura. Sesshoumaru stopped in his tracks the moment the light began to glow, and his eyes widened with a flash of emotion as his heart began to slam inside his ribcage. He could sense it, Kioko's presence fading into existence from right behind him. Willing himself to turn around, daring to look, Sesshoumaru turned to see the face that he had desired to see again for far too long. No one breathed. They didn't even care to look at Enju whose body was cracking apart due to the shattered shards that have impaled her clay body.
They could feel Kioko's aura was frenzied. It was paralyzing for those who were sensing it, and as they continued to watch, they witnessed something unbelievable. Kioko's hair was turning the purest of bright silver almost white, rivaling that of even Sesshoumaru's flawless strands, and the spiritual aura that they could sense coming from her turned demonic. There was no question to Sesshoumaru that it was Kioko. After all, he could sense it, but she was changing. She looked otherworldly, like a being too beautiful for this life despite what her aura expressed. What was this? How was this happening? Sesshoumaru's mind raced until Bokuseno's words struck his mind like lightning. ' Lord Sesshoumaru, I believe you have come across an extremely rare being.' That had to of been it. Kioko, his exquisite angelic human, wasn't truly human. She was so much more. She was, with no longer any doubt, a Celestial demon.
Sesshoumaru turned more, now fully facing this floating woman, before taking a step towards her direction, then another, focused and drawn to this being coming to life right before his eyes. When he was ahead of Inuyasha and his group again, Sesshoumaru stopped to stare, as all of the others watched in awe of her falling to the ground slowly. Her white hair fluttered and fanned behind her like the wings of a swan before she gracefully landed on her feet. She then stood there strongly with an empty expression showing on her face and eyes still closed.
" I'm sensing a strong demonic aura. " Sango said in disbelief to those around her.
" As can I, and it is not one of peace. " Miroku responded with a guarded expression. Inuyasha watched as his memory of Kikyo's revival itched into his subconscious. Sesshoumaru's wide eyes didn't dare to look away from the woman a good fifteen feet ahead of him. Everyone watched as the clay figure before them raised her face to the sky with her eyes still closed as if feeling the sun against her body. Her right hand then cautiously rose to be placed upon her face as if testing to see if it were real. The movement slow and calm, unlike the hearts of those who watched her actions. Lowering her head now facing the ground at her feet with her hand still on her face, she removed the hand only a bit. Enough so, that when her eyes finally opened, she was able to look at it with a cold gaze and emotionless expression. Then from the corner of her right eye, she noticed slight movement and looked only to see Enju's clay body laying there by Kioko's right foot. Body shattered at the chest, a gruesome wide-eyed expression on her dead face as souls floated from her now broken body. A gust of wind chose that moment to breeze by, causing Kioko's new beautiful silver-white hair to flow with it, and dust from Enju's remains to fly along with the wind's direction around her feet.
Returning her right hand to her side, Kioko's careless eyes turned from where Enju's dead body once was, to ahead of her while facing forward as she did so. For Sesshoumaru, it was almost as if the action was done in the slowest of motions. As if nothing else in the world existed but the two of them. His stomach clenched and his heart was racing beyond belief as Kioko's penetrating pink hues met his stunned gold. It wasn't until she was looking back at him; however, did he realize she was looking at him with eyes he had only witnessed a handful of times. Not the angel of life he had known her to be, but instead, the angel of death he had known existed. Moments flashed in his mind, remembering when he'd last seen this side of Kioko. The side that struck him to the core with her dark presence and whose presence he has felt practically battling his in dominance. Now she stood there, right in front of him, and the instant her eyes connected with his, her demonic aura spiked dramatically and whipped maliciously through the air in livid ferocity despite her composure showing nothing. He knew a hostile and volatile demonic aura when he felt it, and though he was never one to be dominated by another, Kioko would always be his biggest exception.
" What is this? What have you done? " Kioko's voiced spoke out coldly as she looked Sesshoumaru in the eye. The sound practically had the ears of everyone ringing, that was definitely Kioko's voice. Kioko, turning her gaze to the others to see who was present and their expressions, could sense their auras differently than she could before. More clearly, intensely and intimately. Her pink orbs returned to Sesshoumaru's golden hues. " Why am I here? " She then asked, feeling her anger trying to get the best of her while something in her urged her to kill the demon man before her. However, she resisted and fought to maintain her composure.
" K-Kioko, you were revived by Enju. " Kioko heard Miroku's voice answer, but Kioko's eyes didn't dare leave the target of her wild emotions.
" Was this your doing, Sesshoumaru? Did you revive me so that you could have your precious rare trophy returned to your possession? " Kioko questioned as her voice began to hint her growing irritation. Sesshoumaru's eyes showed a hint of conflict that was clear as day for Kioko to witness.
" No. I did not do this, Kioko. " Sesshoumaru said. At hearing him say her name, something within Kioko snapped. Her demonic aura skyrocketed, and her eyes turned to a shade of hot pink as they darkened. Her last day alive engulfed her mind all the while feuling her growing rage. His expression as her blood smothered his hands. His body almost embracing her as his hand was ripped through her abdomen. His voice as she laid in anguish and despair as his voice laced with humor. The sight of the fetus he had torn from her lying in front of her face. It was that flash, the last memory, which ripped the torment straight into Kioko's soul, and as a result, her wrath.
" To hell you didn't! " Kioko outbursted before her body glowed with a purple outline, her purification armor visible for all to see. Darting forward, Kioko's glaring eyes intensified as she was suddenly two feet away from where Sesshoumaru stood with her hand extending as if to grab for his neck. Quickly, not expecting the sudden action, Sesshoumaru jumped back and into the air to move away, just barely in time as he felt one of her claws graze at his skin. Kioko landed where Sesshoumaru had been standing as her anger filled eyes watched Sesshoumaru land gracefully several feet behind Inuyasha and the others, who now stood between the two demons. All looked to Kioko in surprise but none as much as Sesshoumaru. She just moved to attack him. Kioko intended harm on Sesshoumaru.
" Kioko, what are you doing? " Kioko heard Sango say as the demon slayer walked towards her cautiously. Turning her pink eyes towards Sango, Kioko could see the concern written all over her face. Kioko's eyes then noted Kagome was standing behind Sango. Kagome's expression showed no emotion, but her eyes looked at Kioko, expectantly. Inuyasha, Miroku, and Shippo dared not to move but remained on guard, not knowing what Kioko may do next. Kioko, whose expression and gaze became void, turned to her left to face where Sango still grew closer and where Kagome remained standing at a distance, holding her bow in both of her hands in front of her as if to shield her from harm. A pang of hurt secretly hit Kioko at the sight, remembering words Inuyasha had once spoken to her. ' Just the sight of a demon has her at the ready, bow in hand and wary of them. ' Kioko understood now, what Inuyasha meant. She could see how Kagome's instinctual action could sometimes hurt, given his heritage.
So Kioko began walking towards Sango, who looked as if she would cry over Kioko's new image. Without a second glance, however, Kioko walked right passed Sango, surprising her, before she turned to witness Kioko walking calmly towards Kagome. Kagome's eyes widened with a hint of panic. Kioko was walking towards her, to her. Kioko's void pink hues below her now silvery white bangs and matching long eyelashes were staring her straight in the eye without any emotion. Her body seemed to glow with an invisible light as she walked closer to where Kagome stood frozen. Kioko's eyes seemed more magical than before as if they were shimmering in the sun's merciless light. Kagome had no doubt in her mind that Kioko looked like virtuous wrath. Once Kioko stopped in front of Kagome a foot away, she looked down into her younger sister's brown hues that ignited memories of the past.
Kioko's eyes hardened and in sudden motion, Kioko pulled Kagome's bow from her tightened grip and pulled the quiver from Kagome's body with her right hand before then using her left arm to practically throw Kagome out of her way with force making it almost impossible for Inuyasha to catch Kagome in time from serious injury. The others ran towards Kagome to check if she was alright as Kioko faced towards Sesshoumaru, before aiming Kagome's bow and an arrow from the quiver she just took, directly at the crescent moon on Sesshoumaru's forehead. The group watched as Kioko's back now faced them and the showdown between Kioko and Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru's composed expression and strong stance didn't budge, but his eyes flashed hurt for an instant, not escaping Kioko's notice. The moment when she had done this same action before she died replayed in her memory. Kioko felt as if tears would run down her face any minute as the torment and rage inside her felt as if her soul was ferociously beating and ricocheting off the walls within her clay body. Her hands subtly shook, frustrating her beyond belief. Was it her rage, or was she once again foolishly hesitating because the thought of hurting Sesshoumaru was unbearable?
" I will not miss this time, you heartless liar. " Kioko said with a voice hinting a growl, making Sesshoumaru's stomach sink further. Both from the demonic sound in her voice and her words. Confusion also entered his mind. What did she mean she wouldn't miss this time? Was she referring to when they first met? Was it her way of saying she regretted the day they crossed paths?
" Kioko. " Sesshoumaru detached tone spoke clearly, causing Kioko's eyes to become more guarded. His smiling face on that day passed her vision as the amusement his voice held hit her ears. ' Worthless human wench. Shoot, if you think you can. ' Everything he did, even just being there in front of her triggered her memories of that day as well as her every emotion. Suddenly, Kioko threw the weapons in her hands roughly to the ground. Her eyes were distinctly piercing into Sesshoumaru's as she spoke with a voice that was telling of her feelings.
" No, those arrows would be too quick and good of a death for a monster such as you. " Kioko said dangerously and her words cutting deep into Sesshoumaru's chest far easier than any blade. Kioko then slowly with a lethal gaze began to walk towards Sesshoumaru, who in turn, prepared himself for whatever she may do next. This wasn't the Kioko he knew. This Kioko before him was enraged and unpredictable. However, as he observed her further, he noticed irrefutable agony hinting in her gaze within the anger. This unsettled him more than her new found personality. Why was she attacking him? Did she truly believe, even with Naraku using his face, that he would kill her and their child? Did she honestly think of him as being such a person? His past didn't give him the foundation for her to believe otherwise, but he was confident that she saw better of him. Just as Kioko was about to jump forward, she stopped as a ripping pain filled her body. Suddenly, massive amounts of blood sprayed out of her body violently, from both of her shoulders and the same wound in her stomach as her back. The injuries that killed her.
Sesshoumaru watched in slightly horrified shock. The smell of her blood toxically emanating in the air, filling his sense of smell. The massive pain weakening her, Kioko fell to her knees and sat to the ground with her legs on either side of her, and her arms crossed over her chest as she gripped both of her shoulders. Kioko's bangs covered her eyes as she sat there, feeling nothing but her raging emotions and the pain ripping through a body that wasn't even made of flesh anymore. The blood pooling below her clay form stained her clothes and painted her skin while her hair had become colored with red. Inuyasha and his friends, from behind Kioko saw the sight and watched in terror. Inuyasha recalled the same thing happening to Kikyo when she had been revived, except there wasn't this many injuries or nearly this much blood. Sesshoumaru stood straight again and went to take a step towards her. This state of hers reeling in his mind as he recalled her condition on the day she died in his very arms.
" Kioko. " Sesshoumaru called out emotionlessly but with the small hint of concern making Kioko snap her head to face away from him, eyes filled with pain from beneath her bangs not only from her body but her heart as well. The very heart that no longer beated within her but had once pounded in her chest for only him. Her reaction caused Sesshoumaru to stop where he stood, taking it as her refusal of his approach.
More visions entered Kioko's mind, and she shook her head violently as if to be rid of them. They were making her feel as if she were going insane. It was like she was reliving every second. Every feeling. That day was still so fresh, and with every memory, it felt so real all over again. The feel of the black collar within her hand as she went to turn towards him. Pain slicing through her shoulders so unexpectedly. Her blood dripping from his fingers while his eyes watched her in pure amusement. Her heart shattering with every step she took to chase after him to Western Castle. His words that sliced through her before his hand violated her as it went through her body and his presence taking over her senses. His smell, his warmth, the feel of his body against hers. Her feelings of love and betrayal. Lying in a pool of her own blood as his voice spoke in delight of her ignorance of the life he then dropped to the ground next to her for her to witness. The tormented despair and horror that filled her entire being as she stared at her unborn child laying in the dirt with her. The both of them treated like discarded trash that had to be rid of. It was too much. This was all too much. Her rage and agony spiraled in her demonic aura as her purifying armor glowed around her bleeding body. Then she faced Sesshoumaru with eyes brimmed with tears and the most resentful yet pain-filled gaze he had ever seen in Kioko's eyes since the day he had met her.
" Why did you do this to me? I gave you everything. EVERYTHING! " Kioko began to say quietly and then gradually began to yell, lashing out her anger. " Even after I have done so, still you ruined me far more than when... YOU DESTROYED ME! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS?! You took all that I gave to you and then DISCARDED ME! I thought so many things since meeting you but never did I think the truth, which was that I was nothing more than disposable to you. You took my life. YOU TOOK MY CHILD! " Kioko continued to rant; the mention of her unborn infant caused her voice to crack. Her eyes clenched and she looked up towards the sky in her anguish at the sight of that fetus lying in the blood and dirt with her, unable to even reach out to hold it to her as she laid dying. Kioko's hands fell from her shoulders and placed over each other on the gushing wound in her abdomen, her face contorted into that of pure hopelessness. Leaning forward, with her hands remaining on the bleeding wound, her eyes opened releasing tears as her gaze fell on Sesshoumaru again. She had to get away from here. Get away from him. She was going to go crazy if she had to look at him for much longer. Her pink orbs then glowed their darker hue yet again, and she clenched her teeth, baring her fangs at Sesshoumaru as she did so. A sight that caused his stomach to churn and for him to feel nauseous at the horrifying bloodied spectacle that Kioko now was. Her voice spoke again in a growling deadly promise.
" I will bury you for this. I swear it with every ounce of my soul that I will kill you, and when I do it will be as brutal as the day you had slain me, with all the hurt that I can think of to inflict on you. Take excessive heade Sesshoumaru, beware of me. Before long, I will come for you, and it will not be with open arms. Do you hear me? I'M GOING TO KILL YOU! " Kioko then said before holding her bloody fists high into the air and then slamming them as hard as she could against the ground beneath her, and suddenly the earth beneath her began to rumble and crack. Sesshoumaru whose eyes widened as did the Inuyasha gang who had been witnessing this encounter silently from behind Kioko. Sango and the others yelled out while Sesshoumaru's eyes flashed with fear before getting ready to leap forward to retrieve her; however, a purifying barrier surrounded Kioko, preventing any from getting too close.
As Kioko began to sink as the ground beneath her slowly began to give way, her spiteful and heartbroken gaze met with Sesshoumaru's as his left hand laid against the barrier, burning his flesh with it's purifying intensity, while he looked at her with a composed expression but pleading eyes. Don't go. She could practically hear him saying it as his eyes revealed his thoughts. Ignoring this, Kioko sat there as the others banged against the barrier behind her before Inuyasha could be heard wielding Tessaiga, but by then it was too late. The ground beneath Kioko finally gave way and down she fell as she looked up at Sesshoumaru who looked ready to jump down after her, but saw he was stopped by Sango. Once she could no longer see them or even the cliff Kioko weakly sat upon the stable platform that continued to fall. Her heightened sense of sound was overwhelming in telling her there was rushing water below where she was about to land. Putting her right hand on her stomach to help settle her pain, Kioko stood up and steadied her stance, knowing she'd be hitting the water any moment.
Kioko could hear the other rocks splashing below, and when it was finally her time, the platform she had been standing on hit the water's surface, causing the foundation to crack down the middle and Kioko to fall forward on the still well-sized rock that was now only big enough for her frame to lay on. Now floating along the rapidly flowing water, Kioko could feel herself weakening as if she had just lost all her energy and was about to lose consciousness. Closing her eyes, unable to move anymore, Kioko laid there listening to the overbearingly loud water, relishing in the realization that she had no sense of touch and that her sense of smell was not working. Was it due to her new body? It must have been; there was no other explanation that made sense. She was like Kikyo now. Kikyo. Kioko began to wonder where Kikyo was, the moment the priestess came into Kioko's mind. Was she alright? Was she still wandering around this world in search of shards? Was Kioko's death unbearable at all?
For what felt like an hour, Kioko laid upon the floating piece of earth, her hair fanning across her body while her arms placed on either side of her. Until suddenly she heard a thump with a small ring of metallic sound. Opening her eyes weakly with a cold gaze, Kioko's blurring vision saw what looked to be a sort of hook-like weapon with a chain leading towards the tree line where she followed it to see a boy. He wore a demon slayer outfit much like Sango's but in an army green rather than pink. His brown hair was held up into a ponytail much like Sango's would be in that attire, and his brown eyes looked at his task with determination. This must have been the little brother Sango had told her about a time or two before when Kioko still traveled with the group. Then another form came into view to stand next to the boy's frame, and Kioko's eyes softened slightly as the feeling to cry overcame her. Kikyo. Pulling for the rock to be drawn against the rocky line of land that the two newcomers stood on, Kikyo quickly rushed over to Kioko to look at Kioko with widened and concern filled eyes.
" Kikyo. " Kioko said weakly with a composed expression but tender and exhausted gaze as they looked to the brown eyes she knew to be a safe place for her.
" Kioko. " Kikyo's voice gently spoke, hints of emotion evident in her tone. " It truly is you. You've been returned to the living. "
" Just as you have been. " Kioko spoke sadly.
" Lady Kikyo, you must hurry before the rock you're standing on breaks loose. " The two heard the young boy behind Kikyo call out. Kikyo, agreeing, took Kioko's right arm with her hand to place the arm around her neck, then with struggling on Kioko's part, managed to get Kioko in a standing position and walked off of the floating rock and on to the stable ground away from the water. Releasing his weapon from the platform, it then began floating down the water again quickly. Kioko's pink eyes watched with a cold gaze as it got further and further until it disappeared within the rocky waters. The two undead women continued to walk carefully into the treeline, and the boy followed along behind them before the shadows of the trees covered their forms, and as it did so Kioko's vision went to black.
It wasn't until night had fallen upon the world that Kioko's eyes opened again. Hazily, the first thing she saw were floating souls and flying soul collectors and being surrounded by trees. The sound of leaves rustling above her as the tree canopies swayed with the slight breeze flowing by caused a look of calm to appear in Kioko's pink hues.
" You are awake. " Kioko heard a woman say from her right, recognizing the voice as Kikyo's. Kioko's pink eyes looked to Kikyo before turning her head towards Kikyo's direction. An empty expression remained on Kioko's face, no smile to be found even when being greeted with Kikyo's presence. Kikyo, who noted this right away showed a look of concern before hearing Kioko's voice speak with a softer tone than her expression showed.
" Kikyo. I am so relieved to see you. " Kioko spoke honestly, causing Kikyo to give a small smile.
" As I am you. " Kikyo answered, placing her right hand on Kioko's left cheek. Neither able to feel the action but relishing in the contact knowing it showed that the other was there and finding it endearing. Taking her hand back, Kikyo then looked at Kioko with kindness and warmth that Kioko had always known Kikyo to show her, but couldn't bring herself to do the same. Smiling felt as if it would be too much of a lie. " It appears you came back as something more than when you left. " Kikyo said carefully, not knowing Kioko's standing with the situation. Kioko whose eyes dropped to the beautiful silvery white strands of hair beneath her that laid against the tree she was resting against. Taking a strand into her right hand, Kioko looked at it with eyes that revealed their confliction.
" So it seems. I suppose I wasn't truly human after all. " Kioko said with a voice of forlorn at the announcement making Kikyo's smile to fall and look at Kioko before taking her left hand to place it over Kioko's right palm, the silvery strands between their two hands.
" That is not true. There has never been anyone more human than you, Kioko. " Kikyo told her friend in comfort. Kioko's pink hues didn't leave the sight of Kikyo's hand placed above her palm, trying to familiarize with the fact that she could not feel Kikyo's cold touch as she once could. Was her touch just as cold as Kikyo's now? Kioko couldn't help but wonder.
" Do I... Does this mean I must now absorb the souls of humans? " Kioko asked hesitantly. Kikyo whose eyes showed her reluctance to answer. Despite knowing she must if Kioko were to keep her body animated.
" No. " Kikyo answered making Kioko calmly look to Kikyo's face with a look of confusion. " I have attempted to give you some of my collected souls, and your body has rejected them. " Kikyo informed Kioko, making the pink eyes demoness to widen in surprise before they returned to aa saddened appearance.
" So I will not last long. " Kioko said. She knew she was already dead, but to have been brought back and then die shortly after seemed just cruel. Making her relive her horrors and to face the demon who was the cause of everything.
" I think I have found a solution, so perhaps that is not the case. " Kikyo said as she looked out to the collectors and Kohaku who sat a bit aways as to give the two women privacy even though he was eavesdropping with his back to them. His curiosity getting the best of him, after all, Lady Kikyo had allowed a demon to tag along with them and she seemed to be someone Kikyo knew quite fondly. " I believe you will require the souls of demons to remain here. " Kikyo explained as Kioko looked at her even more confused before her pink eyes followed Kikyo's gaze to the boy who she had noted being there since she had been awake.
" Do demons have such a thing, a soul? " Kikyo's brown eyes looked to Kioko from the corner of her left eye. Her gaze and expression showing hints of guarded curiosity. That wasn't something she would have known Kioko to ask when she was alive. The woman was far too gentle and sweet to question the life force of another.
" All living things have a soul, Kioko. You know that. " Kikyo answered before leaving her gaze from Kioko's hardening eyes and colder expression.
" I thought I did. " Was all Kioko said in response to Kikyo's words before speaking again. " How do I go about retrieving these demon souls? " Kioko asked with an emotionless tone.
" You may take some of my soul collectors, and they will retrieve them on your behalf. " Kikyo insisted before several of her soul collectors had gone out into the night to do as they were commanded. Silence filled the space as questions filled the heads of all three present amongst each other.
" Kikyo, how long have I been dead? " Kioko asked making the atmosphere turn more serious as Kikyo was again reluctant to answer.
" Just over six moon cycles. " Kikyo's voice told Kioko. The information made Kioko's eyes wince and her eyes to look to her lap as her clothes were still bloodied from earlier.
" I see. " Kioko then said, unable to say much else. Even when the soul collectors that had left, returned with souls colored in shades of blues and purples. Releasing them and placing them into Kioko's body, recharging her energy. After that, Kikyo had brought Kioko up to speed of most of the events she had missed. All but anything that involved Sesshoumaru or Kioko's death. Kioko made it clear that those two topics were things she rather not have brought up, despite Kikyo claiming to have information on Kioko's death. Kioko knew if ever the subjects were brought up, she would be reminded of the images and emotions that would flick through her head at remembering them, even though those things happened at night anyway.
Over the past two days of Kioko traveling along with Kikyo and the boy she now knew his name to be Kohaku, Kikyo had noticed one thing that had not remarkably changed, which was Kioko's abilities. She still had the abnormal strength and more importantly, the powers of a priestess. Though, with Kioko's current state of mind, her powers were significantly weakened and to purify her soul would mean to purify her very existence. Therefore, there was nothing Kikyo could do to help Kioko, even though she deeply wished to. This was a problem that Kioko had to overcome herself, just as Kikyo had done with Inuyasha once she learned the truth of her demise.
The morning of her third day with Kikyo and Kohaku, Kioko had decided to announce that since she was more use to her new body and was wandering about, she would be leaving to visit Kaede. Kikyo, understanding this, agreed to Kioko's wish and decided to see her off. Cleaned up in new fresh priestess attire and hair loose, Kioko prepared to leave with her demonic aura more in check once Kioko and Kohaku helped her to understand the basics of how to keep it under control.
" I'll return soon, until then please be careful. " Kioko said to Kikyo while looking over her right shoulder with a softened gaze yet cold expression.
" Of course. " Kikyo said, not pressing the matter. Hesitating before facing forward, Kioko began walking away and within moments was out of sight within the forest. Not noticing the concerned expression on Kikyo's face as Kohaku had. It wasn't too far of a trip by foot, but for Kioko it felt eternity long. She stared ahead as she walked in her defiantly composed stride. Her demonic aura, like a fire, powerfully warned any nearby to keep a considerable distance from her presence while her mind raced with thoughts and information. Before long, Kioko had made it right outside the village border and was prepared to take a deep breath until she recalled, that being something she could no longer do.
Making her way out of the forest, Kioko was immediately able to see Kaede's hut from her standpoint. Not slowing down, Kioko continued to make her way to the place where Kaede had raised her. Would the woman be glad or grieved to see her, especially in such a state. With not only a body made of clay, as the elder's older sister also had, but also as a demon. Kioko worried she would hurt Kaede with her presence, but still, it was best to inform Kaede herself before hearing it from another. Kaede earned that respect from the pink eyed woman. Making it into the village Kioko could hear the murmurs of those who saw her passing by, but ignored them finding them to be pointless to pay attention to. The reasons for their stares and gossip were clear. Finally arriving to stand outside of the hut, Kioko could hear people talking from inside, and what sounded like Kaede's voice speaking with a small hint of cracking. As if she were about to cry. Hardening her gaze to a threatening glare, Kioko pulled back the material in the doorway to wander inside and looked to see Kaede. Along with Inuyasha and the others. At her entering the space, those who were already present looked to see her and gazed with surprise and some confusion. Kaede was the only one to look at Kioko with a grieving and yet relieved expression.
" Kioko. " Kaede spoke with a hint of her voice cracking again; then tears ran from her unpatched eye before she stood and rushed over to Kioko. Kioko who stood statuesque kept her cold eyes glaring dangerously at the Inuyasha gang that was seated amongst the hut until Kaede stopped to stand in front of Kioko. Kioko faced down at Kaede with an empty gaze as Kaede placed her hands on either side of Kioko's face as if in disbelief of her presence. The action softened Kioko's eyes more, yet a smile never graced her lips. She wasn't able to feel Kaede's touch. Kaede, feeling the coldness of Kioko's face, but also that Kioko was indeed actually there, began to sob. Hesitantly, Kioko leaned down, allowing Kaede to place her arms around Kioko's neck before Kioko held Kaede carefully in return with her left arm going around Kaede to place her hand on the back of Kaede's head. Meanwhile, her right hand remained to her side in her kneeling state, ready to attack any who moved too suddenly if she had to. Kioko's pink hues glared lethally towards the group, who seemed to have understood the message and without a word, walked passed the huddled pair and out of the hut giving Kaede and Kioko privacy. Once they were gone Kioko relaxed, and her eyes softened significantly to the point that they appeared in anguish.
" Please, forgive me. You must have been so devastated by the news of my demise. " Kioko said softly as she held a weeping Kaede. At hearing Kioko's voice, Kaede held Kioko tighter before responding.
" Even more so to see you have returned in the same state as my sister. " Kaede answered before releasing Kioko who looked down at Kaede with warm eyes and a blank expression. Removing her left hand from Kaede and to her side, Kioko then used her right hand to wipe away the tears that had been running down Kaede's face. " I wish to know everything. " Kaede then said with a calmer and more controlled tone of voice making Kioko stand properly and walk past Kioko to sit in the spot that had always been hers by the cooking pot, and in turn, Kaede had taken hers. Just as she did when she came back to say her goodbyes, Kioko told Kaede everything. All but too much detail about the events of when she died. Leaving it at Sesshoumaru had done it and that a baby had been ripped from her body before she passed on. Kaede, horrified by what she was hearing, didn't show it. She had known for some time that Naraku had been the one to kill Kioko using the same method he had done when he had slain Kikyo and had Inuyasha pinned to the Sacred Tree.
Kaede questioned Kioko if she knew the truth behind her death and as a result caused Kioko's demonic aura to flare dramatically enough for Inuyasha, Sango and Miroku to rush in to see why. Glaring coldly at their interruption Kioko stood, on guard and at the ready. Without her eyes leaving the people who just entered Kioko responded to Kaede that she knew that it was Sesshoumaru and that his reasons weren't necessary anymore. Able to see Kioko on such edge told Kaede it would be wiser not to tell Kioko what she knew just yet. Kioko was new to this body, and demonic form meaning had she been pushed too far it is possible for her rage to take over and for Kioko to lose control.
" Kaede, I simply came here to let you know that I have been brought back to life, but seeing as I have done so and that you have guests, I think it best I take my leave. " Kioko said with her glare paralyzing and warning the others to keep their distance as Kaede looked at Kioko with a saddened gaze. This new Kioko, she was filled with grief, anguish, and unbelievable levels of rage. Kaede had never known Kioko to be this cold, no matter what had happened in her past.
" I hope to see you again, my child. " Was Kaede's only response. Kioko's gaze flicked to Kaede before returning to Inuyasha who seemed to be sweating with his guard up but hadn't dared to even place his hand on Tessaiga's hilt.
" Of course. I'll see you later, Mom. " Kioko answered before walking forward, ignoring the three before her tensing at her approach. Moving out of her way while their defenses rose to maximum Kioko kept her cold gaze ahead of her, before she walked through the door and exited the hut. Once outside, Kioko looked ahead to see Shippo sitting alone in the grass across the dirt road and no Kagome, which was for the best. Choosing to ignore him Kioko decided she'd go to the Bone-Eater's Well if for nothing else to witness it again for herself. When finally out of the village and to the well she looked around the familiar clearing, as the grass in the area was flush, and flowers were blooming about the space.
Kioko stopped when she was finally standing next to the wooden structure in the middle of the clearing and looked down into the dark abyss. Did her family know of her passing? Did Shiro? Shiro. She didn't keep her word to him. Again. He must have waited for her. If he still didn't know of her death, he could still be waiting. Despite this she knew, she couldn't go back. Not with the body she had now that would need the souls of demons, which were nowhere to be found on the other side of this well. Grazing the fingers from her right hand along the wooden surface, Kioko's eyes saddened. She was going to go back, to Shiro and a life moved on from Sesshoumaru. She only came back to say goodbye. To say she'd never return to the feudal era and that she'd live her days by Shiro's side and hopefully with Rin residing along with her. She didn't even know of the life that was growing inside of her because of how little she was taking care of herself. She thought she was getting sick from her stress and her misery. Her misery over leaving Sesshoumaru's side where she wanted to be even though she knew she couldn't. Closing her eyes for a moment to calm her emotions, Kioko stood up straight again and opened her eyes to look at the well one last time, then turned and began making her way to the one place she called home in both eras she had frequented. The Sacred Tree.
Step by step, she followed the way she knew to take when going from the well to the tree. It was all so surreal that things looked the same, yet it seemed so much greyer. The life around her almost felt as if it were mocking her taboo like existence. This would be her existence until she died again. With a body made of clay, her bones and the soil from her grave. Her grave? She wondered where that must have been located. She hadn't thought to ask Kaede before. Maybe she'd ask Kikyo when she returned to her side to join her in her travels. Suddenly, halfway to the tree, Kioko noticed Kagome standing in her path staring back at her with an emotionless face and an angered gaze, though it didn't compare to the icy cold pink hues that Kioko now used to look back at her with. Closer and closer Kioko got until she walked around Kagome, not even bothering to tell her to get out of the way. She ignored Kagome's presence, not bothering with a passing glance or a word of acknowledgment. Continuing on her way, Kioko got a few more steps further until a huge rock flew past the left side of her head from behind her, making her stop.
" Who do you think you are to ignore me, Kioko?! " Kioko heard Kagome yell from behind her. So, with a deadly glare and her face composed of an empty exterior, Kioko turned to face Kagome, her eyes landing on the burning anger that appeared in Kagome's eyes and on her face.
" I have no reason to interact with you, nor do I have any desire to do so. " Kioko responded, catching Kagome off guard. No reason? No desire?! The image of Kioko's dead body within Sesshoumaru's eyes zipped passed Kagome's vision only to return to the silver-haired demon that stood before her.
" How dare you?! You should be thanking me! If it wasn't for me, your worthless existence wouldn't have been brought to life. I urged Enju to bring you back when Sesshoumaru attempted to stop her, and she did. Who do you think had to go back to tell everyone that you had died? Who do you think had to deal with what your pathetic stupidity had caused my friends to feel? Who?! Do you think I want to do anything for selfish and unwanted trash like you? You owe me, Kioko! " Kagome yelled, lashing out with words that before would have cut Kioko deeply, but this time, all it had done was trigger Kioko's rage. Instantly, Kioko was standing in front of Kagome and grabbed her by the neck, squeezing tightly enough to almost cut off Kagome's airway and then lifted Kagome from the ground her feet now dangling from the dirt by several inches while Kioko's purifying armor bit at Kagome's skin. Her pink eyes had their darkened deeper hue as her demonic aura whipped about in its fury. Watching as Kagome struggled and whimpered in her grip, brought forth the time when Kagome choked Kioko for nothing more than hatred. A low growl through bared fangs in warning escaped Kioko's lips before she spoke in a deadly tone that had Kagome tense still and look at Kioko in fear as the undead priestess squeezed slightly tighter, blocking Kagome's ability to breathe. She couldn't feel Kagome's throat within her grip.
" You will not speak to me in that manner. I've done nothing but compromise myself for you over and over. You killed my father. You cost me so many things, including my life in our time. The life I could have had with Shiro, and where none of this would have become of me. So no, I owe you nothing, but you- " Kioko said before then flinging Kagome away, making the younger girl slam her back against a tree hard, knocking what little air there was in her lungs right out of her. " - YOU OWE ME! Know your place! " Kioko then yelled amongst Kagome's coughs and as Kagome looked up at Kioko with fear and shocked filled eyes as her right hand covered her neck in disbelief. Kioko attacked her, Kioko got angry with her. Glaring in new found anger, Kagome gritted her teeth wanting so much to lash out again to hurt Kioko but realized doing so may be a very costly mistake.
" I'll be returning home to tell everyone about this. " Kagome threatened in spite. Kioko's expression merely hardened.
" You do that. " Kioko responded coldly before then turning her back to Kagome and walking away calmly as if she didn't care in the slightly and in reality, she didn't. All she wanted was to go to the place she knew she could call home. Her real home. The only sounds she heard the whole way there were her footsteps and the rustling foliage around her. It saddened her. For it also meant her heartbeat could no longer be heard or the sounds of her breathing. When she made her way into that clearing to see The Sacred Tree standing proudly before her, she couldn't feel the breeze that rustled its leaves or the sun that was shining into the clearing onto her clay body. She relished in the memories of the feelings she now couldn't experience. She made her way to stand in front of the tree, then leaned her right hand against its trunk and then her forehead, closing her eyes. " I'm home. " She spoke softly. The tree leaves rustled loudly above her, no wind responsible for the action this time, making Kioko almost smile. Almost.
" Welcome home. " Kioko heard a voice behind her say. Having sensed the presence a few moments before Kioko stood straight, her right hand remaining on the bark of the tree's trunk and her eyes focused in front of her.
" I see I've grown predictable if you knew I'd be here, Inuyasha. " Kioko said with a solemn tone but held no hostility this time. " What is it you want? " She then asked, if for nothing else to get the interaction with him over with. She wouldn't even bother to look at him, keeping her back to him.
" I just came to see you. " Inuyasha said boldly. She could hear the seriousness in his voice as he spoke those words, and her eyes softened slightly. Recalling how she once claimed him to be the boy who was bound to this tree with her.
" I am attempting to manage. " Was all she said with the same tone she used before. No hostility, no vulnerability. Only calm.
" Have you seen Sesshoumaru since the- "
" -Do not mention his name in my presence! " Kioko then shouted in anger as the threat in her growling tone returned. For several minutes, it remained quiet. Until Inuyasha spoke again.
" He wasn't the reason you died. " Inuyasha then said gently, trying to tread lightly. Unsuccessfully. Kioko's demonic aura practically intoxicated the area as her eyes grew vengefully dead as she continued to stare at the tree and placing her right hand to her side.
" I beg to differ. " Kioko answered before turning to her left to leave.
" Wait, Kioko. Stay, you can travel with us and- "
" - I refuse. " Kioko answered still walking away and just about making the treeline Inuyasha spoke one last time.
" He wants to see you. " Inuyasha said tenderly. Kioko stopped her retreat as her face melded to one of pain and longing before she clenched her eyes and shook her head. Her expression then turned to one of pure defiance and ferocity.
" He can, on his deathbed. " Kioko answered before beginning to walk away, and this time, there were no more words said. Her presence disappeared into the shadows as she left to return to Kikyo.