Thank you to all who keep up and love this story so far!
Chapter 23
The small group of monks have grown tired from their venture through the wooded area after separating from the others. Stomachs growling aloud and legs giving way taking turns to help their high ceptor walk. The journey to the nearest civilization had been a long one, and if they were to be honest there was an unspoken doubt lingering between one another. After hearing the news of their entire community being slaughtered and destroyed, the will to go on in their beliefs was hard. And faith was wavering.
Doaro had sensed the tension among the humans recently and he was growing agitated in each passing minute. Though easily manipulated, keeping the game going was easier said than done. These were animals in his eyes. Animals that very much needed food and water or they would turn on him like the savages he saw them as.
He looked around, eyeing the bags under their eyes. Dirt tracking along their legs. And could hear their stomachs turning.
Damn. I cannot allow them to lose trust in me. Not now after how hard I worked to get here!
He clenched his teeth in annoyance. Failure was not an option. Not now after how far he'd come in his plans to be the last man standing, and these humans would sure as hell help him be just that.
Closing his eyes he took deep breaths, feeling the energy around them. He focused hard as they continued. Picking up on the breeze, the animals, nearby weak demons. Then suddenly, humans. A large number of them.
We're approaching a village. Perfect timing.
As soon as he thought that, one of the young monks to his left grunted. Falling onto his knees then face first into the mud. The others quickly turned around at the commotion, hurrying to help their poor friend who had fallen from exhaustion.
They had all become quite exhausted since being unable to rest after being sent out to scout for supplies. Only to be sent away on this treacherous journey. And it appeared their bodies have had enough.
Doaro listened to their complaints from behind, staring head on to the direction of the village. He concluded it must be about a miles walk straight ahead, not too far for the group. And this would be an ideal predicament to gain their faith once again. Being a demon, he was able to detect other living beings within a certain radius. Such simple abilities would be divine in the eyes of his human counterparts.
"We must continue. I can feel that there is a village close by," He said wobbling around to face them with the help of the monk supporting him.
Helping the collapsed man, they looked up at him with questioning faces.
"Just how are you so sure sir? We have traveled throughout the night with absolutely no reassurance. We cannot afford to fail as we grow tired and hungry," One said back at his remark.
Doaro ignores the young man's comment. Able to pull out whatever high spirited words he could think of.
"I ask all of you to put blind faith in your high ceptor just one more time. Trust in me, and receive blessings."
Each looked around at each other in concern. They rose with the fallen one in hand, arms locked under his armpits to help drag him up. Bowing their heads.
"... Yes sir.. We trust you. All of us," Another said shamefully.
The old man nodded. "You shall be blessed soon. But we must hurry. Our energy reserves as you have said, certainly is running out."
And with that they heaved on, continuing to tread onward in need of shelter and food.
ooooooooo
It had been well past noon when they arrived at the entrance to the nearby village. Farmers gasping at the sight of the filthy men carrying the two injured ones in tow. They tossed their tools to the side, shuffling throughout the crops to reach the group. Obviously recognized as monks, making their presence even more special.
Many ran up to offer assistance, which they gladly took.
The monk sighed in relief as two women approached and carefully took the old man off of his shoulders. Supporting both his arms across theirs and making their way into the village. He looked back for a moment to observe his men being tended to.
The women came up to a hut, that he assumed belonged to them. Making his way in slowly.
He grunted in pain as they laid him down onto a rice mat. One hurrying to fetch towels and the other to grab a pale of water.
"We shall return soon sir. Wait here please," They said hurrying off.
He scowled for a moment, watching their backs as they ran off into the village. He could hear the shuffling of humans moving around frantically in order to help the other men. Or prepare water for them. To this he did not care. All he wanted was to be left alone for a bit. No matter how long it had been since he took up residence with humanity, they never ceased to smell putrid. Their voices pierced his ears. And their sheer stupidity was enough to make one go mad.
Sighing, he rolled away from the direction of the sunlight lingering in to face the wall. Tugging his shirt loose and pulling out a small bottle that had been tied around his neck in what appeared to be a necklace. The small rope was tied around the mouth of it, containing dark, thick liquid inside.
He stared at its contents for a few seconds waiting. But when nothing happened, he shook the tiny bottle a little. Suddenly, it glowed green through the glass, squirming about inside.
What is it? Have you found me a body?
A voice rang out inside of his mind. Doaros expression was stern and uncaring as he ran his fingers over its smooth surface.
"I have not brother, forgive me. Though we are on the right path to doing such.," He whispered to it.
It vibrated angrily in his palm. The glow illuminating from it growing a tad darker.
It has been ages since I have felt anything. This should have been taken care of many moons ago, yet you prefer me here. Rotting away in this pathetic form. Would you have me die like this!?
"That is enough, Akura. I promised you that I would find a body and I shall. In my viewing of this man's memories, I have learned that he was great friends with two other powerful monks. Along with the area at which they once resided in. Once there I shall give you one of their bodies to have. And we will use these humans powers against them," He whispered.
The bottle felt cooler, lessening it's glow until it became very dim. The light fading away.
Do not wake me.. Until.. That.. Time..
With that the light went away completely, leaving Doaro alone once again. He continued to stare at the bottle expressionless. Holding it out in his hand. A hand that was not his, nor was the reflection in the glass looking back at him. Oh how he hated to have to pretend to be human. So weak and disgusting. But he hated not being the one in ultimate power more than that. No matter who was left standing, he and his brother would conquer this world for themselves. Leaving no demon left in his wake. Or, no challenger should he put it.
oooooo
It has been almost two weeks now since she had seen her beloved Lord or Master Jaken. Bowls piled up in the doorway of the hut untouched. Leaving a small trail of ants to eat whatever was remaining. She stared at them from afar, hugging her knees tightly. Watching with cold eyes. The rain had finally stopped. And the fear of thunder was gone, her chest was still holding nothing but sadness inside. The empty futon. And the nights that she held herself, cold and alone to fall asleep. With not even the will to make a fire to keep warm.
Rin had given up trying to sleep for the most part. Her only comfort being in holding her own body. Clinging to the clothes she wore, how it felt nothing like Lord Sesshomaru's tail. Was he still alive? Had Kagome perished with him in that cave? Or had they left her behind? All of these questions buzzed around in the little girls brain since departing from them. Remembering the awful state she was forced to leave her Lord in.
She watched as an arm holding another bowl of food slide in through the hanging mat. Gently placed on the wooden flooring before being pulled out. The old woman never uttering a word.
Kaede had tried to give Rin space since she had returned to the village. The child clearly being distraught. She had no need to ask questions, seeing as Kagome and Sesshomaru were not at her side. Understanding full well that something must have come up. But for now she would at least leave Rin food, even though she knew the girl wasn't going to eat it. She was starving herself, being so wrapped up in the last events she was left too. Playing over and over again in her mind.
Her eyes were dry with how much she kept them open, just watching the doorway for the day her Lord would return home. He always did before. No matter how long time passed. But she also was aware that this was different. He was badly injured the last time she had seen him. And no one except for the kind bowls the old woman left, was watching over her. Master Jaken had been missing even before the trios departure. She arrived back in the village with the confidence that at least he'd be back, waiting for them back at their hut. But it was empty. And she was alone. Heart sinking more and more everyday since.
She sighed. Slowly getting up and walking over to the nearest window to peer out. It was past midday now, and all of the villagers were busy tending to the fields. Kaede was off either doing the same, being a midwife or making medicine.
Leaving the child to do whatever she saw fit.
Creeping up to the hanging mat, she pulled it aside to take one last look around. Anyone that was nearby seemed to be busy in their daily work, not that they would dare bother her anyways seeing as many were scared of Sesshomaru's wrath. The timing seemed right.
She gathered up courage and ran out, going around to the back of her hut where A-un was stationed at. The dragon slept soundly without a care in the world.
"Come on A-Un, it is time to take matters into our own hands.," She said sternly. Only to be greeted by a snort. Neither heads even bothering to open their eyes. She huffed.
"A-Un! I said come on!," She snapped, bending over to grab the reins. Yanking abruptly on them. The dragon groaned out, pulling ts head back against her annoying actions. Rin yelped, falling forward onto its stomach as it laid both heads down over her body. Trying to fall back asleep while holding her still.
Rin squirmed about, slapping and pushing against the large demon.
"That is enough! We must go save Lord Sesshomaru!," She yelled. But it would not let go.
Chuckling was heard from behind catching her attention. She struggled to turn, facing who the sound belonged to.
There stood Kohaku, returning back to pay Rin another visit.
"You had me worried for a while Rin. I saw all of those bowls piled up inside. I thought something happened to you but I am glad to see that you are alright and normal," He said smiling down, extending a hand to help her out of its clutches.
She accepted, grunting as he struggled to pull her out. She pushed through A-Uns massive body until she was free. Yanking her hand away from his immediately in return.
He looked shocked for a moment at her harsh movement. Seeing the angry expression she held in return before she turned away from him, making yet another pathetic attempt to get the dragon to move. To which it did not.
"What is wrong Rin?," He asked.
"I do not have time for you!," She snapped, continuing to yank on the reins.
"I must go off and save Lord Sesshomaru!"
"W-What? What happened?," He asked with worry.
She stopped, huffing as her shoulders sank and dropping her arms to her side. Sitting with a heavy thump. She was sweating by now.
"Lord Sesshomaru… he was injured the last time I saw him. It had been some time now. I must go in search of him," She said annoyed.
Kohaku sat down in front of her, watching as she drew her legs up to her chest again. The determination and anger flickering across her face.
"If he was injured then I believe it is best to stay here Rin. Do you believe he'd want you to go and get hurt?, being as you are alone?"
She glared at him for a moment, before looking away.
"I do not care! Lady Kagome had been left with him, so if that's the case then she is alone as well!," She huffed.
"True. But Lady Kagome is able to do battle. Whereas you are not. Don't worry, I'm sure she's doing a good job protecting him as we speak. That is if he isn't already up and about," He said trying to cheer her up.
But his words only seemed to darken her mood as she looked downcast, bangs falling over her eyes.
"... Not likely since it is her fault he was hurt to begin with..," She angrily whispered aloud.
"What do you mean by that Rin?," He asked leaning forward.
She paused for a moment. Letting the anger take over her.
"She hurt him. Just like she got Shippo hurt. She promised me they'd return soon and okay, and they have not. Lord Sesshomaru has been taken away, the same as my friend. It….it is all her fault!," She snapped.
Kohaku grew shocked at her angry words, mouth agape. Never before had he heard his kind friend say anything horrible about another person before. Let alone Lady Kagome. Who he knew tried hard everyday to help those around. Ever since his sister Sango had died, he never blamed the priestess. Watching as she mourned their deaths and hated herself for it. The same as he, one who killed his own family. To hear these words deep him deeply. Feeling like he was back then, full of self hate and pity.
He clenched his fist tight. Scowling at Rin as she continued to look away.
"You have no right to say something so cruel Rin," He said.
Her eyes widened hearing the remark, whipping her head up to greet his gaze. She shivered a little, taking in the scowling face he held. Kohaku had never been angry with her before.
"I have never blamed Kagome for the death of my sister. Can you honestly tell me you blame her for the death of Shippo?," He asked sternly.
She sighed a little, face growing sad and ashamed.
"No… no I do not," She answered.
"It is not easy to lose those we love. How hard that pain is to deal with. But when all is said and done, you could either play a victim as I once did, or walk forward. And appreciate those you do have. I know that Lady Kagome would not have purposely hurt anyone.," He snapped, moving to stand.
"Now are you going to be a victim, or strong for your Lord?," He asked, extending a hand down to her.
She gaped up at him, taking in the mature words her older friend spoke. It was true. She was being hateful and playing the victim. Only looking put blame on someone that had only tried to help her and shown nothing but kindness in the end. Lady Kagome protected her Lord, though injuring him in the process. It was not a malice move. She needed to accept the situation at hand. Rin would not even be here if not for that woman.
She slowly nodded, wiping the tear in the corner of her eye and smiling. She reached up and took his hand, lifting herself up. Kohaku smiled at her the same as they walked off back into the village.
A-Un peeked his eyes open for a second, watching her walked away. He snorted, closing them and returning to sleep.
ooooooo
Inukimi stalked down the halls of the manor, viciously fanning herself from the anxiety she held. It had been past midday now. And her son had yet to make an appearance, something which was unlike him. A late sleeper was a sign of indolence, one her son had never been one of.
Her feet raged throughout the halls, servants shivering at the feeling of anger radiating off of their empress.
One had been stationed at the end of Sesshomaru's Hall, in case the Lord would be in any need of assistance. The young dog demoness sat back, relaxing at the easy day so far. Not once had the Lord beckoned for anything. And she was free to lounge. That is, until a very angry Inukimi stalked past her into the direction of his chambers. It was almost as if she could feel the hot air radiating off of her mistress.
The young demon scrambled to stand and catch up, trying her best to be respectful yet pleading for the woman to stop.
"Please my Lady, our Lord has been in a deep slumber from his exhaustive state as of yesterday, surely bothering him would anger-," the servants words trailed off, falling on deaf ears. Inukimi stormed off still.
Approaching his doors and aggressively sliding them open. She breathed heavily, scoffing at the sight of her son in disgust.
There lay Sesshomaru, tangled up with Kagome in his futon. The arm he draped over her stomach prior had now been raised, leaving his hand to be wrapped in the long dark locks on the side of her head. His head close to hers as he had snuggled closer in his deep sleep, coming to rest his cheek on her shoulder. The outline of one of his legs wrapped in between her own.
Inukimi's face grew red, knowing full well the girl bared no clothing underneath the blanket they shared. It was a sight of nothing the mother ever wanted to see. Her one and only son, sharing a bed with a mortal girl. Uncaring about her awful, human scent.
For he appeared for the first time since she had saw him as a child, to be sleeping so peacefully alongside her. His mouth open, eyes closed. Expression soft, and the permanent scowl he always wore had now disappeared.
Even the servant kneeling at her side gasped at the sight.
She bit her bottom lip, preparing to awaken him. Less to get her son away from the lecherous woman. He must be under a spell of some sort. That was the only conclusion she could gather at his behavior, and now this. She raised her son to despise humans, not be soothed by them.
"Sesshomaru. Awaken at once!," She snapped, stomping her foot on the ground.
His ears twitched at her words, the scowl once again returning on his features. Wincing, he pried his tired eyes open. Fluttering them open to take in the situation at hand. He peered up at his mother who's posture was clearly agitated, the nervous servant at her side. And the lump he was laying on…
Realizing his position he jerked away from Kagome immediately, examining her upper body. Making sure he had not hurt her with the extra weight he put on her in his sleep. He grunted slightly, seeing the blood that had seeped from her wound. From what he guessed to be from his face resting against her like that.
"M-My Lord. We need to redress her wounds soon. So your mother is correct for waking you like so…," The little demon said nervously.
He scowled harder, blaming himself for making Kagome bleed worse. The demon was right.
"What time of day is it?," He asked still staring at the bloody bandage.
"It is past midday! So awaken now and make yourself proper!," His mother snapped.
He slowly stood at the realization at how late he had slept in, staring at his form in the mirror on the wall. His hair was completely disheveled, along with his clothing that came open in his sleep.
"Send for the other healers to come a dress her. See that the bandages are cleaned well," He said before taking one last look at Kagome.
Noticing how it seemed she grew worse since yesterday. Her skin color was awful. And he couldn't even tell just by looking at her if she was breathing or not. It was worrisome. But to no matter. The healers would care for her.
He took a step over her to the doorway, nudging his mother out of the way. She moved back, her features still flaring at her son who walked past. Not even offering to look her way. It only agitated her further.
As the Lord made his way through the halls, she was hot on his heels behind. Waiting until they got a good ways away from ears view.
Finally her son reached the hall descending throughout their garden valley. The flowers blooming bright through the clouds that past over.
He was suddenly stopped, she yanking the back of his sleeves to catch his attention. Sesshomaru objected trying to yank it away from her. But she had an iron grip on him. Forcing him to face her.
"I have grown tired of your affections towards that human girl! Your behavior is unacceptable and will have the entire clan talking of you fornicating with a mortal! How do you think that makes me look as a mother!?," She snapped.
"I can care less of what rumors others speak. They should know their place, less their words reach my ears and force me to take action," He said uncaring.
"You are supposed to Eat humans Sesshomaru. Not Sleep with them. That girl was indecent! And how dare you be so content in her arms! A dying human at that!," She continued.
He yanked his sleeve free from her grasp as he grew annoyed with her. He glared down at her.
"She is not to die.," He spat, turning away to continue.
Inukimi went to say another thing when both she and Sesshomaru were halted by the loud cries they heard from across the manor. He immediately recognized them as Kagome's and attempted to make a dash to return to his chambers. But his mother stopped him, stepping in front of him at the last second to cling to the front of his shirt.
"Please my son. Let her die. She is a mortal. And will live to suffer in old age anyways, is this not more merciful of you?," She pleaded.
He looked down at her for a moment.
"You understand absolutely nothing mother."
He grabbed her wrist and pried them off before stepping around her to sprint to the sound of Kagome's wails. Inukimi stood there stunned. Her son had officially chosen a human girl over her, she concluded. Something she had faced once before from his father. Who had also ushered those same words to her in a similar fashion.
Sesshomaru ran quickly, darting past the servants and corners. The crying out had quieted though, and upon reaching his bedroom he stopped outside seeing the healers shuffling out of the door way. They stopped seeing him standing there, breathing hard. Their faces shrouded in worry.
"What is the meaning of her cries?," He snapped trying to move around them.
"My Lord.," The elder one began. "We have attempted to redress her bandages. The pain from us moving her had awoken the Lady. Though her eyes are open, I am afraid your time with her is short.. She is dying Lord Sesshomaru. I believe, we cannot save her."
He looked stunned for a moment taking in the elder demons words. They said nothing more, bowing before walking past him as he stood there.
..We cannot save her…
In that instant, it seemed like those words replayed themselves over and over again in his mind for decades. Trapped in his mind, a close chilling feeling that he knew he'd always remember.
A cough rang out from his room catching his attention though and he swiftly snapped out of it, walking into his room. There Kagome laid still, bandages half done hanging off of her. Through them he could tell the discoloration of the wound compared to her fair skin. That had paled even more than before. Her lips were white. And the only tone on her skin was that of the bags present under her eyes.
He slowly walked over to her side the same as before, kneeling down. Peering at her.
Her soft eyes were barely opened, holding the same glossy look as they did the last time he saw her awakened. That look that he never wanted to relive. Her breathing was shallow.
"Kagome," He said softly to her.
She weakly turned her head to look up at him through half lidded eyes. Long lashes fluttering as she struggled to see through them. Though she smiled, able to tell who was there.
"Sesshomaru…," She said, weakly raising her hand up.
He captured it with his own. Holding it close to his chest.
"Kagome. You are going to be alright. I shall see to that," He said.
But she only smiled, eyes roaming his face. Her body so weak that she could not even squeeze his hand back as he did.
"Sesshomaru… tell Rin that… we'll go pick more… flowers.. Just as soon as… She wakes up…," She whispered.
His brows furrowed in confusion at her words. She wasn't making any sense.
"You are mistaken. We are in my castle, Rin is-,"
But he stopped mid sentence. Watching as the light, the life itself, was drained away from her eyes. Her expression stilling as her arm went limp, slipping through his fingers and falling at his feet. He froze. His own eyes widening at what transpired before him. For there she lay. He being the one to witness the existence fade away.
"... Kagome?," He asked. Gently nudging her arm.
"Kagome.," He repeated more sternly, grasping it.
She did nothing. Her lifeless eyes staring back into his widened golden ones who searched hers so frantically. Only to be greeted with no answer.
He roughly picked her upper half up in his arms, pressing his face into the groove of her neck. Desperate for a pulse. But there was none. Her heart had stopped.
Enraged, the Lords fangs began to protrude out. Unknowingly pricking her slightly, just enough to make blood.
He pushed back and eyed the wound he made on her body, growling out loud at his deed. He actually cut her with his teeth. Remembering how once she asked for his help, and all he did was reopen the wound on her arm made by his brother. All over something that was not her fault. These recent events were surely making the Lord begin to hate himself. These experiences with guilt, an emotion that he had never bared before. Except only for Rin.
"I have told you before Sesshomaru. You are no God and cannot wish to have the ability to get whatever you want. Release her corpse before she rots in your arms.," His mother said now standing in the doorway.
She was right. He had to release her corpse for she was not meant to be one. She was meant to be here. In the world of the living, surrounded by the village people she cared dear for. And maybe one day, he could find a way to help her regain her powers. And return her to her family. In her own time.
He placed her back down so that he could stand, sliding his hands over her eyes to close them.
He stalked over to his mother. "Give it to me."
She glared at him confused, backing away at the tone of voice he held.
"What are you asking?," She asked.
"Give me the necklace father gave you mother. I require it. Now," He demanded.
She backed away further. "I shall do no such thing! You cannot have every pet your require!"
He snarled harshly at her, eyes immediately glowing red at his patience growing thin. He grabbed her by the throat and dug into her shirt. She struggled against him but he held her firmly in place.
Quickly he found it, jerking it off of her and shuffling back into the room. The servants ran up to her and Inukimi fell back onto the floor. She gawked at her son in fear at the betrayal she was delivered by his hands. Holding her shirt over her chest tightly.
Sesshomaru bent down and quickly placed it over Kagome. Watching as it did nothing. Though he remained, staring on until it slowly began to glow. Mesmerized by the life it was restoring into her body.
Kagome laid there still as her skin began to return to its rightful color. Her lips plump and pink again. The shade returning to her cheeks. And the gaping wound on her chest closing up, leaving a horrid scar in its place. Sesshomaru sat back beside her, watching as she began to draw deep breathes.
A few minutes passed as everyone around watching were quiet in anticipation. Except for Inukimi, who scooted far enough away to creep off unnoticed.
Suddenly, Kagome heaved. Chest rising hard as she drew a harsh breath, her eyes flew open. She sat up abruptly, closing them tight and coughing violently. Flailing her hands around her hair and mouth to try and stop herself.
She took a few more harsh and deep breaths before opening her eyes again to look around. Bringing her hands up to rub them. Focusing her vision.
She looked at the silky blanket she was in, trailing her way unto the hardwood flooring. The rich oak wood lining along a luxurious mirror.
But she gasped, seeing the demons peering into the room directly at her. At eye contact they all gasped, jerking away from the scene out into the hall. She cocked her head to the side I'm confusion holding the blanket close to her chest. Feeling the cool air brush against her skin.
Quickly she looked down, seeing her breast lazily wrapped up. Above one held a nasty scar with tiny drops of blood on it. Her eyes scanned the trail leading high up to her collar bone. Seeing two marks similar to very small puncture wounds. When she went to bring her hands up to touch it, the blanket lifted. And she noticed she was naked waist down under it. She gasped, covering herself up better.
Sesshomaru watched her movements carefully. Seeing every tiny motion as if it was the first time ever seeing another creature. Her expressions. The big brown eyes. Her colorful, youthful skin.
He moved closer to her until she finally noticed him sitting there.
She jumped being as he startled her. Holding the blanket up higher over her breast.
"Sesshomaru..," She whispered. A moment passed and her face dropped as a realization dawned on her.
"Wait a second.. I'm naked.. You look so messy. I've got.. Little marks around my neck…"
But she had no time to think. For he grabbed her and drew her into his arms for a second time now that she was alive, holding her firmly in his embrace. In his mind Sesshomaru was grateful it actually worked. Burying his hand into her hair with the other behind her shoulders to press her hard against him. Kagome blushed madly at the contact, shuddering in embarrassment. Sesshomaru had never acted this way before. She held the blanket against her body for dear life, feeling the outline of his lips pressed right into her throat. It was too tight.
.. I.. Can't.. Breath..
Aggressively she pushed him back with all of her might, gasping for air. Hands pressed firmly on his chest. He withdrew from her, gawking at the sight of her exposed body and angered expression.
"Let go of me!," She yelled at him.
All of the servants outside the room gasped at once at the tone of voice she used with their Lord. No one had dared ever speak to him in such a manner, let alone raise their voice.
He sat there frozen and perplexed. Soon she realized that she had let the blanket go. Along with the bandages covering her breast being roughly smudged by his chest and pulled down. Revealing her top, bare form to him.
She shrieked, yanking the covers over her head.
"GET ME SOME CLOTHES AND GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE NOW!," She screamed through the thick fabric.
oooooo
No they aren't mated by that act js lol
Anyone here watch Dororo? If so would anyone like either a continuation story of Mio being alive or one shot with Hyakkimaru and Mio? I've been watching that lately and am like so devastated by her death even though I knew it was coming lol keep in mind I don't mind writing anything sexual or mild fluff. Either way.