AN: Due to the coronavirus quarantine in the UK, I wasn't able to move house. Hope you're all holding up okay, sending good health to you all! I apologise for how this one is written. I might rewrite it. I just wanted to post it bc I wanted to get something out there to you all during the days we're locked inside. The next chapter after this will be the last.
Repression part II
"What if she's trapped forever? What then huh?!"
"Inuyasha, please try to calm down. I'm sure Lady Kagome is alright-"
"She better be!"
The voices droned on and on in the background while Sesshoumaru barely paid them any mind. Physically the lord sat with the group while they fretted and fussed over the miko, sometimes arguing inside the cramped hut. Mentally, however, Sesshoumaru felt quite far away. He constantly tried to focus inwards and sense a flicker of Kagome's presence to ascertain her wellbeing. But there was nothing within. Just a constant haze.
Inuyasha grabbed a fistful of Tagako's clothes, yanking her close and growling; "I swear if you planned for us to get separated, I'll kill ya!"
The oni sorceress attempted to squirm free, pushing at his wrists. "I told you before, hanyou," she hissed. "It was Lord Sesshoumaru's mind that rejected your entry. My youki is strong but not to the point that I could push past his great power and allow you within his thoughts."
Golden eyes narrowed, dark bushy brows pulling down. "And like I said then; that's gotta be bullshit! Why would Sesshoumaru's head let Kagome in but not me? He hates her about as much as he hates me."
Miroku, Rin, Shippo and Sango sent Sesshoumaru knowing looks. Pointedly ignoring them, he silently pondered how transparent his interest in the miko was if even they'd noticed it.
The monk stood and placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Inuyasha, let her go. Kagome wasn't afraid to go back in there. That means it's not a hostile environment for her, even if there is some Repressive force running around. I have faith in her."
"Faith isn't going to save her!" The hanyou barked, giving an agitated glance at Sesshoumaru. Miroku noticed and tightened his grip on his friend's shoulder.
"Now isn't the time to panic," his voice turned firm. "I think Lord Sesshoumaru is trying to do what he can to save her. I know you're worried, but if Tagako can't send you inside, the best thing we can do is try to support your brother, not break his concentration."
White triangular ears flicked, flattening against his skull. Inuyasha released Tagako with a huff, storming outside. He felt unused to being powerless in a situation. Three years ago, he always used to sweep in and save Kagome. Be the hero. She'd made him into that person, and he liked the feeling of being the centre of her awe and faith. That she placed her trust in him meant quite a lot. Now...Sesshoumaru was doing his job.
The Daiyoukai rose from his seated position a few moments later.
"Ah, Lord Sesshoumaru," Rin called worriedly as he started towards the exit.
He glanced over his shoulder, "remain here, Rin."
Walking outside into the overcast afternoon, Sesshoumaru closed tired golden eyes, exhaling. Something was happening. He could feel it, even if there were no words he could put to the sensation. Distancing himself from the cluster of humans felt like the best course of action in order to concentrate.
Sesshoumaru wasted no time in climbing to the crest of a hill on the outskirts of the village, turning back to look at the tiny houses. They lived such short lives, humans. Frail little things too. No wonder they clawed at riches in order to elevate their short-lived existences. What they wouldn't give for a thousand-year extension to their life span.
Kagome is not like that, the thought distantly came to him. No, the miko was different. He wagered, that if she wanted...if Kagome desired it, he'd be weak to resist the expanse of her neck. He'd grace her with the mark that would bind their lives and bless her with many centuries of life. Sesshoumaru could picture it oddly clearly. Her wide blue eyes. The acceptance flitting over her expression. Parted lips and flushed cheeks. He imagined leaning down and tasting one of those rosy cheeks, before closing his mouth over the flesh she offered so willingly.
Youki flared to life on Sesshoumaru's skin. Vaguely started, he realised that red, static energy blazed along his hand.
"Oi."
Glancing up, Sesshoumaru quelled the energy, suppressing it.
Inuyasha stood at the treeline, sliding his arms within the sleeves of the fire-rat robe and approaching with narrow eyes. Stopping a respectable distance away, he huffed. "I get that we ain't as uh...at each other's throats as before. But you better return Kagome or-"
"This one is interested in the miko," Sesshoumaru stated bluntly.
Inuyasha's eyes widened, the colour draining from his face, before returning all at once with a vengeance. "HAH?"
"You were about to launch into a tired spiel about the miko's wellbeing. This one is saying that I agree. Because I am interested in her."
His brother's voice turned thin and squeaky. "A-as a...friend or?"
"As a woman," Sesshoumaru stated flatly.
"FUCK, are you TRYING to pick a fight with me?!"
"No," his dulled gaze slid over the humble lands of Inuyasha's 'home.' Letting out a dusty sigh, sharp claws twitched and curled into his palms. "In the absence of feeling, I am surprisingly unalarmed about self-sabotage. Or perhaps...I am afraid yet I seek to ruin things. It is odd."
Inuyasha currently reeled, severely thrown, yet he somehow managed to grasp onto those fleeting words. "The fuck are you talking about? It's like ya got no damn filter."
"Hn."
"Don't 'hn!' me after that! Explain!"
"This one knows that admitting my interest in Kagome will destroy any goodwill formed between us, brother," thin lips curved into an enigmatic smirk. "And a part of me did not mind being your ally."
The hanyou didn't know what to make of the bizarre things coming out of his mouth, but something stayed his hand. He wanted to punch him. Swing Tetsusaiga at the bastard. Fight him for daring to try and encroach on a human that was clearly his, even if Kagome wasn't with him romantically.
Kagome was his human.
And yet he didn't, feeling oddly lost. Sesshoumaru didn't give off the same snippy, cold warlord aura he usually did. He looked crippled from the inside, a shadow of his former self. The spell appeared to be taking its toll. Sesshoumaru was talking about shit in the open again.
"Keh," Inuyasha tossed his head and shifted uncomfortably. "...Yeah well, I guess I didn't mind it either. Even if you are a bastard."
"Hn."
White ears flattened once more and Inuyasha glared hard at the ground, scuffing his heel slightly. "And when Kagome comes back, it's her decision. Just don't hold your breath."
Sesshoumaru blinked, hazy attention sliding to him. He nodded slightly, deciding to recline against a nearby tree in order to try and focus. It felt easier without the humans crowding around him. Expecting Inuyasha to leave, he felt vague surprise when his brother lept up into the branches of the same tree and stayed put as a silent sentinel.
Feeling the wind whipping her dark locks back into the breeze, Kagome decided not to huddle down into the warmth the furs provided this time. Instead, she remained sitting upright upon Instinct's back, expression hard. The image of Sesshoumaru's father sailed next to them within the clouds. They'd made progress towards the lands of Repression, though it was difficult to tell if they'd entered the desolate plains for real or not. The earth beneath them looked drained. Once green and lush with life- Happiness's realm now appeared to have been sucked dry.
"This is awful," she mumbled. It dimly reminded her of Naraku's miasma.
Instinct made a noise, "agreed. No prey will live upon dead earth. What will I sink my teeth into?"
Kagome cut her eyes to the sky and patted his side. "Not really what I was concerned about but you do you, buddy."
They flew over the once vibrant, flowery lands and passed by Fantasy's cage. No one seemed to be inside.
Continuing on, Kagome's mind began to wander. She knew herself quite well. There was no stopping until she'd helped Sesshoumaru. The danger of being trapped in his mind flew out the window. The goal was what came first.
"So...Instinct. What was that memory back there? Why did I see it?"
"Humph, we connected. I do not know why. Perhaps sub...suber..."
"Subconsciously," Pride provided helpfully.
Instinct sneered, "that. On some level, the host might wish to connect, making you privy to his secret memories."
Some colour heated her cheeks and Kagome tried not to be too stupidly happy that Sesshoumaru wanted to share things with her. She'd have to tell him a lot of her memories too.
Pride let out a short rumbling bark, causing her to look at him and follow his line of sight to the lands in the distance.
Her breathing hitched.
Misty, grey cliff faces loomed high, the realm of Repression now protected by an impossibly large cage that spread up and over it like a large dome. Silver bars looked as though they'd been embedded deep within the earth.
Instinct snorted and with a burst of sizzling youki that licked at Kagome's hands, transformed into a smaller version of his inu form. He made to fly through the gaps in the bars- only to cry out. Kagome gasped and held onto the silver fur tight as static raced over it like a bolt of lightning. Unaffected for some reason, Kagome made a fist within the fur of the whimpering inuyoukai and harshly tugged him back, leaning her weight to one side.
Instinct followed the tug and managed to pull away from the bars, panting as the static disappeared. Letting out a hoarse snarl, his hackles rose while they hovered mid-air.
"Coward! Hiding behind some flimsy bars."
Pride floated up to their side, ears perking as he sniffed at the metal. "Seems as though he's managed to create a powerful barrier. Little one, you were unaffected?"
Kagome nodded and smoothed gentle hands over the singed areas of Instinct's bristling hide. "I don't know why. Maybe it's because Repression doesn't know I'm here yet?"
"Then let it remain that way for now," he nodded. "You should head in without us. We will create a distraction in order to keep Repression's attention out here while you free the emotions undetected."
"Wouldn't it be easier to just defeat Repression first and that'll free the emotions?" She asked, feeling Instinct rumble beneath her.
"A distraction is not fighting. I was promised blood."
Inu no Taisho's eyes flashed, making a chill run down Kagome's spine. Right. Dog General. Sometimes she forgot who he was perfectly emulating.
"Repression is not likely to fight us head-on. We were left alone for a reason, and it is because we hold significant sway over Sesshoumaru's mind. It is with the combined power of our brethren that we will surprise and overwhelm Repression. Unless of course, you have a better idea," he sneered with a dark look, snaggle-tooth hooking over his lip. "I'm not imbued with war strategies or anything."
Kagome and Instinct shook their heads slightly. "Ahaha, no you're right. I'll uh...head in right now, sir!"
"Keh."
Hopping off her ride, Kagome wandered through the gaps in the bars as easily as sliding through water. Giving the two inuyoukai's a wave, she headed further in without them.
They started howling and bashing against the bars, making a nuisance of themselves. Kagome winced as they gave loud, wailing roars that made her ears ring.
Sensing something, she stiffened. Quickly plastering herself against the side of a rocky cliff face, she peered around its side.
Repression floated by her hiding spot from above, flying in inhuman form. Sesshoumaru's regal features made him appear as devastatingly beautiful as the others, but Kagome remained stiff and tense. Is it me, or is he...bigger? Taller?
He held an oddly stressed air about him, for one so concerned with locking all emotion away. Frowning, Kagome studied his grey crest and mulled something over.
Once he'd floated out of sight and low mutterings of conversion could be heard between him and the two outside, Kagome hurried further in.
Gaining her bearings, she made her way towards the exit of Sadness's cave. Sprinting to it, Kagome let out a huff of dismay, finding a boulder blocking the entrance.
Feeling around it, she frowned and rocked back on her heels. No way would she be able to budge something like that. She decided to look elsewhere.
She searched around the cliffs for a good while without discovering any visible entrances. The place where she and Innocence had originally entered the cave to find Sadness had also been blocked. Sighing and folding her arms, Kagome thought for a moment.
Sesshoumaru's youki always responded to her reiki, she could find the emotions if she just used it. Unfortunately, that risked Repression discovering her. But if it's the only way, I don't have much of a choice. I'm sorry I can't follow your plan, Dignity. Instead...I think I have another idea.
Maybe getting deliberately caught by Repression had merit. Raising both hands out, blue eyes slid shut as she reached inward and pulled forth pink, glowing energy. It cloaked around her, contorting in the air to pry around the cliffs.
A flicker of youki caught her attention, grasping it firmly with her own aura. Kagome raised her head.
Following the thread of energy up, a large stone fortress with grey walls flickered into existence. It floated in the sky on its own personal island, much like Fantasy's mansion. Kagome's stomach dropped. Sesshoumaru's emotions are in there. I can feel them.
"Crap…" she mumbled, tensing as a thrill of cold air wafted over the nape of her neck. Kagome yanked herself to the side mere seconds before a clawed hand snapped out, nails grazing her cheek.
Kagome squeaked and backed off, holding the stinging flesh.
Repression towered over her. Where before he resembled Sesshoumaru's height of 5'9, he now appeared to be 8'0 at least.
"Guess you've gotten a lot stronger since we last saw each other," Kagome muttered, limbs trembling a little with adrenaline. Sesshoumaru was intimidating by his own merit. With the added height, Repression appeared downright terrifying.
Tilting his head slightly, he observed her in a detached manner, lips pressing into a thin, grim line. "You should not have returned here."
The distant boom of roars and snarls reached her hearing, but Kagome ignored the two inuyoukai at the bars. "Let the other emotions go," she said. "I'll co-operate if you want to lock me up. Just free them. Sesshoumaru deserves to feel everything he wants to."
Reaching down- Repression casually plucked her off the ground like she weighed a pillow and levelled the miko with a cold look. "No," he said simply. "Emotions and the miko Kagome are equally as dangerous to the host."
Feeling her heart leap into her throat, Kagome let out a shriek as her body was hauled through the air. Repression lifted the flailing woman into his arms, gliding up towards the imposing fortress in the sky.
Holding onto his shoulders for balance and pushing dark hair aside, she noticed his nostrils flare. A dark look coloured his expression soon after.
"Problem?"
"It is nothing," he grumbled, refusing to look at her. "You are accepting this capture much easier than before."
Kagome glanced down at Pride and Instinct barking furiously at her through at the bars of the cage. She winced and returned her attention to the Diayoukai holding her. "I've accepted it. I really do cause Sesshoumaru a lot of problems," she sighed dramatically. "It would totally be better for him if I were locked away. You're definitely not going overboard."
"I can smell that you are being disingenuous, miko."
She huffed, "you expect me to agree with what you're doing? Putting everything else aside, I think of myself as Sesshoumaru's friend. And friends don't encourage each other to lock away their feelings. Maybe it's a short term coping mechanism, but it's not healthy in the long run."
"What is healthy is protecting him from harm."
"From...harm?" Kagome stilled, searching his dispassionate features. The breeze fanned through his bangs, sliding silky strands back into the air. He looked tired and worn. Now that she thought about, really thought about it and not just dismissed him because he'd hurt Sadness, every time they'd interacted Repression had mentioned her or another emotion being a threat. "Repression, I'm not going to hurt Sesshoumaru," the words came softly. "That's why you've done all this, isn't it? Some misguided way of protecting him?"
His regal jaw clenched as they glided up onto the fortress, the demon flying inside the open doors of the stone prison. Kagome reached out to touch his cheek, feeling him flinch. Her heart twisted. Maybe he has been influenced by the spell, but there's something real here. I was going to zap him the first chance I got with my powers, only now I...
Kagome swallowed and dropped her hand. I'll focus on freeing the other emotions first.
"Regardless, Sesshoumaru is still under the oni sorceresses spell. We could work together to save him from it."
"I have no desire to accept your help."
Kagome sighed, tensing when Repression glided down a stairwell that hugged the walls, allowing him to glide straight down the middle. They descended for some time, causing Kagome to realise that the emotions were imprisoned quite deep underground. Her heart thundered wildly as he reached the bottom, coating them in shadow. At the base, the floor stretched out beyond the stairs in the centre, a large circle of cells awaiting Kagome. Torches lined the walls. Within each cell was a separate emotion, some of them looking up at her through the bars with wide eyes.
"Kagome, what are you doing here?"
"Miko, you should leave!"
"Foolishness. The idiot came here to save us."
Giving a little grin and an awkward wave, Kagome didn't protest as Repression carried her to an empty cell and yanked it open. He leaned down from his great height and set her down gently. Kagome stepped back from the doors as he slid them shut, locking her in. She remained even-tempered and placid, causing the emotions to grumble inside their respective cells.
Repression eyed her through the gaps in the bars, gaze half-lidded. "You are certainly the most dangerous threat to this Sesshoumaru."
Kagome stared back, lips thinning. His heavy attention shifted to the side, ears twitching. "Hn, seems those two outside are making a nuisance of themselves. I will return shortly and place you in another cell, miko. One away from everything. I do not trust you not to influence the weaker emotions here. Perhaps I will move the Fantasy Kagome as well."
Raising a brow, she watched as he took to the air again, flying up the centre of the spiralling stairs and out of sight.
All eyes turned to Kagome, who immediately got to work.
She moved up to the wall on her left dividing her cell from the next, "hello? Who's there?"
"It's me," came a young voice.
"Innocence!" Kagome's brows drew together. "Are you alright?"
"Mn, I am fine."
Shifting, Kagome reached her arm out through the bars closest to the wall, straining her fingers wide. "Okay, I've got a plan. All you have to do is touch my hand. Something happened with Instinct earlier and I think it'll help us connect so that we can all get outta here together."
Hearing nothing but silence from the next cell, Kagome quieted. "...Is everything okay?"
"Do not patronise me," he uttered in a moody voice. "It is merely that...after you left, Fantasy and I were captured with ease," his childish voice dipped into a saddened tone. "This one did not sufficiently protect her. You should ask the emotion on your right side for aid. This one...is not favoured by the host in any capacity and shall not be in the future. I will not be of use in this matter."
Kagome glanced at the other emotions. They watched the exchange with mixed expressions, some lacking in conviction. It was a frightening thing to see in Sesshoumaru. Fantasy caught her eye despite the wide space between them, looking mildly ashamed.
Kagome turned back to the cell next to hers. "Innocence, it's alright to feel a little discouraged. I'm not trying to patronise you," she listened but did not hear a reply. Taking a breath, the truth leaked into her words. "Thing is, I'm afraid right now," she confessed. "The oni sorceress that helped me get back inside here told me that the longer Sesshoumaru is under this spell, the more likely it is that he'll be irreversibly damaged. The goal of the spell is to turn him mad. I need to save him quickly but my plans are always so harebrained. Super wishing Miroku, Inuyasha or Sango were here right now," a wry chuckle escaped her. "I know I'm probably the worst person for the job."
Some shuffling could be heard, the child's voice sounding closer. "You are not the worst. The worst candidate would be Jaken."
Kagome burst into giggles, smiling to herself. She reached out again. "I could really use your help, Bravery. It has to be you. You've been in this with me since pretty much the beginning. I feel safe with you."
"...Bravery?"
"You heard me."
"Hn," a smile could be heard in his tone.
Slowly, gently, small fingers made contact with her own.
Concentrating, Kagome closed her eyes and tried to remember the sensation of Instinct flowing through her. She'd been fighting for her life, just as panicked, feral and excited as him. This time, she tried remembering what it was like to be a child. Shifting her weight back, the miko suddenly threw herself headfirst into the feeling.
Kagome gasped and stumbled, catching herself before she could trip over. Glancing around, it seemed she'd arrived somewhere outside a prestigious looking traditional mansion. The garden lay lush and carefully tended, with exotic flowers hugging the walls surrounding it.
Hearing a noise, Kagome glanced to her left at the perfect replica of Innocence.
Little Sesshoumaru kicked a kemari ball, catching it on his ankle and then pushing it up to spin into the air and land on his knee. Kagome smiled and made to reach for him, only to realise her hand was tiny! Gasping, she patted her chubby cheeks and realised she was the same height as tiny Sesshoumaru. Touching her hair, she felt a big bow nestled in her dark locks. She'd used to wear it all the time. She was even dressed in a pink, frilly dress. I must be around seven years old!
Looking at the boy, she reached out again, fingers passing through short silver strands. He did not acknowledge her, leading the miko to the assumption that this was another memory.
"Sesshoumaru."
Kagome and the boy glanced over their shoulders, the miko's breath hitching. Wow, she's like a female version of Sesshoumaru.
A truly gorgeous woman sat under the shade of the porch, fanning herself. Silver hair cascaded down her shoulders to pool on the polished wood like exquisite ribbons. She held the air of a regal, calculating diva. Kagome instantly saw a slight resemblance to Vanity, understanding the inspiration now.
"Your Father has returned. I sense him in the courtyard. Won't you go greet your sire?" The woman purred in silken tones, painted lips curved in perpetual amusement.
Sesshoumaru's striped cheeks puffed up slightly, colour touching them. "He will be busy."
"You do not know that for certain."
"Returning from a month-long battle in the South will be taxing enough without a child around," he mumbled, kicking the ball away. The demoness let out a giggle, hiding her grinning mouth behind a sleeve even as her eyes glittered.
"So grown up," she teased.
"Do not patronise me, Mother."
"Hm," she brushed some silver hair aside. "Perhaps do not be so eager to join us adults, little war chief. We may have bred you for battle, but in peaceful times it is good to indulge oneself. If you resist your desires they might manifest in other, mnn...less healthy ways."
Sesshoumaru paused and thought for a moment, rounded cheeks puffing up in another pout. Kagome cooed to herself. The boy turned on his heel and strode out of the garden, seeming to bristle when his mother's giggles rang out. Kagome followed, trailing along behind as he rounded the mansion and entered through another door. They made their way through a maze of rooms, some servants stopping to bow at him. Sesshoumaru ignored them.
Kagome followed him out of what appeared to be the main entrance. Many servants waited to receive Inu no Taisho, who could not seem to make it to the front door. Many demons, both soldiers and civilians, blocked his way, celebrating his return.
Instead of watching the spectacle in the courtyard, Kagome looked to her side at the pup.
Golden eyes shone with awe. His plain expression cracked open for a moment into palpable longing. His feet shifted forward slightly.
"Inu no Taisho, Inu no Taisho!" Some children cried, running up to the imposing Daiyoukai. He smiled and leaned down, resting a heavy palm on one of their heads.
"Hello, little ones. Might you let me pass?"
"No, no!" They laughed, hugging onto his strong arms.
Sesshoumaru's lips thinned, eyes narrowing slightly. Kagome gazed at his Father, noticing the weathered armour, the dried blood that had seeped into his clothes. Even a few broken arrows lodged into the mokomoko's trailing behind him.
Sesshoumaru was moving before she properly registered it, and Kagome hurried to catch up.
"Move," he said in clear tones once he reached them.
The children paused and frowned at him, some distaste or fear marring their expressions. Inu no Taisho raised a bushy brow.
"My Father has better things to do than entertain you," Sesshoumaru continued, mustering a glare. "Step aside and let him pass."
Within the awkward, tense silence that ensued between the little group, which the adults didn't seem to notice, the children parted to let Inu no Taisho through. The Dog General stepped forward and continued walking, pausing to peer down at Sesshoumaru. Kagome felt incredibly small, gazing up at such a picture of strength.
A clawed hand twitched and reached out slightly, as though to pet his son's head. Sesshoumaru stared at him unflinchingly, standing almost like a solider. Inu no Taisho's hand dropped back to his side, giving a slight smile and nod of acknowledgement instead. A heavy pressure that seemed to exude from his sire drew away along with his presence, leaving them to pad inside their traditional mansion.
Kagome let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding, peering at the boy and figuring he'd be pleased. The expression on his youthful face, however, looked conflicted. Golden eyes fixed on the ground. It was almost as though he'd received the respect he'd sought, but at the price of affection.
Gasping and falling forwards, Kagome felt herself pass through Innocence, landing on her knees within his cell.
The boy shook himself with wide eyes, "what was that?"
Kagome grinned, instantly pulling him into a hug, "something that happened with Instinct. You let me see your memories."
Innocence squirmed slightly, "how is that useful in our escape?"
"We're in the same cell now, aren't we?" She giggled, pulling back to beam at him. "Imagine if we keep going from cell to cell. Eventually, with enough of us, there's no way could any cell door keep us in!"
He blinked, "you are fairly intelligent, Kagome."
She preened a little, "don't sound so surprised~"
"However, if Repression had locked you away from all of us, without contact from anyone, your plan would have surely failed."
Kagome pretended not to hear him for the sake of her ego, standing. "Okay! On to the next cell," she jogged over to the wall. "Hello?"
"Greetings, miko Kagome."
From the light tone, an automatic smile touched her lips. "Hi, Happiness. Did you hear my conversation earlier with Innocence?"
"Indeed," rustling could be heard. "My hand awaits yours, as it has done for months."
Heat bloomed in Kagome's cheeks before she took Innocence's hand first and then accepted Happiness's.
It continued on in that way, Kagome managing to collect the various emotions into a small group. Seeing Sesshoumaru's memories was an unavoidable consequence, though initially she'd wanted to give him his privacy. Happiness showed the memory of Sesshoumaru randomly flying somewhere, enjoyment radiating off him in a moment of complete unguarded peace. Kagome had happily held onto him, watching the oranges of the sunset cast his face in a warm glow.
Her heart had done a dangerous thing in her chest, stomach fluttering.
The next had been Vanity, which revealed Sesshoumaru's penchant for selecting extremely fine wears for both himself and Rin as a gift. Only the best for the lord and his charge. Innocence and Happiness had formed a chain, managing to follow Kagome with every flash through each emotion, resulting in a small group being formed by the time she'd gained Lust and Envy. They were two memories she would definitely be revisiting again in her own thoughts when she had more time.
"This is taking too long," Discipline uttered once she'd caught herself in his cell, the others appearing with her. "Repression will likely return before you can reach every emotion."
"You're right," she admitted. "Just one more though...I need to check on someone."
Golden eyes warmed a touch. "...He is in the next cell."
"Can he still talk?" Kagome murmured.
"Hn."
Relief swamped through her, and walking over to the wall that separated them, she softly inquired; "Sadness?"
"I am here."
Kagome reached through the bars, feeling Discipline rest his hand on her shoulder, the others following suit, Envy putting his hand on Discipline's shoulder and so forth. "Let me take you out of this place."
A thin hand reached through his own bars. "There is something this one needs to tell you, Kagome."
"I'll be with you in a sec," she smiled, grasping his hand and linking their fingers.
Kagome opened her eyes, inhaling the smell of ash. She jolted upon realising their position, stood somewhere dark with writhing, faceless demons crawling along the floor. They moaned and cried. Glancing at Sesshoumaru, she noted his appearance looked in line with how she knew him; a proud lord in red and white silks and armour, mokomoko thrown over one shoulder.
Except something felt wrong. Bakusaiga was missing. He only had one arm.
And he was currently using it to cradle Rin's small, lifeless body.
Sesshoumaru's expression remained frozen in shock.
Horror thrummed through Kagome's stomach and she moved closer, tears stinging her eyes. "Oh no..."
His head dipped down, lips drawing back to reveal gritted teeth. He physically trembled. Kagome wanted so badly to hold them both, her heart clenching with pain and empathy.
By the time she touched down in his cell, tears were leaking from Kagome's eyes. She made a noise and moved into Sadness's waiting arms, wrapping her own around his much too thin waist.
"There is no need for tears. Rin was revived, you know she is fine," he gently chastised.
"It was still awful," Kagome mumbled, hiding her face in his chest. She never wanted to see such a sight again. A clawed hand rested on her head, gliding down to tangle in her hair. Pulling away a touch, Kagome rubbed at her cheeks. "Sorry, what..." she croaked, clearing her throat. "What was it you needed to tell me?"
Sadness's eyes became serious. "It is Repression."
"What about him?"
Lithe fingers curled tighter in her wild locks. "He is not what he seems."
She was about to prompt him to continue- when the very walls of the cell began to shake. Kagome's eyes widened, looking at the stairwell in the centre of the prison. A familiar aura caught her attention, coming from above.
Discipline turned to her, "we must leave!"
"Y-yeah, okay," Kagome straightened, about to help when Sadness tugged her back. Moving chapped lips to her ear, the emotion murmured something that swung her full attention to him.
"Kagome!" Lust barked, the emotions lining up to start attacking the bars.
Gazing at Sadness for a moment, she nodded and gave him a quick peck on the cheek before joining the others. Raising both hands, Kagome summoned the static warmth of her reiki, building it up into a large ball of holy power. The other emotions started launching their energy whips at the silver bars or letting out hissing acid from their claws. The whole group concentrated on a single spot.
A bellowing snarl practically ruptured Kagome's eardrums, but she didn't stop, forcing her powers to ignite their youki. It resulted in a blast that had her gasping and falling back, Lust and Happiness shielding the miko from the explosion of power.
When the ensuing smoke cleared enough to reveal a sizable gap in the silver bars, Kagome hollered: "everyone out!"
White streaks blurred out of the cell, Sadness grabbing and lifting her into his arms.
Repression came sailing down the stairwell a moment later, shaking eyes ablaze with cold fury.
It happened like clockwork. Kagome had stressed the importance of grabbing the key off Repression that would unlock the main door to allow Pride and Instinct inside.
The freed emotions immediately leapt on him. A struggle broke out, Discipline pinning Repression down along with Envy long enough for Innocence to grab a set of keys from his person. The jangling keys were thrown to Happiness, who quickly blurred around the prison, setting free the remaining emotions from their cells before handing them to Kagome.
Sadness then passed her over to a different emotion. "He will fly quicker than I," he uttered.
Kagome squeaked, eyes widening as Love flew up into the air, enclosing a ball of white energy around them.
"You fools!" Repression barked from below, youki rolling out of his clothes and hair like steam.
Kagome gripped the silken threads of Love's clothes tighter. "Hurry-" her plea was near lost within the orb he wrapped them in. It ascended the stairwell, flying up and out of the floating prison and speeding towards the gate of the giant cage that remained over the dusty lands of Repression.
A giant, snarling inuyoukai exploded out of the prison behind them, breaking the structure into pieces. Debris rained down as Repression gave chase, legs pumping rapidly through the air. He raced through the clouds with single-minded intent, the other emotions mere fleas in comparison.
Squeezing her eyes shut, Kagome gripped the key tight, not sparing a moment once they arrived at the main door.
Pride and Instinct awaited them on the other side, the latter's eyes and smile wide.
"DO IT!" He snarled.
Kagome pushed the key into the lock and snapped it to the side. The gigantic door immediately flew back, knocking Love and Kagome to the ground. Grunting, Kagome caught her breath, feeling severely winded. Lifting her head, Kagome stilled and gaped.
Every emotion was sailing straight into Instinct's body, even Pride and Love being absorbed.
When every emotion seemed to have combined within Instinct, causing him to double in size, Kagome stood well away as he began running. Repression's eyes were full of fear and confusion but the inuyoukai's didn't stop. Crashing into one another, they rolled and sank their teeth into one another. Whimpers and cries of pain briefly echoed off the cliffs, before a scuffle broke out. They kicked the large cliff-faces surrounding them hard enough to demolish their sides.
Kagome tried to take shelter, pressing both hands over her hears because of the loud barks and growls sounding out.
The two giants tussled and snarled, claws and teeth sinking in and shedding small rivers of blood. Kagome tried not to cower, a little in awe. It wasn't every day she saw massive beasts make steep cliff-faces look like lego blocks.
Repression let out a thunderous growl, red eyes blazing. Kagome watched as coiling, cold energy rippled around him. It clashed with Sesshoumaru's natural summer breeze youki, and she finally put her thumb on what it was.
The spell. Tagako said it's feeding the emotions with the most power. That oni sorceress's spell must be locked inside Repression.
Repression struggled beneath Instinct, grabbing his throat in his jaws and snapping his head to the side, tossing the more feral emotion off him. Instinct went sailing into the air, hitting a cliff and causing the various absorbed emotions to burst loose. The Sesshoumaru clones hit the ground in inhuman form, scattered and panting. Some gripped their swords, refusing to give up.
Kagome's attention slid back to Repression, swallowing. Burning crimson eyes locked on her.
Outside, reclined against his tree, Sesshoumaru stiffened. Magenta lids slid shut, youkai coiling around his form. Inuyasha sniffed, sitting up from his spot in the branches.
"Oi, you good?"
There was no reply.
The inuyoukai tossed his head up and snarled, barreling towards her at a breakneck speed. Kagome stood her ground, raising her hands and exhaling.
"I-I know what you are!" She called. "I know your true name. It's why you locked away Sadness. He told me...you're just like him. I bet Sesshoumaru used to ignore you before you changed your name, didn't he?"
Repression's large, gaping maw salivated, bounding towards her with glistening teeth as he roared with outrage.
Collecting each fragment and sliver of reiki throughout her nervous system, she began concentrating it to her fingertips. Alarm skittered through her at the realisation that he'd be upon her before she could release the pent up attack.
He leapt up into the air and came sailing towards her, bellowing out a terrible sound- teeth ready and glistening. He struck them down viciously- only for pale arms to reach up from behind her and catch both his top and bottom jaws in a death grip, halting his attack.
Warm silks pressed like a solid wall against her back. "What do you require?" A voice uttered beside her ear.
"Open his jaws," Kagome breathed, feeling Sesshoumaru's breath fan over her cheek.
With a simple motion that seemed as natural as breathing, deadly hands yanked Repression's mouth wider, much to the emotion's chagrin. He began to struggle and squirm- but Kagome thrust a hand up into his mouth, tongue cushioning her arm.
"I name you, Fear!" She yelled, letting the reiki loose. It burst forth like a geyser, holy powers shooting straight through his throat and innards.
His eyes widened- purple youki exploded forth from his body.
Kagome panted, feeling an arm yank her around the waist to tear her arm free from Fear's mouth just as it snapped shut. Sesshoumaru within Instinct's body tugged her securely against his side, frowning at the wailing youkai. Catching her breath, Kagome's attention remained on the youki that didn't match with Sesshoumaru's as it floated in the air.
From what she could sense, it felt like the oni sorceress's power.
Slowly, the spell disintegrated into the breeze, swallowed up by reiki. A faint noise of success barely managed to escape her before trembling limbs weakened.
Firm hands grasped her waist, steadying her against his frame. "You used too much reiki."
She gave a weak giggle, "I've got plenty stored. I'm still just a little clumsy with tempering it. Besides, the spell is broken...it doesn't really matter if I'm tired."
Sesshoumaru gave a quiet grunt, Instinct's crest a black honeycomb design on his shoulder. Kagome's lashes lowered upon feeling his lips press against the side of her head, giving an extinguished sigh of relief. "...Foolish."
Before them, Fear sank to his knees, stony expression barely managing to hold itself together. Golden eyes were blown wide and wary, appearance haggard. Kagome pulled away from the Daiyoukai, quietly approaching.
The other emotions were talking amongst themselves, most with varying smiles. A hush fell over them as their attention became ensnared, watching the miko kneel in front of Fear.
His mouth pressed into a hard line, silver hair in disarray and spilling before pointed ears. Covered in various wounds, the former splendour of Sesshoumaru's image looked tarnished and worn. Kagome observed him, raising a hand with treacle immediacy.
Fear slightly flinched away from her touch, glaring.
"You're afraid I'll hurt him, huh?" She murmured, dropping it. "That's why you locked Sadness away too. Fantasy. Everyone. You were trying to protect Sesshoumaru, in your own way."
Harrowed golden eyes flicked behind her to Instinct, before sliding away.
"Only, he wouldn't accept Fear's help. He likely thinks of you as a weakness like how he views Sadness, which is why Sesshoumaru let you repress him. But just like Sadness, you're necessary."
"This one became Repression in order to carry out my duties more effectively," he admitted in a hollow voice, expression shuttered. "Others have had their names changed to make them more appealing emotions. My case is no different," he looked at her tiredly. "You were getting in the way of daily activity. For months he has struggled and you will not accept his feelings. It is a doomed attachment-"
Kagome gently took hold of his face in both hands and pressed a kiss to his lips. The former 'Repression' stiffened and froze, claws flexing wide and freezing.
The other emotions grumbled to themselves, folding their arms.
"He locks us up and is rewarded for it? This does not please me," Envy hissed.
A chorus of 'hn's' sounded out in agreement.
Kagome released Fear from their impromptu lip-lock and smiled, sliding her arms around his shoulders and resting her cheek on his broad shoulder. "It's okay. I'm not going to reject him. I want to try and see if a relationship can work between us. Don't push me away before we even start."
Fear's golden eyes remained wide. His body relaxed of its own accord, sinking against hers heavily. The emotion bowed his weary head.
Kagome felt the body within her arms shrink slightly, tightening her grip to make up for it. "Don't you think I'm scared too?" She murmured softly for only him to hear, combing gentle fingers through his hair. "I'm terrified he'll change his mind once I get out of here. I mean this isn't a normal situation. Maybe he'll reject me because I've seen so many of his private thoughts and feelings. I wouldn't blame him."
"He won't," Fear uttered, glancing up to stare at the host within Instinct's body. "If you want him...he won't."
"I do want him," she said firmly.
Feeling him become a little smaller, her heart went out to him despite all the damage he'd caused. At the end of the day, he was still a part of Sesshoumaru. Undernourished and forgotten, she wagered the power he'd gained for becoming Repression all those months ago had overwhelmed him. Add to that the recent spell, and she supposed his actions were understandable, even if she couldn't forgive some of the violence he'd caused.
Nonetheless, she hugged him closer and kissed the tip of his pointed ear, causing a few of the emotions to make various noises.
Vanity gasped, "scandalous miko."
Chuckling loudly in a honeyed baritone and covering his grinning mouth with one hand, Lust's eyes danced merrily.
"S-she does not know what that action means," Sadness mumbled, scratching his burning cheek.
"That does not change the fact that she did it," Lust continued to chuckle.
Since she wasn't hard of hearing, Kagome's face soon burned crimson. "W-what?! I just kissed his ear-" more noises rang out into the clearing, Lust outright laughing now in Sesshoumaru's deep velvety tone. "I- you-" Kagome inwardly screamed. "There's nothing erotic about pecking an ear! You're a bunch of perverts!"
Happiness's laughter joined the fray, sounding strong and clear. Despite the burning sensation in her cheeks, when the miko turned to glance at Love and found his eyes disarmingly soft upon her face, Kagome found that she couldn't feel more relieved.
Shifting against the tree, Sesshoumaru's head titled up slightly, lifting winter lashes. Liquid gold eyes brightened from their dulled brass colour, lips tugging up at the corners. A quiet chuckle slipped past his reserved facade.
"What's so funny?" Inuyasha grunted.
"It is a private matter, half breed."
His brother straightened, eyes widening upon hearing the frosty, prideful note in his voice. "You're... back to normal," Inuyasha breathed, looking up at the sky. "Fuck, she actually did it."
Sesshoumaru, with no eyes upon him, allowed a hand to glide to the surface of his chest. His heart beat hard and fast, excitement, anticipation and other feelings tangled up within.
"Indeed. She did," he uttered, awaiting her return with all the foolishness of an eager pup. A part of him hated the reaction but another, larger part felt too full of gladness to care.
Her words rang through his thoughts anew; "I do want him."