Comments: I'm on a roll. After that horrible spell of writer's block in the
last chapter, I managed to keep on writing, and its all leaking out.too
much to write.so not surprising, this chapter is quite long. Well, enjoy!
Disclaimer: Love him or fear him, he belongs Rumiko Takahashi. ::so sad::
Author: taiyoukai_kai
Title: Nobody, Nothing
Chapter: Five
In the hut, Kaede was busy trying to divine what had happened to Kagome. Miroku and Sango sat nearby, worried for her, and Sesshoumaru stood silently to the said, his arms crossed, and his face strangely implacable.
Miroku shot Sesshoumaru a quick glance. Just ten minutes ago, Sesshoumaru had walked through the village searching for Kaede, looking, for all the world, as if he had only a split end. However, when he passed Miroku, he saw the worry Sesshoumaru was fighting to hide, and had immediately felt concerned. Something must have been bad, really bad, if Sesshoumaru had to reign in an emotion he would ordinarily not even have.
Miroku returned his gaze to Kagome and Kaede. It had been worse than anything he could have imagined. Kagome was a very powerful miko, whether she remembered or not. It would not have been easy to affect her like this.
He watched as Kaede stopped examining Kagome and put down her tools.
Kaede sighed tiredly. "I feel my elder sister's taint on Kagome-san. She probably did not have a direct hand in this, but she is definitely somehow involved." She rubbed her face, weary and finally resigned to the fact that Kikyo was no longer the person she had been before. It seems Hell had that effect on souls. Kaede turned to Sesshoumaru.
"I am sorry, but all I could divine was that the one who did this to her was a full youkai. One who's power might even surpass yours, Sesshoumaru- sama."
Miroku asked, shuddering at the thought of a youkai even stronger than Sesshoumaru existing, "What has happened to Kagome-san, Kaede?"
Kaede sighed again. "Her soul, it seems, was forced into isolation."
This time, Sesshoumaru asked the question. "Isolation? So it was not banished."
Kaede shook her head. "No, Kagome's inborn miko powers managed to prevent that. But something intruded, forcing her soul to lock itself away to protect itself. This is very dangerous. It is possible that." Kaede's voice trailed off.
"Possible that what?" Miroku prompted her.
Kaede stared right at into Sesshoumaru's cold eyes. "It is possible that the intruder was locked in with her soul. There really is no guarantee that the intruder was locked out. That is why it is considered a last resort. Its just too unreliable."
Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes and eyed Kaede. It was minutes before he finally spoke. "Is she in any immediate danger?"
Kaede gravely nodded. "Yes, if the intruder was locked in with Kagome's soul, well," Kaede stole a glance at Kagome. "Kagome is vulnerable to anything the intruder does to her. She is capable of losing her mind, her sanity, her soul could be injured, she can even be converted to evil. Anything is possible if the intruder wills it."
* * * * * * * * * * *
Sesshoumaru fought to keep the panic from overtaking him. This was not the time or place to lose control over emotions that had no right to be there in the first place.
First, he had to figure out what to do. He turned his attention to Kaede.
"Is there not a way for someone to stay with her?"
Kaede drew in a sharp breath and looked up from her task.
"It is possible, m'lord." She spoke warily, careful not to provoke him. "But he or she will be as vulnerable to physical harm as Kagome is right now. For he will no longer occupy his body, therefore, is incapable of defending it."
Sesshoumaru gazed at Kagome.
Minutes dragged by and a heavy silence descended in the room. Sesshoumaru quickly decided his course of action but he had to clarify one more thing.
"Do you thing the intruder will seek to harm Kagome physical body?"
Kaede silently applauded his intelligence. "It is no guarantee, but it seems not. It is far easier and more effective to attack the subconscious and next to useless to attack her body. She would not feel it, and her dying does not damage her soul and it would remain as pure as when it occupied a body."
Sesshoumaru studied the old woman. The hag was telling truth.
"Old woman, what does it take?"
Kaede smiled in relief. "I will speak a spell that releases your spirit but it is up to you to find and enter her."
Miroku, who up to now had been silent, burst out, unable to resist the outrage pouring through him. "Why him?! I could do it, and I don't trust him. How do we know he won't destroy her while he has the chance?!" Miroku pointed a trembling finger at Kagome's still figure. "We won't be able to do anything if he decides to!"
Kaede heaved a great sigh. "Houshi-sama. One, he did not yet say whether he would do it. Two, Kagome does not remember us. The only one she remembers or might even trust would be Sesshoumaru-sama."
Miroku slowly lowered his arm, the logic impossible to refute. He finally looked at Sesshoumaru.
"I will protect you, Sesshoumaru-sama, with my life." He lowered his head in weariness. "Only bring her back safely." He pleaded.
Sesshoumaru studied Miroku with a studious calm and slowly nodded. "She will return safe."
The monk's shoulders slumped in relief. "Thank you," he said quietly. "And try to bring her back unharmed if you can help it."
Sesshoumaru nodded again and turned back to Kaede. "I have decided." He stared hard at the old miko. "If you betray me, I will never allow you to forget, so great will be my wrath."
Kaede smiled grimly. "We would not betray you. For we, too, love Kagome."
Sesshoumaru's nostrils flared with sudden anger. "You are getting senile, old woman. You are not aware of what you are saying."
Kaede only smiled and began to chant.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Kagome could not see anything. She remembered sitting there, in front of the fire, contemplating Sesshoumaru. Then suddenly she was grabbed from behind, but she remembered feeling that it was quite strange. It wasn't like anyone was physically grabbing her but.she didn't know what. Then the next thing she knew the fire that she had been looking at was getting farther as she was pulled away.
She shuddered. It was so creepy it was as if what she had been looking at was on a screen and as she was pulled away the screen got farther until it disappeared altogether into the darkness.
The hand had released her and now, here she was, all alone.
"You know, wench, you always did have a beautiful neck."
Kagome gasped and whirled around, looking for the source of the evil voice. No one was there.
Suddenly, she felt sharp claws scrape against her neck.
"It's almost good enough to eat."
Kagome cried out in pain as the claw pierced the soft skin of her neck and blood slowly beaded form the tine cut.
"Mmm.and you smell so.delicious." She felt the wetness of his tongue against the cut, stinging her. Evil laughter resounded around her, echoing off invisible walls.
She whirled futilely around in circles, looking for the intruder.
"Who are you!?" she gasped out.
The laughter stopped suddenly and silence descended. Just as abruptly, the voice resumed its mocking tone. "Why, bitch, that wounds me. How could you forget me?"
The laughter started again, louder, crazier. It echoed wildly, buffeting the poor girl.
Kagome tried to run but she didn't know where to. Red eyes gleamed everywhere, watching her and the laughter would not stop, driving her insane as her steps started dragging, fear thrumming through her body.
Suddenly, a door loomed up. Its silver frame shining. Kagome almost cried out in relief and hastily opened it and went in. she quickly locked it, adrenaline pumping through her system; her breath labored.
She stood there, her chest heaving, eyes locked on the door. Nothing happened. She slowly let out a broken sop of relief and slid to her knees on the floor.
"That wasn't nice, bitch. You'll have to be punished."
Kagome's eyes widened in fear and she looked behind her.
A tall figure, shrouded in shadows stood a few feet away. Red eyes gleamed and its mouth stretched in a maniacal grin, its fangs throwing off a deadly light.
Kagome started trembling in fear. "Who are you? What do you want?!" she cried out, panic lacing her voice.
The figure chuckled. "Come now, wench. I thought you were smarter than that." It slowly took a step towards to light, revealing his features.
Kagome screamed, and turned to go back out the door, but it had disappeared.
"NO!" she screamed.
The laughter started up again.
* * * * * * * * * * *
As Kaede chanted the spell, Sesshoumaru felt himself separating. A unique experience, but one he would not care to repeat. As he broke away from his physical body, he noticed that he could still see and had no trouble locating Kagome's body.
As he entered her body, darkness greeted him. He cautiously sniffed the air, relieved that scent was also possible in the subconscious.
Two scents teased his sensitive nose. The first was undeniable Kagome's; her sweet scent unique, even with fear spiking it. The second.
Sesshoumaru tensed. No, it was not possible. It should not be.
Sesshoumaru began following Kagome's scent, the other's getting stronger also, until Sesshoumaru could no longer deny his suspicions.
It seems that that fool of a brother had gone and lost control of his demon half, again, and if that was the case.Kagome was in even greater danger.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Kagome sobbed, still struggling to crawl away. Who was he? Why was he doing this to her?
"Tsk, tsk. You really don't remember me, do you, wench?"
Kagome screamed again, her voice turning hoarse when the demon yanked her hair back and tilted her face up.
"So beautiful." He whispered against her skin, a sharp claw stroking her cheek. Angry welts rose in the claws' wake. "I can make you beautiful forever." He licked her cheek, and chuckled. "Forever, wench."
Kagome sobbed. For some reason, this demon knew who she was, and expected her to know him. She felt tears escape and run down her pale cheeks in hot rivers. Right now, she needed Sesshoumaru. She cried harder when she realized she might not see him again.
"Bitch. You're thinking of him." The demon brutally slapped her across the face with his free hand. She screamed.
"Everyone thinks about him." He snarled and drew her face closer. Close enough, that she felt his hot breath on her face. "If I can't make you forget," his lips drew back in a sinister smirk. "I'll make you wish you fucking had." And he slapped her again. Her sobs grew more breathy, her energy beginning to wane.
Oh, God. If only she could find the door and unlock it. Hysterically, she fought against the demon. If she could unlock it, maybe she could find help. Suddenly a flash blinded her, and she as surprised when her miko powers came into effect, blasting him in the face.
"BITCH!!" he roared in anger, his hands covering his burnt face.
Kagome sobbed and scrambled to her hands and knees. She began to crawl. Where was the door?!
The demon's breath began to get closer, his growls more menacing.
She had to find that door.
But it was too late. She sensed more than saw the clawed arm reach out to punish her.
It never reached her. Silence descended on the chaotic scene. She was almost afraid to turn around. When she did, however, she nearly collapsed in relief.
"Sesshoumaru-sama." she whispered.
* * * * * * * * * * *
He would kill him. As he had followed her scent to the door, the fear and panic that mixed with Kagome's scent almost overwhelmed him in its intensity. The door had been locked, but on his fourth impatient try, it mysteriously unlocked and allowed him in.
The first thing that greeted him was a back view of his brother. As soon as he figured out what was going on, the fury and disgust at his brother that lay dormant rose until his eyes started seeing red.
He fought to temper the emotions, as his sensitive ears caught the ragged sobs of Kagome. She needed him in control, and by god, she would have him in control.
As Inuyasha reached out to grab Kagome, Sesshoumaru took him by the collar and easily tossed him away.
Kagome had stopped crawling and was in the process of looking slowly around.
"Sesshoumaru-sama." she whispered, happiness and disbelief evident in on her face. As the fact finally sand in that he was actually here and not a bloody ghost, she gave a cry of relief and leapt into his arms.
Surprised, Sesshoumaru wrapped his arms around her trembling figure. He gently stoked her soft hair.
"You must got out of the way," he murmured against her head. "He will be back soon, and I will have to kill him."
Kagome nodded, and looked up, tears teasing her eyelashes. "Who is he?" she whispered back, her voice still hoarse from screaming. "Why is he doing this to me?!"
Sesshoumaru gave a start when he realized that Kagome still did not remember his brother.
"I will tell you later. But for now, stay out of the way." His arms tightened around her. "If you got hurt." Sesshoumaru's voice broke and he hastily cleared his throat. "Go." He commanded.
Kagome nodded again and backed away. "Be careful." She pleaded and was rewarded with a small smile.
"Do you doubt me?"
Finally done. Sorry for the really late update. Hey, at least Inuyasha didn't rape her. ^_^ That would not be nice. Review faster and more and maybe you'll find out what happens next.
Kai
(oh, and while your at it.check out my other one shot. I got no review for it.soo sad.)
Disclaimer: Love him or fear him, he belongs Rumiko Takahashi. ::so sad::
Author: taiyoukai_kai
Title: Nobody, Nothing
Chapter: Five
In the hut, Kaede was busy trying to divine what had happened to Kagome. Miroku and Sango sat nearby, worried for her, and Sesshoumaru stood silently to the said, his arms crossed, and his face strangely implacable.
Miroku shot Sesshoumaru a quick glance. Just ten minutes ago, Sesshoumaru had walked through the village searching for Kaede, looking, for all the world, as if he had only a split end. However, when he passed Miroku, he saw the worry Sesshoumaru was fighting to hide, and had immediately felt concerned. Something must have been bad, really bad, if Sesshoumaru had to reign in an emotion he would ordinarily not even have.
Miroku returned his gaze to Kagome and Kaede. It had been worse than anything he could have imagined. Kagome was a very powerful miko, whether she remembered or not. It would not have been easy to affect her like this.
He watched as Kaede stopped examining Kagome and put down her tools.
Kaede sighed tiredly. "I feel my elder sister's taint on Kagome-san. She probably did not have a direct hand in this, but she is definitely somehow involved." She rubbed her face, weary and finally resigned to the fact that Kikyo was no longer the person she had been before. It seems Hell had that effect on souls. Kaede turned to Sesshoumaru.
"I am sorry, but all I could divine was that the one who did this to her was a full youkai. One who's power might even surpass yours, Sesshoumaru- sama."
Miroku asked, shuddering at the thought of a youkai even stronger than Sesshoumaru existing, "What has happened to Kagome-san, Kaede?"
Kaede sighed again. "Her soul, it seems, was forced into isolation."
This time, Sesshoumaru asked the question. "Isolation? So it was not banished."
Kaede shook her head. "No, Kagome's inborn miko powers managed to prevent that. But something intruded, forcing her soul to lock itself away to protect itself. This is very dangerous. It is possible that." Kaede's voice trailed off.
"Possible that what?" Miroku prompted her.
Kaede stared right at into Sesshoumaru's cold eyes. "It is possible that the intruder was locked in with her soul. There really is no guarantee that the intruder was locked out. That is why it is considered a last resort. Its just too unreliable."
Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes and eyed Kaede. It was minutes before he finally spoke. "Is she in any immediate danger?"
Kaede gravely nodded. "Yes, if the intruder was locked in with Kagome's soul, well," Kaede stole a glance at Kagome. "Kagome is vulnerable to anything the intruder does to her. She is capable of losing her mind, her sanity, her soul could be injured, she can even be converted to evil. Anything is possible if the intruder wills it."
* * * * * * * * * * *
Sesshoumaru fought to keep the panic from overtaking him. This was not the time or place to lose control over emotions that had no right to be there in the first place.
First, he had to figure out what to do. He turned his attention to Kaede.
"Is there not a way for someone to stay with her?"
Kaede drew in a sharp breath and looked up from her task.
"It is possible, m'lord." She spoke warily, careful not to provoke him. "But he or she will be as vulnerable to physical harm as Kagome is right now. For he will no longer occupy his body, therefore, is incapable of defending it."
Sesshoumaru gazed at Kagome.
Minutes dragged by and a heavy silence descended in the room. Sesshoumaru quickly decided his course of action but he had to clarify one more thing.
"Do you thing the intruder will seek to harm Kagome physical body?"
Kaede silently applauded his intelligence. "It is no guarantee, but it seems not. It is far easier and more effective to attack the subconscious and next to useless to attack her body. She would not feel it, and her dying does not damage her soul and it would remain as pure as when it occupied a body."
Sesshoumaru studied the old woman. The hag was telling truth.
"Old woman, what does it take?"
Kaede smiled in relief. "I will speak a spell that releases your spirit but it is up to you to find and enter her."
Miroku, who up to now had been silent, burst out, unable to resist the outrage pouring through him. "Why him?! I could do it, and I don't trust him. How do we know he won't destroy her while he has the chance?!" Miroku pointed a trembling finger at Kagome's still figure. "We won't be able to do anything if he decides to!"
Kaede heaved a great sigh. "Houshi-sama. One, he did not yet say whether he would do it. Two, Kagome does not remember us. The only one she remembers or might even trust would be Sesshoumaru-sama."
Miroku slowly lowered his arm, the logic impossible to refute. He finally looked at Sesshoumaru.
"I will protect you, Sesshoumaru-sama, with my life." He lowered his head in weariness. "Only bring her back safely." He pleaded.
Sesshoumaru studied Miroku with a studious calm and slowly nodded. "She will return safe."
The monk's shoulders slumped in relief. "Thank you," he said quietly. "And try to bring her back unharmed if you can help it."
Sesshoumaru nodded again and turned back to Kaede. "I have decided." He stared hard at the old miko. "If you betray me, I will never allow you to forget, so great will be my wrath."
Kaede smiled grimly. "We would not betray you. For we, too, love Kagome."
Sesshoumaru's nostrils flared with sudden anger. "You are getting senile, old woman. You are not aware of what you are saying."
Kaede only smiled and began to chant.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Kagome could not see anything. She remembered sitting there, in front of the fire, contemplating Sesshoumaru. Then suddenly she was grabbed from behind, but she remembered feeling that it was quite strange. It wasn't like anyone was physically grabbing her but.she didn't know what. Then the next thing she knew the fire that she had been looking at was getting farther as she was pulled away.
She shuddered. It was so creepy it was as if what she had been looking at was on a screen and as she was pulled away the screen got farther until it disappeared altogether into the darkness.
The hand had released her and now, here she was, all alone.
"You know, wench, you always did have a beautiful neck."
Kagome gasped and whirled around, looking for the source of the evil voice. No one was there.
Suddenly, she felt sharp claws scrape against her neck.
"It's almost good enough to eat."
Kagome cried out in pain as the claw pierced the soft skin of her neck and blood slowly beaded form the tine cut.
"Mmm.and you smell so.delicious." She felt the wetness of his tongue against the cut, stinging her. Evil laughter resounded around her, echoing off invisible walls.
She whirled futilely around in circles, looking for the intruder.
"Who are you!?" she gasped out.
The laughter stopped suddenly and silence descended. Just as abruptly, the voice resumed its mocking tone. "Why, bitch, that wounds me. How could you forget me?"
The laughter started again, louder, crazier. It echoed wildly, buffeting the poor girl.
Kagome tried to run but she didn't know where to. Red eyes gleamed everywhere, watching her and the laughter would not stop, driving her insane as her steps started dragging, fear thrumming through her body.
Suddenly, a door loomed up. Its silver frame shining. Kagome almost cried out in relief and hastily opened it and went in. she quickly locked it, adrenaline pumping through her system; her breath labored.
She stood there, her chest heaving, eyes locked on the door. Nothing happened. She slowly let out a broken sop of relief and slid to her knees on the floor.
"That wasn't nice, bitch. You'll have to be punished."
Kagome's eyes widened in fear and she looked behind her.
A tall figure, shrouded in shadows stood a few feet away. Red eyes gleamed and its mouth stretched in a maniacal grin, its fangs throwing off a deadly light.
Kagome started trembling in fear. "Who are you? What do you want?!" she cried out, panic lacing her voice.
The figure chuckled. "Come now, wench. I thought you were smarter than that." It slowly took a step towards to light, revealing his features.
Kagome screamed, and turned to go back out the door, but it had disappeared.
"NO!" she screamed.
The laughter started up again.
* * * * * * * * * * *
As Kaede chanted the spell, Sesshoumaru felt himself separating. A unique experience, but one he would not care to repeat. As he broke away from his physical body, he noticed that he could still see and had no trouble locating Kagome's body.
As he entered her body, darkness greeted him. He cautiously sniffed the air, relieved that scent was also possible in the subconscious.
Two scents teased his sensitive nose. The first was undeniable Kagome's; her sweet scent unique, even with fear spiking it. The second.
Sesshoumaru tensed. No, it was not possible. It should not be.
Sesshoumaru began following Kagome's scent, the other's getting stronger also, until Sesshoumaru could no longer deny his suspicions.
It seems that that fool of a brother had gone and lost control of his demon half, again, and if that was the case.Kagome was in even greater danger.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Kagome sobbed, still struggling to crawl away. Who was he? Why was he doing this to her?
"Tsk, tsk. You really don't remember me, do you, wench?"
Kagome screamed again, her voice turning hoarse when the demon yanked her hair back and tilted her face up.
"So beautiful." He whispered against her skin, a sharp claw stroking her cheek. Angry welts rose in the claws' wake. "I can make you beautiful forever." He licked her cheek, and chuckled. "Forever, wench."
Kagome sobbed. For some reason, this demon knew who she was, and expected her to know him. She felt tears escape and run down her pale cheeks in hot rivers. Right now, she needed Sesshoumaru. She cried harder when she realized she might not see him again.
"Bitch. You're thinking of him." The demon brutally slapped her across the face with his free hand. She screamed.
"Everyone thinks about him." He snarled and drew her face closer. Close enough, that she felt his hot breath on her face. "If I can't make you forget," his lips drew back in a sinister smirk. "I'll make you wish you fucking had." And he slapped her again. Her sobs grew more breathy, her energy beginning to wane.
Oh, God. If only she could find the door and unlock it. Hysterically, she fought against the demon. If she could unlock it, maybe she could find help. Suddenly a flash blinded her, and she as surprised when her miko powers came into effect, blasting him in the face.
"BITCH!!" he roared in anger, his hands covering his burnt face.
Kagome sobbed and scrambled to her hands and knees. She began to crawl. Where was the door?!
The demon's breath began to get closer, his growls more menacing.
She had to find that door.
But it was too late. She sensed more than saw the clawed arm reach out to punish her.
It never reached her. Silence descended on the chaotic scene. She was almost afraid to turn around. When she did, however, she nearly collapsed in relief.
"Sesshoumaru-sama." she whispered.
* * * * * * * * * * *
He would kill him. As he had followed her scent to the door, the fear and panic that mixed with Kagome's scent almost overwhelmed him in its intensity. The door had been locked, but on his fourth impatient try, it mysteriously unlocked and allowed him in.
The first thing that greeted him was a back view of his brother. As soon as he figured out what was going on, the fury and disgust at his brother that lay dormant rose until his eyes started seeing red.
He fought to temper the emotions, as his sensitive ears caught the ragged sobs of Kagome. She needed him in control, and by god, she would have him in control.
As Inuyasha reached out to grab Kagome, Sesshoumaru took him by the collar and easily tossed him away.
Kagome had stopped crawling and was in the process of looking slowly around.
"Sesshoumaru-sama." she whispered, happiness and disbelief evident in on her face. As the fact finally sand in that he was actually here and not a bloody ghost, she gave a cry of relief and leapt into his arms.
Surprised, Sesshoumaru wrapped his arms around her trembling figure. He gently stoked her soft hair.
"You must got out of the way," he murmured against her head. "He will be back soon, and I will have to kill him."
Kagome nodded, and looked up, tears teasing her eyelashes. "Who is he?" she whispered back, her voice still hoarse from screaming. "Why is he doing this to me?!"
Sesshoumaru gave a start when he realized that Kagome still did not remember his brother.
"I will tell you later. But for now, stay out of the way." His arms tightened around her. "If you got hurt." Sesshoumaru's voice broke and he hastily cleared his throat. "Go." He commanded.
Kagome nodded again and backed away. "Be careful." She pleaded and was rewarded with a small smile.
"Do you doubt me?"
Finally done. Sorry for the really late update. Hey, at least Inuyasha didn't rape her. ^_^ That would not be nice. Review faster and more and maybe you'll find out what happens next.
Kai
(oh, and while your at it.check out my other one shot. I got no review for it.soo sad.)
