Shimmering Moonlight
Part Four ~ The Bath and The Dream
By Princess Ari
*Again, please be informed this is strictly a fan fiction and I do not own any of the characters mentioned, places, events, etc. The only characters that could be considered mine are Sesshoumaru's mother - or at least Her name, plus the name of Inuyasha's mother, but not His mother herself, as she is Ms. Takahashi's creation. Sakura is my own character as well, though the fact that Sesshoumaru has a female cousin is most likely a possibility, and yield rights if it is true. The same is with the rest of Sesshoumaru's family. If the characters though are to be used by Ms. Takahashi in the future, they are her characters and not mine. The original storyline is owned by Ms. Takahashi ~ Rumiko Takahashi. Those who have created the storylines to the anime are also indebted with credit. Copyrights belong to those people alone. Also, I need to mention that the name for Inu/Sess' father, Inu no Taisho, is derived from another fan fiction - by a person alas I cannot remember - and she too is given credit for this title. Basically it means, from what I understand, "King of the Dogs." I mention the One Source of All in this part of the story. Take this as you wish, but please understand I do not know much of anything about Japanese customs and Shintoism, the ancient (still living!) religion of Japan, and so I may be mistaken in using this sense of mundane/religious/spiritual termology. No offense is meant to those who read this, and do follow Shintoism, please forgive the faux pas. Thank you. I hope you enjoy!
Sesshoumaru shape-shifted into his human form, wrapping the bit of his tail and hair over his left shoulder as usual. He then emerged himself into the crystal waters of the small pond below the waterfall. His father, Inu no Taisho was still in his full Inu true form, and was at the edge of the pond curled up and drowsy, falling asleep. Into the dream state did he travel quickly as his eldest child, his beloved son, cleansed himself and became purified before they traveled onward in full Inu true form towards the Palace of the Western Lands. This was the spirit world.part of it. A spiritual part of Japan. The splashing and the wading and swimming of the pup did not keep Inu no Taisho awake.
"Who is this? Where are we? It looks like the Earth plane?!"
"It is, my dear.it is!"
The woman's voice was Setsuna! Inu no Taisho was in fear about the apparent strangeness of all of it. He has been having disrupted sleep since the day before - and it was wearing on Him. "Setsuna, please! When will I have a peaceful rest?!"
"Probably never, my dear Lord." Her voice trailed and was silent.
Inu no Taisho was in a smoke screen, it was a light gray, but no one and nothing could be seen. The smoke enwrapped him and moved towards him, then away from him, while other parts moved to the left, and some to the right, some diagonal, some circling and swaying up and down. He couldn't see His departed late Lady of the Western Lands.but He could hear Her. "Why am I being tortured, Setsuna!?!?"
"You are in a precarious situation, Inu no Taisho! One that will carry over to your sons. You had to meddle in the Earth plane? You had to take on an Earth mate? Did you not consider the problems that would cause for the Western Lands? For all of the family, both the mortal and immortal?"
Inu no Taisho thought a moment about Her words. He didn't think about them, any of them.He allowed desire to take over Him.He was lonely, and could not bear being alone when Setsuna died.so He took Himself and flung Himself into the willing arms of another woman, a mortal woman, who produced for Him a wonderful pup - another son, Inu Yasha. "No." He was filled with guilt, but also confusion, and then anger over the guilt He felt. "Why should I? Setsuna!? Tell me!"
Setsuna was quite."I will show you possible futures..."
The smoke began to collect and swirl in a misshapen oval form in front of him. The form's edges collapsed and enlarged, were wavy and moved, but the center stayed in the form of an oval. It was at first black and then images of people came into the picture. First was Sesshoumaru, but He was older, and He seemed so cold and indifferent, He saw a small toad like green Youkai holding a staff with a woman's and a man's head with their hair wrapped around the staff's handle by His son's side. He did not know this Youkai. He then heard Setsuna."This is your son in the future, with his loyal retainer." The image then changed to Inuyasha, older, dressed in his red clothing with white underneath, "This is your son Inuyasha, who seems to have inherited more of you than even our precious Sesshoumaru!" Then the images changed to Kagome, to Miroku, Sango, Shippou."These are the friends of your young son, they will be in His future, they will both help and hinder Him. He will be on a great quest at a point in His life due to His desire to become a full fledged Youkai." She was sounding tired. Setsuna then showed Inu no Taisho fighting, and more fighting, and yet even more fighting between Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha. How Inuyasha cut off Sesshoumaru's arm. How Sesshoumaru had such a great bitterness and hatred towards His young brother due to the faults of the father - "He has forgotten that the sins of the father do not transpire to the son. Inu no Taisho.why did you take a mortal woman?"
"You too? You too condemn me for falling in love with Himeko?"
"She is very beautiful." Setsuna was sounding sad now, "but did you really think with your head?" She had a sarcastic tone to the last words.
Inu no Taisho felt a surge of anger and then it cooled. "Setsuna! You were dead! I was alone! You left me! You left me with a young child!"
"And you left that young child for six months to get your own way! You were greedy! And that greed has called upon the evil of the Lower Astral - it has called upon the evil of the spirits of Japan!!!" Her voice became louder and less controlled as she spoke. "In this, you have endangered many on both planes! The Western Lands will suffer - our Son's Lands - the Earth Plane will suffer!"
"How is this Setsuna?! How have I endangered these lands? The lands and the family I love?! How can it come to pass that harm will be done?!"
"Because you were not even there to honor me in my life at my death - at my funeral. You left our son without appropriate care, thankfully both our families made sure he was well protected under your brother's rule, and Sakura's, your niece's, watchful and loving arms and eyes. You made love during my time. You thought of nothing about the evil that seeks to destroy you, and how that hatred will pass on through to your children.both my son, and Himeko's son."
"But.I." Inu no Taisho was stressed. He didn't know what to think. Was Setsuna saying all of this just to make him suffer for not being there when she died, at her funeral, for leaving Sesshoumaru alone with his family for six months after. If this was her attempt, He would fight it. He loved Setsuna, His Lady and the Queen of the Dogs, but He would not be foiled into guilt and pain because He fell in love again, albeit not as much as with Setsuna, and consummated that love - granted on the day of her memorial funeral service. "I.was alone."
"And in that you were cowardly." Setsuna spoke sternly. "Do you not understand that our enemies, the Cat Youkai, and other Youkai, see this as an opportunity to take over the Western Lands?! To take over and rule the Earth Plane?! They followed you! They watched you consummate! And some of them consummated themselves with other Youkai! They increased in number, while Inuyasha was born! Inu no Taisho, my Lord, and dear husband, listen to me - I have showed you some of the future - the fighting between brothers - the sadness and pain in both of them, and Inuyasha's and Sesshoumaru's loyal followers and friends. I did this for you to know that they both will battle hard because they do not know their place in your heart. They do not know what is going on with you - what is in your head and your heart. They wish to know you Inu no Taisho, and you push them both away. By leaving Inuyasha, and by leaving Sesshoumaru.You've done the same thing to both.scarring them in a way that may never fully heal. Inu no Taisho, I ask again.why did you do this? Why did you take a mortal mate?"
Inu no Taisho for once felt hopeless and defeated.He slump down onto his knees in transfixed sadness and misery. He was thinking of how He saw Sesshoumaru using His powers again Inuyasha, with a large fang shaped sword in his hand, ready to strike and kill. It kept playing over and over and over in His head. Tears started to trickle down his cheeks. Then He thought of Himeko, how He came into Her life, made love to Her, impregnated Her with a son, and then abruptly left, coming back with a full youkai step child, who never had appropriate introductions to Humans. Which Youkai truly have?! Sesshoumaru was mocked and He was an outcast amongst the people of Himeko's village. He would wish to play.but no one.not even the children.would wish His company. Himeko was unsure how to treat or act towards the young Lord youkai who suddenly came into her life. She was not cruel, but sometimes aloof, and left Sesshoumaru to His own devices, unless those devices disrupted her or were dangerous. Inu no Taisho realized that He was going totally on His desire, not His heart, not His mind, not His logic. No.Inuyasha was not a mistake, as He loved him dearly, like He loved His eldest so dearly.but the mating with Himeko.it should never have happened. "I.I see now."
"You only see part of it." Setsuna replied. "Think more about how our enemies followed you, how they now know of your weakness. Think about how hard it shall be for Sesshoumaru to become Lord of the Western Lands at such a young age. Think about how hard it will be for Inuyasha who is trapped between the Earth Plane and the Astral. He is a part of both in the physical, not just His spirit." She continued. It was harsh, her voice was snappy and growling at the same time, there was some compassion, but hard warning. "Heed me, Inu no Taisho, let me show you more."
In the oval above and in front on Inu no Taisho, as He watched, there was an image of a young girl in an orange and yellowish-cream cloth running and playing with the green toad youkai. In the background He saw his grown son Sesshoumaru not paying Her any mind, or so it looked that way. He sensed He was secretly watching her fun and amazed and amused by her. She was obviously human, or human raised.there was something fantastical about her.Could she be the one to break through to Sesshoumaru? Could she be the one to melt His heart? "Who is she?" Inu no Taisho asked.
"Her name is Rin." Setsuna spoke proudly. "Watch."
More visions came.visions of a Youkai marriage, and what looked like the same girl, only older, developed, and even more stunningly beautiful that Himeko! ::Rin.:: Inu no Taisho thought out load. ::Please save my son!:: He pleaded. The visions that proceeded were beautiful and spectacular.something that Inu no Taisho wished for Sesshoumaru.a union of the Western Lands and the Earth Plane in a sense.He had taken a human mate for wife and to be Lady of the Western Lands. He saw the eyes of Sesshoumaru and how they sparkled, He smiled, He was in grand awe at the beauty and the purity of His new mate.though He had taken care of Her since She was a young child.
Then the visions changed. "What's happening?" Inu no Taisho exclaimed. "This Rin!" He started, "she can help Sesshoumaru!"
"Watch."
The vision changed to Kagome and Sesshoumaru. Kagome, a beautiful young woman herself, is a miko. With flowing black hair, straight and shining, large awesome brown eyes, Kagome was a site for sore eyes, as her curiosity and her firm but caring and compassionate manner was just what the Western Lands needed for a Lady. She too was with Sesshoumaru in marriage. On and off Inu no Taisho could see Rin in the background.it was like as if the vision was saying She would and could or wouldn't and couldn't be there. That Sesshoumaru may not wish her there."No! Who is this? How can she help Sesshoumaru like this Rin woman? I see her, Rin, but she blinks in and out of the picture!"
"The other woman is named Kagome, a woman from the future, who can transverse through time to be with Inuyasha. She and Inuyasha have hard times, as Inuyasha does not know how to distinguish his feelings for a past love named Kikyo, whom he promised to protect from a future enemy named Naraku, and Kagome, who is an incarnation of the miko of the past, Kikyo." Setsuna sighed. "Much trauma both Kikyo and Kagome go through with Inuyasha as His quest to become more like you - more like His brother - a full fledged youkai - drives him near madness with such desire for power. I will show you this." Setsuna then trailed off as the picture changed in the oval.
Now the picture was of a beautiful long, black haired human, another miko. She did not look like this Kagome at all, and in fact, she was much more calm, and less fiery than the other. Incarnation or not, Kagome seemed to be what the Western Lands needed as Lady, as this Rin woman was who Sesshoumaru needed as His personal Lady.to melt His heart and bring forth His feelings. The miko was angry, she had her bow in hand, and she called out "Inuyasha" and let go of the bow's string, flinging the arrow straight towards the hanyou.
"NO!" Inu no Taisho called out and cried with tears pouring down his cheeks. "No! Inuyasha!" He tried to reach out to His son. Then He sat back and sobbed when He saw His son transfixed to a tree, and through the years the vision progressed as roots and vines covered him. He was dead? Or He slept peacefully? "Which, my beloved, which is it? Does He die?!"
"No."
Relief filled the heart of the King of Demons.
"He is under a powerful spell. It lasts 50 years and then Kagome comes and awakens Him from his slumber." Setsuna mentioned in a transfixed state herself.as if she was in deep, deep thought. "They fall in love, but there is a chance that Inuyasha will die before they can consummate their love, or they will grow apart. Inuyasha has quite the bratty and demanding attitude, Inu no Taisho. You and Himeko spoiled him very well. Something Sesshoumaru never had. Another reason for His bitterness you sense, but do not know." Setsuna was back to sounding stern and accusatory.
Inu no Taisho did not fight her words. ::My beloved.:: Is all He thought. After a few minutes of silence and contemplation on what He has been shown, He asked Her, "Is there no hope for us? What can I do to make things right?"
Setsuna was equally quiet for a while.then she spoke up, serious and hard, but compassionate and still with warning, "Train both Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha well. Make sure they both have something from and of you. That will protect them, which will someday show them that you truly had and do have love for them, which will be their destiny. Sesshoumaru may mean "Killing Beauty, Killing Perfection, and The Destruction of the Circle of Life", but that does not mean that He kills for pleasure or for fun, it means also that He stops what is not necessary, or what is tainted. We named Him. We both wanted this destiny for Him.to become greater than you and greater than I. As for Inuyasha, He will need all the protection He can get, from you, from himself, and from those youkai that are evil and seek not only his destruction, but Sesshoumaru's, Yours, Himeko's, both our families', and mine if I was still alive and with you. Give Him something that will teach Him about Himself, but also about How He is to be.or how you were. You love the humans. Then teach Him to love the humans too.and not be ashamed of either His youkai blood or His human blood."
"How do I do this, Setsuna?"
"You must figure that out yourself."
"But."
"No.I cannot tell you how or what to do in this case. What do you believe is closest to their hearts.what do you think is a feature that they remember or shall consider important enough to have?"
Inu no Taisho thought. He truly had no clue at the present time. He would have to think more about it. But he pushed that out of the way."Sesshoumaru.He's in such turmoil.What can be done? What am I to do? I do not want to see him butcher Himeko or Inuyasha, yet I do not want to see them butcher Him. I want brothers to be brothers and to live in peace and contentment. I made mistakes.I do not wish them to make the same ones."
"What is in their destiny is in their destiny, and what they choose to follow creates their own fate." Setsuna advised. "There is nothing you can do except train them, teach them love and patience and strength and benevolence, and then hope for the best."
Inu no Taisho felt hopeless once more.but then He looked towards the oval that was steadily beating and moving in and out while the center stayed static. The picture of Sesshoumaru with Rin and Sesshoumaru with Kagome.then came another vision, that of a pale woman with a regal bearing but a smirk always on her face, her black hair short and in an up do like a ponytail, there were feathers in her hair. She wore pearl earrings that dangled. She was beautiful. She too was featured in the marriage ceremony, where blinking in and out were both Rin and Kagome in the background. "Who is this?"
"Kagora."
::Kagora?:: Inu no Taisho thought. She would be a strong Lady of the Western Lands, but could she be trusted? "Who is she?"
"An incarnation or detachment of Naraku."
"What?!" Inu no Taisho had never heard of this.
"It is a long story, to tell you short, the miko you saw before with Inuyasha, who shot the arrow and put Him into slumber, Kikyo, helped to nurse a young thief back to life. He was so very seriously wounded, and kept in a cave for safety from the people and elements. Also he needed darkness. Her sister Kaede and she would come and go making sure that he was okay and dressing and redressing wounds and putting on salves and giving him pain remedies. It was going to be a long time before he fully recovered and healed. But his mind was twisted and evil thoughts ran rampant throughout his whole body. He was in love with Kikyo.and this love was not one of nature. He wanted her all to Himself, and vowed such that He would have her. A few hundred youkai of similar evil were awakened and drawn to his presence. He made a pact with all of them, and merged with them all, to create the future being called Naraku. This woman you see here is a part of Him.but she hates Him.and there is hope that She could become a strong, effective leader and Lady, and Her heart is not as fully tainted, and can heal."
Inu no Taisho was shocked by the visions He saw.of Naraku's birth, of Kikyo and Kaede helping the once human thief. The separation and creation, the birth, of Kagura. ::Such strangeness.:: He mentioned only to Himself. ::Kagura too could be an effective being for Sesshoumaru's progression.::
Setsuna was quiet, then she spoke again, "those three women are the women that most hold promise and hope for our dear Sesshoumaru. Rin, Kagome and Kagura. There is another, Sango.There are many possibilities.but the three I have showed you are the ones that hold the most healing prospects for dear Sesshoumaru." She sounded said.She was crying, Inu no Taisho could tell, though it was barely audible. His dog- ears picked it up right away.
"Setsuna.What is the meaning of telling me all this?"
"To save the Earth Plane and to save the Western Lands."
"Are we truly in so much danger?
"You still do not get it?!" Setsuna demanded. "Inu no Taisho, my dear Lord and husband, with your mating a mortal woman, you have connected the Western Lands with that Earth Plane. That in itself would be fine. BUT, you left your older young son alone and in misery and total confusion while you satisfied you lust, for whatever purpose - though you say it was out of loneliness. Then you take Sesshoumaru from His home, without choice, and take him to the home of a human woman about to give birth, who doesn't know how to react to a child youkai who was in desperate need of a mother. And, may I add that his cousin Sakura was the only other mother figure besides me that he had?! The biggest, the most horrible part of this all is our enemies. All the youkai that covet the Western Lands, and it's throne, that belongs to you and then to Sesshoumaru, followed you, watched you, seen you in your most vulnerable times.they know your weaknesses.and they see how it's affected Sesshoumaru. They keep watch over Himeko your second wife, and her hanyou pup, Inuyasha. They will attack! It's a matter of when! Now do you understand?" Setsuna was exausted. She didn't know what else to say to her once husband. He either understood these consequences or He did not. He was not careful on the Earth Plane, and He seemed to not care. It would not bode well for the families involved.it would not bode well for the Western Lands or the Earth Plane.at all.
Inu no Taisho slowly rose, gaining His composure. "Setsuna," He replied, " I will train our son to be the best youkai.better than I.better than you. He will succeed in His destiny, and He will be the great ruler of the Western Lands that I never was, no matter who says otherwise." He spoke well and with noble intent. His hand was on the sword at His side. "And I will train Inuyasha as well. I will teach both to be fine young men, and noble and true. To be loving and compassionate to each other. To be brothers and not enemies."
"We shall see, Inu no Taisho, we shall see."
At that moment Inu no Taisho awoke to a splash in his face from the now purified Sesshoumaru emerging from the water. Inu no Taisho looked at him and gave a short and low growl. "What was that for?"
Sesshoumaru smiled, "to wake you up. You were speaking about mother in your sleep." He dressed, but was smiling.something that Inu no Taisho had not seen for so long! "Thank you father, thank you for apologizing for not being there for me or for her." He was fully dressed and gave a bow of respect to His father.
Inu no Taisho looked away as tears swelled in His eyes. He let them fall. Then He turned back to His son. "Sesshoumaru," He changed to His human form, "it is time we proceed to the palace. I had a messenger say we'd be there by this evening." He looked up upon the rocky mountain somewhat in the distance. There upon it was a glistening palace of pristine noble blue and gold with scarlet trims. That was the Palace of the Western Lands.
"Father?" Sesshoumaru asked.
"Yes, my son?"
"Did you love my mother?"
Inu no Taisho cried, but choked back his sobs.He nodded and replied weakly "yes." He looked at His young man of a son. 10 years old now. It was time He grew up. And it was like yesterday He was only pitter- pattering around the palace and the gardens.Inu no Taisho was very proud, and very scared. Setsuna's voice had warning to it. What was the warning. The youkai that followed Him.were they truly powerful enough to get through Him? His sons? What could He give His children that they would hold fast to, that would remind them of Him.So many questions, so little time, He felt.
Sesshoumaru's own eyes softened, and he smiled, but no more. "Father, another question, do you love me in truth?"
Inu no Taisho was shocked by these questions.but then he realized what Setsuna had said. No, he was gone from Sesshoumaru's life for six months, and when He came back, He uprooted the child to a new home, a new mother, and a new brother on the way. He was uprooted to live amongst humans. Humans that neither wished or was too afraid to learn about Him and befriend Him. It all hit Inu no Taisho now. "My Kami, Sesshoumaru!" He exclaimed and sobbed, rushing for his son, embracing him tightly. "Yes! I love you more than all the world!"
Sesshoumaru smiled weakly. He returned the embrace. "Thank you Father." That was all He said.
Inu no Taisho wondered, ::But does He love me?:: That was a question maybe Setsuna could answer later. Maybe it was a question that would never have an answer, or there would be an unacceptable answer. ::Sesshoumaru.::
By Princess Ari
*Again, please be informed this is strictly a fan fiction and I do not own any of the characters mentioned, places, events, etc. The only characters that could be considered mine are Sesshoumaru's mother - or at least Her name, plus the name of Inuyasha's mother, but not His mother herself, as she is Ms. Takahashi's creation. Sakura is my own character as well, though the fact that Sesshoumaru has a female cousin is most likely a possibility, and yield rights if it is true. The same is with the rest of Sesshoumaru's family. If the characters though are to be used by Ms. Takahashi in the future, they are her characters and not mine. The original storyline is owned by Ms. Takahashi ~ Rumiko Takahashi. Those who have created the storylines to the anime are also indebted with credit. Copyrights belong to those people alone. Also, I need to mention that the name for Inu/Sess' father, Inu no Taisho, is derived from another fan fiction - by a person alas I cannot remember - and she too is given credit for this title. Basically it means, from what I understand, "King of the Dogs." I mention the One Source of All in this part of the story. Take this as you wish, but please understand I do not know much of anything about Japanese customs and Shintoism, the ancient (still living!) religion of Japan, and so I may be mistaken in using this sense of mundane/religious/spiritual termology. No offense is meant to those who read this, and do follow Shintoism, please forgive the faux pas. Thank you. I hope you enjoy!
Sesshoumaru shape-shifted into his human form, wrapping the bit of his tail and hair over his left shoulder as usual. He then emerged himself into the crystal waters of the small pond below the waterfall. His father, Inu no Taisho was still in his full Inu true form, and was at the edge of the pond curled up and drowsy, falling asleep. Into the dream state did he travel quickly as his eldest child, his beloved son, cleansed himself and became purified before they traveled onward in full Inu true form towards the Palace of the Western Lands. This was the spirit world.part of it. A spiritual part of Japan. The splashing and the wading and swimming of the pup did not keep Inu no Taisho awake.
"Who is this? Where are we? It looks like the Earth plane?!"
"It is, my dear.it is!"
The woman's voice was Setsuna! Inu no Taisho was in fear about the apparent strangeness of all of it. He has been having disrupted sleep since the day before - and it was wearing on Him. "Setsuna, please! When will I have a peaceful rest?!"
"Probably never, my dear Lord." Her voice trailed and was silent.
Inu no Taisho was in a smoke screen, it was a light gray, but no one and nothing could be seen. The smoke enwrapped him and moved towards him, then away from him, while other parts moved to the left, and some to the right, some diagonal, some circling and swaying up and down. He couldn't see His departed late Lady of the Western Lands.but He could hear Her. "Why am I being tortured, Setsuna!?!?"
"You are in a precarious situation, Inu no Taisho! One that will carry over to your sons. You had to meddle in the Earth plane? You had to take on an Earth mate? Did you not consider the problems that would cause for the Western Lands? For all of the family, both the mortal and immortal?"
Inu no Taisho thought a moment about Her words. He didn't think about them, any of them.He allowed desire to take over Him.He was lonely, and could not bear being alone when Setsuna died.so He took Himself and flung Himself into the willing arms of another woman, a mortal woman, who produced for Him a wonderful pup - another son, Inu Yasha. "No." He was filled with guilt, but also confusion, and then anger over the guilt He felt. "Why should I? Setsuna!? Tell me!"
Setsuna was quite."I will show you possible futures..."
The smoke began to collect and swirl in a misshapen oval form in front of him. The form's edges collapsed and enlarged, were wavy and moved, but the center stayed in the form of an oval. It was at first black and then images of people came into the picture. First was Sesshoumaru, but He was older, and He seemed so cold and indifferent, He saw a small toad like green Youkai holding a staff with a woman's and a man's head with their hair wrapped around the staff's handle by His son's side. He did not know this Youkai. He then heard Setsuna."This is your son in the future, with his loyal retainer." The image then changed to Inuyasha, older, dressed in his red clothing with white underneath, "This is your son Inuyasha, who seems to have inherited more of you than even our precious Sesshoumaru!" Then the images changed to Kagome, to Miroku, Sango, Shippou."These are the friends of your young son, they will be in His future, they will both help and hinder Him. He will be on a great quest at a point in His life due to His desire to become a full fledged Youkai." She was sounding tired. Setsuna then showed Inu no Taisho fighting, and more fighting, and yet even more fighting between Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha. How Inuyasha cut off Sesshoumaru's arm. How Sesshoumaru had such a great bitterness and hatred towards His young brother due to the faults of the father - "He has forgotten that the sins of the father do not transpire to the son. Inu no Taisho.why did you take a mortal woman?"
"You too? You too condemn me for falling in love with Himeko?"
"She is very beautiful." Setsuna was sounding sad now, "but did you really think with your head?" She had a sarcastic tone to the last words.
Inu no Taisho felt a surge of anger and then it cooled. "Setsuna! You were dead! I was alone! You left me! You left me with a young child!"
"And you left that young child for six months to get your own way! You were greedy! And that greed has called upon the evil of the Lower Astral - it has called upon the evil of the spirits of Japan!!!" Her voice became louder and less controlled as she spoke. "In this, you have endangered many on both planes! The Western Lands will suffer - our Son's Lands - the Earth Plane will suffer!"
"How is this Setsuna?! How have I endangered these lands? The lands and the family I love?! How can it come to pass that harm will be done?!"
"Because you were not even there to honor me in my life at my death - at my funeral. You left our son without appropriate care, thankfully both our families made sure he was well protected under your brother's rule, and Sakura's, your niece's, watchful and loving arms and eyes. You made love during my time. You thought of nothing about the evil that seeks to destroy you, and how that hatred will pass on through to your children.both my son, and Himeko's son."
"But.I." Inu no Taisho was stressed. He didn't know what to think. Was Setsuna saying all of this just to make him suffer for not being there when she died, at her funeral, for leaving Sesshoumaru alone with his family for six months after. If this was her attempt, He would fight it. He loved Setsuna, His Lady and the Queen of the Dogs, but He would not be foiled into guilt and pain because He fell in love again, albeit not as much as with Setsuna, and consummated that love - granted on the day of her memorial funeral service. "I.was alone."
"And in that you were cowardly." Setsuna spoke sternly. "Do you not understand that our enemies, the Cat Youkai, and other Youkai, see this as an opportunity to take over the Western Lands?! To take over and rule the Earth Plane?! They followed you! They watched you consummate! And some of them consummated themselves with other Youkai! They increased in number, while Inuyasha was born! Inu no Taisho, my Lord, and dear husband, listen to me - I have showed you some of the future - the fighting between brothers - the sadness and pain in both of them, and Inuyasha's and Sesshoumaru's loyal followers and friends. I did this for you to know that they both will battle hard because they do not know their place in your heart. They do not know what is going on with you - what is in your head and your heart. They wish to know you Inu no Taisho, and you push them both away. By leaving Inuyasha, and by leaving Sesshoumaru.You've done the same thing to both.scarring them in a way that may never fully heal. Inu no Taisho, I ask again.why did you do this? Why did you take a mortal mate?"
Inu no Taisho for once felt hopeless and defeated.He slump down onto his knees in transfixed sadness and misery. He was thinking of how He saw Sesshoumaru using His powers again Inuyasha, with a large fang shaped sword in his hand, ready to strike and kill. It kept playing over and over and over in His head. Tears started to trickle down his cheeks. Then He thought of Himeko, how He came into Her life, made love to Her, impregnated Her with a son, and then abruptly left, coming back with a full youkai step child, who never had appropriate introductions to Humans. Which Youkai truly have?! Sesshoumaru was mocked and He was an outcast amongst the people of Himeko's village. He would wish to play.but no one.not even the children.would wish His company. Himeko was unsure how to treat or act towards the young Lord youkai who suddenly came into her life. She was not cruel, but sometimes aloof, and left Sesshoumaru to His own devices, unless those devices disrupted her or were dangerous. Inu no Taisho realized that He was going totally on His desire, not His heart, not His mind, not His logic. No.Inuyasha was not a mistake, as He loved him dearly, like He loved His eldest so dearly.but the mating with Himeko.it should never have happened. "I.I see now."
"You only see part of it." Setsuna replied. "Think more about how our enemies followed you, how they now know of your weakness. Think about how hard it shall be for Sesshoumaru to become Lord of the Western Lands at such a young age. Think about how hard it will be for Inuyasha who is trapped between the Earth Plane and the Astral. He is a part of both in the physical, not just His spirit." She continued. It was harsh, her voice was snappy and growling at the same time, there was some compassion, but hard warning. "Heed me, Inu no Taisho, let me show you more."
In the oval above and in front on Inu no Taisho, as He watched, there was an image of a young girl in an orange and yellowish-cream cloth running and playing with the green toad youkai. In the background He saw his grown son Sesshoumaru not paying Her any mind, or so it looked that way. He sensed He was secretly watching her fun and amazed and amused by her. She was obviously human, or human raised.there was something fantastical about her.Could she be the one to break through to Sesshoumaru? Could she be the one to melt His heart? "Who is she?" Inu no Taisho asked.
"Her name is Rin." Setsuna spoke proudly. "Watch."
More visions came.visions of a Youkai marriage, and what looked like the same girl, only older, developed, and even more stunningly beautiful that Himeko! ::Rin.:: Inu no Taisho thought out load. ::Please save my son!:: He pleaded. The visions that proceeded were beautiful and spectacular.something that Inu no Taisho wished for Sesshoumaru.a union of the Western Lands and the Earth Plane in a sense.He had taken a human mate for wife and to be Lady of the Western Lands. He saw the eyes of Sesshoumaru and how they sparkled, He smiled, He was in grand awe at the beauty and the purity of His new mate.though He had taken care of Her since She was a young child.
Then the visions changed. "What's happening?" Inu no Taisho exclaimed. "This Rin!" He started, "she can help Sesshoumaru!"
"Watch."
The vision changed to Kagome and Sesshoumaru. Kagome, a beautiful young woman herself, is a miko. With flowing black hair, straight and shining, large awesome brown eyes, Kagome was a site for sore eyes, as her curiosity and her firm but caring and compassionate manner was just what the Western Lands needed for a Lady. She too was with Sesshoumaru in marriage. On and off Inu no Taisho could see Rin in the background.it was like as if the vision was saying She would and could or wouldn't and couldn't be there. That Sesshoumaru may not wish her there."No! Who is this? How can she help Sesshoumaru like this Rin woman? I see her, Rin, but she blinks in and out of the picture!"
"The other woman is named Kagome, a woman from the future, who can transverse through time to be with Inuyasha. She and Inuyasha have hard times, as Inuyasha does not know how to distinguish his feelings for a past love named Kikyo, whom he promised to protect from a future enemy named Naraku, and Kagome, who is an incarnation of the miko of the past, Kikyo." Setsuna sighed. "Much trauma both Kikyo and Kagome go through with Inuyasha as His quest to become more like you - more like His brother - a full fledged youkai - drives him near madness with such desire for power. I will show you this." Setsuna then trailed off as the picture changed in the oval.
Now the picture was of a beautiful long, black haired human, another miko. She did not look like this Kagome at all, and in fact, she was much more calm, and less fiery than the other. Incarnation or not, Kagome seemed to be what the Western Lands needed as Lady, as this Rin woman was who Sesshoumaru needed as His personal Lady.to melt His heart and bring forth His feelings. The miko was angry, she had her bow in hand, and she called out "Inuyasha" and let go of the bow's string, flinging the arrow straight towards the hanyou.
"NO!" Inu no Taisho called out and cried with tears pouring down his cheeks. "No! Inuyasha!" He tried to reach out to His son. Then He sat back and sobbed when He saw His son transfixed to a tree, and through the years the vision progressed as roots and vines covered him. He was dead? Or He slept peacefully? "Which, my beloved, which is it? Does He die?!"
"No."
Relief filled the heart of the King of Demons.
"He is under a powerful spell. It lasts 50 years and then Kagome comes and awakens Him from his slumber." Setsuna mentioned in a transfixed state herself.as if she was in deep, deep thought. "They fall in love, but there is a chance that Inuyasha will die before they can consummate their love, or they will grow apart. Inuyasha has quite the bratty and demanding attitude, Inu no Taisho. You and Himeko spoiled him very well. Something Sesshoumaru never had. Another reason for His bitterness you sense, but do not know." Setsuna was back to sounding stern and accusatory.
Inu no Taisho did not fight her words. ::My beloved.:: Is all He thought. After a few minutes of silence and contemplation on what He has been shown, He asked Her, "Is there no hope for us? What can I do to make things right?"
Setsuna was equally quiet for a while.then she spoke up, serious and hard, but compassionate and still with warning, "Train both Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha well. Make sure they both have something from and of you. That will protect them, which will someday show them that you truly had and do have love for them, which will be their destiny. Sesshoumaru may mean "Killing Beauty, Killing Perfection, and The Destruction of the Circle of Life", but that does not mean that He kills for pleasure or for fun, it means also that He stops what is not necessary, or what is tainted. We named Him. We both wanted this destiny for Him.to become greater than you and greater than I. As for Inuyasha, He will need all the protection He can get, from you, from himself, and from those youkai that are evil and seek not only his destruction, but Sesshoumaru's, Yours, Himeko's, both our families', and mine if I was still alive and with you. Give Him something that will teach Him about Himself, but also about How He is to be.or how you were. You love the humans. Then teach Him to love the humans too.and not be ashamed of either His youkai blood or His human blood."
"How do I do this, Setsuna?"
"You must figure that out yourself."
"But."
"No.I cannot tell you how or what to do in this case. What do you believe is closest to their hearts.what do you think is a feature that they remember or shall consider important enough to have?"
Inu no Taisho thought. He truly had no clue at the present time. He would have to think more about it. But he pushed that out of the way."Sesshoumaru.He's in such turmoil.What can be done? What am I to do? I do not want to see him butcher Himeko or Inuyasha, yet I do not want to see them butcher Him. I want brothers to be brothers and to live in peace and contentment. I made mistakes.I do not wish them to make the same ones."
"What is in their destiny is in their destiny, and what they choose to follow creates their own fate." Setsuna advised. "There is nothing you can do except train them, teach them love and patience and strength and benevolence, and then hope for the best."
Inu no Taisho felt hopeless once more.but then He looked towards the oval that was steadily beating and moving in and out while the center stayed static. The picture of Sesshoumaru with Rin and Sesshoumaru with Kagome.then came another vision, that of a pale woman with a regal bearing but a smirk always on her face, her black hair short and in an up do like a ponytail, there were feathers in her hair. She wore pearl earrings that dangled. She was beautiful. She too was featured in the marriage ceremony, where blinking in and out were both Rin and Kagome in the background. "Who is this?"
"Kagora."
::Kagora?:: Inu no Taisho thought. She would be a strong Lady of the Western Lands, but could she be trusted? "Who is she?"
"An incarnation or detachment of Naraku."
"What?!" Inu no Taisho had never heard of this.
"It is a long story, to tell you short, the miko you saw before with Inuyasha, who shot the arrow and put Him into slumber, Kikyo, helped to nurse a young thief back to life. He was so very seriously wounded, and kept in a cave for safety from the people and elements. Also he needed darkness. Her sister Kaede and she would come and go making sure that he was okay and dressing and redressing wounds and putting on salves and giving him pain remedies. It was going to be a long time before he fully recovered and healed. But his mind was twisted and evil thoughts ran rampant throughout his whole body. He was in love with Kikyo.and this love was not one of nature. He wanted her all to Himself, and vowed such that He would have her. A few hundred youkai of similar evil were awakened and drawn to his presence. He made a pact with all of them, and merged with them all, to create the future being called Naraku. This woman you see here is a part of Him.but she hates Him.and there is hope that She could become a strong, effective leader and Lady, and Her heart is not as fully tainted, and can heal."
Inu no Taisho was shocked by the visions He saw.of Naraku's birth, of Kikyo and Kaede helping the once human thief. The separation and creation, the birth, of Kagura. ::Such strangeness.:: He mentioned only to Himself. ::Kagura too could be an effective being for Sesshoumaru's progression.::
Setsuna was quiet, then she spoke again, "those three women are the women that most hold promise and hope for our dear Sesshoumaru. Rin, Kagome and Kagura. There is another, Sango.There are many possibilities.but the three I have showed you are the ones that hold the most healing prospects for dear Sesshoumaru." She sounded said.She was crying, Inu no Taisho could tell, though it was barely audible. His dog- ears picked it up right away.
"Setsuna.What is the meaning of telling me all this?"
"To save the Earth Plane and to save the Western Lands."
"Are we truly in so much danger?
"You still do not get it?!" Setsuna demanded. "Inu no Taisho, my dear Lord and husband, with your mating a mortal woman, you have connected the Western Lands with that Earth Plane. That in itself would be fine. BUT, you left your older young son alone and in misery and total confusion while you satisfied you lust, for whatever purpose - though you say it was out of loneliness. Then you take Sesshoumaru from His home, without choice, and take him to the home of a human woman about to give birth, who doesn't know how to react to a child youkai who was in desperate need of a mother. And, may I add that his cousin Sakura was the only other mother figure besides me that he had?! The biggest, the most horrible part of this all is our enemies. All the youkai that covet the Western Lands, and it's throne, that belongs to you and then to Sesshoumaru, followed you, watched you, seen you in your most vulnerable times.they know your weaknesses.and they see how it's affected Sesshoumaru. They keep watch over Himeko your second wife, and her hanyou pup, Inuyasha. They will attack! It's a matter of when! Now do you understand?" Setsuna was exausted. She didn't know what else to say to her once husband. He either understood these consequences or He did not. He was not careful on the Earth Plane, and He seemed to not care. It would not bode well for the families involved.it would not bode well for the Western Lands or the Earth Plane.at all.
Inu no Taisho slowly rose, gaining His composure. "Setsuna," He replied, " I will train our son to be the best youkai.better than I.better than you. He will succeed in His destiny, and He will be the great ruler of the Western Lands that I never was, no matter who says otherwise." He spoke well and with noble intent. His hand was on the sword at His side. "And I will train Inuyasha as well. I will teach both to be fine young men, and noble and true. To be loving and compassionate to each other. To be brothers and not enemies."
"We shall see, Inu no Taisho, we shall see."
At that moment Inu no Taisho awoke to a splash in his face from the now purified Sesshoumaru emerging from the water. Inu no Taisho looked at him and gave a short and low growl. "What was that for?"
Sesshoumaru smiled, "to wake you up. You were speaking about mother in your sleep." He dressed, but was smiling.something that Inu no Taisho had not seen for so long! "Thank you father, thank you for apologizing for not being there for me or for her." He was fully dressed and gave a bow of respect to His father.
Inu no Taisho looked away as tears swelled in His eyes. He let them fall. Then He turned back to His son. "Sesshoumaru," He changed to His human form, "it is time we proceed to the palace. I had a messenger say we'd be there by this evening." He looked up upon the rocky mountain somewhat in the distance. There upon it was a glistening palace of pristine noble blue and gold with scarlet trims. That was the Palace of the Western Lands.
"Father?" Sesshoumaru asked.
"Yes, my son?"
"Did you love my mother?"
Inu no Taisho cried, but choked back his sobs.He nodded and replied weakly "yes." He looked at His young man of a son. 10 years old now. It was time He grew up. And it was like yesterday He was only pitter- pattering around the palace and the gardens.Inu no Taisho was very proud, and very scared. Setsuna's voice had warning to it. What was the warning. The youkai that followed Him.were they truly powerful enough to get through Him? His sons? What could He give His children that they would hold fast to, that would remind them of Him.So many questions, so little time, He felt.
Sesshoumaru's own eyes softened, and he smiled, but no more. "Father, another question, do you love me in truth?"
Inu no Taisho was shocked by these questions.but then he realized what Setsuna had said. No, he was gone from Sesshoumaru's life for six months, and when He came back, He uprooted the child to a new home, a new mother, and a new brother on the way. He was uprooted to live amongst humans. Humans that neither wished or was too afraid to learn about Him and befriend Him. It all hit Inu no Taisho now. "My Kami, Sesshoumaru!" He exclaimed and sobbed, rushing for his son, embracing him tightly. "Yes! I love you more than all the world!"
Sesshoumaru smiled weakly. He returned the embrace. "Thank you Father." That was all He said.
Inu no Taisho wondered, ::But does He love me?:: That was a question maybe Setsuna could answer later. Maybe it was a question that would never have an answer, or there would be an unacceptable answer. ::Sesshoumaru.::