Sorry I'm so slow... Anyway, thanks for reviewing and I hope you like the new chapter. In any event, in this chappie, Kikyo tells Miroku, Sessie, and Inu wants going on, Kagome goes to the and Kagome and Sessie... go on a date?! Hope you enjoy... Oh, another thing, Naraku's are NOT like the demons from the series. They're very, very, much NOT the same thing. Another thing, as far as I can see, I have no choice but to pair Sess with Kag (which was my original plan), Miroku with Sango, and Inuyasha with Kikyo (I KNOW lots of people don't like that). Although the Inu/Kik relationship will be in this chapter some, you guys still have a chance to change it. Here's the deal, the Ses/Kag thing is a definite, but I could always do something weird like pair Inuyasha with SANGO and put MIROKU with Kikyo. How weird would THAT be?! Well, if no one likes that idea, I'm sticking with Kikyo/Inuyasha. Sorry! Review and let me know if I/S M/K tickles your fancy.
*Disclaimer* Break my heart, why don'cha? Anyway, the characters are all Takahashi's, but the storyline belongs to me... You can thank my muses, Kachi and Rumi.
CHAPTER 5: In the Wake of Destruction...
Sit down, Kikyo said softly, and the three boys sat down around her kitchen table. I would offer you guys something to drink, but...
We're fine, Miroku said. Sesshou and Inu both seemed a bit preoccupied.
Kikyo sat down herself. She stared at the table.
Well, you had better begin, Sesshoumaru said cooly.
Well. Here we go... My family is descended from a long string of mikos. When Kagome and I were very young, the family decided that Kagome would go out into the world, and I would remain here to guard the shrine, learn the miko ways, and protect our heirloom... I don't suppose any of you have heard of the shikon no tama?
Sesshou breathed in sharply, but Miroku and Inuyasha looked rather clueless.
I take it you've heard of it? Kikyo asked.
Yes... The ancient jewel with extraordinary powers. It can grant any wish... Are you saying it actually exists?
Kikyo nodded solemly. Yes, and my duty was to protect it. Anyway, during my training, I sometimes visited another shrine... the Yauhno Shrine. It's deserted, but I found someone else there... Inuyasha. He was so different from anyone I'd ever known, not that I'd known many people... And I fell in love with him.
Sesshou and Miroku looked at the young man she was talking about. A solitary tear was sliding down his face.
Anyway... One day, I was there waiting for him, and I met a very different man... Naraku, also known as the Spider Lord. He seemed to sense something from me and seemed very interested. Then Inuyasha showed up, and he vanished. A few weeks later, a seemingly unrelated incedent occured. A women came to our shrine... Named Kagura. She seemed interested in all of our old stuff, and I let her explore a bit. But she snuck off and found the shikon no tama. I found her staring at it and ordered her to leave. Little did I know, she was working for Naraku.
Sesshou's face darkened.
Well... He came to the shrine himself to take it from me. I was completely unprepared, still in training. Kagome was at home, but she was hidden from our view. She grabbed a bow and arrow and, although she's only used one a few times, sent an arrow flying directly towards him. We were struggling, however, and it hit the tama instead. Kagome's power was so strong that it completely shattered the jewel, pieces flying in all directions.
Sesshou's eyes were wide with surprise... and admiration.
Kagome was shocked also, and she staggered back and fell, knocking herself unconscious. Naraku did not realize she was there. In fact, he believed that I had somehow shattered a jewel... He did not even know I had a sister. I was not strong enough... And he kidnapped me, after killing our parents. One other thing... Since I was to be the keeper of the jewel, my existence was a secret. Naraku believed there was only one daughter, Kagome. So he thought that I was Kagome. He planned to use me to collect the shikon shards, but I was most uncooperative. Also, because of my obvious miko powers, he wanted to use me for something else... Some rather dark experiments using my power... To fuel the creation of monstrosities. You see, you've seen Naraku's nightclubs... The parties, the music, the girls... What you don't see is what happens during the day. Most people think that Gumonoi is just a software company, but in actuality, it's got a whole different purpose that takes place in the basements. He has strange machiney that he uses to create monsters he believes can be used to, well, rule the underworld. Or maybe even more than that... He calls them demons. However, my miko powers are developed enough that I can shield them from exploitation. His machines could not utilize my powers without my consent... And I would NOT consent. If I had known... If only I had known... A great sadness seemed to overtake the miko.
Miroku reached out and gently placed his hand over hers. It's alright, he whispered.
Kikyo looked up, mildly suprised. I will continue... He was preparing a binding spell. An ancient practice in which one person becomes bound to another... Permanently. One person belongs to the other person... There is partial control over body and soul... One can never escape a binding spell... At least not without great difficulty. Naraku was skilled, and needed only a name to perform the spell. But he used the wrong name. He used the name Kagome.
Sesshou looked furious. What happens if Naraku dies? he growled.
Kagome would die as well. That is one of the most severse consequences of the binding spell.
But how did he find her? Miroku asked.
Well, after the spell, Kikyo continued, He knew he had somehow been tricked. However, Kagome had not been nearby at the time, and she had put up a simple shield spell so he could not sense her. Then, they brought in Sota... Our little brother. It was let him die, or reveal that I had a twin sister. However, even I did not know where she was. To my horror, she came of her own free will. She knew what had happened, and she offered herself in my place. I tried to stop her, I tried... Tears were brimming in Kikyo's stoic face. Now she belongs to him, and I train always to have the strength to free her. Kikyo sighed. The only one outside the family who knew of my existence was Inuyasha, so I wrote a letter to him, pretending to be someone else, explaining that I was dead. And that's it... He uses Kagome to find the shards, and to fuel his machinery. He finds her much more fun' than me, or so he said. Inuyasha... I'm sorry.
Sesshou was gripping the table in fury. That... bastard... he gritted out.
Sorry to bring this up, Miroku said. But, uh, what happened to Sota?
Kikyo looked down at the table. He's dead. She did not elaborate. She could not, and would not, explain. They didn't need to know about Sota's death, or the other part... She knew they bought everything she said, and everything she had said was true, but she had not told the whole story. She had left out a part... The dark secret that Kagome and Kikyo shared. The secret that tortured their dreams and weighed down upon their souls. Neither sister would ever tell anyone. It would remain hidded forever. There was no reason for anyone else to know...
I've told our story, Kikyo said. Now I want yours. What exactly are you to Kagome?
Sesshou looked up, almost seeming confused. What was he to Kagome? He did not know. I don't know... The day on the roof... She hid behind me to protect herself from Naraku.
She must have quickly put up a spell to shield herself from his sense also. Otherwise he would be able to sense her.
Anyway, she was behind me, but he was coming. So, she kissed me. And then he left, and she cried. Then she left.
Good going, budy, Miroku said, slapping his friend on the back.
Kikyo's eyebrows were arched. She kissed you... Did you kiss back?
Sesshoumaru did not answer.
Kikyo smiled, and it changed her face drastically, for it was not a cold smile but a warm blessing to the world, and Sesshou's breath caught slightly as he saw Kagome in that smile. I approve, she said. When this is all over... You had better not break her heart.
Sesshou stared at her stoically, his composure back in full, suddenly remembering why he never talked to people.
Inuyasha had been silent since their arrival, but a small smile appeared on his face. So, Kikyo, it wasn't that you, um, hated me or anything?
Kikyo smiled that warm smile again. Of course not.
Sesshou's eyebrows raised. And I want you to know, Kikyo, that I approve... But you can break his heart if you want.
cried three people. The mood had certainly lightened a bit. After all, one can only talk about such depressing things for so long.
Sesshou said, What are we going to do about all this?
Kikyo looked serious again. Well... It's going to be difficult, but...
Suddenly Kikyo's watch started to beep. She glanced at it. Oh shit! It's three o'clock. I'm going to be late!
Late for what? asked Miroku.
I have a meeting.
At three o'clock in the morning? asked Sesshou.
Yeah... With an informant of mine. She provides me with information about my sister. Her name's Sango.
Miroku's eyes lit up.
Kikyo stared at him. You know her?
Not really. She was at Naraku's club...
Yes, she works for him, and she feeds me information about Kagome. You see, she's Kagome's personal attendant, and she goes everywhere Kagome does. So, I figured she'd be the perfect one to get info from. It turns out that she hates Naraku and hasn't quit only so she can stay close to Kagome, because she worries about her. But anyway, I have to go... Come over here again tommorow at 7:00 in the evening... And go to school tommorrow. None of you should do anything suspicious.
I don't go to school, Miroku said with a smile. But I'm going to do a search and see what I can dig up about this whole mess.
A search? asked Kikyo.
Miroku's our resident computer genius, Sesshou said.
As the three guys filed out of the house, Sesshou remembered that they didn't have a car. We don't have our car here, but I can get the limo to leave the club and then... Wait, is there any danger that it will be followed?
Probably not. The club's definitely not closed yet, but people come and go all the time.
Sesshou pulled out his cell phone and called the limo driver. Then Kikyo got into her car and waved goodbye. See you guys. Um, Inuyasha? she said softly. You can come over at about 4:00, if you want.
He nodded and then Kikyo closed the door and drove away.
***
The car slid to a stop in front of Gumonoi software. The door opened and Naraku and Kagome climbed out. He slid his arm around her waist and pulled her to him, smirking at her obvious discomfort. They went inside and walked through the gigantic lobby, to an elevator at the back. They went upstairs, to Naraku's large and luxurious office.
Sit down, Kagome.
But, aren't we, uh, going downstairs?
Not yet.
Kagome sat down on the large couch and Naraku sat beside her. He grabbed her almost instantly and pulled her into his lap, kissing her insistently. Kagome knew that trying to pull away was useless, but she did it anyway. He pushed her down on the soft leather and held her hands above her head with one strong hand. His other hand unbuttoned her expensive shirt, while his lips were busy at her mouth. He then allowed them to travel down to her now exposed chest. For the time being, he left her bra where it was.
When Kagome's shirt was unbuttoned, he pushed against her, sliding both hands underneath her short skirt. She eeped and struggled, to now avail.
Naraku smirked. If I didn't like your struggling so much...
The phone rang. Naraku got up angrily and stormed over to it. he asked into the receiver. He turned to the girl, still lying on the couch. We have to go down now.
Kagome stood up, her face sad. They went to the back and Naraku pressed a hidden button on the nose of a painting of a noblewoman. Part of the wall slid back to reveal a hidden elevator. Kagome got inside, Naraku beside her, and she quickly buttoned up her shirt as they rode down to the basement.
When the door opened, a whole different world was revealed. The glass countertops, flower vases, expensive paintings, and royal carpets were gone. In place was machinery, and workers.
The two walked over to a man with a dark ponytail and shocking blue eyes. he cried happily. Naraku's eyes narrowed. It's so good to see you.
Kagome smiled weakly as the man she knew only as Kouga walked up and clasped her hands. Naraku, who was actually quite skilled in marshal arts, struck a quick blow to Kouga's hand, which drew back instantly.
Er, right this way, he said, as if they didn't know where they were going. The large machine was smooth and silver, and sort of resembled an electric chair. Kagome sat down, and Kouga adjusted the straps, placing the eye shield over her face. He flipped the switch, and Kagome cried out softly. Then she sat still, tears rolling down her cheeks. Only a little longer, she thought. Then, Naraku had promised she could go in for the second half of school...
***
Sesshou had gone into school about a half hour late. He had spent all morning practicing in the family dojo, working on his katana skills as well as his bare-handed attacks. He felt like ripping somebody to shreds. Somebody named Naraku. All he could think about was how much that bastard had made Kagome suffer. And she still had so much hope... He could see it in her eyes. She really was an extraordinary girl. Someday, maybe...
Sessie wasn't quite sure how he had really gotten himself this involved in everything, but he knew that he was going to stop Naraku's behavior. Stop it once and for all, perfrably by killing the bastard with his bare hands... Or a large sword.
Now Sesshou was sitting in a Physics class that was definitely a joke. He KNEW all this stuff. At least then he didn't have to pay attention. His thoughts drifted back to Kagome....
The lunch bell rang, and he headed up to the roof, thinking about how awful school really was... And how stupid. He opened the door, and froze.
Standing on the balcony, the sun caught in her hair, eyes gleaming and hair blowing in the soft wind, was Kagome. She looked breathtaking.
She looked over at him and smiled, and his heart seemed to lift up into the sky. How could a simple smile make him feel that way?
she said softly.
he said. Mind if I join you?
Not at all. Please do.
He walked over and stood beside her. After a few minutes of silence they walked over and sat on a bench together.
she began. Why were you there?
For you.
You must stop. I, I don't want you to get hurt.
I would rather die than let this continue.
Kagome turned to him sharply, her eyes shining with love and gratefulness. She could not believe this guy was doing all this for her. He was so beautiful... And she could tell he meant every word he said. I can't let you get hurt. You're... The first person whose really cared about me in a long time.
Sango and Kikyo seem to care about you.
Kagome smiled. You know what I mean.
Why can't you just run? I'll go with you.
A shudder passed through all of Kagome's body. I... can't. Something really bad will happen.
I don't want to talk about it. Anyway, I thank you for what you've done, but I want to know why you did it.
I don't really know. All I do know is that I can't stop thinking about you...
That's definitely mutual, Kagome said.
Listen, Kikyo and I, Miroku and Inuyasha too, we're going to rescue you.
That's so kind of you, but I'm afraid it's impossible. Kagome stood up and started to walk away, but Sesshou shot out an arm and grabbed her wrist.
Wait! At least, let me be with you.
Kagome smiled. What do you say we meet after school... At the old Grangeville House. They've got great ice cream.
***
Kagome walked into the ice cream shop to see the beautiful, white-haired senior sitting at a table. She walked over to him and sat down. I, Kagome Higurashi, have decided to grace you with my presense, she said with a genuine smile.
He raised a delicate eyebrow. Is that so? Well then I, the great Sesshoumaru, will return the favor.
She smiled and without missing a beat said: I will allow you to do so.
That got a slight chuckle out of him and she chuckled in response.
A waitress came over to get their orders.
Now, I only have about two hours, Kagome said softly, But I wanted to see you.
I wanted to see you also.
Kagome's breath caught as he smiled. He truly was beautiful... Not like Naraku, whose smirks had only the power to terrify and disturb.
They talked small talk for a few minutes, and then Kagome asked, So, what is your family like? Besides Inuyasha, of course.
Sesshou frowned. My father and mother are dead. I live with Inuyasha's mother...
Kagome's eyes widened. Oh, I'm so sorry.
It's okay. For some reason, he didn't mind talking to her about all this. My mother died giving birth to me, my father died about two years after Inuyasha was born... I heard about your family, and I'm sorry.
Kagome's eyes widened slightly. Thank you.
Her face was so expressive, Sesshoumaru thought, mirroring her every emotion. So perfect. Although her eyes were not an unusual color, they seemed somehow different on her. Filled with a purity and perfection that was almost unworldly.
Around most people, Sessou became cold as ice and they shrank up or ran away. However, she had not been phased by his ice the first time, and now he felt himself open in a way he never had been before. To most people, he was either a freak or a god. To Kagome... Maybe he was just himself.
If only it could always be like this, he thought to himself as he talked with Kagome about life. The more he learned about her, the more he liked her. Naraku, he thought to himself. You're about to lose your precious little shard-detector and energy-supplier.
___________
Well, did you guys like it? Sorry it took so long. Tune in next time, and keep watching for a special preview of the next chappie....
So... Do I know you?
The name's Miroku.
Miroku... YOU PERVERT!
Sorry! Sorry! Say, would you like to go to the old Grangeville House with me tommorrow?