Chapter II: Sympathy
Have you ever had a nightmare?
The kind that makes you cry out in your sleep. It eats at you and robs you of rest and leaves you broken, shattered.
You can't forget, you can't have peace. It stays there, inside your mind, haunting you so badly that you're
Afraid.
And it feels as if…
Somewhere…
It was really happening…
***
She was having another bad dream.
He could tell. It was the second night she had been like this- unable to sleep. She was sweating-perspiration sticking dark bangs to her pale forehead. A twisted expression was on her face and lines of worry creased her brow. She turned again. A soft whimper left her lips.
Salt.
She was crying.
"Inu…yasha…"
"Shhh… It's okay," he whispered softly, lifting a clawed hand to stroke the damp ebony hair. "I'm right here."
***
He was powerful.
Life and death had been given to him- they both flowed from his hands.
But even he with all his power could not grant what she wanted.
And she was so tired.
So tired of wanting what she could never have.
But now, maybe now, she would come close. Not to what she wanted. No, that would never be.
But right now, she could have something.
***
They reached the cave.
The journey there was one made in silence.
From deep within the cave a light was visible. Fire. And near the flame, watching the red and orange glow as it devoured all that came near, was the one they sought.
Firelight danced over her face and shadows hid in its deep wrinkles. A gnarled toothless smile deepened the many creases. "So," she whispered. "They have come."
And the two presences entered the cave, both wearing identical expressions on their faces.
"Well, to what do I owe such a great honour?" She tilted her head downwards, strands tangled gray hair falling with the motion.
His golden eyes glowed- they sparked with the orange and yellow light and also a hint of annoyance. "You know why we have come."
"Yes, forgive me." The dark eyes danced. "You wished a demonstration."
He said nothing, again growing endlessly tired of the idiocy he had to deal with ever since he had agreed to help the undead wench.
With this body I am powerful. But imagine, what I could do with a living body. And of what use I could be to you.
Her words rang in his memory unwanted. Yes, he'd go along with this just out of curiosity for now.
The old hag seemed to understand his silence and got up and hobbled over towards the corner. She came back towards them, dragging something with her. He glanced at the miko. She was staring intently at the old woman, watching what was taking place.
And then it happened.
A strangled cry came from the haggard old woman. She clutched at her chest. Sesshoumaru watched with interest as she writhed with pain. Life breathed into a slender lithe young body as a heavier one, bent with age, fell to the ground.
And then a strange, foreign expression crossed his companion's face.
She smiled.
***
"Dammit."
She scowled. She was sick and tired of this. Of always having to run these errands while he just sat back and watched, laughing. Her mouth, painted a deep scarlet, twisted again into a frown. To watch the arrogant son-of-a-bitch do his own dirty work- that was what she would give anything for. The idea of turning the tables on Naraku, watching him flee at her every whim, was definitely amusing. Her lips curved upwards slightly, forming a fragile smile at the thought.
But within an instant, the thought vanished and the smile was replaced by a scowl. That day would not come soon- not while he still held so much power over her. It was sickening.
"Kagura…"Kagura snapped her attention back to the task at hand. Her thoughts were not even her own. His uninvited voice drifted into her mind, reminding her of what she was out here for. She squinted and swore again softly. She couldn't see anything from here. But any closer and Sesshoumaru would pick up her scent.
Sesshoumaru.
It didn't make any sense. What would Sesshoumaru have to do with the un-dead miko? He was not a man to help anyone nor to accept it from anyone else. Her hands tightened into fists, causing her nails to dig deep into her own flesh. What could they be doing all they way out here? She eased the feather forward lightly. She could make out the forms of the miko and inu-youkai but little else.
She smirked. Whatever they were doing, it was enough to put Naraku on edge. And that was enough to make her satisfied.
***
"It is done."
She held up her arms in admiration of what she had just done. It was impressive and she knew it.
"So," said the new youthful voice, "Is it pleasing?"
Sesshoumaru glanced at Kikyou out of the corner of his eye. The smile, if it had indeed been a smile, was gone now. Her pale countenance was blank and devoid of expression.
As much as he expected.
He narrowed his amber eyes at the sorceress. The demonstration had been flawless- too perfect for his liking. "What's the trick?"
Her eyes widened. "Surely you do not think that I would try to deceive you, my lord?" She turned to the priestess. "My lady, you must perceive that what I say is true?" Behind her, the torches sizzled, crackling with a fierce intensity.
Kikyou said nothing.
The craft user's lips tilted upwards in a smirk. "There is no trick…just a few…details…" She licked her lips slyly. "Those of which I couldn't discuss with non-paying customers…"
"Name your price."
***
They left the cave.
They were walking, in the same silence that they had come, side by side but not together. It was an atmosphere they were both accustomed to- they shared a proclivity for the stillness that comes from perfect quiet.
She was walking as if she weighed nothing, her movement graceful and effortless. Her serpents came to her side and winded themselves around her, just barely caressing her sides. She stopped walked and reached up long slender fingers to them. They danced under her fingertips, coming alive with her touch.
It was their means of communication, a silent language he couldn't understand and he had no desire to.
Suddenly, Sesshoumaru unsheathed Tenseiga. He pointed the blade at the undead woman, its edge at her throat. And yet-
She showed no fear.
Just as swiftly the weapon had been pulled, it disappeared. It had taken only an instant, but now he understood.
Gold eyes focused on her, studying her every movement.
This sword, Tenseiga, can release souls from the clutches of the underworld.
But you-
Your soul is already free.
Her face was bathed in moonlight, casting an unearthly glow around her. The beautiful features softened, turning into an expression that could only be described as sorrowful. As she stood there with that look on her face, he could feel…something. Something inside of him, an emotion he hadn't known was there.
She turned away and the feeling was gone. He watched her as she glided away, the shinidama-chuu slithering around her body. Dark hair swayed with every step, glimmering as silver light weaved its way into dark ebony.
She had already known.
Wordlessly, he followed her into the night.
***
The nightmare is happening…it's happening right now.
But I'm powerless to stop it.
***
Inside the small room, Inuyasha and Kagome slept, their arms wrapped tightly around each other.
Outside, the nightmare lived on.
***
AN: Heh, well…hi… ^o^;;
It's been a while. A really long while… *sweatdrops*
We're actually sort of moving along in the story (the chapters *will* get longer…eventually… o_O). Been so long, I hope there aren't any random OOC bits running around in this chapter.
Anyways, R&R- as always, praise, constructive criticisms, hell- even flames, are all accepted.
-Amethyst