Gomen, gomen, gomen!
I finished writing this chapter yesterday morning, but wouldn't post it
because my e-net connection is crap, and would only connect when * it *
thinks its necessary, and not a moment earlier.
I know its chapter four, but let Fanfiction have its way and call it chapter five, since my 'Note' has taken chapter fours' place.
I was rather enthused by the numerous reviews I received and when I sat down to write it, I was determined that I'll write a nice and long chapter, but I'm not sure if it'll all be as planned...
I kinda dislike Fanfiction a little. I mean, I lay my page out, all nice and neat, spacing whenever I feel like it and the 'beeping' Fanfiction messes it all up!
* Growls *
"Keh. I'm good anyway!"
Disclaimer: The story and the characters belong to the Notorious Rumiko Takahashi Kami Sama. And I don't claim them to be mine. For Kamis' sake...
And I finally got the damn batteries for my CD player. Now I'm sure the chapter will be better.
Here's chapter Five (aka Four...)
-Chapter 5-
"Softer Cries and Louder Whispers "
Inuyasha landed softly at the bottom of the well, just in time to see Yasunorus' feet disappear over the top. Growling quietly, Inuyasha remained hidden in the shadows until he was sure that they went inside the house, he was going to jump out of the well, when he sensed someone else.
He stopped, twitching his ears and sniffing. "I'm thinking too much!" He mumbled to himself, climbing out of the well. He noiselessly crossed the garden and perched himself on the roof on top of her bedroom, listening intently.
Kagome walked into the kitchen, followed by Yasunoru, who looked around curiously. The house was similar to the ones he was used to, but a lot better built and fortified. He made a mental note to ask her where they were after. She must be from a noble family, since the house had two floors and a lot of decoration. But the clothes were as weird as were Kagomes.
Kagome was slightly nervous because she was sure he would think lowly of her, because her house wasn't new or big, and the effect was tripled after staying in Sesshoumarus luxurious castle.
Her whole family was assembled in the kitchen, having a dinner. "Konbanwa!" She cried, beaming at her mother, wondering how she will react to her new... Pet. Her mother got up, widening her eyes. "Kagome? Dear? You're early! Ogenki des ka?" "Hai!" Kagome flashed her a toothy grin. "Genki des!"
She turned to her silent companion. "Mum, this is my new friend." Yasunoru bowed, "Watashi wa Yasunoru des." "The honor is all mine," she replied as the etiquette demanded, and bowed slightly. She smiled. "It is a long time since I have come across a youth with such fine manners." 'Not to mention hanyous...'
Yasunoru inclined his head, his bangs sliding to brush his well-chiseled features.
(HONESTLY! I find myself describing guys of any description so soppily...One might as well think I'm ... * face turns green * Keh. It's not my fault that all youkai posses this unearthly beauty, it's Kamis. He's the one who created them!)
"Please, join us!" Said Kagomes mother, waving towards the table and sitting her self down but noticing the nasty looking scythe, her features hardened a bit. "Could you please, leave... that in the hall?" She asked politely, eyeing the piece of armor doubtfully. Yasunoru hardened for a second, but then noticed Kagomes... Very speaking look, and hurried off to lean it next to the wall and took a spot between Kagome and Souta.
"Wow!" Cried Souta, finally unable to hold himself.
"You are so cool!" he said, looking at Yasunoru with admiration in his huge brown eyes.
Inuyashas' ear twitched. 'Little traitor.'
"Your ax type thing is so much cooler than Inuyashas old rusty sword!"
Many things happened at that moment: Inuyasha fell off the roof with a loud * Thump *, Kagome stiffened and sweatdropped. Yasunoru sweatdropped. A falling star flashed across the evening sky. Rin made a wish. Kikyou sighed. Sesshoumaru found out the news that Orito was so scared to tell him.
The great Fire Birds set out for the Dragon Himes castle.
An old, bloodthirsty ghoul that was sealed deep inside the great stone comb beneath the palace of Taihen awoke with one thought on his mind... Revenge.
*
Souta looked at Yasunoru.
"Tell me, are you Kagomes new boyfriend?"
Silence fell over the table.
Mrs. Higurashi looked at her daughter, who has lately become very distant, she looked weary and her eyes looked as those of an old woman, tired, sad and knowing... With a distant faraway look in them, and... Pain. She shifted her gaze to the young youkai before her, a slight blush was taunting his cheeks. She sighed. "Young one, it is rude and insensitive to say things like that." He chided Souta softly. "I'm merely the Lady's guard." Though he doubted his position very much.
Out side, Inuyasha was twitching his hands and staring at the ground beneath him. 'N-New BOYFRIEND?!"
All attention was turned to Kagome, who got up, her head low, and walked up the stairs. Yasunoru furrowed his brow, and looked at the girls' mother, she smiled sadly and nodded. He got up and followed her upstairs, wondering what to do now. Kagome got into her room, looking around it, boy, had she missed this place! She smiled at the mess. Usually, it annoyed her, by pointing to her horrible messy nature, but now it seemed so cozy and comforting. Big places always made her feel out of it, and her small, messy room was just perfect, just enough space for her computer and drawings.
She fell on her bed, face down and sobbing pressed her face deep into the pillow and screamed.
A thin layer of ice coated both the youkais heart, though not reaching the occupants downstairs. As she screamed, the hairs on the back of their necks rose in horror.
'What unearthly pain would make the girl scream so?' One of the two males watching her knew, but the other, who was responsible for it, was thinking that it was something to do with either his horrible onii-san, or the feline who was currently standing next to her.
As her scream subsided, he sat on the bed, next to her hip and put his hands on her shoulders, causing Inuyashas hair to bristle.
'Who does that cat think he is? Touching * my * Kagome like this?'
Kagome gave a jump at the gentle touch, and sat up. "Gomen." She said, rubbing her eyes, in attempt to push the tears away. "You just scared me, that's all." She sighed, trying to ignore how intimate his hands felt on her shoulders. 'I think too much of my self. Why would a youkai like him ever like me? He has just lowered himself to comfort me...' She reassured herself.
"Why do you always apologize?" he asked her earnestly, pushing the hair out of her eyes, which has now become some sort of a habit. "Why do you always care about those around you and not yourself?" Kagome opened her mouth to say whatever she was going to say, but he placed a finger on her lips, silencing her.
Inuyashas face turned to an angry, twitching grimace. 'Teme...'
Yasunoru traced her bottom lip with his finger, causing her to widen her eyes and shiver at the soft touch. "Ya-" but he didn't let her finish. He needed her; he couldn't stand the thought of leaving her and going back to his old, monotonous life. Fighting. Killing. Guarding. Always doing something that was of little or no importance to anyone, especially himself. How could this miko actually never care about herself? He couldn't imagine living without her smile or her gentle touch.
It was a need of both body and soul... A gaping chasm that never ceased. After being caught high up in his mountains and made into a killing device, it always grew. No one, but no one made him feel this way. He faintly remembered his mother... But that was many years ago. The women Sesshoumaru provided him when he was growing, however beautiful, never made him feel this way. He only felt guilty using them, seeing their pretty faces as they all as one tried to please him, unable to tear away their gaze from his handsome face.
He desperately shook the memories away, no, it was not what he wanted Kagome around for! She was a friend... The only person whom he could actually call a friend.
He leaned closer, unable to resist her sweet scent that made him feel peaceful and safe, tracing his right thumb over her neck and collarbone, "Kagome..." He whispered, feeling that she relaxed a bit at his caresses. Her eyes were half closed. He felt her soft breath on his lips.
The window flew open with a loud * BANG * and Inuyasha was standing next to the bed, his Tessaiga drawn and transformed. "TEME... Get your ******g hands off her!" He shouted, swishing his sword and making a small gash on Yasunorus cheek He brought his right hand to it and then looked at it, covered in blood. He slowly got up, his eyes turning bright yellow, almost white. Inuyasha stared in horror at how angry he made the guard. He was known well for his military skills and his never-ending patience. "You." He said, "You don't deserve to live. Look what you did to this woman. She is broken." He said pausing, the hatred was so thick in the air that it seemed heavy. "You worthless piece of dirt. And you come claiming her as your own! How dare you!" He spat, stretched his hand and the scythe appeared in it, glinting menacingly. "The dead priestess' stench is all over you, Hentai! And you come claming her, as if she is your property!"
At the word 'hentai', Inuyasha woke up, "Look who's talking! You were slobbering all over her, you bastard!" Yasunoru narrowed his eyes, "I was merely tying to comfort the lady!"
"Get-out!" Yasunoru whispered, so much anger and ice lacing his words that Kagome was starting to feel nauseous. She had no idea how much Yasunoru thought of her.
Inuyasha smirked. "Scared? You big softy! You are just scared to face me!"
Yasunoru felt the liquid hate pounding in his veins. What wouldn't he give to sink the glinting blade into the grinning hanyous throat. Anything. Save Kagome.
Inuyashas eyes widened, and the smirk hadn't completely died from his face when the merciless point of Yasunorus' scythe buried it self in his right shoulder, causing him to drop his sword, clutching at his shoulder.
Kagome jumped off the bed and gave a muffled scream, not wanting any of her family members to come up. She hang onto Yasunorus waist, making stiffen even more.
"STOP!"
Yasunoru looked at Inuyasha, his soft caramel color coming back to his eyes. "Be thankful, puppy! I wont kill you just yet. Get out!"
Inuyasha looked at Kagome, "Kagome... Toshte?..."
"Go away, Inuyasha."
Inuyasha picked up his sword and jumped out into the night, blood dripping on the windowsill.
Yasunoru untangled the crying girl from him and sat her down on the bed. "I'm sorry, Kagome-sama, I couldn't help it." "Its ok, Yasunoru." He never particularly liked her toying with his name, but now, when she used his name properly, it felt like he received a blow in his chest.
He scooted closer to her, hugging her, but she pulled away. "Thank you for helping me, but I think that Sesshoumaru is probably worried about you. You should go." Although she put as concern, it was obvious she didn't want him around any longer.
He sighed, "Well, farewell, Kagome-sama." He said and jumped gracefully out of the window.
He reached the well, and looked at its gaping emptiness, feeling someone else's presence. Deciding that it was either the temple or simply his upset feelings, he jumped down the well.
He climbed outside, and was pulled upwards harshly.
The last thing that he saw, was a pair of shining, pale yellow eyes.
Sesshoumaru let his guard drop on the ground, looking at the still convulsing heart in his hand. Hot blood was tickling down his arm, staining his white haori.
The color of his eyes went slowly back to normal, as he watched the youths' mouth open and close before relaxing. He frowned, dropping the guards' heart on the ground next to its owner.
The guard betrayed him.
And paid the price.
He smelled the air. Although his poison, that was slowly gnawing at the hole gaping in the pale chest blocked out most of the smells, he could make out that the humans sweet scent was all over him. His feelings were straying into unknown to him territory, making him feel uncomfortable. Was that... Jealousy?... No way. And pushing back the disturbing thoughts, he fled to his castle.
Abruptly, the clouds rolled back, and the bright moon shone down on the grisly scene, turning everything to black and white.
White skin. Black blood.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Orito was running an errand he was given, he was to go down deep under the castle and retrieve the Inutaishos armor for his Master. He had already retrieved his sword from the burial place, but the armor was hidden deep under the castle.
We walked into the tunnel, and gasped. This was his first time inside the stone comb, and it was extraordinary. Like a massive wood wasps' nest, full of chambers and tunnels. The wind murmured and groaned as it passed through, and the tunnels gaped like open wounds.
Orito shivered uneasily. The stone comb seemed almost to be alive. Mistress' Rins' emphatic words came back to him, 'The bloodthirsty Ionaga no Sugu is asleep under the castle, waiting for someone to unleash him from the seal Sesshoumaru-samas father put on him.' He never thought he'd remember something of the sort. "It's just a silly story!" He said out loud, laughing at himself, yes, the monstrous Ionaga was not just a matter of legends. He had seen him. Those empty eyes. The reason he became a soldier was to find him and avenge for his little sister. He shuddered, unable to block out the unwelcome memories.
* * * flash back. * * *
His little sister, Kii, was out in the garden, picking the yellow flowers she loved to well, her short, red curls were dancing on the wind, framing her smiling, round face. Orito had just come back from training, and was sitting on the steps of the house, watching his little sister. She was the only person he had in this world.
He never knew his mother, and Kiippons' mother, who was human, died in throes of childbirth, as it usually happened when a hanyou was born. Their father was always away, only coming to check on them once or twice a year. So they were like a family, she was only a few years younger than him, but was short and cheerful, always finding a smile for anyone in distress.
And then it happened. One summer night. He heard muffled sounds from her bedroom and hurried there at once, to see her sitting up in her bed, staring at him. "Kii-chan, are you okay?" He asked, walking up to her and sitting on the floor before her. "Onii-chan..." She whispered in a strange voice, avoiding his eyes, she then reached forward and stroked his bare chest, in a manner that no sister should touch her brother.
Orito furrowed his brow, not fully into what was going on, until she reached up and kissed his white lips with her rosy ones. Orito jumped up, fear seizing his heart in its iron clutches, "Kii? What's wrong?" He cried, shaking her slightly.
She lifted her head slowly, revealing white, bottomless eyes, smirking a little and licking her lips. "You taste nice... * Onii- chan * ..." She then threw back her head and laughed a horrible, blood chilling laugh.
That was when he realized. "Ionaga no Sugu!" Every one knew of the monstrous creature who could take any shape that it wanted. The creature stopped laughing and looked at him. "Yes." It grinned, getting up.
And then it disappeared, biting him on the ear slightly and slashing a claw along his left cheek. "We'll meet again... * Onii- chan *
* * * end flashback * * *
He stopped before two tunnels, rubbing the scar that was still there, wondering why it never healed, thinking which one he should take, although it was absolutely dark, thanks to the fact that he was a youkai, he could make out almost all the little details.
All the while, the stonecomb echoed with curious groans and breathy murmurs. 'Could they really be caused by the wind alone?' Orito found himself wondering.
Choosing the one on his left, he went slowly down the ascending stone floor. It was the end of a relatively clear stretch of tunnel that Orito caught a glimpse of someone walking. He frowned. What could this mean?
There was only one way to find out.
So he continued walking onwards, reaching a small, about the size of his masters study cave in the end of the tunnel. Sighing, and thinking that he must've imagined, he turned around to leave, but someone was standing in the tunnel, preventing him from exiting. Oritos' red eyes widened at the person standing there.
"Sesshoumaru-sama?" He asked, walking towards the lord, "I thought you left the castle on business, why did you come down here?"
The lords nostrils quivered, his tongue darted round his lips...
"Sesshoumaru-sama?" Orito recoiled as a terrible thought occurred to him.
"Sesshoumaru-sama?" he said "Is it really you?" Sesshoumaru smiled slyly.
"Well, of course, my dear... Onii-chan." He said, stepping closer to the petrified with fear Orito. "So we meet again." He sighed, putting his arms around Oritos waist. "And you haven't changed the tiniest bit..."
Orito gulped. "You monster!" Ionaga no Sugu smiled, tightening his deathly embrace around Oritos waist and pressing his lips to Oritos pale throat. "I'll take that as a compliment..." He purred, breathing in Oritos fear and soaking it in... He is so hungry after his long sleep. "You-you filth, get your hands off me!" Writhed Orito in the passionate grasp of his masters' arms. He didn't know anything about the creature, including the fact that it couldn't hurt his prey. Physically.
He lived on strong emotions like fear and anger.
And left his toys scarred for life.
"What did you do to my sister?" He growled, trying to turn away from the sticky monster, in the form of his master. He lifted his white, dazed eyes to meet Oritos red ones. "Your sister?" He nibbled on Oritos jaw, "I didn't do anything to her." He smirked, lowering his hands to roam Oritos lower back. "But if you let me...I'll tell you what happened." He growled slightly, grinding his hips against Oritos.
"NO!" He struggled, and finally managed to break free, but he was trapped in the cave, with the ghoul standing in the tunnel, breaking off any of his attempts to escape. "There, there... It doesn't feel at all that bad..." "NO!!" The monster shrugged, "Fine, have it your way. But don't come crawling, begging me for it instead of what I'll do to you." His tongue flickered again, tasting the air.
Oritos eyes widened in fear. 'What could be possibly worse that that?' Ionaga no Sugu smirked. "Oh, you'll find out soon enough." Orito widened his eyes. The monster chuckled. "Oh, yes, I can read what's going on in that pretty head of yours."
His features started shrinking, changing, until before him stood his little sister. "No.." Kii let out a terrible screa and staggered back, flapping wildly at he head. She screamed a second time-a savage cry that chilled Orito to the bone- and struck out frantically at the air around her. "Yamete! Yamete!" He cried, unable to tear his eyes away from the gruesome, pitiful scene. "Yamete..." He saw blood trickling down from the gash on her scalp. Another cut appeared on her shoulder, and yet another on her back. The blue kimono turned to violet as the blood spread. And still she writhed and screamed and lashed out at her inseen assailant.
Orito stared aghast. He would have helped if he could, but there was nothing, absolutely nothing at all- that he could do. He had never felt so useless in his life.
In his horror, he had already forgotten where he was, and * who * was in front of him.
Suddenly, he saw her clutching at her neck, blood gashed out between her fingers. She whimpered softly, collapsed, and lay twitching horribly.
And then she fell still.
Oritos eyes were huge and staring, "no-no-no-no..." He kept repeating, staring at the merciless ghoul, who with mortal accuracy picked his images, dead Kii, dead Rin, dead Yasunoru... Sesshoumaru writhing in pain, his skin peeling away as the flames licked at it.
Ionaga no Sugu toyed with the Dragon until his eyes became empty and bottomless like his own, He then turned to look exactly like Orito, save the warm, red eyes, and leaving a soft kiss on Oritos half open, bloodless lips, left to find his next target. The man whom the dragon respected and loved so much, and whose father sealed him.
(Now, Orito loves Sesshy as a friend, not THAT way. He's straighter than straight.)
* * * * *
* * * * *
Sesshoumaru went into his little Rins room, to find that she wasn't asleep, although it was probably already past three in the morning.
She was sitting on the balcony, her little hands on her knees, swinging back and forth, singing. He stopped.
"Sesshoumaru-sama is like the stars above, always there, always comforting Rin when she is sad.." She sang in her high, clear voice, which rang across the night, warming the coldest hearts of the soldiers on duty, making them smile. "I will always wait for him, in the night in the wind, in the summer and the storm, I will wait for him, until he's home..." She broke off, blinking her huge, brown eyes, and rubbing them with her little fists.
Sesshoumaru felt calmed by the sweet, innocent voice,
He was about to silently leave, when he smelled... Rin was crying? He frowned and walked up to her from her behind, her little form silhouetted against the full moon in the sky.
"Rin." The child jumped and turned around, her sadness and fright evaporated instantly, as she ran up to him and hugged his legs tightly. He picked up the child, which weighted close to nothing and walked over to the balcony. Her big, brown eyes were focused on his golden ones, "Sesshoumaru-sama!" She said, snuggling up to him. "Rin is so happy that Sesshoumaru-came!" She whispered, just enough for the dog demon to hear her.
He sat on the wooden railings, his position giving him the opportunity to see far out across the land. Rin sat up on his stomach, carefully, but slightly clumsily tucked his white hair behind his pointed ears and beamed at him. "Rin, why were you still up?" He asked her. A slightly sad look came across her angelic features. "Rin feels like something bad is happening..." She said, looking up at the stars, pressing a small hand to her chest. "Rin feels bad." She said. He turned her face with one clawed finger, so it would face him. "Rin, don't worry. Go to sleep." Rin blinked. "But Rin doesn't want to sleep." Sesshoumaru stroked her silky cheek, "You have to sleep to grow, or else you wont grow and Jacken will always have to look after you." He said seriously.
"Haiii... Sesshoumaru-sama!" She cried and settled down her small head on his chest, hugging his hand to her little form.
Taiyoukai of the west gazed at the child sleeping on his chest.
Will the girl look at him with the same warmth if she knew how many people he'd impaled on the ends of those deadly claws? The begging cries for mercy that had come from whoever was pinned at their end, their answer being only the soft squelching sound as the merciless claws were driven home?
He was amazed at how scared of the answer he was.
And there was something missing from his life. What was it that bothered him?...
Oh. A smile. The sweet scent of a small, dark head that leaned onto his chest, when he carried her... Just like the girl that was sleeping on his chest right now. But different.
He inhaled the cold, nights' air and wound his tail around the little girls slumbering form, unaware of a second Rin, who was standing on the very brim of the roof, gazing at him with empty, white eyes...
*********************** ************************ **********************
Kagome awoke drenched in sweat. Why can't she stop seeing those nightmares? She was afraid to move, the heavy feeling in her chest, making her muscles tense and vibrate. It felt like her chest was packed tight with cold sand... Every night, the dream was almost the same. Her hands, drenched in blood.
Kikyous blood.
Dead, staring eyes.
She rolled over to her left side to look out of the window, feeling like any moment someone would jump inside. 'Man, I feel bad. Shippou, Sango and Miroku are probably all worried about me...' The annoying conscience kept nagging her until she gave in to it, 'Fine, fine! I'll go back tomorrow and say bye to them all!' And with that, she fell asleep, and a figure, merely a shadow, watched her sleep, and then disappeared through the wall.
*
Kagome stood over the well, trying not to think about the dead miko she will have to meet. She had her hair in a neat ponytail, determined not to look worse than the Priestess.
She jumped into the well, just like so many times before that, and emerged on the other side, thanking Kami that she didn't have her bag with her.
She swung her legs over the side and stood up, but stepped on something she fell down...
"Itaiii..."
Kagome screamed in horror and recoiled. She was lying on Yasunorus dead body, the surprise etched on his handsome, but now dead, gray face, and a huge hole in his chest. Kagome stood up, shuddering, and screaming... She recognized the green poison on the corpse.
The co all ran up to her, stopping around the corpse and the wailing miko. "No, no, no!" She swayed back and forth, burying her face in her palms. "It's all..." But before she could say her favorite phrase, a memory of yesterday flashed through her mind, only making her scream louder than ever.
In the end, Miroku picked her up and carried her to Kaedes hut.
Kikyou was the only one who remained standing near the well, looking at the dead youkai, and feeling the sadness of his departure. One thing was obvious; he had slipped beneath the silvery surface of the Sanzu River, not leaving so much as a ripple of grief, save one soul.
She sighed, tears welling up in her sad eyes as she imagined that the next person she might see in the same state might be Inuyasha... She sniffed softly; mentally scolding her self for letting her emotions roam free. She felt two arms on her shoulders, feeling comforted, and leaned back into them, falling backwards on the ground. What the?.. She looked around her, for a moment noticing a dark shadow slip away behind at tree.
The jaki was so faint... But yet familiar... 'No. It cant be!' She gasped. Naraku was dead! Wasn't he?...
Inuyasha ran up to her, picking her up gently. "Kikyou! Are you ok?" He asked, stroking her hair, and looking into her brown eyes.
"Yes, Inuyasha. I'm fine." She answered, sighing and pulling him closer to herself. She had what she wanted, didn't she? 'Why am I sad then?'
'Because it's not what you want.' Said a voice in her head. 'In order to discover your destiny, you must follow * me *.' It hissed and died away.
Kikyou wanted to shrug those memories away, the dreams that haunted her. Her killing Kagome. She shrugged, making Inuyasha hold her tighter. 'I'll never do that!' she had already made the girl suffer a lot. She felt sorry for the girl. But not sorry enough to give Inuyasha up...
She just wanted the girl to leave, go back to where she belonged. And leave her and her dreams alone.
When the girl was well enough to speak, she got up from the bed and grabbed Sango by the shoulders. "Sango-chan! Please, can I borrow Kirara?" She asked, with tears in her eyes, But before Sango could so much as open her mouth, Kirara, seeing the girls' distress, jumped unto her lap. Sango grinned. "I guess it's a yes."
Moments later, Kagome was flying through the ice-cold air, her jaw clenched and her mind set on what she had to do, no matter where she looked, however, the vision of the dead man- His eyes wide in surprise and staring, his mouth half open... And the gaping hole in his chest.
Kagome shook her head vigorously, sending tears flying and dripping onto Kiraras' fur, and almost immediately turning to little icicles, due to the height they were flying at.
She * will * do what she has to!
The sun shone down in an innocent manner, the birds sang, and sakura blossomed, but Kagome was oblivious to her surroundings.
She ran past a very surprised guard and ran up to Sesshoumarus' study, to find it empty. She ran around the corridors, yelling, until Haoko came running to her.
"My Lady! You are back!" Kagome didn't have time for her usual politeness, "Haoko-sama, please tell me where Sesshoumaru is!" She cried, wringing her hands helplessly. Haoko could see from the girls face that it was a matter of emergency, and without asking further questions, she led the girl to Rins room.
Kagome burst in, causing Rin to wake up and look around quickly, turning her little head in search of the intruder.
Finally having spotted her she started jumping up and down Sesshoumarus stomach, causing him to wince at the need to visit... A private place. So he let her down, squealing with joy. Rin was running towards Kagome, but stopped abruptly. "Why is the lady sad?" She asked, but Kagome ran past her and barged into Sesshoumaru.
Sesshoumaru raised his eyebrows, so they disappeared under the silvery bangs completely. Kagome barely reached his collarbone, and was holding on to him, wailing.
Sesshoumaru was torn between grabbing the tempting red handle of the Toukijiin and swishing it through the annoying human, and pulling the girl closer to him, and comfort her. But both desires were equally strong...
*
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Just a little piece of info, for those who are uncertain.
Ionaga no Sugu: Is a ghost of a youkai that feeds mostly on fear and hate. He was sealed deep under the Taihen castle, when came to terrorize its inhabitants. But for some strange reason, he broke free, and was now out for revenge. He can take any shape he wants, and use it to mentally attack its prey. It cannot harm anyone physically, but usually kills them mentally, leaving them drained of all emotion and thoughts, save unending dread. And he has some kind of a crush on Orito. In case you haven't noticed.
*
Dragon Hime: Is the shojin of the dragons at the time, she is planning to attack Sesshoumaru and take over the land, she is the daughter of the past shoji who attempted to do that before, but failed, losing a great portion of his small army in the process.
*
Phoenixes: Come on, you know, but I'll tell you the part they hold in the story. They lived high up in the mountains, driven there by the same Inu Taiyoukai. They were forced to give up the valleys they loved so well and move into the always-cold mountains. But they are the dragons' allies and are now coming to their aide to destroy Sesshoumaru.
Every one believes that he has grown weak, and does not own an army, unaware of the soldiers he trained and acquired all the time, forming a reasonable sized but unbeatable army.
*
If you are unclear of something, please don't hesitate to tell me. I'm certain I may be unclear in some parts...
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Wow. That was quick. It seemed that I had just started the chapter, and it ended.
Tell me what you think of it! * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Anyone seen my pix? What do you think if you did? In case you guys are interested, I might draw Orito, since he'll stay around for a while, Disregarding his new state.
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Waizu Yoru Ame Otome: Night Rain Girl, Right? I don't think I get the 'Waizu' part, unless it's 'wise' in Japanese pronunciation. Thank you, it's an honor, to have you as a sister! Thanks for the yummies, they were right on schedule! 'Coz I ran out of my own supplies... And I send you back some yummy stuff, too. Now, lets see... What is yummy... Rin, Shippou, Kirara... But I'll just send you some vanilla ice cream, whole nut chocolate and... Vanilla fudge. Hope you like. ^_^ Thanks for looking at my pix, I can only keep up to 4 or 5 images there, so I 'reload' all the time. And its SO unfair! Some ppl come and say, "Are you sure u not gal? You draw too good" * growl growl- growl *
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Bad_Girl14: Yeah... Though I'm afraid that this chapter will disappoint you... VERY afraid, but keep in mind. * Only * this chapter. ^_~ Read on and tell me what you think! Thanks for reviewing!
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Blue Phoenix4: Gee, thanks. I'll keep that in mind, all the best men are dead... And I'm not feeling that good my self, either! Please tell me whenever I go astray! Thank you for reviewing!
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Scorpio chick103: Dear, thank you... Yep. Inuyasha' s in town, he's gonna wear d crown... And he's MUCH worse than Godzilla... That's my personal opinion, but they might be the same if you compare the destruction scale...
DemiPreistess: Wow, that was nice! Thank you so much for the review, I'll try to update soon. In fact, I'm planning to update every day, or every other day. Unless the net is crappy. Like it happened with this chappy.
But that's probably only until the exams start... They've already invaded my personal space. And I hate when people do that, without my permission. Thank you for being 'devoted'!
Your devoted... Err... Fanfiction author?...
* sigh *
PS- I love your name. ^_^
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Triniprincess89: Thank you! I'll try to write the next chapter sooner! I think I mentioned it earlier, I'm a very slow writer... I'm glad you liked it. ^_^ Keep reviewing!
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Melanie: It makes me glad to think that someone appreciates my effort. And I appreciate yours in return! Yes, yes, I'll try and update quickly. Thanks for reviewing!
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Ioka: I'm VERY glad you like it! Reviews like yours make my chapters longer and better! Remember, the more reviews, the better the chapter! ^_~ Thanks!
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Kuraii Koneko: Thank you for the yummies and ice cream! * licks lips * they were delicious! Glad you like it, and thanks for the long review! You like Kouga? Sugoi... Yeah, he's cool. If only I had the Shikon shards in my hands, for fast typing... And in my legs, I wont have to waste money on taxis or time... ^_^' Any way.... Hope you like the chapter, and tell me what you think of the next one!
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Chadaphilaro: I'm afraid I've answered your review all too good in this chapter... Well, we did have Yasunorus reaction, even though just the tiniest bit. Thank you for reviewing!
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Aznfangurl16: Thanks for the review! Yeah, I guess Japanese is not such a good idea, I'll stick to normal, only inserting Japanese when it's either kawai or sugoi or whatever... ^_^'
Well, thanks for reading!
Saioonara!
Taihen Sama
I know its chapter four, but let Fanfiction have its way and call it chapter five, since my 'Note' has taken chapter fours' place.
I was rather enthused by the numerous reviews I received and when I sat down to write it, I was determined that I'll write a nice and long chapter, but I'm not sure if it'll all be as planned...
I kinda dislike Fanfiction a little. I mean, I lay my page out, all nice and neat, spacing whenever I feel like it and the 'beeping' Fanfiction messes it all up!
* Growls *
"Keh. I'm good anyway!"
Disclaimer: The story and the characters belong to the Notorious Rumiko Takahashi Kami Sama. And I don't claim them to be mine. For Kamis' sake...
And I finally got the damn batteries for my CD player. Now I'm sure the chapter will be better.
Here's chapter Five (aka Four...)
-Chapter 5-
"Softer Cries and Louder Whispers "
Inuyasha landed softly at the bottom of the well, just in time to see Yasunorus' feet disappear over the top. Growling quietly, Inuyasha remained hidden in the shadows until he was sure that they went inside the house, he was going to jump out of the well, when he sensed someone else.
He stopped, twitching his ears and sniffing. "I'm thinking too much!" He mumbled to himself, climbing out of the well. He noiselessly crossed the garden and perched himself on the roof on top of her bedroom, listening intently.
Kagome walked into the kitchen, followed by Yasunoru, who looked around curiously. The house was similar to the ones he was used to, but a lot better built and fortified. He made a mental note to ask her where they were after. She must be from a noble family, since the house had two floors and a lot of decoration. But the clothes were as weird as were Kagomes.
Kagome was slightly nervous because she was sure he would think lowly of her, because her house wasn't new or big, and the effect was tripled after staying in Sesshoumarus luxurious castle.
Her whole family was assembled in the kitchen, having a dinner. "Konbanwa!" She cried, beaming at her mother, wondering how she will react to her new... Pet. Her mother got up, widening her eyes. "Kagome? Dear? You're early! Ogenki des ka?" "Hai!" Kagome flashed her a toothy grin. "Genki des!"
She turned to her silent companion. "Mum, this is my new friend." Yasunoru bowed, "Watashi wa Yasunoru des." "The honor is all mine," she replied as the etiquette demanded, and bowed slightly. She smiled. "It is a long time since I have come across a youth with such fine manners." 'Not to mention hanyous...'
Yasunoru inclined his head, his bangs sliding to brush his well-chiseled features.
(HONESTLY! I find myself describing guys of any description so soppily...One might as well think I'm ... * face turns green * Keh. It's not my fault that all youkai posses this unearthly beauty, it's Kamis. He's the one who created them!)
"Please, join us!" Said Kagomes mother, waving towards the table and sitting her self down but noticing the nasty looking scythe, her features hardened a bit. "Could you please, leave... that in the hall?" She asked politely, eyeing the piece of armor doubtfully. Yasunoru hardened for a second, but then noticed Kagomes... Very speaking look, and hurried off to lean it next to the wall and took a spot between Kagome and Souta.
"Wow!" Cried Souta, finally unable to hold himself.
"You are so cool!" he said, looking at Yasunoru with admiration in his huge brown eyes.
Inuyashas' ear twitched. 'Little traitor.'
"Your ax type thing is so much cooler than Inuyashas old rusty sword!"
Many things happened at that moment: Inuyasha fell off the roof with a loud * Thump *, Kagome stiffened and sweatdropped. Yasunoru sweatdropped. A falling star flashed across the evening sky. Rin made a wish. Kikyou sighed. Sesshoumaru found out the news that Orito was so scared to tell him.
The great Fire Birds set out for the Dragon Himes castle.
An old, bloodthirsty ghoul that was sealed deep inside the great stone comb beneath the palace of Taihen awoke with one thought on his mind... Revenge.
*
Souta looked at Yasunoru.
"Tell me, are you Kagomes new boyfriend?"
Silence fell over the table.
Mrs. Higurashi looked at her daughter, who has lately become very distant, she looked weary and her eyes looked as those of an old woman, tired, sad and knowing... With a distant faraway look in them, and... Pain. She shifted her gaze to the young youkai before her, a slight blush was taunting his cheeks. She sighed. "Young one, it is rude and insensitive to say things like that." He chided Souta softly. "I'm merely the Lady's guard." Though he doubted his position very much.
Out side, Inuyasha was twitching his hands and staring at the ground beneath him. 'N-New BOYFRIEND?!"
All attention was turned to Kagome, who got up, her head low, and walked up the stairs. Yasunoru furrowed his brow, and looked at the girls' mother, she smiled sadly and nodded. He got up and followed her upstairs, wondering what to do now. Kagome got into her room, looking around it, boy, had she missed this place! She smiled at the mess. Usually, it annoyed her, by pointing to her horrible messy nature, but now it seemed so cozy and comforting. Big places always made her feel out of it, and her small, messy room was just perfect, just enough space for her computer and drawings.
She fell on her bed, face down and sobbing pressed her face deep into the pillow and screamed.
A thin layer of ice coated both the youkais heart, though not reaching the occupants downstairs. As she screamed, the hairs on the back of their necks rose in horror.
'What unearthly pain would make the girl scream so?' One of the two males watching her knew, but the other, who was responsible for it, was thinking that it was something to do with either his horrible onii-san, or the feline who was currently standing next to her.
As her scream subsided, he sat on the bed, next to her hip and put his hands on her shoulders, causing Inuyashas hair to bristle.
'Who does that cat think he is? Touching * my * Kagome like this?'
Kagome gave a jump at the gentle touch, and sat up. "Gomen." She said, rubbing her eyes, in attempt to push the tears away. "You just scared me, that's all." She sighed, trying to ignore how intimate his hands felt on her shoulders. 'I think too much of my self. Why would a youkai like him ever like me? He has just lowered himself to comfort me...' She reassured herself.
"Why do you always apologize?" he asked her earnestly, pushing the hair out of her eyes, which has now become some sort of a habit. "Why do you always care about those around you and not yourself?" Kagome opened her mouth to say whatever she was going to say, but he placed a finger on her lips, silencing her.
Inuyashas face turned to an angry, twitching grimace. 'Teme...'
Yasunoru traced her bottom lip with his finger, causing her to widen her eyes and shiver at the soft touch. "Ya-" but he didn't let her finish. He needed her; he couldn't stand the thought of leaving her and going back to his old, monotonous life. Fighting. Killing. Guarding. Always doing something that was of little or no importance to anyone, especially himself. How could this miko actually never care about herself? He couldn't imagine living without her smile or her gentle touch.
It was a need of both body and soul... A gaping chasm that never ceased. After being caught high up in his mountains and made into a killing device, it always grew. No one, but no one made him feel this way. He faintly remembered his mother... But that was many years ago. The women Sesshoumaru provided him when he was growing, however beautiful, never made him feel this way. He only felt guilty using them, seeing their pretty faces as they all as one tried to please him, unable to tear away their gaze from his handsome face.
He desperately shook the memories away, no, it was not what he wanted Kagome around for! She was a friend... The only person whom he could actually call a friend.
He leaned closer, unable to resist her sweet scent that made him feel peaceful and safe, tracing his right thumb over her neck and collarbone, "Kagome..." He whispered, feeling that she relaxed a bit at his caresses. Her eyes were half closed. He felt her soft breath on his lips.
The window flew open with a loud * BANG * and Inuyasha was standing next to the bed, his Tessaiga drawn and transformed. "TEME... Get your ******g hands off her!" He shouted, swishing his sword and making a small gash on Yasunorus cheek He brought his right hand to it and then looked at it, covered in blood. He slowly got up, his eyes turning bright yellow, almost white. Inuyasha stared in horror at how angry he made the guard. He was known well for his military skills and his never-ending patience. "You." He said, "You don't deserve to live. Look what you did to this woman. She is broken." He said pausing, the hatred was so thick in the air that it seemed heavy. "You worthless piece of dirt. And you come claiming her as your own! How dare you!" He spat, stretched his hand and the scythe appeared in it, glinting menacingly. "The dead priestess' stench is all over you, Hentai! And you come claming her, as if she is your property!"
At the word 'hentai', Inuyasha woke up, "Look who's talking! You were slobbering all over her, you bastard!" Yasunoru narrowed his eyes, "I was merely tying to comfort the lady!"
"Get-out!" Yasunoru whispered, so much anger and ice lacing his words that Kagome was starting to feel nauseous. She had no idea how much Yasunoru thought of her.
Inuyasha smirked. "Scared? You big softy! You are just scared to face me!"
Yasunoru felt the liquid hate pounding in his veins. What wouldn't he give to sink the glinting blade into the grinning hanyous throat. Anything. Save Kagome.
Inuyashas eyes widened, and the smirk hadn't completely died from his face when the merciless point of Yasunorus' scythe buried it self in his right shoulder, causing him to drop his sword, clutching at his shoulder.
Kagome jumped off the bed and gave a muffled scream, not wanting any of her family members to come up. She hang onto Yasunorus waist, making stiffen even more.
"STOP!"
Yasunoru looked at Inuyasha, his soft caramel color coming back to his eyes. "Be thankful, puppy! I wont kill you just yet. Get out!"
Inuyasha looked at Kagome, "Kagome... Toshte?..."
"Go away, Inuyasha."
Inuyasha picked up his sword and jumped out into the night, blood dripping on the windowsill.
Yasunoru untangled the crying girl from him and sat her down on the bed. "I'm sorry, Kagome-sama, I couldn't help it." "Its ok, Yasunoru." He never particularly liked her toying with his name, but now, when she used his name properly, it felt like he received a blow in his chest.
He scooted closer to her, hugging her, but she pulled away. "Thank you for helping me, but I think that Sesshoumaru is probably worried about you. You should go." Although she put as concern, it was obvious she didn't want him around any longer.
He sighed, "Well, farewell, Kagome-sama." He said and jumped gracefully out of the window.
He reached the well, and looked at its gaping emptiness, feeling someone else's presence. Deciding that it was either the temple or simply his upset feelings, he jumped down the well.
He climbed outside, and was pulled upwards harshly.
The last thing that he saw, was a pair of shining, pale yellow eyes.
Sesshoumaru let his guard drop on the ground, looking at the still convulsing heart in his hand. Hot blood was tickling down his arm, staining his white haori.
The color of his eyes went slowly back to normal, as he watched the youths' mouth open and close before relaxing. He frowned, dropping the guards' heart on the ground next to its owner.
The guard betrayed him.
And paid the price.
He smelled the air. Although his poison, that was slowly gnawing at the hole gaping in the pale chest blocked out most of the smells, he could make out that the humans sweet scent was all over him. His feelings were straying into unknown to him territory, making him feel uncomfortable. Was that... Jealousy?... No way. And pushing back the disturbing thoughts, he fled to his castle.
Abruptly, the clouds rolled back, and the bright moon shone down on the grisly scene, turning everything to black and white.
White skin. Black blood.
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Orito was running an errand he was given, he was to go down deep under the castle and retrieve the Inutaishos armor for his Master. He had already retrieved his sword from the burial place, but the armor was hidden deep under the castle.
We walked into the tunnel, and gasped. This was his first time inside the stone comb, and it was extraordinary. Like a massive wood wasps' nest, full of chambers and tunnels. The wind murmured and groaned as it passed through, and the tunnels gaped like open wounds.
Orito shivered uneasily. The stone comb seemed almost to be alive. Mistress' Rins' emphatic words came back to him, 'The bloodthirsty Ionaga no Sugu is asleep under the castle, waiting for someone to unleash him from the seal Sesshoumaru-samas father put on him.' He never thought he'd remember something of the sort. "It's just a silly story!" He said out loud, laughing at himself, yes, the monstrous Ionaga was not just a matter of legends. He had seen him. Those empty eyes. The reason he became a soldier was to find him and avenge for his little sister. He shuddered, unable to block out the unwelcome memories.
* * * flash back. * * *
His little sister, Kii, was out in the garden, picking the yellow flowers she loved to well, her short, red curls were dancing on the wind, framing her smiling, round face. Orito had just come back from training, and was sitting on the steps of the house, watching his little sister. She was the only person he had in this world.
He never knew his mother, and Kiippons' mother, who was human, died in throes of childbirth, as it usually happened when a hanyou was born. Their father was always away, only coming to check on them once or twice a year. So they were like a family, she was only a few years younger than him, but was short and cheerful, always finding a smile for anyone in distress.
And then it happened. One summer night. He heard muffled sounds from her bedroom and hurried there at once, to see her sitting up in her bed, staring at him. "Kii-chan, are you okay?" He asked, walking up to her and sitting on the floor before her. "Onii-chan..." She whispered in a strange voice, avoiding his eyes, she then reached forward and stroked his bare chest, in a manner that no sister should touch her brother.
Orito furrowed his brow, not fully into what was going on, until she reached up and kissed his white lips with her rosy ones. Orito jumped up, fear seizing his heart in its iron clutches, "Kii? What's wrong?" He cried, shaking her slightly.
She lifted her head slowly, revealing white, bottomless eyes, smirking a little and licking her lips. "You taste nice... * Onii- chan * ..." She then threw back her head and laughed a horrible, blood chilling laugh.
That was when he realized. "Ionaga no Sugu!" Every one knew of the monstrous creature who could take any shape that it wanted. The creature stopped laughing and looked at him. "Yes." It grinned, getting up.
And then it disappeared, biting him on the ear slightly and slashing a claw along his left cheek. "We'll meet again... * Onii- chan *
* * * end flashback * * *
He stopped before two tunnels, rubbing the scar that was still there, wondering why it never healed, thinking which one he should take, although it was absolutely dark, thanks to the fact that he was a youkai, he could make out almost all the little details.
All the while, the stonecomb echoed with curious groans and breathy murmurs. 'Could they really be caused by the wind alone?' Orito found himself wondering.
Choosing the one on his left, he went slowly down the ascending stone floor. It was the end of a relatively clear stretch of tunnel that Orito caught a glimpse of someone walking. He frowned. What could this mean?
There was only one way to find out.
So he continued walking onwards, reaching a small, about the size of his masters study cave in the end of the tunnel. Sighing, and thinking that he must've imagined, he turned around to leave, but someone was standing in the tunnel, preventing him from exiting. Oritos' red eyes widened at the person standing there.
"Sesshoumaru-sama?" He asked, walking towards the lord, "I thought you left the castle on business, why did you come down here?"
The lords nostrils quivered, his tongue darted round his lips...
"Sesshoumaru-sama?" Orito recoiled as a terrible thought occurred to him.
"Sesshoumaru-sama?" he said "Is it really you?" Sesshoumaru smiled slyly.
"Well, of course, my dear... Onii-chan." He said, stepping closer to the petrified with fear Orito. "So we meet again." He sighed, putting his arms around Oritos waist. "And you haven't changed the tiniest bit..."
Orito gulped. "You monster!" Ionaga no Sugu smiled, tightening his deathly embrace around Oritos waist and pressing his lips to Oritos pale throat. "I'll take that as a compliment..." He purred, breathing in Oritos fear and soaking it in... He is so hungry after his long sleep. "You-you filth, get your hands off me!" Writhed Orito in the passionate grasp of his masters' arms. He didn't know anything about the creature, including the fact that it couldn't hurt his prey. Physically.
He lived on strong emotions like fear and anger.
And left his toys scarred for life.
"What did you do to my sister?" He growled, trying to turn away from the sticky monster, in the form of his master. He lifted his white, dazed eyes to meet Oritos red ones. "Your sister?" He nibbled on Oritos jaw, "I didn't do anything to her." He smirked, lowering his hands to roam Oritos lower back. "But if you let me...I'll tell you what happened." He growled slightly, grinding his hips against Oritos.
"NO!" He struggled, and finally managed to break free, but he was trapped in the cave, with the ghoul standing in the tunnel, breaking off any of his attempts to escape. "There, there... It doesn't feel at all that bad..." "NO!!" The monster shrugged, "Fine, have it your way. But don't come crawling, begging me for it instead of what I'll do to you." His tongue flickered again, tasting the air.
Oritos eyes widened in fear. 'What could be possibly worse that that?' Ionaga no Sugu smirked. "Oh, you'll find out soon enough." Orito widened his eyes. The monster chuckled. "Oh, yes, I can read what's going on in that pretty head of yours."
His features started shrinking, changing, until before him stood his little sister. "No.." Kii let out a terrible screa and staggered back, flapping wildly at he head. She screamed a second time-a savage cry that chilled Orito to the bone- and struck out frantically at the air around her. "Yamete! Yamete!" He cried, unable to tear his eyes away from the gruesome, pitiful scene. "Yamete..." He saw blood trickling down from the gash on her scalp. Another cut appeared on her shoulder, and yet another on her back. The blue kimono turned to violet as the blood spread. And still she writhed and screamed and lashed out at her inseen assailant.
Orito stared aghast. He would have helped if he could, but there was nothing, absolutely nothing at all- that he could do. He had never felt so useless in his life.
In his horror, he had already forgotten where he was, and * who * was in front of him.
Suddenly, he saw her clutching at her neck, blood gashed out between her fingers. She whimpered softly, collapsed, and lay twitching horribly.
And then she fell still.
Oritos eyes were huge and staring, "no-no-no-no..." He kept repeating, staring at the merciless ghoul, who with mortal accuracy picked his images, dead Kii, dead Rin, dead Yasunoru... Sesshoumaru writhing in pain, his skin peeling away as the flames licked at it.
Ionaga no Sugu toyed with the Dragon until his eyes became empty and bottomless like his own, He then turned to look exactly like Orito, save the warm, red eyes, and leaving a soft kiss on Oritos half open, bloodless lips, left to find his next target. The man whom the dragon respected and loved so much, and whose father sealed him.
(Now, Orito loves Sesshy as a friend, not THAT way. He's straighter than straight.)
* * * * *
* * * * *
Sesshoumaru went into his little Rins room, to find that she wasn't asleep, although it was probably already past three in the morning.
She was sitting on the balcony, her little hands on her knees, swinging back and forth, singing. He stopped.
"Sesshoumaru-sama is like the stars above, always there, always comforting Rin when she is sad.." She sang in her high, clear voice, which rang across the night, warming the coldest hearts of the soldiers on duty, making them smile. "I will always wait for him, in the night in the wind, in the summer and the storm, I will wait for him, until he's home..." She broke off, blinking her huge, brown eyes, and rubbing them with her little fists.
Sesshoumaru felt calmed by the sweet, innocent voice,
He was about to silently leave, when he smelled... Rin was crying? He frowned and walked up to her from her behind, her little form silhouetted against the full moon in the sky.
"Rin." The child jumped and turned around, her sadness and fright evaporated instantly, as she ran up to him and hugged his legs tightly. He picked up the child, which weighted close to nothing and walked over to the balcony. Her big, brown eyes were focused on his golden ones, "Sesshoumaru-sama!" She said, snuggling up to him. "Rin is so happy that Sesshoumaru-came!" She whispered, just enough for the dog demon to hear her.
He sat on the wooden railings, his position giving him the opportunity to see far out across the land. Rin sat up on his stomach, carefully, but slightly clumsily tucked his white hair behind his pointed ears and beamed at him. "Rin, why were you still up?" He asked her. A slightly sad look came across her angelic features. "Rin feels like something bad is happening..." She said, looking up at the stars, pressing a small hand to her chest. "Rin feels bad." She said. He turned her face with one clawed finger, so it would face him. "Rin, don't worry. Go to sleep." Rin blinked. "But Rin doesn't want to sleep." Sesshoumaru stroked her silky cheek, "You have to sleep to grow, or else you wont grow and Jacken will always have to look after you." He said seriously.
"Haiii... Sesshoumaru-sama!" She cried and settled down her small head on his chest, hugging his hand to her little form.
Taiyoukai of the west gazed at the child sleeping on his chest.
Will the girl look at him with the same warmth if she knew how many people he'd impaled on the ends of those deadly claws? The begging cries for mercy that had come from whoever was pinned at their end, their answer being only the soft squelching sound as the merciless claws were driven home?
He was amazed at how scared of the answer he was.
And there was something missing from his life. What was it that bothered him?...
Oh. A smile. The sweet scent of a small, dark head that leaned onto his chest, when he carried her... Just like the girl that was sleeping on his chest right now. But different.
He inhaled the cold, nights' air and wound his tail around the little girls slumbering form, unaware of a second Rin, who was standing on the very brim of the roof, gazing at him with empty, white eyes...
*********************** ************************ **********************
Kagome awoke drenched in sweat. Why can't she stop seeing those nightmares? She was afraid to move, the heavy feeling in her chest, making her muscles tense and vibrate. It felt like her chest was packed tight with cold sand... Every night, the dream was almost the same. Her hands, drenched in blood.
Kikyous blood.
Dead, staring eyes.
She rolled over to her left side to look out of the window, feeling like any moment someone would jump inside. 'Man, I feel bad. Shippou, Sango and Miroku are probably all worried about me...' The annoying conscience kept nagging her until she gave in to it, 'Fine, fine! I'll go back tomorrow and say bye to them all!' And with that, she fell asleep, and a figure, merely a shadow, watched her sleep, and then disappeared through the wall.
*
Kagome stood over the well, trying not to think about the dead miko she will have to meet. She had her hair in a neat ponytail, determined not to look worse than the Priestess.
She jumped into the well, just like so many times before that, and emerged on the other side, thanking Kami that she didn't have her bag with her.
She swung her legs over the side and stood up, but stepped on something she fell down...
"Itaiii..."
Kagome screamed in horror and recoiled. She was lying on Yasunorus dead body, the surprise etched on his handsome, but now dead, gray face, and a huge hole in his chest. Kagome stood up, shuddering, and screaming... She recognized the green poison on the corpse.
The co all ran up to her, stopping around the corpse and the wailing miko. "No, no, no!" She swayed back and forth, burying her face in her palms. "It's all..." But before she could say her favorite phrase, a memory of yesterday flashed through her mind, only making her scream louder than ever.
In the end, Miroku picked her up and carried her to Kaedes hut.
Kikyou was the only one who remained standing near the well, looking at the dead youkai, and feeling the sadness of his departure. One thing was obvious; he had slipped beneath the silvery surface of the Sanzu River, not leaving so much as a ripple of grief, save one soul.
She sighed, tears welling up in her sad eyes as she imagined that the next person she might see in the same state might be Inuyasha... She sniffed softly; mentally scolding her self for letting her emotions roam free. She felt two arms on her shoulders, feeling comforted, and leaned back into them, falling backwards on the ground. What the?.. She looked around her, for a moment noticing a dark shadow slip away behind at tree.
The jaki was so faint... But yet familiar... 'No. It cant be!' She gasped. Naraku was dead! Wasn't he?...
Inuyasha ran up to her, picking her up gently. "Kikyou! Are you ok?" He asked, stroking her hair, and looking into her brown eyes.
"Yes, Inuyasha. I'm fine." She answered, sighing and pulling him closer to herself. She had what she wanted, didn't she? 'Why am I sad then?'
'Because it's not what you want.' Said a voice in her head. 'In order to discover your destiny, you must follow * me *.' It hissed and died away.
Kikyou wanted to shrug those memories away, the dreams that haunted her. Her killing Kagome. She shrugged, making Inuyasha hold her tighter. 'I'll never do that!' she had already made the girl suffer a lot. She felt sorry for the girl. But not sorry enough to give Inuyasha up...
She just wanted the girl to leave, go back to where she belonged. And leave her and her dreams alone.
When the girl was well enough to speak, she got up from the bed and grabbed Sango by the shoulders. "Sango-chan! Please, can I borrow Kirara?" She asked, with tears in her eyes, But before Sango could so much as open her mouth, Kirara, seeing the girls' distress, jumped unto her lap. Sango grinned. "I guess it's a yes."
Moments later, Kagome was flying through the ice-cold air, her jaw clenched and her mind set on what she had to do, no matter where she looked, however, the vision of the dead man- His eyes wide in surprise and staring, his mouth half open... And the gaping hole in his chest.
Kagome shook her head vigorously, sending tears flying and dripping onto Kiraras' fur, and almost immediately turning to little icicles, due to the height they were flying at.
She * will * do what she has to!
The sun shone down in an innocent manner, the birds sang, and sakura blossomed, but Kagome was oblivious to her surroundings.
She ran past a very surprised guard and ran up to Sesshoumarus' study, to find it empty. She ran around the corridors, yelling, until Haoko came running to her.
"My Lady! You are back!" Kagome didn't have time for her usual politeness, "Haoko-sama, please tell me where Sesshoumaru is!" She cried, wringing her hands helplessly. Haoko could see from the girls face that it was a matter of emergency, and without asking further questions, she led the girl to Rins room.
Kagome burst in, causing Rin to wake up and look around quickly, turning her little head in search of the intruder.
Finally having spotted her she started jumping up and down Sesshoumarus stomach, causing him to wince at the need to visit... A private place. So he let her down, squealing with joy. Rin was running towards Kagome, but stopped abruptly. "Why is the lady sad?" She asked, but Kagome ran past her and barged into Sesshoumaru.
Sesshoumaru raised his eyebrows, so they disappeared under the silvery bangs completely. Kagome barely reached his collarbone, and was holding on to him, wailing.
Sesshoumaru was torn between grabbing the tempting red handle of the Toukijiin and swishing it through the annoying human, and pulling the girl closer to him, and comfort her. But both desires were equally strong...
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Just a little piece of info, for those who are uncertain.
Ionaga no Sugu: Is a ghost of a youkai that feeds mostly on fear and hate. He was sealed deep under the Taihen castle, when came to terrorize its inhabitants. But for some strange reason, he broke free, and was now out for revenge. He can take any shape he wants, and use it to mentally attack its prey. It cannot harm anyone physically, but usually kills them mentally, leaving them drained of all emotion and thoughts, save unending dread. And he has some kind of a crush on Orito. In case you haven't noticed.
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Dragon Hime: Is the shojin of the dragons at the time, she is planning to attack Sesshoumaru and take over the land, she is the daughter of the past shoji who attempted to do that before, but failed, losing a great portion of his small army in the process.
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Phoenixes: Come on, you know, but I'll tell you the part they hold in the story. They lived high up in the mountains, driven there by the same Inu Taiyoukai. They were forced to give up the valleys they loved so well and move into the always-cold mountains. But they are the dragons' allies and are now coming to their aide to destroy Sesshoumaru.
Every one believes that he has grown weak, and does not own an army, unaware of the soldiers he trained and acquired all the time, forming a reasonable sized but unbeatable army.
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If you are unclear of something, please don't hesitate to tell me. I'm certain I may be unclear in some parts...
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Wow. That was quick. It seemed that I had just started the chapter, and it ended.
Tell me what you think of it! * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Anyone seen my pix? What do you think if you did? In case you guys are interested, I might draw Orito, since he'll stay around for a while, Disregarding his new state.
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Waizu Yoru Ame Otome: Night Rain Girl, Right? I don't think I get the 'Waizu' part, unless it's 'wise' in Japanese pronunciation. Thank you, it's an honor, to have you as a sister! Thanks for the yummies, they were right on schedule! 'Coz I ran out of my own supplies... And I send you back some yummy stuff, too. Now, lets see... What is yummy... Rin, Shippou, Kirara... But I'll just send you some vanilla ice cream, whole nut chocolate and... Vanilla fudge. Hope you like. ^_^ Thanks for looking at my pix, I can only keep up to 4 or 5 images there, so I 'reload' all the time. And its SO unfair! Some ppl come and say, "Are you sure u not gal? You draw too good" * growl growl- growl *
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Bad_Girl14: Yeah... Though I'm afraid that this chapter will disappoint you... VERY afraid, but keep in mind. * Only * this chapter. ^_~ Read on and tell me what you think! Thanks for reviewing!
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Blue Phoenix4: Gee, thanks. I'll keep that in mind, all the best men are dead... And I'm not feeling that good my self, either! Please tell me whenever I go astray! Thank you for reviewing!
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Scorpio chick103: Dear, thank you... Yep. Inuyasha' s in town, he's gonna wear d crown... And he's MUCH worse than Godzilla... That's my personal opinion, but they might be the same if you compare the destruction scale...
DemiPreistess: Wow, that was nice! Thank you so much for the review, I'll try to update soon. In fact, I'm planning to update every day, or every other day. Unless the net is crappy. Like it happened with this chappy.
But that's probably only until the exams start... They've already invaded my personal space. And I hate when people do that, without my permission. Thank you for being 'devoted'!
Your devoted... Err... Fanfiction author?...
* sigh *
PS- I love your name. ^_^
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Triniprincess89: Thank you! I'll try to write the next chapter sooner! I think I mentioned it earlier, I'm a very slow writer... I'm glad you liked it. ^_^ Keep reviewing!
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Melanie: It makes me glad to think that someone appreciates my effort. And I appreciate yours in return! Yes, yes, I'll try and update quickly. Thanks for reviewing!
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Ioka: I'm VERY glad you like it! Reviews like yours make my chapters longer and better! Remember, the more reviews, the better the chapter! ^_~ Thanks!
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Kuraii Koneko: Thank you for the yummies and ice cream! * licks lips * they were delicious! Glad you like it, and thanks for the long review! You like Kouga? Sugoi... Yeah, he's cool. If only I had the Shikon shards in my hands, for fast typing... And in my legs, I wont have to waste money on taxis or time... ^_^' Any way.... Hope you like the chapter, and tell me what you think of the next one!
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Chadaphilaro: I'm afraid I've answered your review all too good in this chapter... Well, we did have Yasunorus reaction, even though just the tiniest bit. Thank you for reviewing!
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Aznfangurl16: Thanks for the review! Yeah, I guess Japanese is not such a good idea, I'll stick to normal, only inserting Japanese when it's either kawai or sugoi or whatever... ^_^'
Well, thanks for reading!
Saioonara!
Taihen Sama