Shayril: Hi, everyone. I'm sorry that this chapter is later than planned
but a lot's been going on in my life.
Inuyasha: What life? All you do is use the computer all day.
Shayril: SIT!!!
(Inuyasha slams into the ground face first. Muffled curses can be heard by
all.)
Sakura: How did you do that? I thought only Kagome-chan could sit him.
Shayril: Kaede found a way to extend the spell so that I could sit him too.
(Inuyasha once again slammed into the ground, cursing. A sheepish look was
on Shayril's face.)
Shayril: Oops. I didn't mean to do it that time.
Sakura: Hey, where is everybody else? Why are the three of us the only ones
here?
Shayril: Oh I sent them all off to do whatever they wanted for now. I have
a headache.
Sakura: So why'd you keep Inuyasha around?
Inuyasha: Hey!
Shayril: (Shrugs) Not really sure. The headache must be affecting my
judgment. You know what, I'm gonna go lay down.
(Sakura and Inuyasha watch her disappear into the bedroom.)
Sakura: Poor, Shayril. She's been getting these headaches a lot.
Inuyasha: Yeah. (Actually sounds sympathetic.) It's just not right.
Sakura: (To readers) Well, you guys go ahead and read the chapter.
(Shayril pops her head back in for a minute.)
Shayril: Oh yeah, and you guys are really gonna like what happens this
chapter.
(Shayril disappears again.)
Chapter Nineteen - Goodbyes
He watched her from the doorway as her sword sliced the dummy to pieces. Servants worked to clean up the mess left by Sesshoumaru. She was definitely pissed about whatever it was she discovered while with Rin. As he watched her she suddenly stopped and her head bowed, her shoulders shuddered slightly. That was enough for him. He was at her side in four long strides. His arms wrapped around her and held her close to him as she silently wept. His heart clenched painfully, just as it always had, at the tears that were now wetting the front of his white and silver robes. It seemed like forever before she calmed. Her tear streaked face turned up to him and he gently wiped the moisture away with his thumbs.
"What is it that causes you such pain, dearest?" he asked softly.
"She's just a child, Yue. How can anyone do that to a child? The act of doing it by itself is evil enough, but to try warping and twisting a child's mind at the same time? It's beyond evil."
"What did he do, love?"
"He let his 'children' hurt her in the way every female fears," Kagome told him. "As if that wasn't enough he made them look like you and Sesshoumaru."
Yue's eyes widened. "What?! Why?"
"Because he wanted her to fear you. He wanted to leave his mark on her even after she was safe. Because he's a sick, twisted, evil son of a bitch and it amused him."
She was trembling again, but this time it was caused by anger. "Calm down, koishii. Getting yourself worked up like this won't help."
"The worst part of it is that I can't help thinking how glad I am that it wasn't Akemi. I can't help being glad he didn't really get his clutches on our daughter."
"That's only natural, love. All parents do that. It doesn't make you a bad person."
Kagome's gaze hardened. "I'll make that bastard son of a whore pay for what he did. I swear I'll send him into oblivion where he'll never come back."
"I'll be right there with you, but first we need to eat and sleep."
She raised an eyebrow at him. "Since when do you eat?"
Yue shrugged gracefully. "Akemi says that since my full powers have been unlocked I'm connecting with my former self, who was subject to the same needs as a human."
"Well, I'm glad. It makes you seem more real and less like the divine being you are."
He frowned. "Did it really bother you, the way I was created?"
Kagome gently touched his face. "Of course not. It was just different, something I wasn't used to. Then again, that's part of what attracted me to you this time around. Nothing about you could bother me."
"Then why are you so glad I'm more like a human now?"
She grinned. "'Cause now we can enjoy our wedding cake together."
* * *
Sesshoumaru stayed with Rin until she fell asleep. As her soft breathing filled the room he carefully brushed a lock of hair away from her face. It had taken a while, but he had finally accepted the fact that she held a place in a heart he believed long dead. She was more to him than just some experiment with the Tensaiga's healing abilities. He was fairly certain that his affection for her was paternal, but having never been a father he couldn't be certain. He was sure that it was different from what he was already beginning to feel for a certain green-eyed sorceress.
"Sesshoumaru-sama."
Speak of the devil. "What is it?"
"Some little toad thing is demanding to see you. And I swear if he swings that staff of his at me or Kero-chan again I'm going to stomp him into the ground," Sakura said. "I'm merely warning you because he claims to be one of your retainers and I don't want you upset if you find a squashed toad lying around."
"Arigato, Sakura-san. I will warn him."
He watched as she disappeared down the hallway. She was a creature of grace, made so by the fact that she wasn't even aware of it. He shook his head slightly as she passed out sight. He turned on his heel and headed the way she had come from. It was easy to find his servant. He simply followed the sound of his and the sun guardian's raised voices.
"Jaken!"
The little toad jumped almost three feet before turning to bow deeply before him. It was clear that he recognized the displeasure in his lord's voice.
"Sesshoumaru-sama, I found you!"
"What are you doing here, Jaken? I told you to remain in the Western Lands."
The toad cringed. "Hai, Sesshoumaru-sama, but the hanyou's minions have been attacking some of the villages along the border."
The taiyoukai's gaze hardened. "Jaken, clean yourself of the filth you've accumulated and meet me in the courtyard in an hour."
His servant scrambled to do his bidding. "Hai, Sesshoumaru-sama. One hour. I'll be there."
"And, Jaken. You are to treat Clow's guests with more respect. Especially the sorceress and her guardian."
"But, Sesshou."
Sesshoumaru glared at the toad. "You will treat them as you would me. You are to treat Kagome-sama and her mate better than you treat me." Jaken's jaw dropped. "If you do not I will turn you into pulp."
The little youkai stammered a response before scurrying away. The inu youkai had a thoughtful look on his face. After a few moments he lifted his nose to sniff out a certain scent. He followed it through the corridors of the castle until he reached the conservatory. He paused at the door, wondering if it was fair of him to ask. It wasn't as if they had any real type of relationship that he could call on, not that he wouldn't have liked to at least try for one. Resolutely, he pushed that aside and strode into the room, only to pause once more at the sight of her standing limned in the starlight shining through the skylight. His breath caught in his throat. She looked like a creature of the heavens
Slowly she turned as she looked at the carvings of moon phases and star alignments on the ceiling. Sakura gasped in surprise when she saw Sesshoumaru standing a few feet away staring at her intently.
"S. Sesshoumaru-sama? What c. can I do for you?" she stammered, uncomfortable with the way he was looking at her.
"I need to return to the Western Lands for a time," he said. "I do not know how long I will be and I cannot take Rin with me. I would like you to look after her while I am gone."
"I'm sure Kagome-chan."
"I do not wish to trouble her," the taiyoukai interrupted. "She has enough to be concerned with as she prepares for her upcoming battle."
"We'll all be fighting."
Sesshoumaru nodded. "True, on the other hand, we will be fighting lesser youkai while she must battle Naraku and the Dark Mistress by herself. Besides, her duties are greater as Heaven's Priestess." He frowned slightly. "If you don't want to look after Rin I can ask someone else."
Sakura shook her head. "It's not that I don't want to. I just don't want to disappoint you."
To her surprise, his lips turned up in a small smile. Actually, it could barely be called a smile, but it was a smile nonetheless. She very much doubted that he did it very often. She felt honored that he would do so because of her.
"I do not believe that you would disappoint me, " Sesshoumaru told her. "If I did I would not be asking you. I will see you when I return."
He started to turn away, then on impulse he leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. She looked at him wide-eyed. Again he gave her a small smile.
"Goodbye, Sakura-chan."
He didn't wait for her to respond as he left her standing in the middle of the conservatory. Her fingers lightly touched the spot on her cheek that he had just kissed. She could still feel his lips pressed against her skin. Her heart fluttered like a butterfly in her chest. It fluttered the way it used to when she had a crush on Yukito, and later when she and Syaoran used to go out.
* * *
Inuyasha sat on the wall surrounding the courtyard. Down below Kagome and Yue were playing with Shippou. Sango and Miroku stood to the side watching in amusement as Akemi joined the group. The hanyou's heart twisted painfully in his chest as he watched the four playing tag. It was the perfect family picture; mother, father, daughter, and son. Ever since Yue had become one person a couple days ago he had changed more into the man Kagome needed and deserved. He was the perfect match for her, Inuyasha knew that and he knew that he couldn't make her as happy as the guardian obviously did. So why couldn't he let her go like he promised he would? Why couldn't he move on? There were other women in the world. It couldn't be that hard to find one who could accept him just like she had. Surely there was a woman just as smart, beautiful, generous, and kind. Wasn't there?
His thoughts were interrupted by the familiar smell of dirt and bones. He should have known she would show up eventually. Glancing at those in the courtyard, he dashed off into the trees following the scent of death. He didn't have to go very far before he found her standing in a clearing. Her soul stealers floated in the air around her.
"So, it seems you don't mean as much to her as she does to you. It appears that she has made the choice for you. Come to me, Inuyasha."
* * *
Kagome stopped mid-stride as she was chasing after the little kitsune. Her head turned slightly in the direction that the presence was coming from. Brown eyes narrowed in recognition before snapping to the wall where Inuyasha had been sitting. She wasn't surprised to find that he wasn't there.
"You guys wait here. I have to go take care of something."
She offered no other explanation as her wings burst from her back and she flew off. In a matter of minutes landed in a clearing to see Inuyasha walk into Kikyo's arms. He held her close to him, his face empty of all expression. Kagome's heart fell as she realized he was falling into the undead miko's spell once again. Then, she saw Inuyasha flick a glance her way and she began to understand.
"Kikyo, let him go," she shouted as they began to descend into Hell.
"Never! He is mine. He comes willingly."
"He doesn't belong in Hell, damnit! Just give it up already."
"What do you care, girl? You have your guardian, forget Inuyasha."
"I can't do that."
Kikyo's eyes narrowed. "I tire of you, girl."
She raised her hand towards Kagome, energy gathering at her fingertips. Just as she was about to release it a clawed hand wrapped painfully around her wrist. Disbelieving eyes turned to look at the face of a scowling hanyou.
"Don't even think of hurting Kagome," he said dangerously.
Kikyo looked at him with her sad eyes. "Does that girl mean more to you than me? Even now that she belongs to another?"
"Hell yeah!" He snarled. "Goodbye, Kikyo."
Her eyes widened a small fraction as his other claw buried itself in her heart. As she collapsed into a pile of ashes and bones a white light shot out of her to Kagome. She felt as if a hole was filled and sighed at the feeling of being complete again. She watched as he gathered Kikyo's remains in a piece of cloth from the edge of his gi before coming over to her.
"Kaede-baba will be glad to see her sister at rest again."
She hit his arm. "You really had me scared for a minute there."
Inuyasha had a sheepish look on his face. "Sorry. The only reason I came to see her was to get your soul back."
Kagome smiled warmly. "Arigato, Inuyasha. I feel whole again. Now lets get back to the others before they start to worry."
Kagome: YES!!!!! (Sings) Ding dong the bitch is dead. The mean old bitch. The nasty bitch. (Inuyasha clamps a hand over her mouth.) Inuyasha: Shhhh. You're gonna wake up Shayril. Kagome: Sorry. I didn't know. Why's she asleep? Inuyasha: She has a headache. (A door bangs open and Miroku, Kero, and Kalika enter, laughing and talking loudly.) Inuyasha: (Hisses) Quiet, you guys! Kero: (Demands) Why should we? Inuyasha: Because Shayril has a headache and I don't want you to wake her up. That's why! (They all instantly quiet down.) Miroku: Why, Inuyasha, I didn't know you cared so much for Lady Shayril. Kalika: Yeah. It's weird. Kagome: Awwwww. I think it's so sweet. Inuyasha: (Grumbling) Yeah, well, it's no big deal. She's goin' through a lot right now. (Glares at readers) Well, what're you still doing here? The chapter's over go away and let Shayril rest. And don't forget to review.
Chapter Nineteen - Goodbyes
He watched her from the doorway as her sword sliced the dummy to pieces. Servants worked to clean up the mess left by Sesshoumaru. She was definitely pissed about whatever it was she discovered while with Rin. As he watched her she suddenly stopped and her head bowed, her shoulders shuddered slightly. That was enough for him. He was at her side in four long strides. His arms wrapped around her and held her close to him as she silently wept. His heart clenched painfully, just as it always had, at the tears that were now wetting the front of his white and silver robes. It seemed like forever before she calmed. Her tear streaked face turned up to him and he gently wiped the moisture away with his thumbs.
"What is it that causes you such pain, dearest?" he asked softly.
"She's just a child, Yue. How can anyone do that to a child? The act of doing it by itself is evil enough, but to try warping and twisting a child's mind at the same time? It's beyond evil."
"What did he do, love?"
"He let his 'children' hurt her in the way every female fears," Kagome told him. "As if that wasn't enough he made them look like you and Sesshoumaru."
Yue's eyes widened. "What?! Why?"
"Because he wanted her to fear you. He wanted to leave his mark on her even after she was safe. Because he's a sick, twisted, evil son of a bitch and it amused him."
She was trembling again, but this time it was caused by anger. "Calm down, koishii. Getting yourself worked up like this won't help."
"The worst part of it is that I can't help thinking how glad I am that it wasn't Akemi. I can't help being glad he didn't really get his clutches on our daughter."
"That's only natural, love. All parents do that. It doesn't make you a bad person."
Kagome's gaze hardened. "I'll make that bastard son of a whore pay for what he did. I swear I'll send him into oblivion where he'll never come back."
"I'll be right there with you, but first we need to eat and sleep."
She raised an eyebrow at him. "Since when do you eat?"
Yue shrugged gracefully. "Akemi says that since my full powers have been unlocked I'm connecting with my former self, who was subject to the same needs as a human."
"Well, I'm glad. It makes you seem more real and less like the divine being you are."
He frowned. "Did it really bother you, the way I was created?"
Kagome gently touched his face. "Of course not. It was just different, something I wasn't used to. Then again, that's part of what attracted me to you this time around. Nothing about you could bother me."
"Then why are you so glad I'm more like a human now?"
She grinned. "'Cause now we can enjoy our wedding cake together."
* * *
Sesshoumaru stayed with Rin until she fell asleep. As her soft breathing filled the room he carefully brushed a lock of hair away from her face. It had taken a while, but he had finally accepted the fact that she held a place in a heart he believed long dead. She was more to him than just some experiment with the Tensaiga's healing abilities. He was fairly certain that his affection for her was paternal, but having never been a father he couldn't be certain. He was sure that it was different from what he was already beginning to feel for a certain green-eyed sorceress.
"Sesshoumaru-sama."
Speak of the devil. "What is it?"
"Some little toad thing is demanding to see you. And I swear if he swings that staff of his at me or Kero-chan again I'm going to stomp him into the ground," Sakura said. "I'm merely warning you because he claims to be one of your retainers and I don't want you upset if you find a squashed toad lying around."
"Arigato, Sakura-san. I will warn him."
He watched as she disappeared down the hallway. She was a creature of grace, made so by the fact that she wasn't even aware of it. He shook his head slightly as she passed out sight. He turned on his heel and headed the way she had come from. It was easy to find his servant. He simply followed the sound of his and the sun guardian's raised voices.
"Jaken!"
The little toad jumped almost three feet before turning to bow deeply before him. It was clear that he recognized the displeasure in his lord's voice.
"Sesshoumaru-sama, I found you!"
"What are you doing here, Jaken? I told you to remain in the Western Lands."
The toad cringed. "Hai, Sesshoumaru-sama, but the hanyou's minions have been attacking some of the villages along the border."
The taiyoukai's gaze hardened. "Jaken, clean yourself of the filth you've accumulated and meet me in the courtyard in an hour."
His servant scrambled to do his bidding. "Hai, Sesshoumaru-sama. One hour. I'll be there."
"And, Jaken. You are to treat Clow's guests with more respect. Especially the sorceress and her guardian."
"But, Sesshou."
Sesshoumaru glared at the toad. "You will treat them as you would me. You are to treat Kagome-sama and her mate better than you treat me." Jaken's jaw dropped. "If you do not I will turn you into pulp."
The little youkai stammered a response before scurrying away. The inu youkai had a thoughtful look on his face. After a few moments he lifted his nose to sniff out a certain scent. He followed it through the corridors of the castle until he reached the conservatory. He paused at the door, wondering if it was fair of him to ask. It wasn't as if they had any real type of relationship that he could call on, not that he wouldn't have liked to at least try for one. Resolutely, he pushed that aside and strode into the room, only to pause once more at the sight of her standing limned in the starlight shining through the skylight. His breath caught in his throat. She looked like a creature of the heavens
Slowly she turned as she looked at the carvings of moon phases and star alignments on the ceiling. Sakura gasped in surprise when she saw Sesshoumaru standing a few feet away staring at her intently.
"S. Sesshoumaru-sama? What c. can I do for you?" she stammered, uncomfortable with the way he was looking at her.
"I need to return to the Western Lands for a time," he said. "I do not know how long I will be and I cannot take Rin with me. I would like you to look after her while I am gone."
"I'm sure Kagome-chan."
"I do not wish to trouble her," the taiyoukai interrupted. "She has enough to be concerned with as she prepares for her upcoming battle."
"We'll all be fighting."
Sesshoumaru nodded. "True, on the other hand, we will be fighting lesser youkai while she must battle Naraku and the Dark Mistress by herself. Besides, her duties are greater as Heaven's Priestess." He frowned slightly. "If you don't want to look after Rin I can ask someone else."
Sakura shook her head. "It's not that I don't want to. I just don't want to disappoint you."
To her surprise, his lips turned up in a small smile. Actually, it could barely be called a smile, but it was a smile nonetheless. She very much doubted that he did it very often. She felt honored that he would do so because of her.
"I do not believe that you would disappoint me, " Sesshoumaru told her. "If I did I would not be asking you. I will see you when I return."
He started to turn away, then on impulse he leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. She looked at him wide-eyed. Again he gave her a small smile.
"Goodbye, Sakura-chan."
He didn't wait for her to respond as he left her standing in the middle of the conservatory. Her fingers lightly touched the spot on her cheek that he had just kissed. She could still feel his lips pressed against her skin. Her heart fluttered like a butterfly in her chest. It fluttered the way it used to when she had a crush on Yukito, and later when she and Syaoran used to go out.
* * *
Inuyasha sat on the wall surrounding the courtyard. Down below Kagome and Yue were playing with Shippou. Sango and Miroku stood to the side watching in amusement as Akemi joined the group. The hanyou's heart twisted painfully in his chest as he watched the four playing tag. It was the perfect family picture; mother, father, daughter, and son. Ever since Yue had become one person a couple days ago he had changed more into the man Kagome needed and deserved. He was the perfect match for her, Inuyasha knew that and he knew that he couldn't make her as happy as the guardian obviously did. So why couldn't he let her go like he promised he would? Why couldn't he move on? There were other women in the world. It couldn't be that hard to find one who could accept him just like she had. Surely there was a woman just as smart, beautiful, generous, and kind. Wasn't there?
His thoughts were interrupted by the familiar smell of dirt and bones. He should have known she would show up eventually. Glancing at those in the courtyard, he dashed off into the trees following the scent of death. He didn't have to go very far before he found her standing in a clearing. Her soul stealers floated in the air around her.
"So, it seems you don't mean as much to her as she does to you. It appears that she has made the choice for you. Come to me, Inuyasha."
* * *
Kagome stopped mid-stride as she was chasing after the little kitsune. Her head turned slightly in the direction that the presence was coming from. Brown eyes narrowed in recognition before snapping to the wall where Inuyasha had been sitting. She wasn't surprised to find that he wasn't there.
"You guys wait here. I have to go take care of something."
She offered no other explanation as her wings burst from her back and she flew off. In a matter of minutes landed in a clearing to see Inuyasha walk into Kikyo's arms. He held her close to him, his face empty of all expression. Kagome's heart fell as she realized he was falling into the undead miko's spell once again. Then, she saw Inuyasha flick a glance her way and she began to understand.
"Kikyo, let him go," she shouted as they began to descend into Hell.
"Never! He is mine. He comes willingly."
"He doesn't belong in Hell, damnit! Just give it up already."
"What do you care, girl? You have your guardian, forget Inuyasha."
"I can't do that."
Kikyo's eyes narrowed. "I tire of you, girl."
She raised her hand towards Kagome, energy gathering at her fingertips. Just as she was about to release it a clawed hand wrapped painfully around her wrist. Disbelieving eyes turned to look at the face of a scowling hanyou.
"Don't even think of hurting Kagome," he said dangerously.
Kikyo looked at him with her sad eyes. "Does that girl mean more to you than me? Even now that she belongs to another?"
"Hell yeah!" He snarled. "Goodbye, Kikyo."
Her eyes widened a small fraction as his other claw buried itself in her heart. As she collapsed into a pile of ashes and bones a white light shot out of her to Kagome. She felt as if a hole was filled and sighed at the feeling of being complete again. She watched as he gathered Kikyo's remains in a piece of cloth from the edge of his gi before coming over to her.
"Kaede-baba will be glad to see her sister at rest again."
She hit his arm. "You really had me scared for a minute there."
Inuyasha had a sheepish look on his face. "Sorry. The only reason I came to see her was to get your soul back."
Kagome smiled warmly. "Arigato, Inuyasha. I feel whole again. Now lets get back to the others before they start to worry."
Kagome: YES!!!!! (Sings) Ding dong the bitch is dead. The mean old bitch. The nasty bitch. (Inuyasha clamps a hand over her mouth.) Inuyasha: Shhhh. You're gonna wake up Shayril. Kagome: Sorry. I didn't know. Why's she asleep? Inuyasha: She has a headache. (A door bangs open and Miroku, Kero, and Kalika enter, laughing and talking loudly.) Inuyasha: (Hisses) Quiet, you guys! Kero: (Demands) Why should we? Inuyasha: Because Shayril has a headache and I don't want you to wake her up. That's why! (They all instantly quiet down.) Miroku: Why, Inuyasha, I didn't know you cared so much for Lady Shayril. Kalika: Yeah. It's weird. Kagome: Awwwww. I think it's so sweet. Inuyasha: (Grumbling) Yeah, well, it's no big deal. She's goin' through a lot right now. (Glares at readers) Well, what're you still doing here? The chapter's over go away and let Shayril rest. And don't forget to review.