Hi guys!! I know I just updated recently, but I can't help being excited; school's almost out for summer and this is the chapter where the real action starts to come together!
I've looked over and revised my plot plan a little bit; so far I've planned this story to end at chapter 16, so we've still got a ways to go (and these last ones should be longer chapters than normal). I feel so vigorous; this is like the long home stretch for this story!!
Finally, I've tallied up the reviewers for the Sess/Kik pairing, and they win the majority. So, sorry to those who dislike it, but I left the option open and now I have to close the window of opportunity for voting, since the story must progress or else it will go nowhere.
So, let me restate: this story is an Inu/Kag, Sess/Kik, and Mir/San.
Enjoy Chapter 10!! And don't forget to R&R please!
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Chapter 10: Mi-to Touhou bai za Goshinboku (Meet Me by the God Tree)
The sound of the water was refreshing as small streams snaked their way down Kikyo's pale figure. The wind in the trees of the garden was clean and wisped away those leaves that couldn't manage to keep their grasp to the deep, rigid bark. She stood in a waist-deep brook, hidden by the surrounding shrubbery, and nestled comfortably against the side of a slowly sloping ridge, which would lead up the mountain that guarded the West of the palace. A small tunneled cleft in this slope – along with a three metre wide shelf – accounted for the single-person waterfall under which she now stood.
Her hair slunk down the frosty-blue silken back of her kimono in chunky ebony ribbons. She moved her eyes to focus on the surface of the water where her hips and blue-clad legs disappeared under the rippling waves. She smiled softly to herself as she waded out from under the spray of the falling water.
'Eight more days,' she thought, chewing on her lower lip nervously.
It had been eight days since she and her temperamental little sister had arrived in Lord Sesshoumaru's house. Eight days since his declaration. Eight less days until he would choose their fate. It was almost too much for her to bare, knowing that her delicate life, and Kagome's fiery one, were in the cold, but careful hands of another. This was where Kagome and she met paths; neither liked the thought of uncontrollable death, though for different reasons.
Kikyo knew she feared the unknown: that which she knew she had no reassurance of safety. Kagome, on the other hand, would plainly detest the implication that she couldn't have control of her own destiny. Kikyo smiled ruefully; she knew exactly what her sister would have had to say:
"If I have to die, as all mortals must, then let me be the one to choose the place and time!"
The uncertainty of the outcome of their offering to the lord was starting to rattle Kikyo more than she cared to show – even to her sister. There was no strength in a ruler who couldn't bluff and mask her emotions. For this, she idolized Sesshoumaru. Strong, powerful, yet wise beyond all human reckoning with untold years of experience; all that she had ever wished to be was wrapped up inside him! Would that she could ever be like him!
She stepped onto the bank of the brook, and strode silently towards her sandals laying on the soft grass not far from the waterside. Shuffling her feet, she slipped into the stained wood and straps. Then, she padded along through the underbrush – not looking for anything really, unless, perhaps, a place where she could leave her mind and her doubt a while to rest peacefully. However, she knew that place didn't exist. At least, not in this lifetime.
When the shrubbery cleared, Kikyo looked forward into the blinding rays of sunlight that swept over the rich earth. She had entered a small clearing, perfectly round in its shape, with a single, looming tree standing at the very centre; it was the most ordinary, yet most incredible sight she had ever seen!
Her steps was shaky as she circled round the gigantic tree three times, gazing up into its dark branches far above her head. It was just a large oak – nothing special, she had tried to tell herself. Yet, something in her heart told her otherwise. Something about this tree was very special! If only she knew what it was!
"It's impolite to enter one's sanctuary unannounced," came a calm, deep voice from above her.
She immediately followed the direction of the voice and spotted Sesshoumaru sitting somberly in the tallest of the branches. Kikyo, at that moment, couldn't pry her eyes away! Something about him just awed her! Something more than his calm power...
"Good day, Lord Sesshoumaru," she replied, turning to leave. "I apologize for interrupting. I wasn't aware anyone was here."
She felt a hand grab her shoulder, and she was irresistibly forced to turn back to face the monolithic tree. Instead, she met eye to eye with the lord himself; he had left the tree to stop her from leaving?
"Is something the matter, Lord Sesshoumaru?" she asked, secretly enjoying the fact that his hand still lingered on her shoulder, its grasp loose and un-commanding, but notable regardless.
His eyes seemed to change from those of a man to a timid boy, and she found herself both amazed and disgusted at the show of weakness. Uncertainty swam rampant for a split second behind the coolness of gold irises. Then, that emotion was banished, to be masked over by apathy once more. He was hiding something from her, and he knew that she could tell; he had depended on it.
"It seems my decision will come late," he replied, letting his arm drop from her shoulder, much to Kikyo's unvoiced disappointment.
Kikyo nodded smoothly, and tread lightly to an unearthed root, where she sat and waited patiently for him to continue. When he did not, she spurred him on the only way she knew how: with subtle woman wiles. "Surely my sister and I cannot perplex you so, my lord. We are not but women in your house: yours and your brother's faithful servants. We are not worth your aching."
Sesshoumaru peered at her, as though contemplating a crucial move in a very important round of questioning and answering. His empty eyes looked up into the bright sky, where they lingered and did not leave as he spoke. "I am unable to control this, Kikyo-hime. Nor am I entirely certain of its outcome. It is a danger to my entire realm. A danger caused by you, yourself."
Kikyo, delighted with her progress, feigned a gasp, and looked at him with widened eyes. "By the Gods, my lord! What are you saying?"
"I am saying that our lands will be at war again very soon," he replied solemnly.
Her cool eyes drifted up to watch him as he stood so perfectly still a few metres away, drawn into deep thought. She couldn't help the grim smile that tweaked her lips, but soon that last cling to bemused humour fell like a dead stone into a river of thrashing worry.
"He will not stop, you know," she said softly, sliding down the tree so that she was in a sitting position, her knees drawn up to her chest and her arms hanging limply at her sides. "Not until I return."
The answer she received was far more bold than she expected – even from the great Western Lord! "He shall not have you. You came as an offering and I reserve the right of judgement on both you and Kagome-hime."
Kikyo's eyes narrowed. She knew the error that needed to be corrected for Sesshoumaru to understand the situation properly. "He doesn't care what happens to Kagome. He used to, before mother died..."
"Are you saying your own father has turned his back on Kagome-hime? He would rally troops for war to retrieve you but not her? ... What did she do to disgrace him?" Sesshoumaru was now watching Kikyo, a spark of intense interest burning.
"Nothing," Kikyo sighed, standing and brushing off the back of her kimono carefully. "She did nothing... except be herself."
Just saying those simple words made Kikyo's heart slow in its own aching! Why was it that their father only had enough love for her?! Why was her poor sister always forgotten?! It was unfair! It was cruel! Still, Kikyo couldn't ever bring herself to hate her sire; neither could Kagome. How could they hate the man who spawned them and raised them? It was illogical.
The passion of the moment urged Kikyo into a velvety state, as though the world were melting around her. She swayed slightly, and gave a soft groan of dizziness. But, it passed before long. Her long, creamy fingers came up and tangled themselves into her fringes. She felt the question bubbling up from the pit of her stomach, and could do nothing to stop it. Her heart thudded brutally against her chest at the thought of what he might answer. "When are you leaving?"
Sesshoumaru was taken back by her question. How had she known his intentions?! However, that thought was shoved aside for the concentration for more important matters; he had no time for idleness! This conversation itself had a very real purpose; he needed her help. He would never ask for it, but he would drive it from her through inquiry. Of all the people he knew, he had never come close to finding someone so much like himself... like her. He needed her advice. And her reassurance. "In four days."
Kikyo's breathed hitched despite her attempts at bracing herself for the answer! Her blood ran cold in her veins at the impression he had just shoved into her. She felt light-headed, and stumbled a moment before her shaky hand caught the tree's shaft and she tried to steady herself. "Four days...!"
Four days until what, she wondered? Four days until he would take his troops and leave the West. Four days until he would leave HER! Four days until he might not come back...? She couldn't stand not knowing! She was dying from the fact that she had no way of protecting him once he left her side! When had that happened?
When had he become the master of her heart as well as of her body?
She knew. The moment she had set eyes on him, she knew him. There was nothing he could hide from her easily, for her mind was too much like his in design. She knew his tricks, and he knew hers. He could see through her as easily as looking through a light fog; translucent, full of mystery, but never impenetrable if enough energy was exerted!
For this reason, he approached her as she had her back to him. His strong arms wrapped around her from behind, his hands cris-crossing over her torso and cupping each shoulder. His head drew close to her ear, and whispered gently into it. She could do nothing but listen and stare at the tree bark in front of her. She didn't want to do anything else.
"I can't help any of this, Kikyo... Not this war. Not this wonderful aura surrounding you. Not my irresistible attraction to you."
Kikyo felt her knees go weak, and let herself fall gracefully against Sesshoumaru's warm chest. She let out a soft moan as he kissed her left cheek. This feeling was rushing through her, warming her cold blood and placing a soft blanket over her worry to make the whole of the world calm again. She felt completely at peace.
Sesshoumaru, on the other hand, began to purr from the minute spasms erupting in his calves and forearms. The extreme tingle of zaps of electricity flowing randomly from her to him through their clothing was overwhelmingly pleasant! He loved touching her...
Kikyo found her breathing slower than normal. "Sesshoumaru? What is it about this place? This tree...?"
"This is where my father met my mother; where my mother birthed me. She loved this tree." He kissed her other cheek, more powerful jolts shooting through him as bare lips met soft skin. He sighed. "I will come back for you... I will always keep you safe."
"I know," she rumbled softly, her head resting against his shoulder, perfectly at rest.
One of his hands left her shoulders and compelled her to tip her head sideways and backwards. Carefully, he leaned over her shoulder and trapped her lips with his. The passion that transferred between them at that moment was indescribable! The world disappeared, and they were left to revel in the comfort of each other's souls! "Sango! Hurry up!" came an aggravated yell across the courtyard. She wrapped her arms firmly against the massive bundle of yaris. Using her shoulders and small of her back, she bent herself up and hauled the heavy load across the short grass. It wouldn't have been that difficult a task had there not been masses of guards everywhere, also performing preparation. She scowled angrily as the voice yelled at her again.
"Hurry up, we don't have all day, damn it!!"
"I'm coming as fast as I can, you wart-covered mule-mate!!!" she replied, her face red with exertion and fury. She knew she was treading on thin ice talking to the captain of the guard like that, but he wouldn't dare touch her anyway! She was a servant for Kikyo and Kagome-hime: a special honour! No one would even think about hurting her; it would deeply bristle the osama or his brother!
"Sango!" came a second voice. This one, she knew well. This one, she trusted.
She turned and dropped onto her shins, bowing to the approaching figure respectfully. She heard the footsteps stop a metre in front of her, and a loud "Humph!" Her eyes watched, bemused, as a pale, bare foot tapped the ground rhythmically. Yes, he was exasperated!
Without a moment's notice, she was grabbed by the shoulders of her kimono and dragged to her feet. Her eyes met beautiful gold and she smiled, and bent down to pick up her bundle again. "Hello to you, too, Inuyasha-oji!"
Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "Oh, come off that, Sango: Inuyasha!"
She turned and smirked at him cheekily, which made him consider knocking her around a bit. "Very well, Inuyasha! What brings you here?"
He looked around suspiciously, as though he feared the ears of spies that would jump up behind him and betray him. He brought his hand and mouth to her ear. "Have you seen Kagome-hime?"
Sango's smirk grew wider, and Inuyasha balled his hand into a fist in warning. She took that hint, and wiped the offensive expression away, though it still peeked up at the corners of her mouth. "Yes, Inuyasha. Your brother asked me to arrange for her to remain inside today, busy with lessons of some sort or another. I believe he doesn't want her worrying about the departure."
Inuyasha looked up at the rows of windows on the third storey of the palace, and nodded. "I see."
"Inuyasha," Sango smiled sincerely, "if you want my opinion: you like her. I mean, more than like. You've been constantly bugging her these past few days; you hardly leave her alone! You're just too damn stubborn to admit it! Tell her already!"
Inuyasha's face paled, and he looked at her with semi-saucer eyes. "But, Sango...! What if she doesn't...?"
It was Sango's turn to roll her eyes. How could he miss all the advances Kagome-hime had put forth?! In the past four days, she'd played with his ears, given him little glimpses of shin or shoulder here and there, and even given him the most appreciative looks from across the dinner table! Sango wasn't sure what had changed to make Kagome do these things, but she found it very amusing! "You're hopeless!"
Inuyasha didn't notice right away that Sango was walking away, yaris in hand. When he finally did, he shrieked out a string of curses and hurried after her. "Gods damn it, Sango! Don't walk away when I'm talking to you!!"
Sango giggled. "I thought you were done; you asked me about Kagome."
Inuyasha's sudden pout made Sango burst into laughter.
"It's not funny!!!" Inuyasha snarled. Sango heaved in heavy breaths and finished her little fit. "I wanted to let you know that I'm worried that you're going too."
Sango nodded acknowledgment, and dropped the yaris onto the large pile waiting to be sharpened by the smiths nearby. Her eyes traveled over the demon-smiths: wizened old things looking very much like gnarled gnomes, pushing twisted feet down on the pedals of the grindstones. Sparks flew from the friction of metal on stone, accompanied by the hideous scratching noise as the blades were worked clean.
"I'm a taijya, Inuyasha," she replied, reaching over and grabbing her hiraikotsu from the ground where she had left it earlier. "I can take care of myself in battle."
"I know you can," Inuyasha replied hesitantly. "But that was when you fought demons. This time, you'll be fighting your own kind..."
Sango didn't reply right away. Her eyes looked distant, until she regained herself. "It makes no difference. An enemy is an enemy."
Inuyasha closed his eyes and heard her beginning to walk away again. "It used to," he sighed. "Make a difference, I mean."
Sango stopped in mid-pace, and remained completely still with her back facing the oji. "That was before my weakness cost my brother his life...!"
Inuyasha shook his head mournfully. "You didn't cause his death, Sango. You did the only thing you could by letting that human live. Had you killed him, you would have been no different than the demons you slew."
She turned fiery eyes on him and glared into his golden depths. Her teeth grinded slowly together and she pushed out the words like poison in her mouth. "Had I killed that murderer, I would have done justice! My brother would have been avenged!" With that, she spun on her heel and walked away. "I will be accompanying the ninjas, Inuyasha! I will be the assassin and tracker I was born to be!"
Running his clawed fingers through his silver hair, Inuyasha exhaled heavily. His eyelids drooped from exhaustion and he felt very tired! So pressured were they to deliver a sizable army that Inuyasha had been running without rest for nearly twenty-six hours! Still, he could draw pleasure from knowing that his sweet Kagome-hime was well cared for and resting soundly. He was overjoyed that she had no knowledge of the upcoming departure yet. She could not worry over anything except how best to spend her day and pass the time.
Suddenly, he felt a pull on his hakama. He looked down and saw young Shippou-sama standing beside him and looking up at him with frightened eyes. He remained silent, awaiting the kitsune to speak.
"Inuyasha-oji?" Shippou asked, a heavy quiver in his timid voice. "Will... will Kagome-hime be leaving too?"
Inuyasha was both shocked and appalled at the notion! His princess would certainly NOT be going with them; it was far too dangerous!! Had his father not taught Shippou the roles of women and men?! Sango was an exception – being raised to fight – but women were supposed to be at home and safe in times like these, and leave only if they were no longer safe.
"OF COURSE NOT!!! What kind of realm do you think we run here?! Do you think she's EVER fought a day in her life – not including verbal arguments she has with me every five minutes?!?!"
"Well," Shippou replied, twiddling his fingers nervously, "I just wanted to make sure... I mean, if she were to leave me like my mother did... I mean... If she left and didn't come back, I... I don't like being the only one left behind."
Inuyasha's glare softened, and he kneeled down and touched the kitsune's tiny shoulder with his fingertips. "Don't worry, Shippou. She's not going anywhere."
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Yay, chapter 10 done! On to 11, but since I've been updating rapidly lately, you guys will have to wait awhile for it, okay? I still have to worry about school and exams. But, I have a feeling 'The Moon and the Sun' will be finished by the middle of summer, if all goes as planned.