An InuYasha fanfiction written by- RoyalJester
Disclaimer- I do NOT own InuYasha and co.
A/N- I totally went blank with this story, lol. But I got an extension with my challenge. Now she said just to finish writing it, so here I am!! With the third chapter!! YAY!!! Alrighty then...thanks for those who reviewed!! I LOVE YOU GUYS!! Personal 'Thank-yous' at the bottom!! Umm…the first few chapters of this story will be…::Yawn:: then again, every story is. All the history and facts and setting and blah blah blah. But survive ohkay?! Pleaze??? PLEASE!!!! ::cries::
Oh, and this will turn into Sess/Kik. But not for a while. DON'T yell at me please!! (cries)
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As the seventh day arose ever since the strange aura appeared in the forest, the priestess Kikyou had been counting down the days until she had to watch Kaede depart. At the age of seven Atsue had always said that Kaede should leave for years to train to become a priestess. Being such a young age and learning the ways of a priestess was rather uncanny, but as Atsue says, Kikyou has babied her too much. Kaede needed space to open up her own mind and thoughts and couldn't be interrupted with the sisterly-feelings and love between them. Her mind needed to be focused, Kikyou accepted this fact. Priestess Atsue knew more about finding and training the perfect miko, then her and would allow this.
The sun had yet to rise and the callings of Atsue arrived at their cottage of Kikyou and Kaede. Kikyou raised her head, and before arising Kaede, sat and glanced over her young and beautiful face. She smiled in the slightest as she quickly recalled Kaede waking up, frightened in the night as she would sooth her. No longer would she obtain those memories. For years her little sister would be out of her sight with Atsue, and when she would return home, she would come as a woman. With a short sigh, Kikyou kneeled next to Kaede who woke in an instant, smiling.
Kaede could not wait for her adventure, but Kikyou didn't wish for her departure so soon.
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Kikyou sauntered through the undersized village, ignoring the sharp pains of the bitter morning air that seemed to pierce through her like needles as she stopped. With a raise of her head, she now stared up at the hut containing the great priestess Atsue. Her breathing was shallow as her eyes were blank. She knew Atsue recognized her aura, and was simply waiting for her to enter, but Kikyou remained until she heard her motherly-figure permit her to enter.
The scent of tea overwhelmed her, just like it always has as the room was lighted which was rather odd. Kikyou's focus went instantly to Atsue who was sitting on her cot, her robes flowing loosely over her now thick body as her eyes were closed. In an instant, Kikyou was on her knees with her hands on her lap, just as she was trained to do. Her gaze was focused on the thick cloth that covered her window just skimming over Atsue's face.
"What be the matter my dear?" Lady Atsue husked out in an overly sweet voice. With that said, Kikyou bowed her head in the slightest as she answered.
"I wish not to lose my sister. I demand that I am able to attend and it would only be right that you permit this. I have raised her, she is mine to protect, and I wish to teach her Lady Atsue." With this said, Kikyou instantly wished she could take this back. Certainly she had not meant to speak with such a crude tongue, but this topic easily caused her emotions to spill. Kikyou watched in uncertainty as Lady Atsue lips perched together, her wrinkled face began turning a slight red as she rose.
"This is the way you speak to someone who has raised you? Saved your life!? I will not be spoken to as if I am lower then you and that of simple blood." Atsue hoarsely spoke. Kikyou rose instantly not meaning to offend her dearest friend. She quickly bowed.
"I apologize Lady Atsue, you simply must realize why I am acting this way." Kikyou explained. This seemed to pass with Atsue as she nodded and sat back down, breathing heavily as she flicked her hand away dismissing Kikyou. She left instantly in confusion as she continued to walk slowly back to her cottage.
That was rather odd she had to admit. What angered Atsue so? Hmph. It must simply be nerves, Atsue isn't as strong as she used to be, nor is she as energetic. It is possible she is angered because she knows that she is losing power with each day and will soon lose her title as a priestess, a day each miko loathes. It was common sense that Atsue was one miko who would rather die then have the title at her loss, which would sadden anyone. But then again, Atsue was never one who you could pinpoint exactly; her mind is too complex and puzzled.
She was never one to reveal her emotions, nor share her feelings. As if she was a lost soul. But these traits seemed to be past down to herself as well. But that was the life of a priestess, and soon, Kaede will be the same. Kikyou sometimes regretted the fact that she was found by Lady Atsue, who of course would train them to become priestesses. She didn't wish for Kaede's life to be taken away from her at such a young age. But then again, it would be beneficial for her to learn to defend herself.
Her mind was made up; she would allow Kaede to leave…with Lady Atsue.
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The sun was just rising as the village gathered around to say their farewells to the great priestess Atsue and the miko-to-be Kaede. With formal farewells to the elder miko, Kaede was gathered in hugs as her friends told her to come back soon. Kaede simply smiled brightly, her brown eyes gleaming in the intense sun as she nodded her head and said she would be back in no time. This caused Kikyou to smile in the slightest as she stood in the back of the crowd. As soon as Kaede connected eyes with her, Kikyou nodded at her and began to walk away towards the forest, knowing her sister would shortly follow.
As she slowly lowered herself onto the grass that was covered in dew, she suddenly got the scent of the demon that had remained in the forest. It was stronger then the other auras, he must be within close distance. Her emotionless brown eyes lingered across the forest in question as she suddenly met golden eyes that seemed to flash and disappear. In an instance, the aura vanished. As she was just about to rise to follow the demon, a voice called.
"Sister Kikyou!" Kaede called walking up from behind Kikyou. She smiled gently at her younger sister and asked her to sit down. "I'll miss you sister Kikyou, I wish you could come."
"And I shall miss you. But there is a matter I wish to ask of you." Kikyou said, turning her attention from the forest, to meet the gaze of her younger sister. "I want you to keep a sharp look-out for Atsue and her actions."
"What is the matter sister Kikyou?" Kaede asked as her head tilted to the side in the slightest. She watched as her older sister simply let out a sigh and turned to gaze out into the forest once again.
"I am simply worried for her. But now we must bring a close our conversation of this matter. I wish for you to have this…" Kikyou stopped suddenly as she pulled out the coin necklace from her kimono. She dangled it infront of her sister who clasped her hand around it and smiled at her sister.
"What is it?"
"I am not sure, but it seems connected to Lady Atsue, and I fear that if she is too far away from this, she will become sick. I ask for you to keep this, but out of sight of Lady Atsue." Kikyou requested from her sister. She knew it was horrible to ask of her, but Atsue seemed strange without the necklace close to her.
"Thank you sister Kikyou!" Kaede called out as she placed it in her pocket and hugged her sister tightly. Kikyou let out a slight laugh – wrapping her arm around her sister close.
"I shall miss you Kaede, very much. Will you write to me?"
"Of course sister Kikyou! I'll write you everyday!" This caused Kikyou to smile and rustle the top of Kaede's head. How innocent she was, Kikyou almost wished she was like her, but soon Kaede will be wishing of the same event before long. This caused her to instantly sadden – but she quickly pushed down that emotion because it will be time for the final good bye.
"You need not write so often! You have many tiresome days a head of you, please, write when you wish." Kikyou said as she warmly squeezed her sister who let out a laugh. Suddenly, a calm voice echoed through the open fields that caught both their attentions.
"It is time to leave Kaede." Lady Atsue called as Kaede rose from her knees and nodded towards her teacher. Kikyou rose and squeezed her sister's hands tightly.
"I shall meet you here, the day you come home." Kaede smiled brightly.
"You promise?" Kaede asked tugging at the seam of her kimono top. Kikyou nodded as she watched her sister smile at her and run off towards Atsue where she whirled around and waved. Kikyou bowed in the slightest and as Kaede left, Atsue remained as they locked gazes.
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The forest was calm and still with the only sound being that of the wind passing through as the cloudy sky lit up the woods. Creatures and demons seemed to avoid much of that particular forest nearest to the village due to a certain Lord occupying the land. The lord didn't seem to move all day from his spot until after sundown. But until then, he would sit up on the highest branch of the highest tree, his back against the trunk with his golden eyes watching every move of his prey, not missing an action. He would need to know, learn, and go into her mind where he shall learn her fears and weaknesses.
But this woman was not like any other ningen he knew of. She revealed no emotion, no alarm towards anything that would pierce the minds of numerous. For the past seven days, she had dealt with deaths, being drenched in blood, and still no emotion is released. As if she was soulless. Then, when the sister of this woman was suddenly out of her reach, the priestess was saddened. She had entered her cottage where she had remained during the daylight hours.
Now he watched with interest, as night was cast over the land and the cottage containing the priestess went dark. He watched as the figure walked out of the cottage and slowly out of the small village and into the open field.
On instinct, he immediately departed, noiselessly, as he easily caught her strong aura as he stopped at once. This woman had a strange desire for archery, he thought as he watched her stand in front of an immense tree, where when she injured part of the earth, she would ask for forgiveness and pray. The great lord couldn't help but wonder who she was trying to impress. But he deceased when he suddenly met her gaze as he rapidly hid his aura, and watched charily, the soulless priestess.
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Out in the distance, a figure shined in the moonlight, creating a soft glow around the stiff figure that barely moved as she grabbed for another arrow from the rawhide leather of the quiver. A high-pitched screech of whistling echoed through the air as an arrow disappeared into the forest. The figure almost seemed frustrated as she lowered her bow a mere inches, looking out in the distance. Her aim was off this evening.
Her cold brown eyes followed the finely crafted wood that had curved ever so slightly to create such a fine piece of weaponry that was placed in her hands. With a sigh, she closed her eyes and let her hand fall with the bow as she arched her eyebrows angrily, clenching her teeth. Her little sister, Kaede, was off at a Shinto Shrine to learn to become a priestess. Her sister who she vowed to always look after, and never leave alone, was off with Priestess Atsue, to follow in their footsteps. It enraged Kikyou that she was not allowed to attend, or assist in the traditions.
"Kikyou, your power will throw off the balance, making it complex for young Kaede to be taught." Kikyou replayed in her head, carefully recalling Atsue throwing those words towards her to create a burden, as to not to do anything irrational. Kikyou only stood, on the dirt trail, watching the backs of her sister, and her motherly figure, as they rode off on steeds that were carrying bags and crates of supplies.
She let out a sigh as she shook the memory out of her mind as she whirled the bow over her shoulder and began to slowly head back to the village alone, where she would be on her own without her sister or her practically mother, in the village for months, possibly years. This nerved Kikyou beyond recognition, but why? Why was her sister being alone with Atsue, worry her so? She would give her life for Atsue, and she knew she would do the same for her. It could possibly be the fact that she was not allowed to even write to Kaede while she was training, and throw off her concentration, and this would go on for months. But alas, Kaede was permitted to write to her. The rules of priestesses are questionable, but wise.
"I am acting as a child." She whispered under her breath as she stood still and cast a glance over her shoulder staring into the forest where she felt as if she met a gaze with someone. She knew someone was there, watching her, but the lack of an aura being present, had her believe she was simply paranoid. "I am nerved at you, evil spirit, watching me these past days. Your gaze has caused me to become fearful of every event. Does this give pleasure to you?" Kikyou called out as not a noise was retorted back at her, only a rustle of trees that caused a chill up her spine.
She lifted her chin up, and walked gracefully towards her village, not worried about the stare piercing through her back.
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As she breathed in the heavily aroma of burning wood, that cascading down in a whirl as the ash created a blanket on the ground, she glanced at her hut. Her home for the past many years. Six was it now? Hm. How time seems to flash before her eyes as her sister had grown. She found herself breathing in deeply, ignoring the ash that seemed entranced by her, as she pushed the thin cloth to the side, blocking her from her home as she met pure darkness.
With the reach of her hand, as she ran it over an overly-used candle, it was suddenly set aflame as she smiled in the slightest. She had managed to master this skill that had left her many burns on her fingers as a child. But as Atsue would repeatedly say, it is worth the pain to succeed. Without noticing, she set her bow and quiver down, as the arrows spilled over onto the ground, destroying their purity. Hmph. She had to create more anyways.
Kikyou ignored this action as she simply walked over to the wooden bowl of unsullied water as she dipped her hands in, washing her face carefully. She then pulled back, satisfied, for a rag to dry her face that was now radiating off heat as she could tell her cheeks her flushed. She didn't bother with making a fire, she enjoyed the dry, crisp air of fall as she slowly laid down on her cot and pulled a thin blanket around her. Her mind filled with the memories of when she was learning to become a priestess as she wondered what her sister, Kaede, was doing at this very moment.
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A figure walked through the forest, chokingly, as he sauntered through branches and bushes trying to find his master. The sound of howling and growling caused him to let out a scream with each clamor as the toad-like fiend would jump around in the air, his intense yellow eyes glaring as he threatened for a demon to come out and try to slaughter him. But when the noise of a bush shuffling, as if a creature would jump out, the toad demon let out a squeak and ran through the forest with startling swiftness as his brown robes flickered in the air. Without warning, his feet caught his robes from underneath them as he plunged to the forest ground as he let out a yelp of pain as he sat up, rubbing his face, ridding of the filth and bark.
"Silence Jakken." A deep voice said evenly as the toad demon lowered his hands as his eyes widened as he looked for where the voice was coming from.
"Ma…master Sesshomaru?" Jakken called out in alarm as he stood up, immediately putting on a strong face. "Where are you master Sesshomaru?"
A figure from above suddenly shot down from high up in a tree without creating a noise as the figure landed on the ground soundlessly, meeting the gaze of his servant.
"Why have you come?" Sesshomaru asked as he peered down to meet yellow eyes that seemed to be frightened as he awaited an answer.
"M'lord. Your land is no longer sheltered. You have been gone for a week and the other realms know this, you must come back at once!" Jakken said, puffing out his chest, creating a 'humph' noise that caused his master to raise an eyebrow in the slightest, leaving his face stern.
"I am assuming Konomi has requested I come at once?" Sesshomaru said not meaning it as a question, but knowing she had.
"Hai." Jakken said bowing his head as he looked up at his master who nodded in the slightest and left the other direction, vanishing from Jakken's view.
"Master Sesshomaru?!" Jakken called out in pure darkness as his voice echoed. Birds began to hawk causing Jakken to shiver and run off in the other direction in fright, towards the kingdom.
So he was requested to return at once now was he? Konomi must be frightened. But since he was simply wasting time out here, he might as well imprison the ningen while she seems rather disheartened and livid. She won't be able to concentrate on her powers while her emotions are so high; every demon knows this fact about mikos. This caused him to scorn in the slightest. A miko, the strongest rival to a demon, was now figured out, their weaknesses were apparent and because of this, they will easily fall.
Demons will once again rule above all humans, enslave them, and do as they please. And the West Lands will rule over all of them.
He glided through the village that he had memorized so well as he stood in front of the cottage of the woman who would assist him. As he entered, wind whirled through as the only source of light, a candle, was suddenly erased bringing complete darkness.
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The feeling as if sharp needles were piercing into her flesh caused her to awaken as a glimpse of a figure suddenly past her. She rose immediately and with a swift motion of her hands, all the candles of the cottage were lit as she stared around at the blank room, there was no one there. As she slid her hand across her forehead she questioned about simply going back to sleep, but seeing that no way she could, simply walking through the village seemed precise. That would settle her nerves.
The fall's night air was freezing, but also refreshing as she slowly walked through the forest with her eyes closed. As she stopped, she glanced along the forest that was radiating from the faultless moon. It had been a while since strolling through the forest was for enjoyment only, and not for a task to slay a demon. As Kikyou walked through the open field, a faded aura was calling her. Requesting the miko's presence. Her thoughts went immediately to the demon, and now that her emotions were so fragile, he might try to slay her. As she took a step back to turn around and leave, she ran into a solid figure as she was instantly frozen. A cold hand reached from below and wrapped itself around her neck, causing chills to run up her spine. It seemed that her voice was removed from her as when she tried to speak, but nothing came out. She wasn't able to move, not able to breathe, she stood with her body against another's, and she was frozen.
As the hand moved further around her neck, the figure began putting pressure against it causing her to close her eyes in pain. Almost instantly when, what seems like a dagger, was slowly pierced into her neck, her mind became blank as her eyes fell cold, lifeless. The words he spoke though - pierced her mind.
"I detest your very scent, your blood causes me to wretch, but you priestess…shall lead me to victory…and then your body is mine for the takings…" he whispered as he used his other hand to grab onto her raven hair from the back and pull her head so he could see her face. Perfect. The venom was already into her veins…and she would be paralyzed for days. Unable to think…unable to move…
As he grabbed onto her limb body and gathered her in his arms, he jumped up into the night sky as his crimson transportation of gathered up energy lifted him up. He stared down at the priestess as he smirked in the slightest. This priestess was stronger then what he had suspected…her hand was wrapped around his wrist. She had more control then what anyone should have, human or demon. Now this would be interesting…and she was going into his mind at this very moment. Who knew what she saw?
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The winds howled greatly causing trees to crack and slam against the ground creating a gust of wind, as lightening shot through the skies that was blank from its usual jewels. A full moon glowed in the bare sky as a blood-red ring surrounded it, ruining the perfection of the faultless moon. The light seemed to cast over the two figures in the center of a field. They would appear humans from afar, but gave off a radiant scent of demons. They look similar, yet different in many ways as both their eyes carried the same passion, for blood.
"Father. You will be banished from this land." The younger of the two said with no emotions, yet his eyes shined with disgust. The elder demon simply stared and slowly nodded his head.
"Then I will execute those who dare try." He said as his golden eyes shined in the slightest, yet they held enjoyment. He watched as his son, Sesshomaru, took a step forward.
"You dare risk our title for the pleasure of a filthy ningen?" He shouted out in anger, his eyes flashing a dark red as his father simply nodded with a bow of his head.
"I care for that woman. Just as you should Sesshomaru."
"Because she birthed a hanyou to be labeled as my sibling? You might be the ruler of the Inu-demons, but father, I will not be under the likes of a ningens-lover. I have no father, no brother."
"Then you are implying that you will stand down from the title?" Inutaishou said as he simply stared at his son who suddenly smirked.
"Not exactly, Lord InuTaishou…" Sesshomaru called out as his eyes flashed of blood-red, his claws wretched out as he suddenly flashed from view, a growl echoed through the forest as a horrifying war call caused demons afar to flee.
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A/N- Alright! Thats the end of the third chapter!!! I dunno what my friend was thinking posting an unfinsihed chapter...LOL. Ne wayz. Thanks for the reviews!! I love you guys!! And I hope hopehope you like this chapter!! I'm outty until next chapter!!!
Next chapter- Kikyou is adjusting, Konomi throws a fit....ummm...I dunno!! A letter from Kaede....and blah blah.
Thank-yous:
DivineShana- Thanks!!! Sorry for taking so long with updating, whoops. :P
Shinkukihaku- YAY!! Your back!! I hope this story lives up to my other stories, lol lol. Enjoy this chapter or I will send my evil flying purple penguins after your monkeys! No, not really. Lol lol. I hope your flying monkeys are doing well. :p
Arwen Dark Sorceress Of Fate- Thanks!! And your new chapter was OSM!!!
TheLovelyLenne- Thanks!!
Isis-Ishtar123- Wow thanks for the great compliments!! Kwee. Hmm…tips for writing Sess/Kik. Well. Both characters are stubborn, strong, and emotionless; imagine them facing each other. I mean, of course they would only nod at each other, automatically respecting one another's strength and maturity. But imagine them being in a situation, with the respect they have for one another, they would assist if the other is in need to keep their 'true' competition alive. Yes, they are against one another, but they are the shadows of that person. LOL!! Did that help at all?? If it didn't, just look at their personalities. So alike, yet different, they clash well together. Sesshomaru would say a comment, Kikyou would calmly, yet firmly, retort with a clever remark causing Sesshomaru to think and wonder about her because she's so mysterious. Same with Kikyou.
Shy-Lil-Dreamer- lol. Yeah, they meet in this chapter! Well…kinda….not really…hmmm. :P
Niki- Thanks for liking it!!
Theif Rikku- You are a funny, and great reviewer and person!! LOL!! I loved reading all of your reviews! You are seriously, someone who I have WAITED to review my stories!! So alive and funny. You sound like me when I review a story, lol lol. Yes, there will be fighting, abuse, hitting, raping, torture and betrayal. But of course, that doesn't mean only between Kikyou and Sesshy. I have a few other characters I'm gonna mess around with. :p. This story will start with Konomi/Sesshy. SOWWY!! I know, I don't like her much either, but, it will all make sense at the end of the story. I PROMISE! Yeah, this is kinda a sad story, but I'm gonna make it real. Its not gonna be love at first sight or anything. Its gonna be how the characters are. Lol. I hope that makes sense. Oh, and my friend challenged me. A few others have as well….but I liked this idea the best. - thanks for the osm reviews!! I loved them all!! And I hope you continue to read this story. It would mean a lot to me! :p Oh, and you MUST tell me when you post up your Sess/Kik ficcies!!! I CAN'T WAIT!!! If you need help, please don't hesitate to ask! I would love to help ya!
ninalee-chan- Lol. Yeah, I love challenges. Its great to write stories that people will actually want to read. Lol. Thanks for the review!! WOOT!!!