DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN INUYASHA NOR THE MANGA, NOR THE ANIME
SunMoon1285: Hello fellow readers... sorry for the tardiness... what can I say? Oscar weekend... (laughs nervously) Good News! Next Chappie is almost done so... give or take a few days I'll be posted as well...
(Eerie aura surrounds the room)
SunMoon1285: Thanks a lot for your reviews and support!... and for bearing with me with this weird story line... but hey! It's different, ne? Wait a minute... where is...
(Glowing red eyes appear behind SunMoon1285... she turns around shivering in fear only to laugh maniacally at the still cross-dressed Sesshomaru)
Sesshomaru: Change me back! or die beneath my claws... (sharpens claws)
SunMoon1285: um... let me think... no (speeds away)
Sesshomaru: Why you little wench! (stares at the readers) um... please review and no flames or else this ningen will drive me crazy for eternity
(Sesshomaru unleashes Toukijin and follows SunMoon1285 close in pursuit)
Chapter 9: Rain
The group sat around in a circle in the spacious living room. After Miroku served the guests some drinks, he took his ancestor's book and placed it in front of him as he knelt down. Glancing at the people around him he initiated the meeting.
"You guys all know that we each represent a reincarnation of someone from the past, right?" Miroku asked, and then gave away all the usual information they all knew, with the exception of Jaken.
"Yeah we all know that, idiot" Inu countered as he glanced to the window when Miroku finished speaking.
"Inu… please let him speak" Kagome asked politely, nudging his attention back to the monk's reincarnation.
"Whatever…" Inu said, "It pisses off how that damn Taisho brushes us off"
"I kind of agree… he seems quite different from before" Miroku pondered as he opened the book.
"Lord Jaken, is it? Will you kindly tell us about our past lives?" Sango requested curiously.
"Have you humans read that black book the monk wrote?" Jaken asked.
"Yeah we did. But we need more information about Naraku" Koga replied.
"And about that Taiyoukai…" Shippo added.
"Perhaps if you browse the book, Jaken, you might remember some more details that it states" Rin advised as Miroku handed the book to the toad.
Jaken sat and read the book quickly in silence. When he came to a certain page, his eyes widened in recognition. He flipped the book over to show the others Naraku's picture and his wish.
"Why does Naraku live? The monk says it was his dying wish to be reincarnated into the world… but that wasn't the EXACT wish. He asked for another chance… in another life. In so doing he brought forth your reincarnations' memories without realizing it. In other words it's another battle but in THIS Era… oohh I wish Lord Sesshomaru were here…" Jaken whimpered.
"Kagome, where did you find him?" Rin inquired.
"After I regained most of my memories, I remembered what my room looked like. I noticed that the one I lived after the accident was different from the one before it… after I searched my real room, I went into the well and traveled back into the Feudal Era…" Kagome explained.
"How can you travel in time? You don't have the Shikon, according to the book," Koga deduced.
"The Shikon was one of many keys to opening it… now my key is the mark on my neck" Kagome answered.
"Lord Sesshomaru's mating mark…" Shippo said.
"In the Feudal Era a hundred years had passed, and I met up with Jaken and he took me to the graves of Sesshomaru and Inuyasha" Kagome clarified.
Inu visibly paled at the name, diverting everyone's attention from Kagome.
"Did he die… a few months after you left?" Inu quietly asked.
"Yes…" Kagome said, "Why?"
"If it is true what you say… then it is for sure… that like Taishou, I do have a spirit in me" Inu stated.
"Inuyasha…" Jaken whispered, "I knew I recognized the smell…"
"He talks to me in my dreams and sometimes takes over me" Inu explained in a soft tone.
"His eyes grow red… and he grows incredibly angry" Shippo added.
"Inu becomes incredibly weak in the new moon and when he gets too angry, his control over the spirit wanes" Koga admitted.
"Perhaps we could use his help in this, Inu…" Miroku offered.
"He's not like the other spirit… he's a beast" Inu stammered as he shuddered, "All he desires is to kill whoever may hurt Kagome or myself"
"He's not possessed by Inuyasha but his demonic form" Kagome concluded.
"But we can make him come back, can we?" Rin asked.
"Miroku, is there any way to subdue the demon inside of Inuyasha, so that we can talk to the hannyou instead?" Sango questioned.
"I used to subdue him with the prayer beads… I always managed to control him… but I don't know now… I don't have the 'sit' command" Kagome responded for him, "We have to wait for another way"
"It's getting late… we'd better go," Shippo told Rin trying to change the subject.
Everyone said farewell to each other. Shippo and Rin left with Koga, and Miroku left to escort Sango back to the dorm. Only Inuyasha, Jaken, and Kagome remained in the apartment. Before Inu left he turned worriedly towards Kagome.
"Kagome… If my spirit is correct… please do NOT trust Sessho" Inu begged, "like he's going to do something to us…"
"But why? All he ever did was care for me…" Kagome replied.
"He really is Lord Sesshomaru's reincarnation…" Jaken alleged, "Then I'd need to speak with my Lord"
"Sessho said that he won't let 'IT' out…" Inu acknowledged, "So that's out of the question"
"The bracelet perhaps…" Kagome deduced, "When I was talking briefly to Sesshomaru that night, he didn't have the bracelet on! If we take it off then he will come out again!"
"Kagome? I don't think Taishou'll go willingly and say: 'Hey! Fine by me! Let out the spirit within me!'… he'd go nuts!" Inuyasha rebutted.
"Then you have to sneak in…" Jaken recommended with a wicked laugh, "Soon it will be the full moon… Sesshomaru's instincts usually takes over him, right my lady?"
"That is right… it will become too difficult to control! But I don't like tricking him that way… but if that's the only way to see him again… then so be it" Kagome determined.
"Until the full moon" Inu said as he put his hand in.
"Until the full moon" Kagome repeated as she placed her hand atop of his.
They both looked at Jaken who grumbled under his breath.
"Humans and their silly games" he muttered as he placed his hand in as well.
Sometime later…
It has been around a few weeks since Kagome moved in with Sessho and Miroku. She loved it there. Miroku was an excellent cook and Sessho helped her a lot on her studies in order to get a passing grade even with her part-time job. Currently she has a job as a waitress at the local coffee shop where se met Inu which was not far from their apartment.
Jaken surreptitiously worked with Miroku's book inside Kagome's room, searching for information about the bracelet, the Taiyoukai, and their current roles in destiny. He ate a few times a week and rarely came out of the room, other than dragged by Kagome to give him a bath once in a while. With his constant rants and raving, they both came out soaking wet from the bathroom. Every time it happened, Sesshomaru inwardly felt warmth to see her mate having fun with his servant. But on the other hand, it also displeased Sessho, causing Kagome to apologize to him.
"She shouldn't apologize to anyone…" Sesshomaru thought inwardly.
"It's raining a lot! Thank goodness today is my day off" Kagome whispered as she looked on the window of her new home.
'It will soon be the full moon,' Kagome thought, 'in only three days I would have to pry the bracelet off Sessho to see if the plan would work.'
She was quickly driven away from her thoughts when Sessho appeared quickly beside her. She barely withheld her cry of surprise at his strange demeanor. She smiled at him upon recognizing him, hiding her surprised expression.
"Hm… at least there are no classes today" Sessho said as she gave him another smile.
Suddenly, a loud knock was heard throughout Sessho's apartment.
"Looks like it's him" Miroku said giving a sigh, "Lucky for me, I have a previous arrangement with the lovely Sango…"
"Damn Kazuma" Sessho muttered under his breath.
Kagome felt sorry that they had to endure Inu's constant visits in their own home. Inu's visits mostly consisted on their covert plan for the night on the full moon, and at only a few days' time, they have to make sure everything went perfectly.
"I'm sorry… I- I- shouldn't be doing this after all that you did for me" Kagome stammered while looking away from the view.
"No, I want you to enjoy it here to the fullest. It makes me happy every time you smile" Sessho said.
'Why does every day that passes by, I begin to feel more pity towards Sessho and more remorse for my future plans?' she thought ruefully, 'Maybe… I shouldn't deceive him…"
"Thanks" Kagome said softly as she brushed her hand to Sessho's arm. He gave a knowing smile, but quickly hid it from her. His bracelet still pulsed heavily at his side.
"Mine, mine, mine…" the everlasting chant from the demon lord further edging the human each day more towards insanity.
Luckily for him, he has asked Miroku to perform the exorcism on the day of the full moon, unbeknownst to anyone, even Kagome. He made sure Kagome would be working late that night so everything would go smoothly.
Regardless to the Taiyoukai's constant threats and insults, he continued with his plans of ridding himself of this curse that has befallen him ever since he was born. He was shaken from his thoughts as the visitor knocked the door again.
The door was being pounded incessantly, much louder than before.
"I better open the door or else he's going to break it down!" Kagome said chidingly as she went to the door.
Sessho remained staring the horizon from the glass windows as she heard Kagome greet Inu warmly. 'Soon I will rid myself of that pest, after I release this spirit into oblivion,' he thought darkly.
"Oh… hello Inu!" Sessho heard Kagome say, "You brought movies! Which one did you bring?... Oh it's 'Cellular'!"
"Yeah… With all this rain well it's a good time to see movies!" Inu said, "Shippo is going out with Rin on a double date with Koga and Ayame. I don't want to be alone today"
"I know what you mean… Sango and Miroku are going out in a few minutes as well" Kagome disclosed.
"Which reminds me… I'm late!" Miroku yelled as he put on his leather jacket, "See you guys later! Don't wait up, Sessho!"
"Have a good one, Miroku! Say hello to Sango for me!" Kagome called back as the monk closed the door behind him.
"Will do!" Miroku yelled from a distance.
While Kagome chuckled to herself, Sessho brushed his way past Inu. She gave Sessho a worried look before he let out a sigh in defeat.
"Hello Kazuma" Sessho said without sparing a glance at Inu.
"Taisho!" Inu muttered, "REMEMBER THAT YOU OWE ME MONEY FOR THIS MOVIE!"
"I never asked to see movies." Sessho replied coolly.
He quickly changed his tone when he directed towards Kagome.
"Would you like some leftovers from last night's takeout? I'm making some for myself but there's enough for everyone," Sessho asked while he made his way towards the kitchen.
"Sure. Thanks a lot Sessho!" Kagome replied gratefully.
"YOU CAN STICK THOSE RIGHT UP YOUR-" Inu was cut off by Kagome dragging him to the living room. She gave Sessho a wink as she manipulated Inu to put on the movies.
Sessho was thankful for what she did, but somehow he thought something was not right. 'No… she cares for me' he thought.
"She cares for her mate… and that is not you…" Sesshomaru warned.
"Once you are out of the picture, I will be…" Sessho retorted.
"We'll see…" Sesshomaru told the human, hoping for his servant to think of something.
Meanwhile (Kagome and Inu's POV)
Kagome dragged Inu back to her room and locked it. Inu saw the little toad slumped on the bed reading the book and taking notes on a little notebook. Beside him stood the orb that Sesshomaru had bestowed upon her before his death
"What gives, Kagome? Why did you drag me away?" Inu demanded.
"While he's cooking, we need to see to our plan…" Kagome explained, "How is it going?"
"Miroku and Sango apparently are going out that night with the rest of us. I made sure Shippo, Koga and the rest of the gang are out averting the monk's attention" Inu clarified, "You'll be alone"
"All right… then I have to wait until Sessho is vulnerable and take the bracelet off" Kagome said to herself, "But… part of me feels like I shouldn't do that"
"Kagome… you have to make a choice… if you really-" Inuyasha started before their conversation was interrupted by a loud yell from the little demon.
"I GOT IT! I GOT IT! I GOT IT!" Jaken yelled frantically, before being shaken by Inu.
"You got what?" Inu asked as he loosened his grip and Kagome sat on the bed next to him.
"I found the origin of the bracelet… " Jaken declared as he jumped in joy, "It's from the same origin as Inuyasha's prayer beads… that village where the well was located, Inuyasha's Forest".
"But who could have created such a thing?" Inu posed, "Only mikos do that".
"Kikyo…" Kagome whispered causing the others to turn in her direction.
But suddenly, their conversation was over when Sessho called out for Kagome.
Meanwhile… (Sessho's POV)
While Kagome and Inu left to Kagome's room. Sessho took out his cellphone and dialed a number.
"What's our schedule?" he asked stoically.
"They invited me to go out on a group outing… I can't refuse to that… I'll see if I can leave early that night and perform the exorcism before Kagome arrives. Sessho don't you think Kagome should know about this?" Miroku asked on the other line.
"No… This demon is now of no use to us. He is merely a rutting beast; I don't know how much more I can bear" Sessho lied.
"I have a bad feeling about this Sessho… shouldn't we check for more informa-" Miroku was cut off when Sessho flipped his cellphone closed.
'Damn… he's catching on my plan… I musn't let anyone know' Sessho thought, 'Only three more days'
He gathered the food and called for Kagome to come to the living room. Soon he would get rid of this and be able to know Kagome.
In the meantime… (Naraku's POV)
Naraku looked at the rain from the window of his office. He raised his palm and placed it on the frail glass.
"Rain, it's soothing yet, so relentless." he thought as he traced his hand across the glass.
"I think it's time… for her to get a good taste of my power," Naraku said to himself.
His plan of making Kagome suffer was hardly effective on her. Even more so with Taisho's deal to annihilate the demon in exchange for her life. Suddenly, a smirk graced his features.
"I will not kill her… but perhaps some persuasion may come to order" he supposed, " I would have to trigger some things inside her mind".
Naraku whispered indistinctly as he opened his book and began to chant in an unknown language.
Later on…
"OH MAN! THIS SUCKS! IT'S BEGINNING TO RAIN EVEN HARDER! NOW I CAN'T GO HOME!" Inu said through gritted teeth after the movie finished.
"You can stay here if Sessho may allow it." Kagome offered.
"Hn…" Sessho gestured.
Even if Sessho hated Inu more than ever, he couldn't let Kagome worry for Inu and letting that idiot drive his car recklessly in this weather.
"I GUESS I HAVE TO." Inu groveled.
"You can stay on the couch. While Sessho and I will go to our respective rooms" Kagome explained.
"Sure." Inu said, hating the fact of staying at his rival's house.
"Oh, and here are some of my sheets and pillows." Kagome said as she opened a nearby closet and pulled out the necessary contents.
"Thanks" Inu muttered, disliking the idea of being looked for as if he were a small child.
"And if you need anything else then you can ask Higurashi," Sessho relayed.
"OKAY ALREADY! DAMN IT ! DON'T TREAT ME LIKE A BABY!" Inu yelled.
"Sorry." Kagome said.
"Don't apologize. He seems kind of bummed." Sessho explained.
He knew that fire does not go well with water and that Inu is not on best terms with him… and vice versa. Inu stayed the whole day with them and didn't seem to take a shower. Sessho got sick at the idea that maybe Inu didn't bathe much.
"WHAT ARE YOU THINKING TAISHO!" Inu yelled
"Nothing… Why don't you take a shower? I don't want your dirty body over my leather couch" Sessho taunted.
"Sure… don't mind if I choose to bathe in Kagome's bathroom" Inu said with a grin on his face.
Sessho got angry. He was even more confused. "Maybe it doesn't work that way." he thought as he refrained from losing his temper.
"That serves you right… stupid human" Sesshomaru muttered from within.
After a few hours, Kagome was still awake even though it was a little past midnight. She wore braids and a white satin nightgown that reached up to her knees. She looked up to see Jaken huddled in a corner snoring loudly. After days of offering space in any soft beddings, couches, or even seats, he declined each request. She chuckled at his persistence and traditionalist ways of thinking.
She felt that something bad is going to happen. The pulsing sapphire necklace that she wore around her didn't let her sleep. Sesshomaru or her unconsciousness hasn't communicated with her yet and she was worried of Naraku's intentions. She quietly took off her necklace and felt peace of mind surrounding her.
Suddenly, a purple mist descended upon her chest. Her bosom began to glow eerily as she bucked her body in spasms from its penetration. Her sight began to wane and before she could even sit up from her bed, she lost the control of any of her extremities. As hard as she fought it, a spirit or force that currently inhabited within her began to control her body, causing her to change. Her kind brown eyes turned to a greenish hue and pain shot through her as she tried to regain control of her body. She fell and passed out on the floor. 'The necklace… it was protecting me…' she thought weakly before she succumbed to the pulsing force in her body taking her into the world of dreams and desires.
Jaken rose from his slumber to see Kagome passed out on the floor. He checked her over and grew surprised at her sudden movement.
Kagome… Come to meet me in the heavens…
Sesshomaru? Is it you? What about Sessho?
Come…
Kagome levitated lightly from the floor. Her eyes were still closed as she stood gracefully, as if she were sleepwalking. She made her way to the door until Jaken blocked the entrance. She opened her now emerald glowing her to the toad demon. He shook under her stoic gaze.
"My lady… are you well? What-" Jaken's questions were muffled as she stepped over his face and left him crawling after her. 'Just like Lord Sesshomaru…' he mused.
She didn't have any control of her body. She could only watch as her body stepped over Jaken, wavered to the door, and went outside of her room. She heard herself sigh. She saw a thunderstorm outside, which made her face break into an eerie smile.
My lord… where are you?
Open the door… my love… I'm there
Are you really out there?
You'll see…
While she walked, she noticed Inu sleeping on the couch. He looked so much like a fallen angel. He was only wearing his loose fit jeans. His golden hair fell loosely on his tanned face. Kagome fought for control as her body began to come closer to the window. She lost her consciousness as she began to see only black.
Sesshomaru? I'm almost there…but I can't see… what do you want me to do?
Free me my love…
What do you mean? I don't understand…
A cackling sound emanated into the recesses of her subconciousness,
Sesshomaru?
"Now you're in my control" Naraku's voice said in her head.
NO!
Suddenly, a memory came rushing by into thedepths of her fragile mind...
"Kagome. don't be afraid. It doesn't hurt, just forget" her mother said to her fallen form outside the well. She didn't notice her cuts and huge scrape on the side of her head.
"Where is he?" Kagome cried regardless of what was to happen to her.
"He's not here… you are home…" her mother said.
"NO mom! I just left home… he was my home" she cried against her.
"It wasn't meant to last, my daughter… let go" her mother cooed to the girl. 'Anything to make her stop crying… even if it means to forget' she thought ruefully.
"We have to rid of her heartbreak" her grandfather said as he took hold of her head, "Take this my child… and you'll forget…"
"NO… He's waiting for me! I… I…" she yelled before something was put in her mouth.
When Kagome yelled at her grandfather, he slipped the pill and forced her to swallow it. 'It's for your own good, Kagome… you don't belong over there… Kami forgive me' he thought.
"NO! Don't go!" Kagome yelled incoherently as she pounded against her mother's chest. After a few moments she ceased her attack. She looked up blankly to her mother. "Mother… where am I?"
"No… don't forget…!" Kagome's voice called out to her memory, still half-conscious. Suddenly, all around her illusory worldwent black and she walked blindly in search for an exit. A light appeared beyond the abyss summoning her towards it.
"Kagome… I'm here… I've waited..."an image of Sesshomaru said as he reached for her hand, hindered by a shackle on his right arm, "Free me…"
She stretched her hand and was met by a sliding glass of some sort; she flung it open and ran to a fading image of the demon lord. But then she was caught into a hold by someone…
"Kagome… what do you think you are doing?" a figure in red cried into her ear. He breathed into her appendage causing her shiver, 'You are only mine to protect'
She yelled in agony as she fought desperately against him, to free from his iron grip and run to her mate.
Inu was sleeping before he heard the sound of a lock clicking open. He opened his eyes drowsily to be met by Kagome's ethereal form. He stared as she opened the glass sliding door subconsciously and began to raise herself on the banister of the porch, as if she was reaching for something.
Before she could dive to the scenery below, he ran to her and held her back.
"KAGOME! WHAT THE HELL YOU'RE DOING!" Inu yelled as tried to pull Kagome off the banister.
"She's only mine to protect…" the voice in him cried
"Fuck... you again" Inu retorted.
A/N
Sesshomaru: That was a cliffie... (continues eating chocolates)
SunMoon1285: Thank goodness I still had those chocolates from V-day! (sighs) Well next chappie will be up soon and-
Inu: (arrives with bleeding nose, bruises and scratches) Do you think it's funny for me to get beat up... by a GIRL!
SunMoon1285: At least you're not wearing a pink kimono (points at Sesshomaru, still oblivious to the world)
Sesshomaru: Wench change me- (continues eating when SunMoon1285 hands him another box of chocolates)
SunMoon1285: Please review NO FLAMES... I'm very sensitive about flames (shudders and cries in fear)
