Raising the Phoenix
Summary - And the ashes of its previous life will fall.
Disclaimer - It's not like they hand out ownership for anime in Wisconsin, you know.
Rating - "Z"
Warnings - Another warning of tardiness, Star Wars III is going to be putting a cramp in my writing time again... Es tuit mir leid. (More Geekiness! Yay!)
Chapter 3 - Life As She Knows It...
Shippo opened an eye warily, not quite sure if the strange happenings from the other day had really happened, or if it was just a product of a tummy too filled with pocky. Though he himself had never been threatened by the Taiyoukai, he'd seen the damage that Inuyasha's brother could wreak and wanted none of it. The mere idea of having him so near terrified the little kit.
His eye fell on Rin and knew what had passed the night before had been no dream. Certainly the idea scared him, but childlike curiosity overwhelmed him. He knew that he was an oddity - a youkai child cared for by a human, but the idea of a human minded by a demon? A human hating demon lord no less. It was beyond bizarre.
He stood silently, dusting earth from his pants. He knew he shouldn't disturb the resting patient... Kagome would be so mad at him, but she could never say no to his puppy dog eyes anyway, so the curious little boy casually made his way into trouble.
Circling his 'prey' carefully, he took full stock of her features. A dusting of sun freckles and tanned skin spoke of hours spent outdoors. Her hair was mussed and a smudge of mud adorned her cheek. If Shippo hadn't been convinced that all girls short of Kagome and Sango had cooties, he might have thought her cute. Might. She was just a girl after all.
Nevertheless, he sat next to her to watch over her sleep. - Kagome would have wanted that.
When the sun found Kagome, she was just beginning to truly understand the phrase, "Walking on eggshells." While she wasn't entirely certain what had happened the night before, she was sure that she'd come damn close to dying the night before. And, strangely, the thought scared her.
She knew depression had gotten the better of her. She had devoted her life to Inuyasha - to repairing the jewel that she'd shattered, to righting the wrong's she came across on her journey. But her overwhelming sense of helplessness, the loss of Inuyasha's affection not to mention her powers, had left her to feel that maybe she'd be better off dead. And yet, when she'd stared death in the face, she'd been afraid.
What did she have to live for? Not love, certainly not school. Ha, after her brilliant performance through high school, she didn't even attempt university. She had nothing but her family on one side of the well, and after all the changes she'd gone through in the feudal era, they barely knew her - on this side of the well - just certain death and failure. Sighing in frustration, she pushed her thoughts away and focused on what was important - you know, making sure that Rin was healing, and keeping herself from becoming mince meat under Sesshoumaru's claws.
The sight of little Shippo sitting next to Rin made her pause. The kitsune sat very near, petting the girl's hand and talking in a low voice. Coming closer, she could hear strains from a lullaby Kagome'd sung to him. It was priceless, and she found herself wishing for her Polaroid camera. Instead, she stifled the grin she wore and approached the two, purposely stepping on a dry twig. She wanted to make sure that Shippo could salvage some of his male pride - no need to get caught by your 'mommy' singing to a girl.
Tiny hairs rose to attention on the nape of Sesshoumaru's neck. He felt it - weak, but it was there. He sent a cursory glance around the clearing, seeing nothing but a bashful kit, the miko, and his charge on one side, and the monk, slayer, and thrice damned brother on the other.
But why the aura? Surely the miko sensed no danger - he didn't, and it seemed that she was using only conventional methods to heal Rin. Why the flare of energy?
It was gone as soon as it came, only enough to set his jaki on edge. Irritating.
Sesshoumaru found himself with little to pass the time as he waited for his charge to heal - waited for the time to spring his proposal on his half brother, who speaking of which, had not ceased his abominable staring yet. His hand itched to grasp Tokijin, yet he did not allow anything to show. It was doubtful that the hanyou would permit him use of the miko if he drew it now - so he restrained himself. Besides, he could kill the bastard when the other upstart hanyou had been dealt with.
Instead, he busied himself with thoughts of the previous night's occurance. He'd long accepted the fact that the Tensaiga had a mind of it's own. Unlike Tokijin, however, he was unable to make it yield. Instead, he found himself heeding the call of the sword. It was Tensaiga's will alone that had allowed the obnoxious girl to keep her life.
But why? Never before had it kept him from killing. Perhaps it had seen through the admitted rashness of it's master's actions. Perhaps it was just being an annoyance. Either way, it was curious.
Though he was a logical man, he had a healthy appreciation for superstition. He'd listened to the sword and found Rin, a child that now meant more to him that he'd openly admit. If the sword wanted to preserve the miko's life - fine, he would abide by that.
For now.
Review Responses
Miss Krux - Thank you for reviewing again, and I'd like to apologize - this didn't come out as soon as I'd wanted, what with the Ultimate Geek Week going on. (Acen and Episode III) I hope I wasn't too slow.
Isisoftheunderground - I hate it when that happens. I get so little sleep as it is - grr. Anyway, it was great to hear from you again. I hope you like this chapter too, thanks for reviewing!
ChildlikeEmpress - Thanks, I will
Duzzie - Well, I promise I'll let you know what happens as soon as this blasted story lets me know. It has a mind of its own right now.
Archangel Rhapsody - Thank you!
Aurora and Sora - I Am glAd yOU lIkEd It!
Kitsunesangelofflames - I promise to tell you soon - I really will, I just don't wanna spoil the story!
SilverQuick - –blushes– thank you for your review. I am completely and deeply honored by it!
ShadowGoddessInc - Well, that makes me feel a lot better, cause truth to be told, I am so out of my element right now that I'm terrified. I've been reduced to doing what the voices in my head tell me... thanks so much for being so nice and helpful.
AKAHummer - Well there's a teeny tiny wee bitty clue in the story, but it may just be one of those obnoxious things were I know where it is so I can see it, but it's invisible to everyone else, I'm not sure but anyway - thanks!
Rayne Flame-hair - I know this was a little long in the coming, and I apologize for that, but hey, its here now, I hope you enjoy it. Thank you so very much for reviewing.
Yay! Yay to everyone who ready and double yay to those who reviewed. I love you all!