Raising the Phoenix
Summary - Death overtakes the creature, but a flicker of hope remains.
Disclaimer - It's not like they hand out ownership for anime in Wisconsin, you know.
Rating - "Z"
Warnings - Thanks for the patience guys, I tried to work on this as best I could, but things got bad. I'm sorry for not updating sooner.
Chapter 7 - Can Kagome Ever Be the Same Again
Some how, the sun seemed brighter that morning - Kagome couldn't figure out quite why. The funny part was, though, that it didn't matter. Nope, it was morning, the sun was shining, and for the first time in a long time, Kagome felt like she was going to be ok.
Never had she imagined Sesshoumaru to be the kind listener, but last night had proved her wrong, and Kagome had to admit that despite the few times he'd tried to kill her Sesshoumaru could be a nice guy when he wanted to be. Stopping mid-action, Kagome let that thought replay through her head. Yeah, that really made no sense. But the funny part was it didn't matter - it was true!
That time she let herself laugh - really laugh for the first time in a long, long while. It felt great, burbling out of her, ringing in the clearing. She chose to ignore the stares she knew she must have been getting from her friends, she just laughed on. It felt damn good, but something broke inside of her. Tears welled in her eyes, and haltingly, her peals of laughter turned into short sobs.
True, Kagome had been bothered by her life, depressed by her situation for months now, but she'd never let a tear fall. She had to be strong for Sango and Miroku - even little Shippo - all three had lost people they loved to the Shikon Jewel. How could she cry over Inuyasha when they'd already lost so much?
But now that she'd started crying, she didn't think she could stop. Strange though, Kagome'd never been a person to enjoy crying - the puffiness, the sogginess, the sniveling - it was an ugly and embarrassing situation. But like the laughter earlier, the tears felt good. Regardless of the fact she was sobbing in front of the people she'd been so desperate to hide her pain from, plus two near strangers, she couldn't for the life of her stop.
She could feel the tiny clawed hand of Shippo in her hair, feel the warmth and the pressure of his wee little body as he hugged her. She felt the soothing touch of Sango's hand on her shoulder, and could see the concern clearly written in Miroku's eyes - heck, even Inuyasha seemed moved by her breakdown, but she could not stop crying for the life of her. Why couldn't she just stop?
The sound of his brother's pet's laughter had grated - true. But he hadn't lifted a hand to change it. He couldn't, not if he wanted his plan to succeed... A happy miko was a powerful miko, and that was precisely what he needed to wipe that scheming hanyou off the Earth, repaying him for his treatment of Rin and blatant disrespect. So he clenched his teeth and waited out the noise.
But when the laughter changed to tears - a sign of mental instability, he was certain, the noise was too much to take. He wanted her to stop - his air was polluted with the overbearing scent of salt, his ears filled with raucous sobs, and those horrible sucking, mucous-like noises coming from her nose were too much to take. This Sesshoumaru could only take so much, and his limitless patience was being spent quickly.
Without a word, he gathered her with his good arm, prying her from human and demon alike, turning a deaf ear to their protestations. Like a fresh kill, she was slung over his shoulder and hauled away. Somewhere in his mind, he knew she wouldn't be happy, but plan or no, he wasn't going to take anymore of her crying.
Without warning her plopped her on a rock, focusing his eyes on hers intently, "Miko, what is it that makes you bellow so?"
Her eyes were wide with shock, red, and still leaking tears from their corners, but she did not hesitate to answer him, "I'm not sure."
Even if her answer was maddeningly vague. His eyes narrowed on their own accord, a surprising loss of control on his part, but he let it go... it may behoove him to allow her to see his displeasure with her caterwauling. "Are you mad?"
In a flash, her wide open face shut, lips pursed in frustration, eyes narrowed to glittering slits, arms wound tightly against her chest. "How dare you ask me that!"
The change was instant, and Sesshoumaru found that he had to take a minute to control his instinct to smack the bitch back in her place. Instead, with his maintained composure, he merely lifted an eyebrow and asked, "Is there any other sort of individual who laughs and sobs?"
Her eyes opened slightly, her mouth forming a gentle 'o'. At least she had the grace to see his point. But maybe... maybe in this state... his mind flashed rapidly with thoughts, possibilities - ways to move his plan forward... "But I suppose that life with Inuyasha would do that to anyone."
"Is that all you do, Sesshoumaru? Belittle your brother - pick fights? You're just like him, you know - too pig headed."
His anger reared and lashed out, "He reeks of earth and death - you know what he does in the still of the night, and yet you still protect him? Foolish human. This Sesshoumaru would do no such thing, and yet I am like him?"
He turned and left her quickly stalking back to camp. It would take but a minute to gather his charge and leave this mess behind him. He was Sesshoumaru, Lord of the West, Undoubtably, he would find his own solution to the problem of Naraku.
Somehow, his parting words to the Miko missed his attention.
Review Responses
Silver Quick - Wow, you always review so quickly -beams- I'm feelin the love. Anyway, no he does not, but honestly, do guys ever understand girls? I mean, I've been with my fiancee for four years plus some, and he still doesn't have a clue sometimes... ah well, yeah, he'll take it like a man and pout. Ha ha! Sorry about the wait, hope you like the new chapter.
Stacerue - Yeah, I love him cocky too, and I'm all for taking him down a peg or too, but are you ok? I know I'm just some random person on the internet, but if you need an ear, I'll listen.
Isisoftheunderground - I'm happy you like it and I send you lots of e-aloe to make your sunburn better!
Bluediamond-hime - Yeah, I know what you mean, but it will get better.
Swasdiva - After all your kinds words, I don't know what to say. I'm really glad you like my little tale, and I'm glad I'm not abusing the idea. Thank you so much for reviewing!
Tokyogirl1 - Yeah he is, but you know what they say about the best laid plans...
Inu Youkai Girl - -Several tall men in shades and black armani suits arrive at your door. The leader, a nondescript man with an intimidating air asks, "Are you Inu Youkai Girl?" At your nod to the affirmative, he removes his sunglasses, tucks them into the breast pocket of his coat demurrly and shakes out his neck. Without warning, his hand flies to your head, but despite the high speed, the whack he delivers to your noggin is light. His eyes dance with quiet amusement as he says, "From Bunnicula with love. Hope you like the new update."
Ikimono Joufo - I know it wasn't soon enough, but I hope it wasn't too late. ;)
Madd Puss - My dear, you are very welcome, and thanks, I love my pen name.
Kari Konoko - Thanks, I'm sorry it took so long.
ChildlikeEmpress - Thanks, and this story and wonderful reviewers like you were some of the few things that got me through the weekend. I'm sorry I didn't get this up quickly enough, but I hope you like the chapter.
AKA Hummer - The funny thing about all that evil scheming is, I think I did give him a mental breakdown - It was my birthday on Monday, and I shared ice cream cake with him at work, and he froze up like a deer in headlights. I'll admit it, I chickened out on my original plan to coat it with drano, but it seemed he was convinced I did. Muah ah ah ah. It was priceless. And you know me, I can't resist Inuyasha bashing... It's too much fun!
Hermoine - Thanks!
Kurai Koneko - Thanks - but when it comes to praise, I think you should get some for You and You Alone Can Save Me. I had a fun time reading that - as for your flamer, read that flame again... should you really take to heart the words of a girl who can't fully type out words in a review? This is a site for writing, and yet, I had to re-read what she wrote twice to figure out what she was trying to say. Ignore her... when she wants to properly express herself, worry about it then. Till then, great fic.
Charroum Lady of Death - Maybe emotionally - I love tormenting the little puppy... HE POUTS SO CUTE! But that image you painted is certainly a funny one!
Miss Krux - Well I'm certainly not a cruel person... particularly since your review reminded me of that totally awesome line from Endless waltz that the magnificent Duo spoke. Ten points to you for reminding me of wonderful things!
Shipposfriend - Thanks, I will! PS - Thanks for reviewing on my birthday, it made me really happy!
Kitsune6 - Oh no, did I really drop an f-bomb? Shoo, I didn't mean to, sorry for your eyes, and yes, I totally dig the scheme-y Sesshy... too good. Thanks for the b-day review!
Exunamoon - Yes ma'am, sir - Bob - dude... ma'am. Right away!
Thanks to all my delightful reviewers. You all rock my socks.