Author: "Hi again everyone, thanks for the reviews and your support! But someone complained that Sesshomaru saving Kikyo from Naraku was predictable? Ehhh… didn't you read the summary? It was predictable because I had already told you he was going to save her, duh! XD Anyway, even if you didn't read it, I know it was predictable, I'll give you that much. But be honest, who did you wanted it to be? Miroku coming to save Kikyo and embracing her while he grabbed her rear end?"
Kikyo: "Over my dead body."
Author: (coughs) "That's not such a big stretch" (coughs)
Kikyo places an arrow, aiming directly at the author, and releases it. As the author was cowardly running away from it, she slipped, and the arrow missed her by an inch.
Author: "Uncle! Uncle!" she screamed as she used her arms to cover her head.
The author suddenly realizes the presence of the audience and quickly gets up; a red blush of embarrassment over her face.
Author: "Any who…As I was saying, before I was so rudely interrupted…You know that deep down inside, no matter how played and predictable it was, you wanted it to turn out the way it did. I'm not trying to win a Pulitzer here people, this is just another variation of the same old story we all love; nothing more, nothing less. But don't worry, the story will get pretty original in some areas later on, you'll see!
Another arrow was released and, as it hit the absent minded author square in the chest, a walking Goshinboku tree made its way behind her, pinning her in a sealing spell.
Author: "Arghhh…damn Goshinboku… always sneaking up on people…well people… on with the sto…Zzzzzzzz"
Ice is not unbreakable – Chapter 4
It had been a while since Kikyo and Sesshomaru had left the vile purple aura of Mt. Hakurei behind. They where now bathed in the soft golden rays of the setting sun, as they made their way back to camp. Back then, before he had sensed the overwhelming presence of Naraku, Sesshomaru had ordered Jaken and Rin to return on their steps and wait for his return somewhere safe. They still had some way to go, but it would be quickly covered thanks to Sesshomaru's supernatural form of transportation. They were still locked in the same embrace they had left the ground in. As Kikyo discretely buried her face further into his velvety pelt, she could hear the rumbling sound his breathing made.
"If he could feel content… I'm sure he would sound like this." She mussed with melancholic half-open eyes. "Could he be content now… being here with me?" She now fully closed them, afraid of what the answer could be. Her brow tensed ever so slightly.
"How easily are you swayed by his touch." She scolded herself once more. "You are seeing things which are not so." Still, she did not withdrew her hold over him.
"He saved my life… but why? It would have been more like him if he had just waited for Naraku to get distracted while murdering me and then kill him, or at least to go after him as he fled, but he stayed with me… why? I thought he hated me. Well, perhaps not 'hate' since we did join forces, but I at least thought he resented me for what happen between us so long ago… how I behaved towards him…" Her mind was now lost in those memories. "I was such a foolish girl…" It had been more than 50 plus years ago. Long before she ever became burdened with the protection of the Jewel of Fours souls or met with the silver haired hanyou, this miko had already crossed paths with another inu yokai. She could still remember the day they first met as if it had been but mere moments ago…
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It was a bright spring day, the lingering scent of the cherry blossoms infusing the air, as Kikyo and Kaede made their way towards another neighboring village to help them deal with a demon rat infestation. This was a common thing for them. Kikyo's fame, fueled by the gratefulness of those she helped with her powerful mystical skills, would quickly spread from village to village, and she would constantly get calls of help from them when dealing with a demon was required. Today, they followed down a narrow path through the forest; Kikyo walking proud in her miko outfit and Kaede faithfully by her side, trying to imitate her big sister's commanding presence. As young as the priestess was, she still inspired respect and her eyes seemed wiser beyond their years. Kaede idolized her sister and hoped one day to be just like her or, at least, good enough for her sister to be proud. As she intently observed her "onee-sama", as she called her constantly, she saw a barely noticeable change in her demeanor. Her muscles tensed ever so slightly and her gaze moved well ahead on the road. The little girl was confused by this until she finally saw what had caught her sister's attention. Slowly the figure of a man emerged from among the shadows of the trees in the opposite direction, walking calmly towards them. By his face markings, pointy ears and unnaturally colored eyes and hair, he was obviously a yokai. The silver haired demon pierced them with golden eyes, his steps sure and his disposition unmoved.
"Onee-sama?", asked a very scared Kaede, confused that her sister simply stood there instead of preparing her bow and arrow. But what confused her even more was what she did do when she finally moved. Kikyo stepped to the side of the road and allowed the path to be open for the yokai to pass freely. Not only did she do this, but she also bowed her head as a sign of respect. Kaede's jaw almost dropped to the ground. Never had she seen her sister so submissive towards a yokai, she always fought them fiercely and always won.
"Onee-sama?" asked again a very incredulous Kaede. "What are y…" But before she could finish, the glare her sister spared her with only one open eye was enough for her to shut up and stop questioning, afraid to anger her sister any further. She didn't know what else to do so she followed in her steps and did the same stepping to the side and bowing.
He'd been well aware of them long before he saw them, especially the miko, but paid them no mind. There was no priestess alive, or human for that matter, that could challenge him and live. He wondered what she would do as he approached her. He'd known humans to either unwittingly challenge and fight him to their demise or run away for their lives in complete fright. Fools and cowards… which one were they, he wondered. Her stepping to the side convinced him that she was the first.
"A false sense of security… Is that your aim, foolish miko, to catch me off guard?" He thought to himself, suppressing a condescending smile. "Does your life mean so little to you?"
Forward he continued; his eyes always focused on the far horizon but his senses well aware of the human pair before him. Kikyo did not move a muscle as Sesshomaru noble tread made its way onward, his creamy white pelt intertwined with his silver hair as both were softy caressed by the wind. He was well ahead, so far that his words did not reach their human ears.
"Perhaps they are neither… strange woman." He discreetly spared a glance towards the young miko; she had done what no human had ever done, she showed him respect. A miko, his natural enemy, had bowed down and acknowledge his noble right, of her own free will. "If more humans were like her, then maybe they could be a more bearable annoyance." He thought somewhat amused as he moved ahead.
Kaede now, seeing that the yokai was no longer in their view, turned to her sister with expectant eyes. She still didn't dare to question her big sister and waited for her to explain on her own accord. Kikyo could feel the recrimination in her sister's stare, even if she would deny it, so she proceeded to carefully explain everything to her. She didn't resent her sister's doubts but instead understood how confused she was. She talked to her in a serious but serene voice.
"Kaede, that was no common yokai. That is what it's called a taiyokai and they are far superior to ordinary demons. It is also said that even some of them, very few ones, do actually posses great virtue and honor, and have been known to form alliances with human to maintain peace over their lands. Never have I heard of or seen him around these parts before, so his lands must be very far away. Seldom do they wander from their borders alone unless it's a very urgent or personal matter that drives them. Who knows, perhaps his stay shall be a short one, so if possible, let us keep an amicable relationship with him. There is no need to make him our enemy if he has not threatened or hurt anybody. Humans hardly fall as one of their priorities."
"But Kikyo-sama, he's still a yokai. How can you bow down to him?" The image still burned in her mind.
"Yes, he is a yokai, but he is a Lord among his kind nonetheless. That is obvious from the strength that emanates from his aura and the markings he bares on his skin." One look at her little sister told her that she was not yet convinced. She patiently explained it further to her, her voice now softened by patience.
"Kaede, sometimes to maintain peace, one must learn to yield to the pride of others even if it hurts you own."
"Yes onee-sama." She quickly replied somewhat ashamed of not understanding this sooner and forcing her sister to keep explaining.
"Come, let us continue. They are expecting us. " Her voice was again normal, as if nothing had happened. Kikyo took her little sister's hand and led her on, letting her own confidence infuse her with the simple touch of their hands.
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Night had fallen by the time they arrived at the campsite. The memory of their meeting swept safely back into her mind as she braced herself to deal with Rin and her own injury. Sesshomaru quickly spotted the sleeping forms of Rin and Jaken as he landed softly on the grass. The fire had long ago died, only leaving warm ashes behind. Rin didn't seem bothered by the cold, Ah and Un gave her all the warmth she needed as she cuddled by their side. Jaken, on the other hand, was unconsciously shivering as he uncomfortably slept against the trunk of a tree. Perhaps he had planned to stay awake, protect Rin while she slept and welcome his master arrival like a good servant would, but sleep had lured him away into dream land and he failed miserably at all three. This annoyed Sesshomaru.
"Jaken" He voiced in a commanding tone. An alarmed Jaken quickly rose from his repose, just as quickly fell to the ground by his own misplaced steps and finally rose again to bow down and address his master properly.
"Sesshomaru-sama! Welcome back!" Sweat drops were shinning his forehead. By the commotion his clumsy falling and screaming had caused, a drowsy Rin opened her eyes startled.
"Sesshomaru-sama!" She happily voiced out loud. Seeing that her lord had returned, and with Kikyo no less, had dissipated any tiredness that burdened her weary body. She scratched what little remained out of her eyes and quickly rose to her feet.
"Kikyo-sama you're here! I knew it! I knew Sesshomaru-sama would find you!" She proudly said. She now ran towards the couple but her happiness instantly turned to horror as Sesshomaru placed Kikyo down and her before hidden injury became gruesomely visible. Both Kikyo's white haiku and Sesshomaru's white yakata where stained in a dark crimson hue.
"Kikyo-sama you are hurt!" She pointed out horrified, as tears threaten to brim her eyes.
Kikyo left Sesshomaru's side and walked awkwardly towards the human girl, Rin shortened the length as she ran to help the miko and support her from falling. Kikyo bent down slightly, holding close her torn hakui as best as she could, and caressed the scared little girl's face.
"Hai, Rin. But do not worry; this wound will close soon enough and besides, it does not hurt all that much anymore. What could really hurt me instead would be to see you cry." A warm smile emerged on her lips, and she placed a tender kiss on Rin's forehead. Rin only nodded and helped the miko towards to where the fire used to be.
"Jaken" Again Sesshomaru's voice resonated with authority.
"Yes, my lord, as you wish." He had already guessed what his master's wishes were. "A good servant doesn't have to be told what to do, he must learn to foresee his lord every need.", he thought proudly to himself, his earlier failures totally forgotten by now, as he made his way towards the humans and started again the roaring fire to keep them warm. Sesshomaru walked the opposite way, towards some secluded spot where he could be in peace with his thoughts.
Kikyo could feel her wound already healing. The small amount of miasma that had penetrated she had purified on her way there. She had now sent the eager Rin looking for some herbs she needed and the girl, thanks to the teachings of the miko, had quickly identified and brought every single one.
"Arigato, Rin." She greeted as she took the collected herbs from the little girl's hands.
"It was hard, but Rin did good, didn't she?" her enthusiastic smile was contagious. She was so proud of herself and hoped the miko would feel the same way.
"Hai, Rin, You did very well. You learn very fast and are very quick on your feet. I'm very proud of you."
Her grin became even wider, and giggled somewhat embarrassed from the miko's attention. "Do you need anything else Kikyo-sama?"
"No, Rin. It is time for you to sleep now. My Shinidamachu will help me with what I require." Kikyo could see the disappointment in the little girl's eyes. If there was something she loved more than anything was to see her pretty Soul Stealers gliding through the air and bringing the shinny orbs between their finger-like limbs. It was so magical to watch and It was so much fun to chase them around and try to catch them. But it would not be today she knew.
"Yes, Kikyo-sama.", said Rin half-heartedly, before bowing down to the miko and running back to her comfy and warm bed by the two-headed dragon's side.
Rin's dramatic antics almost made her laugh, but seeing Jaken's sleeve accidentally caught fire and he desperately waving to extinguish it forced a quiet laughter out of her. But her laughter ceased instantly as a sudden idea caught her attention. She had just come up with a way to repay Sesshomaru for saving her life. He had no idea how grateful she was to him, and maybe he didn't even care, but she did. Not only had he been there for her in her greatest moment of need, not only had he saved her life, that being more than enough, but he prevented Naraku from being the one to claim her life for the second time. To be defeated and dying again at his vile hands would have been the most bitter end of all for her. Now, thanks to the taiyokai, she would see another day, she would fight another day. A mere 'thank you' wouldn't suffice, and it would have annoyed him even further if she tried to say it. But observing Jaken's ordeal gave her the answer she was looking for. The 'End' had being found… now she had to come up with the 'Means'. But before she could further immerse herself in her plans, the sting of her injury drew her attention back into her present state.
"First things first. I will not be able to accomplish anything like this." She collected all the herbs in the sleeve of her hakui and made her way towards where she saw Sesshomaru head last.
He was high on the hill that towered their campsite. The cold night's wind taking away the tension of the day's failure, as it stroked his hair and wrapped it around its icy fingers. All his thoughts were focused on Naraku and his newest transformation. The elusive hanyou was becoming more and more powerful with each passing encounter. His most annoying trait being his unbreakable barrier, the only reason he was still alive.
"I must find a way to shatter that unnatural barrier, if I wish to defeat him." His train of thought ceased as he felt Kikyo's presence come closer. Of all people, she was the one he did not wish to see for the time being. If he had come all the way out here was to find a moments peace and not think of the awkwardness of the previous embrace.
"Sesshomaru-sama?" She cautiously called him. He turned his head slightly towards her direction, but said nothing. "Sesshomaru-sama, please allow me the honor of cleansing your robe. It is the least I could do since it's my unnatural blood which taints it." She bowed her head softly and waited for his reply. "It is the least I can do… for now." She thought.
But he said nothing, like usual. When he turned around, he walked towards the campsite and past her without even a look of acknowledgment. "I should have imagined as much." She thought to herself disappointed. But a mere yard away, she heard the rustle of fabric as it came in contact with the ground. As she turned, she saw his departing form minus his yakata's upper half. His well-tone back was completely hidden by his silver strands and where his left arm should be, only a rough stump encircled with a spiked band of armor remained. As her eyes followed him, mesmerized in his grace, she could hear his droning voice battling the wind to find its way towards her.
"Do as you wish." And with that he left. If he had looked back, the happiness in the miko's eyes would have haunted his sleep that night, for it was enticingly pure. In turn, if she had being able to see his face, she would have seen it taunted by an indiscernible emotion. The same emotion that forced him away from her that very moment.
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To be continued…
A/N: Well people, hoped you liked it. The next chapter it's going to be a treat… anybody cares for some lemon squares? BWA HA HA HA! That's for shooting me with an arrow bitch! (The author runs away as Kikyo shoots her again.) Ouch!