Unnatural Silence
By: Sesshaddict
Rating: M for content and themes
Type: OOC, Sci-fi & Fantasy, Romance, Adventure and Angst
Disclaimer:
I do not own InuYasha or any or the characters or storyline of the Anime- they are the property of Ms. Takahashi. The characters I have created and the superimposed storyline are mine however. Please do not make this a legal issue.
Ok- this is a bit complicated as it merges a lot of info in the telling- but I hope the story is ultimately clear- let me know if it was not. (To start off with, Kagome's father is Haki Higarashi, her grandfather Kajan and her mom Kaharu.) Good Reading!
Seshaddict.
Chapter 2 : Day of Loss and Day of Memories:
Tokyo, Japan- Higarashi Shrine, Planet Earth:
Haki Higarashi had always known this day would arrive. But that the demons would take so much away from his family he had not expected... foolishly so. But then again- he had not truly believed it was coming to be... had he?
He had been uneasy when the initial news reports claimed that some sort of race from space had gathered about their planet. There had been a suspicion- one so unrealistic - that had tickled deep in his subconscious mind... but he had held back the thought in hope, disbelieving.
His father had not had such reservations. Kajan Higarashi had immediately insisted they all move to the family shrine, and that Haki refresh his knowledge in the lost arts of magic and prayer. After all it had been years since he had last practiced them. His father had trained him in these things since age 2- and only his leaving to college had stopped such demands- after much argument and pleas.
Haki had always been able in these things- the magic, the sutras- in breaking seals and casting spells- but he had like most in their time, felt it a fool's errand to think that there was a time in which the world was ruled by demons- and that they would return. He had not wanted to spend his whole life dedicated to being a Shinto Priest, and after spending his childhood training while at home under his father's almost fanatical tutelage, he had removed himself to college and trained in medicine. He had become a doctor- busy in practice, with a practical streak that believed in science and not magic... but his heart never fully denied that the things his father had shown him- had trained him in, were unexplained by the knowledge available in modern science.
But that did not mean that all the stories were true- did it? It was bad enough that he had been put through it, but his father had insisted that his son and daughter also receive training. He had reluctantly agreed, only to appease and old man he hardly saw with his work and family. That and the uneasy sensation of possibly being wrong. For Haki had to admit that there were strange moments when he knew a patient would die- or live- that was unexplained. It just was. There were times he felt his hands had healed much more than the medicines that dripped into helpless bodies sustained on ventilators- living only because of technology.
So Souta and Kagome had also trained. Souta had been talented- strong in magic and prayer. The boy had not been interested - but had had the patience and kindness to go through with it for his grandfather's sake. Kagome had been more restless. Oh- she had sat through the stories rapt in attention- only to denounce them as ridiculous once they were told. She would have some uncanny talent to wield some spell like child's play- and then snort in derision at her grandfather's astounded disbelief. She was by far Kajan Higarashi's favorite grandchild. Despite the lack of control or respect. Haki had never understood it. His father was not one to tolerate insolence and disobedience well. But Kagome could get away with it all.
It had started from the day of her birth. Kajan had been restless- saying he felt a magic abounding the night of her birth. The birth itself had been simple- but the night of Kagome's birth, the famed and highly protected Sikon Jewel- an ancient artifact protected for generations in the monastery of the high priestess was found missing. It had led to them literally releasing the hounds of hell to find it... and yet till today no one knew where it had gone- ...and till to day, Kajan would claim that his grand-daughter was magical- and that the fact the Sikon had disappeared at exactly the time of her birth pointed to its reincarnation in her form. After all- that too had been a possible tale from Midoriku's forewarning- but Haki was disbelieving. After all- it really was how you would interpret those old stories- and anything could fit.
But now- as he thought about how much his father had been accurate in , Haki shivered. Kajan had died a week ago- a massive heart attack- in his sleep, - after the news that his lineage would end with the death of Souta- who had perished in the battle against the youkai upon the moon.
His son had been drafted quickly for his powers into the fighting military units. Kagome had also been tested- but it seemed Kajan was wrong- for no magic of significance was found on screening in her. She had been quite triumphantly justified as she told her grandfather so... and the dear girl had bitterly regretted her words when they had found Kajan dead in the morning.
Kajan had known immediately- when the first news reports had told of ships aligning outside earth - he had known that it was the demons. That they were back and that only magic would serve them now.
"Haki- Do not be a fool!- It is time... and what was foretold will come to be. We cannot waste our time in daily life my son."
Haki had still not believed- but his old man had suffered much for him to get where he was today... and so taking a month leave of absence he had gone. Gone to live at his father's home- his birth place- the Higarashi Shrine. A place of ancient holiness. His wife, son and daughter followed. Kaharu, his wife was a daughter of a well known scientist and physician herself, and his son a second year medical student at the time. His daughter Kagome still in teenage and school at 17.
Kajan had seen the urgency- had been desperate- and no one had understood until the demons had started to attack their outer space stations and living units. There were numerous man made space living units- large ship like things that contained worlds of humans living upon them. It was the newest frontier. Millions of humans lived upon the moon and in the surrounding interspace. Hashi knew they were lucky to have had generational land- for to own anything on earth was difficult... no longer easily possible.
He had brought his family back to live here with his father and have them train as the old man had wished- . Something had nagged him- uncomfortable with everything. - A wondering uneasiness of "what if"? Had he been wrong to deny what had felt unexplainable his whole life?
So he himself had trained- and now as he watched in horror as the gigantic battle fleets advanced past the barriers of Midoriku- he was glad he had. Even from here on Earth- the gigantic force and demonic aura was overwhelming.
Haki stared at his trembling had. Sweat ran down the side of his face and his eyes hardened in determination. This was the only chance- and he seemed to know it. Something in him told him what it was he had to do. Kajan would have told him he was hearing the spirits that guide - and for the first time in his life Haki would have to say he agreed. He stared at his sweating palms at the grasped the hilt of the sword he held in his hand.
Long ago- as a child- he had found something. In the ancient well house behind the shrine, he had seen something glint and call to him. Jumping and scrambling down the steep moss covered well wall- he had dug to find a sword. It was ancient- unlike anything he had ever seen- and humming with an energy that was similar to facing a typhoon. He had staggered and struggled to take it out of its embedded place in the rock and carry it up. Kajan had felt it immediately- rushing to the well house to see what it was that called him so- and had been stunned in disbelief to see his son carry out the sword- staggering as if he carried a mountain instead of a slim blade, They had placed a seal upon it to keep its energy from calling.
Kajan was the first to say that it was demonic in aura- and that he would not have it call out to the demons if there were indeed any. Even his father had not lived in a time of demons- it had been centuries since anyone could claim that- but Kajan had been dedicated to the family shrine and training to keep those ancient knowledge and practices in play. He had dealt with other demonic artifacts that belonged to the Higarashi Shrine- and so had known things. But even he did not comprehend this sword's power. Haki opened the scabbard - pulling the sword out with trembling hands. The odd thing was- demonic artifacts of power rarely let humans use them. This sword was different in that Haki had never had any trouble wielding the weapon. Indeed it had amplified his powers- something he had never let Kajan know.
Pulling himself from those memories that were flying by in his mind's eye- Haki watched the advancing demon forces. He could feel their energy whipping and howling like beasts as they hit the biosphere- breaking through the last of Midoriku's barriers. No. They would not win today. Suddenly he believed in every story he had every been told. He felt Kajan's spirit near him. His father had not lived to see the day his son fully accepted what he was- what his powers were- but Haki felt that Kajan knew. Kajan was here. He followed his heart- his ears hearing the spirits of knowledge as they told him what to do. He felt himself flare with the energy derived from generations of ancestors of Higurashi Priests and Priestesses. His hand pulled off the sutra that sealed the sword's power. The rage of its power crashed around him- the wind whipped and the sky darkened. He channeled his light energy concentrating on forming a barrier. The sword would hopefully amplify his power to do so - if what he had seen in the past was true.
Raising the blade Haki watched in disbelief as white energy- pure and pulsating like a life force of its own shot out of swords tip. The energy shot out towards the demonic fleets and formed a barrier of such power and purity it was unbelievable! - Haki laughed in the emotions of victory and success. He had been uncertain if what his heart told would work out. It had. But to holdthe barrierwas draining him. He suddenly realized that the sword was drawing his energy into it to create this power. He was uncertain how much longer he would hold. The demonic powers of the sword tossed about him like restless hungry monsters- and he fell to his knees- straining to continue to hold the sword and channel his powers to maintain the barrier. Sweat and tears mingled as they streaked down him face.
Kaharu watched hidden in the window as her husband suddenly lit up with a white light surrounding him like a candle flame. She had never felt such fear- and yet Haki had told her to keep their daughter safe, and that is what she would do. She watched- hugging Kagome to her. Kagome was focused however on her father's form. When Haki went down on his knees- the strain and battering of whatever force held him forcing him down- Kagome wretched free.
"Kagome!- NO!" Kaharu screamed as her daughter tore out of the house racing towards her father's form. Kaharu raced after her - but found herself unable to fully follow Kagome as she raced towards her father- as if some barrier held her away. She watched in horror and tears as her daughter ran behind her father,Haki- her arms going about his shoulder- her hands over his- where he held the sword that was channeling powers Kaharu had only imagined or heard existed. She watched her young daughter's body lean in to support whatever wieght it was that was pulling Haki down... and then what she saw was unbelievable, so much so, that Kaharu lost conciousness as some of the powers crashed into her as she struggled to enter the are her husband and daughter were in, rendering her into the dark abyss that called to her.
XXX
Kagome stared in horror as the sky turned blinding white- uncomprehendingly she stared at her hands- as they held themselves together over those of her fathers. "What in the hell is happening!" she thought- her stunned mind feeling a sense of disorientation – of isolation as if she were standing far away, watching herself in some play she had not known she was in.
Then she felt the powers of them- they were like howling writhing beasts- battering down the power she felt pulsating from her hand. She had felt their stunned disbelief… then their resistance. Now they were fighting back- their powers channeled against her- slowly gaining strength.
"What was this?- Daddy!…….." she beseeched helplessly. " Daddy!- Please- wake up- tell me what it is you have done- what it is that is happening?" But her father lay slumped against her, unresponsive- only the tight hold of his hands told her he still breathed.
Kagome felt the power, of what ever it was, turn vicious. Monstrous in its epic proportions, as it built against her. "So this is what magic was…" she bemused- though a horrified part of her mind screamed in disbelief that she could feel so detached. So unreal when this was possibly the very end of their existence. The end of human kind.
She suddenly realized that she was the only thing that held them back. Her father had been the last thing to possibly save this world- this world that was theirs!- Their home.
"How dare those demons threaten us this way- kill us this way!" Suddenly her soul felt her father start to slip away.
"NO!" her heart and mind screamed in agony. "Daddy- no!" she tried to scream- but it came out hoarse- barely above a whisper, as horror gripped her chest. Tears of helplessness raced down her face. She didn't understand this- and yet some deep forgotten part of her seemed to comprehend the import of what it was she did at this moment.
She had to save him…….. how dare they do this!- She who had always wondered why peace was not an option felt her heart flare in fear and love for her father. In anger that it had come to this- a war- and that her innocent father, a man who would not hurt those who hurt him, was going to become another of its casualty. They had already lost her brother Souta- torn limb to limb, his body shreds of meat on bone…… returned remains impossible- as the military had showed them what was left….. and now they were taking her father!- No! It would not happen while there was life in her body, and from somewhere she felt her anger at the injustice, her fear at the outcome, her love become a power within her- It spread from the region of her heart- the core of her soul, out, encompassing her in the glory of emotion- as she felt it surround her- flaring to life like a living thing. "The demons will not come in today- they would not win this battle today! She vowed in her heart- a certainty she had never thought to have behind it.
They would not win- for she would save her father. He would live!- and if it meant that they would die- so be it. The fury overtook her then- at how they would dare to enter her world – and attempt to destroy everything she had ever known, everything that was precious and loved in her life- in the name of war-.
She saw this thing within her form into something tangible- a power begin to focus upon her hands- where they still held the hilt of the Tetsiega- holding her fathers hands clasped onto it as hers held on above his own.
She felt like someone else- disembodied- as she watched this power flare up from the sword- coating the already white light emitted from its tip as it formed the final barrier that held the demon devils at bay. Her emotions knew no bounds ( fear, anger, love, hate, disbelief……) - and she watched as the glow of pink spread upwards, over the power of the sword- sweeping over the barrier like a breathing monster. And then she felt their shock, the rage, the disbelief as her eyes beheld what she had never thought to do- as the demon army ceased to exist where they had been but moments ago.
Haki Higarashi's hand loosened – his head slumped- his breathing ceased. His heart- physically it ceased to beat- but his heart, the one he left behind him, on earth- shattered as she cried- " No!- Daddy!" Her hands seemed welded to his- as she continued to hold them to the swords hilt. " NO!-" her realization of loss choked her- tears streamed down upon her face- and the heart that was tender within her chest wretched in loss- quivered in helplessness as she watched her father die.
XXX
Demon Space Battle Command, Station One:
Private Quarters of the Western Lord:
Sesshoumaru stared out of the large massive windows that framed the view of the planet they had lost in battle today. It should have been so simple………
But like everything in the history of Earth, and of his memories of that world- it defied logic and reason. Earth - she defied what seemed meant to happen, and created her own outcome- as if to scoff at the thought that any one would dare think to control her.
His hands clenched at his side. He had watched the battle- and had seen exactly what had happened. It appeared, from his more distant view point, he had had a better idea of how weak that barrier had gotten. They had been so close……….
What was it that had given the barrier its second strength?
His hand clenched tightly- his sharp nails cutting the skin of his palms in his attempt to control the riot of rage, disappointment and frustration – and disbelief.
He had sensed something……… that barrier felt familiar….. but was it just imagination? No. Rarely was his instinct wrong.
The hand unclenched, and tapered perfect fingers moved to touch the hilt sheathed at his side. The Tensiega. The sword of magic pulsed like a pet would purr under the touch of his hand.
He had sensed it. The barrier was not human- it was something else…….. a power familiar that called to him. He had not thought of the Tetsiega in eons. The Tetseiga was a sword whose might was legendary. Whose power was incomprehensible….. next to only that of the Tensiega he wielded, and the sword of his father- the Sounga. But the Tetsiega would surely have been destroyed?- or had they been wrong. Had it survived the ages- and still existed upon Earth?
A cruel and cunning smile lit the eyes and face of the demon Sesshoumaru as he pondered this possibility. If the Tetsiega existed- then it was all the more reason for him to succeed in this campaign to vanquish the humans and take over the planet. The Tetsiega would belong to him……
But the second power was something else. The barrier's initial power had been formidable- and had seemed the familiar power he had felt. But it had nearly been overcome in the combined forces of magic and power the demons had used against it. The barrier had gained strength from a second source to rebound back. The pink tinge it had taken was something new- and the vision of watching it in disbelief as it destroyed half his forces had tickled a memory in him. That was why he had returned to his flag ship command to go to his private quarters. To research in his extensive library. The power of that barrier had been something seen before- and he was certain the old goat ToTo Sai had hidden something- some knowledge today during the meeting.
But why he would do so was the greater question? ToToSai was no fool. If the old man had withheld something of import, Sesshoumaru was certain he would have reason for doing so. It meant the old demon would be soon visiting him….. for what was withheld from the ears of others was not ever with held from his own ears. Ever. Many a Demon had died for the same…….
To Sesshoumaru, to withhold from him knowledge was unforgivable.
Knowledge was power.
Though he was certain the old demon would be requesting to meet him with in the next day to inform him of what it was about this barrier that bothered him, Sesshoumaru knew it would be far more productive if he already knew about this mysterious power, - so that he would be able to question the Toto Sai further, instead of only gaining the knowledge to old demon would wish to give.
Power was a dangerous thing. To a demon, power was everything. Power and Duty were the cardinal gods that ruled their world.
Power required work and cunning- it required you to be ahead of your opponent, friend, or ally always. That required knowledge and a mind that would see what really lay between the words and the intrigue. You would rarely be surprised and if you were, you would still have the knowledge and presence of mind to know what to look for and ask about.
That was why Sesshoumaru often hid the fact that he spent as much time in his study and library as he did in his Armour training. He was a warrior and leader foremost- but his edge he knew came from the fact that he was also the scholar. A selective scholar, he corrected his mind- one who didn't strive to read and learn for the research of knowledge itself- no he left that to others- such as Toto Sai. He gained knowledge to comprehend what it was he fought and what he dealt with. No one could with hold from him their own wisdom when he knew exactly what to ask and what to request- much to the frustration of many.
Sesshoumaru found the ancient text he had been searching for- And settled into the large chair as he flipped restlessly though the pages- scanning for something to strike a note of recollection. There was something here he was to know…………
Within the hour he had found what it was he searched for. His eyes grew cold….. The power he had seen- could it have been this?- Tonight he would find out. He snapped shut the text, its ancient bindings still strong. His beautiful eyes then refocused out of the window- where the stars twinkled and the vision of battleships tensely awaiting the next move was seen. But the view was dominated by the planet that they fought for…..
What was mine will once again be so…….. he thought, his golden eyes narrowed as it studied the world that he was determined to conquer. The planet that he yearned to return to . The home he had missed for too long.
XXX
ToTo Sai calmly raised the glass of demon brew to sip it gently. He sighed, as he relaxed into his seat, closing his eyes- " I would relax Sesshoumaru- before I face your firing squad of questions……. I am after all too ancient for this sometimes" he said, more to torment the young lord and test his control than anything.
To most, the prowling of Lord Sesshoumaru Tashio about the room around them would have caused an acute case of fear and indigestion- not to mention heartburn. But ToTo Sai refused to be cowed. The boy was an absolute terror- and one who had bounced upon his lap and rode first upon his frontsaddle before he had ever become the most powerful and feared of all demons in their world. Sometimes it was good to remind this young lord of that……….. the pleasure of the fact that he was one of the few who could and still live, filled him with some perverse pleasure that relaxed him far more than the tea, or the closed eyes.
Sesshoumaru felt his frustration at the old demon flare. But he knew that ToTo Sai knew that for all of his power and fury, there would be nothing he could do to force the old goat's hand to talk unless he wanted to. Sesshoumaru knew he was ruthless, but his power and control lay in the fact that for all his harshness he was never unreasonable, or one to snub duty or disregard respect for age and knowledge of those above him. Though it was often hard to see this appropriateness of his character- it was there.
He should have let InuYasha do the interrogation- he thought to himself. The two would have ended up strangling each other and his brother would not have hesitated to beat the old fool senseless- regardless of age or respect.
He closed his eyes in sheer frustration as he watched the old demon sink further into the seat- closing his eyes and all in all ignoring his questions, while he pretended to claim that age was what caused him the right to do so. Opening his eyes- his face remained emotionless – though one look in to his golden eyes would have shown flinty anger at having to play along with ToTo Sai's obvious attempt to hedge answering him.
The old man would go no where until he was told what he wanted.
Relaxing in to his own chair- he stared coldly at the older demon, calm and unruffled now with his endless fount of patience- knowing he would win this battle of wills regardless.
ToTo Sai opened his eyes – for the air was suddenly chilly, and the restless spirit of Sesshoumaru suddenly far more quiet- and in some way far more dangerous than before. He saw the eyes of ice with the thin patience emotionlessly staring at him- then pointedly looking at his demon brew-.
Sighing, ToTo Sai gave in. Sesshoumaru was positively frightening sometimes in how he could handle irritation. And to irritate only promised pain to those who did so- and never broke his own iron clad control. The boy was not a living thing- ToTo Sai thought darkly. No living creature could be so controlled and display such patient and tolerant cruelty.
It was Sesshoumaru's trademark………. It was positively frightening. Even for an old friend and powerful ally such as he. He could only fathom the degree of hate envy and horror the demon lord inspired in the younger demons who followed him.
"Ahm" Toto Sai broke the silence which was eating at him now. "Shall we begin my lord?" He paused to smile weakly in apology for his want to test the boy's tolerance. "I believe I am much more rested and refreshed now."
Sesshoumaru regarded him in silence- and then nodded. Eyes watching him as if he were some insect……….make thata crawling insect he was contemplating whether to crush or not,TotoSai corrected. ...Oh dear. This was not good.
Again consciously reminding himself that he was the one who was the older demon here- and the one who had the knowledge, Toto Sai relaxed, and was now amused. A game of wit and intelligence with Sesshoumaru was always refreshing. It was because he was the one young demon who would always best him in all his attempts.
XXX
Yeah!- I would like to say thanks to my special reviewer who gave me hope that there will be someone at least who will enjoy this fanfiction. Thank you!
I am a story teller at heart- and the story will be told regardless of anything- it is that obsessive side of me that will make it so…… the tales in my head drive me insane sometimes to be told-
……but I do love to know what your thoughts are…….. so please do drop me a line.
Hope this in going to satisfy you-
Good Reading-!
Seshaddict.
