11. Kikyo

The first thing Rin did when she saw Yori was throw a rock at her and call her a liar.
"Rin," Sesshomaru said warningly.
"But Lord Sesshomaru, she lied to me. She said she would leave and then she did. And she hurt you, and drove you crazy trying to look for her. She—"
"That's enough Rin."
"I'm so sorry I worried you Rin, I had to leave. But you had to have known I would be gone for long. I would never leave you and not come back." Rin crossed her arms and looked the other way. Yori sighed; she knew that getting Rin to trust her Again would be difficult.
"Hey," Yori said and walked over to Rin. She put her arms around the child's shoulder and sighed. "You know, the whole time I was gone, I couldn't stop thinking about you two. Every moment of my training, I wondered when I would get to see you again." Tears welled up in Rin's eyes.
"Where did you go? I mean, was it so important that you had to leave us for so long? We missed you." Rin hugged Yori tightly. Yori patted her hair and smiled softly. "I love you Rin. You're like my little sister; I could never really leave you." Rin pulled away and wiped her face. She shook her head.
"Okay. I'm sorry I called you a liar and threw rocks at you." Yori smiled.
"It's okay Rin." The small child smiled, her face and odd shade of red. Yori had been kneeling to hug her and she sat back on her knees as she watched Rin go speak with Jaken excitedly.
She tensed up when she felt hands on her shoulders. Sesshomaru was kneeling behind her, his body pressed closely to hers. He slid his hands down her arms and grabbed her wrists, gently pressing her palms against the ground. Her heart rate accelerated.
"Sesshomaru-" but she was cut off as his lips brushed against her neck. He trailed butterfly kisses to her collarbone and caressed it softly with his tongue. Shivers traveled her spine and moans crowded her throat as her eyelids begin to fall in this feeling of pleasure. Something was awakened inside Yori, something she'd never felt before. And in that very instant, she realized she wanted him. Badly.
"Meet me in the woods, there's a spring nearby. I'll be waiting for you." Yori looked up at him and he seized the opportunity to kiss her. But this kiss, Yori noted, was neither sad nor passionate. It wasn't meaningless, it just carried something alien to her. And then, as he drew away and disappeared, she realized what it was; lust.
Yori stood up and looked off into the distance. If she walked into those woods, she would find Sesshomaru, and what else? Would she regret it? Well, the only way to know is to go and find out. She nodded her head and walked into the thick trees.

It was night now; a crescent moon loomed high in the sky. It gave off a bright light that hit the leaves of the trees and made patterns with the shadows on Yori's skin. Light and dark seemed to chase one another as Yori moved through the trees, her heart beating madly in her chest. There was a hot spring ahead, she could feel the warm air as it touched her face and she could smell the water that fell from a waterfall. But above all, she could see Sesshomaru gazing up at the stars as he waited for her.
As she grew nearer, he turned around. His eyes traced over her and he closed the remaining distance between them.
"Lord Sesshomaru I—" But he put his finger to her lips.
"I want to speak with you." he said.
"About what?" Sesshomaru took her hands in his.
"Something important. When you told me you were leaving, I was heartbroken because I knew nothing was going to change your mind. I told you I hated you because I was angry that I was doing the same thing I'd cursed my father so many years for doing; falling in love with a human." Yori listened intently, waiting to hear the rest of his apparent confession.
"Three days after you left, I stood at the edge of a cliff and I thought of you, for you were all I could think of. My mind, body, and soul were plagued by memories of you. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw your smile. Every time I used my hands, I remembered what you felt like in my arms. And every time I looked at Rin, I was reminded that you wetr not there anymore.
"It was then, on that cliff, that I realized what a fool I'd been. I realize that I loved you and needed you. So I set out to find you. And for days, there was nothing. For weeks, there was nothing. Just as I was about to give up, I caught Kagura's scent in the air. It wasn't much, but it was enough." Sesshomaru grabbed Yori in a tight embrace and rested his head on hers.
"I followed her scent and soon after, I caught yours. I was so relieved; you were fine, alive, and breathing. So I found you, I found you and I knew what you were to me." Yori looked up at Sesshomaru, her eyes coated in tears.
"What am I to you?" Sesshomaru held a Yori by her waist and put his forehead on hers as he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply.
"You are my human like all humans. My father was not wrong to fall in love with Izayoi. In truth she made him stronger as you make me. But I don't want you to be solely that. Yori," He kissed her lips softly.
"Will you be my mate?" The question struck Yori hard. She looked up at him.
"Your, your mate?"
"Yes. A mate is different that a husband or wife. The bond between husband and wife can be severed by anything; another love, fighting, power, money. But the bond between mates is eternal. Yori, I promise to love you, provide for you, and protect you to the best of my abilities. When all of this is over; the traveling and the fighting, I will return to the Western Lands where I am Lord. And I would be honored if you came with me to be my wife. You are the woman I love, you are the woman that I wish to spend the rest of my life with." He kissed her again, softly at first but then rougher. He brought his hands to her waist and pulled her against him.
"Sesshomaru," she started. But she was stopped by that feeling again. It tugged at her insides and she gripped his shirt, pulling herself closer to him. Sesshomaru slid his hands lower and begun to trail kisses down her neck.
"Sesshomaru." She said his name, her senses slowly returning. He slid his hands lower, grabbing her just below her butt, and wrapping her legs around his waist.
"Don't speak." He kissed her once more, this time sliding his tongue into her mouth. She could feel one of his hands grabbing a hold of the base of her shirt.
"Sesshomaru wait." Obediently, but with a sigh, he pulled away, setting her back onto the ground. Then he looked at her, confused.
"Yes, yes I'll be your mate. But there are some things you should know." He raised an eyebrow.
"Such as?" Yori sighed and ran her hand through her hair.
"When I went to the Sacred Lands, the High Priestess turned out to be Kikyo's long-lost twin. She taught me and told me many things; the most important being that Kikyo must die. And since I turned out to be the High Priestess' reincarnation, I would be the one to kill her." Yori grabbed Sesshomaru's hands and held them meaningfully to her heart. As he looked into her eyes, he was amazed at how they seemed to listen in the moonlight.
"I love you Sesshomaru but before I can become your mate, I must kill Kikyo." Sesshomaru nodded his head and grabbed her hand. They were turning to walk when Yori's blood ran cold.
What was that? She'd sensed something. Yori turned around and took a readied stance. She breathed in deeply and cleared her mind; looking with her soul and reaching out with her senses. She saw deep in the woods in front of her a pink aura; a sacred aura.
"Sesshomaru, get behind me." He nodded and did as he was asked. Someone was near, someone who possessed sacred powers. Yori felt it before she saw it, an arrow flying straight towards her. She reached out and grabbed it and it dissipated at her touch.
Yori reached for her bow and arrow and aimed in the direction of the attack. It was quiet. The stars were twinkling in the sky, and the moon shone brightly. The air was chilly, filled with the coldness of an oncoming surprise. Yori peered into the trees, looking hard for the attacker. And soon the bushes rustled and a woman stepped through. She wore an outfit identical to Yori's, save her pants were red. She had long black hair, and she looked just like Kiesu as she stood with her own arrow raised.
"You must be Kikyo." The woman's eyes were cold, and Yori could sense that she was not alive. Grave yard soil, bones, and dirt, just as Kaede said.
"And you must be Yori." Yori was surprised, but she stood steady.
"How is it that you know me?" Kikyo's face was passive as she spoke.
"My soul collectors have heard word that a reincarnation of my sister was seeking to destroy me." It truly was amazing to Yori, this woman was so much like Lady Kiesu and yet so different. But the biggest difference was that Kikyo had a horrible evil presence. Thought unintended, it remained. "I could not help myself in wondering who you really were, perhaps someone sent by Naraku." Yori released her arrow and it zoomed passed Kikyo, showing its blue light as it flew by. She grabbed another arrow, delighted in the shocked look on Kikyo's face.
"I am not one of Naraku's puppets. I was sent by the High Priestess herself with this mission." Kikyo narrowed her eyes.
"Have you all intentions of killing me?"
"Yes, I do. That, Lady Kiesu said, was my duty." Surprise struck Kikyo once more. And then anger took control of her face.
"You liar! My sister is dead!" And she released another arrow. Yori leaped to the side, the arrow ripping the material of her shirt as it went. She looked at Sesshomaru and he nodded, stepping to the side. Three more arrows came her way, and Yori jumped into the air and shot two of her own at Kikyo. Kikyo jumped back, but the sacred light of one of Yori's arrows was able to reach her. It cut a long gash on her arm and blood fell to the ground. She winced but rushed forward as Yori landed on the ground.
In a flash, Kikyo had drawn a sword and was swinging wildly at Yori. As quickly as she could manage, Yori drew her own sword and met Kikyo head on. A sound rang through the night as metal met metal.
"Tell me, how can you possible kill a person you have never known?" Yori's eyes shown dangerously and peered into Kikyo's dark ones. She gritted her teeth.
"You tell me. Your soul collectors have done away with enough people; you should know better then anyone." Kikyo narrowed her eyes and slashed out at Yori. Then she crouched down and swept her foot underneath Yori. Yori smiled, remembering the move she'd tried on Inuyasha when they'd first met and she jumped up. Kikyo leapt into the air and the two swords met again. Then she threw a punch and her fist collided hard with Yori's cheek. Yori drew back and distanced herself from Kikyo and spit an awful mixture of saliva and blood onto the ground. Kikyo stood, her sword pointed in Yori's direction tauntingly.
Yori leapt forward, but before she could even get close to Kikyo she heard someone shout.
"Wind Scar!" Damn that Inuyasha! There was no way for her to dodge his attack as it came straight toward her. She would be hit and wounded and Kikyo would seize the opportunity to kill her. Then white lashed in front of her vision and Sesshomaru was deflecting the attack with his Tokijin. She smiled thankfully and then willed her body backwards as Kikyo advanced. She jabbed at Yori, aiming for her neck and Yori jabbed back, aiming for her chest.
"Yori! Why are you fighting Kikyo?" Kagome shouted. Kikyo jumped back and the two stared at the group that had just walked in on the fight. Yori narrowed her eyes at Kagome. Sesshomaru was standing a few feet away, blocking Inuyasha's path to her and the rest of the group was behind some small bushes coming closer. Kikyo narrowed her eyes also and then rushed forward. An arrow made its way between the two and stopped Kikyo dead in her tracks. Yori looked to Kagome and almost growled.
"This is my fight," And she threw her sword at an unsuspecting Kikyo, knocking her own sword out of her hands. "Stay out of it!" Yori punched Kikyo in he stomach so hard that the other woman fell to her knees coughing up blood. Yori was breathing hard as she aimed an arrow at Kikyo. Then she looked passed Yori helplessly.
"Inuyasha, please help me." Oh God no. Yori jumped out of the way as the half demon came towards her with his sword raised.
"Do not interfere, this does not concern you little brother." Sesshomaru said and engaged Inuyasha in battle. And while Yori was watching Sesshomaru, Kikyo made her move.
"Yori!" Yori looked up in time to see the fired arrow and she jumped to the side. But when she looked for the person who'd called her name, fear struck her heart. Young Rin had been standing a ways away, but directly behind her and now the dodged arrow was headed straight towards her.
"No!" Yori rushed towards Rin who let out a terrified scream. The arrow hit and Yori's back exploded in pain. The head of it dug into her flesh and its sacred powers caused it to penetrate the bone underneath. She could feel the warm blood as it slid down her back and soaked her white shirt.
"Yori!" Sesshomaru called. He tried to reach her but Inuyasha stopped him.
"I'm your opponent; keep your eyes on me!" And he swung his sword feverously.
"Yori?" Rin had tears in her eyes as she looked up and Yori smiled a small smile at the girl.
"Rin, take Master Jaken and Ah-Un and get out of here. It's not safe." She whispered. The little girl nodded as tears spilled onto her cheeks and she ran back through the trees.
Yori turned back to Kikyo, breathing hard.
"What purpose did that serve?" And she stood up straight.
"It was a mere accident, though it worked in my favor." Yori smiled and reached for the arrow lodged in her back. She grimaced as she grabbed the handle and pulled it out of her back. The arrow's head was covered in her blood and she placed it on her bow, aiming it at Kikyo.
"Are you sure?" The arrow glowed blue and Kikyo's eyes widened… but not at Yori. Yori turned her head and everything went still. Silence fell across the scene as a figure made its way through the bushes. The wind blew softly and Yori's hair covered her eyes for a moment. She brushed the hair behind her ear and when her view was clear, she stood almost as shocked as Kikyo. Standing before them, with a serious look on her face, was Lady Kiesu herself.
"High Priestess," Yori lowered her bow and bowed her head.
"Kiesu?" The word was barely audible as Kikyo's bow slipped from her hand. Kiesu closed her eyes and nodded her head, a signal for Yori. So she closed her eyes and called forth the wind. It encircled her and she felt the energy all around her. Opening her eyes, she moved her hand in a swift motion and sent a gust of wind Kikyo's way. The wind hit her and Kikyo flew against a tree, slowly opening her eyes to stare at Yori. Yori loaded the arrow covered with her blood again, and this time was able to release it. It struck Kikyo in the chest and she let out a painful groan.
"Kikyo!" she heard Inuyasha screamed. Yori was breathing hard and her back was causing her unbelievable pain. Lady Kiesu walked towards her fallen sister, knelt by her side, and held her in her arms.
"Si-sister?" Kikyo could barely speak.
"I am so sorry Kikyo that this had to happen. I was the one who sent Yori to kill you." Blood drained from Kikyo's mouth and down her chin as her insides began too bleed from the wound in her chest.
"But, why?" Kiesu grabbed her sister's hand.
"I have a sworn duty, just as you, to protect the Jewel. It could never be whole or pure again so long as you lived." Kikyo's eyes widened and she looked up. Her body radiated a blue color and she begun to lift off of the ground. Yori watched as her eyes closed and as she breathed her last breath, her body disappeared in a soundless explosion. Then, there was silence. Yori looked to the faces of the people around her. Most were confused but Inuyasha had fury and pain written across his face, his eyes surprisingly wet with tears. Inuyasha's… crying?
"You killed her!" he shouted, running around Sesshomaru and coming straight for Yori. She tried to stand her ground but the pain in her back was too much and she fell to her knees. Damn, I can't move. Sesshomaru stood in front of her, but before he could do anything, Lady Kiesu acted. She appeared in front of Inuyasha and hit him in the stomach with a sacred sutra. He doubled over in pain and fell back. Kagome rushed to his side. The High Priestess addressed all around her. "Much has happened here today and I apologize for the loss that you may feel. But my sister had to die, for the sake of the Shikon Jewel. You may be wondering who I am. My name is Kiesu. I am high Priestess, a former protector of the Sacred Jewel, and Kikyo's twin sister." Yori smiled. At least now they all wouldn't hate her for taking Kikyo's life.
A spasm of pain shot through her body and she let out scream.
"Yori," Sesshomaru turned to her and picked her up and held her bridal style. Kiesu stared at them and then looked to Kagome who was just realizing that Inuyasha had fallen unconscious.
"Have you any knowledge of a place we can take her. She is badly injured and is loosing a great deal of blood." Kagome nodded.
"Kaede's village isn't far from here. You can take her there." Kiesu shook her head.
"Kagome Higurashi, you must come also. There is much you have to learn." Kagome was surprised to say the least. But she nodded her head and Miroku came over to help her pick Inuyasha up. She turned back to Kiesu.
"Will Yori be okay?" Kagome asked and turned her attention on Yori. She's concerned about me? Another spasm of pain hit her body and her vision began to spot. She felt Sesshomaru as he began to run after the others as they made their way to Kaede's village. And she thought one last thought as the pain overtook her and she passed out. Is she still my friend?