Hey, everyone! So sorry for the long wait, but this chapter is so important and I needed the insperation to write it. It just wasn't coming to me. But I tried my best. I hope you all like it, cause I think it will make you all happy but at the same time I'm not sure. So I'll just leave you to reading then, toodles!
Liebe,
Sesshomaru is Mine/Abbey
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Chapter 22 will be up in a moment. First, I'll do an interview! Today, I'll be talking to long-time lecherous monk, Miroku!
Miroku: The pleasure is mine, Abbey.
Abbey: (blushes) Yeah so, you gave us a scare in the last chapter didn't you?
Miroku: That I did. However, I do not go down so easily, as I'm sure you can understand, Abbey, being the vision of loveliness that you are.
Abbey: o.O Uh-huh. Well, I'm not, so you can just cut that out. Anyways, you aren't gone from the story for good, are you?
Miroku: I find it very regrettable that I had to be stabbed in the back by Battousi; I shall return.
Abbey: So Battousi revived you using the tensaigia?
Miroku: Yes. Before anything else is said, however, I wish to ask you something. (grabs Abbey's hand)
Abbey: (Rolls eyes) Yeah, Miroku. I think we all get it.
Miroku: I assure you that I am being completely serious.
Abbey: Fine, what is it?
Miroku: Can you rub my backside for once so I do not have to go through the trouble?
Abbey: (Punches Miroku, leaving a lump the size of a watermelon on his head)
Miroku: I guess not.
Abbey: Grrr, I do not own InuYasha.
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Okami no Hanyou: Did you put ISNK back up! I love that story, I have no idea where you got the idea that it wasn't good. It really is one of my favs. Anyways, didn't it say in your profile that your birthday wasn't too long ago? If that's the case, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Thanks for being such a good supporter of my story for so long! I luv ya, Beppi! In platonic ways of course!
SPaZin-Person: Aw! Thanks so much! It's nice to know that people worry about me. Also, sorry that this update took so long. Thanks for being so suppportive of me!
Inuyasha'smistress: I know! I just love to cause a little mayhem! It's so fun! But things do get a little better in this chapter...I think. lol. Anyways, enjoy the chapter!
Katty-kat: Be gentle with poor me. I've been hit with bats too many times b4. But, still, I don't blame you. This chapter is a little better...well, at least I THINK it is. Enough babbling from me, I'll just let you read the chapter.
Anime-fan444: Well, he only died for a second, then Battousi brought him back to life. So he'll come in again a little later. When you ask? I can't tell! Gomen! I'm so mean, aren't I? Enjoy the chapter!
Taijiya-Sango-chan: Oh, thanks so much! Your review was a real self-esteem boost! I'm so happy you like my story the most, you have no idea! I feel like I might actually be a decent writer now, shocker! I'll just let you read the chapter now...
Air-Faerie45: I know, WKK is agreeing with you about the whole Battousi thing. He is cool, but the poor guy has his sights on only one thing. So yes, he does need a life. I do not, and you shall pay for such a comment. Battousi! (Whacks Battousi in head) Quit being such an ass! A pain in my ass that is. Anyways, TTYL, TTFN, toodles!
LadyRedEyes/Marisa: Oh, please. we did so discuss it! If I recall, it was YOUR idea too! Yeah yeah, you're lucky I don't have another torture for you, but that will just be the whole next chapter, so I think I'll give you time to brace yerself for it. It's only fair. Hehehe. Anyways, TTFN, TTYL, LYLAS, toodles!
Thank you all for your supportive reviews! Thanks for keeping me happy! Well, I'll just let you read then, toodles!
Liebe,
Sesshomaru is Mine/Abbey
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Sesshomaru's Red Eyes
Chapter 22:
The Forbidden is Now Reality
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It's been 2 days. Two days since Sango's world was taken out from beneath her. Husband, dead, her children, kidnapped, Sango found herself doing nothing but wallowing in self pity, shut up inside her room. She didn't eat, she didn't sleep. She didn't do anything but vainly wish for her life back. She stood on her balcony, a light but cold wind brushing against her face. The weather seemed to reflect her bleak mood. It looked as though winter would come early this year. It was no concern of Sango's however. Alone. She was alone. When Sakura and Toshiro were returned to them, did they really deserve to have such a horrible mother? A mother who allowed them to be taken away? A mother who…allowed their father to be killed? It was strange, though, she could still feel his presence with her somehow. She had been told before that even after someone important to you dies, they are still with you, but this was completely different. She never had such a feeling, not for her father, or even Kohaku. Even so, Sesshomaru would take care of her children, both of them. Sango knew that he loved Sakura like a daughter, and it was quite clear how he felt about Toshiro. They shouldn't be burdened with such a terrible mother. She decided that she would relieve them of that. Sango let the blanket around her shoulders fall to the ground as she stood up, and walked to the railing of the balcony. Fresh tears forming in her eyes, she climbed over the other side of the railing. She was standing on a small patch of floor, her hands gripping the railing more than necessary. Her room was 7 stories up. It would be enough. Her friends would be terribly disappointed in her, that she gave up. But they would forget her. They had their own happy lives to be getting along with.
"Kagome, my best friend and sister, I love you. InuYasha, we might not have always got along, but I love you just the same. Shippou, be strong, be happy, I love you. Kirara, my faithful companion and pet, I love you. Rin, I will always consider you my daughter, I love you. Sakura, part of me does hope that you are like your father some day, my dear, I love you. Toshiro, my smart little boy, take care of your father, I love you, baby. Miroku, you know that I love you. I shall be with you soon. Sesshomaru….I…love you too. In fact, I love you in the same way you claim to love me. Goodbye." She said all of this barely above a whisper. Then, very softly, she let go of the railing, and let herself fall…
…But the end never came. No peace. No release. The feeling of strong arms wrapped around her was all Sango needed to figure out what happened. "Never do that again."
Sango looked up at Sesshomaru. His eyes were not on her, but in front of him, as he seemed to glide gently through the air.
"Why did you do that! I want to be free of this, and you, you have no right to control what my fate is! I at least want to die with dignity, at the time, place, and manner of my choosing! Why can't you at least give me that!"
"I would never knowingly allow you to die. Especially not now, after what you just said."
She gasped lightly, "You heard?"
"I did. Did I not tell you to refrain from giving up and taking the easy way out? Did I not tell you to hold on for the sake of your children?"
"It's not that I wasn't thinking of them! I just…knew you would take good care of them and protect them with your life, something that I failed to do in life. I am not worthy to be the mother of those children."
"Enough. I have never before seen such a worthy mother as you. Stop blaming yourself."
"You think I'm being a coward, don't you?"
Sesshomaru kept his eyes ahead of him. He couldn't look at her. Not after she admitted to loving him. He had a great fear of letting down is mask. She has seen behind it before, but not under such circumstances.
"I am. I am a coward. I don't blame you for thinking that."
"No," Sesshomaru said, landing on his own balcony with Sango still in his arms, "I believe that you are foolish for wishing to die. But you are anything but a coward."
"COME ON, SESSHOMARU, YELL AT ME, DO SOMETHING, JUST DON'T LOOK AWAY LIKE THAT!"
"It would not be best if I did."
A very bad thing to say indeed.
Sango began to sob, trembling down to the floor.
Sesshomaru grabbed her shoulders before she fell all the way. He looked her in the eye, finally, "STOP THIS FOOLISHNESS, SANGO, I KNOW YOU ARE STRONGER THAN THIS!" Surprised by his own daring, Sesshomaru let go of Sango and turned around, so he was facing away from her.
She lightly put a hand on his shoulder, "Forgive me, Sesshomaru. I never meant for you to see me in such pain. That's why I wanted to die alone, without telling anyone."
Sesshomaru walked into his room, silently. He stopped in the center of the room. Still turned around, he said, "Don't die."
Sango's heart rate quickened tenfold. "But, Sesshomaru-"
"No buts," he turned to face her at last, "I cannot raise those children on my own."
"You'll do just fine."
"Please," he said, quietly, hating begging like this, "They need you…as do I." He took a step towards her. He was quite close.
"I'm sure you can find a more suitable mother than I."
"Idiot, no one can take the place of their true mother. I would know. Don't be so selfish."
"I AM NOT BEING SELFISH!" she yelled in his face, "I JUST WANT THE BEST FOR THEM, AND FOR YOU, AND THAT'S NOT ME!"
Sesshomaru swiftly scooped Sango up close to him. "That could not be any more false, and you know it. You're just afraid." He spoke in a whisper, making Sango tremble a bit. And yes, she was blushing again.
"I fear no one," she answered back with determination.
Sesshomaru half smiled, realizing what he now had to do, "Is that so? Then prove it. What shall you do?"
"You're just trying to trick me," she uttered angrily.
"I miss the point of how that matters," he said smugly.
"Cocky bastard."
"What shall you do?" he repeated.
"I'll tell you what I shall do!"
"Yes?"
"I will-"
"Yes?"
Sango hugged Sesshomaru, and gave him a deep, fiery kiss.
When they pulled apart, Sesshomaru said sarcastically, "That was quite painful. I hope you never try to put me in my place again."
"Do you want it to hurt?" the taijiya questioned. Then she gasped, "No, I didn't mean it like that! Don't take it like that! Sesshomaru!" Then she gasped. Sesshomaru had a small smile on his face. "Sesshomaru?"
"You are too amusing for your own good. I think you might be channeling the monk's spirit."
Sango's eyes began to fill with tears, but she smiled despite that. She was acting an awful lot like Miroku. She tried and failed to hold back a small giggle.
"I'm sorry that I-"
"-No don't be," Sango cut him off, "For all I know, what you said could be true."
He put a hand to her cheek, "It is good that you are smiling again. It makes me happy to see you like this."
"Good. I'm glad you're happy."
"In fact," he confessed, "All it really took for me to be so interested in you was your smile. The first time I saw you smile that was it."
"So that's what that look on your face was."
"But I was indeed drawn to you right at the beginning."
Sango blushed a little deeper, "Don't say that."
"I know I shouldn't. If it makes you smile, however, I will do what I must to make that happen."
"Why?"
"You deserve to be happy."
She shook her head slightly, "No, I don't."
"You do. And here is why. You are the strongest human I have ever seen. You tamed a lecherous monk. You mothered two children, and did well in doing so. You…helped a demon to learn not to blame the crimes of the past on the innocent."
"I didn't do all of that."
Sesshomaru sighed lightly. "Stubborn. You refuse to see your true worth."
"Please, Sesshomaru, don't be so kind to me. I makes me feel worse."
"Why is that?"
"If you don't want me to die, then I'll try my best to move on. But as soon as the barrier is gone, I think that I should go somewhere else to try to start over."
"No. Don't do that."
Sango's eyes filled with tears again. She put a hand on his cheek, "Sesshomaru, I really do care for you very much but…you and I, we're from different worlds. A demon and a demon slayer, really…something like that…it's not meant to be. It's forbidden in fact."
"But is it not that very statement what makes it so fulfilling? Against all odds, we developed these feelings for each other."
Tears silently fell down Sango's cheeks. She stroked his cheek lovingly. "I love you. But that's why I have to let you go."
He touched his forehead with hers, "You're giving up again, you realize that do you not?"
"No, I'm not. Like I said before, I only want the best for you. Your freedom is the best gift that I can give you."
"Wrong again. The best gifts you ever gave me were Toshiro, Sakura…and yourself…if you permit me."
"Me? You want me?"
"I always have." He ran a claw along the place where the mark should be. "If you permit me," he repeated.
Sango smiled smugly, "You won't do it."
"Pardon?"
"You won't do it," she said again. "I'm just a human. My life is to be much shorter than yours. If you were to mark me, it would be a waste."
Sesshomaru tilted his head slightly. Then he said in her ear, "You are certainly not a waste. Not in any aspect. I would know." He was silent for a second and then, "Do you wish to be with me, Sango?"
Sango turned a deep red and looked down, "I do, but-" Sesshomaru didn't let her finish. He gave her a deep kiss that instantly silenced her. "I don't think you understand," Sango began, "I do, but I also don't. I'm sorry if I'm seeming overly dramatic or overly confusing, but-"
"-You would feel like it would be a betrayal to the monk if you did."
"Yes, that's exactly right. I'm so sorry, Sesshomaru."
"You are being foolish again. The monk only wishes for your happiness. Besides, you do know that it will happen sooner or later do you not? I will have you, Sango, I promise you."
Sango gasped at the words. Then she said, "Sesshomaru, I think I should get out of here, before-"
"Battousi is not coming out, I can assure you that. My words are mine and mine alone. Just as you are."
Sango shook slightly. This was definitely not heading in the right direction. Dog demons are extremely possessive and territorial. In this position, Sesshomaru would obviously be having trouble controlling his words, "I know this isn't you. You're just having trouble controlling your…uh…urges…as a demon, that's all."
"Is that so. In that case, what about your urges, Sango? Your urges as a woman."
"My, my urges? You're imagining things!"
"I think not. Why do you shake so, Sango?"
"I'm nervous, that's why!"
"And why are you nervous then?"
"Because I fear you will become forceful with me."
"You know I wouldn't do that. And also, Sango, why do you lean closer to me?"
"Be-because, I need you to support me in my sadness."
"Sango, why do you breathe so deeply?"
Sango was really having trouble with her stammering now, "Damn it, Sesshomaru, because I can, okay! Leave it be okay! Just stop it!"
"As you wish. But I must ask you, are you ready?"
Sango gasped but she shook her head confidently, "You won't do it."
"If that is the case, then I apologize."
"Wha-" Here, Sango gasped as Sesshomaru's fangs dug into her neck. She threw her arms around his waist and dug her nails into his back. Being marked hurt, that was for sure. "Sesshomaru!" she called out.
Just as InuYasha had done, Sesshomaru gently licked the mark, and it started to heal. Sesshomaru looked at his new mate, and she at him, "I'm sorry, Sango. I had to do it."
There was something in Sango's eyes that Sesshomaru never saw before. He couldn't read it, "No, Sesshomaru, don't apologize. Thank you."
The taiyoukai raised an eyebrow, "Why do you thank me? You were just unwillingly marked."
Sango's voice was soft, the words glided gently from her mouth, like silk, "I truly did wish to be with you, it was hard to fight, but now that you have marked me, I am pleased with it."
Sesshomaru's mask fell off. A surprised look reached his face.
Sango put a hand on his cheek, gently caressing it, "Why so shocked? You mean to tell me that I did a good job when I tried to hide it? It was so hard."
"You did."
Sango smiled slightly, "Imagine that, Sesshomaru, great Lord of the Western Lands, almost speechless."
"That is far from true, Sango. Why do you act like this?"
"I should think it would be obvious, Sesshomaru. I feel the most blissful peace right now, you have no idea."
"Just from being with me?"
"Yes. Suddenly, I feel like I'm going to be all right. I feel so secure, so happy. And all of this, just from you."
Sesshomaru was about to ask her if the monk made her feel the same way, but he stopped himself. That was not a very good thing to be talking about at this point.
"Sesshomaru, say something, your silence worries me. Do you not feel the same way about me now that I've stopped resisting?"
Sesshomaru gave her a piercing look, "Never," he said softly, and then kissed her. When they pulled apart, Sesshomaru gave Sango a look that seemed to say, 'Will you?' and Sango answered him back with a different look, 'I will.'
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Meanwhile…
"InuYasha! INUYASHA!" Kagome called through the dense forest. He was always going in there very often, and quite frankly, it worried Kagome to death. "INUYASH-" Kagome stopped, spotting the hanyou in a tree. She walked to the tree and looked up at him, "Oh, InuYasha, you can't keep running off like that, it makes me worried!"
"Get out of here!" InuYasha yelled angrily, and hid his head in his sleeves.
"Jerk, I don't want what happened to Miroku to happen to you too! And…InuYasha, what…you're-"
"I'M WHAT, KAGOME!"
"You're," she said quietly, "You're crying."
"AM NOT!"
The miko smiled, "It's okay, InuYasha. I've been crying a lot too. You don't have to hide it from me, you know."
"I'M NOT HIDING!"
"InuYasha," Kagome said softly, her eyes filling up with tears, "Don't do this, we're in this together now."
InuYasha looked down at Kagome and jumped off the tree branch down to meet her. But in mid-air, he was caught around the arms and legs by something and they were holding him back…
…Kikyou's soul snatchers…
Kikyou appeared next to them, as InuYasha wriggled to get free, "InuYasha," Kikyou said, "I have missed you greatly."
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE! GET THESE SLIMY ASS THINGS OFF OF ME!"
Kagome gasped, "INUAYSHA! Try to get out!"
"Foolish girl, he can't get out, can you, InuYasha?" She laughed cruelly, and then shifted in mid-air so she was facing InuYasha. Then, she kissed him.
"INUYASHA, NO!" Kagome yelled, "LEAVE HIM ALONE KIKYOU!"
The hanyou was unconscious. He lied limply in Kikyou's arms.
"He cannot hear you," Kikyou told her, "He will never hear you again."
"INUYASHA, WAKE UP! PLEASE WAKE UP NOW! DON'T LEAVE ME!"
"InuYasha, come. Come with me…to the deepest depths of hell."
"NO! INUYASHA!"
An enormous hole formed in the ground, and Kikyou slowly began to sink down into it, taking InuYasha with her.
"INUYASHA…SIT!"
But it had no effect.
"You're wasting your time. Whatever hold you have on InuYasha will not work as of now." Kikyou smiled lightly as she thought, 'Thank you, Naraku, thank you, Battousi.'
Kagome's hand reached out for InuYasha, but was repelled. Kagome banged her fists with all her might against the barrier, but to no avail. "I'LL GET YOU BACK," she reassured him, "I'LL GET YOU BACK EVEN IF I HAVE TO TEAR HELL APART TO DO IT! I'D DO ANYTHING, INUYASHA!" Now, she could barely even see him. She didn't care if he wasn't awake, she would still yell out to him, "INUYASHA, I LOVE YOU! INUYASHA!" The last bit of InuYasha that was visible disappeared into the ground, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Kagome fell to the floor. It just couldn't be! "No, No," she said under her breath, repeating the words over and over. "InuYasha!"
(A/N: OMG, how cruel! Don't worry, it's not what you think! But it's still so sad!)
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"Kikyou, I see you've brought him."
"Naraku, remember your promise. You promised me that you would not harm InuYasha while he is here!"
"It may not be as much fun, but at least he can be harmed emotionally."
"What are you talking about?"
"Come with me." The soul collectors picked up InuYasha and carried him, as Kikyou followed Naraku into another room. Naraku opened the door. Kikyou's ears instantly met with the sounds of sobbing, and her eyes darted around for the one making the sounds.
"I see," Kikyou said, a small smile on her face.
"Hello, monk," Naraku replied, the satisfaction in his voice rising by the second, "What's on now? Has it happened yet?"
Miroku rose his head slightly, his face was shining. From tears or sweat Kikyou couldn't really tell. He was chained up to the wall, and there was a mirror in front of him. The mirror was a copy of the one Kanna used.
Naraku looked into the mirror and smiled, "I see, so it has happened. I'm surprised that she took so long before she betrayed you, but it is satisfactory nonetheless."
"She's, she's not betraying me!" Miroku said as both he and his voice shook, "She thinks I'm dead!"
"Aw, poor, foolish monk. Now you see what love has gotten you into? Tsk, tsk. However, it took her no time at all to rush to the comfort of another man, am I right?"
Kikyou's eyes narrowed. This is exactly why she disliked working with Naraku. He was a savage beast indeed. At least Battousi was eloquent. And oh so interesting. If she didn't desire InuYasha…never mind. She had all she wanted right here, in InuYasha. But still…there was just something about the man-slayer. Kikyou could understand why her reincarnation was so drawn to him. So mysterious, so dark, so intelligent…and above all, so inviting.
The soul collectors dropped InuYasha next to Miroku with a plop. Chains immediately attached themselves to his wrists, ankles and neck, just as they had done for the monk.
"InuYasha!" Miroku said, "Oh no, they got you too!"
Another mirror appeared; this time, it was in front of InuYasha. "Now InuYasha gets his turn to see the betrayal of the one he loves," Naraku said with relish.
Kikyou glared at him, "When may I drag InuYasha to hell?"
Naraku smiled, "After he sees Kagome betray him with Battousi. And, I also want to make sure that Kagome sees his demise, knowing that she was unfaithful to him."
"I shall wait then."
"Good. I suggest we leave them to their own devices then. Have fun, monk. And be sure to tell that to InuYasha too."
"Why you twisted-"
"-Nice to know you're enjoying yourself."
Naraku and Kikyou walked out to meet Kagura. "Naraku," Kagura said, "What is the next part of the plan? I suppose I wondered when my assistance would be needed."
Naraku chuckled, "Your part in the plan has to do with…jealousy."
"What does that mean exactly?"
"Sesshomaru intends to give Battousi his own body tomorrow. I want you to go meet Battousi in the woods surrounding Sesshomaru's castle. He shall explain the rest to you then." With that, Naraku and Kikyou left, heading in separate directions.
When they left, Kagura thought, 'I'm to work with…Battousi?' She found herself blushing a bit. 'That demon is a magnet,' Kagura mused, 'I suppose it's just something about him.' She sighed and then walked away as well.
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Sesshomaru stood on the balcony as Sango slept peacefully. The wind was lightly tugging at his hair, and a new secret was tugging at his heart.
"Fool."
Sesshomaru sighed lightly, "Must you always invade into things that are not your concern? If it's a your body you want, I'll give it to you tomorrow, and then…I'll kill you."
"We shall see. Now, Sesshomaru, my brother, why did you pull such an idiotic stunt?"
Sesshomaru growled softly, "I have no intention of answering to the likes of you."
"You should have just gotten it over with all at once. Instead, you make it so difficult for yourself."
"I just wanted her to be able to get out of it if she wanted to later."
Battousi chuckled, "So, when and how do you intend to tell her that is not a real mark?"
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Duh duh DUH! Poor, Sesshy! He went and got himself into a pickle! Oh yeah, and I thought it would be kind of funny if all the evil bitches liked Battousi too. It won't even make much of a difference anyways, so don't worry! I don't want to make it where we have to see them more often so yeah. Sesshy's not really in the mood to strangle me today, and Inu is all tied up, hehe. So I guess I'm safe!
Battousi: Think again.
Naraku: I would also enjoy taking part in this.
(begin to circle SiM)
Abbey: You're not serious!
Battousi: Oh, but we are. How shall we deal with you?
Naraku: I'm sure we can come up with something suitable.
Abbey: Well, I'll just be going then…help me!
Liebe,
Sesshomaru is Mine/Abbey
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Preview of the next chapter:
"How very touching, Sesshomaru."
The taiyoukai's eyes narrowed in frustration, "Kuso," he said softly.
"Uh, Sesshomaru?" Kagome said, her eyes wide and staring at the form behind him, "Maybe you'd better turn around."
"Please do," said the voice. It was deep and baritone, calm yet spiteful, "Face me. Face your worst fear, Brother."
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Next Chapter:
A Body of His Own
TTFN!
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