A Soul to Save Chapter 7, an inuyasha fanfic

Here we are friends yet another chapter and I would like to thank you all for hanging in there with me. This is starting to progress more smoothly so I'll be able to write more and faster which is VERY exciting! I'm still looking for a beta. If someone could help me out I'd greatly appreciate it. Well, on with the show!

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or its characters.

Chapter 6 – Fate

Thump…

A slow steady beat echoed against the slick walls of the underwater cavern as the gentle waves tossed this way and that.

Thump…

One eye slowly creaked open and sickly grey glowed softly in the darkness. The long still form of the giant mass chained to the grimy barriers between the chamber and the ocean surrounding it pulsed.

Thump…

The waves picked up. The grey grew brighter. The steady beat swelled to an erratic pulsating now thundering in the large expanse of space.

Thump…

…

Then… all went silent.

A sluggish form raised itself to rest on scaly haunches, talons scraping loudly against the stone below as it dragged its legs beneath it. Reptilian slits flittered over its eyes in turn as limbs awaked, stiff from years of disuse and neglect. As thick layers of dirt and grime began to crack and clatter to the ground, the towering mass of being came to stand fully. A large serpentine tail coiling around its legs as a rush of water suddenly exploded over it's being, blasting all debris from the figure.

There in the expanse of the cave stood a colossal dragon-like creature, groggily taking in the dark dank space in which it had been prisoner for so very long.

Inhale

Exhale

Inhale

Exhale

The giant scale covered creature drew in breath after breath, taking in each pull as if it'd never experienced oxygen before.

Those horrid slate tinted eyes saw the escape. Realization dawned over the begotten creature. A greyish, pale aura dancing slowly to life suddenly ignited into a dark coal colored haze around the creature.

The scaled body took off toward the water's edge, the undulating writhing form quick as a snake as it shot forward. Anticipation danced in those tortured grey eyes as it dashed toward its way to freedom.

BAM!

A sickening crack thundered throughout the hollow as the creature was thrown back against a wall, snarling and cursing beneath the purple tongue flicking out to taste the air. A bright blue barrier shone bright in the darkness around it before slowly fading back to translucence.

"Not yet…"

The serpent like creature whispered. Its voice like was gravel from neglect. Rigid orbs narrowed in anger only to suddenly cool and slip closed once more. The creature resigning itself to lean against the algae covered walls as it waited out its sentence.

It had waited this long, its resolve driven by rage and the deep satisfying revenge that would one day be had. A cruel smile blossomed on those thin lips as they curled back to reveal a set of deadly pitiless fangs.

"Not yet… but soon"

"No.. no fucking way a Goddess.. THE Goddess gave you some mission to know stuff the rest of us don't!"

Inuyasha exclaimed, practically seething at the notion that this Meku character was so special. It wasn't because he still wanted Kagome, or even because he claimed her as his own. He didn't trust this newcomer and a small part of him was worried. Yes Kagome wasn't his to protect anymore but she still represented something irreplaceable to him.

She was the first true friend he'd ever had, the first person to accept him for exactly who he was without asking anything in return. Even Kikyou had wanted him to become human for her. This new demon threatened his position as Kagome's friend. In his mind Meku would take his place in her heart and the very thought of that drove him to the point of irrational madness.

Kikyou however knew none of this. All she could see when she looked up to the man she loved was jealousy glaring from his honey eyes. Quickly the hurting woman snatched her hand away from him as if she'd been burned. She wasn't a fool.

She had seen the look he'd given Meku once he'd taken Kagome's arm. The pain was so great in her heart in that moment she almost wished her heart would cease to beat once more as she stole away from her inu lover and ran from the room.

Inuyasha quickly realized he'd upset his love and his ears flattened to his head in embarrassment. Kagome turned to her friend and outright scowled at him, the incident distracting her from the situation at hand. Tsuyameku took it upon himself to sit quietly behind Sesshomaru.

"Just what in the hell is your problem!? After everything you dare treat her like that!"

Kagome's voice rose an octave in anger and all others in the room backed away from her slowly. All except Sesshomaru who of course remained right where he'd been. A mere slip of a human girl didn't scare him, at least that's what he told himself as he could feel her holy aura rising. The hair on his skin stood completely on end as her anger rose and her powers licked against his skin.

"But I…"

"No. Inuyasha I am so tired of this! You're stupid petty jealousy has gone way past being too much. You need to go talk to her. Now!"

He looked away with a sheepish frown and dashed out of the room after the elder priestess.

The demon lord for his part could do little more than give an inward sigh. He knew the hanyou was thoughtless but his idiocy truly knew no bounds. He was to the point of being a disgrace to their bloodline. The half-breed was so foolish as to not only have forgone a woman who had sacrificed so much for him, but then to shame her loss further by continuing to act as though he has some sort of right or claim on her. It was dishonorable to say the least.

While he held no special regard for the miko or her elder incarnation, he did care that the whelp was becoming more and more of a nuisance than he could bear to ignore. The once dead woman was his brother's intended and as such should be treated in a far better fashion than what they'd just witnessed. As for the future miko, she had earned his respect and if only for her selfless giving should be treated with more decency. Honor demanded it and he would be damned before his father's blood was sullied any further. It seemed a talk with the boy was in order.

Sesshomaru let his eyes narrow a fraction as they followed the hanyou from the room before turning back to the miko. It was clear from her demeanor she was holding something back and he did not like secrets. The demon lord resolved to speak with the younger miko as well.

Kagome took a breath to calm her-self before turning back to the others, powers receding. It seemed almost as if the fight with Naraku had unlocked some block on her abilities as any could feel them far more clearly than before.

The phoenix cleared his throat gently.

"Amaterasu has decreed that the first male of my bloodline in every generation shall bare this secret under penalty of death and as you know a phoenix never dies."

"Then why fear death if you would never truly succumb to it?"

Miroku questioned. Meku simply sighed.

"Just because one cannot truly die does not make the process of one's life being ended any less.. unpleasant. So it is no true death, we are simply reborn. After each rebirth we are a new being and have new lives but retain the memories of those who came before us. It was also ordered none shall be privy to the information until such a time as it was necessary lest other try to free the Leech Child and bring chaos and imbalance to this world"

"I'm sure we won't like the answer but… Why is it now necessary?"

Sango asked moving to approach the table once more.

"Yes… the last part of the tale speaks of the uprising of a great force that would extinguish the life of all youkai. Surely such a thing is not possible…"

Miroku said hopefully as he moved to join Sango and the other back at the table. Meku nodded solemnly.

"Up until this point you would have been correct houshi-sama. But the vile hanyou Naraku's touch reached far deeper than any realized. The Leech Child Hiroku will wake with the next full moon."

"How could the hanyou have accomplished such a thing if the kami themselves have bound this Hiroku?"

Sesshomaru asked, turning to the avian youkai. Again there was much more to this that the youkai was not letting on and Sesshomaru hated surprises. Meku let his eye fall downward.

"Naraku used the considerable power he gained to crack the seal, in an attempt to wake the sleeping captive and coerce him into his plan to take over this land. But that prideful mutt underestimated the power of the Kami, thus the seal remained relatively intact and he could not break through."

His voice was spilling with venom and bitterness as he spoke of Naraku.

"That's good news right?"

Kagome asked when she saw that Meku had yet to look up since he began speaking. She was still upset but she understood being bound by a duty given to you by powers greater than yourself.

"It would be except... Forgive me Kagome-sama but your wish was not the only one granted. The great evil within the jewel granted Naraku's dying wish as Midoriko granted yours…"

"What was his wish?"

Kagome whispered looking to him in shock.

"That Hiroku be released so that all the youkai in creation may suffer…"

Stillness came over the room as they all knew what would happen next. Sesshomaru stalked toward the phoenix as his eyes glared daggers at the male.

"How is it you hold such intimate knowledge of the mongrel's strategies?"

He asked, his voice low and promising many dark and torturous pains should Meku lie or try to deceive him. Meku winced slightly at his tone. It was true that he had lived within the walls of Taiyoukai's home for months and had been betraying them all the while. But he would accept his punishment like the honorable demon he'd always hoped to be.

"I know because I was in the service of Naraku"

Kagome was so shocked she could have fainted. She could do little more than stare at the youkai that she'd befriended and come to trust. There was something in his eyes though and Kagome knew it wasn't so simple as betrayal.

In a flash of red and white Sesshomaru was on him, a clawed hand at the flame haired male's throat slowly cutting off his air supply. Meku gasped in the Taiyoukai's grasp but made no attempt to save himself.

Kagome's eyes went to size of saucers as she stepped toward the pair, her hand outstretched.

"Sesshomaru stop! There has to be more to it… please you can't just kill him"

Sesshomaru turned his gaze to her over the arm now strangling Tsuyameku, show flashing over his amber eyes as they tinged pink from the anger he felt coursing red hot through his veins. Kagome's wide eyes were shinning with unshed tears and the taiyoukai lifted the corner of his mouth in disgust.

"Have you so little loyalty that your kit is forgotten in your lust for this wretch?"

"Lust.. what are you talking about?! I don't 'lust' after him! I can just see past my anger enough to know that we need him for information Sesshomaru-sama!"

She spit back at him, the honorific added to his name in a mocking tone.

Sesshomaru threw Meku through the doors, debris and splintering wood showering them all as the guards rushed to scene.

His anger was boiling too close to the surface. With the last few threads of self-control he was desperately holding fast to he ordered his sentries to bring Tsuyameku to the dungeon before turning to the miko.

Kagome was fuming but so was Sesshomaru. He turned to her once the others had left, his eyes narrowed dangerously. How dare this wisp of a women, this ningen onna question him! His beast demanded the female standing defiantly before him submit and in his anger and outrage his master agreed.

In a moment his hand was clutching her throat as his claws pierced the tender flesh of her neck. She yelped in pain and Miroku and Sango immediately moved to defend her, only to be blocked by a barrier. The two could do no more than watch helplessly as their friend dangled from the Tai's grasp, Sango beating her first against the green-ish translucent obstruction.

Kagome felt his iron grip was almost crushing her windpipe. She clutched and clawed at his hand but to no avail as her eyes filled with pleading stared up into his own crimson orbs. Her fear quickly turned to anger as her aura rose, holy powers beginning to surface though they did nothing to the immune youkai before her. Kagome's vision was beginning to blur and she could not clear her head enough to call her powers.

"This Sesshomaru will no longer tolerate your insubordination and disobedience wench. Learn your place or this Sesshomaru will educate you. Never .. interfere… again"

His claws pieced her skin further to add emphasis to his words. Tears silently streamed from her bright brown eyes.

In that instant he tossed her aside and swept gracefully from the room. He needed to kill something and now. Leaving word with the guards that he would return shortly he went off to patrol his lands

The moment he left the barrier fell and Kagome lay gasping for air and clutching the stinging wounds on her neck. Sango and Miroku were at her side in an instant. She merely gaped at the hole that was once a doorway, tears still falling as Sango tried to help her stand. The lack of oxygen made her slightly dizzy as she stood on shaky legs. To say she was shocked was the understatement of the century.

They had talked under the stars while traveling together. He'd let her pass the morning with him while he trained and she meditated. Their children played together under their watchful eyes and all this was forgotten in the blink of an eye.

Sure he'd made attempts on her life before, threatened her when she annoyed him, and even glared at her with looks promising death… But never had he laid a hand on her in such a way.

A hollow ached formed somewhere deep in her chest as realization dawned on her. He would hurt her and he cared not for her life. She had thought in their months of travel that they had become friends of a sort. But it seemed she was horribly wrong. He was The Killing Perfection. And now she feared him.

"I will kill that youkai…"

Sango swore as she began stalking toward the door but a hand on her arm stopped her. Kagome wiped her face and slowly used her powers to heal the weeping wounds on her neck.

"We don't have time for that.. and like it or not we need his help and resources to help the kids."

She sighed with a wince, more than a few emotions dancing just below the surface of her chocolate brown eyes. Righting her clothes she turned to face her friends, both wearing the same look of worry and concern.

"Please get some rest and don't worry. I'm fine"

She did her best impression of a happy smile then left the pair, taking off in the direction of the dungeons.

Sang hung her head low and gathered her things, stepping over the rubble that was once the library doors before going in the direction of the guest rooms with Miroku following silently behind. He put an arm around her should to provide her the silent comfort she'd never ask for as the door closed behind them.

"Kikyou.. Kikyou wait!"

Inuyasha called after the silently crying woman fleeing into the gardens of the castle's west wing.

The sun had finally set as the evening blue was slowly taking over the sky. The moon peaked out from behind the clouds.

She slowed her steps before stopping in front of a large marble fountain. The water reflected on her pale, creamy skin in the moonlight as her long ebony locks swished gently in the breeze. For a moment when she turned to face him he was struck with the realization that she was beautiful.

Her eyes were downcast, a shadow from her bangs hiding them, but the tears she'd been trying to quell were glistening softy in the fading light.

He reached for her only to stop, his hand hanging in the air just inches from her face.

"Kikyou.. why 'd you run from me?"

She finally brought her gaze from the ground to look her love directly in the eye, her pain washing over him like a bucket of cold water.

"You love my reincarnation..."

She whispered so low even his hanyou ears had trouble hearing her. But even for someone as thick as Inuyasha understood what she was talking about.

His ears flattened to his head as he looked off to the side in shame.

"I don't love her like you think I do… I mean she's my fiend and all.. and she's great and.. Aww damnit Kikyou you're the one I love"

An embarrassed blush stained his cheeks as he covered his mouth and looked away from her stunned expression.

He'd never said those words before. Soon a pretty blush crept over her cheeks as she stepped toward him. She wanted so desperately to believe him but, she had to be sure.

"Then why are you so jealous of the Eastern Lord's Son?"

He looked down once again unable to look at her as he spoke, crossing his arms in a slightly defensive stance.

"I don't love her like a mate or nothing but.. I dunno. I knew there was something off about that guy and I was right…."

He sighed and dropped his arms finally looking at her again.

"She's my friend.. the only real one I've got who doesn't need me to be somethin' else and I.. Well I promised to protect her. So I can't just let some asshole come in and take her away from me"

Kikyou balled her fists at her sides, her anger finally rising.

"She isn't yours to keep!"

He winced at her tone, his face softening as he stepped toward her and took the elder miko into his arms, the feeling of her heartbeat like sweet music to his ears after not having heard it for so long.

"Kikyou… I didn't mean like that. You're the one I wanna mate. I just want her to be safe.."

She was shocked into silence as his lips gently came down to prove his words, meeting hers in a slow passionate kiss. Her eyes fluttered closed as his hands tangled themselves in her hair gently. She sighed softly as he pulled away and hid his face. She smiled at his endearing shyness and hugged him tighter.

He really was hers. No one was going to take him from her again.

The couple walked back to the guest wing to retire for the night with nothing but their rekindled love swimming in their minds.

There was water dripping somewhere in the distance, echoing in the depressing space of the cell and through the halls.

The stench of hot, unwashed bodies and filth were burning even the weak nose of the bird youkai now housed within the dungeon.

The torchlight flickered across his feathers and shimmered. His face was in his hands. He'd not been in the cell long but it didn't matter. An hour, a day or a minute. Either way he had betrayed them. In the months that he'd gotten to know the ones he'd called friend he'd come to care deeply. Sesshomaru though cold and stern was intelligent an honorable. Rin was a ball of energy and pure innocence. Even Jaken had grown on his as it turned out the toad was devastatingly loyal.

And then there was Kagome. The priestess herself was the shining light in the darkness and guilt that plagued him. He took comfort in her presence and her very aura soothed him. And each time her beautiful smile was directed toward him another part of him slipped deeper into despair. It ached him to help in a plot that would harm sweet little Rin… but to deceive Kagome was devastating.

"Takano… please forgive me for the man I have become. Please just know it is all for you"

The broken male whispered into the darkness, though his pained words would never reach the one they were intended for.

The enchanted chains about his ankles clanked loudly and scraped against the stone floor as he stood, his back to the bars.

Slowly his hands slipped from his face and one quickly connected with the stone wall of his cell, cracking the stone and smoldering from the heat of his power. He was so caught up in his grief and shame that he missed the sound of footsteps nearing his cell.

"Why did you do this?"

It was the very object of his suffering and guilt come to torment him, her sweet voice empty as it weighed down on him like a ton of stones.

He could not turn, he could not face her but he did owe her an answer.

"Takano…"

Was his whispered answer.

Kagome let her impassive mask slip for a moment as she took one step nearer to his cell, the pain rolling off of him in waves was calling to her, and as betrayed and angry as she felt she still felt the pull on her heart to comfort him. She took a seat on the weathered bench beside his cell waiting for him to explain.

The tiny 'plip' of his tears hitting the stone floor broke her heart just a little as his shoulders shook from the silent sob. He tried to speak above a hushed whisper but his voice was too thick with emotion.

Calming a little he spoke once more.

"Naraku captured my daughter Takano.. she is but a child. He did what he felt necessary to ensure my cooperation"

Her cries, screams, pleading voice still echoed in his mind as his little girl begged for her father to end her suffering. Her broken wails still shook him.

"He tortured her, beat her and ended her life only to let her be reborn and killed once more. All to prove her had control over me and to force me to continue the charade"

Tsuyameku hissed with venom as the memories swam in his mind

"My little girl… asked for me to stop her suffering in the only true way one we can die. My own flesh and blood begged me to kill her… She lives still yet she is lost to me"

Kagome let a hand fly to her mouth in shock at his words. She had known Naraku was evil but even she had not imagined he would sink so low as to torture a child for his own gain.

The priestess rose swiftly and reached through the bars, her hand grasping his shoulder as she let her aura flow out to caress and comfort him.

Even after he'd threatened the life of her child she still sought to comfort him. He truly did not deserve such a friend. And once more the avian male let his tears fall.

Kagome could feel his turmoil wracking through every quiet, broken sob that left his lips. And in his sorrow she forgave him. She couldn't imagine what she would do in his position. If Shippou were ever… Her body shuddered and she could not even fully form the thought in her mind. It was just too terrible.

"And now Lord Sesshomaru-sama will kill me. I deserve no less for failing her."

At that Kagome gave his shoulder a shove so he would turn to face her. His eyes were hollow and his expression was so utterly hopeless she felt the sting of hot angry tear prickling her own eyes.

"No he won't… we'll make sure he hears your side first. I can't lie, he'll punish you but you will not die for trying to save your child"

He eyed her warily and wondered if he could truly let himself hope, if he could hope that his life would not end.

A small smirk formed on his lips as the last of his tears fell from his emerald eyes, a chained hand coming up to reach through the bars and stroke her cheek.

"I do not under estimate you Lady Miko… but I think you underestimate him"

He whispered sadly before sitting back on the floor, his back to her as he let the visions of his pain come back to his mind. He deserved to remember, to suffer for not being able to protect his daughter.

Understanding he would rather be alone she stepped back from the bars, her head hanging slightly.

"I haven't forgiven you for the part you played in all this… but I don't think you should die for this"

She began the long ascent from the dungeon's depths with a mission in mind and determination straightening her stride. As much as she hated the thought of facing him so soon, as scared as she was someone needed to talk to Sesshomaru. It'd probably get her killed but Kagome always threw her own well-being to the wind to save another, and now would be now different.

*Author's Note*

I know I know… it's only chapter six and Sessh is already seeming jealous of everyone's favorite miko but don't worry. All I can say is I did it for a reason. There is always a method to my madness. They are both a LONG way from even considering feelings for each other. But of course this is a Sess/Kag so it'll happen eventually hehe. I'm happy with the way this is progressing so far and hopefully you are too. Don't forget your reviews are my life force!

Kags: So.. I get to kick his butt for threatening me right?

Inari: I dunno… maybe

Neo: Eh.. we'll see. I'd hate to have Sessh kill you and all. Sorta makes the rest of the story.. well end ya know?

Kags: -sighs and stalks away mumbling about annoying writers-

Neo: -smiles mischievously- Maybe I should work in that 'Kagome gets attacked naked in the hot springs' chapter…

Kags:…. You wouldn't

Neo: I would

Inari: -nods- She would

Kags: Hehe… have I told you how much I love this story?

Neo: -smiles and pats her head- Good girl

Sess: Humph… you give in too easily Miko.. pathetic

Neo: -quirks a brow- I seem to recall a certain youkai begging me not to have to have 'the talk' with his ward in this story

Sess: You wouldn't..

Neo: I would

Inari: -nods- She would

Sess: -draws Tokijin-... Prepare to die

Neo: EEEeep! –runs and hides in the closet-

Kags: See you next time!

Coming up: Chapter 7 - Trouble