They were to be Mated
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Inuyasha characters.
Last Time:
He would not be witness to his brother's weakness, Sesshomaru wouldn't want that. He didn't look up, until his brother held Kagome gingerly to him and was standing beside him. He heard his brother take a breath, and move slightly so that his momoko could wrap around Inuyasha's shoulder.
With a flash, a yellow orb closed around them. Inuyasha watched his brother's stoic face, had it not been for the small yet steady accumulation of perspiration he would have not know the pain.
Slowly, Sesshomaru's breath became laboured and fast. Inuyasha made no comment, he couldn't. His brother truly was a warrior, but more so a quiet guardian.
Inuyasha realised just how much he respected and admired his brother then.
The Awakening
Chapter 14: Healing
Hideaki barely managed to keep the sob in his throat at the sight of the dark haired woman in Sesshomaru arms. He knew well enough that the one in Inuyasha's was the miko named Kikyo. But the woman in Sesshomaru's arm he corrected his eyes widening was ... had to be his sister.
He approached his friend, "Sesshomaru-sama, let me take her."
It was obvious that his friend was only a few moments from collapsing. 'What kind of battle had they just fought?' Sesshomaru, however did not want to part with her.
"She is my responsibility. I will take her to a healer before having my wounds dressed."
Hiroyuki had already assisted Inuyasha but his eyes kept darting to the woman in Sesshomaru's arms.
"Sesshomaru that's my sister and you're about to collapse." Hideaki reasoned softly, "I know she's my sister. Izayoi-sama saw it. Please... Sesshomaru, please after eighteen years allow me my duty as an older brother."
Sesshomaru grunted but very carefully began to hand over Kagome to Hideaki. As Kagome left his arms Sesshomaru swayed. His father clamped a hand on his shoulder.
"Come now son, everything is prepared." Hideaki watched as Touga didn't mention anything else. It was a matter of pride that surprised the Higurashi. He knew that Touga was proud of his sons, but it was not obvious to anyone... but at this very moment it was.
It was painful to see that his Lord didn't shed the tears that gathered in his eyes at the sight of his sons.
Hideaki cradled Kagome to himself. His arm supported her back while his other was beneath her knees. She was light... was that healthy? He wondered randomly. He admitted that he had never held a girl—at least not in the way he held Kagome. He looked down and watched in slight horror his sister's breathing sharpened. She looked so much like their mother. Something he thought he would never see again. He briefly wondered if she had their mother's eyes or their father's onyx colour ones.
He rushed her gently to a healer, fully intent one finding the extent of her injuries. She was injured... severely in fact. But he hoped with all his heart that the blood that coated her most of her clothes was not hers. His eyes caught Hiroyuki's and they too followed their sister.
He entered the infirmary and immediately called for a healer. Touga, Hiroyuki and Hideaki were pushed out until the wounds had been dressed. Touga sat down, his hands running roughly through his long hair.
"I know Izayoi said they would be pretty beat up but this-!" he made a vague gesture towards the door, "—it's not right. They're just pups!"
"I... think that it is best not to be too involved in their battle Touga-sama." Hiroyuki began. Hideaki turned wide and accusatory eyes at his twin brother as did their Lord. He held up a hand, "Hear me out before you judge. Sesshomaru-sama lost an arm, he does not require coddling of any sort. It would only make him feel worse. Inuyasha-sama is more ridden with guilt and worry for his friends and brother. He got away with the least amount of injuries and is therefore going to want to prove that he is a capable member of the pack. The miko... she is... quite powerful. She is also the only female companion of Inuyasha. I believe that she will be worried about her life duty of protecting the jewel."
"Hiroyuki , that was very well said." A female voice said.
They turned to see Izayoi walking towards them. Her eyes were red, most likely from having seen what actually happened. She stopped in front of her mate and brought her hands towards his face. Gently she tilted her head to give him a soft kiss.
"I already have told all of you what was to come. It is necessary that we do not speak of it unless they ask us specifically. It is crucial that the four of them work together and figure out their plan." Izayoi said as she fell into her mate's embrace.
Hideaki let out a sharp breath, "I do not like this! I never imagined seeing my sister c-covered in blood."
Hiroyuki placed a calming hand on Hideaki's shoulder. "I know brother... it was not something I would ever wish to see again. However, fate plays it's hand rather cruelly at times."
"They require rest. Izayoi, when will they awaken?" Touga asked.
"Tomorrow. The mikos will be the last to awaken. I believe it would be best for you to speak with both Inuyasha and Sesshomaru individually. As for... Sesshomaru's arm." She swallowed, "It can only be healed after... after their quest has completed or after he has mated."
"Are you saying, my son will be... crippled? Do you have any idea how wrong it is for an Inu to be so?" Touga asked incredulously.
"Mate, please... I know that is not what you want to hear however, it is what I say. Choices do change my visions. It may occur sooner than you would expect."
Touga stood up, his fist clenched tightly, "Is... is it time to tell him?"
Hiroyuki sighed, "Is this about the blood oath between the Taisho and Higurashi clan?"
Hideaki hung his head, "Man, it's like we will never get to have much of sister time. Especially, when Sesshomaru is hanging off her." He brought up his head quickly as an idea formed in his head, "Hiroyuki and I reserve rights to piss off and make fun of Sesshomaru for as long as we're alive. It's like the big brother code."
"Hideaki..." Hiroyuki trailed in a warning tone.
"Hey, you want it too! Look, I know the situation is bad, but they will make it through. I know it, as do you all. So there's no point in getting all sentimental over something that is only the initial stages of something so much more."
Everyone blinked and showed signs of shock.
"What?" Hideaki asked a little perturbed.
"That... Hideaki you... you actually sounded intelligent for a second there." Touga said with wide eyes.
"Oi! Just because I'm the younger and more rash doesn't mean I'm stupid Touga-sama! I'm smart! In fact I'm smarter than Inuyasha! I do run half of our intelligence."
"That doesn't mean much." Mumbled Hiroyuki.
Izaoyi laughed, "You are the life of this place Aki-kun."
Sesshomaru found himself in a meadow. He blinked several times, knowing full well he fell asleep in his home. He looked around taking in the... pure landscape. Yes pure, that was the only way to explain the innocent beauty of nature, where he stood.
He then decided to sit down and wait for what was meant to happen. His thoughts were all over the place. He dissected the battle slowly through his mind trying to pinpoint the time in which he lost his arm. He looked dispassionate down at it. Slowly rotating it, he sighed. He had been careless, and now he was being punished for it. It was disgraceful of him; after all he was second in command after his father and a decent warrior. And yet... here he was, missing a hand. He just prayed that he could atone for his mistake.
He didn't wait long before Kikyo joined him in the meadow.
She looked around in wonder before making her way towards him with clear confusion in her eyes. "Sesshomaru-san."
He nodded, and motioned for her to sit. "We need to wait I believe... there must be a reason for being here."
She nodded, and sat down gracefully. She kept silent and watched the grass move in the light summer breeze.
Sesshomaru closed his eyes, as the breeze stirred his hair gently. He felt at peace... how rare it was, but there was no denying how wonderful it was.
"Oi! What are you doing in my dream Nii-san!"
Well... too bad it only lasted less than a moment. Sesshomaru sighed, "Inuyasha be quiet and sit down."
Kikyo shook her head, "I do not believe this is a dream—wait, you dream about me?"
Sesshomaru was very hard pressed to not roll his eyes. For the love of all good in this world, was in a necessity to flirt here?
"Oooohh looks like a party!"
His body stiffened, he opened his eyes to see the ever cheerful Higurashi grinning at everyone. He felt relief swift through him as he noted that she hadn't been gravely injured... or... not permanently so, like himself.
She plopped down, "This must be something eh? Inuyasha, stop flirting with Kikyo for a second and sit down. Kikyo... do not start with your jokes." She then looked over to Sesshomaru, her eyes widening at his arm, but she looked back into his eyes. They had hardened glint to them, "Sesshomaru don't be so quiet."
He shook his head slightly, what else could he have expected from her? She would never say his arm was a weakness, but a new challenge. He fought back a smile that tugged at his lips. She was so predictable and yet not. An odd little human she was.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Inuyasha snapped, "This is supposed to be my bloody dream, and yet two uninvited people are here!"
Kagome smacked Inuyasha upside his head, "This isn't a dream you mutt! Can't you feel the energy around you? It's powerful. Something called us here. You really need to learn to act your age. How old are you? Two hundred?"
Inuyasha scrunched his nose, "What's it to ya wench how old I am. I am ageless!"
"Inuyasha..." Kikyo began with a resigned sigh, "This is not a dream, but a calling."
He sighed, "Fuck, I was hoping it wasn't. This is just going to fucking complicate everything isn't it?"
Kikyo smiled sadly and touched Inuyasha's arm. "It might make everything more sense too."
Sesshomaru's head snapped towards the front of the group, feeling something coming. He noticed the rest of the group also tense up as they looked around.
The air began to blow strongly, as the ground shook silently. The four soon found themselves on their feet, cautiously readying themselves for anything.
The wind became strong but not harsh, collecting before them. Small droplets of water gathered fast, forming a figure of sort. The grass and Earth twined together to create another. Then a burst of fire formed another figure.
Before them now were four figures, all composed of their elements. The faces were magnificent. He noticed movement to his right, and was surprised to see Kagome stood directly beside him causing her to be standing right across from the Earth figure. Inuyasha and Kikyo were in a similar fashion; expect Inuyasha stood before the Fire figure and Kikyo before the water. He then realised that he too stood before the Wind figure.
At once his friends made eye contact with the one across from them.
Tinkling laughter echoed into the clearing. "Isn't this something?" The wind figure said.
"The greatest we have seen so far." The Water element all but sang.
"How come I got the hot headed one?" whined the Fire.
The Earth rolled their eyes, "You match with a person that shares your traits baka!"
The wind shushed them politely, "You four are our chosen." Sesshomaru watched the figure carefully as it continued, "We have been waiting for the four of you to meet for several centuries. However, when the Higurashi siege separated the four of you was... unexpected."
"The well was opened by the Kami to protect you Princess Higurashi. However, the Time Kami did allow proper training for you. This worked very well to our benefit." The Earth decided to continue, "You see this threat, Naruku has been going on for far too long."
The water element gave a hallow smile, "Yes, Naruku is a parasite that has survived far too long for the liking of any of the Gods. We decided that this time he will die and never return."
"In short, we've decided that you four will be our link to your world. You will have our strength to call upon at anytime. We will aid you in any event, be it sad or joyful. We will be there." The Fire element finished.
"You must head warning though, that pest is not to be taken lightly." The water element began, "You would need to find all the shards of the Shikon no Tama."
"That journey itself will be dangerous. It will also test each of you individually and as a team. You will be put through situations you would never have dreamed of."
"You have to pull through. No matter what, you four are everything in either the survival of many or the destructions of thousands. Choose your paths carefully and give your trust with extreme caution."
The four elements suddenly rushed forward and swept through their person. Sesshomaru's staggered slightly at the force. A gentle whisper caressed his ear, "Good luck my dear descendant."
Sesshomaru woke with a start. His eyes were wide, and his breathing a little harsh. He sat up slowly and sighed with relief.
He was home.
He looked around and saw was in his room. He took everything almost greedily. It was so normal, it should be making him happy. He should be feeling like he belonged. But he didn't. He wasn't normal. He was going to always be happy. He... he was most likely going to have to sacrifice so much more. He knew that without a doubt. This was an ancient war.
He knew there were going to be causalities. He knew he, along with Inuyasha, Kikyo and Kagome were going to have to leave. He didn't know if he would ever be able to return to his home. His birth home, where he had so many cherished memories of his family. This was the home where he learned everything, and now...
Now, everything had changed.
"Sesshomaru." A voice greeted him.
He looked up to see his father enter his room. He realised than that he wasn't wearing a haori. With a slight shrug, he bowed a little, "Father."
He could see his father looking over him carefully, before he sat beside him. "Quite a scare there son."
"It was the only way to secure a safe return."
"I know." His father sighed heavily, "Still a scare though."
Sesshomaru bowed his head slightly in apology. "How are the others?" he decided to ask.
Touga scratched the back of his neck and let out a small chuckle, "Well let's see. Inuyasha woke up several hours ago. He's fine and his leg's healed up pretty nicely. You're the next one to waken. The mikos, they haven't gotten up yet, but they're healing pretty nicely."
Sesshomaru nodded, and remembered his dream. "Does Mother know when they will?"
"Yeah, tomorrow. First the miko and then the Higurashi." Touga paused, "Look, I need to tell you something. I'm not sure how you're going to take it but I think you should know."
Sesshomaru sat up straighter, turning his gold eyes towards his father. Touga let out a nervous chuckle, "You know that my friendship with the Higurashi clan is old. A while back, I was fighting the Vipeous clan that had come from the West. It was a pretty intense battle, but I was fighting alongside a Higurashi. We were foolish in a way, because both our—well you were in womb and so was his son. It midst of the battle with made a meaningless wager, unfortunately or fortunately I'm not sure of that yet. Our blood mixed, and thus sealed our vow."
Sesshomaru could feel his eyes narrowing at his father. He knew that his father had a very bad habit of betting about things he had no clue of. In fact that was one of the ways he had met Izayoi. Sure, usually they worked out well, but other times they didn't. He had to stop the wince that would have graced his face, while remembering his lost bet with the Southern Lord that had forced him to house pregnant dragons for a century. "What did you bet father?" His voice was icy, and held a wary tone.
"Hahaha, funny thing was that well... you know, you're really into the fight and all... so I was like, I'll give you my first born son."
Sesshomaru's eyes uncharacteristically widened, "You gambled me?" His said incredulously.
"What no! Not you... more like your mate?" Touga finished in a slight question.
"I do not have a mate." Sesshomaru said slowly. Realisation though was seeping into him and he let out a gasp, "The first Higurrashi daughter is my mate?"
Touga grinned sheepishly, "In a way..."
"There has never been a Higurashi daughter to grace their clan."
"Uh... about that... it's well there was a daughter. She was born on the night of the Higurashi siege."
"She died." Sesshomaru however knew that she had not, and he did not like where this was leading to.
"Apparently, not... she's in the infirmary?"
Sesshomaru placed a wary hand on his forehead and rubbed small circles trying to soothe the impending migraine. "Are you serious?"
Touga scratched his chin, "Well, I wasn't for sure. See, when you reached mating age, you didn't seem interested in anyone. I thought maybe you just weren't interested at the time, like you wanted to wait until you made a bigger name for yourself. Especially, after your test. But then, I began to notice that women were interested in you, but they couldn't touch. They couldn't and it's not for a lack of trying."
Sesshomaru nodded slowly, remembering how he had been approached by women, however they never did enter his private bubble, unless he was the one to touch them. Another thing he remembered was that he never had craved the touch of a woman, as so many of his peers had. He had only such thoughts when Kagome entered his life four days ago. He sighed, "My beast has already recognized Higurashi as its mate."
Touga blinked back surprise, "That was rather quick. But then again that was how it was for Izayoi. It just happened, a little too quick but it becomes necessary."
"I cannot Father. We have too many obligations now." Sesshomaru answered vaguely, "My beast has already told me that we will have to mate though... and I do not wish to take the choice away from her either."
"You do realise that you will be in a lot of pain if you do not mate with her? The pain is unbearable. You will have trouble moving and your fighting will suffer tremendously." Touga sighed, "Youkai can die from it."
Sesshomaru remained silent, "Still Father, I will not take the choice from her."
"You are not her. Sesshomaru you are my son, she may have birthed you, but I raised you. You are far better than she could ever be. So do not deceive yourself in thinking that you are a person you are not." Touga said with finality, clamping his son's shoulder in a warm gesture.
"Have her moved to the room adjacent to mine Father."
Inuyasha found himself unceremoniously pulled into an empty corridor. He blinked in surprised, but then again, he had just been bidding his time with the twins.
His back was pushed against the wall as the Higurashi twins smiled at him. That eerie—very eerie—eyes closed, wide smile. Inuyasha knew he should be vary of whatever he was about to have inflicted upon him.
"Hey guys... how goes it?" He asked in a very controlled voice. He actually mentally patted himself for not sounding like an idiot.
"Inuyasha-dono." They replied with a smiled. God he hated it when they spoke together like that. Now, it was difficult to differentiate the two. He knew that Hideaki was rasher of the two and the main instigator. But Hiroyuki was the brains and was right up there with him.
"Right...nice to see you guys too."
"So, tell us Inuyasha how was your trip? And your report?" They asked in unison.
"Uh... good as to be expected?" Inuyasha answered uneasily.
"How was your miko Inuyasha? Did she help you with your feelings? Or are you still as brash as ever?" One of the twins asked with a glint in his eyes.
"..." Inuyasha blushed slightly.
"You know that will be slightly problematic when you can't spend time with her. After all, you have to deal with the twenty courtesans sent in your honour by the Southern Lord."
Inuyasha's bulged out, "Fuck!" He cursed silently, "When?"
The other twin shrugged his shoulders, "Well... they're already here."
"What?" Inuyasha choked out. "B-but why?"
"It is the Southern Lord. You know how he's like... at least they're all canine courtesans."
Inuyasha cringed and walked off to try to look for his father. The twins grinned at each other, "Let the fun begin."
"What the fuck did you do?" Inuyasha all but yelled as he stormed into his Father's study. "I can't believe you lost some measly bet against the Southern Lord! I don't need twenty courtesans! Kikyo is here Father!"
A hand came and smacked him upside his head, "That is no way to speak to your father Inuyasha."
Apparently, he had missed the fact that his mother was there. "The Southern Lord?" And he had also missed that his brother was now awake. He did a double take.
Sesshomaru sat on his father's right side. Though Sesshomaru was dressed in a simple kimono, he looked as ready as ever, and as if he hadn't spent the last day or two in the infirmary. Inuyasha's eyes quickly scanned over his brother's form. Relief was evident when the only injury he seemed to have was his arm. Guilt quickly took over, he should have been able to stop that from occurring, but he hadn't.
"Inuyasha, sit." Was all Sesshomaru said, "Mother, you as well. We have much to discuss."
Inuyasha snapped his mouth and sat across his brother while his Mother took the seat across from his Father. "What else did you leave out Father?" Sesshomaru asked rather icily.
"What did Father do to you?" Inuyasha asked in confusion.
Izayoi let out a small laugh, "In a way your Father arranged the matting of Sesshomaru before he was born."
"I didn't arrange in exactly, more like an accidental happening."
"No, wait it's not the Northern Lord's snake-ish daughter is it?" Inuyasha asked.
"Gods no!" Touga quickly defended himself, "Like I would do something that stupid!"
Inuyasha jaw dropped, "Well you freaking lost a bet and now I have twenty freaking courtesans! How the hell does that make me look like in front of my best friend? She's going to think I'm some sort of man-whore!"
"You are rather promiscuous." Izayoi piped up. "Do not give me that look darling, you know it is true. Where Sesshomaru does not bother, you bed without thought. You are only outraged right now because the little miko is here."
"The miko has a name, and it's Kikyo Mother." Inuyasha quickly said, "Besides, she doesn't know about this stuff and fuck, she's a miko... the freaking essence of purity."
"It's your own fault." Touga said, "It's not like I told you to rut with anything with—"
"Do not even finish that sentence!" Izayoi cut it. "We'll deal with the courtesans and have them sent elsewhere. Now—"
"Come now you can't be serious Izayoi, its basic anatomy." Touga huffed while rolling his eyes.
"Wait one moment, does that mean that I was sent courtesans as well?" Sesshomaru interjected.
"What is it with this family and interrupting everything? Sesshomaru, yes you were sent twenty courtesans as well, but both of you listen, it's not because your father lost a bet. It's the Southern Lord trying to get in your good graces after the embarrassment his niece made at the last banquet." Izayoi said in exasperation. "Honestly, it's so obvious you three are from the same tree. Now can we please get to the importance of this meeting?"
"Why was I sent courtesans? Do they not know that I have no interest in lowly courtesans?" Sesshomaru said with a slight twitch. He rubbed small circles into his forehead, "Really Father, you are a bad politician. I'm surprised nothing like a siege has taken place while you have been in power."
"Oi! Watch it Maru-chan, I pupped you—"
"Please, that would have been that other demoness, all you did was seed—"
"Okay enough!" Izayoi quickly butted in, "You all are ridiculous, can we please return to the actually meeting."
"What are we meeting about?" Inuyasha asked in confusion. "And hey, how come I wasn't invited?"
"Did Hideaki or Hiroyuki not tell you to come here?" Touga asked but didn't wait for Inuyasha to answer, "Alright, enough. We need to talk about accommodations of your miko friends as well as other matters."
"Kikyo can stay with me." Inuyasha blurted out.
Everyone's head snapped over to Inuyasha. All three raised their right eyebrow simultaneously. "Why would you want that?"
A shiver went up Inuyasha's spine that he couldn't hide, "Okay that is fucking creepy."
"What?" Again the three asked at the same time and in the same deadpanned voice. "Can't handle it, Inuyasha?"
"W-what I—! That's not what I meant." Inuyasha quickly said, "I meant that she should stay in the same wing as me... not everyone is accepting of a miko in here. So... I don't want her to get hurt?"
Touga rolled his eyes, "Nice save. Try to actually believe what you are saying next time. The miko will have her own room as will the Higurashi Princess. What I want is to know the report that you were supposed to give me several hours ago."
"Not much to report except that the Shikon no Tama was shattered." Inuyasha said seriously, "And... there's a new threat by the name of Naruku."
Izayoi gasped quietly while Touga let out a heavy sigh. "I didn't think that vermin was still alive."
Izayoi's eyes began to glaze over, causing Touga to quickly act and place a bowl of water before her. Sesshomaru and Inuyasha watched in shocked fascination as their mother hand dipped into the bowl and words began to form into the water. They shared a quick glance, as they had never witnessed their mother in a vision before.
Touga's arm was wrapped around Izayoi's shoulders, keeping her steady. Izayoi's body heaved as a painful scream erupted through her lips, causing the Taisho males to panic.
"Mother!"
Kagome awoke with a start gasping. Her eyes widening, she needed to be somewhere quick. Without caring how she was, she got up quickly and began to run to where she was silently being called. She felt the numbing pain begin to seep into her.
As she left the place that looked like the infirmary, she quickly noted that the entire place had gone into some sort of panic. She pressed on, bringing out her powers and sending them to her legs to hold her up and keep her from passing out. Her blue eyes flashed as she asked for strength. The ground began to move beneath her feet and propelled her into a room. The wooden doors burst open causing the men inside to jump and swing their weapons at her.
"Let me." She said as her powers began to smooth over her hands. She closed her eyes as she reached the beautiful woman that was silently screaming. Her hands tucked the woman's hair behind her ear. She moved her right hand over her eyes and moved her other to wrap gently around the woman's throat. "Breathe."
Her voice was unnatural, as if it weren't her own, but a mix of two. She felt her body weaken. The earth around her hummed softly, offering her strength she gladly took. "Inuyasha bring Kikyo... I don't have enough strength. Bring her... her gift is healing."
She didn't open her eyes, but seemed to sag into the ground. She could feel the crackling of the plants in the room moving towards her. They cushioned her as she knelt down to where the woman was. She felt an arm wrap around her shoulders and leaned into the touch. Kagome breath quickened, but she did notice that her powers were finally having an effect on the woman. She could feel the woman's mouth close gently, as the woman's eyelids closed but her body was still stiff and tense.
Kikyo's powers began to mix into her own, and with a small sigh of relief they worked together to soothe the woman. She didn't know how long she remained so before the woman, or how long it had been since Kikyo had joined her, but all she did know was that she felt impossibly tired. The pain that she had been ignoring for however long had steadily been taking a toll on her.
Kikyo's hand gently took the Kagome's off the woman's throat and settled their hands over the woman's heart. "Together." Kikyo whispered.
Kagome nodded and opened her eyes. The first thing she noticed was that Kikyo's hands were covered in a thin layer of water that didn't soak. While Kagome's own hands were covered with delicate vines, intermixing with different flowers. A small smile lit her face when the woman finally relaxed and slumped into the youkai's arms that held her.
Kagome and Kikyo shared a look before both felt all their energy leave.
Author's Note
Well... it was going to be longer... but then I don't know I got lazy? Well, this is more like a filler, because the next chapter is most likely going to be about the Higurashi family. Anyway, I didn't add an Omake to this one, but I will for the next chapter.
Guys thanks a lot! Like seriously a whole bag of bishies and chocolates for you guys for not hating me for the battle scenes. As well as being so supportive. The next update, will hopefully be a lot sooner than this one.