A/N: Thanks for the reviews everybody! Also, if you haven't yet, please vote on the poll on my profile! Oh, and if you guys would like to see some AWESOME With the Rain artwork (like the new cover image I just put up), head over to Dokuga and go to Yoruzuki's profile. He is an amazing artist and, incredibly, has even started a doujin based on my story. In fact, his new drawing inspired me to update again XD
Please enjoy!
Kagome's POV
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Chapter-Thirty-Eight: Captive
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I stood in the grass, clutched tightly to Izanagi's side, and gazed about in wonder.
We were underwater.
My dark hair tangled lazily in the gentle current, and I sighed, expelling bubbles. "I don't suppose I'll ever get used to this."
Izanagi made no comment, and began to guide me through the murky gloom of the hazy blue waters. "He is this way, Higurashi-san."
The branches of towering trees swayed in a very eerie sort of manner, and I made sure not to stray too far from Izanagi as he released his hold on me. This entire experience was unsettling, to say the least. 'Honestly,' I thought, 'how many people can boast to have strolled through a forest at the bottom of a divine lake?'
"Not many, Higurashi-san."
My steps faltered, and I looked in amazement at the god who steadied me. "I'm sorry, but did you . . . How did you know what I was thinking?"
"One of my many talents, you could say," he replied, looking, to my surprise, somewhat sheepish. "But please do not assume I was invading your privacy, Higurashi-san. There are times when it happens without my realizing it."
"Of course," I said softly, though my mind was already elsewhere. "Izanagi-dono, do you . . . do you know if perhaps Sesshoumaru has this gift as well?"
"I'm afraid not," he replied. "I think it unlikely, as he is still relatively young. However, with age comes power, and that in itself is a terrifying thought for me."
"Terrifying?" I questioned. "Why is that?"
Izanagi sighed heavily, and it was then I wondered just how old he truly was. He looked no older than Sesshoumaru, save a few fine lines at the corners of his eyes. "With his power over water," he began, and I snapped back to attention, "Sesshoumaru is unbelievably formidable. Water exists in every living thing. It is a giver of life, and as such so is my son."
I couldn't help interrupting. "And his ability to give life is . . . terrifying?"
"No," Izanagi answered with a hint of a smile curving his lips. "Let me explain. You have seen Sesshoumaru manipulate water before, I assume?"
"Yes."
Izanagi nodded and continued. "You have also seen how it takes only a small movement, a slight twisting of fingers―" he emulated Sesshoumaru's actions with his own hand "―and the water bends completely to his will?"
Again I answered the affirmative, and again Izanagi sighed. "And a final question, Higurashi-san: have you ever perhaps wondered why my son is named Killing Perfection?"
Here, I nodded emphatically. "I have, Izanagi-dono. I never thought it suited him."
"Ah, but it does, Higurashi-san." Chuckling humorlessly, Izanagi raked his hands roughly though his flaming red hair and suddenly stopped walking. "We've arrived."
"We have?" I asked, glancing around. "Where is he?"
"There," he said while gesturing to the ground beneath our feet. "With Kagutsuchi. I will release him, Higurashi-san, before he releases himself, but first . . ."
Izanagi moved to stand in front of me, and I peered up at him curiously. "What is it, exactly, that you felt Sesshoumaru would regret for the rest of his life?" I asked.
Izanagi studied me for a moment, and then said, "I have yet to tell you why my son is named what he is. Do you wish to hear my reasoning?"
Abruptly, I was very nervous and, as he waited for my reply, fearful of Izanagi. I remembered Sesshoumaru describing his father, the words he used . . .
Emotionally.
Mentally.
Unstable.
"Izanagi-dono," I whispered hoarsely, "you're frightening me."
He smiled, and it was heart-wrenchingly sad. "I suppose you'll find out soon enough," he murmured. Then, looking past me, he ordered quietly, "Take her."
And my world was drowned in darkness.
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A/N: Please review! And vote!