Author's Note: I had always played with the idea of combining the last two chapters together, but just like the way the last chapter ended too much to do so. Together, they're some of my favorite chapters as they show how Sessh can give as much as take in their relationship.
~* Flame
Disclaimer: The following is a fan-based parody. InuYasha Final Act are all owned by Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan, Viz Media Madmen Entertainment.
Chapter Four
"It's not fair." Kagome cried, burying her face in my chest once again. "Bad things aren't supposed to happen to good people." She sobbed harder, and I frowned. Obviously, things were quite different in her time. Here, bad things happened to people all the time, regardless if they were good or not. That was the sole reason why vengence existed.
"Sometimes, things just happen." It was a paltry excuse at best, but it was all I could give her at the moment. Flowery words and comfort. But given time, I would give her much more. I was youkai and would live long enough to grant her the vengance her pure heart yearned for but could never take.
"Then why bother being a good person?" Kagome snapped, hurt and anger reflecting in her blue eyes. I hated seeing her this way.
"You do it for yourself." In a twisted way, I knew how she felt. How many times had I wondered why I needed to get stronger if all believed me to be weak? "You're a good person so you can look yourself in the eyes." It was the same reasoning I would give myself. It would always help me; hopefully, it would do the same for her. If it didn't, I didn't know what else to say. Comforting people was new to me.
Kagome's eyes flickered between my own. Tears still streamed down her face, but I could see the wheels turning in her mind as she thought over my words. Pulling her head back down to my shoulder, I let her rest in my arms until she was ready to stand on her own once more.
"Everything's going to change," Kagome whispered as she dropped pebbles into the stream sometime later. "Momma says we're going to move in with Grandpa." She frowned, clearly not liking the idea.
"Do you not like your grandfather?" She was always talking about her family, but I had yet to hear of this member. It was strange how quiet she was about him. I never mentioned any of my Grandparents since they all passed away a long time ago. What I had heard about them in stories, I wouldn't want to share with Kagome. Much like Mother, they were not the most inclusive of youkai. They were all likely rolling in their graves knowing I was friends with a 'filthy-human'.
"He wants me to be a Miko." I blinked and forced myself to stay still. Of all the creatures to befriend; it would be an enemy of my kind. Was this whole friendship a way to- "But, I don't want to." I felt my anxiety fall away at her words before it could take root. I should have known better. Kagome was many things, but coniving wasn't one of them.
But why wouldn't she want to be a Miko? From what I understood of humans, Mikos were practaclly worshiped. They were the only humans that had the power to both protect and heal. A Miko could want for nothing if they lived in a village. Even when traveling, they didn't need to worry about basic necessities, as they were freely given to them.
"Why not?" I couldn't understand why a human wouldn't want to be taken care of in such a way. Only youkai mates were treated better. Kagome blinked at me, confused. I nearly groaned. Of course, things were not the same for her. She was far enough in the future that many things had changed. I was so quick to judge her based on the experience and knowledge of my time, but I needed to stop doing that. Clearly, it was going to cause a problem with our friendship eventually. Though, I was surprised that she had not yet realized that we were living in different time periods. I wonder how long it will be until she did.
"Outside of tradition, there's no point to being a Miko." She rolled her eyes, causing her to miss the surprise in mine. I never expected the role of Mikos to change so drastically. What could have caused this? Frowning, Kagome continued speaking before I could ask her to elaborate. "And the stairs," she groaned. "I'll have to climb all those stairs every day."
I nearly laughed at her plight. If there was one thing I had learned about Kagome over the years, it was that she did not like to exercise. She did what was required, but nothing more. "I'm sure you'll get used to it."
"I don't want to get used to it. I want things to go back to the way they were." I could see the tears welling in her eyes again and panicked. I didn't want to see her cry again. It had taken forever to get her to stop the first time.
"Kagome, would you like to braid my hair?" It was the first thing that came out of my mouth. I didn't even think. I've always been aware of her eyeing my hair, but she had always respected our boundaries and never touched. Now, with my offer on the table, all that changed. I could see the excitement fill her eyes and knew I couldn't take it back. Besides, she wouldn't hurt me. She was Kagome... my friend... My Kagome…
"Close your eyes." Her voice bubbled with excitement and with a huff, I did as asked. I felt her move around behind me and wished for anything that the Dream Realm allowed scent to exist. I didn't like not being able to see what she was doing, but if it helped her feel better, I would tolerate it.
I could feel her gently run her fingers through my hair and couldn't stop the small smile from appearing. It felt nice to have her fingers in my hair. Mother hadn't groomed me in years. I had forgotten how relaxing it was. I let myself lower my guard and relax for the first time in years, as Kagome did whatever she wished to my hair.
It was far too soon before she was telling me to open my eyes and look at my reflection in the stream. "Look how pretty, Sesshoumaru!" I huffed at her squeal of excitement, more than the ridiculous image that wavered in the water. Braids adorned my hair in various places; something I fully expected. What I didn't expect was the large flower crown on top of my head that the braids seemed to accent.
"I look ridiculous." Not overly so, but the flower crown really was a bit much.
"You look like a King!" Kagome smiled, all sadness banished for the time being. I just rolled my eyes.
"Of course I do; I am Heir to the Western Lands." It didn't occur to me until the moment Kagome's surprised expression in the water met my own that I had never told her who I was. I frowned, not sure if that would change anything. Would she be like the other children and avoid me? Or would she still be My Kagome?
