Disclaimer: All characters from the series Inuyasha that appear in this fanfic rightfully belong to Rumiko Takahashi. I do not own anything regarding their creation; I have Rumiko Takahashi to thank for that.
Author's Notes: Thank you to everyone who has been patiently waiting. This chapter was delayed by a month because I was in the process of preparing the climax of this arc. I had to ensure that all my facts are straight thus far to avoid any plot holes. Therefore, as much as I don't want to, this story will be on a hiatus for a few months while I draft out all the fights and interaction scenes. There will be news regarding the next updates on my profile page and I wish that all of you will remain patient with me.
As usual, a huge thanks to the readers who left their reviews. While this story gets views, there is little feedback so I don't really know how the story is progressing from your perspective and what I should do to improve things. So for all those who did leave your thoughtful words behind, I sincerely thank you all.
Guest: Thank you for your review. Yes, you're right. Naraku is being very risky, even if it was a puppet he sent out to fight against the daiyoukai. It goes without saying that in terms of strength, Sesshomaru is far superior. So Naraku can only rely on dirty tricks and deception in order to gain the upper hand.
8579: Your continuous support is appreciated. Thank you very much.
yami703: Yep, Sesshomaru is very angry. Naraku should indeed be cowering under a stone, though we all know that his evil plan is just beginning. As for the Bakusaiga, that is a very good question. All that I'll say for now is that it will make an appearance, though its debut and use will be rather different in this AU story.
Meech Macko: Yeah, the Inuyasha in this story is less obsessed with becoming a full-fledged demon than his canon counterpart. Considering that he is wielding a blade rumored to be a gift from the gods as well as being placed in charge of a division, he commands more respect and has a place in the west. Therefore, while it's not ideally perfect, he does have more recognition and acceptance than his canon counterpart, who was alone ever since his mother died.
So'unga is rather uncontrollable and that factor will come into play later on. So you're right that Naraku cannot control it. However, you must remember that this is the cunning Naraku we're talking about; he is not the series' main villain for nothing. He has just begun his devious plan, for stealing the So'unga and provoking Sesshomaru are only the first two steps.
Kotori is not a half-demon. Nonetheless, she is born flightless despite being a bird youkai, similar to how a human can be born with a disability. As such, she often feels like the odd one out, which is very much like Inuyasha. We will be exploring this part of her in the future. So stay tuned.
As for your question relating to Kaede… Well, this story is set in an alternative universe so things do change. For now, I have no intention of adding her to the story, since I have no impactful role for her to play (though in all honesty, I wasn't too sure what her role is in canon). But who knows, maybe she'll make a cameo.
…
Please bear with me if I make any mistakes or errors, especially in terms of the language (spelling, grammar, etc.).
…
…
…
Chapter 15-Ruminative and Nostalgic
"When one dwells in their memories, they are merely chasing a mirage of their past self. A true warrior looks forward and shall triumph over any past complications." -Sesshomaru on memories
"What has happened before cannot be forgotten. It just needs to be recalled." -Kikyo on memories
The lord's royal throne was made entirely of gold with silver gems lined as adornments. The chair itself was positioned at the top of a three-step platform and was currently used by its rightful owner. At the base of the raised area stretched a long red carpet that reached the end of the room, leading from Sesshomaru's feet to the double doors that were shut.
A few dozen awe-inspiring generals clad in full armor stood in two lines at the edges of the carpet and down. While most of them were commanding youkai of great influence, they were assigned a permanent spot amongst the crowd. Only a selected few were given the privilege of being placed on the first and second steps of the raised platform, with Inuyasha and Kotori being two of the four.
Tension ran heavily in the room as the youkai generals hushed their companions with whispers, all the while trying to gauge the situation. It was not often that all of them were summoned to a special conference. Usually, half of the present number would have sufficed. With that in mind, several insightful youkai carefully went over everything they knew from the rumors and gossip.
Since a month ago, the borderline between the south and the west was at constant risk. Several small battles broke forth in order to seize greater control. Without a peace treaty, the youkai knew it would not be long until a full-scale war erupted from the high level of hostility. Conceivably, the Lord of the South's planned invasion was going to be the core discussion during the conference.
"Report." Standing on the right of the seated Sesshomaru, Hibiki ordered as he addressed the youkai at the far back.
Without delay, said youkai stepped onto the red carpet and dropped onto his knees in respect. "I'm the head of the division situated near the borderline in question. Thus far, the south has launched ten assaults and has been gradually pushing back our forces… I apologize, my lord."
"Give me details on the enemy," Sesshomaru demanded, completely uninterested in the apology. In light of his pride in the west's military's strength, the daiyoukai refused to believe his troops were simply careless in allowing their enemies an advantage. No human forces were believed to have the capacity to inflict fatal wounds and deaths on youkai divisions unless those humans had someone with significant spiritual power—
—Or they weren't humans anymore.
The likely possibility entered Sesshomaru's head, and in no way was he entertained by the idea.
The general didn't hesitate and did as told. "We believe they're specters, both human and youkai alike. While most are not formidable by themselves, their capacity to regenerate from all forms of damage is difficult to counter. Furthermore, given the fact that they outnumber us and use the landscape and weather to assault us, it is clear that they are highly organized. Because of their precise solidarity, we believe a singular individual controls them. However, we have been incapable of pinpointing where said individual is."
"To elude the senses of an Inu youkai? That's impressive!"
"Perhaps it's another Fuyouheki fragment? This is the Lord of the South we're dealing with."
"Hidden or not, our primary concern is the specters."
"Yes, there are not many artifacts in this world capable of necromancy... With everything that has happened, I fear we may have a serious matter on hand."
Murmurs and whispers stirred as the officials openly voiced their opinions as they trekked towards the same conclusion that Sesshomaru reached. The circumstances were so unpromising that even the proudest general couldn't resist the urge to knit his brows and curl his lips into a frown.
"Hush, hush! Please settle down, everyone." With a clap of his hands, Hibiki signaled for silence as he stretched his palms outwards. Sliding a glance towards Sesshomaru, the chancellor was rewarded with a small nod. With that gesture, Hibiki spoke once the commotion died down. "As you are aware, our tactic against the east was merely a simple Divide and Conquer. However, upon reevaluation, it has come to my attention that the same approach has no meaning against the south."
"Indeed." Sesshomaru supported Hibiki's words, his voice calm and almost as though he was agreeing with the calculations of a simple math equation. His irritation did not emerge outwardly, though what lay beyond his impassive countenance was only something he would know. "I have slain countless with So'unga but never found the need to reanimate the ones I destroy. Yet, the ability to control an infinite amount of corpses is indeed within the realm of possibility."
"It does have a rather unsettling air to it," Hibiki commented. Naturally, the chancellor was not one without a plan, though he did not voice it. Depending on Sesshomaru's approach, he might not be required as a strategist. If anything, the chancellor wasn't concerned about the extent of the younger daiyoukai's intelligence. 'Everything should be fine, so long as he is willing to place caution before retaliation. I only fear that his impatience to retrieve So'unga may turn against him.'
Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes and considered his options, knowing that Hibiki wouldn't contribute further until he came up with the basis of a plan. Not that the daiyoukai planned on relying on the chancellor in that regard. Quite frankly, there were several ways to deal with the issue. It was up to him to decide which was better. The most obvious solution would be to acquire the assistance of the north to flake the south from both sides. An alliance would undoubtedly be beneficial, though his pride forbade outside help. From the moment Naraku had stolen the So'unga, it became a very personal matter for the daiyoukai.
There was a brief second where his eyes brimmed with repugnance at the memory of the despicable half-demon, though that was quickly covered by the usual layer of iciness coating his golden orbs. No one could escape his wrath after playing him for a fool. 'To abscond with my sword… is a deed punishable by death. I shall personally ensure that miserable half-breed's demise.'
Armed with strong intent, Sesshomaru announced, "We will depart in five days. Prepare yourselves. The course of action is simple; swarm the enemy and re-kill them."
Whether he was perplexed or amused by Sesshomaru's decision was left for speculation as Hibiki suggestively arched his eyebrows. "And what of you, my lord? This battle has become far too personal for negligence. What will be your move while our forces are preoccupying the enemy?"
"I, Sesshomaru, will reclaim what is rightfully mine," the younger daiyoukai responded coolly, yet there was no denying the oozes of menace dripping from his tone.
His plan — if some could call it that — was simple and efficient. Once again, Sesshomaru chose the most straightforward approach. In contrast to Hibiki, the Lord of the West had little regard for potential ramifications, finding no point in limiting oneself by probability. That did not mean the possibility of risk was abandoned, but he was confident that with his power and intellect, improvisation would suffice in whatever circumstances arose. Nonetheless, that did not mean that precaution was abandoned as he addressed the bulky archer standing in the left lane.
"Waramaru."
"My lord, I'm here." Stepping out onto the red carpet, the bull youkai lowered his head until his horns were parallel to the floor.
"Assemble your men and investigate the borderland. Abstain from engaging in any battles until I give the order. Do so immediately."
"Yes, my lord." And with that, Waramaru quickly spun on his bare soles and made his way toward the exit to carry out his exact orders. Not minutes after his departure, Sesshomaru dismissed everyone and they hustled out of the throne room for preparations in the upcoming battle.
Sesshomaru was the last one to leave the room, long after all the generals were gone. Closing the doors behind him, it was at that moment he was hit with a wave of sweet fragrance. There was a sense of familiarity that he couldn't quite name. Soon, mild curiosity brought in his prideful and even steps as he headed towards the garden that was nearby.
The landscape before him was nothing new. This was part of his land after all, and it was a place where he would sometimes spend quiet time alone after the tedious council meetings, provided when Inuyasha wasn't around to practice.
His boots touched the ground and the grass crunched with each step. Although he would never admit it aloud, the garden held a special part of his attention for reasons other than its beauty that most would be attracted to. There was a significance that went beyond all things, for it was the place where his father had proposed to his mother.
The flowers in the garden emanated an irresistible fragrance that would stimulate arousal for all species of youkai. Loiter around long enough and even the mightiest daiyoukai would be susceptible to the effect of raging hormones. Perchance that was what happened to the great Inu no Taisho and the result was obvious to any who lay their eyes on the magnificent perfection that was Sesshomaru.
Drawing in the aroma that was less prominent in the colder seasons, Sesshomaru looked towards his left. What made the backdrop more interesting than usual was the white and red amongst the green.
With profound grace, the miko stood at the base of a large tree. Goshinboku, if Sesshomaru recalled accurately, was supposedly a tree capable of bringing a special connection between memories of the past and present. Under normal circumstances, such a fact wouldn't have registered in his mind, let alone resurfaced. However, the presence of the miko gave an entirely different meaning to the old tree. Given its properties, would it be strange for her to find a connection between it and her prophetic ability? For all the stubbornness she demonstrated, he wouldn't put it past her to use it in some way to enhance her abilities.
Therefore, he decided to observe further. A part of him did not want to be the recipient of her signature Hama no Ya once startled, so he continued to stand soundlessly behind her. To ensure stealth, his youki receded and was masked completely.
His acute eyes lingered on her form while she gently ran her fingers down the rough bark of the trunk. As if answering her unvoiced call, the leaves rustled and some broke free from the branches. They glided down, encasing her within a wall of green. Sparing the fallen leaves a glance, her eyes then traveled to the darkening sky that threatened rain.
"This conflict continues. The fact that I am here only serves to confirm my wretched fate. And what awaits me beyond this convolution? Once more, just once more, should I resist the flow of fate?" she mumbled to herself, unmindful that Sesshomaru had heard her every word.
Sesshomaru's expression did not change, though his brows furrowed a millimeter.
Kikyo's musings were interrupted the moment the Lord of the West chose to expose his demonic energy with subtlety, enough for her to become aware but not enough to appear hostile.
'…Sesshomaru's youki!' Kikyo's head whipped around, and her face held surprise. A single question filtered through her brain. Just how long was he there? Considering how suddenly his youki appeared, she suspected he was concealing his demonic aura while monitoring her. Her brows creased in the faintest of a frown. Had she not been familiar with Sesshomaru's personality, perhaps she would be tempted to categorize him as a stalker.
Taking a deep breath to compose her startled heart, Kikyo turned around and fixed her eyes on the stoic Lord of the West. "What brings you here, Sesshomaru? I do not believe you came to eavesdrop."
Sesshomaru did not respond, his golden orbs searing deep into her mahogany. Like before, the miko didn't flinch from the intensity of his gaze and merely returned it with equal force.
"I heard that a war is drawing near, all due to your intolerance." Sarcasm was plain in her tone as Kikyo changed the topic once she realized Sesshomaru was providing no answers. Despite her composed mannerism, her uneasiness grew the longer the silence lasted. It was beginning to grate on her nerves.
"You heard from Kotori." Being Sesshomaru, there was not a hint of uncertainty as his voice boasted great confidence despite its flatness. The daiyoukai quickly skimmed the surroundings, searching for the demoness who was nowhere to be seen.
"I did," she replied in the same fashion, toneless and apathetic. There was a slight pause before she deeply exhaled and spoke again. "And mind you, Kotori did not neglect her duty. I simply managed to evade her while she was preoccupied."
Sesshomaru merely snorted, leaving little to no clue as to what was going through his mind. Perhaps he was inwardly fuming, though there was nothing on his impassive features that could indicate such powerful emotion. Besides, if Naraku's theft couldn't invoke utter and visible rage, then Kikyo was at a loss as to what could contort the daiyoukai's face into something that seemed emotional.
Although Kikyo would love to wipe that cold arrogance off his face, she couldn't afford the consequences that would come. He might not kill her but that didn't mean there weren't other alternatives. She had no means of a counter at present, and that fact annoyed her the more she thought about it. Annoyance soon sprung forth from her stubborn pride, which temporarily overrode her rationale.
Looking at the Goshinbuku did summon words at her disposal, though she was wary to test their sentimental values. Yet, her pride urged otherwise. "Yes. I must say, you have a wonderful servant. Kotori truly values her duty. I sense a resolve similar to mine from her."
Silence reigned for several minutes, with only the rustling of leaves to disrupt the otherwise stillness. Eventually, it was Sesshomaru who spoke.
"Your point?" There was no fluctuation in his tone, but it was laced with a touch of rare curiosity.
"My point…? She would've made a fine miko had she been born a human. She and I are alike. A miko must place her duty first and foremost, before everything else. That… is how I was taught." As if treading on dangerous grounds, Kikyo said steadily while glancing towards the daiyoukai for any reaction. 'Now, Sesshomaru. Let me see how your desires have corrupted your mind…'
There were a lot of outcomes that Kikyo could predict, but even she couldn't have expected the coldhearted Lord of the West to react in such a noticeable fashion. His brows instantly shot up and shock clung to his pupils as they shrank.
"Please understand. I am someone who is bound, and therefore must place duty first and foremost, before everything else. That is how I was taught."
Like a door that was opened, buried memories flooded Sesshomaru's mind as he was left in a state of disbelief. While others in his situation would've gawked, it was his self-control that kept his emotions tamed. His surprise barely showed itself in the form of raised eyebrows, and only the most perceptive person could barely make it out.
Old theories were crushed and new ones took shape. Understanding that he was no closer to an answer than he was prior, Sesshomaru's eyebrows knitted together. Armed with fresh presumptions, he allowed his curiosity to probe her for confirmation. "Tell me: what do you know of a kuro miko named Tsubaki?"
'Tsubaki!' Only Kikyo knew the impact of that name as a wave of nausea hit her. She bit the tip of her tongue and tilted her head in feigned confusion before forcing out a soft "no".
Being the daiyoukai he was, Sesshomaru took in the subtle hints from the miko's behavior and deducted the truth from the lie. His piercing gaze cut into her as he assessed her delicate form. How easy would it be to obtain the truth from her using brute force? It certainly lacked elegance, but it was undeniably efficient. Nonetheless, a part of him refuted the idea, believing that such a means was beneath him.
And so, Sesshomaru chose the most unorthodox action that could cross his mind. He took a step forward and slid an arm around her waist, effectively trapping her in a tight embrace. There was a small hiss from Kikyo upon contact with his armored breastplate and he ignored it all as he took a clandestine sniff of her scent.
Kikyo stiffened and her eyes widened, completely caught off guard. Yet, as if some unnatural force was at work, she found her body instinctively reciprocating. It would almost appear to be a scene from a romance story, if it weren't for the way that the chains on her rattled and restricted her as she move her arms around his lean and well-built torso. A sense of odd relaxation washed into her body as she leaned against him and closed her eyes.
"So please… do me a favor and kill him. Avenge me! I-I don't want to die in vain. Kill him, kill Sesshomaru!"
The momentary bliss distorted into astonishment. Her eyes snapped open, with the memory of the dying Takaharu flashing vividly inside her head. She recalled her oath with the late Lord of the East prior to his demise. Mentally berating herself, her hand slipped into her left sleeve and she took out Tadahiro's tantou by its wooden hilt. Determined, she channeled her spiritual energy into the steel before pitting the knife at Sesshomaru's back, just below the base of his neck.
It never even grazed him.
The knife stopped an inch before impact as the wielder's hand trembled. The Beads of Subjugation activated its powers, emitting a brilliant, scarlet-hued radiance. At that moment, the miko's face twisted into a look of pain as her mouth opened in a soundless cry. She dropped her weapon, which landed on the grass with a solid thud. Following that was her body as her knees buckled. She fell flat when Sesshomaru stepped back, her hands clutching the nearby strands of grass in pure suffering.
Impassive as always, Sesshomaru's sight carried from the tantou to the miko struggling in agony on the ground. Although he was the one who placed himself in a seemingly unguarded position, he was still vigilant despite everything. A brisk mental command had activated the rosary, causing it to discharge the demonic energy he had originally administered into the beads. Being a miko, Kikyo's spiritual power instinctively flared to counteract, though that would only adversely affect her as the Beads of Subjugation retaliated with its dark magic. In short, the miko was fighting a losing battle against two forces that she couldn't touch, with the battlefield being her body.
Covered in flickers of purple, red, and white, Kikyo felt as though she was being ripped to shreds from the inside. Her endurance aside, she couldn't repress the small moans that escaped through her gritted teeth. She writhed for several minutes before breaching her limits. Her right hand released the strands of grass and stretched towards Sesshomaru. By some miracle, or perhaps rare tolerance, the daiyoukai chose not to move as she grabbed his hakama and gave it a desperate tug.
Taking note of her action, Sesshomaru willed the rosary to stop. As one as stubborn as Kikyo, he knew this was as close to submission as he would get. Although born as a mortal, the miko held pride in such regard that she would never reduce herself to verbal begging.
Without the forces invading her body, Kikyo slackened her hold on the fabric, taking hasty breaths. As much as she hated to admit it, she was relieved that Sesshomaru understood her gesture despite the shame that gnawed at her heart. Left in a prone position, she embraced the unexpected silence. She had thought that the daiyoukai would make a curt remark but he hadn't uttered a single word as he stood observing her from a higher standpoint.
Because of that, it irked her when he suddenly spoke, as if knowing the exact moment that would most infuriate her.
"How pitiful, miko—"
She merely grunted in response, bracing herself for his next words.
"—you were born with self-importance, yet you live your life as a miserable human."
There it was, delivered in his haughty tone, as predicted.
"Is that helpless frustration I hear?" Kikyo wheezed, frantically trying to regain her normal breathing and return to her usual sarcasm for spiting Sesshomaru. "To think that you, the great Sesshomaru, would need to rely upon a human to achieve his goals… No, that's not all. The aid of another is essential in the forthcoming war, and you have no choice but to accept it."
"What did you see?" Not one to miss the implication, Sesshomaru questioned with narrowing eyebrows. The miko didn't answer immediately but when she did, it was not what he expected.
"Be warned, Sesshomaru… this is not a fight you can win on your own." Kikyo stood up to her full height and faced him with a daring tilt of her head. She might have lost the first round today, but she wasn't prepared to back down yet. After all, she could exploit the fact that Sesshomaru would not kill her so long as she was still useful to him.
"Are you implying that I will fall in battle? I do not lose." Sesshomaru's fists subconsciously clenched together as he responded in a low voice bordering on an open display of annoyance. To this very day, he couldn't decipher how Kikyo was so good at getting on his nerve that no other person, save for Naraku, could.
"You cannot win a war alone, Sesshomaru," Kikyo remarked sharply, returning a semblance of displeasure at the daiyoukai. 'Such haughtiness,' she mused. The daiyoukai was so swollen with ego that she wondered if he could be reasoned with. "Cooperation is essential at this point. There is no other alternative presented to you."
Sesshomaru was emotionless as his cold eyes seared into hers. The only evidence of his inner anger was hinted at when he took a step towards her, lifted his foot, and crashed the tantou on the ground.
The pressure exerted from his figure surprised her and too late was she to prevent herself from shuddering naturally. But being the strong-willed miko she was, Kikyo refused to yield to the daiyoukai's rising youki. Against her body's inherent reflexes, she stood firmly and supplied a glare filled with intent. "I suggest you heed my words if you want to reduce the number of casualties."
"Casualties?" Something in her words captured his interest and he found his inner anger abating. Perhaps it was the hidden concern he distinguished, though the daiyoukai spared little time to ponder on it. Instead, he allowed a conceited snort before asking, "What business is it of yours, miko? I was under the impression that you despise demons."
"Not all. I do not hold prejudice against the entire demon kind as you do to humans. However, I do despise any living creature who cannot accept genuine advice when given one," Kikyo exhaled deeply, the faintest shadow of a frown creasing her brows. How she abhorred the daiyoukai's attitude, acting as if the world revolved around him and he had control over everything.
Sesshomaru snorted again, comprehending her provocation. Briefly, he was entertained by the thought of aggression, though there was a part of him that was curious as to where the miko planned to take the conversation. Permitting her with the initiative, he decided he would follow along for now. He would get as much as he could from the verbal confrontation. "I need no advice from a lowly human. You only need to obey and enlighten me on the future you foresee. That is all."
"Is that so? Then I suppose you're confident in your simple victory against me — this lowly human — without any effort."
Her words must've caught him off guard, for a traitorous eyebrow shifted upwards clandestinely as he pinned her with his gaze once more. Despite being reluctant to admit it, he had to acknowledge that she had succeeded in drawing out his interest.
"Elaborate," he demanded.
"I propose we wager our fate. Allow me to accompany you, and let me be the judge of whether or not you possess the capability to subvert destiny. Should you succeed without my help, then in return, I shall submit willingly to your demands." While her outward appearance offered a sense of composure as she spoke, her mind was lost in a storm of conflict.
Despite her hesitations and reservations about working with Sesshomaru, she believed that it was a necessary sacrifice to preserve their lives and her agenda. She desperately persuaded herself that siding with Sesshomaru was necessary; it was the right choice — not just for her — but for the survival of her two new friends in the west. For their sake and her agenda, she had to swallow her pride. Her predictions were no hoax as experience had taught her, so she had learned not to underestimate the decisive impact they could have. 'I have no other choice but to prolong Sesshomaru's life if I am to have my way.'
"Hmph. Very well, you have yourself a deal." Although Kikyo had only laid out half of the conditions, Sesshomaru agreed without any hesitation. He saw no possibility besides achieving a perfect victory. Thus, he didn't inquire about the terms that would be obligatory for him should he lose.
"Good. You'll soon learn that some things are simply unattainable for one individual alone," said Kikyo, her tone acerbic.
Pitting her a look that plainly told her he would make her eat those words, Sesshomaru decided to conclude their exchange and turned on his heels to leave.
The daiyoukai's gait was that of his customary elegance — that was Kikyo's impression as she watched his back disappear into the cluster of trees. She released the breath she had been holding. Before settling with provocation, she had initially wanted to bait him with her careful choice of words. Alas, it was an abysmal attempt. Perchance another woman would've been ashamed, though only disappointment jabbed at her. All in all, she was not above underhanded means if she deemed it necessary.
With a wary sigh, she stooped down to pick up her broken dagger. Her brows marred when she held the weapon up to the light for inspection. The impact it suffered from the daiyoukai's wrath was apparent; the steel was chipped at the edges and a crack crisscrossed in the middle. No longer would it be functional in combat. Alas, reluctant to dispose of it, she returned it to the undisclosed compartment inside her sleeve.
'At least he was kind enough not to shatter it,' she thought humorlessly.
A clap of thunder vibrated through the west, dragging Kikyo's attention away from the weapon. Jerking her head upwards, she noticed forked bolts torn in the distance. Even without tapping into her abilities, she knew there and then that what she saw in her vision was just the beginning.