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: This is awesome! The story has officially past its 100th review. It definitely wouldn't have grown to be such a fun/big project without the amazing support from all the readers/fellow fans of SessKik. In addition, getting the aid of bubu-chibi-chan as a betareader for the past few chapters has been a great blessing! A big thank you to bubu-chibi-chan for editing the chapters as well as Littlety, fabelliot, yami2703, sastra, 8579, Guest, and Guest for the thoughtful reviews. Let us all continue to enjoy this tale of SessKik!
Littlety: I did have a faint impression that you were that 'Guest' the last time but I avoided addressing you directly just in case it wasn't. That would've been awkward otherwise, lol!
Haha, sorry for leaving it like that in the last chapter. I just thought it would be a good point to stop (ah, don't hit me)! Ahem… anyways, Kikyo does recall everything about her past with Sesshomaru now that those memories are unsealed. However, it's actually not the same for Sesshomaru, who did retain those memories. It's just that he has been denying the possibility that Kikyo could be the woman from 500 years ago. After all, ordinary humans/mortals shouldn't live for centuries.
fabelliot: Yeah, we've scratched the surface of their past and are getting closer to the real deal (which I would dedicate several chapters to). That of course, will include why Kikyo decided to disappear from Sesshomaru's life as well as the reason for why Bakusaiga ended up sealed inside Sesshomaru.
Unlike Kikyo, Sesshomaru does have the memories of their past, which is why he does remember Hijiri (the woman in white). However, he doesn't acknowledge her as Kikyo even though certain hints suggest the connection.
So in other words, both Sesshomaru and Kikyo have something of theirs sealed. It's just that one of them has to do with his powers while the other has to do with her memories. An interesting note is that Kikyo/Hijiri is responsible for both.
yami2703: Actually, while Kikyo did forget a lot of her past with Sesshomaru because she sealed those memories willingly (the reason for this will be revealed), Sesshomaru does have those memories intact. It's more about him refusing to think about them and accepting that Kikyo could be Hijiri despite the noted similarities.
Kikyo snuck in a kiss for Sesshomaru. XD Too bad the latter was unconscious to realize what had happened, lol!
Also, glad to hear that you find Masayoshi cute.
sastra: Hi there, it's great to know that you're still interested in my stories and are paying attention to updates despite being busy. Thank you for all your support… and yes, it is confrontation time at last! :D
8579: The reason why Sesshomaru doesn't recognize Kikyo as Hijiri is discreetly given out as clues scattered throughout the chapters. However, the proper answer will be shown in this chapter.
As for what happened between the two of them? Well, we'll be delving straight into that very shortly. ;)
Guest: Thanks for the review and support.
Guest: Here's the next chapter freshly made. I hope that you'll enjoy it.
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(This chapter was betaread by bubu-chibi-chan).
Chapter 22-Wandering Souls, Lingering Thoughts
Recap: Last time, Sesshomaru wakes from having his injuries treated, only to discover that Kikyo and St. Hijiri are the same.
"I do not believe in fate. I explore my future with my strength. Whether the result is good or bad, it is my choice." -Sesshomaru on fate
"Try as you may but there is no escape. Every step you take brings you closer to a destined end." -Kikyo on fate
Kikyo was glad when Jaken scurried off as soon as they made it into the basement. With the door slammed shut and no one to witness her weakness, she allowed her back to make contact with the wall. Completely drained, her left hand slackened its hold on her right shoulder and was left carelessly by the side. She slid down slowly like a deflating balloon, and a red trail instantly followed behind.
Under normal circumstances, her Shinidamachu would've delivered her needed supply of souls before the situation could become dire. But none could be seen and she was too exhausted to reach out using their mental link. And even if she wasn't, it was probably already too late.
'My waning powers have caused the seal to become destabilized. I must hurry, before it is undone.' Reaching her blood-stained hand into her haori, she pulled out Tadahiro's tantou. Despite the serrated crack running along the surface, she felt confident that its chipped edges were still sufficient to cut open flesh. 'I need to get the jewel out.'
Gritting her teeth to prime herself, she gripped the hilt and drove the dagger straight into her bleeding shoulder. There was a frightening sound as the steel sank into flesh. Warm crimson liquid shot forth. Barely managing to hold back a cry by pressing her jaws so tightly together that they clicked, she twisted the knife around and expanded the wound's circumference.
'Too shallow...' She squeezed her eyes shut and ripped the steel out, noting with concern that she hadn't managed to reach where the Shikon Jewel was embedded in. Unable to try again straight away, she permitted herself a few moments to catch her wheezing breaths.
She didn't grant herself much time, lest she faltered. No sooner had the minimum amount of strength returned did she lift the tantou again. But before she could strike down, her wrist was grabbed by a firm hand that suspended her action midway. Surprise loosened her grip and the dagger fell onto the hard ground with a loud clank.
Bewildered, her eyes snapped open and she was nearly overcome by the urge to shiver when she saw Sesshomaru before her. A condensed layer of rime was thick on his stoic countenance, permeating a chilliness that could freeze the air around him. It served as a clear distinction to the undeniable anger that flared up deep within his golden irises. His look was sharp as it burned into her with great intensity. From her viewpoint, it was like she was standing before a volcano that was coated with snow, one that was simply waiting to erupt and cover her with its magma.
Sesshomaru had abandoned any form of subtlety the second he saw that miko was invested in self-harm. His body responded faster than his mind could and he seized her wrist without a second thought. One of his knees touched the ground, his white yukata rapidly being dyed red from the puddle of blood. He paid it no heed, with his whole attention fixed on the woman who he thought had reached the point beyond senselessness.
"What is the meaning of this?" It was a harsh tone that morphed what was supposed to be a question into a demand to stop. The waves of irritation seeped through his cold words. If one didn't know better, then it was as if Kikyo had committed an assault aimed at his body instead of her own.
Feeling uncomfortable, Kikyo gave one tug to wrench her arm free but to no avail. It didn't take a genius to comprehend that it was pointless to struggle. Unless Sesshomaru was willing to release her, it was impossible for her to gain the ascendancy in a match of strength. Averse to letting his tight grip bother her, she allowed a humorless smirk to play on her lips. "You're early. So things did not go the way I had anticipated."
Given the miko's stubborn nature, Sesshomaru wasn't in the least surprised when he had gotten a satirical comment instead of a straightforward reply. Based on experience, he assumed that she must be fine if she could afford to be witty. Her body looked fragile, though her mind seemed as sharp as always. The notion unknowingly tamed the fire inside him and he gave a conceited huff. "I, Sesshomaru, follow no one's script but my own."
"I see you're as selfish as usual," she said and might've tossed her head in displeasure if only she could spare some strength for the gesture.
The touch of exasperation latched onto her tone told Sesshomaru enough about her attitude and he responded with additional condescension. "Hmph. Human creatures are the embodiment of hypocrisy. So even you are no exception."
The statement felt personal, like he was still holding a grudge for the decision that she had made centuries ago. Although, judging from what she knew about him, she wouldn't be taken aback if that really was the case. Finding no appropriate means of rebuttal, she opted to stay silent and averted her gaze from the daiyoukai's. Her eyes flickered down to her left until they came to a stop on the tantou lying on the ground. Unconsciously, her fingers twitched.
Following her line of sight, Sesshomaru noticed the object of her interest and made a move to swipe it away from her reach. Since he had no plans of letting her go, he tested his newly regenerated arm. It moved with the swiftness that he was contented with. A green whip formed of condensed youki flicked out and sent the dagger sprawling into a corner.
"Why do you taunt me, Sesshomaru?" She glared at the silver-haired demon. If only looks could kill, then he would've been dead a hundred times in the past few months. However, the intensity was lost a moment later when she closed her eyes. The tearing pain on her shoulder was becoming insufferable. She pulled in a deep breath before relinquishing the air with a weary sigh. "Surely you must comprehend that my actions are a desideratum for the future."
'What kind of future does she want?' Naturally, Sesshomaru had no way of confirming the musing that popped into existence unless she spoke. Still, that didn't mean he couldn't make assumptions based on the clues he had thus far and from her foolishly benevolent nature towards her kind. His eyebrows ceased to reflect his inner mood, though his voice continued to lack any fluctuation. "I have no use for a future that requires your heedless self-sacrifice."
In other words, he would not permit that kind of a future to exist. Another woman might've been moved by the realization, though Kikyo was aware Sesshomaru was merely speaking what was on his mind. It wasn't supposed to be a declaration of affection but rather an announcement that he was prepared to challenge the entire world if necessary. As he had said, he had absolutely no intention of following the path that fate had prepared him. In that sense, there were no romantic connotations attached, nor did he care about the possible consequences his statement might have.
His attitude would be deemed impressive by many, especially because he had the power to endorse his claims. Nevertheless, she didn't share the admiration. For someone whose entire life revolved around the whims of fate, his proclamation sounded ridiculous. Certainly, there were some occurrences that fate played loosely and therefore allowed alterations. Yet, there were times when it would cruelly demand particular things as an absolute so that no amount of effort she placed would make a difference. It happened before, on a few occasions in fact. Whenever that disembodied voice made itself known to her, certainty was guaranteed.
"Fate is not an opponent who you can clash blades with," she said, her eyelids still closed to shield her pair of mahoganies from the daiyoukai.
"Fate, you say? How absurd." The frown on his features deepened to form a semblance of a scowl. Initially, he thought that she had changed her outlook to reduce the chances of being recognized as St. Hijiri. But now that the guise was exposed, both of them knew there was no point in maintaining it.
The only possible conclusion was that she must be portraying her genuine belief. The notion didn't set in well for the daiyoukai, whose memories were filled with the willful and stubborn woman that he had eventually come to accept as his equal. This was supposed to be the woman who could stand beside him, looking at the path before them with sheer conviction. She wasn't meant to be a weakling that permitted fate to dominate her future like an obedient puppet played by its strings.
Without the strength of mind that molded her character, she was nothing more than a shell of the enigma that he knew. What happened to the fortitude that could rival his? Did it all dissipate into nothingness against the trial of time? When did it happen? How did it happen?
His golden orbs seared into Kikyo's countenance, as if that would grant him the answer to his many ponderings. His mind wandered to one of their previous exchanges, back when she had proposed their bet.
"Cooperation is essential at this point. There is no other alternative presented to you." No alternative, she said. Weren't those the words of someone who had surrendered? Yet, he had an inkling that she wasn't being completely passive about what the future supposedly contained. After all, she had challenged him to overwrite his fate, almost in anticipation for him to perform a miracle that could eradicate the belief she had convinced herself to hold onto.
'So she doesn't doubt my capabilities. Hmph!' His heartstrings felt the gentle touch of someone's fingers. But before the hand could play a tune, a fresh dosage of vexation flooded in and submerged all other feelings. A scornful sneer materialized on his lips. Setting aside his abilities, there was no mistake that she was being submissive toward fate. In the eyes of the strong, the future was something that they could change with their might. Someone like them should be capable of opposing the entire world and flip it upside down if need be.
In short, the woman had become weak. He was quick to voice his summary.
"You have become dulled," he uttered in a tone that bordered disappointment, which prompted Kikyo to open her eyes in mild confusion.
"Where did that come from?" She tried asking in an even tone, but it came out as more of a wheeze.
Sesshomaru gave no verbal response, his mind elsewhere. Her cowardice was unacceptable and he sought for the return of her glorious self. He would just have to fix her, he supposed, both mentally and physically. As someone who would follow his own desires, he abolished all other musings and took immediate action. He hoisted her onto her feet with a rapid movement, not bothering with a warning. The abrupt manner he pulled at her wrist elicited a hiss from her.
Her pained sound registered into his ears and while he offered no apparent care, his next sequence of motion was instinctively less rough. Scooping up her legs with his left arm, he then released her wrist in order to wrap his other arm around her back for support.
Unfamiliar with being carried, Kikyo squirmed out of reflex. Blood leaked from her wounds and dyed parts of his white yukata in red. Yet, the agony that she should've felt from aggravating her injuries was overshadowed by mortification. "… Sesshomaru…! What in the heavens are you doing? Unhand me!"
It appeared that she was audacious no matter what identity she took. Had the miko been anyone else, then Sesshomaru would've gladly silenced her protest by knocking her unconscious and telling one of his subordinates to drag her out. Reminding himself that she was the only exception, he granted her insolence a pardon.
"Cease your senseless struggle," he uttered in a harsh whisper, with a domineering might that permeated his form.
That was enough to convince her of how futile her actions were and she compelled. In the quietness of their environment, he became aware of just how ragged her breathing was. It was something he hadn't noticed before due to her efforts to mask her pain and divert his focus.
Comprehending that time was not on her side, he tightened his hold and made his way toward the exit. He had gotten no more than a few steps when her words traveled into his ears.
"You… I see you have yet to learn. You are still terrible… at caring for the injured." Even in her weakened state, where each of her irregular inhalations came heavily, the woman was actively straining his patience. It was as if she had found provoking him to be a hobby of great interest. That was his first thought before perceiving how feeble her voice was.
Damn, so it was another attempt at distraction. She must truly loathe how vulnerable she looked right now if she was this adamant to conceal it.
He glanced down to check on her, only to see an expression filled with pain. Her eyes were squeezed shut and her jaws were clutched together to stifle what would otherwise have been angst-filled cries. Her body began to shiver uncontrollably and Sesshomaru could feel it heating up even through their clothing. The arm that had been tucked against the daiyoukai's chest grasped blindly. Her fingers found fabric and they curled into a fist that turned her knuckles white.
The turn of events was abrupt but Sesshomaru found the source of her torment with no difficulty. From his angle, he could make out an outlandish glow on the left side of her body. Along with blood, a purplish-red haze oozed out from what appeared to be a gap that ran down from her right shoulder to her chest.
'What is this?' Despite being baffled, a sense of urgency grappled with the daiyoukai and he was placed on high alert. His youki spiked to alert him of the danger. Whatever the strange fog-like substance was, it was something so diabolical that it even made even the Lord of the West on edge. The first primal urge was to drop Kikyo, though he forcefully crushed the reflexive behavior.
Realizing how the situation had escalated to something far more severe, Sesshomaru assembled as much youki as he could. His aura danced around him, ruffling his sleeves and silver mane in the process. Despite its seemingly wild nature, it made a conscious effort to circulate the woman in his arms, careful not to cause her any discomfort.
Sesshomaru gathered enough energy and then teleported out of the room under the guidance of an azure glow.
With his back against the wall, Inuyasha took a peek through his half-closed lids for perhaps the umpteenth time and saw that Sesshomaru hadn't moved an inch. As imposing as ever, the daiyoukai was standing right in front of his chamber. Fixed on the closed door, his golden orbs were so piercingly intense that they were beyond description.
In all honesty, Inuyasha wouldn't be surprised if the daiyoukai managed to burn a hole through the wood with his stare. Even supposing that he wasn't the direct recipient, as he was seated against the wall beside the door, he could still feel the restless waves of youki that would make anyone nearby stay on high alert.
'Damn. And Kotori keeps saying that I'm the restless type.'
The daunting aura sent uncomfortable chills down his spine. He embraced his Tessaiga. Centuries of being around Sesshomaru hadn't helped develop a complete immunity. He was just managing to quell his urge to bolt. Hoping for a distraction, he slid his gaze to his left until it rested on the individual who sat cross-legged.
Kotori was the sensational exception that never failed to amaze anyone. In contrast to Inuyasha's restlessness, the demoness was beginning to nod off. As if trying to fight off the doziness that was proving to be her greatest enemy, her head and ears were bobbling up and down as she jerked every few seconds. The sight was so stupid that Inuyasha came close to showing an exasperated grin. Even now, sleeping early was still an old habit she couldn't control.
There were no windows or doors nearby for him to confirm but he deduced from Kotori's innate behavior that the night had dapped its sheet, adorned with stars and the moon, over the skies quite some time ago. It was a time when the world had retired to bed, resting so that it would be rejuvenated for the next day.
Yet, Inuyasha could not go to sleep. He had been waiting outside for several hours with Sesshomaru and Kotori, all with the intention of finding out about Kikyo's condition. Even though he had only gotten a glimpse of the miko as Sesshomaru carried her into his chamber, he didn't fail to notice the splatter of red that looked awfully agonizing on her shoulder.
'I don't really get all the stuff about Naobi and Magatsuhi but this must be what Kikyo was talking about. If this is what she was so worried about, then things are definitely going to get ugly.' Evoked into his mind was the heartfelt conversation he had with Kikyo. While Sesshomaru might have gained faint clues to how severe the situation was, there was no way the daiyoukai was as informed as Inuyasha was. Heck, even the hanyou couldn't claim to know the full extent, seeing as the woman hadn't been as elaborative as he would've preferred. 'Damn it all. I really should be doing something instead of sitting around here. But I don't know what the hell I should be doing!'
Just when Inuyasha felt tempted to punch the wall out of frustration, the door slid open to reveal Masayoshi and Hibiki, who trailed after the former's footsteps and closed the shōji behind them.
Kotori jolted at the sound of rushing air and Inuyasha's head whipped around to regard the two youkai who Sesshomaru's gaze was fixed on.
"What is the woman's condition?" For once, Sesshomaru voiced his impatience instead of letting his demand show in his eyes. The piercing glare was still present though, which served to amplify the pressure latched onto his low monotone.
Masayoshi dared not disappoint and incite his lord's wrath. So he lowered his head and spoke in a manner devoid of any stuttering and instead exemplified clarity. "I've managed to tend to all her external injuries save for the one on her shoulder. I've succeeded in slowing down the bleeding, yet it refused to clog for unknown reasons. It appears that there's something abnormal about it, which is impairing her body and is the cause of the severe pain."
"I inquired about her behavior and received an interesting theory about the Ichirei Shikon in return. Nonetheless, she wasn't as forthcoming as I had hoped. And may I add, she was quite adamant in inflicting self-harm. So I resorted to rendering her unconscious for the time being," Hibiki explained as he rubbed his neck with a hand. A hint of exasperation briefly flickered in his golden pools. But otherwise, his expression was as placid as always.
"So the woman is being equivocal again," uttered Sesshomaru coldly. More or less aggravated, he was prepared to enter his chamber and knock some sense into Kikyo when he noticed Inuyasha pushing himself onto his feet from the corner of his eye.
Kotori blinked and let out a soft hum when she felt the hanyou suddenly move from beside her. "Hmm… Inuyasha-sama?"
"Where are you going, Inuyasha?" Usually, Sesshomaru wouldn't care where Inuyasha would wander off to. However, the determined glimmer that set the hanyou's golden orbs ablaze was so hard to miss that it prompted the elder brother to spare some attention. As reckless as he was, even Inuyasha wouldn't leap straight into action without a goal in mind. Something must've triggered his usually slow-witted brain and whatever it was, it had sparked a slight interest in Sesshomaru.
Inuyasha stiffened when he found himself in the spotlight of everyone's attention. A silent curse crept into the back of his throat and he forcefully swallowed it back down. 'Why the hell do you care about what I'm doing now when you absolutely gave no damn care before?'
"I recall you forming an odd connection with the woman. Do you know that which eludes all of us?" Sesshomaru asked coolly, his sight narrowing to zone in on the silver-haired.
Inuyasha resisted the flinch that threatened to betray his inner conflict. Although it was supposed to be a question, the certainty clipped onto the daiyoukai's voice was unmistakable. It wasn't an invitation to disclose the facts but was rather a mandate; Inuyasha was supposed to cough up everything he knew right now.
Had Inuyasha been in his peak form, he would've scurried off before anyone could seize an opportunity to stop him. But now crippled with injuries, he knew there was no escaping from the series of interrogations that would follow.
"That's why, I promise you, Kikyo. I promise I'll keep your secret a secret between you and me. I want to tell Kotori too, but I ain't gonna do that until you're comfortable with it. Trust me… because this is a promise from a friend!" His words echoed inside his ears as though he was scrapping his claws against a piece of steel. His palms balled into fists under the cover of his red sleeves.
His first thought was that it was better to be candid. Yet, to do so was breaking the promise he had with Kikyo and subsequently baring the vulnerable side of her that she sought to conceal. She had trusted him with her secrets. What right did he have to expose everything? More importantly, surely Kikyo would've spoken up if she wanted to be saved. There was no way of knowing what was going on inside her head. What if she had something else in mind and his confession would have an adverse effect?
Deliberating the consequences was a rare occurrence for Inuyasha, so it wasn't long until he snapped out of the musings that were giving him a headache. His fingernails dug deeper into his skin. Right or wrong, he told himself that it wouldn't matter once he made his choice. Indecisiveness was the last thing needed at present. He just had to make a choice and hope that it would bring him the outcome he wanted. 'That's enough… I gotta tell them. Kikyo is just too bottled up with pride to ask for help. That's all!'
With a bit of internal monologue as persuasion, Inuyasha opened his mouth and disclosed what he knew and what he had planned to do. "What Kikyo needs right now are dead souls to fight against some ancient curse. The last time, there were some weak-looking white youkai that brought them over to her. But right now, there's none here. So I'm gonna go look for them."
"…In your current state?" It was a great amount of information for the drowsy Kotori to take in. Her brain was still in the middle of processing everything, though she instantly showed her disbelief by arching an eyebrow at the part she was able to comprehend.
"Of course!" Inuyasha exclaimed, turning to Kotori. "I failed to keep the secret that she wants so badly. The least I can do is get her the help she needs. I'm the only one who knows what—"
Before he could finish, a gale-like force discharged from Sesshomaru and yanked at his silver mane. Startled, the remainder of his sentence receded into his throat faster than he could think. He whipped his head around and was just in time to see the outline of the daiyoukai before he was enveloped in an azure sphere of light.
The condensed sphere blinked once, showering those nearby with a blinding radiance. Then in the next second, it was completely gone before the light could diminish.
"Huh?" Lowering the arm that had been shielding his eyes, Inuyasha squinted at the empty space where Sesshomaru had once preoccupied. "Where is he off to?"
"I would say our lord is going to search for the youkai you mentioned," answered Hibiki, his composure never waning.
"Keh! I'll go too then!" Displeased with Sesshomaru's abrupt departure, Inuyasha was just about to give chase when Hibiki closed the distance between them within a heartbeat.
"What?!" Kotori went from sluggish to full alertness and Masayoshi's ears perked up.
"Awk!" Inuyasha was slower to react and too late was he to prevent the chancellor from dropping a karate chop on his head. The force drove his injured body onto the ground, with a knee slamming into the wooden floor. His hands immediately shot up to protect himself, as if expecting further abuse.
When none came, he looked up and glared daggers at the culprit responsible for the unnecessary and ridiculous lump on his head. "What the hell was that for, you old geezer? It's not like I'm doing anything wrong! I'm trying to help Kikyo, dammit!"
"Unfortunately, you won't be able to do much at present, as I've proven." Having anticipated that Inuyasha would not be swayed by words alone, Hibiki decided to emphasize his point by using a more direct approach, something that Sesshomaru favored. It was the opposite of the peaceful conduct Hibiki preferred but he couldn't deny its effectiveness. Inuyasha's attention had been shifted onto him and it seemed he wasn't going anywhere until he received a form of apology. "If you do wish to be of some help, however… then I suggest you not strain yourself and instead tell us everything you know about the miko. That way, we may ascertain a solution to best alleviate her suffering."
As much as he would like to argue otherwise, Inuyasha inwardly knew that Hibiki was being rational. With some reluctance, he clicked his tongue to demonstrate his annoyance before relenting.
"I failed to keep the secret that she wants so badly. The least I can do is get her the help she needs. I'm the only one who knows what—" While the youki Sesshomaru surrounding his form was able to prevent the whipping wind from whispering noisily into his ears, it couldn't vanquish Inuyasha's words that echoed inside his mind.
Secret. How the word had become a taboo for him in the past few hours. It was something associated with her for as long as he could recall. Her obnoxiously stubborn nature to act on her own accord was nothing new by now, though that was starting to get on his nerve. An old flame of ire buried long ago pushed itself toward the surface.
Despite everything, she was still concealing herself from him. Was she so conceited to believe that he was undeserving to share her secrets?
She hid her face from him. She hid her scent from him. She hid her actual voice from him. She hid her powers from him. She hid her past from him. She hid so much from him that nothing about her was genuine since the very beginning when she meddled in his life. Such thought dominated his being and a coat of scarlet painted over his irises.
'To think that I, Sesshomaru, was being made a fool… How infuriating.' His eyebrows were pulled downward to draw a scowl. The part of him that made him the aristocratic and cold-hearted daiyoukai he was felt a strong inclination to leave her be. There was no reason for him to involve himself any longer, especially since the ungrateful woman was more than determined to shove aside any form of aid.
'My desire for great conquest has been thwarted by father's intention to pamper Inuyasha. The woman is no longer necessary as the key. It should be of no concern of mine whether she perishes or not.' Usually, that would've been a decisive conclusion for the intransigent Sesshomaru. Yet, the more primitive side of him, the side that had grown fond of the miko's company, requested additional reconsiderations.
In truth, the two of them had created a boundary around themselves. It was a circle of regulation that shouldn't be overstepped. Just as Kikyo instinctively knew that he loathed nonsensical behaviors, Sesshomaru knew that there were things that she would never tell him, nor was he interested in knowing at that time. The mutual respect that had formed was the foundation of their strange but valued bond.
It was how things were, and how things started.
But would it be how things end?
The inquiry that filtered into his head was a curious thought. It did not change the fact that the woman was still a pain to deal with. However, deep inside, an urge took shape that prompted him to act. Not one to question his whim, he heeded the call and accelerated.
He ventured deeper northwest, into the area that was his territory. The ground below him was covered with grass and bushes that swayed in rhythm with the gentle winds. They were a testimony that the jaki hadn't spread its detrimental influence this far.
"The last time, there were some weak-looking white youkai that brought them over to her." Provided that Inuyasha's words were no exaggeration and that he wasn't being cocky with his judgment, then it was safe to presuppose that the said weak-looking youkai would be some distance away from the foulness.
Tenseiga was nestled inside its scabbard when it sensed them a millisecond faster than its master. Stopping in his tracks, Sesshomaru hovered above them and studied their movements with hawk-like eyes. As if unaware of his presence, the serpent-like demons continued to circle the trees in a peculiar manner, each holding onto a sphere of light that glowed softly. There was a sense of urgency in their flight pattern, though none dared to venture out in the direction that Sesshomaru had come from.
'So weak and feeble.' For a brief second, the Lord of the West couldn't help but wonder why Kikyo would choose such simpletons to serve her. Regardless, he didn't loiter on the thought for long, having found the subjects of his current desire. He permitted his boots to touch the ground.
With no intention of terrifying them, in case they all fled, he ensured that his aura was reeled in. Even so, he had anticipated some kind of fear to show given his sudden appearance. Therefore, it captured his attention when they instead drew closer towards him, as if lured by something. Under normal circumstances, he might've felt insulted that they weren't showing him the proper respect. Yet, there was a more pressing issue that was the center of his focus.
He extracted Tenseiga from its scabbard. The sword of healing pulsed in readiness, eager to be used. Following its guidance, he swiped the blade diagonally against the empty space. One by one, the souls slipped out from the serpent-like youkai's grip and were absorbed into the steel. Rather than fight to reclaim their treasured possession, the youkai appeared to be satisfied and slipped away the moment the sphere was removed from their claws. Sesshomaru assumed that their cooperation stemmed from being able to sense their mistress' soul lurking inside his blade. It was either that or they truly lack the intellect to think at all.
Once he had collected all the souls, Sesshomaru headed back without wasting another second. Closing his eyes, he used Inuyasha's youki for a signpost and teleported. He reappeared right next to the hanyou, who was in the middle of a sentence.
"My lord, you're back. Were you successful in your endeavor?" Simultaneous to Inuyasha stifling a surprised yelp, Hibiki was as unruffled as ever as he voiced his question.
As usual, Sesshomaru decided that his time was better spent on taking action than providing an explanation. Offering the chancellor no verbal reply, he opened the door to his chamber and marched up to Kikyo, who rested on his futon.
Hibiki and the others followed after him while daring to hope that the Lord of the West had discovered a solution. Even Inuyasha, who was known to be headstrong, opted to remain silent.
No sooner had he gotten within reach did Sesshomaru feel the sinister energy trying to repel him. The moment it made contact with him, he felt the prickling pain of a thousand needles digging into his skin. His youki instinctively reacted and surged forward in an attempt to confront the unholy force.
The battle that could only be perceived by outsiders as a suffocating pressure stimulated a spark of spiritual powers, which made Kikyo's body jerk and flicker in a faint violet for a moment before it was overwhelmed. Sesshomaru's eyes flashed red in anger when an almost inaudible whimper escaped the unconscious miko's throat.
Altering his approach became the priority. Pulling most of his youki to shield his body, Sesshomaru cautiously extended the range of his demonic power to envelop her form in a protective embrace. When no violent reaction was elicited, he swung his Tenseiga above her to release the souls inside.
The spheres sank into her wounded shoulder with an agonizingly slow velocity. It went on for a while until Kikyo's miko powers gradually strengthened. Although she didn't wake up, she noticeably relaxed. The dark energy retreated into its host's body, seemingly having conceded them the temporary victory. Taking that as an indication that the woman was out of immediate danger, Sesshomaru withdrew both his sword and his depleted youki.
"Masayoshi," he uttered as he permitted a long inhalation.
The physician's ears twitched at his name and he immediately rushed over to his patient. Neither his blindness nor the thick bandages wrapped around Kikyo's shoulder could halt the young doctor from his careful inspection.
"How is she?" Drawing next to Masayoshi, Inuyasha voiced the question on everyone's minds.
"She is much more stable now… I should be able to stop the bleeding," Masayoshi said, giving an earnest report of his findings while continuing with his work.
"Good." Although his outward countenance maintained its stoicism, an invisible force lifted itself away from Sesshomaru. An emotion that was quite foreign to him trickled in like a warm and gentle spring, which manifested as a glittering light that lingered in the depths of his golden orbs. Taking a good look at the sleeping woman, the muscles in his eyebrows mimicked her whole body's and eased themselves into a relaxing position for the first time in a while.
'So it has been five hundred years.' The realization struck deep, summoning forth recollections that Sesshomaru had stored in the back of his mind. His consciousness was taken back into the past—
—to the very beginning when the daiyoukai donned in elegant white had met the woman veiled in white.
More Author's Notes: It took us a while but we're finally at the point where the second arc concludes. Honestly, I'm kind of surprised that the confrontation went as well as it did; I'll say that Sesshomaru is being extra patient, lol. Anyway, it's time for the full past between Sesshomaru and Kikyo to be told. In the next few chapters, we'll be diving right into Sesshomaru's POV about the events that took place 500 years ago. The style of writing may change a little but I hope that you'll all look forward to what's coming next and please be patient with the next couple of updates as I'm currently quite preoccupied with work.
Oh, and before I end things, I would like to draw your attention to The Rift Between Auras by Chio Saki. If you're thirsty for more SessKik stories, this is an ongoing fanfiction that I'm recommending. I know that some of you are already paying close attention to its progress (as am I) but for those who don't know about it, it's a story that's sticking close to canon and expands from there, with Sesshomaru and Kikyo starting to interact from Mt. Hakurei.
Reviews and questions are very much welcomed. Until next time!