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: Hello everyone! I'm here to deliver a new update. Overall, there were difficulties with the characters and settings that I encountered in this chapter. But thanks to bubu-chibi-chan, our helpful betareader, I was able to work past the problems and produce results that I am happy with.
Also, I would like to say a big thank you to fabelliot, yami2703, Guest, and Littlety for your support. All of your reviews serve to motivate me to continue writing this tale.
fabelliot: I suppose I was a little too faithful to the canon where Sesshomaru loses an arm. But don't worry, I do believe that the solution I have in mind will be satisfactory, hopefully. So don't get too mad at me… :P
Indeed, Sesshomaru does want to keep his little brother alive. He may be rough when it comes to dealing with Inuyasha, but at least he's not going to outright kill him. As for his reasons, they remain unknown, though there are some interpretations from Kotori and Inuyasha scattered around the last two chapters. I won't comment on how accurate/inaccurate they are for now.
yami2703: Hakudoshi was far too confident and underestimated Sesshomaru and Kikyo. Although I guess he could go blame Naraku for skipping the details about how powerful those two are, especially when teamed up.
I'm glad that you thought the battle scene was good. :D
Well, Kikyo has learned how Sesshomaru operates. So it's only a matter of whether or not she's willing to appeal to his pride in order to obtain the results that they both desire.
Guest: Thanks for dropping by with a review. It's a pleasure to see you enjoying this story. :)
Littlety: There was indeed a period when I haven't been as active with the updates and I apologize for leaving the tale hanging. But now this story is getting regular attention. And if you're interested in how the updates are going, you can check my profile, where I post frequently about my progress with each fanfic.
I know, it also pains me when I was writing about their injuries. However, it is necessary for the plot and their character development.
Don't worry, you'll soon get a better picture of their history. It's coming up real soon, I promise. But do feel free to continue your speculations. ;)
The SessKik desert may be quite dry and desolated, but when you do find a water source, it's the most refreshing and rejuvenating sensation. I know that feeling since I've stumbled upon great SessKik fanfics that made me fall head over heels for the couple.
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(This chapter was betaread by bubu-chibi-chan).
Chapter 20-Unconscious Yearning
Recap: Last time, Sesshomaru, Kikyo, and Kotori's joint efforts successfully release Inuyasha from So'unga's control.
"The epitome of fragility. I, Sesshomaru, have no need for such a flaw." -Sesshomaru on emotions
"Becoming emotional is inevitable for humans. However, learn to harness your emotions or they will control you." -Kikyo on emotions
With a groan, Inuyasha peeled open his eyelids and waited as his vision focused on his surroundings. What came into his view first eased all tension, for it was a familiar face graced with a relieved smile. It was an atypical sight to the usual sternness, though he welcomed it more than ever.
"Kotori?" he mumbled, his voice hoarse.
"Yes. I see that you're back, Inuyasha-sama. How are you feeling?" asked Kotori, her ears perking up in anticipation. Brown hair bound in a ponytail framed one side of her countenance and trailed towards her waist as she lowered her head to regard him with her sapphire orbs.
It was on the tip of his tongue to complain how his body felt like it was being feasted on by a nest of ants when something more important clicked into his aching head. Based on the way that Kotori was positioned and his comfortable headrest, one convincing conclusion set in like a stone. It prompted him to painstakingly push himself up with his elbows.
"Why the hell am I on your lap?"
"Ease yourself, Inuyasha-sama," coaxed Kotori as she gently pushed the silver-haired back into a resting position. Her ears jerked somewhat as her hand came into contact with his bare upper torso. Involuntarily, her thoughts began to drift towards his lean build that even the thick layers of bandage failed to conceal. Averting her gaze, she pulled the sheet that had slid off back until it was nearly up to his neck. The rosary that Kikyo had placed on him jiggled, though it failed to gather any of their attention. "When we got you back, you were tussling around. You were restless and even tried to fend off the healer who treated you. Eventually, Myoga-sama came by and told me to try this… er, peculiar arrangement."
While he was surprised that Myoga hadn't scurried off in terror to the other ends of the earth by now, Inuyasha was more interested in the other part of Kotori's explanation. His golden eyes slowly moved away from the demoness' face and wandered around the room until he encountered a ripped-up futon not too far away. Even without needing to examine it, he instantly recognized his own claw marks.
"I don't know exactly what happened but I can kinda remember…" he paused briefly, his eyebrows knitting together. "I can kinda remember being controlled by something. What happened back there?"
"So'unga possessed you. You went on a rampage and tried to kill us. We managed to stop you but Sesshomaru-sama and Kikyo-sama were both injured. As was I, though my wounds are minor in comparison." Since Inuyasha would find out sooner or later, Kotori knew there was no point in dodging the question. Besides, she found a preference for being straightforward. Perhaps someone with a fragile mind would've been driven into panic by her unreservedness. However, the swordswoman knew that the half-demon possessed the willpower to withstand the truth. After all, this was the valiant warrior who was able to come to terms with his complicated background during the middle of an intense battle.
Quietness descended upon the two as Inuyasha lifted his left hand. It had been cleaned but he could still detect the lingering traces of Kotori and Kikyo's blood. Although it wasn't by choice, there was no denying that he had hurt the two people he had promised to protect. Shame and guilt bit into his heart. 'Damn it! What the hell was I doing? Why did I let that cursed sword take over? And why the hell didn't I resist?'
"Does it hurt?" His conscience eventually shoved the question into his throat, thereby breaking free of the hold that the silence had on them. Reaching out the same hand for Kotori, he softly caressed the side of her face with his thumb. The cut on her cheek had closed and was almost healed, though he could still notice a faint line on the soft skin. He made a conscious move to avoid touching it.
"Don't lament; that crestfallen appearance doesn't suit you. The Inuyasha-sama I know has a conceited and overbearing look." Under normal circumstances, the demoness would've recoiled and produced a snarky comment about how the hanyou had been replaced by a terrible imposter. But for now, she allowed him to continue touching her cheek; it just saddened her to note that he was acting far too timid for his customary roughness. She could comprehend his need, for he was being overcome with remorse. The way that his pair of golden orbs, which slightly quivered as they gazed into her, was an apparent proof of the thoughts that must be troubling him. "Furthermore, Sesshomaru-sama and Kikyo-sama are receiving the proper treatment from an elite doctor in the west. I'm confident that they will be fine. They wouldn't be the Sesshomaru-sama and Kikyo-sama we know otherwise."
"Yeah… right," he muttered, apparently still dwelling on what he considered was one of his greatest failures. A tired sigh that gave a truthful confession to his lethargy left his parted lips. Yet, when he decided to speak again, it was not weariness but a full dosage of annoyance that could be heard from his gruff voice. "So, why are you still here then, woman?"
"Why can't I be here?" Kotori's tone mirrored Inuyasha's out of habit, as if priming herself for another verbal spat. She tilted her head, mildly confused by the sudden shift.
"Why aren't you going to Sesshomaru? Why stay here with me?" As he was lying in a supine position, Kotori was able to observe every part of his face from a higher position. There was nowhere to hide his shame, not when he was facing upward. Growing uncomfortable with her gaze, he dropped his hand and rotated his head to the right until his nose brushed against her kimono.
She pressed her lips tightly together as she gave his questions some serious contemplation. While the questions seemed typical of his nature, there was something odd about them. Speculation formed inside her as she realized what was left concealed. 'He's feeling disheartened… The unexpected turn of events must have been devastating. He's doing his best to feign normalcy. But in reality, he feels responsible for what happened.'
"Well?" he snapped and pressed for an answer when he felt his patience reach its limits.
"Mmmm. Yes, I'm worried about Sesshomaru-sama," the demoness admitted without any further hesitation, timely halting herself from making a witty comeback that came naturally after their countless squabbles. "However, there is nothing I can do over there. I'm unskilled in the art of healing and will get in the way. Besides, I don't think it's wise to leave you alone right now."
"I ain't a child. I don't need anybody." Oddly enough, Inuyasha found himself grumbling instead of snarling as he would've done to anyone else. Convincing himself that it was only because he was tired, and not because he was moved by her concern, he maintained a brusque attitude. "And even if I do, why would I need an uptight like you of all people? You smell awful. Did you land your face in the muck or something?"
'And whose fault is it that I end up smelling like mud?' Kotori's eyebrow twitched as she watched him scrunched up his nose. It was on the tip of her tongue to speak what came into her mind first, though she swallowed the rebuttal and instead asked, "Then do you want me to grab you a pillow?"
Since she had expected him to produce a curt affirmative, she was caught off guard when he suddenly reached out and grabbed the sleeve of her kimono.
"Inu-Inuyasha-sama?"
"No, wait…" His voice was now barely audible as he had buried his face in her abdomen.
Kotori's ears straightened out, unsure if she had heard him correctly. From her position, she could no longer see his facial expression, and somehow, that mildly irritated her.
"Stay… You don't smell bad. That was a lie." His disinclination to be left alone ultimately dominated his other emotions and the truth escaped his lips in a whisper. He nudged his face against the demoness, inhaling the scent that brought him a sense of great relief. It was a sweet fragrance brimming with life and vigor, the complete opposite of the stench of decaying matter that he had gotten from the corpses during the battle.
Kotori straightened her ears out completely, uncertain if she had heard it correctly. Was Inuyasha being open with his feelings for once? At that thought, her heartbeats accelerated in exhilaration. It was a different side of him that wasn't known to many; one could even say that it was a part of him that he had kept hidden behind a brazen and self-centered exterior.
A smile curled her lips, one that she didn't bother to conceal because Inuyasha couldn't see it in his current position. "Is that so? Would it hurt for you to be a little more honest earlier instead of lying?"
"It already hurts plenty." His truthful answer was laced with noticeable exhaustion now that he wasn't trying to act tough.
"I understand…" Kotori paused, only to lower the hand on her heart and place it on the top of his head. There was no logical reasoning for what she had in mind for, though she shrugged it off in favor of acting on her own accord. It felt appropriate, no matter how uncharacteristic it seemed. Having convinced her brain, her heart guided her hand and she stroked his head. "Then you should rest your mind and spirit. Sleep for now, Inuyasha-sama."
There was neither the intent nor the strength to protest so Inuyasha did as she suggested. Closing his eyes, he relaxed all the muscles in his aching body and settled with a breathing pattern that was constant and measured. As he did, he took a moment to relish the blissful sensation of having his head resting on Kotori's lap as her fingers continued to brush his lush silver mane in a delicate rhythm.
It evoked a fragment of his past, summoning forth a recollection of a younger self with his mother. Didn't his maternal parent use to do something similar during his naptimes? There was a sense of déjà vu, followed by the knowledge that something was missing.
"Hey, Kotori…" he murmured absentmindedly, "can you sing?"
Much to his confusion, he felt the demoness stiffened straight away. A small frown marred his features and he was just about to peel open an eyelid when she responded in a stuttering manner that could only be described as a display of embarrassment.
"W-why are you asking m-me this?"
"Just a harmless question. Why the big reaction? I thought singing was common for those of the Tori clan, being born naturally with the talent and all."
"Because…" The sentence failed to formulate properly in her throat as Kotori's mind struggled to come up with an answer. True to his belief, she was indeed capable of singing. However, he presumably had no idea of the significance behind it, at least for her. Else, he surely wouldn't have persisted… right?
"Because?" Inuyasha urged with growing impatience, giving the impression that he was not letting her drop the subject easily.
"Because… It's because the members of the Tori clan consider singing as part of a ritual." She offered him the partial truth, adamant to conceal the specifics from him. Her mind silently noted what was left unsaid as she prayed that Inuyasha would be satisfied with what was provided. 'The members of the Tori clan only sing to their desired partner during mating seasons. It's a customary ritual… a mating call. '
"What ritual?" Unfortunately, it seemed that she had piqued his curiosity rather than gratify it.
"Now is not the time to be curious, Inuyasha-sama. Go to sleep," Kotori more-or-less demanded, leaving no further room for any compromise. However, she regretted the harsher tone seconds later. While one might've thought that a patient would be more placid and quiet, Inuyasha was an exception. Still, it wasn't as though he was being difficult intentionally; it was just how his mind had wired itself after being shunned for so many years.
She heaved a soundless sigh, feeling a mixture of empathy and exasperation set in. "Alright, I understand. We'll make a deal. You'll sleep now and let your body heal. Then once we've assisted Sesshomaru-sama in accomplishing his dream, I'll arrange a time for it. Just for you."
"Keh! That sounds like a load of effort for one little song. But fine. Gotta make sure you keep your word, woman…" Perhaps it was never in his intention to complain because Inuyasha let his disgruntled attitude drop halfway. Murmuring something under his breath that was unintelligible to Kotori, he permitted his mind to rest while his body was safely guarded by the companion he had learned to cherish and trust.
For as long as Kikyo was aware, she didn't have any parents. A retired monk took her in as an apprentice when she was an infant and she found a home in the temple along with several other orphaned children. She later learned that they all showed potential in the art of purification and exorcism.
'Is there a reason to gather those who are spiritually aware?' Despite everything, she couldn't help but inwardly mull over her guardian's motive. Tsubaki, the eldest of the group, had noticed her inner doubt and keenly told her that they were destined for great things. However, she didn't share her senior's enthusiasm. The children her age might favor a life filled with exciting adventures but she found a preference in living a peaceful life with her new family.
'I wish to have a normal life.' It was a simple wish, though not one that could be granted. She had been as naïve as she was young. In any case, she was doomed to become a pawn of fate the moment her powers manifested themselves.
Reality came in with a harsh slap to the face in the form of the legendary miko named Midoriko. Dressed in a traditional miko garment with the additional protection of a set of a samurai's armor on top, she arrived at the temple to exchange a solemn conversation with the monk. For the majority of their discussion, the monk's face was painted with concern before eventually morphing into a reluctant understanding. Midoriko offered a few genuine words of sympathy but was still adamant about what she planned to do.
As if struggling with a decision that could mean the life or death of everyone in this world, the monk slowly beckoned his two most prized pupils.
Sensing her guardian's hesitation, the four-year-old Kikyo approached the two adults with tensed muscles as if expecting an ambush. Contrary to her caution, Tsubaki was far more gallant, drawing closer in order to marvel at the legendary miko before bowing in a show of courtesy.
Kikyo trekked in her senior's footsteps and couldn't help but take a sense of comfort in that. As inspiring as it was to catch a glimpse of the most powerful miko in existence, she was warier of the eerie sensation that emitted from Midoriko. There was no known vocabulary she had that could be used to describe it, though she instinctively knew that there was something in the great miko's possession that chilled her spine and made her powers uneasy. Moreover, it was the fact that no one else seemed to have noticed the ominous sensation that sent a wave of terror into her.
Midoriko turned her emerald-colored orbs from the monk to Tsubaki. She assessed the raven-haired girl before landing her sight on Kikyo. In the brief moment that their gaze met, the four-year-old could decipher a hint of unfathomable sorrow from within the seemingly calm surface.
But before Kikyo could ponder on it, Midoriko redirected her attention back to the monk. She spoke, her voice soothing yet filled with authority that left no room for refusal. "You're correct. These two show promise. I shall accept both as my apprentices and raise them. When that time arrives, one of them shall return here and take your place, as promised. And the other shall become the Holy Entity that this world needs."
With that, the two were told to retreat into their rooms and pack their things.
True to her words, Midoriko taught them everything she knew, from the basic spells to powerful exorcism techniques. She was a kind but strict teacher, who would occasionally praise but never pamper her students.
Years passed and Kikyo grew to comprehend Midoriko's desire. She and Tsubaki were deemed suitable candidates for what the gods had planned. One of them was destined to become the guardian of the artifact spoken only in the legend of ancient times. The realization that she was meant for something great didn't bring a pleased smile to her features, as it did with Tsubaki.
Then, that day arrived.
It was seemingly just like any other day, though the eighteen-year-old later realized that it was a time when the fragile balance between Naobi and Magatsuhi was disrupted.
She and Tsubaki were called into a secret chamber, a dark and barren room housing nothing but an altar. It was at that point in time that she saw the cursed item that would tie her down for the rest of eternity. She hadn't known back then, though she could sense how foreboding the pink jewel was. Something unimaginably sinister lurked deep within its seemingly calmed surface. It was something that no mortal should ever temper with.
However, Tsubaki didn't share her concern. Unlike her sudden and desperate need to take flight, her senior approached the altar with a confident stride—
Then, her memory was cut off. What occurred afterward was supposed to be life-changing. She knew that much. However, for some inexplicable reason, the recollection of the event was vague and scattered. By the time she was aware of exactly what was happening, she was already bearing the mark that branded her as the Guardian of the Shikon Jewel.
"It must be painful but I urge you to remain strong. Your soul is the seal that separates the jewel's evil from mankind. You must be strong and live on, for you are the Holy Entity. You alone must bear the sins of this accursed world and bring forth the dawn of a new era."
She could barely remember Midoriko's words and Tsubaki's face, distorted by envy. All she could feel was an insufferable pain that ripped her soul, draining her of her spiritual energy and the essence that made her who she was.
Since that day, Kikyo was no longer a mortal blessed with spiritual powers. She became a being who couldn't age. And soon, it also registered that she couldn't die through normal means such as starvation and illness. Factors that would cripple and terrorize humans no longer posed any issues to her. Because of the Shikon Jewel, her body had been reconstructed to share similarities with that of the demonkind, though her soul radiated with a purity that made all youkai chary.
She wasn't a human anymore, but she didn't become a youkai either. She was something completely different, an outcast that belonged nowhere. So she dedicated her entire life to living as the Guardian of the Shikon Jewel. Clad in white and bearing the alias St. Hijiri, she roamed the earth while subduing the evil that plagued the hearts of all living beings.
That became the sole purpose for why she existed till this very day.
At least, it was supposed to be. But that all shattered when a great and almighty daiyoukai approached her with an offer. It was an encounter that rewrote everything she had known—
The subsequent recollections that tried to surface were rapidly suppressed. There was a strong aversion to continue losing herself in the past so she forced herself to wake. In her early years, she was a helpless victim whenever the scenes from her memories reenacted in her mind's eyes and she was made to watch how the fixed events play out. But now, she was the one in control; she made certain of that.
Her eyelashes fluttered and she opened her eyes. A dusty but familiar ceiling came into view and her brain worked fast to gather information despite a nagging headache. What came into recognition was that she must've lost consciousness after the fight and was taken to one of the rooms in the basement, the same one that she was kept in during the earlier stages of the battle.
While the structure was old, she knew that prearranged maintenance ensured its stability. After all, it was able to withstand the invasion of the undead. There was no immediate danger so she allowed herself to relax, easing the muscles that had habitually tensed.
As soon as her body shifted to a more comfortable position, she felt a stinging pain that prompted a hiss out from her. Her right arm inched towards her abdomen where she could discern the existence of the bandages underneath her tattered garment. It was a fresh reminder of the viciousness that the demonized Inuyasha was capable of. In retrospect, she should've been more cautious, though the abrupt situation didn't allow much time for speculations. It was pure luck that her powers had managed to help the half-demon regain momentary control, thereby avoiding what would've otherwise been a fatal injury.
Regardless, the fact remained that it would take some time for the wound to close. The little scraps she got during the last battle were insignificant so her focus was pulled towards the jabbing ache on her stomach. As much as the constitution of her body differed from that of humans, she wasn't gifted with instantaneous healing. In fact, her healing rate was relatively inferior compared to a youkai's and relied on her powers.
The amount of spiritual power she could use for healing was leftover from the amount necessary to maintain the seal on the Shikon Jewel. Even supposing that Sesshomaru had lifted the spell of the rosary, the previous battle had left her low on reserve. Hence, she utilized their established mental link to call upon her Shinidamachu.
Being intangible, the white youkai could slip past the firmest barricade without any concern. So it surprised her when none came. She attempted to summon them once more, only to produce the same result.
She blinked, mildly puzzled.
Fatigue had its tight hold on her brain so it took her a little longer to conjure a feasible reason. Her senses reached out to search for an answer and she detected the traces of miasma that was contaminating the air around the area. Diffused into a thin layer, it wasn't powerful enough to detrimentally affect her or high-level youkai. Nonetheless, the same couldn't be said about her faithful servants, who were even feebler than humans.
Forced to accept that there was nothing she could do but recover like a normal human, she remained in a supine position on the cot. The surface was hard and worn out, though there was no denying that it was the first bed she had rested on for months.
Left with nothing else to do, she flung an arm over her eyes and shielded her pair of mahoganies from the world. The long chain that bounded her hands rattled noisily. Much to her chagrin, it was a sound that she was becoming accustomed to, much like its lead-like weight.
As wounded as she was, she was in no position to be moving around heedlessly. Besides, she was aware that there were two guards positioned behind the single wooden door in the room. Even if she had a reason to venture out, she doubted that she would be granted permission.
While her body rested, her mind refused to slumber and got to work. The battle with the undead must've ended, she surmised, if there were guards that could be spared to keep watch of her.
'I wonder if they are the ones I had rendered unconscious the last time? If it is indeed them again, then they may not take kindly to any of my movements.' The musing entertained her bored mind for a short time before she turned her musings to what she deemed significant — the battle against Shishinki, Hakudoshi, and demon Inuyasha. In all honesty, she couldn't recall the last time when she had participated in such an intense fight. Even the east's short resistance against the west's invasion paled in comparison.
Therefore, it was no surprise that the finale of the battle would be imprinted vividly into her. She could remember seeing Hakudoshi's face distorted with anguish as he was pulled into the gate of the netherworld, his body disappearing forever along with his bloodcurdling scream that had pierced into her skull. And before she could tear her eyes away from the shrinking Meido, her ears managed to pick up on a clatter of metal and a startled gasp from Kotori.
She could only speculate that Sesshomaru must've collapsed for there wasn't much visual enlightenment for what happened afterward. She presumed she had also lost consciousness by that point and was subsequently taken back here for treatment. It was a curious thought as to how Kotori brought three unconscious individuals back, though there was the possibility that backup had arrived after the swarms of undead were dealt with.
Two sets of light footfalls alerted her to visitors. Averse to letting others get even a glimpse of her weakness, she compelled her body to rise using an elbow. She had just, albeit painstakingly, swung her legs over to the side of the cot and gotten herself into a seated position when the guards opened the door after a quick exchange.
There were two newcomers, who she zoned in on for a cautious evaluation as the door clicked into place. Needless to say, her priority was the green-clad youkai at the front, the one who her instincts instantly branded as the greater threat. In spite of his obvious attempt to generate an amiable atmosphere by ensuring that his youki was receded, there was no disputing the prodigious strength lurking within the youkai—no, daiyoukai.
But much to her astonishment, the mental alarms that she had honed after many years of exorcism soon muted their screeches. The sensation of vulnerability that should've been suffocating her at this point was like a piece of wood being chiseled out little by little.
The one responsible for the phenomenon was no doubt the daiyoukai donned in a majestic kimono, with a glossy mane of beautiful silver flowing down past his waist. There was a magnanimous air that he emanated; it was so incongruously reassuring that it melted all of the miko's insecurities.
As distrust faded into vigilance, her sense of curiosity arrived with recognition. 'I've seen him somewhere before... this Inu daiyoukai.'
Her brain searched for a name to match the face until she stumbled upon the one that she was looking for. If she wasn't mistaken, then the daiyoukai before her was Hibiki, the chancellor of the west.
"We have crossed each other's path on occasions but I do not believe we have conversed before, miko. I am Hibiki, Sesshomaru's advisor and the chancellor of the west." As if reading her mind, the silver-haired demon confirmed her assumption with a polite introduction and a gracious smile dancing on his features. Despite being a powerful Inu daiyoukai, he didn't share Sesshomaru's penchant for being condescending. He waved a hand at his companion, whose petite form was mostly concealed by his back. "And this here is Masayoshi, a young but prodigious physician."
The said youkai inched out from Hibiki's shadow and greeted Kikyo with a timid nod.
Since they didn't appear hostile — even if Masayoshi looked extremely guarded — Kikyo returned an acknowledging nod before taking a moment to study the physician who she had neglected until now. Standing no taller than half her height, the demon was donned a plain white kimono with a light violet dôbuku. His clothing was lackluster, though what left a great impression on the miko were the antlers that protruded from his snow-like tuft of hair and how his pupil-less eyes seemed to reflect everything as though it was a mirror.
The color scheme present on the deer youkai wasn't unappealing, though Kikyo felt she could make do without looking at something white for a while. It was frankly quite ironic, considering the color theme of her traditional attire. A humorless smile emerged with the notion but she knew better than to linger on the triviality. "I gather that there is significance behind your abrupt presence. What is it that you require of me?"
Hibiki's golden eyes shimmered with a transitory approbation before the light dimmed to reflect the mood of his next words. "Excellent. I'll spare us the excessive chatter. We have come to beseech your aid — that is, to mend the injuries of our lord, whose wounds have proven greater than our great physician's expectations."
"So'unga's jaki has been corroding Sesshomaru-sama's left arm and is in the process of invading his entire body from the inside. This has caused his health to deteriorate rapidly. We don't have a means of extracting the jaki, and so we turn to you for help in addressing this dire situation," Masayoshi added, taking over for Hibiki. Now that the topic had shifted to the physician's area of expertise, he was more comfortable and his childish voice gained a sense of professionalism that demanded attentiveness.
The information jogged her memory and Kikyo recalled Sesshomaru's terrible state when she had last seen him. Despite her body's lassitude, the gears inside her brain spun quadruple its usual speed as she gathered everything she could fathom up to this point.
Since she had intervened in the duel between Sesshomaru and Shishinki, the future where the Inu brothers were engulfed by the Meido was circumvented. A new path was opened up as the original diverted from its course. At least, that was what most would believe if they were told of the prophecy. However, Kikyo was no stranger to the twisted games that the cruel fate played. She hadn't forgotten about the peculiar and metaphoric vision she had seen when she was first brought to the west.
Vagueness couldn't properly describe it, for all she saw were two souls. There was one being submerged in an ocean of weapons while the other was caught on fire. The opportunity for many interpretations was great. It was so great that it left her with some clues as to what the images entailed. For starters, she was aware that her foreseeing ability would be riddled with ambiguity whenever the future had something to do with her.
Being the astute individual she was, she immediately hypothesized that Sesshomaru's potential demise was linked to her. If she was to believe that the first soul represented the Lord of the West, then it was likely that her vision was prophesying that he would perish from So'unga's corrosion.
To be killed by the treasure he had fussed so much about. Such was the quirk of fate, she supposed, and there was nothing she could do to change that fact even if she tried.
"—require your purification powers." Her mind returned to the present just in time to catch the end of Hibiki's statement. Although there was much from Masayoshi that she had missed, she had heard enough to pick up the conversation.
"You wish for me to purify the jaki. How preposterous," she scoffed and shook her head to emphasize displeasure. Some credits could be given for their candor, though that was about all that she could appreciate. The rest of their implication was leaving a convoluted taste in her mouth, especially considering the oath she had made with Takaharu. "Are you that desperate that you would seek the aid of your natural enemy, youkai?"
"Yes." If Hibiki was discontented with her cynicism, then his placid expression revealed nothing. Instead, he merely nodded before continuing. "I would've arranged for another provided there was one. Sadly, I see no other alternative. Even if we summon more professionals from the castle, they will never make it in time. Our lord's life is in jeopardy even as we speak. You have become our only means of solution. We have come to appeal to your generosity."
"You speak diplomatically. You've generated a sense of illusion that I have a choice in this matter. Yet, it is actually the opposite," Kikyo paused, her eyes drifting between the two demons. There was nothing that slipped past Hibiki's visage apart from his typical smile so she couldn't gather certainty from his reaction. However, the fact that Masayoshi was wringing his fingers in a discreet manner offered enough validation. "That is the reason why you have come here with the physician, is it not? Do you intend to kill me here if I refuse?"
"As much as it shames me, I'll confess that is the decision we've reached. I do loathe violence but it is sometimes a necessity in my line of work. However, you are not lacking in choice. You alone have the power to determine the course of three lives here."
"Three?" she reiterated, an eyebrow inching upward to betray the stoicism etched on her features.
"Myself included, for I have dedicated the remainder of my life to nurturing the next heir of this land. I'll strive to aid my best friend's son in any manner feasible." There was the likelihood of a fourth name to add, though he chose not to mention it. As someone who was peace-loving in nature, spewing forth such vile statements was already gnawing at his conscience. He didn't want to guilt-trip anyone further if he could prevent it.
Masayoshi seemed to have something on his mind that he wanted to get out, though Hibiki hushed him with a small wave of his arm, his green kimono fluttering.
"An admirable objective. Nonetheless, I've been prepared to forfeit my life upon pledging to a certain cause. Nothing is stopping me." With that declaration stemmed a steadfast purpose to act upon her words. The miko spoke in a collected tone, though what she intended to convince was a mystery to all aside for herself.
"This is not a test of willpower. I've passed a choice to you and I believe it is within your interest to safeguard the future of this world, miko — or should I address you as the Holy Entity?"
'As expected, he is intuitive.' There was a profound connotation from the chancellor that she didn't miss, which subsequently caused her eyebrows to furrow. "It is fanciful to believe that Sesshomaru will become the True Ruler mentioned in the legends."
"Yet, no one in centuries has accomplished what Sesshomaru has. You've seen it yourself. He has obtained So'unga and Tenseiga and secured two of the four kokuho. He needs only to gather the remaining treasures and attain the key from the Holy Entity," said Hibiki, placing additional stress on the last part as his index finger stretched out and hovered at level with the miko's heart.
'…There is nothing I can do for him.' The dismissive rejoinder was dancing on the tip of her tongue when she was cut short by a dismembered voice.
"Do not be so imprudent with your verdict, the keeper of four souls."
The comment was alluringly modulated, spoken in a tone that no earthly-bounded creature could ever hope to produce. If Kikyo didn't know better, then she would've thought that the speaker was standing beside her, captivatingly breathing out each syllable into her ears.
It would've been fine for Kikyo had the voice halted there. Nonetheless, there was more uttered and the content made the miko's blood freeze. Her body felt the impact of a tower collapsing on top of her. With her dilated pupils trembling, she bit her lip.
"Why? Why now of all times?" Her mumbling question was not directed at the two other occupants in the room, though it resonated through the walls and into the ears of Hibiki and Masayoshi.
"Uh, miko…" Masayoshi started but felt the words jam in his throat when he sensed the intense emotions that stirred from within the miko. As his curiosity dominated his uncertainties, he tapped into his ability and attempted to explore her realm of consciousness. His spirit shuddered from within her domain, unable to comprehend the severe magnitude of complexity that was locked inside. In all honesty, it was terrifying. Never before had he seen someone repressing their memories and emotions to such an extent.
When trying to cope with emotional trauma, humans had the tendency for two of the following. They might attempt to cleanse the related memories and move on. Or they might choose to seal the cause when even the sea of time couldn't wear it down.
It was dawning on the deer youkai that the miko had elected the second method in order to overwrite the emotions that could cloud her logic. Yet, what puzzled him was the sheer amount of memories that should've taken over centuries to gather.
'How is this capacity possible for a human? Mortals don't live this long.' There wasn't much time to search for the answer as the physician was forced out by a great impetus.
"Get out," Kikyo hissed with gritted teeth as she held a hand to her temple. Although she knew that Masayoshi had no ill intent, he had unknowingly released the memories that had been locked away in a dark corner.
The deer youkai gulped and cowered behind Hibiki, as if afraid that the woman would pounce from her seated position and strangle him.
While another might've taken her words literally and left the room, Hibiki could take another point of reference from the way that Masayoshi's antlers had momentarily shimmered with a soft green light. Taking a step forward and letting his body convey an apologetic stance, the chancellor of the west lowered his head a little. "Please pardon the intrusion. Masayoshi was too inconsiderate to pry. It won't happen again, I assure you."
Although genuine, his apology entered through one ear and came out in the other. Kikyo's focus lingered on the details she was told. Had the informant been anyone else, then she would've promptly reacted with sarcasm. However, the source was not someone she could take lightly, regardless of how ludicrous the words were. No, she certainly couldn't afford to ignore them, not when she knew that everything was dependent on Her — the observer's — every whim.
It was then that Kikyo realized she was trapped in an ugly dilemma. It was going to be a dead end no matter which path she took at the next crossroad. The reason why such important content was delivered now was beyond her human comprehension. All she could focus on in her current situation was a possible solution.
'It is now clear that Sesshomaru is the crucial element for the future. Until the new world establishes its order, he must be kept alive. If that's the case, then there are two things I must do... I'm sorry, Takaharu-dono. It looks like I won't be able to fulfill your wish.'
Having assimilated all the facts she knew about the past, present, and even the future, she made an effort to reassure herself that she wasn't without a plan. The solution she could think of began to take shape, fortifying itself with her desperation. While how much of it was influenced by something beyond her control was uncertain, though she prayed it was her own logic that was dictating the decision.
Not one to dawdle, she cemented her resolve and ignored the distractions that her memories were causing. When she removed her hand from her head, there was a sense of equanimity that was lacking moments prior. Her dark-colored eyes glistened with an immeasurable depth of intent.
"Alright, please escort me to your lord," she said to Hibiki. "I'll see what I can do for him."
"Ah, of course. This way." A smile descended on the chancellor's lips as he made a gesture towards the door. Although he was skeptical as to what had caused the miko's sudden shift in attitude, he decided not to articulate his concern and saved it for later speculations. After all, it was imprudent that they got her over to Sesshomaru as soon as possible.
With that, the elderly daiyoukai carefully held a hand out to the miko and assisted her with walking. The three of them journeyed in silence as they departed from the room and headed towards Sesshomaru's chambers in one of the towers.
More Author's Notes: Preview – Next time, a treasured item of the past re-establishes the connections between individuals as they question the impact time and fate had on them.
Until next time! Please remember that reviews and feedback are much welcomed!