Author's Notes: Hello, everyone! We are finally nearing the end of this mini-arc and with the completion of this chapter, I can officially say I've achieved one of the major 'fixes' that I wanted with Yashahime's story. As such, this chapter marks a critical moment for our favorite daiyoukai and miko!
ProtoAngelo: Yes, Inuyasha has finally moved on and we are now on a SessKik-centric chapter. I am also wondering if what you're guessing will happen is on the mark. Hope you'll enjoy this chapter. ;)
fabelliot: Thank you for your input on the battle. I had hoped that I hadn't gone overboard with the descriptions since there was a lot that I wanted to convey for that scene. Glad that you could envision the fight, though yes, it was long. I'll have to see if I can provide the images with fewer words next time.
Ah, haha… being mean to them isn't my intention but those two stubborn individuals need some promptings before they can be honest with themselves. But now that you've mentioned it, I do tend to throw them struggles one after another. Well, at least in this chapter, they can get a break, probably… ;P
Roxanela: Hi there. Thank you for reading this story. It is very long but I hope you're enjoying it.
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(No beta-reader for this chapter… hopefully only temporary.).
Chapter 54-Harmony of Two Souls! The Trial of Heaven!
Kagome: Everything started at the Tree of Ages.
Inuyasha: A world of dreams and lost souls.
Kagome: The strong bonds of love!
Inuyasha: A new hope and a promising future now begin!
Kagome: Under the Tree of Ages, a permanent connection is being made… Oh! Wait! What is Sesshomaru doing?!
Inuyasha: Naraku's defeat leads us on a new path!
Kagome: Through time and space to a whole new world!
Inuyasha Kagome: A fairy tale in the Warring States Era! Inuyasha!
Kikyo breathed in deeply as she was left alone with Sesshomaru.
The daiyoukai approached her, his steps like the stride of a panther — calm, confident, and powerful. His face was a perfect mask of stillness, giving the impression that no amount of turbulence would ever disturb his equanimity. His eyes, however, betrayed the slightest hint of unfathomable emotions as they fixed upon her.
"You've awakened, I see. That must be why the spirit deemed it proper to end the conversation."
"You spoke with her?" Kikyo inquired, her heart beating with restrained elation at the revelation that he hadn't left. Maintaining an air of nonchalance, she skillfully tamed the feeling. Her rationale took over and her mind clicked with understanding. Her and Inuyasha's lack of awareness regarding Sesshomaru's whereabouts was because he had been transported to the inner sanctum of the sacred tree, a space hidden from the mortal world and hence, outside their perception.
"I did." Despite his dispassionate reply, she detected annoyance lurking beneath.
She assumed he would terminate the exchange there, seeing as he wouldn't have understood her enough to grasp the true meaning behind her words. Her intention had never been to pose a question, but rather to prompt him into revealing more details.
To her surprise, he elaborated, "I sought to pry everything from her, yet she was only forthcoming when she wanted to be."
His golden orbs sharpened to reveal a glint. Clenching and unclenching his dominant hand, he seemed to be trying to subdue the impulse to unsheathe his weapon and sever the tree in twain. "Hmph. That spirit is as obstinate as her looks imply."
Instead of directly reacting to his thinly veiled jibe, she retaliated from another angle. "So your endeavor has yielded no better results than mine. I must admit, I expected you to have severed the Goshinboku from its roots by now."
"Tempting," Sesshomaru conceded, although she was inadvertently incorrect in this instance. His attempts were more fruitful than hers, though that was a fact she did not need to know just yet.
In a rare occurrence, he found a flicker of amusement swirling inside him. Intriguingly enough, Kikyo seemed to have a pacifying effect on him regardless of the circumstances. Her ability to bring out his emotions so effortlessly was fascinating. It was evidence of her profound familiarity with him and her keen understanding of who he truly was.
"Yet it still stands," she commented softly, a hand straying to her chest as she inhaled deeply. "May I ask why?"
"The sacred tree is unwilling to divulge all the knowledge I seek. But for the moment, it serves as a more useful asset while still alive."
Pragmatic as he was, the miko knew that he would not tolerate uncooperativeness indefinitely. Should the spirit end up trying to exploit him, his leniency would evaporate like a dew droplet under the intense sun. With the sacred tree rooted in the same spot, returning to eradicate it if necessary would be well within his capabilities.
Oblivious to Kikyo's internal assessment, Sesshomaru moved closer to the tree, treading with extra care to avoid stepping on the woman beneath it. It required every last shred of willpower to keep his steps normal, for his shattered soul throbbed with the remnant of an inner agony.
Was this the torment that Kikyo had to go through upon splitting her soul? His movements were stiffer than he could ever imagine, labored by the incompleteness of his soul. The wounds inflicted by So'unga felt superficial and fleeting in comparison, for the internal injury he had allowed the spirit to etch upon him was relentlessly draining him of his life force. Yet, he pushed through the pain with sheer determination, opting to ignore it while reminding himself that it was a necessary sacrifice to save Kikyo.
Placing his hand upon the smooth bark, he traced the mark left by the spiritual arrow, a remnant of the fifty-year-long seal that had been shattered. He could still feel the leftover power resonating from it. Such raw power. He had sensed a similar imprint from the embodiment of the Tree of Ages, and a slight trace of it emanated from the woman before him. This further corroborated his suspicions, confirmed during his dialogue with the divine being: Kikyo was weakening, her vital force slowly but surely siphoned away by an invisible, insidious poison that was this world.
Suppressing the strong urge to reprimand her for her impetuousness, he set aside his frustration while using some to fuel him. Being one who seized opportunities, he wouldn't let emotions get in his way. For the little test he had in mind, he would feign ignorance for a moment longer.
"Forget about the spirit," he declared, his golden orbs locking with her pair of mahoganies. "It should be the least of your concerns, for your imminent demise is upon you."
Despite his emotionless monotone, Kikyo knew him enough to discern the subtle concern concealed beneath the surface. Whether the sentiment stemmed from a fleeting whim or genuine regard for her status as a warrior was unclear, but a wave of bliss washed over her. However, she did not allow it to cloud her focus. Matching his dispassion, she concurred, "Such is the way of things. I won't be for much longer. Reality itself views me as an anomaly that must be eliminated. Every moment, my body crumbles further, a constant reminder of the inevitable eventuality."
"Bide longer in this realm, and you will perish. You must return whence you came from."
"Indeed," Kikyo said, her voice barely above a whisper. Though her words suggested acceptance, the frown marring her delicate features showed she was far from content with the situation. On the contrary, the impending time constraint infuriated her, particularly when she was struggling to formulate a means that would allow her to circumvent her problems and prolong her stay.
"How peculiar. I assumed you had faced perils to reach this point. Yet, the mere idea of death is sufficient to make you hesitant and contemplate surrender," the daiyoukai uttered, the faintest shadow of a frown creasing his brows before they quickly returned to their usual position.
"Understanding one's limits is crucial. I acknowledge that I cannot defy the inherent nature of this realm. If withdrawing presents the chance of triumph, then I shall do so. Naturally, I harbor no inclination to surrender. I will return, however many times necessary, to attain my objective," she declared.
To preserve her sanity and determination, she opted to remain willfully ignorant of the possibility that the option to travel back and forth might be out of reach. She might have an inkling on how to return to her world, yet lacked the means to persuade the Lord of the Netherworld to permit her another chance.
Pulling one leg closer to herself, she draped her arm over it, a posture that could be interpreted as a display of assurance. Her brown orbs seared into his, blazing with unwavering determination as she continued, "I made a vow to someone dear not long ago, and I plan to honor it to the best of my ability. You may call it cowardice, but staying put and imperiling my soul would be a fool's errand."
A brief glimmer rippled through Sesshomaru's eyes, but it disappeared so swiftly that it eluded careful inspection. Even if upholding her words was primarily the reason for her caution, it demonstrated she was learning to value her life, albeit minimally. He acknowledged it as a step in the right direction, though he was more practical than sentimental to be fully content with that.
"How?" Another might have been perplexed by his cryptic one-word question, but she was astute enough to comprehend his meaning. It was just one of the many reasons why he cherished her company. With her, he didn't need to waste senseless time with lengthy elaborations and could get straight to the point.
"Tenseiga…" Her words trailed off as she sought the right words to articulate her thoughts. She adjusted herself, returning her leg to its former stance and gently resting her hand upon her chest. "The one within me, is the sole tether to my world. I was told that it may be the only means of my return. Alas, the finer details prove elusive, courtesy of the spirit."
Despite the information being extremely relevant and crucial for her, Sesshomaru was the one who was offered the greater knowledge about such matters. Given what he knew now, he speculated that the Tree of Ages didn't want the woman to be in a state of modification, lest she became distracted by the prospect.
'Hmph. Only a fool would underestimate her.' Derision sprouted, as he was confident in Kikyo's brilliant analytic mind. She should have little problem comprehending the significance and potential solution that their union would offer.
Through a similar ability to So'unga, the Tenseiga from Sesshomaru's original world had extended its power in the form of an ephemeral thread. One end was connected to the sword that was left in the Netherworld, while the other end was seamlessly intertwined with Kikyo's soul. In theory, by tracing this thread, she could find her way back. However, the current linkage proved precarious, tantamount to treading on a tightrope's edge. A single misstep could lead to her soul being lost in oblivion. To ensure her safe return, the wielder of the true Tenseiga would need to strengthen the thread's durability and widen the portal's entrance.
In essence, Kikyo was stranded in this realm without Sesshomaru's involvement, as he would need to anchor the connection to safeguard her return. From this perspective, it was as though Tenseiga had zero intention of letting her return unless she had managed to bring him along.
His expression hardened, his eyebrows furrowing. 'Reckless' barely encapsulated the imprudent conduct she had displayed. Without a strategy in mind, she had placed herself in an untenable position, where her only lifeline was him regaining his memories before this world eradicated her existence. Mixed emotions churned within him, seeking release. On one hand, her audacity was undoubtedly admirable. Yet, her blatant disregard for caution and eagerness to risk herself provoked intense rage.
With deliberate effort, he reined in his mounting anger by reminding himself to prioritize reason over emotion. Reestablishing his connection with his sword became paramount, as it was the key to rescuing Kikyo from the detrimental effects of this world. To achieve this, his soul would delve deep into hers to find Tenseiga — or as the spirit had put it, to "become one with her".
"The spirit knows. Tenseiga remains mine, regardless of the circumstances. Only I, Sesshomaru, can unleash its true potential. Your return demands the reawakening of the blade that slumbers within you, for its rightful place is in my possession." With a pause for effect, Sesshomaru tilted his head slightly, his searing gaze boring into Kikyo as he delivered the announcement that would've made anyone with lesser self-confidence stutter. "Our bodies and souls must unite, for that is the catalyst for this process."
Kikyo's visage flickered with bemusement before it morphed into utter astonishment. It was a stark contrast to the constant weariness that had etched itself upon her features since the clash with So'unga. Her eyelids fluttered rapidly, her mind lagging in comprehending the implications of his words. A poor attempt at humor would have been the only plausible explanation if she didn't recognize the serious nature of the daiyoukai and the spirit. Her eyebrows arched in disbelief, and her mouth wordlessly opened and closed.
When she finally found her voice, it emerged as an unsure murmur. "... I would never have imagined... The particulars are quite... should I say, convenient for her."
'It seems she was being literal...' It was now obvious to her that "the strength born from their union" was not merely a metaphor. Unable to meet his gaze, she found her eyes darting restlessly until finally settling on the ground, which she suddenly deemed the most fascinating thing in the world.
Even with her concerted efforts, she couldn't entirely suppress the faintest tinge of red from suffusing her cheeks. Shaking her head and trying to regain some composure, she noticed Sesshomaru was watching her with his usual stoic expression. Much to her chagrin, she couldn't mimic his composure. 'How is he able to remain so unfazed even now?'
"What's the matter, miko? Your earlier conviction cannot merely be idle words. Your doom has been averted, should that not fill you with joy?"
For some reason, Kikyo detected a discreet note in his words, as if he was engaging in some covert jesting. She rapidly dismissed the idea. Her own Sesshomaru might have done such a thing for his petty pride to gain the upper hand in their banters, but she saw no motive for this version besides her to act that way. Despite the dismissal, a glimmer of curiosity remained as to why he seemed supportive of their union. Was it possible that he was genuinely endorsing their intimate connection?
"Sesshomaru," she began, speaking in a hushed tone. A rare knot of embarrassment held her back, but her drive for answers proved stronger. "... Do you have any idea what the true nature of this union is?"
"Are you doubting my knowledge?" His first response was to emit a scoff, a sign that he was offended. Yet, the low decibel of his response caught her off-guard, fueling to her suspicions. As unpretentious as it was, she noted it as a fraction too soft. It gave the impression that he was more entertained by the notion, rather than truly affronted.
"Do no doubt me, Kikyo." His voice took on a deep rumble, and his golden orbs flared with heated intensity. "Or would you prefer I provide a tangible demonstration to convince you otherwise?"
If Sesshomaru's words weren't enough to prompt bewilderment, then his action was. All her thought processes came to a complete halt as he moved, lowering himself to match her level without a care for the dirt marring his pristine white hakama as one knee touched the ground. Slowing down his motion to allow for a gentle grace, he reached for her kosode, his fingers taking an edge with the clear purpose of peeling the fabric away and exposing her skin to him.
The deliberate, measured pace of his movements afforded Kikyo a brief hiatus to adjust to the unfolding scenario. Her heart fluttered with a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty, though fleetingly, the notion of relinquishing control crossed her mind. However, before that perilous idea could take root, a timely realization struck, compelling her to intercept his hand with a resolute grip, effectively halting his advance.
"Sesshomaru…" In a cautious yet tender gesture, she extended her other hand towards his cheek, her brown eyes glistening. No objection was made, yet the contact didn't summon any warmth through her fingertips as it should have. Ignoring the loss of sensation, her fingers grazed over his magenta stripes with a familiar cadence, taking note of the subtle way he leaned into her touch. At that very moment, any trace of ambiguity vanished without a trace. Her arm dropped to her side, but her other hand remained fiercely gripped around his wrist, refusing to release him.
"How long?" All other emotions gave way to vexation, her gaze turning stern with a piercing look aimed at the not-so-stranger.
Straight away, it was like a spell had been broken, as the recognition he had kept concealed flooded in at full force. It became apparent on his dazzling face that he could remember her, and it did not escape her that there was also a sparkle of merriment in his eyes.
"Just prior to meeting the spirit within her domain," he answered with a cool composure, seemingly unperturbed by her glower. If he had inherited even a whiff of his mother's quirky tendencies, then he might have allowed himself a muted chuckle. Instead, he withdrew his hand from her now loosened grasp and graced her with an arrogant smirk. "Your enlightenment arrived rather tardily, Kikyo."
The emphasis did not slip away undetected, not when she realized it was the second time he had said her name during the exchange. The annoyance aimed at him was redirected at herself as she noted that her realization should have clicked earlier. This world's Sesshomaru was not familiar with her. He would never have referred to her as anything other than 'woman' or 'human'. Recognizing this, she concluded that his alleged unfamiliarity with her was a test of her wit on his part. However, lacking the context, she couldn't help but wonder what she had done to provoke such a sudden assessment from him.
Seemingly aware of her internal musings, he added, "Your decision to come here, despite being aware of the risks, is troubling. It is a level of impulsivity that I would expect from the likes of Inuyasha, rather than you... Nonetheless, unlike the one devoid of any, you seem to have retained some measure of sagacity."
"Of course," she retorted, a subtle huff escaping her lips to accompany the scowl that lacked the depth of a true grudge. Inwardly, there was only exasperated resignation towards his opportunist tendencies. "Only you would take the time to assess my skills, without any situational awareness altogether—!"
The last syllable had just been articulated when her frown rapidly shifted into a pained grimace as her body convulsed in violent shudders. Without any control, her hands instinctively crossed over her shoulders as she feebly hugged herself. It was a meaningless action, a vain attempt to alleviate the excruciating pain ravaging her soul.
Sesshomaru's muscles became taut as consternation consumed him. His instincts kicking into overdrive, he grabbed her trembling shoulders, attempting to steady her. Meanwhile, his mokomoko slithered from behind him and encircled her fragile form, seeking to provide both warmth and protection against further maladies.
Time seemed to slow to a near halt as they both endured the excruciating seconds ticking by. For all his power, Sesshomaru could only watch, feeling utterly powerless as she thrashed in pain, her body shuddering intermittently while her left arm suddenly flopped limply onto the ground.
Amidst the distress, a faint rustling sound echoed from the sacred tree above them. A single leaf descended from its branches. It gently landed near Kikyo, flashing with an ethereal radiance that went unnoticed.
Kikyo took several deep, labored breaths, feeling a sense of relief as the tremulous spasms subsided to a more bearable level. Opening her eyes, her surroundings came into focus, and her gaze found Sesshomaru, who emanated concern without the need for words. She forced an encouraging smile on her features as she tried to downplay her condition. "It's alright, Sesshomaru, I'll be fine."
The skeptical look he shot her was enough to convey that he wasn't buying her reassurances for a second. In truth, she knew she fell far short of convincing even a five-year-old with her pale countenance and wavering voice. It wouldn't be surprising if Sesshomaru considered her deception an insult. Her facade finally crumbled as she gave up the charade; the upward curve of her lips dissolved, replaced by weariness as she closed her eyes.
"I may have overextended myself during the battle," she admitted, her voice drifting to a whisper. "But I do believe this body will endure. It must…"
She had intended to adjust her position in search of some comfort, but her plans were abruptly halted by the grim comprehension that her left arm no longer responded to her desires. Alarm bells rang in her mind as she desperately commanded her limb to move, but her brain's attempts were met with utter failure. Her left arm hung lifelessly, paralyzed despite her efforts to provoke any form of motion. The stark reality of its sudden paralysis sent a shiver of unease creeping down her spine.
Sesshomaru observed as her gaze shifted to her limp arm, the furrowing of her brow conveying a mixture of confusion and worry. The implication was apparent: the spirit's warnings were unfolding. They had even less time than he had originally presupposed.
"Kikyo, no longer will you need to endure. The answer to your plight lies here, with this Sesshomaru," he stated firmly as he grasped her chin and guided it into the proper alignment for him to lean in seamlessly. Softly, his lips caressed hers, and their bodies drew closer, their heartbeats syncing in unison with a harmonious tempo.
Kikyo relished in the warmth blossoming from their contact, the spark igniting a path of heat through her being. However, the flutter of uncertainty still danced across her heart, clouding her passion with tentativeness. There was an ambivalence towards the daiyoukai's behavior, mixed with the struggle to fully grasp the miracle that brought her Sesshomaru back to her.
In contrast, Sesshomaru was more eager and assertive to partake in the zealous dance of their tongues. His uncompromising ardor burned, blazing with a need he hadn't known was there for the longest of times. It might have only been a few years for her — that she was in a coma for much of the duration — but for him, centuries had passed since he last felt her. Pulling back to allow a brief interval for her to catch her breath, he returned to her lips, yearning to reclaim what he had been denied for so long.
He eventually drew back, aware that he would need to proceed. His hand gravitated towards her robes, seeking to resume his pursuit. Deftly loosening the fold of her clothing, he glimpsed smooth, unblemished skin near her shoulder. The absence of a scar reminded him that this body was merely a borrowed vessel. Before he could explore further, Kikyo halted his progress, her right hand grabbing his wrist again.
Being met with refusal through the same gesture made the daiyoukai grapple with a surge of annoyance, a comparison to his earlier mirth. While he had accepted her rejection the last time, knowing she was still coming to terms with his resurgence as the daiyoukai she was familiar with, her current reason baffled him. Only his self-discipline restricted a growl from being emitted. Had it been anyone else, then he would've responded with hostility. But for Kikyo, he wore a raised eyebrow to portray his perplexity, while complying with her wishes and halting his advances.
"What's the matter? Fret not about privacy. No one shall disturb us anymore." Assertiveness resonated from his tone, being a hallmark of his character. But his claim was not baseless; he had issued a demand to the Tree of Ages prior, commanding that a kekkai be erected on his return to the real world, lest unwanted interlopers like Inuyasha intruded.
Certainly, he had not anticipated the half-demon's presence upon his arrival, and his scent lingered in the area after his recent departure. At the notion that he was still likely nearby, a part of Sesshomaru entertained the fleeting thought of the half-breed witnessing their intimate moment. While the image of his flabbergasted reaction held a certain appeal, the daiyoukai did not doubt that the hot-headed fool would charge at him, sword in hand, and hurl accusations. The ensuing disturbance was not worth it, particularly since he was disinclined to allow further interactions between Inuyasha and his miko.
Yet, he must have misjudged the source of Kikyo's hesitation. She continued to retreat, further distancing herself by shuffling back with her one good arm until her back was pressed into the trunk. When she realized that was as far as she could go, she tightened her kosode around her, employing it as an additional barrier. Despite her physical withdrawal, her unwavering gaze fixed on him as she revealed, "Sesshomaru, I must confess that I harbor some reservations."
"Elaborate."
He was so close that she could feel his warm breath on her skin. The woman's side of her yearned for the intimate escalation, yet her rationale held her back. There were matters requiring to be addressed before they could proceed, or else she knew guilt would follow. "I will, but only after you explain why you suddenly wish for… this? Why do you feel the need for this connection, now of all times?"
The way she tossed questions right back at him was enough to make his patience falter, though he curbed his rising vexation and kept an outer calm. "It should be apparent. Your life is in peril, and there are scarce options."
His reply earned a small frown from her, followed by a shake of her head. "Your concern for me is touching. However, that very thought is the reason my mind remains indecisive. I once told myself I would respect your choices and never repeat the cruelty of disregarding your feelings. If we are to… become one, then I cannot acquiesce to the possibility of my demise forcing your hand. That would be no different than watching you bend to the whims of another, simply because a blade hangs over my neck."
Sesshomaru inwardly scoffed, recognizing the tendency of women to complicate simple matters. It seemed even the astute Kikyo was sometimes susceptible to such complexities. With an internal sigh, echoing the miko's habit of expressing exasperation, he took it upon himself to cut through her worries, using words as his metaphorical sword. "Don't be absurd. Have I ever been beholden to anyone's will? I, Sesshomaru, have always followed my desires and this is no exception. Do not delay us with nonsensical fears, Kikyo. I have longed for this union for eons."
His ascension as the ruler of the Western Realm certainly felt eons ago, and perchance it was because it had been a lifetime ago. Looking back, the notion of selecting the headstrong woman as the future Lady of the West had already taken hold in his mind when he had been the young Inu prince, and with it came the inevitable promise of their consummate.
For many youkai, seldom was the act done out of love as most pursued intimacy for pleasure or to sire an heir. Love was an ambiguous concept, and as the miko had once stated, only humans had the propensity to squander time on the sensation. However, perhaps it was because he had selected a human woman to mate that he found himself wondering if the term perfectly encapsulated his present desires. Although he would never outwardly use that terminology, he couldn't deny that he was captivated by her. No, it was more than that. He yearned for her — and only her — as his lifelong partner, now and evermore.
"Sesshomaru…" For all her honed self-control, Kikyo's heart raced within her chest, its chaotic rhythm only accelerating further at the notion of what she was planning. Releasing all tension in her body, she let her physical and mental defenses dissolve completely. "If this is truly what you want, then our desires are aligned. I am yours, and you belong to me. Show me, Sesshomaru. Show me what you wish to do."
Kikyo might be a woman of swift decisiveness when the moment called for it but at heart, Sesshomaru knew of her placid temperament. If not pushed, she was content to remain passive. In other words, there were situations where he would need to take the initiative, and this moment presented a prime example. Lacking any experience in this department, she was left at a loss for what to do, yet was willing to relinquish control, entrusting him to take the lead.
He didn't plan to disappoint.
"Good, Kikyo. Let us mark this moment of transience, and create an indelible memory." An air of authority poised with his deep voice, though there was also a wave of gentleness reserved exclusively for her ears.
In any other circumstance, Kikyo might have been tempted to make a quip about Sesshomaru's penchant for theatrics. But on this occasion, she allowed his words to settle, the weight and depth of each syllable resounding within her. Her pulse quickened further, and momentarily, she was rendered speechless.
Pulling herself together, she responded with equal gravitas, mimicking his elaborate speech in commemoration of the miracle she had conjured for his sake. "Sesshomaru, come what may… for whatever path the future lays out for us, I shall cherish this moment of transient bliss for all eternity."
With that, there was no need for more discussions, and their souls soon found each other in a harmonious union.
As the first tendrils of sunlight began to creep over the horizon, the avatar of the Goshinboku manifested her semi-transparent form to regard the two beneath the protective boughs of the Tree of Ages. Upon the Beast King's order, a night free from intrusion had been granted, affording them a secluded sanctuary to rest in.
Presently, such an arrangement was no longer needed, as the bodies would remain motionless without a soul. But for the spirit and, by extension, the world itself, the foreign miko's soul no longer held significance. Instead, the embodiment of the sacred tree had received a new task that would command her focus for the forthcoming ten months or so. Two new lifeforms were to be nurtured within the womb of the vessel that she had temporarily bestowed upon the outworlder.
In general, hybrids born from a demon and a human were an uncommon occurrence. Notwithstanding that the two were usually at odds with each other, the process of mingling their blood to create a life was not easy. At foremost, their reproductive cycles did not always align, given their differing lifespans and species. In addition, nature was unforgiving in this regard, deeming mixed breeds abnormal. Thus, very few were fortunate enough to reach adulthood, as only a small subset was blessed with great potential and escaped genetic defects.
Nevertheless, the spirit of the Tree of Ages was confident in the conception of the twins to come. They had gained the favor of the heavens, and as the spirit whose task was to preserve the living, she would devote herself to nurturing and preparing for their impending arrival into the world.
As the tree's roots gathered the husk into the interior realm in the same manner as they had once done with the soul that had been the host, the spirit lifted her head to address the silent heavens.
"If my predictions hold true," she intoned, "the Grim Comet will eventually come crashing to Earth in the Reiwa Era. Half-demon princesses, born from the all-powerful daiyoukai and the miko who defied natural laws, will bear the responsibility of obliterating the foreign entity that does not belong in that place."
Still, that was a vision for future considerations. At present, her presence was required for the Beast King's endeavors, and she would provide support if appropriate. The future mother's role might be dispensable, yet the future father would hold a pivotal position alongside the Lord of the East, Kirinmaru. Unquestionably, this world would not allow Sesshomaru to leave until destiny's purpose for him was fulfilled.
Thus, the Goshinboku would offer them a glimmer of hope, provided they could conquer the lifetime parting that preceded it.
When you have something precious you must protect
But you can only stand rooted to the ground, not knowing what to do
Or when you lose all your possibilities and let darkness envelop you
And you're about to be swallowed up in your despair
I will become the light to shine your path
Even the king of this world cannot block me out
So, everything that makes me whole
I will dedicate them all to you now
I'm Yours
- My Dearest (Guilty Crown OP by Supercell)
Kagome: Kikyo's journey here is coming to an end. Sesshomaru's link with Tenseiga gives him the power to open the door to their world. Now, they have one more choice to make!
Kikyo: "You must understand that returning with me would mean renouncing all you have here."
Sesshomaru: "Mere stiffness won't hinder me in the slightest."
Spirit of the Tree of Ages: "She must, else your stay will be eternal."
Kagome: Next on Inuyasha, "Generations of Passing! The Trial of Heaven!".
Kikyo: "That time is not yet upon us."
More Author's Notes: Other than the extremely questionable decision to make Rin the mother in Yashahime, the lack of logic and flow in the story was, in my opinion, a disgrace. For instance, how is Setsuna able to use abilities related to spiritual powers? The show states that Miroku taught her, but from my understanding of the canon, the implication is that these powers are most likely inherited (Kikyo and Kaede, the twin miko apprentices, Miroku and his children, Kagome and her shrine-related background as well as her with Moroha, etc.) As far as we know, Rin hasn't shown any powers: she is an ordinary girl and her role in the series for Sesshomaru reflects that. With Sesshomaru being a full-fledged demon, it's obvious that the spiritual powers had to come from the mother.
Anyway, that is my take on this 'phenomenon', and I hope this chapter has been a worthwhile read.
There is one last chapter to wrap this arc up.
Until next time!