InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ An Unexpected Love ❯ A Thief in the Night ( Chapter 9 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Yukisan 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Action / Romance / Hentai / Drama / Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 09.21.2007 | Updated On: 10.22.2007 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.8K | Visits: 608 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Action / Romance / Hentai / Drama / Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 09.21.2007 | Updated On: 10.22.2007 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.8K | Visits: 608 | Status: Work In Progress
~ . o . O . o . ~
An Unexpected Love
Chapter Nine : A Thief in the Night
~ . o . O . o . ~
"It is Lord Sesshoumaru's wishes, Yumi. You must go back inside. Tend to the guests
and make sure that they do not interfere." Ichiro's tone left no room for arguing.
She nodded her understanding and turned to open the door. Yumi sighed deeply, "I am
in love with you, Ichiro, but if you can not return those feelings than I understand. When
Lord Sesshoumaru marries Lady Kagome, I will give you a choice; we will either tell him
about our affair or I can no longer see you." Her words were short and stung the demon
captain as he could only stare at the shut door.
Although he did not want to lose Yumi, his first duty was to his lord. Whatever
Sesshoumaru was planning was not what it appeared to be, Ichiro had learned that much
from his time with the demon. He would have to resolve his conflict with Yumi later.
~ . o . O . o . ~
The duo was silent as they penetrated the south end of Sesshoumaru's barrier. The dark
of night cloaked any visible movements, making it easier to complete their objective.
Kikyou was still furious over Inuyasha's lack of understanding, but she could not
completely explain the situation herself. The moment she sat foot within the barrier, this
feeling was overwhelming. She felt the same pull that Kagome must have felt. The pull
of pure shards. The question was, how had shards come to rest within Sesshoumaru's
castle? 'Had Naraku been telling the truth when he said that Sesshoumaru desired the
shards? And if this is so, then how can the shards still be pure and why can no one else
sense them?' Kikyou's mind raced with questions, none to which she could answer.
A sudden scream caught their ears and the two turned in the source's direction. Kikyou
immediately leaped into action, leading a slightly bewildered hanyou. She should have
kept a closer eye on Kagome. The fact that the girl's fate had been intricately woven
with theirs sorrowed the dead woman. Yet there was still nothing she could do, it was
Fate's decision.
The fighting couple came into view within seconds. Kikyou suddenly stopped and pulled
Inuyasha to the side with her. They hid among the brush, watching as the two continued
to fight. Both were amazed at their speed and then realized that Kagome was actually
sparing with the demonic lord. It surprised both the hanyou and the dead human to see
someone hold their own against Sesshoumaru. Especially a human.
Sesshoumaru's sword swooped down, clipping the female in the arm. Her scream echoed
out again as she fell to the ground. Kikyou kept a handful of the Fire Rat robe clutched in
her hand. Inuyasha could not disturb them. There was something else going on and
Kikyou needed to understand first. She needed to know why there were pure shards
here. And why Naraku had not taken action. They watched Sesshoumaru quickly move
to Kagome's side. His bleeding body was now visible to their watchful eyes. The stench
of their mixing blood reached for over a mile, forcing Inuyasha to cover his mouth.
The two sat there until the sun began to rise. Kikyou quickly ordered Inuyasha to enter
the castle and look for the others, "Make sure that you check everywhere for Naraku. I
know he will be here. I will stay and keep a watch." He nodded but reluctantly left.
The miko knew that the last breaking would be soon. She could feel it in her undead
bones. Suddenly another youkai woman appeared beside the couple, a cup in each
hand. The miko immediately understood that they were too late even if they had wanted
to stop it. Kagome's fate had been sealed and Kikyou could not keep her safe from
Naraku any longer. Just like Sesshoumaru could not keep her safe from the jewel. It
had come full circle.
The clay woman observed the scene before her. Kagome was still in Sesshoumaru's
arms, and both were clearly in pain. The inu-female held a cup out to Sesshoumaru, who
in turn held his hand out over the drink. Blood dripped from his fingers and, as it mixed
with the liquid, created a purple smoke. That cup was placed aside as another one
appeared. Kagome repeated the same actions as Sesshoumaru, but when her blood was
mixed, the smoke was a light blue. The servant took the two cups and then combined
them with each other, handing one to Sesshoumaru and then Kagome.
Both drank greedily and then a powerful ripple exploded from the two, knocking Seika
down and carrying the girl's scream across the plains. Kikyou could see the energies
around her; youki and reiki fighting each other before both wrapped themselves around
her body in a flurry of blues and purples. They vanished before she passed out from the
pain. However, the lord took it better than Kikyou thought. Although he did not pass
out, he did briefly howl in agony.
Kikyou had never seen a breaking and thought that they were only myths that the elder
priests made up in order to scare any who wished for a relationship with a youkai. But
she also remembered that such a ritual was required when there was large amounts of
spiritual power between the two.
Movement caught her eye as Sesshoumaru stood with a limp Kagome in his arms and
disappeared.
~ . o . O . o . ~
The morning sun had already been up for several hours before the group sat down for breakfast.
Sango was accompanied by Shippou and Rin as they met Miroku at the entrance. They had stayed
up late last night, waiting on Kagome and Sesshoumaru. Talk was light as they sat themselves
down. Several minutes passed before Yumi entered from the kitchen, followed by three more
human women, each carrying a large plate of food; bread, ham and bacon, and fluffy eggs.
Rin's excitement was as apparent as Miroku's and Shippou's. Sango smiled at their display but
when Yumi tried to exit with the others, the taijiya called out to her. "Yumi, do you know anything
about Kagome?"
The girl stood still for a moment, facing the gang of friends her new master had acquired. "Lady
Kagome is fine. She is resting today. She might be up for visitors tomorrow. The lord will be able
to see you in the library in the next couple of hours." She formally bowed, leaving the group to
stare at her strange actions.
"Do you think I said something wrong, Miroku?" Sango looked across the table, meeting his eyes
as he swallowed a mouthful of meat.
He shook his head before replying. "No, I believe not. It seems that something is bothering Yumi.
As it appears, the ritual went well, however when we see Sesshoumaru we will know more."
Sango nodded her agreement. "Yes, I suppose so."
They finished their meal in moderate silence; the children's antics were the only sounds that
echoed in the grand dining room. Within the hour, the group had migrated to the large library,
meeting Yumi and Makoto with news of Kagome's safety. Just as they began to settle in, the door
burst open and Inuyasha came barging in.
"Inuyasha?" Miroku exclaimed as he stood up. "Where have you been?" Sango stood behind the
monk, ready for the hanyou's anger to boil to the surface. "Please, sit down, Inuyasha. We must
talk."
The silver haired man sat in the opposing chair. Shippou was asked to entertain Rin while they
spoke, so the two disappeared into the stacks of books. He waited until they were out of sight
before he began his questioning. "Tell me what happened? Have you seen Kagome yet? Where is
Sesshoumaru?"
"Calm down, Inuyasha, we have yet to see or speak with either." Miroku spoke earnestly. Even
Sango could tell the hanyou was panicking. "Tell me where Kikyou is?"
"Kikyou? I'm not sure, I left her outside when I went to check for Naraku." He replied as he
scanned the room.
The two couldn't tell if he was still under the dead woman's spell or not, but they were too nervous
to let him see Kagome, especially in the condition she would be in.
Jaken entered the room and squawked when he saw Inuyasha. "What is he doing here?" Sango
and Miroku both rolled their eyes.
"Jaken-sama!" Rin's voice echoed from above. Everyone looked up to see the young girl as the
door opened and shut again.
Kikyou cleared her throat, drawing every eye in the room. Her pupils focused on Jaken. "I demand
to speak with Sesshoumaru now."
"How rude! What makes you think--"
"Just do it," Inuyasha cut him off. The toad looked from one to the other, turning his body each
time his vision switch before running out through the door.
~ . o . O . o . ~
It was harder on Kagome than he would have liked, but Sesshoumaru felt better knowing
that she was safe now. If at least for only now. He sat silently watching her sleep. The
transformation was beginning and he could already see the effects of his youki. The light
blue stripes beginning to appear on her cheeks and hands. His thoughts wondered to
where else they may have manifested but set it aside for a later pursuit.
The door opened and Seika walked in with a tray. Two cups were all that were needed.
She sat on the edge of the bed, across from the lord and took Kagome's hand. "Her
vitals and breathing are normal. I think she can take this dose on time."
Sesshoumaru nodded his approvement and took his own glass, quickly downing the
liquid, before waking Kagome. "My love," he spoke gently as he picked her up off the
bed, "it is time for your next dose. Drink this."
Kagome's eyes fluttered open and met with his golden ones. She nodded her
understanding before consuming the whole thing and falling back into a deep sleep. He
could see the ribbons of power wind around her then disappear.
"I added a spoon of ground ashitaba for help with the wounds."
He nodded again as he laid her back down. "Thank you, Seika."
Suddenly, the door flew open. "Lord Sesshoumaru, the dead priestess Kikyou wishes to
have an audience with you. She is waiting in the library."
He turned away from the sleeping form and quickly approached the kappa. His jaw was
clenched, and both Jaken and Seika could tell that Sesshoumaru was not a happy demon
at the moment. "Very well. Go make sure that they do not wander about. I shall be
there soon."
Jaken nodded and then left as quickly as he came. Sesshoumaru turned to the servant,
locking eyes with the woman before moving them to Kagome. "How long will it take
Kagome to recover?" His golden orbs never left her face.
"Maybe two to three days. It is still too early to tell but it will not be seven days. She
will need the medicine every four hours until she can walk again." There was a pause
before she spoke again. "If you don't mind my asking," she waited for his nod before
continuing, "why did the ceremony take longer than we expected?"
"The jewel and Kagome's reiki were fighting together, and much harder than I
anticipated. Although it took me longer to quell her power, it was significantly stronger
and took more hits before breaking. If she had been weaker then it would have been
shorter, but I am pleased with how things turned out." He smiled. "She was much more
powerful than she let on. I'm not even sure she knows the true extent of what lies within
her." It was true. More than once Sesshoumaru thought that she was going to kill him
from the amount of purifying energy that exploded from her fingers. "You will stay and
keep watch over her until I return." The lord stood and disappeared from the dark room,
the sliding door cut off the two inside.
~ . o . O . o . ~
Kikyou had had a lot of time to dwell on the reasons behind the demon's actions. And
then suddenly, everything became clear. Sesshoumaru's actions made sense in a twisted
way and by the time she arrived in the parlor, the miko knew exactly what she would
say. "You honestly believed that Sesshoumaru would marry Kagome because he had
feelings for her? You two know the courtly rules as well as anyone," she spoke, pointing
at Sango and Miroku. "Kagome would be ripped to shreds for just being a priestess, so
that leaves you to ask why is Sesshoumaru marrying someone that is that dangerous to
him?"
Sango tried to keep her anger intact, but the dead miko had taken it too far. "What the
hell are you talking about?" she exploded.
"Can you not feel it? The pulse of the sacred shards." She grinned, tipping her head
slightly. "Hmmmm, I feel four and they are even pure. Now, what could pure shards be
doing in a place like this I wonder?" The woman was obviously gloating.
"What is it you know, Kikyou?" Miroku questioned. It was time to stop playing games.
"Although he had control over Kagome, how do you suppose Sesshoumaru was able to
cloak them from my eyes or even Naraku's?"
The two quickly exchanged glances. How had Naraku come into the equation?
She laughed at their confusion but it was not common knowledge, not even to a houshi
or taijiya. "He had help. Help of an ancient kind. How did you think he was able to cross
through the well? Magic?" She laughed again, but this time it was much louder. She
was enjoying herself.
"Sesshoumaru has not only gained an important ally, but he has gained the ability to not
taint any fragment he may come across. You have handed him a power that we can not
take away. It is his for eternity, coursing through his veins. They have committed an
unforgivable offense. Did you all forget that the jewel came from within Kagome's body?
'He who possesses the vessel, possesses the jewel.'"
Inuyasha clenched his teeth together, holding his tongue. Nothing he could say would
change anything. Kikyou met his eyes. "He sealed her soul in order to keep the
fragments in his possession." Brown orbs locked with golden. "And what do you think
has happened to Kagome?" The woman continued her rant; no one able to stop her as
they listened to the truth she spouted. "Inuyasha turned a blind eye when he knew what
was happening in their bed, too afraid to admit that he couldn't have the real thing."
Everyone knew that Kikyou's words were meant to hurt the hanyou. He had loved Kikyou
and had never had her. Now, her reincarnation had slipped from his grasp and he would
never have her either. Whether it was an old love or new one, Inuyasha was doomed to
always be alone. Forever. The sins of his past mistakes could not be erased so easily.
"She will never be the same again. Not a human, not a demon, and not a hanyou. She
is a mistake. That is why it is a taboo. That is why it is forbidden. That is why it is an
abomination."
"That is enough." Sesshoumaru's voice echoed loudly. "You shall no longer speak ill of
Kagome, or it will mean what little life you have left." Everyone but Kikyou turned to see
the lord entering the room.
She smiled as she pivoted on her heel. "Lord Sesshoumaru, how good it is too see you
again."
Kikyou's voice had been the only thing he heard as he entered the library, and it did
everything to piss him off. "You were smart to not interfere earlier." Sesshoumaru's
voice was as cold as ice. Just like his eyes.
Her smile widened. "I was a priestess after all. I could smell it from miles away. The
barrier did not work as well as you had hoped."
"Yes, but it does not matter now. I have what I want and you nor Naraku can stop me."
Kikyou's eyes hardened. She knew what he spoke of. So Sesshoumaru knew that she
occasionally spoke with Naraku. It didn't not mean that they were working together. But
there were still things that did not need to come out in the open and if he knew about
those meetings, then it was a possibility that he knew about other things.
"Just what are you really trying to do with Kagome?" Kikyou spoke harshly.
"What do you mean?" Sango asked looking from one to the other.
"I'm sure Sesshoumaru has not told you that such a ritual will stop the aging process and
increase Kagome's power ten fold."
"No, he neglected to mention that," Miroku replied as he stared at the demon, but
something else bothered the monk. He turned his gaze back to Kikyou. He believed the
lord had his reasons. Sesshoumaru's reasons seemed plausible enough considering
Kikyou and Naraku were able to find out such information. Miroku could attribute such
knowledge to her relationship with Inuyasha. She was able to control the hanyou, even if
it was only to an extent. However, Naraku's understanding of their current situation was
under speculation. Did Kikyou have a hand in relaying such facts to him?
"She speaks the truth. I will not hide my actions. I am not ashamed. You may say
anything you wish to me; however, you may not speak of such things in front of
Kagome. You will not like the results."
"There is no way to keep her safe from Naraku. Once he truly discovers what Kagome
has become, he will want the power that she possesses and he will not stop until it is his.
You can not protect her."
Sesshoumaru's jaw hardened. He would not let anything happen to her again. Kikyou
knew what she was doing; trying to push his buttons. Unfortunately, he was not as
gullible as his little brother. "We shall see," his cold voice echoed back. "Until then, you
shall remain here."
The sudden stench of miasma filled the two brothers' noses as the rest felt his nauseating
power when the two disappeared out the door. The demon was suddenly filled with self-
rage as he realized that he had left his beloved alone. Suddenly, one of the garden
maids stepped out of the shadows wielding a sword as she swung wildly at her master.
Sesshoumaru side-stepped the weak attempt without a second glance as he continued
down the hall, turning a quick left as it ended.
Inuyasha caught the blade with her next swing, disarming the human as she landed on
her back. He broke the sword and threw the two pieces at her. Kikyou moved past the
two without stopping as Miroku and Sango slowed to a stop. The hanyou turned to look
at the two before running down the hall.
~ . o . O . o . ~
The door slid open slowly, careful to not make any noise. He could feel her in the next
room, and she wasn't alone; but he had expected such. Sesshoumaru was a cautious
demon, and he should be cautious. But tonight, Naraku did not feel like playing. There
was little time to waste. He had played his cards perfectly and all his predictions had
been correct; Kikyou's actions, Sesshoumaru's haste. In fact, everything went better
than he could ever have imagined.
The baboon-clad man reached out to the shoji entrance and, in one motion, opened the
barrier. His eyes landed on Kagome's still form, catching the changes on her skin as they
moved to Seika. The inu-woman quickly rose and managed two steps before Naraku
lashed out, cutting the woman's arms as she moved to defend her face.
"So you are Naraku. My lord was correct in his assumptions." Fire quickly formed in her
palms as she shot fiery balls at the intruder.
The bamboo cloak blazed as Naraku discarded the garment. His laugh filled the room as
his true form was revealed; the blue and purple robe framed his one-eyed armor with
scaled tentacles. He was truly grotesque. The demon quickly knocked Seika away as she
hit the wall hard enough to leave a hole, landing several feet outside. "Pathetic."
Almond eyes turned to the sleeping woman as he quickly moved to trace the markings on
her high cheekbones. 'So it was true.' A malicious smile spread across his features. His
eyes scanned the figure, noting more tattoos around her wrists. It was going to be easier
than he thought.
The room filled with the toxic gas as Naraku cut his fingers and used his blood to trace
the inu-traits that appeared on Kagome. The dark liquid trailed the outer edges of her
inherited characteristics, soaking into her white skin. The demon's eyes devoured the
helpless miko. His heart's desire was so close that Naraku could taste his victory.
~ . o . O . o . ~
Okay, this chapter was done for a while but I have been stalling to put it up. Mostly
because I wanted 10 & 11 to go up next week and such but I still don't know! I'm sorry
it's so short - and it looks like the next one will be too.
An Unexpected Love
Chapter Nine : A Thief in the Night
~ . o . O . o . ~
"It is Lord Sesshoumaru's wishes, Yumi. You must go back inside. Tend to the guests
and make sure that they do not interfere." Ichiro's tone left no room for arguing.
She nodded her understanding and turned to open the door. Yumi sighed deeply, "I am
in love with you, Ichiro, but if you can not return those feelings than I understand. When
Lord Sesshoumaru marries Lady Kagome, I will give you a choice; we will either tell him
about our affair or I can no longer see you." Her words were short and stung the demon
captain as he could only stare at the shut door.
Although he did not want to lose Yumi, his first duty was to his lord. Whatever
Sesshoumaru was planning was not what it appeared to be, Ichiro had learned that much
from his time with the demon. He would have to resolve his conflict with Yumi later.
~ . o . O . o . ~
The duo was silent as they penetrated the south end of Sesshoumaru's barrier. The dark
of night cloaked any visible movements, making it easier to complete their objective.
Kikyou was still furious over Inuyasha's lack of understanding, but she could not
completely explain the situation herself. The moment she sat foot within the barrier, this
feeling was overwhelming. She felt the same pull that Kagome must have felt. The pull
of pure shards. The question was, how had shards come to rest within Sesshoumaru's
castle? 'Had Naraku been telling the truth when he said that Sesshoumaru desired the
shards? And if this is so, then how can the shards still be pure and why can no one else
sense them?' Kikyou's mind raced with questions, none to which she could answer.
A sudden scream caught their ears and the two turned in the source's direction. Kikyou
immediately leaped into action, leading a slightly bewildered hanyou. She should have
kept a closer eye on Kagome. The fact that the girl's fate had been intricately woven
with theirs sorrowed the dead woman. Yet there was still nothing she could do, it was
Fate's decision.
The fighting couple came into view within seconds. Kikyou suddenly stopped and pulled
Inuyasha to the side with her. They hid among the brush, watching as the two continued
to fight. Both were amazed at their speed and then realized that Kagome was actually
sparing with the demonic lord. It surprised both the hanyou and the dead human to see
someone hold their own against Sesshoumaru. Especially a human.
Sesshoumaru's sword swooped down, clipping the female in the arm. Her scream echoed
out again as she fell to the ground. Kikyou kept a handful of the Fire Rat robe clutched in
her hand. Inuyasha could not disturb them. There was something else going on and
Kikyou needed to understand first. She needed to know why there were pure shards
here. And why Naraku had not taken action. They watched Sesshoumaru quickly move
to Kagome's side. His bleeding body was now visible to their watchful eyes. The stench
of their mixing blood reached for over a mile, forcing Inuyasha to cover his mouth.
The two sat there until the sun began to rise. Kikyou quickly ordered Inuyasha to enter
the castle and look for the others, "Make sure that you check everywhere for Naraku. I
know he will be here. I will stay and keep a watch." He nodded but reluctantly left.
The miko knew that the last breaking would be soon. She could feel it in her undead
bones. Suddenly another youkai woman appeared beside the couple, a cup in each
hand. The miko immediately understood that they were too late even if they had wanted
to stop it. Kagome's fate had been sealed and Kikyou could not keep her safe from
Naraku any longer. Just like Sesshoumaru could not keep her safe from the jewel. It
had come full circle.
The clay woman observed the scene before her. Kagome was still in Sesshoumaru's
arms, and both were clearly in pain. The inu-female held a cup out to Sesshoumaru, who
in turn held his hand out over the drink. Blood dripped from his fingers and, as it mixed
with the liquid, created a purple smoke. That cup was placed aside as another one
appeared. Kagome repeated the same actions as Sesshoumaru, but when her blood was
mixed, the smoke was a light blue. The servant took the two cups and then combined
them with each other, handing one to Sesshoumaru and then Kagome.
Both drank greedily and then a powerful ripple exploded from the two, knocking Seika
down and carrying the girl's scream across the plains. Kikyou could see the energies
around her; youki and reiki fighting each other before both wrapped themselves around
her body in a flurry of blues and purples. They vanished before she passed out from the
pain. However, the lord took it better than Kikyou thought. Although he did not pass
out, he did briefly howl in agony.
Kikyou had never seen a breaking and thought that they were only myths that the elder
priests made up in order to scare any who wished for a relationship with a youkai. But
she also remembered that such a ritual was required when there was large amounts of
spiritual power between the two.
Movement caught her eye as Sesshoumaru stood with a limp Kagome in his arms and
disappeared.
~ . o . O . o . ~
The morning sun had already been up for several hours before the group sat down for breakfast.
Sango was accompanied by Shippou and Rin as they met Miroku at the entrance. They had stayed
up late last night, waiting on Kagome and Sesshoumaru. Talk was light as they sat themselves
down. Several minutes passed before Yumi entered from the kitchen, followed by three more
human women, each carrying a large plate of food; bread, ham and bacon, and fluffy eggs.
Rin's excitement was as apparent as Miroku's and Shippou's. Sango smiled at their display but
when Yumi tried to exit with the others, the taijiya called out to her. "Yumi, do you know anything
about Kagome?"
The girl stood still for a moment, facing the gang of friends her new master had acquired. "Lady
Kagome is fine. She is resting today. She might be up for visitors tomorrow. The lord will be able
to see you in the library in the next couple of hours." She formally bowed, leaving the group to
stare at her strange actions.
"Do you think I said something wrong, Miroku?" Sango looked across the table, meeting his eyes
as he swallowed a mouthful of meat.
He shook his head before replying. "No, I believe not. It seems that something is bothering Yumi.
As it appears, the ritual went well, however when we see Sesshoumaru we will know more."
Sango nodded her agreement. "Yes, I suppose so."
They finished their meal in moderate silence; the children's antics were the only sounds that
echoed in the grand dining room. Within the hour, the group had migrated to the large library,
meeting Yumi and Makoto with news of Kagome's safety. Just as they began to settle in, the door
burst open and Inuyasha came barging in.
"Inuyasha?" Miroku exclaimed as he stood up. "Where have you been?" Sango stood behind the
monk, ready for the hanyou's anger to boil to the surface. "Please, sit down, Inuyasha. We must
talk."
The silver haired man sat in the opposing chair. Shippou was asked to entertain Rin while they
spoke, so the two disappeared into the stacks of books. He waited until they were out of sight
before he began his questioning. "Tell me what happened? Have you seen Kagome yet? Where is
Sesshoumaru?"
"Calm down, Inuyasha, we have yet to see or speak with either." Miroku spoke earnestly. Even
Sango could tell the hanyou was panicking. "Tell me where Kikyou is?"
"Kikyou? I'm not sure, I left her outside when I went to check for Naraku." He replied as he
scanned the room.
The two couldn't tell if he was still under the dead woman's spell or not, but they were too nervous
to let him see Kagome, especially in the condition she would be in.
Jaken entered the room and squawked when he saw Inuyasha. "What is he doing here?" Sango
and Miroku both rolled their eyes.
"Jaken-sama!" Rin's voice echoed from above. Everyone looked up to see the young girl as the
door opened and shut again.
Kikyou cleared her throat, drawing every eye in the room. Her pupils focused on Jaken. "I demand
to speak with Sesshoumaru now."
"How rude! What makes you think--"
"Just do it," Inuyasha cut him off. The toad looked from one to the other, turning his body each
time his vision switch before running out through the door.
~ . o . O . o . ~
It was harder on Kagome than he would have liked, but Sesshoumaru felt better knowing
that she was safe now. If at least for only now. He sat silently watching her sleep. The
transformation was beginning and he could already see the effects of his youki. The light
blue stripes beginning to appear on her cheeks and hands. His thoughts wondered to
where else they may have manifested but set it aside for a later pursuit.
The door opened and Seika walked in with a tray. Two cups were all that were needed.
She sat on the edge of the bed, across from the lord and took Kagome's hand. "Her
vitals and breathing are normal. I think she can take this dose on time."
Sesshoumaru nodded his approvement and took his own glass, quickly downing the
liquid, before waking Kagome. "My love," he spoke gently as he picked her up off the
bed, "it is time for your next dose. Drink this."
Kagome's eyes fluttered open and met with his golden ones. She nodded her
understanding before consuming the whole thing and falling back into a deep sleep. He
could see the ribbons of power wind around her then disappear.
"I added a spoon of ground ashitaba for help with the wounds."
He nodded again as he laid her back down. "Thank you, Seika."
Suddenly, the door flew open. "Lord Sesshoumaru, the dead priestess Kikyou wishes to
have an audience with you. She is waiting in the library."
He turned away from the sleeping form and quickly approached the kappa. His jaw was
clenched, and both Jaken and Seika could tell that Sesshoumaru was not a happy demon
at the moment. "Very well. Go make sure that they do not wander about. I shall be
there soon."
Jaken nodded and then left as quickly as he came. Sesshoumaru turned to the servant,
locking eyes with the woman before moving them to Kagome. "How long will it take
Kagome to recover?" His golden orbs never left her face.
"Maybe two to three days. It is still too early to tell but it will not be seven days. She
will need the medicine every four hours until she can walk again." There was a pause
before she spoke again. "If you don't mind my asking," she waited for his nod before
continuing, "why did the ceremony take longer than we expected?"
"The jewel and Kagome's reiki were fighting together, and much harder than I
anticipated. Although it took me longer to quell her power, it was significantly stronger
and took more hits before breaking. If she had been weaker then it would have been
shorter, but I am pleased with how things turned out." He smiled. "She was much more
powerful than she let on. I'm not even sure she knows the true extent of what lies within
her." It was true. More than once Sesshoumaru thought that she was going to kill him
from the amount of purifying energy that exploded from her fingers. "You will stay and
keep watch over her until I return." The lord stood and disappeared from the dark room,
the sliding door cut off the two inside.
~ . o . O . o . ~
Kikyou had had a lot of time to dwell on the reasons behind the demon's actions. And
then suddenly, everything became clear. Sesshoumaru's actions made sense in a twisted
way and by the time she arrived in the parlor, the miko knew exactly what she would
say. "You honestly believed that Sesshoumaru would marry Kagome because he had
feelings for her? You two know the courtly rules as well as anyone," she spoke, pointing
at Sango and Miroku. "Kagome would be ripped to shreds for just being a priestess, so
that leaves you to ask why is Sesshoumaru marrying someone that is that dangerous to
him?"
Sango tried to keep her anger intact, but the dead miko had taken it too far. "What the
hell are you talking about?" she exploded.
"Can you not feel it? The pulse of the sacred shards." She grinned, tipping her head
slightly. "Hmmmm, I feel four and they are even pure. Now, what could pure shards be
doing in a place like this I wonder?" The woman was obviously gloating.
"What is it you know, Kikyou?" Miroku questioned. It was time to stop playing games.
"Although he had control over Kagome, how do you suppose Sesshoumaru was able to
cloak them from my eyes or even Naraku's?"
The two quickly exchanged glances. How had Naraku come into the equation?
She laughed at their confusion but it was not common knowledge, not even to a houshi
or taijiya. "He had help. Help of an ancient kind. How did you think he was able to cross
through the well? Magic?" She laughed again, but this time it was much louder. She
was enjoying herself.
"Sesshoumaru has not only gained an important ally, but he has gained the ability to not
taint any fragment he may come across. You have handed him a power that we can not
take away. It is his for eternity, coursing through his veins. They have committed an
unforgivable offense. Did you all forget that the jewel came from within Kagome's body?
'He who possesses the vessel, possesses the jewel.'"
Inuyasha clenched his teeth together, holding his tongue. Nothing he could say would
change anything. Kikyou met his eyes. "He sealed her soul in order to keep the
fragments in his possession." Brown orbs locked with golden. "And what do you think
has happened to Kagome?" The woman continued her rant; no one able to stop her as
they listened to the truth she spouted. "Inuyasha turned a blind eye when he knew what
was happening in their bed, too afraid to admit that he couldn't have the real thing."
Everyone knew that Kikyou's words were meant to hurt the hanyou. He had loved Kikyou
and had never had her. Now, her reincarnation had slipped from his grasp and he would
never have her either. Whether it was an old love or new one, Inuyasha was doomed to
always be alone. Forever. The sins of his past mistakes could not be erased so easily.
"She will never be the same again. Not a human, not a demon, and not a hanyou. She
is a mistake. That is why it is a taboo. That is why it is forbidden. That is why it is an
abomination."
"That is enough." Sesshoumaru's voice echoed loudly. "You shall no longer speak ill of
Kagome, or it will mean what little life you have left." Everyone but Kikyou turned to see
the lord entering the room.
She smiled as she pivoted on her heel. "Lord Sesshoumaru, how good it is too see you
again."
Kikyou's voice had been the only thing he heard as he entered the library, and it did
everything to piss him off. "You were smart to not interfere earlier." Sesshoumaru's
voice was as cold as ice. Just like his eyes.
Her smile widened. "I was a priestess after all. I could smell it from miles away. The
barrier did not work as well as you had hoped."
"Yes, but it does not matter now. I have what I want and you nor Naraku can stop me."
Kikyou's eyes hardened. She knew what he spoke of. So Sesshoumaru knew that she
occasionally spoke with Naraku. It didn't not mean that they were working together. But
there were still things that did not need to come out in the open and if he knew about
those meetings, then it was a possibility that he knew about other things.
"Just what are you really trying to do with Kagome?" Kikyou spoke harshly.
"What do you mean?" Sango asked looking from one to the other.
"I'm sure Sesshoumaru has not told you that such a ritual will stop the aging process and
increase Kagome's power ten fold."
"No, he neglected to mention that," Miroku replied as he stared at the demon, but
something else bothered the monk. He turned his gaze back to Kikyou. He believed the
lord had his reasons. Sesshoumaru's reasons seemed plausible enough considering
Kikyou and Naraku were able to find out such information. Miroku could attribute such
knowledge to her relationship with Inuyasha. She was able to control the hanyou, even if
it was only to an extent. However, Naraku's understanding of their current situation was
under speculation. Did Kikyou have a hand in relaying such facts to him?
"She speaks the truth. I will not hide my actions. I am not ashamed. You may say
anything you wish to me; however, you may not speak of such things in front of
Kagome. You will not like the results."
"There is no way to keep her safe from Naraku. Once he truly discovers what Kagome
has become, he will want the power that she possesses and he will not stop until it is his.
You can not protect her."
Sesshoumaru's jaw hardened. He would not let anything happen to her again. Kikyou
knew what she was doing; trying to push his buttons. Unfortunately, he was not as
gullible as his little brother. "We shall see," his cold voice echoed back. "Until then, you
shall remain here."
The sudden stench of miasma filled the two brothers' noses as the rest felt his nauseating
power when the two disappeared out the door. The demon was suddenly filled with self-
rage as he realized that he had left his beloved alone. Suddenly, one of the garden
maids stepped out of the shadows wielding a sword as she swung wildly at her master.
Sesshoumaru side-stepped the weak attempt without a second glance as he continued
down the hall, turning a quick left as it ended.
Inuyasha caught the blade with her next swing, disarming the human as she landed on
her back. He broke the sword and threw the two pieces at her. Kikyou moved past the
two without stopping as Miroku and Sango slowed to a stop. The hanyou turned to look
at the two before running down the hall.
~ . o . O . o . ~
The door slid open slowly, careful to not make any noise. He could feel her in the next
room, and she wasn't alone; but he had expected such. Sesshoumaru was a cautious
demon, and he should be cautious. But tonight, Naraku did not feel like playing. There
was little time to waste. He had played his cards perfectly and all his predictions had
been correct; Kikyou's actions, Sesshoumaru's haste. In fact, everything went better
than he could ever have imagined.
The baboon-clad man reached out to the shoji entrance and, in one motion, opened the
barrier. His eyes landed on Kagome's still form, catching the changes on her skin as they
moved to Seika. The inu-woman quickly rose and managed two steps before Naraku
lashed out, cutting the woman's arms as she moved to defend her face.
"So you are Naraku. My lord was correct in his assumptions." Fire quickly formed in her
palms as she shot fiery balls at the intruder.
The bamboo cloak blazed as Naraku discarded the garment. His laugh filled the room as
his true form was revealed; the blue and purple robe framed his one-eyed armor with
scaled tentacles. He was truly grotesque. The demon quickly knocked Seika away as she
hit the wall hard enough to leave a hole, landing several feet outside. "Pathetic."
Almond eyes turned to the sleeping woman as he quickly moved to trace the markings on
her high cheekbones. 'So it was true.' A malicious smile spread across his features. His
eyes scanned the figure, noting more tattoos around her wrists. It was going to be easier
than he thought.
The room filled with the toxic gas as Naraku cut his fingers and used his blood to trace
the inu-traits that appeared on Kagome. The dark liquid trailed the outer edges of her
inherited characteristics, soaking into her white skin. The demon's eyes devoured the
helpless miko. His heart's desire was so close that Naraku could taste his victory.
~ . o . O . o . ~
Okay, this chapter was done for a while but I have been stalling to put it up. Mostly
because I wanted 10 & 11 to go up next week and such but I still don't know! I'm sorry
it's so short - and it looks like the next one will be too.