InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Deeper Destiny ❯ Chapter 3

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

A Deeper Destiny: Chapter Three

Disclaimer: Inuyasha belongs to Rumiko Takahashi.

Sesshoumaru sat worriedly at the huge ornate square table that sat on the round terrace. His façade remained ever impassive and emotionless, but the others that sat at the table; the Emperor, the Empress, and Prince Wan and Yu, could feel the worry rolling off of him in waves.
“Lord Sesshoumaru,” the Empress Phoenix said quietly. He turned to face her. “I’m sure Jinghua, your Kagome, is fine. She is a very strong girl.” He nodded.
“Yes, probably one of the strongest in this entire world,” he spurt out in Chinese. She gave him a smile. It was one full of wisdom and knowledge. And something else.
“You are not far from the truth.” Her eyes had a faraway look in them, as though her body remained here on earth but her mind was seeing things not in this dimension. Everyone jumped a little when Sesshoumaru sprang up from his seat. They looked at him questioningly.
“Your Jinghua has arrived.” Everyone got up and stood at the head of the great length of stairs. Sesshoumaru was true to his word, but Kagome, who was accompanied by Prince Jai, was still several yards from the bottom of the stairs. She was cleaned up and freshly dressed in a new robe, her hair and makeup redone. Sesshoumaru took in every detail of her appearance. Her lips were reddened, and shone gold, thanks to the golden powder that also adorned the Empress’ lips. Her jet-black hair was put up in elaborate loops and buns that he couldn’t comprehend, finished off with golden hairpins that stuck in her hair and hung golden trinkets and rare jewels. The simple low-cut dress that revealed the tops of her breasts was white this time, unlike the gold one she’d worn earlier. Sesshoumaru decided he liked Kagome in Chinese clothing. He then turned his attention onto the intricate robe that went over the dress. It was a lush gold silk covered by a layer of which had even more gold, in the form of dragons embroidered into the lavish fabrics. It clung to her slim waist then flowed about her regally. The long white, silk sleeves that hung out from the golden robe’s sleeves brushed against the ground as she gracefully strode over to them. He worked his way back up her body. Her eyes were focused yet unseeing. Her deep azure depths were drawing him in without even trying. ‘I… I am… attracted to her. My body can’t help but to react to her. She is beautiful. This is just a physical attraction.’ He was shaken out of his thoughts when Prince Wan stepped closer to him and spoke to him in a low voice.
“She’s lovely isn’t she? ” Sesshoumaru raised a brow.
“You are attracted to a woman you call your sister?”
“No, no! That’s not what I meant. You are the one attracted to her. I see the way you look at her.” Sesshoumaru gave a dry chuckle.
“What are you trying to imply? It is natural for me to be attracted to her. She is attractive.”
“Yes, but perhaps this could be more than a physical attraction?”
“My late half brother was her first and only love, and she is mourning over his death. I am but a friend who she seeks comfort in.” The Prince fell silent. Sesshoumaru watched as Kagome ascended the stairs with Jai. Finally, she reached the top and bowed.
“Forgive my lack of manners, I should not have made you all wait.” her apologies were waved off and everyone was seated. Food was brought out by servants and the meal began. Kagome and Sesshoumaru told everyone of how they met and eventually became allies to defeat Naraku. They spoke of their adventures and strange encounters while in Japan. Everyone’s respect for Kagome grew a tenfold when they learned that it was actually she who slayed Naraku. The girl was just too modest for her own good. The Princes were fascinated by the tales Sesshoumaru told of Kagome. They were even more proud and envious of their sister when they learned about all the evil demons and humans she had killed for the sake of good and righteousness. They knew she didn’t like the idea of killing, but when people deserved to die, she would do what she had to do.

Kagome and Sesshoumaru sat in Kagome’s private garden talking pleasantly. They sat comfortably on a handmade wooden bench. Kagome smiled and looked up at the stars. It was late at night and everyone else had retired to their chambers. She giggled and swiveled to face him.
“You know, it‘s funny, but it‘s the smallest things that make me happy now. Being able to speak Japanese with someone who is fluent at it as well… is like a treat for me.”
“But your family is adequately-versed in Japanese.”
“Yes, but they can only speak so much and they are more comfortable speaking their own language.” She sighed and looked at him. “I miss Rin.” Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow. She sure moved on with conversation topics fast enough.
“And Rin misses you.”
“Hmm.” She murmured her acknowledgement. A particularly cold gust of wind snaked by, making Kagome shiver. Without realizing what he was doing, Sesshoumaru pulled her into his lap and into his arms. Wrapping his arms about her, he rested his head on her shoulder and let his fur drop into her lap. Kagome blushed at first, but appreciated the warmth and couldn’t resist the opportunity that was offered to her. She began to pet the silky soft fur. She gave out a soft sigh of contentment. The silver-haired Taiyoukai closed his golden eyes and began to growl contentedly. Kagome thought it sounded very much like a purr and smiled softly to herself. She was startled out of her thoughts when Sesshoumaru’s deep voice spoke softly into her ear.
“Do you remember the night you restored my arm?” She acknowledged his statement with a nod. She remembered all too well.
Kagome sat silently on a grassy hill. Her legs were folded neatly to one side while a hand supported her. She sat casually, yet held an air of dignity and elegance. Above her, a swollen, soon-to-be full moon shone down on her, illuminating her features. Her inky black eyelashes met as she closed her eyes.
“You can come out, Sesshoumaru.” A few seconds later, a stoic Taiyoukai stepped out from the line of trees. With her back to him, he allowed himself a fleeting expression of restlessness. How had she sensed him? He’d pulled his Youki into himself, curled it into a tight little ball within his body as he watched his brother’s wench. She had long since stopped wearing that strange indecent kimono and had started to wear much more proper kimonos. The one she wore tonight was a deep forest green, embroidered with golden sakura blossoms. She glanced over her shoulder at him and gave him a soft smile. She patted to the ground next to her. “Please, come sit.” Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow at her request, but decided to humor her and in one fluid motion, sat crossed legged on the ground next to her. She remained silent as he watched her from the corner of his eyes. Finally, he spoke up, his voice low.
“Miko, how did you sense me.” It wasn’t a question, it was a statement. She turned to him, an eyebrow raised in such a fashion it reminded him of himself.
“How could I not sense you? I sensed you the minute you entered the Eastern lands. Not many have such a powerful aura, you know.” She laughed a bit. “And how strange is it that suddenly this great, powerful aura receded and shrank until it was just barely noticeable? So I said to myself, ‘Hmm, this powerful Youkai, is trying to hide himself. Now why would he do that? Someone of his prowess must not fear much, but oh! Maybe he is apprehensive of me, I am a miko after all.” She jumped a little at his chuckle. It was a bit rusty, but she decided she liked it.
“Your sarcasm amuses me, miko.”
“Mm,” she mumbled, but then felt her indignation rising. Abruptly, she faced him once again. “Let’s get this straight. My name is Kagome. Ka Go Me. Not miko, not wench, not woman, not bitch. Got it?” Sesshoumaru stared at her, his eyes a fraction wider. She saw shock in his golden eyes.
“Duly noted, Ka Go Me.” He smirked slightly as she stared at him with wide eyes and an open mouth, utter shock written on her features. She caught herself when she noticed his smirk and closed her mouth.
“Who knew!” She began to laugh. “The high and mighty Lord Sesshoumaru has a sense of humor!!” She gasped out between laughs. He stared at her angrily, but found that he couldn’t find any offense. Her laughter was sweet and it made him want to laugh too. Kagome’s laughter died down into soft giggles when she heard his deep, rich laughter. She could feel the mirth gather in his chest and burst out of his mouth as he laughed, having been consumed to his desire to laugh with her. She stared at him breathlessly, in awe of his natural beauty. ‘He should laugh more, he looks so handsome when he does. Eep! Kagome, what are you thinking? But you have to admit, he is something. Too bad your heart belongs to Inuyasha.’ She smiled up at him as his laughter died down. They sat together in a comfortable silence. Finally, she broke it.
“The final battle will come on the night of the full moon, exactly one week from now,” she said softly, staring up at the swelling moon.
“This Sesshoumaru will fight alongside you and your group.” He gazed at her upturned face. “We will destroy the dark Hanyou.” He watched silently as a grim expression settled on her face.
“Yes.” They sat quietly for a few more minutes.
“Why do you feel so grim? Your aura radiates with bitter resignation.” She turned sapphire orbs filled with angry pain on him.
“Because,” she whispered softly, “Midoriko has let me feel the future. We will win, but at a cost.”
“Feel?”
“I wasn’t allowed to see, only to feel. I felt triumph, but lots of pain and anguish. Deep sadness, and strong resignation. The resignation came from me.” He nodded quietly.
“All things come with a price.” He said quietly, surprised at his own words. Why was he trying to comfort her?
“Yes.” Suddenly, she rose and stood on her knees. She pulled open his haori and bared his upper body, opening his arms, chest, and abdomen to her gaze. Shocked beyond words, he stared at her dazedly. His eyes grew big as her soft, warm hands stroked his stump of an arm lovingly. As if in a trance, she moved to straddle his legs, her knees on either side of his legs. Her eyes were two spheres of swirling shades of blue. She placed a hand on each shoulder, her right thumb caressing his left shoulder. His breath grew ragged as he stared up at her. She closed her eyes as her body began to glow softly. He felt warmth in his left arm, but ignored it as he stared bewilderedly up at her face. He memorized every detail of her face. Her pale, creamy skin, probably smooth and soft. The delicate arch of her eyebrows, the thick fringe of black eyelashes, her elegant and cute little nose. And her lips… Pale, pink lips, the bottom one more plump than the top, both looking incredible soft. For a brief moment he’d wondered what they’d feel like, but was drawn from his thoughts when her eyes fluttered open. Smoldering golden depths stared into swirling azure abysses. Her lips raised in a small smile and his hands rose to cup her face. He studied her for a minute when he suddenly noticed that he held her face with two hands. His eyes flew to his left hand. As he stared at the perfect limb that looked as though it had never been cut off, Kagome quietly rose from his lap. Her body froze when an arm snaked out and grabbed her waist. He pulled her back to his lap, letting her sit side saddle. He kept his right arm around her waist as he turned back to inspecting his left arm. Satisfied, he looked up at her with questioning eyes.
“Why?” His voice was shaky, uncertain. She smiled softly and shrugged a little.
“Because I wanted to.” He pulled her tight against him in a hug. The two of them sat like that for a few minutes longer, basking in the emotional ambience.
A silver-haired, golden-eyed, bare-chested Taiyoukai sat crossed legged on the ground, his upper kimono hanging from his waist, his arms around a slender raven-haired, blue-eyed miko, his face buried in her neck as she smoothed his hair and caressed his hand with her thumb. They sat silently under a growing moon, this special moment sealed in time forever.
Kagome sighed. That was the start of their friendship. And the start of something else too. She’d begun to spend more time with Sesshoumaru, talking to him or just sitting quietly in each other’s presence. It was where she felt safe, comfortable. She’d told the others about the impending battle, only its date, and they’d begun to live that week to the fullest. Miroku and Sango became a couple and spent their time together, making Kagome feel awkward around them. And then there was Inuyasha. He’d always go off to see Kikyo, so she’d go off to the forest, always stumbling into the Western Lord somehow. Inuyasha would return long after she did, and always grew angry whenever he smelled his brother on her. This made Kagome push Inuyasha away even farther. He’d always leave her, so how could he deny her time with her friend, her only comfort in times like these? She was heartbroken that he always went off to see Kikyo, didn’t he see that? But still, she loved him with all her heart and forgave him and took care of him.
And now. Now he was gone. But he’d loved her. Before she made the wish. And afterwards too. She felt her heart clench painfully. “I remember,” she whispered quietly. She smiled, thinking about the night she’d restored Sesshoumaru’s arm. That was the first time he’d opened up to her, even if it was only physically and not verbally. She felt him nod.
“It’s getting late. We should retire to bed.” She nodded silently and stood from his lap. She turned to face him when she didn’t hear him follow. He was staring at her intently and Kagome turned away, his scorching gaze too intense to return. ‘He reminds me so much of Inuyasha. And yet, they’re so different.’ She took his hand into hers as he rose and together they walked into the palace.

A/N: Review please. I wanna know what you all think. I can't stress on how hard it is to keep this fic fluffy and not lemony. I'm itching to have them get all freaky. But I promised someone special a fluffy fic, so a fluffy fic they'll have. [Of course, I'll be tosing in some lemons later.]

~Angie