InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Absolution's Pursuit ❯ What if? ( Chapter 19 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Lady Sianna 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama / Adventure | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 06.11.2012 | Pages: 3 | Words: 2.3K | Visits: 218 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama / Adventure | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 06.11.2012 | Pages: 3 | Words: 2.3K | Visits: 218 | Status: Work In Progress
Absolution’s Pursuit
What if?
______________________________________________________________ __________
“It’s about time you arrived.” he said, his smile broadening slightly. “We have much to discuss.”
His eyes narrowing, Sesshoumaru all but glared at the tree. “Bokusenou, why am I not surprised to find that you have been anticipating my arrival?”
The tree youkai closed his eyes, giving the impression that he’d nodded indulgently. “Come closer,” he said, ignoring Sesshoumaru’s question. “You may be seated if you wish.”
Assuming the invitation included herself, Kagome took a tentative step forward. Her eyes were drawn to a moss covered log adjacent to the large tree. She glanced between it and her traveling companion and gave a light shrug. At the moment, his attention was focused entirely upon the sentient tree, so she took the opportunity to move forward and make herself comfortable.
From the corner of his eyes, the daiyoukai watched her as she moved away from him. Distantly, he found himself wondering why he was so fixated on her as of late. This of course, was a matter over which he had pondered more than once, but which had recently become increasingly, if not detrimentally consuming.
Distracting as it was, the subject would have to wait for a later time, he finally decided, repressing the modicum of disappointment he felt at the empty space left between them. There were more pressing matters to be addressed at the moment.
The minute shifting of golden eyes was not missed by the ancient tree. ‘An interesting development indeed.’
When the eyes focused on him again, Bokusenou was just as calm and collected as ever, though an air of wily amusement veiled his weathered features.
Sesshoumaru stepped forward, not at all pleased with the knowing smile his father’s old vassal was wearing.
“What is happening to me and why?” the inu lord asked, getting straight to the point.
If Bokusenou was surprised by his lord’s directness, in no way did he show it. He looked up at the inu, his smile fading a little. “You are dying.” he said, “I am surprised you were not informed of this already.”
He heard Kagome gasp, his peripheral vision showing him that she’d lifted both hands to her face in a show of astonished horror. He had not wanted her to hear that, but after much consideration, decided there was nothing for it. The only way to prevent it, would have been to send her out of hearing range. In doing so, he would have put her safety at risk.
“In the interest of protecting humans from hostile youkai,” Bokusenou spoke up, almost nonchalantly, “the gods have decided to… intervene. “Even now,” he continued, his upper branches rustling as if stirred by the wind, “the air is being saturated with purity, much like the powers commanded by your priestess companion here.”
“Youkai who have proven themselves harmless to the humans have been granted immunity, while those who have been deemed a threat, are slowly being purified and destroyed.”
“But that’s not fair!” the miko cried, reasserting her presence by animatedly leaping from her seat. “Sesshoumaru isn’t like that anymore! He saved my life just a few days ago! Doesn’t that count for anything?!”
“In the grand scheme of things,” the ancient youkai mused aloud, “apparently not.”
The demon lord had seen this miko, weak human that she was, stand unwaveringly in defense of her friends, had watched as she flung her own body over those she cared for in the hopes of protecting them, but never, in all his life would he have imagined such unyielding, foolish concern be directed at him. He hated to admit it, but it was a little unnerving.
He covertly took in her features, noting her heavy breathing, tightly clenched fists, and the look of utter displeasure marring her face. If nothing else, her concern was assuredly genuine.
“There has to be a way to reverse it,” she gritted out, almost to herself. “There has to be a way to save him.”
The moments that followed her declaration were filled with a tense, uncomfortable silence. It was as if, in this moment, time itself came to a standstill. The birds and animals did not make a sound. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath as the entire world waited to see what Bokusenou would say next.
Finally, the old youkai deigned to speak.
“There is a chance.” he stated simply.
“What must I do?” Sesshoumaru questioned when the other demon said nothing further.
“To the north of here there is a range of mountains near the sea.” the tree began, focusing somewhere over Sesshoumaru‘s head. “If you are willing to travel there, you just might be able to save yourself.”
Something about the old youkai’s wording jabbed at the ever perceptive inu, causing him to narrow his eyes. “Is there a reason I would not be willing to travel into the mountains?” he asked, a hint of displeasure edging his tone.
“You?” Bokusenou asked, “most likely not. However, it would be very dangerous for your traveling companion.”
“Why?” the daiyoukai wanted to know.
“The northern mountains are a strange and mystical place, Sesshoumaru. High within their peaks, the purity that is killing off the youkai is weak there, and many demons have gathered in that place in hopes of survival. As a priestess, their collective youki could prove harmful for her.” He paused, giving them both a moment to consider his words.
“If those factors were not enough, there is also the matter of the Shikon no Tama.”
“The Shikon no Tama?!” the miko spoke up, “But I destroyed it three years ago!”
“Yes,” Bokusenou agreed, “and as it was destroyed, the jewel unleashed a great deal of its strange and awesome powers, much of which was absorbed by you. Your very aura is saturated with it. The youkai that are brave, or desperate enough will not hesitate to devour you in the hopes of gaining that power for themselves.”
The old tree turned its attention back to Sesshoumaru.
“If you choose to venture into the mountains, your absolution will rest upon your willingness to make a momentous sacrifice.”
“What kind of a sacrifice?”
“I am unable to say. It is different for each youkai.”
Silence ensued, allowing the miko and daiyoukai several moments in which to gather their thoughts.
A slight furrow marring his brow, Sesshoumaru turned his attention to Kagome. She looked up at him as well, attempting to predict what he would say. He stared at her for a long time. Staring right back at him, the miko practically held her breath in anticipation of his words.
“You,” he finally said, “will return to the village with your friends.”
“WHAT?!” she cried indignantly, taken completely by surprise.
“You will not accompany me into the mountains.”
Her hands again fisting at her sides, the miko glared up at him. “Why. Not??!!” she demanded through gritted teeth.
The inu lord turned away from her, as if preparing to leave the clearing. “You will only be a hindrance.”
For her part, Kagome would have none of it. She quickly leapt into his path, pointing an accusing finger directly into his face. “That’s not why you want to send me back now and you know it!!”
He batted her hand away. “It doesn’t matter.” he insisted. “You are going back.”
“I am not going back and you can’t make me!! We don’t have time for this Sesshoumaru! You can’t afford to waste extra time taking me back to the village, and since you promised to protect me, you can’t let me go back on my own either!”
She stomped her foot, pressing on before he could say anything further. “And I am NOT a hindrance!! I may not have proper training as a miko, but I’m a damn good archer! I have always stood by my friends and been willing to sacrifice any and everything to help them however I could! Do you really think I’m gonna turn tail and abandon you now, just because there’s a few demons in the mountains?! I was the one who killed Naraku! Not Inuyasha, not even you, I did it!!”
The inu lord scoffed lightly, the reminder jabbing a thorn into his pride. “A feat which was incidental at best.”
Kagome huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. “Whatever the case, I did it. I wasn’t afraid of him, and I’m not afraid of those demons either!
His gaze locked with hers, and he could hardly help but marvel at the steely conviction in her dark eyes. She was really serious.
“You would risk your own life for no other reason than to remain by my side?”
“You may not feel the same way about me, Sesshoumaru, but I’ve come to view you as a friend. I can’t go back. Miroku and Sango have their own lives to live. They have each other. Even Inuyasha has Kikyou in the afterlife. You’re all I’ve got now, and I’m willing to do whatever I can to make sure it stays that way.”
She blushed then, gazing off to the side as she unfolded her arms and began twiddling her fingers.
“Besides, you’re not traveling with Rin or Jaken anymore, so like it or not, I’m all you’ve got too.” A heavy breath escaped her lips. “So, the answer to your question, is yes.”
For a long time, neither of them said anything. Then, Kagome finally looked up, only to find him staring at her again. She held his gaze without flinching, letting him know without words that she had no intention of leaving him now. Finally he turned away.
“Foolish woman.”
Kagome scoffed. “Is that the best you’ve got? ‘Cause I can assure you I’ve been called much worse.”
She straightened, lifted her chin and adjusted her traveling pack on her shoulders. “Now, if you’re finished here, we should get going. We can probably get in a couple more hours travel if we get going now.”
She turned away and began to exit the clearing.
“Perhaps,” Sesshoumaru announced from behind her, “Except that the north is in the other direction.”
She paused before slowly turning around.
Her face was red.
“Right! I knew that!”
She brushed passed him, pretending not to notice the smirk that graced his lips.
Bokusenou watched them depart, highly amused by the exchange. He hoped to see his lord again someday, though whether or not he ever would, he couldn’t really say. He had a good feeling about it though.
He wondered what role the miko would play in all of this.
Easily catching up to the young woman, Sesshoumaru glanced at her from the corner of his eyes.
His mind was a mess with jumbled thoughts, ranging from his uncertain fate, to the dubious quest set upon him by Bokusenou, to the fearless, unwavering resolve of the woman striding along side him. Clearly she was insane, yet he could find no fault in her words, convictions or unfaltering loyalty.
That didn’t stop him from trying though.
He had had the opportunity to observe this miko in the past, but spending so much time in close proximity to her was a different matter entirely. The woman was like no one he had ever known. There were so many admirable qualities about her, and she didn’t even seem to realize it. She wasn’t putting up a front, or attempting to gain anything for herself, she was just being Kagome. She didn’t even seem to recognize her own physical beauty.
Sesshoumaru sighed. There was nothing for it.
Against all odds, against all that was sensible, and logical and reasonable, and sane the girl had managed to endear herself to him.
It was a difficult admission to make, even to himself, and it stirred unpleasant and worrisome thoughts.
What if these feelings of endearment deepened?
What if those deeper feelings were not returned?
What… if she found out what really happened to Inuyasha?
_____________________________________________________________ ___________
First of all, WHOOP, WHOOP, WHOOOOP!!! Two chapters in three days??!! WHAT??!! I can’t even remember the last time I did something like that!! WOW!!
I guess I’m getting excited because we’re close to the end of this story. I’ve already written the epilogue, and can’t wait to post it! I’m hoping to finish this in another couple chapters or so.
Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter! I know it’s kinda short, but again, two chapters in three days! lol!
What if?
______________________________________________________________ __________
“It’s about time you arrived.” he said, his smile broadening slightly. “We have much to discuss.”
His eyes narrowing, Sesshoumaru all but glared at the tree. “Bokusenou, why am I not surprised to find that you have been anticipating my arrival?”
The tree youkai closed his eyes, giving the impression that he’d nodded indulgently. “Come closer,” he said, ignoring Sesshoumaru’s question. “You may be seated if you wish.”
Assuming the invitation included herself, Kagome took a tentative step forward. Her eyes were drawn to a moss covered log adjacent to the large tree. She glanced between it and her traveling companion and gave a light shrug. At the moment, his attention was focused entirely upon the sentient tree, so she took the opportunity to move forward and make herself comfortable.
From the corner of his eyes, the daiyoukai watched her as she moved away from him. Distantly, he found himself wondering why he was so fixated on her as of late. This of course, was a matter over which he had pondered more than once, but which had recently become increasingly, if not detrimentally consuming.
Distracting as it was, the subject would have to wait for a later time, he finally decided, repressing the modicum of disappointment he felt at the empty space left between them. There were more pressing matters to be addressed at the moment.
The minute shifting of golden eyes was not missed by the ancient tree. ‘An interesting development indeed.’
When the eyes focused on him again, Bokusenou was just as calm and collected as ever, though an air of wily amusement veiled his weathered features.
Sesshoumaru stepped forward, not at all pleased with the knowing smile his father’s old vassal was wearing.
“What is happening to me and why?” the inu lord asked, getting straight to the point.
If Bokusenou was surprised by his lord’s directness, in no way did he show it. He looked up at the inu, his smile fading a little. “You are dying.” he said, “I am surprised you were not informed of this already.”
He heard Kagome gasp, his peripheral vision showing him that she’d lifted both hands to her face in a show of astonished horror. He had not wanted her to hear that, but after much consideration, decided there was nothing for it. The only way to prevent it, would have been to send her out of hearing range. In doing so, he would have put her safety at risk.
“In the interest of protecting humans from hostile youkai,” Bokusenou spoke up, almost nonchalantly, “the gods have decided to… intervene. “Even now,” he continued, his upper branches rustling as if stirred by the wind, “the air is being saturated with purity, much like the powers commanded by your priestess companion here.”
“Youkai who have proven themselves harmless to the humans have been granted immunity, while those who have been deemed a threat, are slowly being purified and destroyed.”
“But that’s not fair!” the miko cried, reasserting her presence by animatedly leaping from her seat. “Sesshoumaru isn’t like that anymore! He saved my life just a few days ago! Doesn’t that count for anything?!”
“In the grand scheme of things,” the ancient youkai mused aloud, “apparently not.”
The demon lord had seen this miko, weak human that she was, stand unwaveringly in defense of her friends, had watched as she flung her own body over those she cared for in the hopes of protecting them, but never, in all his life would he have imagined such unyielding, foolish concern be directed at him. He hated to admit it, but it was a little unnerving.
He covertly took in her features, noting her heavy breathing, tightly clenched fists, and the look of utter displeasure marring her face. If nothing else, her concern was assuredly genuine.
“There has to be a way to reverse it,” she gritted out, almost to herself. “There has to be a way to save him.”
The moments that followed her declaration were filled with a tense, uncomfortable silence. It was as if, in this moment, time itself came to a standstill. The birds and animals did not make a sound. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath as the entire world waited to see what Bokusenou would say next.
Finally, the old youkai deigned to speak.
“There is a chance.” he stated simply.
“What must I do?” Sesshoumaru questioned when the other demon said nothing further.
“To the north of here there is a range of mountains near the sea.” the tree began, focusing somewhere over Sesshoumaru‘s head. “If you are willing to travel there, you just might be able to save yourself.”
Something about the old youkai’s wording jabbed at the ever perceptive inu, causing him to narrow his eyes. “Is there a reason I would not be willing to travel into the mountains?” he asked, a hint of displeasure edging his tone.
“You?” Bokusenou asked, “most likely not. However, it would be very dangerous for your traveling companion.”
“Why?” the daiyoukai wanted to know.
“The northern mountains are a strange and mystical place, Sesshoumaru. High within their peaks, the purity that is killing off the youkai is weak there, and many demons have gathered in that place in hopes of survival. As a priestess, their collective youki could prove harmful for her.” He paused, giving them both a moment to consider his words.
“If those factors were not enough, there is also the matter of the Shikon no Tama.”
“The Shikon no Tama?!” the miko spoke up, “But I destroyed it three years ago!”
“Yes,” Bokusenou agreed, “and as it was destroyed, the jewel unleashed a great deal of its strange and awesome powers, much of which was absorbed by you. Your very aura is saturated with it. The youkai that are brave, or desperate enough will not hesitate to devour you in the hopes of gaining that power for themselves.”
The old tree turned its attention back to Sesshoumaru.
“If you choose to venture into the mountains, your absolution will rest upon your willingness to make a momentous sacrifice.”
“What kind of a sacrifice?”
“I am unable to say. It is different for each youkai.”
Silence ensued, allowing the miko and daiyoukai several moments in which to gather their thoughts.
A slight furrow marring his brow, Sesshoumaru turned his attention to Kagome. She looked up at him as well, attempting to predict what he would say. He stared at her for a long time. Staring right back at him, the miko practically held her breath in anticipation of his words.
“You,” he finally said, “will return to the village with your friends.”
“WHAT?!” she cried indignantly, taken completely by surprise.
“You will not accompany me into the mountains.”
Her hands again fisting at her sides, the miko glared up at him. “Why. Not??!!” she demanded through gritted teeth.
The inu lord turned away from her, as if preparing to leave the clearing. “You will only be a hindrance.”
For her part, Kagome would have none of it. She quickly leapt into his path, pointing an accusing finger directly into his face. “That’s not why you want to send me back now and you know it!!”
He batted her hand away. “It doesn’t matter.” he insisted. “You are going back.”
“I am not going back and you can’t make me!! We don’t have time for this Sesshoumaru! You can’t afford to waste extra time taking me back to the village, and since you promised to protect me, you can’t let me go back on my own either!”
She stomped her foot, pressing on before he could say anything further. “And I am NOT a hindrance!! I may not have proper training as a miko, but I’m a damn good archer! I have always stood by my friends and been willing to sacrifice any and everything to help them however I could! Do you really think I’m gonna turn tail and abandon you now, just because there’s a few demons in the mountains?! I was the one who killed Naraku! Not Inuyasha, not even you, I did it!!”
The inu lord scoffed lightly, the reminder jabbing a thorn into his pride. “A feat which was incidental at best.”
Kagome huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. “Whatever the case, I did it. I wasn’t afraid of him, and I’m not afraid of those demons either!
His gaze locked with hers, and he could hardly help but marvel at the steely conviction in her dark eyes. She was really serious.
“You would risk your own life for no other reason than to remain by my side?”
“You may not feel the same way about me, Sesshoumaru, but I’ve come to view you as a friend. I can’t go back. Miroku and Sango have their own lives to live. They have each other. Even Inuyasha has Kikyou in the afterlife. You’re all I’ve got now, and I’m willing to do whatever I can to make sure it stays that way.”
She blushed then, gazing off to the side as she unfolded her arms and began twiddling her fingers.
“Besides, you’re not traveling with Rin or Jaken anymore, so like it or not, I’m all you’ve got too.” A heavy breath escaped her lips. “So, the answer to your question, is yes.”
For a long time, neither of them said anything. Then, Kagome finally looked up, only to find him staring at her again. She held his gaze without flinching, letting him know without words that she had no intention of leaving him now. Finally he turned away.
“Foolish woman.”
Kagome scoffed. “Is that the best you’ve got? ‘Cause I can assure you I’ve been called much worse.”
She straightened, lifted her chin and adjusted her traveling pack on her shoulders. “Now, if you’re finished here, we should get going. We can probably get in a couple more hours travel if we get going now.”
She turned away and began to exit the clearing.
“Perhaps,” Sesshoumaru announced from behind her, “Except that the north is in the other direction.”
She paused before slowly turning around.
Her face was red.
“Right! I knew that!”
She brushed passed him, pretending not to notice the smirk that graced his lips.
Bokusenou watched them depart, highly amused by the exchange. He hoped to see his lord again someday, though whether or not he ever would, he couldn’t really say. He had a good feeling about it though.
He wondered what role the miko would play in all of this.
Easily catching up to the young woman, Sesshoumaru glanced at her from the corner of his eyes.
His mind was a mess with jumbled thoughts, ranging from his uncertain fate, to the dubious quest set upon him by Bokusenou, to the fearless, unwavering resolve of the woman striding along side him. Clearly she was insane, yet he could find no fault in her words, convictions or unfaltering loyalty.
That didn’t stop him from trying though.
He had had the opportunity to observe this miko in the past, but spending so much time in close proximity to her was a different matter entirely. The woman was like no one he had ever known. There were so many admirable qualities about her, and she didn’t even seem to realize it. She wasn’t putting up a front, or attempting to gain anything for herself, she was just being Kagome. She didn’t even seem to recognize her own physical beauty.
Sesshoumaru sighed. There was nothing for it.
Against all odds, against all that was sensible, and logical and reasonable, and sane the girl had managed to endear herself to him.
It was a difficult admission to make, even to himself, and it stirred unpleasant and worrisome thoughts.
What if these feelings of endearment deepened?
What if those deeper feelings were not returned?
What… if she found out what really happened to Inuyasha?
_____________________________________________________________ ___________
First of all, WHOOP, WHOOP, WHOOOOP!!! Two chapters in three days??!! WHAT??!! I can’t even remember the last time I did something like that!! WOW!!
I guess I’m getting excited because we’re close to the end of this story. I’ve already written the epilogue, and can’t wait to post it! I’m hoping to finish this in another couple chapters or so.
Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter! I know it’s kinda short, but again, two chapters in three days! lol!