InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Between Heaven and Hell ❯ This Girl ( Chapter 4 )

Walking down the remainder of the path in measured steps, Kagome held the white clothing article protectively in her arms. Soon she entered into the divine clearing, sighing as the waterfall's gentle mist kissed her sun-warmed skin.

Her eyes darted quickly from left to right, scanning the area, noting that Sesshomaru had not yet arrived.

Kagome ambled along the river until she came upon a large, oblong rock. Patting the cloth thoughtfully, she took her seat against the boulder. She leaned against it, studying the haori lying on her lap in silent thought.

It was completely white; no markings, no characters, not a bit of color - just plain white. Kagome wondered if he had ever gotten blood on it; its crimson red color would have been difficult to remove. Leisurely, she experimented with theories on how he had managed to keep it so spotless, though in the back of her mind she knew it would forever be a mystery unto her.

Sighing, Kagome brushed the fabric distractedly as she remembered her reason for being here. She was only going to give the daiyoukai's haori back to him; not to converse. Then, she would take her leave, and that would be the end of it. No doubt he wanted to be left alone anyways, and if that was what he wanted, then so be it.

She nudged a small twig beside her before picking it up between her fingers. Giving out another sigh, Kagome began to draw small doodles into the dirt in silence.

Small circles became budding spirals, which soon became a collage of endless patterns and rings. Kagome rubbed the fabric of the haori with the pad of her thumb absentmindedly, resting her head on the tops of her knees.

"Leaving it here would have been sufficient."

Kagome's head shot up in surprise, heart racing. His voice had been sudden, his arrival veiled with silent approach. He stood tall before her, silvery hair blowing along gently with the breeze. His apathetic expression sent chills down her spine, but at the same time, she felt drawn to something much deeper within him, despite that fact.

If one were to look at him, every feature would scream lethal, like every other youkai out there. His piercing amber eyes, his aristocratically angled nose, his maroon colored markings, his finely chiseled limbs, his lips, his pale skin; it would engulf them - devour them - leave them breathless.

But no, Kagome thought. That was not what drew her to him. She felt it, though it was faint and hardly noticeable. Something, there was just something about him... Something called sweetly to her. It whispered dimly to anyone who might listen to it. As to what it whispered, she was not sure; they were vague and indistinct messages.

Shaking herself from her daze, Kagome stood, turning to face the tall daiyoukai. Sesshomaru looked at her with expectance, watching as she gazed one final time at the white haori. With reluctant hands, she returned the cloth to the waiting demon.

Sesshomaru took the article, slipping it on with uncanny ease. He turned to leave, without a word, leaving her in an unexplainable disappointment.

She knew this was how it should be, yet oddly, she had truly desired for him to stay. His footsteps patted against the ground softly, becoming quieter and quieter with each passing moment. Kagome tried with all her heart to suppress the urge to call him back, yet failed miserably.

"Wait!" Kagome cried out before she could stop herself.

He turned slightly, looking at her from the corner of his eye. She stood facing him, almost desperately, eyes filled with a pathetic hopefulness.

Her lips parted in alarm, realizing her impulsive gaffe. Kagome shuffled through her thoughts, digging hastily for something to say.

Before long, the seemingly callous youkai turned to go, choosing to ignore her impulsive outburst. Finally, Kagome managed to ask him.

"Your wounds; are they alright now?" Kagome rushed, taking a step forward. Although his face was stoic as ever, the smallest hint of surprise became apparent in his features, revealed with the slight raising of a brow.

What are you doing? she reprimanded herself mentally. It seemed any decision she had made previously had become as insignificant as a grain of sand.

"Why should you care?" he answered coldly. "This Sesshomaru is not your responsibility."

Kagome averted his calculating eyes. "I just... want to be sure."

The wind blew, snagging their hair along with it. Sakura blossoms floated lithely from the trees, creating a chain of undulating ripples as they touched the water.

"Yes. I'm fine."

Kagome blushed lightly at his simple answer, lowering her head to stare at the ground. He had made it sound as if she had been worrying about him, not his wounds... But in the end, was it not all the same? Still, it was embarrassing.

Turning her head to the side, she marveled skeptically about the uncanny healing properties all youkai seemed to have. How could they repair themselves so soundly, better yet, so quickly? It was like they were completely indestructible; unlike her kind, who were so fragile and weak compared to this superior race.

She almost couldn't believe Sesshomaru.

What would take him three days to heal from, would take weeks, or even months for a human. If only humans could-

"You do not trust me?"

Kagome lifted her head in surprise, finding the daiyoukai only feet away from her. On hearing his words, it seemed as if he had read her mind.

His piercing, amber-gold eyes pinned her to her place, leaving her paralyzed and utterly listless. Her cobalt orbs watched him apprehensively as he walked slowly, deliberately towards her. Each step he took closer to her made her heart speed, in anticipation and in nervousness.

His holding gaze slacked for the shortest moment, allowing her to take a small step backwards. Though insignificant, it was enough for her to stumble.

Landing on her backside with minute grace, Kagome's eyes trembled as Sesshomaru continued his pursuit. At this point, she was not sure at all what he planned to do.

Bringing her delicate arms instinctively in front of her body, she turned her head as he kneeled down in front of her. His body was so near to hers, at most an arm's length away. To be in such close proximity of someone, better yet a man, was frightening. Nonetheless, she did not scream for help. Perhaps it was because she did in fact, trust Sesshomaru. Kagome knew he had a good heart; she just knew it.

Call it a gut instinct, but again, there was just something about him, about this certain silver-haired daiyoukai.

Sesshomaru reached out slowly, forcing a strange sensation through her body. Though he hadn't touched her yet, she felt a static, like fluttering butterflies placed across her body. Kagome shut her eyes to the alien feeling, her body trembling.

His hand wrapped firmly around her wrist, tugging it gently towards him.

Kagome's eyes opened, afraid, but at the same time, curious. She watched in tense silence as he brought her hand to the wide opening of his black kimono. Her lips parted, letting a small breath escape her. Kagome blushed deeply, absolutely and plainly uncomfortable.

But as the palm of her hand touched the hardened planes of his chest, Kagome finally grasped what he was trying to show her, though the process had been slow and inconceivably unbearable.

She could feel the solid muscles ripple underneath his skin as she touched him, but it was the soft, almost silk-like surface of it that proved his point. Without blemish; completely, and entirely perfect.

"You see?" he whispered quietly as he held her hand there.

Kagome did not answer him, as much as she would have liked to. Instead, she concentrated on the soft sensation she felt under her palm and fingers.

She felt it, even though it was dim and faded. Kagome recognized it, although everyone had assured her it was nonexistent...[Author ID1: at Sat May 23 23:34:00 2009 ]

[Author ID1: at Sat May 23 23:35:00 2009 ]

His heartbeat.

[Author ID1: at Sat May 23 23:35:00 2009 ]

Thump...

[Author ID1: at Sat May 23 23:35:00 2009 ]

Thump...[Author ID1: at Sat May 23 23:35:00 2009 ]

 

Thump...

 

Drawn to the pleasant feeling, Kagome kept her hand there, almost as if in a daze. She was still, filled with infatuation at the small, pulsing beat under her palm. Curling her fingers slowly as she held them against his warm chest, Kagome felt him flinch.

Then, the feeling disappeared suddenly.

Sesshomaru pushed her hand away roughly, standing on his feet. He stepped away quickly, turning his head as if in disgust of her.

Not wanting to look a fool, if she hadn't already, Kagome quickly followed suit.

"Satisfied?" His voice had become unexpectedly curt.

Kagome bit her lip lightly, speechless as she realized how strange it must have been for him: Her, a human, touching his chest so intimately.

"Then I will take my leave." As he turned to leave, Kagome's heart dropped. Knowing this would be the last time she would see him, she took a small step forward, deciding to tell him before they went their separate ways.

"... Um," Kagome began tentatively, still flustered, "before you go... I just want to thank you. For everything."

He did not respond.

Kagome stared at her feet, hoping she had not angered him. She continued softly, "So... Thank you for saving me... and the other villagers..."

Sesshomaru turned to face the adolescent female. "This Sesshomaru helped you, as I said before, out of obligation; nothing else." Placing his arms inside the sleeves of his kimono, he continued. "On the other hand, I do not recall 'saving' anyone else."

Kagome's brow creased in confusion. "But, didn't you save them from the other youkai? Isn't that why you were hurt when I found you?"

"I did not 'save' them," he stated bluntly. "The wolves were simply in my way."

Her eyes studied him, surprised, and confused. Looking to the ground, she blushed. "... Oh..." Kagome spoke softly, somewhat disappointed. Perhaps she had let this whole "good hearted" fixation get to her head. Kagome looked away, embarrassed of her jump to conclusion. She had been so sure that he intended on saving them…

Sesshomaru slowly stepped forward, all while looking towards the misty falls. His eyes followed the pink cherry blossom petals as they made their journey through the air. "... Why do you think so highly of me?" he said quietly. His voice was low, almost as if he were speaking to himself.

Kagome turned, looking up at the grave looking youkai. His eyes had softened, looking a shade more golden than before. They looked to the waterfall, letting its tumbling cascades bring the serenity and soothing it seemed to provide every soul. If she didn't know any better, she would have thought him a god.

"Why shouldn't I?" she asked softly in response.

He did not answer.

Kagome furrowed her brow. "You saved me... and," she hoped to convince him, "even though it may have been unintentional, you saved the other villagers as well."

When he continued in silence, Kagome added, "I am very grateful to you."

She looked to the waterfall as the one-sided conversation pursued. Shifting uncomfortably, she sighed, closing her eyes as the wind blew gently against her.

"For what reason would I not think so?" Kagome asked curiously, lifting her lids to look at the daiyoukai.

As her eyes refocused, she found him watching her closely, making her feel rather uneasy. His eyes were no longer calm and peaceful. Instead, they looked perturbed as he analyzed her.

"Do you not understand?" he growled between his teeth, his voice tense. "Does it truly surpass you?" Sesshomaru shook his head incredulously at the naïve girl. Anxiety and confusion was written plainly across her face. Her eyes were strained with distress, lips parted just barely in perplexity.

How could she not understand?

Sesshomaru turned his head away from her, choosing to stare at the water's edge. His gaze intensified in exasperation.

"... Is it because you are a youkai, and I am not?" Kagome asked unexpectedly, her voice gentle and meek. The daiyoukai glanced at the girl before returning his attention to the pool of water in front of him.

"Well..." she began timidly, "Not all humans hate youkai; I don't hate you." Kagome's tone of voice was delicate, light enough to be carried by the wind. It almost sang to him, ringing softly in his ears.

Sesshomaru clenched his teeth, his fists tightening.

Why couldn't she see?

His eyes flashed red with anger.

"I kill. I murder. I slaughter; your kind hates me," he snarled, towering over the girl. Sesshomaru gripped her wrist. "Do you not fear me? Do you not fear death?"

Tears began to sting her eyes in reaction to the intensity in Sesshomaru's voice. Kagome looked away.

Sesshomaru pulled her arm roughly towards him, refusing to accept her silence. "Why do you not stay away from me? Why do you not cower in fear?" His voice rose, hoping to force the answer from her lips.

Finally, Kagome responded to him.

"Because you're different," she whispered, turning her head to keep her eyes hidden from the daiyoukai. Kagome trembled, hoping her tears were not visible to him.

After a moment, Sesshomaru gave out a small, sardonic laugh. "No..." Sesshomaru rectified her statement in a whispered tone. "This Sesshomaru is exactly the same - A born assassin; a mass slaughterer... And like the rest," he said, leaning in close to her ear, eliciting a small whimper from her open mouth, "I will burn in the depths of hell..."

Kagome's eyes widened, gasping as she was torn from her trance.

"That's not true!" She shook her head, trying to convince him. "You're a good person! I know you are!" Kagome closed her eyes tightly, not wanting to believe a word he had said.

Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed. "'Good'?" he scoffed. The youkai frowned slightly.

He released her arm, only to seize her soft and fragile throat. His grip tightened.

Kagome labored for air, her hands touching his as she tried feebly to escape his chokehold. She whimpered breathily.

"If you are smart, then stay away from me," he said angrily. "Do not think I could ever hope to be liberated from what I am. I do not expect to be, so don't pray for my sake." He released her roughly, allowing her to stagger backwards. Kagome rubbed her throat, breathing unevenly.

As he turned to go, Kagome felt disquieted.

His eyes...

Though his façade dropped only for a fraction of a second, she had caught the fleeting expression.

His golden amber eyes were filled with pain stricken anguish.

Kagome had seen many looks of misery and depression, but somehow, this seemed different. In that small, insignificant, short-lived moment, Kagome saw a heavy, forlorn affliction. The daiyoukai was suffering, but there was no one there to console him. Her heart panged in sympathy.

When her parents passed away many years ago, she remembered Kikyo comforting her and soothing her. Sesshomaru had no one. Sesshomaru was suffering alone.

Tears ran down her face, leaving burning trails of fire behind them.

Without thinking, Kagome rushed forward, grabbing Sesshomaru by the back of his clothing.

"W-" she managed between sobs, "wait..."

Her cheeks heated; she couldn't stop crying. The tears flowed freely, matching the waterfall beside them.

"Y-you don't have to... to be alone..." Kagome shook her head, gripping his haori tighter.

Sesshomaru turned his head to look at the sobbing girl. His muscles relaxed as she continued to cling onto him.

This girl, she was strange.

He had told her to leave; clearly and straightforward. But still, she came for him. Did she not fear death by his hands?

From his understanding, she knew what he was; a bloodthirsty animal with instinct to slaughter. He was a monster deserving more than death after all the lives he had taken. And despite that fact, this girl cried for him?

An affectionate, sensitive but naive girl who insisted on worrying for the sake of others. She was vexing to him, all with her unwavering persistence.

This girl, she did the strangest things, said the strangest things; either extremely foolish, or exceptionally perceptive and gentle.

He had killed ningen and youkai alike; she knew this, but accepted him? Or perhaps she had seen something that he had not?

Sesshomaru turned slowly to face her. His face was void of expression.

This girl was an endless mystery, but one thing, he was sure of:

She most definitely cared more for others than she did for herself. A girl so unusually compassionate; one who never worried about herself.

She hoped to comfort him, but instead, ended up a crying mess. Nevertheless, Sesshomaru had to admit, his heart did feel...

Lighter.

Sesshomaru almost smirked. But it looked as if she needed more comforting than he. However, the amused feeling quickly dissipated.

The daiyoukai clenched his hand into a fist. This girl had no idea what she was getting herself tangled into.

Reaching out, he pulled her towards his body, holding her head against his chest.

This girl... this human...

Kagome.

.:.:.:.:.:.

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