InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Brief Moments ❯ True to Our Nature ( Chapter 11 )

Chapter 11

True to Our Nature

 

Yasha- I have found two possible origins for this name. The one I am using comes from India. Yashas were demi-gods. The worship of these beings was imported to Japan by the Buddhists. They were believed to be half god and half demon. I'll continue my explanation in a moment, but I have to say something about the use of the word demon. Let me stress that demon is a poor word when describing mystical beings from Asian cultures. Demons are a Christian concept that does not fit what these beings actually are-I'm Christian, so please don't think I am putting the religion down ^_^. I mean, it is like using demon when describing a pixie, or fairy. Sorry if I sound preachy here, but a pixie is a pixie and a fairy is a fairy. I'm using demon only because the type of mystical creature that Yashas are was not specified in the research that I found. All I found was demon, which does not fit the peaceful beings that they are believed to be. Yashas usually are associated with wealth that is hidden underground and in tree roots. They are said to be the guardians of wells, trees, and shrubs(makes sense that dog boy was pinned to a tree that was next to a well). The abilities that these demi-gods possess vary. Most of Karen Yasha's abilities will be of my making, because I didn't find any specific abilities like I did with kitsune. What I did find, was that they are ruled by the Indian god of wealth. They are thought to bring wealth and fertility to those who worship them. The second legend is about a vampire bat. It isn't as widely known. It was believed that a woman died a very angry person. As a result, she was reborn as a vampire bat. My guess is that this is also Buddhist in nature, but I don't have any proof of that. I'm just going with the tie to karma and reincarnation. There really is nothing more on the legend, at least that I have found.

 

Youkai…this is worth the read even if you know what they are. It will explain a lot about Shippo and Karen. When looking at youkai, which are more like animal/nature spirits than demons, the Japanese do not see these beings as totally evil. Youkai, like humans, may have a tendency towards good or evil. This is another reason why the use of demon honks me off. Sorry, moving on… Youkai, or gods, can not interfere in human affairs unless asked. Prayers or offerings are used to show this need for help. If they do help with out being asked, they run the risk of making things worse for those who they are trying to help. To take physical form, so that they can intervene, takes a great deal of mystical energy. The youkai are taking this energy from the people and the land, which is causing an uneven distribution of the natural elements, creating a breakdown in the natural order of life. Remember that everything is about balance when it comes to Asian philosophy. This shift, and drain, of energy was believed to be the cause of war, illness, and death in feudal Japan.

 

Karen -The word means lovely in Japanese. It is pronounced- ka(like co in cotton) and ren(with the en like choosen).

 

Runa -I actually have no idea what the translation of the name means. I just liked the sound of it, and it is an actual female name in Japanese. I guess my lack of interest in the picking of the name should give some insight into my feelings on this character. I really %&*#@ hate this character, but she is necessary. You'll see why.

 

Oukou-sama - Oukou is the title used for prince. It could also be used for king or high ranking men of great importance. Sama is again added for the emphasis on respect.

 

Youki - the energy that surrounds the youkai. It is like their aura or the amount of power that they give off.

 

Finally, the story….

 

*****

 

“I still can't believe you told her all that,” Kagome groaned as she took hold of Inu Yasha's hand, so that he could help her out of the well.

 

“Will you stop whining about it? I needed someone to talk to.”

 

Kagome rolled her eyes and said, “Well, at least it wasn't Grandpa or Miroku. I guess I should consider that a good thing.”

 

Inu Yasha began walking and sniffing the air. “Man, I thought that they'd be farther away than that,” he sighed after picking up the gang's scent. “If my nose is right, they aren't that far way,” he turned to look back at her before continuing, “I'm not saying your book isn't a good thing to have, but I don't think there's anything else to know about Shippo. Mama pretty much told me everything.”

 

Kagome stopped moving and began to look around her. There was something about the night air that didn't seem right. For a moment she could've sworn they were being watched. She was about to mention it to Inu Yasha when a ripple of sensation washed over her lower regions. She placed her hand on her abdomen as her mouth dropped open. When the second wave of sensation hit her, it drove her to her knees.

 

Inu Yasha felt the energy around him change, which made him stop walking. He turned to find her on all fours. Instantly, he dropped the backpack and rushed to her.

 

“Kagome, what's wrong?” He asked, placing his hands on her shoulders. He became dizzy the moment he touched her. The darkness that he had once felt within himself was right there at his fingertips. “What is this? I thought this was over?”

 

She sat up on her knees, and placing her hands on the sides of his face, she pulled him down to kiss her. Before he knew it was on top of her and pulling back for air.

 

“I don't like this, Kagome. We should stop and figure out why this is happening,” he insisted.

 

His protesting was a lost cause, because Kagome was beyond listening to him; she was already kissing his face and pulling him back down. When he tried to turn his face away from her kisses, she reached for his ear with her mouth. She bit at it, and gently sucked at the edge before running her tongue over the soft pink flesh.

 

His mouth was open from his panting. “Oh god,” he moaned, “You win, you win!” He forced himself back and threw the Tetsusaiga to the ground. Her under pants were the next thing to go. They both fumbled with his kimono until it was open and out of the way.

 

She was so tight that he had to thrust hard to get his penis in completely. The pleasure left him grunting in her ear.

 

“Inu Yasha,” she said in a voice that was almost to low to hear.

 

His fingers tore at the grass as he pushed deeper and deeper into her. He wanted to cum. He wanted it more than anything in the world. The sensation was just too much to let go on.

 

“I would stop now, if I were you,” the Empress said in a dry voice.

 

Inu Yasha's head jerked around to see who was talking. He had to blink several times to get his eyes to see the figure before him. He was struggling awkwardly, but he managed to grab at his pants and reach for the Tetsusaiga. If this being would have been a true enemy, he would have been dead before he had made it to his feet. However, that thought didn't cross his mind right way. The fact that she was in the wrong place at the wrong time made him more than ready for a fight.

 

The Empress turned her back to them and said, “There is no need for that.”

 

Kagome was still struggling to find her underwear, when Inu Yasha took the Tetsusaiga from its sheath. To his amazement, nothing happened.

 

“Tetsusaiga won't transform?!” He gasped.

 

“Of course not, the fang from which it was forged…still remembers me,” she sighed sadly.

 

“Who are you?” He growled.

 

“Inu Yasha-sama, she's not your enemy,” Myouga announced as he landed on Inu Yasha's nose, and took a quick bite.

 

Inu Yasha slapped at his nose. “Myouga-jiji? What the hell?!”

 

The Empress turned to see Kagome kneeling with her face her in her hands. Her eyes remained focused on the girl as she began to speak to Inu Yasha, “Crude, though that might have been, Myouga-sama is correct. I am no more your enemy than he is,” she paused and turned her full attention towards Inu Yasha. She took a step towards him before continuing, “Do I not seem familiar at all?”

 

“Should you?”

 

“I must say…that hurts a bit. I know you remember me, Inu Yasha.”

 

“Inu Yasha?” Kagome pushed as she climbed to her feet.

 

“You're Sesshoumaru's mother. I don't need to remember any more than that.”

 

“I will not push you to remember me. However, I must warn you that you are in danger.”

 

“From what?” Inu Yasha snapped.

 

Kagome could feel the pain building up inside of him. She knew that he hadn't wanted to remember whatever this youkai was making him remember. It was too painful for him.

 

“Touch her,” the Empress insisted as she looked in Kagome's direction.

 

Inu Yasha hesitantly reached out and touched Kagome's arm. Kagome ended up on the ground panting as a result.

 

“What am I doing to her?” Inu Yasha asked as he backed way from Kagome.

 

“It is not you, per say, who is doing it. She carries a part of your youki within her. That `part,' must be removed. It is seeking a way out, and it will choose breeding as an escape, if it must.”

 

“Can you make this stop?” Kagome asked in one quick breath.

 

“I do have it in my ability. I will intervene if you ask.”

 

“Do it,” she panted, “please make this stop!”

 

She moved forward, and stooped down, so that she could place her hand on Kagome's abdomen. “Try to slow your breathing and pray. I promise you, it will be over soon.”

 

Kagome put her head on the Empress' shoulder and began to cry.

 

“Can I touch her?” Inu Yasha asked.

 

The Empress could hear the tears in his voice, and she knew how hard he was fighting to hide them. Not only could he feel the humiliation it was causing Kagome, he was remembering it. Kagome was experiencing something very similar to what he had felt only a few weeks ago.

 

“I know you feel this as one. You have no need to hide your emotion from me, Inu Yasha. I will not judge you harshly for it. Come, hold your wife,” her voice was gentle, and so was her touch. Kagome had scarcely noticed when she had been passed off to Inu Yasha.

 

For several moments, she watched quietly as Kagome and Inu Yasha cling to one another. She was amazed at how perfectly matched they seemed to be. Seeing this filled her with a certainty that her past choices had all been wise; the past events that had lead to this pairing, had unfolded just as she had planned them.

 

“Karen,” Inu Yasha murmured.

 

The Empress smiled and said, “You did remember.”

 

“Karen Yasha to be exact,” Myouga said as he bounced up and down on Inu Yasha's shoulder. “Your father chose your name from both his and Kisaki-sama's names.”

 

The Empress wasn't angry at Myouga for correcting Inu Yasha. Although, she didn't think the time was right for corrections. Inu Yasha was dealing with enough, in her opinion. “That is enough, Myouga-sama. They may call me Karen.”

 

Inu Yasha's body was shaking for both himself, and Kagome. He could scarcely speak, but he had to ask, “You said breeding. You mean children?”

 

“Yes,” the Empress said in a quiet voice. She tried to let the regret of her words show on her face as she explained, “You understand that her bleeding aroused your youkai blood. It happed so, because your youkai is an animal by nature. Now that your youkai's nature has been taken on by Kagome…it is adjusting, if you will, to her human nature. Animals mate as they bleed. Humans mate during ovulation. You can expect her to be in this condition until she bleeds.”

 

“That can be 2 weeks. I can't do this for 2 weeks!” Kagome cried.

 

“I will help you control it, child,” Karen insisted. “You must promise me that you will not make love to him. You are not prepared to have his child. It could prove to be lethal for you.”

 

“I could kill her?” He closed his eyes and tightened his grip on Kagome. He suddenly became angry as he looked at Karen, “Why? I want to know why?”

 

“Unstable youkai bring chaos to the land that they inhabit. When youkai take on physical from, they drain the land of energy; this brings pain and death to humans, as well as the land. It is a miko's responsibility to restore balance to the elements by purifying the power that surrounds the youkai, which will eliminate this energy drain. Kagome was strong enough to tame your youkai and to take its youki into herself. However, she lacks the skill to finish her task. She has not found a way to bring balance to the energy which surrounds you both. She is merely holding it in check for now.”

 

“I don't get this. Why would having my baby kill her?”

 

“Youkai are spirits. Youki is basically the youkai's soul,” Kagome whispered. As the thoughts came together in her mind, she looked a Karen with absolute horror. “Spirits can possess unborn children. It would possess me by possessing the child.”

 

“This youki is too unstable for you to control at your degree of training. If a child would be conceived…it would drain you of your power before you could give birth. I am sorry,” Karen explained as she rose to her feet.

 

She remained facing the couple as she stuck her hand in the air. Ever so slightly she flexed her fingers, first in an up motion, then down. The gesture resulted in the emersion of a dark figure, who was seated on a two headed dragon.

 

Karen saw the surprise pass over Inu Yasha's face as her companion approached. “No, Inu Yasha, you are not mistaken. You did not sense her presence, because I did not wish it to be known to you. I am able to hide my presence as well as others. I can conceal this entire land, if I like.”

 

“There are youkai that strong?!” Kagome gasped.

 

“I am no mere youkai. You will discover this soon enough,” Karen stopped and turned her attention to the female youkai who was now standing beside her.

 

The female was a tall dog youkai with hair and tail the color of dark honey. She also had dog ears on top of her head like Inu Yasha. The way the youkai was standing, gave off the impression that she was not trying to hide what she was. She did not seem to be the type to hide much of anything where her appearance was concerned. Her arms and shoulders were exposed. The armor that she wore was a thin black hide that could have been painted into place. It cupped her breasts and disappeared into her very short skirt, which was made of the same material. The skirt, however, was not as tight. A small hole in the back of the outfit allowed her tail to hang free, and hit her leg at mid-calf.

 

“He's close. I could return to him within a matter of moments,” the youkai bragged.

 

“Very good, Runa. It is fortunate that you will not need to walk far,” Karen said cheerfully, returning her attention to Inu Yasha and Kagome. “Inu Yasha, Kagome, you may take the dragon. It is my nuptial gift to you.”

 

“I'll be walking?” Runa hissed.

 

Karen looked at her without the slightest change of expression and said, “You reported that it would take only moments to reach your destination. You may take as much time as you wish. With your skill, you should have no trouble finding me again.”

 

“As my mistress wishes,” Runa said in a voice that was full of pride as she glared at Karen.

 

“Runa, you are not to return alone,” Karen warned and turned back to Inu Yasha and Kagome.

 

“As my mistress wishes,” Runa said with a fake smile and walked way. Every movement of the youkai's body screamed of hatred for the Empress.

 

“Come,” Karen said, acting as if she were coaxing a young child to come towards her. “The sooner you mount the beast, the sooner we may rest.”

 

Clinging to each other as if they could not stand on their own, Inu Yasha and Kagome walked towards the dragon. Inu Yasha helped Kagome take her place in the sattle before climbing onto the creature himself.

 

Karen looked up at them and warned, “Trust Runa for no reason what so ever. She is with me simply because I could not leave her in the Western lands unattended.” It looked as if Inu Yasha was about to ask her why, but she cut him off, “I will explain another time. Rest for now, Inu Yasha, you have too many burdens as it is. Myouga-sama, come to me. Let them have their privacy.”

 

Myouga hopped from Inu Yasha's shoulder to find a place in Karen's soft hair.

 

“My backpack,” Kagome remembered.

 

Inu Yasha began to move, but Karen raised her hand and turned to retrieve it. She handed it to him, so that he could place it on his back. She then turned to take up the reigns which hung from the dragon's mouths. Without a word she walked as far ahead as the reigns would allow.

 

Something about the site of her leading the dragon seemed familiar to Inu Yasha. He couldn't recall a specific memory that matched the vision, but he could remember feeling pain. He closed his eyes and wound his arms about Kagome. One arm crossed her chest, with his hand finding rest over her heart. The other arm was wrapped around her waist.

 

She laid her arms over his as he put his face in her hair. “I love you, Inu Yasha,” she whispered as if she were ready to cry again.

 

His arms tightened around her. She didn't hear his words, but she felt his lips move as though he were speaking. She was wrapped up tight in his arms, and his emotions. His words weren't needed, but she was glad that he had tried. After all that had happened over the last few days, she desperately needed one thing to be normal. She was so grateful to feel those lips say, `I love you too.'

 

*****

 

The distance to the camp had been a short one. It hadn't been long enough for Inu Yasha and Kagome to regain any outer illusion of calm. Everyone was on their feet as Karen led the dragon into the circle of light that was coming from the fire. Miroku had been standing a few feet in front of the others.

 

“Inu Yasha?” He called out.

 

Inu Yasha climbed off the dragon and reached up to help Kagome. When she was on the ground, he said, “It's ok, Miroku, she's why Kirara was gone. Myouga used Kirara to bring her here.”

 

“Myouga-jiji? Well, that tells me we're not in danger. Myouga would get no where near her otherwise,” Miroku concluded, rubbing his chin with his fingers.

 

Myouga cringed at the words, and whined, “I'm doomed to be forever misunderstood!”

 

“Kagome-chan,” Sango gasped when she caught her friend's face in the firelight. “Are you alright?”

 

Sango took Kagome as Inu Yasha removed the backpack from his shoulders.

 

“Can you get her ready to sleep, Sango?” Inu Yasha asked as he sat the pack down and began pulling stuff out of it.

 

“Of course,” Sango said softly.

 

Miroku watched the small drama for several moments before his questions got the better of him. Looking at Karen, he asked, “Who are you? Your power's so strong that I can feel it in my bones. I have never felt anything like it.”

 

“She's Sesshoumaru's mother,” Inu Yasha butted in. He wasn't even going to fight the urge to be cranky. All of the day's events had finally beaten him down. Kagome was his stability, and now, she was full of chaos. He just couldn't take it any longer.

 

Miroku was amazed by the thought of it when he blurted out, “Why is she with you?”

 

“I do not share my son's feelings in regards to Inu Yasha,” Karen answered simply.

 

“But Sesshoumaru isn't this powerful. You can't be a normal youkai. You can't be,” he insisted.

 

“Houshi-sama, you may not be the strongest priest I've encountered, but you are the most inquisitive. I have seen many a holy man tremble before me as a result of my power. Yet you stand tall, and with questions. How delightful!”

 

“Here, you figure it out. I'm going to sleep,” Inu Yasha said as he thrust the kitsune book into Miroku's hands. He looked at Karen and glanced to Kagome, who was lying on a blanket just beyond the fire. “Will she be…?”

 

“She will be fine. I will begin her training when you awaken.”

 

“Do we get to know what happened?” Miroku asked.

 

“No,” Inu Yasha snapped and walked way.

 

*****

 

Sesshoumaru had begun his night in the same spot which he had ended up the night before. With his back resting against the tree, and one leg bent at the knee, he studied Rin's sleeping figure by the glow of the firelight. It was more apparent than ever that he was waiting for her, which was a discovery that had completely unnerved him. He could no longer deny it. He had removed his armor and swords. He had seated himself in such a way that she could merely crawl up onto his lap and find comfort. He hated himself for it, but he couldn't lie about it any longer. He wanted to hold her. He wanted to be her comfort. As much as these desires repulsed him, he needed to see her at peace.

 

“You never got that sexy for me,” Runa teased as she stepped around the tree to stand in front of Sesshoumaru.

 

Sesshoumaru's eyes remained focused on Rin as he spoke, “That explains the rankness in the air.”

 

In the sexiest voice she could manage, “Oh, so mean. I thought you would be happy to see me. You had no complaints the last time we met.” She ended up on the ground slinking towards him on her hands and knees. “Oh, that's right…we weren't talking that time, were we?”

 

He watched her as she moved closer. His face was blank and he sat perfectly still. The wind was blowing his hair into his face, and covering his chest that was otherwise left exposed.

 

She smiled up at him as she straddled his extended leg and inched her way up his body. Her hand came dangerously close to his crotch as she lifted it from in between his legs to rest on his stomach. With her weight resting on her other hand, which was planted firmly on the ground, she pushed her body against his.

 

“Such a hard, smooth chest. It's just like I remember. You've always been such a hansom one, haven't you? Too human looking for me, but still so much fun to play with,” she whispered as she attempted to kiss his lips.

 

The youki coming from her body was enough to stir his interests, but his face did not show the slightest interest in her advances. His expression was as blank as ever when he dodged the kiss by looking towards the fire. He hadn't intentionally chosen to look in this direction. He was shocked himself, to find that his eyes automatically landed on Rin. The realization that he had looked at her instinctively, frightened him. He recovered the blank expression in record time, but that one slip had been enough to catch Runa's attention.

 

“You don't want her to see you like this?! Well, isn't that interesting?” Runa laughed under her breath.

 

Sesshoumaru had to make himself face her. “I could care less. I simply want nothing to do with your mouth. I do not recall myself ever finding a female's mouth useful in anyway.” He stated dryly.

 

“Well, if your little pet isn't an issue…I can show you what uses my mouth could serve.”

 

Runa began to kiss his throat when Rin let out a small whimper. Sesshoumaru's head shot in her direction as his hand took hold of Runa's hair. Angrily, he pulled her head up and away from his skin.

 

“Off, now,” he commanded.

 

“You always did like it rough,” she giggled.

 

Sesshoumaru's eyes flashed red. He tighten his grip on her hair, and pulled her head back with greater force, causing her head to jerk at an odd angel. The action was more than enough to tell her that he meant business, but the red of his eyes made her heart stop. Without farther comment, she began to move back. Seeing that he had made himself clear to her, he let her go and his eyes returned to normal.

 

Runa was left chocking back the fear as she sat at his feet in silent amazement. She turned her face in Rin's direction as her mind raced, `All of this for a human girl! He's never turned me down before. She is more than his pet.' She looked at him again. He was watching her fight for control of her thoughts, and she could feel him laughing at her. She suddenly hated this human, not only because she was human, but because she was now an obstacle to be dealt with. `What could she be giving him in return for all this devotion? She can't be old enough for mating. What has him wrapped around her finger like a damned lap dog?!'

 

Sesshoumaru didn't have to look away from Runa to know that Rin was cautiously approaching him. He could hear moving. She was taking tiny steps and dragging her feet as she tried to decide whether to continue getting closer.

 

“Rin,” he said, finally turning to look at her. His face had once again gone blank, but his voice was softer than Runa had ever heard it before. Sesshoumaru took half of his fur and tucked behind his back and head. The rest, he placed across his chest. After doing so, he waited for Rin to close the distance on her own.

 

Runa watched Rin as she took her place on Sesshoumaru's stomach. With one leg bent at an angle over his hip, and the other knee nearly touching the ground at his other side, Rin snuggled nervously against the long line of fur. She pulled herself up until her mouth was close to his ear, and hesitantly whispered, “Sesshoumaru-sama, who is that?”

 

The feel of her breath against his ear sent a pulse of power rippling over his skin. He had managed to keep his blank expression, but he had to keep himself from talking for several seconds as the sensation passed. Recovering himself, he said, “Rin, set up.”

 

She did as he asked, placing her hands on his chest for balance, and straightening her leg out for balance, she stared into his face with curious eyes.

 

He raised his hand to touch her check as he thought, `I have never noticed this power from her before. Was it my imagination?' He searched her face, but found no clue that she understood what had just happened. Whatever had triggered this well of power to spring from her, she had not noticed it. He had not felt sexual energy from a female youkai in many years, and it was not until after feeling Runa's youki that he could sense power from Rin. He let himself believe it was logical that he could have imagined it.

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama, are you angry with me?” She asked innocently.

 

“No, Rin,” he whispered as his hand lead her back to her resting place.

 

Runa could not believe her eyes. This was not the arrogant youkai prince that she had always known. She had had sex with him too many times to believe that he would be this delicate with anyone. He liked to be brutal. He liked feeling pain, and giving it. He was rough and cold. Yet, he was sitting before her now cuddling this human girl as though she would break at the slightest touch. Precious was the word that stood out in her mind when she tried to describe what she was seeing. He was holding this girl as if she were precious to him. The power that swirled around him was even different from the violent energy that she had always remembered. This power, though still incredibly dominating, was now softer.

 

“What do you want, Runa?” His voice was soft as he spoke with his chin resting gently atop of Rin's head. “Since my mother's power is protecting you, I would assume it has something to do with her?”

 

“She sent me to find you. She wants to see you.”

 

“She does not need your help to find me. She knows that I am here.”

 

“You'll just have to ask mommy, then,” she sneered.

 

“Do not forget that I am your lord, Runa. I can kill you if I like. My mother's protection means nothing if you are offensive to me.”

 

She could feel that dominant, crushing power coming from his body. She knew that he had meant it as more than an idle threat. It was no longer about pride or the shock of rejection. The sting of his power over her had triggered her instinct to survive. She throw her body forward, so that her face was against the ground, and begged, “Forgive me Oukou-sama, I will not make such a mistake again.”

 

“Leave,” he ordered coldly.

 

“Oukou-sama, my Empress's order was that I not return alone. I must stay in this area for tonight, but I will not offend you with my presence. I can stay in the forest…if you will allow it?”

 

“As long as I do not have to see you, I do not care where you are.”

 

Runa was instantly on her feet and heading for the forest.

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama?” Rin whispered.

 

“Rin?”

 

“I don't like her. She feels strange.”

 

He narrowed his eyes and bent his cheek close to her head, “What do you mean by this?”

 

“She doesn't feel like you do. She feels like the wolves.”

 

“How do I `feel'?” He asked cautiously, leaning his head back against the tree.

 

“Like someone who would be hurt if I wasn't here. You like me, she doesn't,” she murmured softly as her arms tightened around his shoulders. She snuggled her face in his hair and stopped moving.

 

His closed his eyes. He didn't know how to reply, so he said nothing. Instead he listened to her breathing as her body relaxed against his. She was already forgetting the conversation and falling to sleep in his embrace.

 

`So you can feel the youki that surrounds us? That is something I had not expected from you. Perhaps, I was not imagining that power. My little Rin, you're always surprising me. Humph, always making me surprise myself. What else do you know about me that I do not want you to know?'

 

 

 

 

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