InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Chou Shoki I: Learning from Yesterday ❯ Chapter 21 ( Chapter 20 )

Sincerity may be humble but she cannot be servile.

- Lord Byron, letter, May 29, 1823

 

CHAPTER 21

 

1204 A.D.  ~MID JULY~ 

Alright...  so it had been more than four days since he decided to go and seek the hime. 

More like four months.  Well, almost four months. 

He just couldn't bring himself to face her.  But now that he actually made himself walk out of the castle and make his way to the imperial city, he was having second thoughts.  If she was still holding a grudge (which he knew from experience that she would), then he'd have a reason to stay away from her. 

Sesshoumaru did not wake up this morning saying `Hey, I think I feel like getting purified today!' 

Thus far he had made it to the edge of the hills surrounding the village.  He first needed to locate her.  It wouldn't be hard since her scent was enticingly unique.  Next, he needed to go over what he was going to tell her, which fortunately for her, he had already done. 

Lifting his nose slightly, he let his nose pick up the fragrance of lilies and gardenias.  Finding her trail, he walked unhurriedly.  Turning the bark of a tree, and then he saw... 

Her. 

Lady Kagome had gone back to her usual black chihaya.  She was standing beside a decorative wood arch, which, later in the year, he guessed would be covered with climbing different colored sakura. 

He watched her for a moment as she trailed her fingers along some fuzzy plant he could never remember the name of, and then bent down to sniff at a lotus.   

“They don't have a scent,” he called out, slowly making his way towards her. 

~~~~~~~~~~ 

About a quarter of an hour after we returned from offering our prayers at the temple, Lana and I headed towards the castle.  It was only midday and I wasn't much in the mood to stay cooped up, so I told her I might stroll back to the village and buy some more cloth for a new chihaya.  The one I was wearing was the only one still intact. 

When I was sure I was well out of sight, I sought the peace of the hills that surrounded the village.  I had recently discovered a wonderful spot some distance away from the last home outlining the imperial city.  It had a field covered in different kinds of flowers that also included some huge trees that offered some shade from the sun. 

Reaching my destination, I hurried to a set of trees that formed an arch.  Their branches had small buds of sakura.  My eyes caught sight of some lotus - my favorite flower. 

“They don't have a scent.” 

I straightened immediately, my entire body reacting before I saw him.  I'm sure he noticed that I recognized his voice, which, by his facial expression, was feeling rather oddly satisfied.  As he approached my side, he motioned to the brilliant white bloom and said, “There lovely and the most perfect, but alas, with no perfume.” 

Remaining utterly still, I brought my eyes to his.  My eyes blazed with hatred... with disdain.  I waited longer to reply than he would have expected, then I said, “What are you doing here?” 

“We need to talk.” 

“I think we have said all we needed to say to each other.”  I turned on my heels towards the castle. 

Before I disappeared into the forest, he quickly spoke.  “I meant to embarrass you.  To make you understand that you could never hope to meddle in my affairs and win, and instead... “ 

I could feel myself begin to shake, and I held on to a tree trunk for dear life.  “You, demon,” I spat out, “have no honor.” 

One of his hands shot out to grab my wrist.  He held me that way for several seconds, forcing me to stay where I was with my back to him.  The skin on my arms was burning where his powerful fingers held me motionless. 

“I didn't mean to hurt you,” he added softly. 

Forcing my head to turn, I asked, “Didn't you?”   

He gave his head a small shake.  “No.  To teach you a lesson, perhaps.  But not to hurt you.” 

I stepped backward on shaky legs.  “You're nothing but a liar,“ I said, wishing my voice had emerged with a bit more scorn and a bit less quavering. I shook my head in disappointment. 

Sesshoumaru did not speak for a very long moment, long enough so that the silence rang awkwardly. 

When I spoke, my words were quiet and true. “I will tell you this much and I hope it is the last I will have say to you.  Because I have offered a truce to the western lands, it is only natural that I will have to make an appearance before your father in the near future.  You are part of the western lands and therefore I owe you too my allegiance in battle.  However, if there is no absolutely urgent reason for us to stand in each other's presence, we shall not do so.” 

He said nothing and just watched as I walked away.  I came to a halt but did not come around to see him. 

“You took something from me that night.  I don't know if I can ever forgive you...”  I paused feeling the huge lump in my throat forming.  Swallowing hard I whispered, “I hate you.” 

~~~~~~~~~ 

“I hate you.” 

Sesshoumaru tried to ignore her last words, which continued to cause some painful commotion in the vicinity of his chest. Something unpleasant squeezed around his heart.  He gritted his teeth.  He wanted to get down on one knee, apologize for his conduct and beg her forgiveness.  Her words were like blows, almost inaudible.  He leaned with one hand on the trunk she had also been leaning on.  

“Doushite (Why)?”  It was meant to be a mental question, but the word left his lips without his notice. 

`How can you make me feel so disgusted with myself?'  Sesshoumaru knew the answer. 

`What is it that - `   

He was cut off when he felt the all familiar sensation of a nearing youki.  It wasn't a strong youki, but it still worried him.  Mainly because he had seen a few children playing not far from where he stood.  The mortal children were unattended.   

This piece of information was not as important as for the fact that he could bet Lady Kagome would head in that direction.  She was still close by.  In her present emotional condition, she would probably be too distracted to notice and if she did then it would probably be seconds too late.  His anger rose at the notion of finding her hurt. 

At that last thought, he dashed in the direction of the youkai. 

~~~~~~~~~ 

She felt awful for what she told him.  Yes, she had been angry at his boldness in coming to see her.  Nevertheless, she could not ignore the numerous flips her heart had made when she heard Sesshoumaru's smooth voice.  But her pain was still there.  Kagome was too wrapped up in her own world that she did not heed that little warning in her stomach that always told her of incoming danger. 

The snake youkai clutched her entire body into an agonizing squeeze.  The breath from her lungs was quickly leaving her and she had yet to recognize what was cutting out her air supply.  The children, which she had not seen there before, began crying.  She stopped squirming just enough to call out her miko energy. 

`Damn it all! She needed to get the children to safety!' 

Hissing from the burning her purification powers were causing, the snake bared its fangs and bit down on her shoulder.  The venom advanced rapidly inside and the force of her aura was diminishing fast.  Intense heat overtook her body and she felt herself swirling - fading. 

Another youki, stronger this time, entered the small clearing.   

Great! Just what she needed.  Another demon. 

With a loud dull sound, she hit the ground.  Someone picked her up.  Whoever it was, was calling her.  The person pulled her to their chest and a scent invaded her nose.  Kagome closed her eyes and took in the calming smell.  It was familiar - crisp mountain air after the rain.  Wide eyes opened, to recognize their savior. 

“Sesshoumaru?!  The children...” 

“Sshh.  Don't speak.  Let the air in your lungs come back.”  Somehow his voice sent ripples of tranquility throughout her body. 

He laid her down, careful of not obstructing her breathing.  He made sure she was well out of danger prior to leaving her.  He leapt in front the children that were hunched under a bush. 

“Zurakaru (Run away),” his voice commanded.  The children did not think twice when they headed back to the safety of their homes. 

Once they were gone.  He paced to the agonizing youkai that dared to harm his Kagome.  `Wait. Did he just call her his?' 

`No time for this.' 

It was laughing.  This only fueled his fury.  He let his poison emerge from his fingers.  Smirking at the dying demon, he squatted and talked through gritted teeth.  “You have injured one of the allies to the western lands. You will regret that.”  

Letting out a harder laugh, the snake retorted, “I'm going down but... I'm taking her down with me.” 

Sesshoumaru's eyes glowed red and he sank his claws into the demon's eyes.  Watching with pride as his weak opponent wrestled the poison, he stood up.  A movement out of the corner of his eye caught his attention.  Rotating slowly towards Kagome's direction, he stiffened at the sight. 

Little by little another youkai snake was creeping towards her.  It had already curled its head back to strike and its fangs were oozing clear venom.  Sesshoumaru looked at her.  She was still sitting near the rock he left her, with her head turned to the side.  Her eyes were closed.  If his heightened hearing didn't catch her air intake, he could swear she was dead. 

He didn't know why that last thought made him even angrier, but he positioned himself soundlessly to jump at the snake.  With his own poison already seeping out of his claws, he growled. 

Running with blinding fury at the demon, he caught it just before it assaulted her.  He flew up trying to fall on him, but the youkai stopped him in mid air, enveloping the demon prince just like the other snake did to Kagome. 

Gripping the snake's head and embedding his claws, he let his own venom run inside the small holes made by his claws.  Sesshoumaru struggled to free his body from the clutches of the demon.  The air was leaving him all too quickly and he felt his own body going limp. 

`At least she is safe,' he thought.   

`But when it kills you, he'll go after her.' Another voice in his head replied. 

“Kagome...” he murmured.  And as fast as the air had escaped his lungs, it came back.  The snake had dissipated and he was being brought down to the ground.  He half-opened his eyes and the last thing he saw was Kagome's silver eyes. 

~~~~~~~~ 

My mind was spinning like crazy.  I supposed the poison that was being pushed out of my body was the cause.  I thanked Kami for whatever it was that had saved me.  And then... 

Sesshoumaru! 

I opened my eyes to see him slowly closing his red eyes.  My heart's beating was racing and the only thing that was important now was making sure he was okay.  But my body was too exhausted, too hurt. 

Panting, I shut my eyes and let my anger guide me.  “Please,” I begged, “save him” 

It seemed to work because when I opened my eyes he was lying unconscious on the ground.  I don't know how, but I moved towards him.  Checking frantically for physical wounds, I saw the gentle rise of his chest.  I let out the breath I had been holding. 

I pushed myself off the floor with every intent to leave the youkai there.  The venom from the bite was slowly being purified from my body.  Still, the pain was so harsh it took my breath and sent shivers down my entire body.  No sane person would try to move after such ordeal.  So it was a good thing I was insane.   Grinding my teeth, I began the long walk to my makeshift home. 

“Kagome?” I cursed as I heard Sesshoumaru's weakened voice. 

Don't answer.  Don't look.  

But it was compulsory.  I glanced back before I could stop myself and there he was, bloodied and pale in the ground.   

Leave him.  He should have stayed in his home where he was wanted. 

I couldn't.  He was helpless, alone and I wouldn't leave him outside to die.  Mumbling a fetid curse that would have made the devil cringe, I went to his side.  I picked him up roughly and threw him over my shoulder. 

Much to my dismay, the guy was too well built.  He practically weighed a ton.  If not for my years of training, I would have probably collapsed quite a while ago. 

One hour and about thirty liters of sweat later, I reached my personal dojo in the heart of the forest.  I slid the door open and called out for any wondering person that was stupid enough to try to make it their temporary home.  No one came out, so I stepped in and dropped him like a rock.  I gasped for much needed air and crawled to the blankets at the corner of the room. 

I turned Sesshoumaru on his back.  Thankfully, he hadn't woken up.  I picked up one of the blankets and covered him with it.  The back of my hand accidentally brushed his.  The demon was ice cold!  I would need more blankets to keep his temperature from going down more.  Unfolding the rest of the sheets, I put one on top of the other.  I gazed at him and couldn't help putting my hand on his face.  He looked so handsome when he wasn't being smug. 

Night came and the demon prince was still unconscious and cold.  I was starting to worry.  To use any of my power would mean that I would purify him, so I did not opt for that.  Fortunately, for him, the youkai snake did not bite him too deep and only some poison was in his system.  His youkai blood should be able to help him survive. 

The sound of footsteps alerted me to an incoming presence.  Judging by the aura, it was human and it was coming directly towards us.   Running towards the door, I slid it open and stepped outside. 

Lana. 

“Oh dear child!  We've been looking everywhere for you.  The children told us what happened. What are you doing here? Are you alright? IS THAT BLOOD ON YOU ARM?!”  She was shaking when she reached my side. 

Giving her an odd look, I said, “Calm down Lana.  I am alive, aren't I ?” sliding open my haori for her to see.  “It's nothing.  Now go back to the castle and tell everyone that I am fine. I just want to be alone right now.”  I practically pushed her away. 

“B-but why?” 

I was already stepping back inside the dojo and waving Lana off, when we were both stopped in our tracks by a groan.  She looked at me and glared. 

“MINAMOTO KAGOME, what or rather whom are you hiding?” she scowled. 

“Ano (similar to the English umm)...No one?”  I gave her a wide smile. 

“Now I know you're hiding something from me,” she said pushing me aside and walking in.  Lana gasped when she saw a bulge moving in the far corner of the room.  Creeping ever so lightly, she moved closer to the source of the low grunts. 

“Kagome!” she yelled turning to me with a pale face. “Just what do you think you're doing with this... this... this... demon here?”  A look of horror painted in her countenance. 

“Will you relax and keep your voice down?” I whispered heading towards her. 

“No I will not relax!  This thing needs to leave.  After what he did to you, you're helping him?”  She stood with her hands in her hips.  She then opened her eyes wider and then squeaked, “Is he the one responsible for your wounds?  Because if he is - “ 

“No Lana.” I saw her look confused.  “Unfortunately, he was the one who saved me.” I angrily retorted. 

“He did?” 

“Hai” 

“Doushite?”  She turned back to look at Sesshoumaru. 

“Shirimasen (I don't know the answer to that question).  But as soon as he gets up, I'm kicking him out.” 

“No you will not.” She crossed the room looking for Kami knows what. “I taught you better.  You will see him until he is able to return safely to his lands.  Do you understand?” 

My mouth dropped.  “I thought you wanted to get rid of him?!” 

“What exactly is wrong with him?” she replied completely ignoring my question and kneeling next to him. 

I sighed and answered, “His temperature is dropping.  He was bitten by a youkai snake and some poison got in.  I would have already cured him if not for his demon blood already mixing with the venom.  I run the risk of killing him in the process of removing the poison from his blood.  All I can do is keep him as warm as possible and hope he can fight off the venom.” 

Lana touched his forehead.  “You say his body temperature dropped?” 

“Hai.  Since he is youkai, I suppose that is one of the side effects.  Funny though, I would think his temperature would instead rise.” 

“Perhaps.”  She searched my face and asked, “Are you really okay?” 

I knew why she was asking.  It was only natural after seeing how the prince reacted.  I rolled my eyes at her. 

“Well, I shall go back to the castle and bring you some items to pass the night.  I know it will be useless to argue with you.”  She left without another word. 

Half an hour later, she was back with some heavy blankets, another two candles, food and water, two sleeping yukata (male and female) and fresh clothes.  She dropped the items close to where we were and said, “I will be back in the morning.  I trust you will behave yourself?” 

“I would never - “ I closed my mouth when I saw the glint in her eyes.  I shook my head in disapproval.  “Oyasumi nasai.” 

“Oyasumi nasai princess.  Your father sends his best wishes for a good night sleep.” 

“What did you tell my otou-san?” 

“Simply that you were furious for letting your guard down and wished to be left alone while you trained the night out.  Kami knows how odd your moods can be!” 

“Yeah, well you should be used to them by now.” 

“You don't scare me Lady Kagome.  So you can just check your attitude at the door and be nice for once in your life.” She walked out and closed the door.  I glared at where she stood.  I could hear her laughing. 

I went back to kneel beside the grunting demon. I brought my fingers to my temples.  I rubbed them in circular motion trying to ease the headache caused by the after effects of the poison.  Had I told Lana about this, she would have made a great deal and not left.  

I pulled my torn haori off and used it to contain the blood on my right arm, neck and shoulder where the snake had shredded my skin with its fangs.  I could barely contain my fury for I hadn't been wounded this many times in a single hour since my days at the monastery.  Snarling I stared at the swollen red flesh.  I hated to be wounded. 

I wanted blood.   

Just one taste of him... 

Willing the thought away, I shut my eyes close for a few seconds before opening them again.  I leaned in closer and his aroma forced my eyes shut once more.  Kami, he smelled good!  I sat up straight and pulled back the blankets.  I began removing his hitatare, but stopped when I saw how toned his upper body was.  A blush that appeared on my face, spread throughout my entire body. 

`How do you do this to me?' 

It was then that an idea crossed my mind and my blush sharpened.  This wasn't the best idea given my `relationship' with the demon, but it was the best way to save him.  Hopefully, he wouldn't wake up until after I got up in the morning. 

Carefully and keeping my eyes on Sesshoumaru's face, I stripped quietly out of my chihaya.  I grabbed the thin yukata and put it on loosely for now.  I closed my eyes and continued as quickly as possible to rid him of his clothing.  I could at least save him some modesty.  Once I made sure all was gone, I slipped in next to him and removed my own yukata leaving on only my susuyoke and hadajuban. 

For Kami's sake, I hadn't even touched him and my heart was ready to burst out of my chest and my breathing had quickened! 

Slowly I lowered myself and closed the few inches that separated us.  As soon as I felt his cold skin, my body seemed to weaken.  I turned to face him, and I put a trembling hand on his chest.  He shivered and groaned.  Regrettably, he moved in toward me.  I guess the warmth of my body brought him some comfort because the next thing I knew, I was being pulled from my waist. 

I was gasping for air.  There wasn't any reason for this reaction.  Except the fact that I was being held extremely close to a male demon that made my body feel like it was on fire.  A male demon who was none other than Lord Sesshoumaru.  His hand began to caress the small of my back and I couldn't help a moan that escaped my lips. 

The next thing I knew, he had turned on his back, pulling me with him.  Half of my body was on top of him and my leg was rubbing against something hard... 

Oh my! 

I dragged my leg back, but kept my hand to his chest.  For some stupid reason, my body didn't want to listen to my mind that was screaming, `Get the hell out and run home!'. What made it even worst was that he brought his other hand to my shoulder and tightened his embrace.  He then turned his face and buried his nose in my hair and inhaled. 

`For your sake, I hope your still unconscious and don't know what you're doing!' I thought. 

The gentle rumbling on his chest ceased all thoughts.  As if it had a mind of its own I watched as my leg intertwined with his.  I was about to pull it back again when... 

“Kagome,” I stiffened.  I bit down on my lip nervously searching in my mind for an excuse to give him about our current situation. 

His velvety voice came again.  “Kagome, no.  Michiru, please, don't leave!”  My head was spinning so fast and were it not for the fact that I was already on the floor, I would have fainted.  He yearns for Michiru  Somehow, it hurt that he dreamt of her.  Even in his present state, he could not but think of her. 

I raised my head to look at his face. Well, what did you expect? For him to dream of you?  Unlikely!   

Not being able to stop myself, I smiled.  Well, it's not like he was going to remember any of this anyways.  And I was going to get up earlier than him so I let sleep take over and I offered my body heat. 

~~~~~~~~~