InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Chou Shoki I: Learning from Yesterday ❯ Chapter 26 ( Chapter 25 )

As fall the dews on quenchless sands, blood only serves to wash ambitions hands.

-Lord Byron

 

 

CHAPTER 26

 

The air surrounding us as we came into view of Kamakura was so thick I felt it literally choking me. And by the time we crossed the bridge to the castle grounds, I didn't even wait until the okami exited the carriage before I sped to the stables, left my horse and headed towards my heya. Like some sleek, full tiger prowling the narrow limits of her cage, I paced the shadowed confines of my heya, grinding the clenched fist of one hand into the palm of the other.

 

I was so enraged at the inu youkai. It was his fault I was so distracted! Nothing like this had ever happened to me. I had never lost my cool, never lost focus. I had never let words hurt me, even when they came from my father. I never had to worry about guarding myself.

 

`You never talked to yourself either or is it something humans do once they've reached a certain age?'

 

I glanced at the small neko lounging on the entrance. I glared at her. `And do all youkai show up announced and at the worst possible times?' I retorted.

 

She jumped down and transformed, coming head to face with me. `Do not yell at me because of something that you did. And don't you dare compare me with the likes of that mongrel dog! I am a neko. We are on a completely different class of our own.'

 

`Oh really? Well, I beg to differ!' I countered.

 

`Oh, I'd love to see you beg!'

 

She jumped at me and pushed me down to the floor. I pushed her off with my feet and she hit the wall. Using the said wall as leverage, she pounced on me as I tried to stand up. We landed on top of my yumi. It snapped in two.

 

I stared angrily into her big red eyes. That is, until we both sighed dejectedly. “Bad day.”

 

`It's okay. I've known you long enough to know what you say sometimes is not really what you mean. But it did hurt, nonetheless, to be put in the same class as that thing that follows you around.'

 

“Yeah. You know that I...”

 

She sighed deeply. `I know. Even after all this time, you still can't say it, can you?'

 

I smiled weakly and shook my head. `It's so hard. I fear that once it's out, and something happens... to you... I... I just can't.'

 

`Well, I've waited all this time. A few more years won't hurt. Come on. Tell me how your trip was.'

 

Feeling a subtle change to a more safe conversation, I told her all about what had happened.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~

 

After a lonely bowl of gohan and mizu, Kirara and I went to sit by the small pond on the palace gardens. The sun was quickly setting and I could not help the dark foreboding feeling at the pit of my stomach.

 

I sat under a huge sakura tree, watching Kirara chase around a small bird that had caught her attention. “Kirara, please, leave that bird alone.”

 

`I won't harm it. I just want to play.'

 

There was something wrong. I couldn't quite put my finger on it. It was like my aura was being pushed on different sides, trying to be pierced.

 

`Have you craved it today?'

 

`What?” I asked.

 

`Blood. Have you craved it today?'

 

Blood. It was the one thing that could calm me down once a month. The only thing that could keep my darker side calm enough. But for the most part it was the only thing that buried “the pain” inside and allowed me to experience a shard of sanity until the next time.

 

`No. And on that note, you'll have to tell me just exactly where it is that you get this blood from. It's not human and for that I'm thankful. But that's all I can tell.'

 

She changed the subject. `Is that not then what's bothering you?' I allowed her evasion only because I knew it was futile to try and dissuade her.

 

`Iiee. It's something else.'

 

`You mean the uneasiness and the sense of incoming danger looming near.' She always was so casual about these things. Then again, she had lived far longer than I had.

 

`Hai. Demo, it's just so different. There's no demonic aura... just a real dark feeling. It's like a collection of dark thoughts and desires. Plus, the jewel seems to react to these. Every time someone or something wishes to get there greedy hands on the jewel, it begins to act as beacon.' I shrugged, unfazed by thought of another battle. I sighed. `It's seems we won't be getting any sleep tonight.'

 

Kirara lay down beside me. `Kills time, don't you think? Or do you have something better to do?'

 

She looked at me and somehow a completely different thought came to mind. It was something that I had wanted to know for as long as I remember. `Kirara, why did you stay with my mother? You hate humans. You are not a pet or a slave. She saved you from death and you saved hers a million times. Why stay in a place that is filled with what you most loathe? Especially the human you hate.'

 

A long pause, where only the gentle song of the night creatures could be heard, ensued. She then sat in my lap facing me. `Sou, sou (that's right). But I am bound to your lineage by choice. It is something that I decided myself. You have done for me more than any living being ever has... even more than Midoriko. She might have saved my life, but you saved my soul. Perhaps you may not understand now, but... sometime... in the future... you will come to know the meaning of my words.'

 

I hated when she talked to my like that. There was always an underlying meaning to her words. She never told me what she really meant - only that with time she would come to reveal her hidden message.

 

`Kirara, will you just―' The heightened awareness of the ever familiar demon maddened me. My neko companion began growling for she too sensed him.

 

`Let me shred him, Kagome. Just once I'd like to feel my claws sinking into his―'

 

`Iiee... It seems he needs more than a few scratches. This demon does not back down,' I stood and laid her on the ground. `Iiee... greater measures must be taken. And I think I might just know how. Stay inside.'

 

`Yes, your highness. And do you wish for me to prepare your bath too?' she said in subservient and sweet voice. `Friends my a―'

 

`Kirara,' I cut her off sharply.

 

`I'm going! Sheesh...' She went on her way, grumbling about pompous humans and their orders. I would have laughed had I not sensed something else.

 

Sesshoumaru was nearing... but he wasn't alone. Two more familiar auras.... this might just get interesting.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

The cold air felt good against his face as he neared the Imperial castle. At this hour of the evening, the palace would probably double its security. He'd never seen a ningen castle this close, and it was not something he was thoroughly impressed with. He did have to, however, appreciate the beautiful gardens that surrounded the large keep. The sakura were close to blooming.

 

He perched himself up higher in the tree he now occupied. The air wasn't breathable even though there wasn't a youkai within range. And still, there was something coming. His eyes roamed around the palace grounds for a second time. His pheasant would be there right now, no doubt.

 

Kagome was in there. He knew it, and it frustrated him. She could get into places that he couldn't. Proper, stuffy, self-righteous, boring, ningen places, but for once he couldn't convince himself that he liked it that way. As a demon he was prohibited from going into places likes these and until tonight it had never bothered him. Until tonight.

 

“Sesshoumaru?” came a confused and evidently surprised voice.

 

The youkai prince had to dig his claws in the bark to keep from falling. He turned around so quickly, he had to once again dig deep into the tree. To his utter astonishment, he came face to face, with the last person he'd thought he'd find.

 

“Juro...? What the hell are you doing here?”

 

With the breeze, Juro's scent reached his inu nose, but unfortunately, intermingled with Kagome's. Intense jealousy awakened his inner possessive demon.

 

“Kagome-san―”

 

Before Juro could continue, Sesshoumaru's own youkai awakened in defense of its territory. He jumped onto the tree in which Juro stood. Luckily, the red-haired inu youkai had great reflexes and managed to jump down before he was hacked down. A loud, threatening growl escaped Sesshoumaru. With his hackles up, he saw nothing but red. He distinctively heard muffled voices but didn't recognize the scent being emitted.

 

::Danger. Protect mate:: his youkai screamed.

 

Juro crouched low in submission. Sesshoumaru wasn't an inu youkai that threatened in vain. If his youkai had surfaced it only meant that he saw him as a real threat to his.... mate?

 

His mind raced quickly to put the pieces together.

 

Kagome!

 

Sesshoumaru saw Juro as a threat to Kagome. He would have laughed at the irony since it was Sesshoumaru who had caused her more harm in a few months than anyone else had in her short years.

 

He sat on his hunches and bared his neck. ::Pack brother safe. Pack female safe::

 

Juro remained as still as he could. It would only take a few seconds for his brother to realize he meant no harm. However, the situation turned even worse when both of them felt the push of another familiar aura.

 

“Not one but two birds with one stone. This is indeed a great night for miko all around Nippon for tonight we celebrate the death of two plagues upon our great land.”

 

Kagome did not move. She looked at them both when neither said a word in retaliation. Her suspicion and heightened sensed of danger looming about in the area did not go unaware by both inu youkai. And if that didn't add to the awkwardness, she reacted by stepping back in retreat. She felt a powerful aura. Sesshoumaru mistook her retreat as fear and growled at Juro.

 

Her lack of comprehension as to their situation brought greater dangers. She turned to Juro in search of an explanation. “What is going on? What's―”

 

“Ikinasai (Go, formal), Kagome-san. Otouto (younger brother) isn't―” the gust of wind that passed by Kagome and pushed her down almost knocked her air out.

 

When her world finally stopped spinning, she realized Sesshoumaru was on top of her, just inches from her face. His own demonic aura pushing and trying to dominate hers. For a couple of unfocused moments, she could have sworn she heard the call of his demon ordering her to submit to him as he locked his red eyes with her lavender orbs. She pressed her palms to his chest and was ready to push him off, while at the same time trying with all her might to restraint her own natural instinct to let him be purified by her powers. She stopped when Sesshoumaru snapped his head up and responded with dangerous growls towards Juro's own calm ones.

 

::Mate. Danger. Kill threat. Kill male. Protect mate:: he kept repeating in between terribly frightening growls.

 

::Pack male not attack Pack brother. No danger to pack female. Pack female safe:: Juro replied smoothly hoping to convince his brother.

 

It only seemed to make him angrier. He looked down on the small woman under him. Sesshoumaru lowered his head to the crook of her neck trying to ease the threat of another male so close to his mate. He frowned when he realized his mark wasn't upon her.

 

::Must mark mate. Must protect::

 

Sesshoumaru did not hesitate in biting down gently on a bewildered Kagome. The small gasp of surprise that left her lips was nothing compared to the flare in Sesshoumaru's aura when he tasted her blood. It was a sensation unlike anything he'd ever encountered. Incomparable power traveled through his veins and made his head reel in complete satisfaction. The sweet nectar was the fountain of life his youkai was only eager to drain.

 

And he would have if the stench of fear didn't reach his delicate nose. He stilled as he lifted his face from her neck and watched her eyes shut tight. In that moment, his youkai ceded control and Sesshoumaru was left in a daze. Using his brother's confusion, Juro tried to remain calm and keep his own youkai from rising.

 

Even though the mark left on Kagome by Sesshoumaru was a temporary courting mark, it was still done against her will. He watched as Kagome also regained some sense and quickly pushed at him, though a bit weakly. “Orinasai (Get off),” she whispered, as her spiritual powers threw him off her into a nearby tree.

 

She rapidly stood and felt Juro approach her. Her own instincts quickly erected a blazing barrier and warned any around that she would kill either friend or foe. Her eyes were dark, but her aura was wild and shaken by Sesshoumaru's actions.

 

The demon prince was on all fours with his head cocked, as if trying to assimilate the situation. He remained quiet, eyes staring directly into Juro's own green irises. Minutes that felt more like hours passed on.

 

Juro felt the switch in his aura but he did not move until he saw Sesshoumaru take in his surroundings. He lifted himself and walked cautiously towards Sesshoumaru, dusting off his purple and white hitatare. “Doushita no, Sesshoumaru?! Don't you recognize your own kindred?!”

 

“What happened?” Sesshoumaru groggily asked.

 

“You - ” Juro was cut off as the arrow whooshed past him and pinned Sesshoumaru's right arm to the tree bark behind him. Thankfully, Kagome was too confused to infuse the arrow with any power.

 

He felt no physical pain as he stared unbelievingly at the miko. She was standing away from both of them, another arrow in place and breathing hard. He could not, for the life of him, comprehend what had just transpired. None of them moved. That is until...

 

Sesshoumaru's eyes widened. She was bleeding, not heavily, but nonetheless, bleeding. He felt the need to comfort her and heal her wound. He made an attempt to go to her, but the arrow and the intensity of her aura combined with a hint of fear stopped him. Arms shaking and arrow ready, she began stepping back. He was about to ask why but another scent mixed with her blood made his own blood fall all the way to his feet. It was his scent!

 

Once again, he tried to reach her but again was stopped by her arrow. In his frustration he gave a low growl and plucked it out. He walked to her as she retreated in response until her back hit the bark of a tree.

 

“Sesshoumaru, yamero yo (stop it). You are only frightening her,” Juro ordered.

 

“Stay out of this, Juro. If it weren't for your presence, none of this would have happened!” he replied angrily.

 

“My fault?!” he exclaimed. “I wasn't the one who marked her against her will!” Juro accused.

 

“I wasn't myself! I would never do anything to harm her!” Sesshoumaru felt the weight of his guilt get heavier by the second.

 

They bickered back and forth unaware of the miko's pleas of silence. And when things could not have gotten worst, a third aura joined in.

 

“Did I miss something?” asked nonchalantly, a blue-eyed, black haired inu youkai.

 

Entirely by reflex, she let her power ripple out of her, hurling all three inu youkai a great distance away. “Shizukani (Quiet)!” The words echoed throughout the clearing.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

“Shizukani!” I bellowed.

 

I was about to purify them and rid myself of their annoying presence when the sound of hooves was heard a few feet away. When I turned, Hiro jumped off his horse before it had even stopped.

 

“Kagome-chan... I have been... searching for you... for quite a while,” he managed in between gasps of air. “The city... it's ...what happened to you?!” he grabbed his side unable to finish without controlling his breathing.

 

“The city what?” I replied a little too angrily.

 

“It's... we're being attacked!”

 

“Nani?!” I asked in disbelief. “Kuso (Damn)!” I closed my eyes and counted to ten. Of all times for these inu youkai to show up...

 

`Kagome? Daijou ka? I smelled your blood and...' she finished with a loud growl aimed at the three demons that were nearing. Kirara knew what he had done as soon as she saw my neck. Two small puncture wounds were slowly bleeding. `He marked you!'

 

“No time for this Kirara. Hiro, Kirara.... Ikimashou (Let's go).”

 

Hiro nodded, immediately mounted and sped ahead of me. I turned around as the inu youkai came into view.

 

Sesshoumaru approached with caution. “Kagome...” He inched a few feet closer, even though Kirara warned him.

 

“Damare (Shut up)! Mou takusan (I've had enough)!” I turned to Juro. “Ike (Go)! If you value the life of your brother you will take him with you.” Then I glared at Ujio. “I suggest you remember what I'm capable of when angered.” They all just stared at me.

 

I mounted Kirara. “Matte, Kagome... kiite (listen)... I didn't ―”

 

“Save it for someone who cares.” I intercepted as Kirara took the skies.

 

`Why do you keep allowing him to live? What he did to you... it's just... why did you let him mark you? You reek of his putrid smell!'

 

I took in a deep breath. `Like I said before, now is not the time or place. We will deal with this as soon as this is over.'

 

She only roared. As the city came more into view, I saw the great number of samurai violently cutting down the villagers with no regards to gender or age. Some of the houses and shops were already on fire. Several cries, mostly from women and children were heard among the enemy samurai's laughs. Many years ago I unfortunately understood that I would never encounter a more vicious and dangerous opponent as ningen. My spiritual powers purified demonic auras. As black as the souls of these men were, my powers were of no use. I had to rely on pure physical strength.

 

As soon as I jumped off Kirara and took in the scene, my head hurt. The images again. The screams, the anger, the hunger for blood...

 

I shook it off. Not this time!

 

Fortunately, I had a vast number of samurai under my command. And though I knew that they would not be of great help, I relied on the few that could put up a fight until I could get to everyone.

 

I reached back to unsheathe my katana, but only then did I remember that I had dropped them on the field while defending my father. Stifling a curse, I ordered the gathering samurai and send them off in different directions to protect as many as they could.

 

“Hiro,” I asked, “do you know who is leading these samurai and the reason for this uprising?”

 

He frowned but nodded. “From what I have heard from the men, it seems the shogun from Nara is leading them. After the okami denied his request for extension to his lands last month, he has refused to answer the call to the okami's council. But what he is really here for is the Shikon no Tama.”

 

“All this for a piece of land and a stupid notion that this cursed jewel will grant him his wish. Foolish man... he has no idea that the power of the Shikon no Tama is too much and will consume him.”

 

“Osoraku (Possibly). That is why the okami has ordered that you dispose of him personally. He wants no prisoners. And that we not let them set a single foot on royal ground.”

 

“Very well,” I said. “You will stay here and make sure no one gets through. Wakarimasu ka (do you understand?)?”

 

“Un (yeah).”

 

As I left him, I felt a wave of nausea hit me. `The bite has not healed. You must cover it. That poor excuse for a dog did not close it.'

 

“Shinpai shinaide. Ikinasai. You must tend to the children. Remember to take them up to the shrine and help Kazuo guard the entrance. I will reach you as soon as I can.... ki o tsukete (take care).”

 

She bumped my head lightly. `Ki o tsukete.' And then she was gone.

 

I concentrated as much power to the small puncture marks on my neck. I felt them close a bit, but the sound of a several footsteps coming my way got my attention. It seemed the wounds would have to close on their own.

 

“Hand over the jewel, miko.... and we promise we won't hurt your pretty little face,” cried one of the samurai and then laughed.

 

“That's right, hime. If you hand it over willingly, we'll even let you keep your clothes on while we have our fun with you,” came the taunt of another.

 

I shot an arrow through both their throats before they even knew it. The other ones that had gathered with them and a few more that were near ran at me with swords in hand. Several arrows came flying close by but I managed to escape easily. I used my own fighting skills to even out the fight. They were no match for me.

 

Yet, the loss of continuous blood had already weakened me and I was becoming slow. It took great effort on my part to remain up right and to look as if nothing bothered me. When in reality, I could hardly keep my eyes open and my limbs felt a thousand pounds heavier. I felt a sharp burning sensation on the side of my ribs. I reached down and lifted my hand to my face.

 

I had been cut a bit deep.

 

Weak already from the openings in my neck and now that cut across my side, I was barely managing to defend myself. Another sound drew my attention as a breeze blew by quickly and the ten or so samurai that had been surrounding me fell dead. And suddenly I found myself being carried to an alley and laid down carefully.

 

I lifted my gaze when a pair of black boots stood in front of me. I followed a silver and white hitatare all the way up where white skin connected with a chiseled face adorned by magenta stripes, golden eyes and a blue crescent moon between two fine dark brows. He kneeled and helped me up. I hissed as the sudden movement stretched the cut and burned me inside.

 

“Daijou ka?” he asked concerned.

 

“This does not concern you, demon.” I pushed him aside and began walking, but swayed.

 

He caught me. “Yoko ni narinasai (lie down).”

 

I snorted. “You wish!”

 

He pushed me down and glared. I was about to yell at him but the concern in his eyes stopped me. He undid the ties of my chihaya and began lifting my haori. I pushed his hands away and glared at him. He growled. “Ochitsuite. I will heal your wound. At least then you will be able to defend yourself.”

 

Turning around, I tossed over my shoulder, “I did not ask for your help. You came on your own. Now leave.”

 

“Kagome...” he yelled. I turned. “Then take these. They might come in handy.”

 

He reached back and threw at me a long package wrapped in my cloak. I recognize its contents even before I uncovered them. I eyed him suspiciously. “Where did you find these?”

 

“Exactly where you left them.”

 

“Acchi ni ike.... atama ni kita (I'm upset)... And I don't want to kill you.... yet .”

 

I didn't let him respond when I ran out into battle again.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~

 

The stubborn miko was going to get herself killed. The scent of her blood was laced around the air. Then again, so was the stench of death in this place. Taking himself high above the city, he watched as ningen killed each other. The lot of them were greedy, conniving, bastards that lived to take and take. He could not understand why they did not just kill themselves and rid youkai society of their existence.

 

As he kept watching, he was well aware of the physical pain the miko was in. His mark was a connection that helped him locate her and therefore feel what she felt. Sesshoumaru was aware of both of his brothers approaching and coming to stand next to him as they too watched in disgust the extent of human pollution. The three of them had grown to discover that these creatures only created to destroy. Even the lowest, mindless youkai respected its surroundings.

 

And here they were among what some had said were the most intelligent and advanced beings? If they could laugh they would.

 

However, all three inu were in alert. Though Ujio hated to admit it, he was worried about the onna, who unfortunately now belonged to his pack. He could blame Sesshoumaru for his rash actions later. But at the moment only one thought occupied his mind - Kagome.

 

He laid a hand on Sesshoumaru's shoulder. “She will live little brother. She is as stubborn as any warrior should be.” He received a nod of thanks.

 

The night turned into day and their worries intensified with each ray of the sun. They had now moved closer to the edge of the city, hiding amongst the many trees that outlined it. All three of them had followed with their eyes the weakening miko as she stood her ground against the invasion of her home. Kagome fought bravely and never once did she complain or stop fighting.

 

By noon of that next day, the last of the attackers had been killed. Men, women and children began to come out of the many niches they had been hiding in. As they all gathered on the streets, they searched for their loved ones. And little by little, the sound of wailing rose, shadowing that of the shouts of celebration from the victorious samurai. Men and women ran around looking for the children they had lost last night.

 

But out of all the sounds, smells and sights of death and decay, none would leave such an impression as the one before the three brothers, for in front of them stood a most vicious sight.

 

Kagome, or so they thought, was above a man (or what little was left of him; he had been chopped into tiny fragments), naginata in hand. She was repeatedly chopping away at the body under her. Except as they neared her (she had not sensed their presence), they came upon a large field, at least thirty feet in diameter, that was covered in unidentifiable body parts - most probably her own doing.

 

When they were a few feet away, they all jumped back as her aura returned and a purification arrow flew in each of their directions. The two older youkai were surprised at the silver eyes staring blankly back at them. Sesshoumaru, though, only held his breath. Among all these dead bodies, covered in blood, and senses running wild, she was the very epitome of Death. Her calm breathing and icy stare send shivers down his spine.

 

Unbeknownst, to all three of them, the same image flashed through their minds - the slaughtered village. Was this what she had done all those years ago?

 

“Kagome,” the inu prince inquired.

 

There was no response. Kagome just turned her back on them and continued chopping away. He glanced at his brothers but they just seemed as lost as him. Desperate to get her back to her normal self, he made his way to her once more. His movement caused her to still and then disappear in a flash. Ujio was the first to react and use her scent to locate her. Juro followed dragging a dazed Sesshoumaru.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

I felt detached from myself. It was a feeling similar to that of my nightmares. I watched myself kill ruthlessly. I did not care whether they surrendered or not. All I heard was a voice repeating again and again `Vermin. Contamination. Danger. Kill.'. The phrase went on continuously until the voice ceased for a few seconds only to return with a new command: `Retreat. Threat. Retreat.'

 

The moment I felt my soul fuse once more with my body I realized I was deep within the forest outside the Imperial city. I glimpsed at my surroundings, confused for a second as to why I was there and how I had come to be there. My entire body screamed in pain at once and I had to hold my head from exploding with all my senses coming back at the same time.

 

The sound of distant cries, the smell of huge amounts of blood, the fleeting smoke coming from that same direction, the pain in every part of my limbs and...the awareness that my entire body was covered in blood - it was too much. I looked down and to my amazement I felt the bile rise in my throat.

 

Images from last night and this morning of men crying, begging to be spared flashed before my eyes. The images continued playing before my eyes as I remembered how I had killed all those men and enjoyed every second of it. The entire contents of my stomach threaten to spill out and I raced towards the lake that was a short distance away.

 

What the hell was happening to me?! Kami no! Not again!

 

As soon as I reached the water, I peeled off my clothing and jumped in. I scrubbed hard unable to erase the memory of what I had done. The water around me had turned red but in my eyes the blood still clung to my skin and the stench of death was also impregnated in my every pore. I scrubbed hard until I felt someone approach. I ignored their presence. At the moment all I wished was to feel clean.

 

That was how they found me.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Ujio arrived first. He wasn't sure whether he should be happy or feel worried. Kagome was inside a small lake scrubbing at her skin. He watched, not moving a muscle. He feared she might react in a badly to his presence. A few minutes later, Juro stopped next to him followed by Sesshoumaru. They watched her scrubbing her skin with a piece of rock. There was an instant when she halted her movements only to continue as if they weren't there.

 

Three brothers watched in shock as her trembling hands scrubbed at nothing. Her face was set in fierce determination of ridding her body of whatever it is that she felt contaminated it. They watched until they saw the skin in her body begin to peel off.

 

It was a surprise to Juro and Sesshoumaru, and mostly to Ujio himself, that he was now in back of the miko. He wasn't aware how he'd gone inside the water or why he had even done so. But as he witnessed her actions, he felt the need to comfort her. Whatever it was that she was thinking or feeling, he could not help the overwhelming notion of embracing her.

 

And he did just that. Her back to him, he laced his arms around the small figure of the creature that was such a puzzle to him. She could invoke the ire of the Kami themselves and at the same time nurture in one's heart the desire to serve and protect her. She stiffened at his touch and then began pushing at him. Sesshoumaru's mark was another little push that he felt from her. However, because it was only a courting mark, the rejection was not as strong. Even then, he did not relinquish his hold on her as she squirmed.

 

“Let go,” she demanded weakly.

 

“Just shut up,” - she halted her actions - “just... shut up and let me hold you... just... for once... let go!” Ujio murmured angrily. How could she even fight at a time like this? Couldn't she see how much care she needed? Baka onna!

 

It must have taken her every ounce of will power to let herself be taken care of. Nevertheless, she yielded and allowed him to turn her around to face him. Juro and Sesshoumaru stood afar, observing the scene unfold before them. As much as Sesshoumaru knew that his brother wasn't trying to take Kagome away from him, he could not help feel the jealousy begin to rise within him. He turned around and headed back in the direction of the miko's castle before he did something he might regret.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Ujio held me for a long time ― a time in which he rubbed soothing circles on my back and pushed my hair gently behind my ears.

 

“I could kill you and no one would know.”

 

“Are you going to kill me, Kagome?”

 

I winced as the memories tore through me. I saw myself walking among the bodies in that village all those years ago and in the surrounding area last night. The sight of them with their throats bleeding, their homes burning...

 

I was supposed to protect them. Instead, I had killed them all.

 

And I didn't even know why. I didn't remember anything except the rage that had possessed me. The need I'd felt for blood and atonement. I couldn't answer his question.

 

It wasn't until I pushed at him that he let go. My weakened state had gotten the better of me and I had let the enemy come too close. I turned around from him, noticing for the first time that I was completely naked. I felt the movement in the water when he turned around to let me get out and get dressed.

 

When I was out of the water, I grabbed my clothing to see if I could use it. To my dismay, everything was covered in blood and most of what wasn't was torn. I circled around, covering what little of my person I could with both arms, to see if the inu youkai was still looking away. He was staring opposite of me.

 

“Saving your modesty?” he asked incredulously. “Don't think for a moment that I was at all interested in touching you. I, unlike my brother, have better taste in females.”

 

I twirled away, furious. “Don't expect a `thank you'. I did not ask for your help.”

 

He whipped around and stomped out of the water in my direction. As much as I knew I could beat him, I knew that fighting a youkai naked would definitely not be a good idea. So, I stood my ground, chin up. And the unexpected happen.

 

He grabbed both ends of his blue kataginu, peeled it off himself and threw it at me. The action was a bit perplexing, but I managed to recover quickly and tie it around me. Thankfully it covered up to mid thighs. He was wearing an unbelievingly arrogant smirk. Surprisingly, he wore nothing but a sleeveless kosode underneath, which clung to his well chiseled torso.

 

“At least, we both agree in something... we both could definitely do better.” That wiped that stupid smirk off his face!

 

Feeling rather good with myself, despite the recent events, I marched out of the area and in direction of the castle without so much as a backwards glance. At the very edge, I managed a very faint `thank you'.

 

“Just make sure you wash that in acid before you return it!” he yelled, earning an involuntary smile from me which I was grateful he did not see.

 

The smile disappeared as soon as I reached the outskirts of the city. There were many damages and many were injured or lying dead. Most of the samurai were helping gather the bodies in a huge pile. As I walked through the streets, I felt my nausea return and my body weaken once more by the intense smell of blood. I swallowed hard, walking swiftly towards the castle. The samurai bowed as I past by. None of them seem to look at me accusingly so I continued.

 

Homes were burnt down to ashes. Shops were vandalized. Hundreds of dead bodies littered the streets, from imperial and rebel samurai. Granted that this particular section was never actually a clean one. The district where I was walking through was a part of the city that had a reputation for having several burlesque houses. Most of the people you would find in this area were either the prostitutes that lived here or the lords that snuck out in the middle of the night seeking the pleasure these women had to offer. Three fourths of the way out of the dead-infested place, one particular scene caught my attention.

 

Inside a small, rundown two story inn, that had been mostly burnt, there was an extremely weak barrier and the faint humming of a child. Curious as to the sound, I entered the building and walked through the barrier towards the sound. At the farthest room, I found a small child rocking back and forth the head of what I could only assume was her mother. When she realized that I was there she stopped and looked at me. There was no pain or any other emotion in her dirty face. I looked at her, taking note of her ridiculously long and unkempt hair. She was scrawny and the hollow of her eyes was almost as dark as the ashes that lay around her. She was the source of the barrier and if trained well perhaps she could have made a decent miko. Too bad she was born into this.

 

I wasn't sure what came over me. I had never cared for anyone. Sure, I had entertained the children in other villages, but it was mainly for show. I knew that if there was any conviction at all in the world, the children were it. But I had never once felt any form of tenderness or fostering towards them. Yet, now, as I faced this specific child, I became aware of that desire to embrace the child and tell her that everything would be alright. Perhaps it was the fact that she was able to hold her mother whenever she had wished, even now that she was dead. I never did get the opportunity to say goodbye to my mother or hold her after she left that morning and never came back.

 

Reaching around my neck I unclasped and tossed in her direction the pouch filled with several coins I carried around with me when I traveled. The sound echoed through the otherwise silent room. “It's not much. But it will buy sakana (fish) and gohan for at least a month, if you spend it wisely.”

 

She glanced down at it and then ignored it, continuing her previous activities. Disregarding her indifference, I walked out, even when everything inside screamed at me to do otherwise. Once outside, I carried on in the direction I was heading. I hadn't taken more than ten steps when I felt the small aura trailing behind me. I stopped.

 

“What do you want?”

 

She remained silent. I glanced back at her. She was looking up at me. She couldn't have been more than eleven, her disheveled and unhealthy appearance made it difficult to tell. “If there is nothing you want, then go back to where you were. You cannot follow me around. I'm the reason your mother is dead. I don't want to be the reason you will too.”

 

There was not evidence that my icy words hurt her. She walked up to me and stared back. Her brown eyes remained unfazed. I turned from her. “I will not be held responsible for anything that happens to you.”

 

She followed me all the way back to the castle, where I turned and saw her head to the back of the castle. I watched as she hid in the garden grotto. Upon reaching the castle, I saw my father conversing with the many lords and some of the samurai. Hiro was the first to come down the slope and meet me, asking question after question. I assured him that I was fine and that I had followed some of the samurai that had tried to flee. As we neared the bridge that connected the castle with the rest of the city, my father made a big show of embracing me. Though, I did notice that his hug was lacking the soothing effect Ujio's hug had.

 

“Aijou (beloved daughter), daijou ka? I had sent some of the samurai to search for you. For a moment I feared the worst.” His concern wasn't reflected in his eyes.

 

“Hai, okagesamade (Yes, I'm fine thanks to you and God). Demo, otou-san, the people are not - ” I was stopped when he opened the upper part of the kataginu.

 

He gave a sigh of relief. “Thank Kami, the jewel is safe.”

 

A feeling similar to the one I felt when I was cut by the knife went through my chest. Of course he'd been worried! Unfortunately, his concern was for the jewel. I pushed aside my silly notions, reminding myself that I had never been an emotional miko. I closed the kataginu and followed him to the shrine at the center of the city, where most of the injured had gathered.

 

At the top of the shrine steps he ushered me to his side, unaware (or most probably uncaring) of my inappropriate attire. He faced the many at the bottom. “Citizens,” he shouted, “once more we have shown the rebel invaders that they cannot stand against the Okami of Nippon. My armies are vast and my friends numerous. The Kami smile upon us this day for victory belongs to us. Let it be known today that the Shikon no Tama belongs to the son of Amaterasu, the okami Seiwa. No one can take from me what the Kami themselves have given. Let it be known, that I shall show no mercy to those who wish to oppose me and my rule. Let it be known that the Shikon miko protects the city of Kamakura for it is her home and her domain. Tonight...we rejoice in our victory.”

 

There were cries of joy and celebration among those at the lip of the stairs. My father simply walked down and was greeted by the villagers. He even shook hands with some of them. He held many children, visited the sick, and ordered the samurai to help with the cleaning of the city.

 

At sunset, we returned to the castle. I for one was grateful and hoping for a long hot bath. Walking quickly to the room I occupied in the back of the palace, I caught the faint whispers of my father with someone in the garden. I crept closer, keeping my eyes out for any who would see me.

 

“The citizens were certainly very happy, my lord, that you went to see them personally,” was the praising voice of Hiro. He was facing my father. He was the only samurai to be allowed to remain standing while in his presence.

 

The face of my father contorted. “Ugh! Don't remind me. To touch those filthy and disease-filled beggars almost made me empty my stomach in their faces. I couldn't stand being in their presence!”

 

Hiro's face showed the confusion in his words. “Wakarimasen (I don't understand). I thought...”

 

“It was a tactic Hiro. Perhaps when you - ” I didn't hear the rest because I heard Lana calling out my name. I cursed silently.

 

I raced to the door that led to my self-built place, mindful of the still open wound. “Lana, I'm right here. Doushita?”

 

She saw me and smiled in relief, a hand on her chest. “I'm thankful you are unharmed. Do you wish for me to prepare a hot bath for you?”

 

“I have two hands Lana.” I glared in her direction.

 

“I know. And I know that you hate people trying to serve you, but you are a princess.”

 

“Yeah, well, not by choice.”

 

“Kagome,” she sighed. “Just allow me this. Let me at least pretend that a small portion of the little girl that I cared for is still somewhere inside. You can't run from what you are. And I like doing this for you.”

 

I rolled my eyes at her. The words from her mouth only made me hate myself more. We both knew that no matter what, I would never be that girl again. “Kami, stop with the theatrics! If that makes you happy, well then be my guest.”

 

She smiled. “Thank you. Do you want to eat in the dining room or in your room?”

 

Once inside she went into my small bathing room. I followed. “Iiee. I'll eat here after I bathe.”

 

She nodded. “Nani ni nasaimasu ka? (What will you have?)”

 

“What is there to eat?”

 

“Well, Cook made gyudon (a bowl of rice topped with cooked beef and vegetables). But if you want something else, I'm sure she won't mind whipping something up for you.”

 

“Gyudon is fine. And please, wash this kataginu in clean water. Have it clean and dry by tonight and please inform Hiro to gather all the samurai in the training grounds behind the castle. I will meet them in two hours.” I submerged myself in the lily-scented water when Lana moved aside, my back to her so she would not see the gash on my side.

 

“Are you planning on going out again?”

 

I looked up at her. “Hai. Today was just another proof that the samurai in this city have much training to do. Minutes that go by are minutes that we waste. Otou-san had already ordered this. The sooner the better.” I sighed and hissed softly at the prickling sensation the hot water was having on the cut.

 

She shook her head in disapproval but remained quiet about the matter otherwise. “I'll have one of the girls wash this and have it ready for you. Your meal will be brought out in a little while. Is there anything else you need?”

 

“Iiee.” Remembering the young child outside, I instructed Lana to search for any of my old chihaya from when I was smaller. She dipped her head in acknowledgment and left.

 

When I heard her shut the door that led outside, I let out the pained groan that I'd been holding. Working fast, I cleaned the cut and washed my body. Every part of me screamed in protest at my movements, but I had long ago learned to ignore the pain, both physically and emotionally. Finishing up lathering my hair, I tied a yukata around me and stepped out of the huge hole-like tub and into my room.

 

I directed myself to the small carved shelf next to my bed and took out the small box of herbs and medication. Making quick work, I nursed and bandaged the wound before Lana came back with my meal. I put it away once I finished and put on a fresh set of chihaya. I brushed my hair quickly and pulled it up into its usual small bun. Just when I finished the knot in my hair, I heard Lana.

 

She kneeled, knocked twice, opened the door, and entered with my meal. “I hope you don't mind, but your usual koucha (black tea) was replaced with sencha (green tea). I couldn't find the leaves to make it. And these,” she motioned to the white and blue chihaya in her arms, “are the only set I found.”

 

“That's alright. I'll remember to gather some more leaves for tea tomorrow morning. Thank you, Lana. I'll make sure to bring in my tray when I go.”

 

She simply smiled, bowed and left. Kirara had long returned and was watching me from the edge of my futon. She had eaten while I bathed and was simply watching me.

 

`What are you going to do?' she asked.

 

`About what?' I knew what she was asking but I played the fool.

 

`I'm not your sorry excuse for a father, Kagome! You and I both know that I'm referring to that horrendous mark the insolent whelp left on you!'

 

I sighed. `What can I do?! I have no idea what this means or what it entails. All I know is that I'll unfortunately have to go see those three tonight after I finished training with the samurai.'

 

`I would kill him if it weren't for the fact that it could also harm you!'

 

I frowned in confusion. `What do you mean?'

 

`Youkai use markings to show other youkai what is theirs. The mark he left on you is not a mating mark, which proves to other youkai that you are his mate and that you belong to him. Instead, he used a courting mark. Each courting and mating marks are different in each youkai species and therefore vary. The mark he placed on you only tells others that you are his intended and that you will in some future become his mate. When someone is marked as a mate, their bloods are mixed, so to speak, becoming one and binding their life spans. What happens to one happens to the other. The courting mark should only intertwine your scent with his so that you can be protected - or detected. If he had marked you as his mate, you would be, in ningen terms, his wife.' she finished with a gagging sound.

 

I swallowed her information. I never knew that such a simple act could be so important. The thought of being forever chained to Sesshoumaru, was amazingly, not unpleasant.

 

She interrupted again my thoughts, speaking more to herself than to me. `What I don't understand was how he managed to mark you? The fact that you're a miko should have awakened your instinct to purify him. What's more, is that even if he had managed to bite you, your blood should have rejected his. Yet, it seems to have embraced it and from what I can smell all the way over here, is that it is still binding itself to you. It almost seems impossible when I know for a fact he's not M―.' She stopped and stared at the wall.

 

I blinked and then looked at the closed door. He was there. They were there. All three demonic auras were reaching out from the outskirts of the city. I wondered if the houshi from the Buddhist temple had sensed them. If they had, they gave no sign of doing anything about it. I lifted myself and grabbed a roll of parchment, an inkwell and a brush. Scribbling my message, I turned to Kirara, who was already trying to leave. She must have known what I was about to ask.

 

`Onegai, Kirara. You know I hate this as much as you do.' I pleaded, watching her head bow down in defeat.

 

`The things I do for you! You owe me for doing this!' she protested as she let me tie the message in a necklace that held a butterfly pendant I had made for her.

 

She flew out the window as I once again lay down. I closed my eyes and thought about what she had told me. Now I'm bound to him. Now it will be harder for me to push him away. Similar thoughts swam in my head. I tried to concentrate instead on closing the wound on my side. I would face him later. No sense in troubling now.

 

~~~~~~~~~

 

Sesshoumaru had cut down at least half the dense forest by the time Juro and Ujio had met up with him. He'd tried not to think on the fact that Juro was here to see Kagome. He tried not to think that he was more to her than Sesshoumaru would ever hope to be. He tried not to think on the feelings of betrayal he felt when he realized she had turned to Juro when he had let his youkai take control and the trust she had felt in him.

 

He also tried not to think that she had been seen by both Juro and Ujio in the nude. He tried to not to think that Ujio had gone to her in her hour of need and she had yielded so easily to him. He tried not to think that he had held her with such tenderness and protectiveness with which one holds their mate.

 

But most of all he tried not to think that both his brothers were trying to take away from him what could be the closest thing to perfection in his life. NO! His brothers would never do that! Yet, he felt angry and restless. That is why now part of the forest near the ningen city was missing its trees.

 

Sesshoumaru had his back turned to both his brothers as they approached. He sensed the apprehension in their steps and fought within himself not to let his youkai take control again.

 

Before words could be spoken, all three brothers lifted their heads to the sky to watch Kagome's neko companion land to one side of them. She seemed on edge, but mostly, they all noticed, she had distanced herself from Sesshoumaru. They had all seen the way she had guarded the miko. The neko was a very protective youkai and if they wanted to stay on Kagome's good side, they'd have to think twice before laying a finger on the neko.

 

The cat youkai growled at them. The tension felt could be cut with a knife, but none were eager to do anything about it. Nonetheless, the neko transformed into her smaller self and approached whom she probably hated the most - Juro. She made a sound similar to that of the inu youkai language.

 

At first, Juro couldn't quite make out what the neko wished to convey. The second time she repeated the sound, it was the neko equivalent to the inu language `message'. She pawed the small paper tied to her necklace. Seeing her frustration, he immediately reached for the paper and opened it. As soon as he did, she turned around and flew away from them, no doubt back to her master.

 

Juro unfolded the paper and read it aloud to them.

 

Midnight... Do not move.

 

And so, Ujio and Juro sat down behind Sesshoumaru who had remained with his back to them. The silence grew as night fell, each inu lost within themselves.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Ujio was still trying to understand his actions towards the miko. He was more than sure that he hated her, yet he could not understand why he had helped her. His thoughts flashed to the moment when he had held her. Her smooth skin, the curves of her body, the way she had allowed his nearness when he all but knew how she hated any kind of contact. Even more, why he felt extremely good about doing it. Her skin was still ashen and bruised from the scrubbing, but she was no less lovely. No less inviting. Before he could stop himself, he had laid his arms around her trembling form and the softness of her skin pierced him.

 

Kami, but it felt so good just to touch her. She didn't pull away from his touch or cringe. She stood there and let him touch her like a man. Like a lover...

 

Then, Kagome did something that took him aback. She pulled him closer, tracing every curve of his back as her hands moved down. Chills had rushed over him. Never once had he allowed a woman to face or touch him while they had sex. He'd always taken his demoness on all fours from behind, furious and quick like an inu. He'd never wanted to spend any time with them other than what he needed to sate his body.

 

Yet he could easily envision taking this stranger into his arms and screwing her, face to face. Of feeling her breath on his skin as he rode her slow and hard all night long and drank from her...

 

Her mouth...

 

What would it be like to kiss a female? What would it be like to kiss her? He'd never before had the inclination. Every time a demoness had tried, he'd moved his lips away from hers. It was an intimacy he had no wish to experience with anyone. And yet he felt the yearning for it now. Felt a hunger to sample the moist, rosy lips of Kagome.

 

 

 

Could it be possible that he `felt' something for her? He snorted involuntarily. It was preposterous...right? He shifted uncomfortably.

 

Whether real or not, it was probably better for him if he didn't nurture any form of feelings. Sesshoumaru had already staked a claim on the miko.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Likewise, Juro was trying to figure out what had made him come to seek out Kagome. He was becoming too smitten with the miko. There was an immense desire he knew should not be there. It wasn't that she was ningen - that was the last thing he thought about when he saw her.

 

Any time her name popped in his head, it made him think of legs sliding against his. Of the delicate, feminine skin that would cover her buttocks and thighs. The way they would feel against his legs as he pounded himself into her. His breathing becoming ragged, he imagined what it would be like to slide her pants down her legs and spread them wide. To run his hand through her short crisp hairs until he could touch her intimately, stroking her until her sweet juices coated his fingers as she murmured in his ear and rubbed herself against him.

 

What would it be like to lay her down on his futon and sink himself deep inside her warm, wet heat until they both climaxed. To feel her mouth on his body. Her hands groping him. She reached out to touch him.

 

Unable to move from the force of his fantasy, Juro stood perfectly still. Rational thought setting in, he realized that he should not be having these kinds of thoughts about his brother's potential mate. Sesshoumaru was deeply taken by the miko. Kagome could never become his. Juro would never interfere unless Kagome was in danger. Besides, he still wasn't sure what exactly it was that this miko invoked in him. Whatever it was, there was only one question: Was it enough to override the years of longing for “her”?

 

For now, he needed to distance himself from the miko, physically and emotionally.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Sesshoumaru was too angry to think. He knew what he wanted - and that was Kagome. There would be no more games. His youkai had unveiled his clouded mind. He wanted the miko. Not just for one hot, pleasurable night. He wanted her with him. Whether for one year or a hundred, he still wasn't sure. All he knew now was that she belonged to him and until he could completely understand what it was about her that drove him crazy she would have to remain by his side. It didn't matter what anyone else thought about it.

 

The sounds of the night were getting on everyone's nerves. Being the offhanded youkai that he was Ujio was the first to speak. “You're angry.”

 

Sesshoumaru turned slowly. “You think?!”

 

“This is your own fault, you know? You just had to keep following the miko. Why can't you just forget about her and find a mate?” replied Ujio.

 

“BECAUSE SHE'S MINE! I WON'T LET ANYONE ELSE HAVE HER! NOT EVEN YOU!” he shouted.

 

At this outburst, Juro reacted. “She's not an object, brother. She has a will of her own. And you haven't even considered the consequences of your actions on her!”

 

Moving like the wind, he pinned Juro on the ground, hovering over him, baring his fangs. “Don't think that I have forgotten that you are also sniffing around her! I've marked her! She belongs to me! And if you wish to have her, I will not think twice in fighting for her... even against you!”

 

Ujio, who had never seen Juro lose control over his youkai, pulled at Sesshoumaru. “No one is trying to take her from you. But Juro is right. She's ningen, Sesshoumaru, for Kami's sake! You must leave and forget about her! Your mark on her will fade if you don't renew it in a few weeks!”

 

He managed to push Ujio and face Juro once more. “Zettaini nai (Never)!”

 

Juro wasn't someone who loved to fight. His eyes were slowly shifting between blue and green. But defending Kagome was something that he planned on doing until the day he died. That day, on that first encounter with the miko, he promised himself that he would see her safe until the day her ningen days ended. He returned Sesshoumaru's own glare and accepted his challenge.

 

“Kami, Sesshoumaru! We're brothers! We never allow anything to come between us. No female - ningen or youkai - will change that!” Ujio chastised. Receiving only threatening growls, he directed himself to Juro. “Juro, you too, must stop this. What the hell is wrong with you both?! Fighting for a worthless ningen onna!” Ujio's own demon retaliated at the words that left his mouth.

 

Infuriated growls were their response. He threw his hands in the air and walked towards them once more. He stood next to them. “Look, just answer this - both of you. Juro, do you wish to mate with Kagome?”

 

Juro's green eyes never left Sesshoumaru's red ones when he answered. “She is my friend.” There was no lie in his answer and the other two inu youkai knew it.

 

He turned now to Sesshoumaru. “Sesshoumaru, do you really think Juro, or myself, would ever try to come between you and your,” he swallowed hard, “mate?” Somehow the idea of the miko being mated didn't sit well with Ujio.

 

It took more than they'd want to but he shook his head.

 

“Ii desu yo (Good). Now, both of you get up! This is absurd.”

 

Sesshoumaru stood and extended his hand to Juro, who took it without doubt. They straightened their clothing and nodded their apologies. Sesshoumaru glanced at Ujio and noticed for the first time that his kataginu was missing. He approached said brother and asked him.

 

“What happened to your kataginu?”

 

It was Ujio's turn to stiffen. This wasn't going to turn out good. He averted Sesshoumaru's gaze. “Uhh...?”

 

They both looked down at the sound of said article falling between both of them.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And so, here was the last update. Yes, I know, another cliffy. Made the chapters long enough...? :goes to hide behind couch:

And before all of you send out a hit man, let me just say that I won't be updating for at least a week and a half - two tops. I know! I know! I suck. But you can blame my lab director. He just HAD to choose ME to go to that stupid five-day workshop for the new machines for the Chemistry and Hematology Departments. And if you can guess, yes, I do work at a hospital laboratory! So, now I have to go to that stupid workshop and THEN come back and teach the rest of my co-workers how to use them. You'd think he'd chose someone older and with more experience. I, mean, I'm the youngest lab tech. But you know what he said, “The more you learn, the more experienced you'll be.” :snorts: Yeah, right.

So, again I'm sorry and pray that I don't strangle, maim or otherwise get caught killing someone to break out of the monotony.