InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Chou Shoki I: Learning from Yesterday ❯ Chapter 27 ( Chapter 26 )

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Hello my avid readers! Let me first begin by expressing my thanks for your reviews - as always!

Anarha: Thank you for your continuing support. And I've thought over what you proposed and I think I'll take the poem. Maybe something about my `psycho-miko'. But you can decide on what.

On another note, I HOPE that all of you are reading this because this is something I've been needing to address for some time. I've noticed that some of the readers don't read these notes. I don't blame you! Really! I used to skip through them too and go directly into the story. However, there is a reason most authors use the space at the start of a chapter. And right now, I want to tell all of you that I will only use these on the rarest of occasions, keep it minimal (not counting this one) and only IF it's something EXTREMELY important. I'm sure none of you care about what I do as long as I continue with the story.

So, in light of that, let me just ask each and every one of you to PLEASE read my author's notes. For several chapters, I've had reviewers ask questions that I've either answered on previous chapters or that I answer here in this space on the next upload. To be honest, it's a bit annoying. Now, if any of you guys asks a question that I'm sure will be a future concern, then I also try to share the answer with all of you and not just that particular reviewer.

There is also something that a particular reviewer asked and I thought you guys might want to know (or maybe not). Torch87, wanted to know what the title of my story means or rather translates to. I had to laugh at the question. Not because I was laughing at him! Rather, I was laughing at myself for never actually explaining that. `Chou Shoki' translates to The Butterfly Chronicles. If I ever translated it, then I couldn't find where I did. So! There you have it, Torch87.

As for my grammar...yes...I DO make mistakes here and there. It's only natural and I AMhuman. So, I'd like to publicly thank, gerjks, for pointing out those two mistakes. I went back and found them IN the site. I don't know why I don't have them in my notes. And don't worry about ever correcting me! Still, thanks and I'll try to be more careful.

Anyways, that was it. THANK YOU FOR NOT SKIPPING THIS AUTHOR'S NOTE.

And now, enjoy the story.

 

 

The best way would be to avoid each other without appearing to do so - or if we jostle, at any rate not to bite.

-Lord Byron

 

 

CHAPTER 27

 

Before I began the samurai's training I went to check on the small girl. She was sitting under a pine tree at the back of the castle. The instant she saw me she came out and stared expectantly. There were no smiles or petitions on her behalf. She only waited. I gazed at her in confusion. “Why did you follow me?”

 

No answer. “You can't stay here. The okami will surely have a fit if he found a citizen inside his home.”

 

Still no answer. I became frustrated. “Do what you wish. Just don't expect me to look out for you.”

 

If I'd been confused then, it certainly turned into utter bewilderment. She smiled at me and sat back under the tree, humming softly the tune she had been humming to her dead mother. Giving her another look, I tossed over my shoulder, “Keep low.”

 

Kirara had been watching afar. `You seem to attract much unwanted attention these days, don't you? First it was the dog and now a child. Though, if you ask me, I'd prefer the child over that thing outside.'

 

`See that no one finds her.' I headed towards the front yard.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~

 

They all just stared at me. I had heard their entire conversation. When Sesshoumaru had first claimed that I belonged to him, I was ready to beat the hell out of him. But as the three inu youkai continued bickering, I realized that I was starting to dig myself into a bigger hole. I wasn't going to lie to myself and say that I did not feel a bit of womanly pride to have such handsome males (for no one could deny that all three brothers were definitely ones that had women throwing themselves at their feet; the proof had been at the celebration I had attended) fighting over me.

 

Though, this kind of male attention was most probably going to get me killed quicker than I thought. I was confused as to Ujio's actions. He seemed to loathe me and yet he'd been the one to comfort me. Even if we both denied it, his desire had been real. It was more baffling that none of them had sensed me by now. One had to wonder as to how they had survived all these years being the distracted youkai they were.

 

As soon as Sesshoumaru asked about Ujio's garment, I knew it was the moment to intervene. I rapidly walked towards them and threw it at Ujio's feet. It was probably not very kind of me to do so, but I wanted the least possible contact with any of them. Ujio picked it up and quickly put it on. He scrunched up his nose in apparent disgust.

 

“It smells like you. Now I'll have to burn it or torture myself until the stench goes away.” he said.

 

I lifted an eyebrow, keeping a blank expression. “All of you will listen to me,” I said calmly. They were all about to protest when I stopped them. “Shizukani. You have no right to come into my lands uninvited. While I hold an alliance with the Inu no Taishou that does not imply that you can barge into my territories whenever you feel the need to do so. Unless it is absolutely necessary, you will never again set foot on my lands or come within sensing range of my person. Understand?”

 

Ujio was the first to laugh. “Do you honestly think I would want to come anywhere near you?!”

 

I smirked at him. “Maybe you won't. But...” I said while lifting my chin, “I'm sure the Inu no Taishou would love to know what his baka sons were doing here.” Whatever other comments any of them were going to say, died the moment I uttered their father's name.

 

My smirk disappeared to be replaced with my normal stoic expression. “Well, now that that is settled, I believe you have but other things to answer.” I glared past them to Sesshoumaru. “What in seven hells were you thinking when you did this to me?!” I asked icily, pointing to the puncture wounds in my neck.

 

He was staring at my neck. It was like he was hypnotized to that spot. His gaze traveled to my eyes. “Domo sumimasen (I'm very sorry),” he murmured.

 

I don't know why but my anger rose higher. “Are you? Because quite frankly I don't believe you!”

 

My answer must have angered him too, because the next thing I knew he was standing in front of me. Both Juro and Ujio had already positioned themselves on opposite sides of us. They were far enough to not upset Sesshoumaru again, but close enough to stop him if need be.

 

“You want the truth?!”

 

“Yes.”

 

He took one step closer. “Very well. I am sorry that I marked you without your permission. But I WILL NOT apologize for doing it!”

 

“I am not an object to which you can just stake a claim! You should have asked me what I wanted instead of doing what you did!”

 

“If I'd asked, you would have said no!”

 

“Well, what did you expect?! For me to jump for joy?! I do not belong to ANYONE! Least of all a sorry excuse for a demon like you!”

 

“That's too bad! Because now you do belong to me, whether you like it or not! And I'll be damned if I let anyone else touch you!”

 

I didn't think that I could get more livid but the inu youkai proved me wrong. I took deep breathes and tried to think straight. His nearness was having a completely new effect on me. The desire to have him hold me was overpowering. I calmed down. “Why can't you just understand that I don't want you around me? Why can't you just accept that fact that all I want is to have my old life back; when the demons that were following me were trying to kill me, NOT SEDUCE ME! Haven't you seen what your presence in my life brings?”

 

His face had a hurt expression on it. But that was quickly replaced with an angry one once again. “NO! I will leave you when I decide to.”

 

I clenched my fists but fighting was not going to solve anything. I needed to remain calm, as hard as that was turning out to be. “Look, I... I can't do this anymore. I almost got killed today. That is not something I fear. Ever since I was a little girl, I was taught never to retreat, never to surrender... death on the battlefield in service to the okami is the greatest glory I can achieve. I have been taught to feel no pain, no mercy and if necessary, to kill. I live only to protect and defend - to serve.” I took in another breath. “Your presence has intercepted my duties. Because of my alliance with your father, I am duty-bound to protect you, even against my own people. However, today went beyond honor and duty. Because of you, I have lost a great amount of blood. I was weakened before a battle that cost the lives of hundreds. Because of you, I was injured resulting in more loss of blood and further weakening of my body. But most of all, because of you, the Shikon no Tama could have fallen in the hands of someone that would have obliterated all beings in the blink of an eye.”

 

He was looking at me, not once wavering under my accusations. Swallowing, I continued. “I don't need this Sesshoumaru. Go and leave me be.”

 

I looked back at the two other inu youkai. “I can't leave. You can't ask me that,” Sesshoumaru pleaded.

 

Ignoring the pain I felt channeled through his mark, I questioned Juro. “Why did you come?”

 

He opened his mouth, but no words came out. I stared at Ujio next. “And you?”

 

I received a similar response. I closed my eyes for a moment, if only to collect myself, and to push back on the desire to run into Sesshoumaru's arms. “I want you all to leave. Disappear... die... hate me, ignore me... pretend you never met me... I don't care. Just let me live my life with what little peace I have ever known. I have responsibilities which must never be put aside for anything,” I faced Sesshoumaru. “Or anyone.”

 

~~~~~~~~~

 

The instant she left they were all trying hard not to let her words affect them. How could a woman graced with such beauty and power be cursed with both qualities at the same time? Ujio didn't wish to remain here any longer... and yet he hoped that some day he could understand the enigma that was the miko Kagome. He inhaled sharply and her scent washed over him, soothing him. Smiling to himself, he left without another word to his brothers. As soon as he got home, he would delve into his thoughts once more to uncover the truth.

 

Juro followed a few minutes after Ujio left. He knew this was not where he should be. Kagome was someone who had proved time and again that she needed no one to save her. And if by chance, she did, he knew it might no be a task meant for him.

 

Sesshoumaru realized he should leave. He should forget about Kagome. But the thought pained him more than he would want to admit. A separation from her, marked or unmarked, was too excruciating. Perhaps if he gave her a bit more space, she'd see how much he was willing to sacrifice for her. Because as much as the miko wanted to deny it they both knew she felt something for him. So far, their kisses only proved that there was a great amount of chemistry between them that neither of them could deny any longer.

 

Giving no more thought to the matter he, again, started in the direction of the imperial castle. She wasn't getting rid of him that easily.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~

 

I couldn't sleep even though I wanted to, so I perched myself on the tree a few meters away from the entrance of my door. I watched the reflection of the moon in the water right below. A new moon. Such nights filled me with a serenity beyond comprehension. I gazed up at the star filled sky. Unconsciously, I touched Sesshoumaru's mark. Wide-eyed, I felt the immense desire to see him and the desire he felt to be near me. I felt his confusion, his anger at my dismissal, and his nearing presence.

 

Turning to the child I had sensed nearing, I watched her approach with confidence. She sat at the base of the tree. Looking at herself in the water, she reached out to touch her reflection. The instant her hand came in contact with the water, she giggled uncontrollably. She was probably as insane as me or even a bit more. How could something so stupid be so funny?

 

“What's your name?” I asked before I realized.

 

She looked at me with that stupid grin on her face. “Girl.” It was the first word she'd uttered since I found her earlier.

 

“That's not a name.”

 

She shrugged. “That's what Mamejo called me.”

 

I furrowed my eyebrows. “Mamejo?”

 

“She was like my mother. She found me when I was just a newborn. She fed me and gave me a home.”

 

“I'm not her.” I quickly added.

 

“I know,” she responded.

 

“Then tell me why you followed me.”

 

She cocked her head to the side, as if the question was so ridiculously evident. “Because you need me silly.”

 

“Needs and desires are choices. Those who choose them are weak. I'm not one of those beings. I desire nothing. I need no one.”

 

“Everyone needs someone or something. I needed someone when Mamejo was taken. The Kami sent you.”

 

I snorted. “You will learn that it's better to be alone. No one to look after. No one to leave you. No one to disappoint you.”

 

“Has anyone left you?” she asked innocently. Then, before I could respond, she added with a smile, “I will never leave you miko-sama. I promise!”

 

I looked down on her. How could she know that it was not up to her to decide her future? How could she even make a promise she would never be able to keep? She really was naïve and stupid. Unfortunately, the world would make sure to show her how wrong her views of life were. I shook my head and concentrated on my main concern at the moment.

 

Debating whether or not to speak with him once more, I hugged my knees. Another thought had been circling in my head. My `monthly pilgrimage' would be tomorrow. There was no way I was going to be swayed. I had had the fortune of disappearing when he had followed me only because he disappeared at almost the exact same time my `pilgrimage' was to be made at those times. This was a place Sesshoumaru could never follow me to. As irritating as he could be, I wasn't prepared for the consequences should he decide to ignore my warnings and follow me.

 

For some time now, I had resorted to threats and indifference. None had had the results I was searching for. My last and, most aching tactic would have to suffice - asking nicely. I wasn't nice. I didn't do nice. And to be honest, I didn't think that the word even existed in my vocabulary. Sometimes sacrifices must be made for the good of all.

 

“Eriko,” I stated, glancing in her direction. She stared back in confused. “Your name will be Eriko.”

 

She offered another annoying smile, nodding. “Go inside that door,” ― pointing to the entrance to my cabin ― “until I come and get you. Don't leave. No matter what, stay where you are.”

 

She stood up straight. “Hai,” she quipped and disappeared inside the door.

 

So, letting my spiritual powers pinpoint his demonic aura, I followed the tree lines surrounding the castle to a tall cider tree outside that stood directly in front of, what had been years ago, my bedroom window. Thank kami I had long ago placed a barrier around the castle. He was no stupid demon and he'd probably felt the repulsion of my barrier and remained close enough only to keep an eye on me. My mind made up, I jumped down.

 

Creating an opening for him to enter, I used our `connection' to beckon him inside. No sooner had my mind conjured the message that I saw him jump inside. He had a look of suspicion and if I was right, he was a little confused, too. He stood with caution, stepping carefully as if waiting for something to jump out of nowhere and attack him. Rolling my eyes, I motioned with my hand to the spot next to me. Following his every move with my eyes, I felt the pull of his demonic aura as soon as he was within arms reach. I fought as hard as I could not to show him how difficult it was for me not to let him kiss me again.

 

He paused in front of me. “I don't think I have to voice my confusion, do I?”

 

Staring indifferently at him, I ignored his query and got to my point. “There is a cleansing pilgrimage I have made every month since I was ordained as a miko. It is a voyage in which I must meditate, be relaxed and AT PEACE with my surroundings.”

 

“Continue,” he urged, having a somewhat idea where this was leading to.

 

“You are the embodiment of chaos in my life, both on the outside and on the inside. I know that you know that we know this is not normal. We're supposed to be bitter enemies. And yet, for some ungodly reason, I can't find it in myself to kill you or your filthy family. I can only assume that you feel the same way or I'd be celebrating your passage into hell - by my own hands, of course.” He only shifted positions, sitting cross-legged.

 

“You are telling me something that I have known from the beginning wench. What I don't know is why you have allowed me to be here?” he replied. I let the whole “wench” thing pass if only to get what I wanted.

 

I pressed my lips in frustration. “For that reason, and so many others I will not enumerate at this moment, I... I... I-I... I'm asking that you remain behind.”

 

He frowned. Then he blinked several times. He lifted his head towards the night sky and closed his eyes. He then breathed in deeply and released it out slowly.

 

The cursed demon was trying to get on my nerves!

 

“Well?” I gritted.

 

“No.”

 

Loosing hold of all strings of tranquility and calm, I pushed him back and hovered over him. I glared at him breathing heavily and radiating the pent up anger he seemed so easily to be able to tap to within me. Briefly surprised, but quickly recovering, he grinned up at me.

 

“You know.... I always imagined us this way. However, if I remember correctly, I was the one on top, we were both completely naked―”

 

“YAMERU YO!!!” I shouted before I realized that some of the samurai were still around. Lowering my voice, barely able to contain my fury, I continued. “I'm trying to be polite for once and you think this is a game?! I'm trying to make things as less stressing on both of us as possible - which is more than I can say for you!”

 

I pushed myself off the ground but left one foot on top of his chest. “No more nice miko. You will stay behind. If you want to lie around the castle borders, I don't care. All I know is that if I so much as hear a twig snap within a radius of twenty miles, I will have to visit your father in order to deliver his son in a box of ashes! And don't try me! You'd be surprised as the range of my hearing. It would put that of any youkai to shame any day.”

 

With that said I stormed towards the castle, paying no heed to the inu youkai that was yelling at me to come back. Half way to the back entrance, a sharp stab brought me to my knees. `Kami no! Not know. Not here and definitely not in front of him'

 

I doubled over as the pain increased. My breathing was labored. It was the same each month. The pain would come and render me helpless. As it increased, I felt my insides being ripped apart and the sound of my ribs expanding was so excruciating that it usually brought tears to my eyes. With my forehead pressed to the ground, I held in the air in my lungs, terrified of the ache it would cause if I moved any more.

 

Sesshoumaru was next to me before I even knew it. He reached out to touch me, but as soon as I felt his aura come in contact with mine, something in my head just snapped.

 

~~~~~~~~~~

 

No ear can hear no tongue can tell the tortures of the inward Hell!

-Lord Byron