InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Condition of the Souls ❯ Not As It Seems: Part 1 ( Chapter 9 )

Yep, I'm back. I actually split this chapter in two, because I'm not done with the next part which involves going back in time. Although half of this you have seen, I figure it's better to split it and give it to you now than wait. I would've given it to you a few days ago but I haven't been able to access fanfiction.net- go figure. I was really annoyed about that!

 

Lylli Riddle- Thanks so much for all your reviews- I am so happy! ^_^ I'm taking all your comments into account as I write and as I edit the older chapters.

Kar-chan- Thank you for your vote and for thinking that this is a pretty good fic! I'm so touched, really!

IceRayven- I'm so glad to know that you're reading. I'm glad that it's getting a more mature feel to it. I could never write a fic that was rated R, or at least not for explicit sexual content, but I do like to think that it's getting better. I'm trying to put some morals into my stories and some information tidbits that perhaps some people don't know. I'm certainly willing to learn from everyone else and putting it in the context of a story makes it more interesting. I hope that people are reading, although I certainly enjoy writing, it gets kinda daunting sometimes when stories get hundreds of reviews. What's your problem with the review button- you can e-mail me about it if you want- I'm better about answering e-mail than I was for a while. Anyways, thanks again for using the evil review button. I'll remember that you are always out there somewhere. ^_^

Sesshomaru Lover- No ideas? Don't worry about it! It's no big deal. Any feedback is worth it. Also, thanks for telling me about changing your name. I like the new one, btw.

Angelstars- Thank you for all your ideas and your vote. You'll definitely see more about Sesshoumaru's past and the deal with his mom. You're right- it is kinda twisted but as it came to me one day, I found that it not only fit well with my story but it also works well with the series itself. I could've revealed everything about it already, but I didn't for several reasons- to keep the suspense going a little bit and also to be more true to the nature of false assumptions/ memories. I haven't taken the full class on memory or cognition yet but from what I know, immediate retrieval does not usually happen. That false memory stuff is really complicated. *sighs* But as you will see, Sesshoumaru's case is one of what I call a failure of perception. That's one of the reasons for the chapter name… but you'll understand a little more of that in the next chapter.

 

 

Chapter 9- Not As It Seems: Part 1

“To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends. United there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided there is little we can do--for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.” - JFK's inaugural speech, Jan. 20, 1961

(break)

 

Back in Kaede's village, everyone, with the exception of Rin, Shippo and Jaken, is sitting around a roaring fire to enjoy its flickering light and to discuss the events of the day. Inuyasha, however, is pouting because Kagome had insulted him… when she accused him of forgetting or not paying attention.

 

With a thoughtful and knowing gleam in his eye, Miroku leans towards his hanyou friend. “Are you still feeling annoyed with Kagome-sama? Inuyasha, it doesn't matter who informed us. What is important is that we were all brought up to speed about the Shikon no Tama and the four souls.”

 

As the words pour out, Inuyasha narrows his further, if that is hanyouly possibly. Turning onto his side to face the door, he allows his agitation and annoyance a voice. “Shut up, bouzu! I don't care, alright?” He glares pointedly at his friend. “So stop wastin' your breath!”

 

Miroku closes his eyes and sighs. “Fine- I see that you are not yet prepared to discuss Kagome-sama.” Suddenly grinning conspiratorially, the monk takes an opportunity to elbow his friend. “Not that I don't partially understand your motivations!”

 

The white-haired youth bristles at the contact and looks completely disgusted. “There is nothing to talk about- if there is, it will not be anything related to her…”

 

A knowing smile appears on Miroku's face. “Are you not worried about her?”

 

His eyes widen as he crosses his arms and turns away. “Keh, why'd I do that?”

 

“Because… she departed after lunch and has not yet returned, to my knowledge. I saw her walk in the direction of the forest. Sesshoumaru-sama also left us earlier.”

 

In the corner, Jaken lifts his head at the mere mention of his master's name. Nodding in apparent agreement, he sighs heavily.

 

Miroku notices the sudden change in the toad youkai and takes the opportunity to include him in their conversation. “Jaken-san, are you worried about your master?”

 

Returning the question with a straight glare, he adds, “Of course not, human! Sesshoumaru-sama is the most powerful taiyoukai in all the lands. He could not be in danger; it is impossible. So unlike your pathetic miko friend… and no doubt you will find her body mangled and lifeless in the forest somewhere… Sesshoumaru-sama can take care of himself.” Everyone, including Inuyasha, shifts their weight uneasily.

 

Miroku jumps to her defense. “Do not underestimate Kagome-sama or her powers, Jaken-san. She is more powerful than she seems… or than she knows. After all, she is the protector of the Shikon no Tama or,” he turns to Kaede, “perhaps that is an incomplete title for her in the light of recent revelations?”

 

Inuyasha rolls his eyes. “She's too stubborn to die. She better not have gotten herself kidnapped.”

 

Sango sweatdrops, but remains silent as Kaede adds, “I just hope that she did not surprise Sesshoumaru-sama in the forest. She is powerful, but she does not yet know how to control or tap into most of her powers. I do hope that he did not harm her in any way.”

 

Jaken look disdainfully at the old miko. “Sesshoumaru-sama has his honor and he would not bother to hurt a worthless human if she is helping him to achieve a mutual goal. However, if he did injure her, it is not your place to speculate. He has a right to do as he pleases- it's the Lord's prerogative!”

 

Sango snorts. “You are always quick to remind us of such things- probably because he is always so quick to correct you in that particular area!”

 

Jaken glares at her and begins to stutter. “H…how d…dare you speak to me that way, you impudent, insignificant vermin!

 

At this moment, Sesshoumaru glides in with Kagome following a few steps behind him. “Jaken, be quiet.”

 

Jaken runs towards his lord and prostrates himself devotedly at Sesshoumaru's feet. “Sesshou…”

 

Cutting him off, Sesshoumaru continues. “Jaken, although these are humans and deserve such insults, it is bad manners to insult teammates and hosts. You will apologize to the taijiya.”

 

Jaken looks as if he is going to be physically sick. “B…but must I? She's just a vile human. They are unworthy of such social graces!” The lord does not move a muscle; his face remains impassive and commanding.

 

Jaken grumbles and stands up to face Sango with obvious reluctance. “I apologize.”

 

The inuyoukai nods slightly at his faithful underling. “That was not so hard was it, Jaken?”

 

Incredulously glancing up at his master, he stares. “Well I never… my dead mother, may she rest in peace, would never have allowed such nonsensical behavior! Back in her day, humans were treated right- without any regard for their feelings. Back then, honor did not apply to them… the good old days.” His eyes shine.

 

Kagome stomps up to him and attempts to use the height differential to her advantage. “That was not the beginning of the story! Both humans and youkai were created to peacefully coexist!” The toad youkai snorts, but Kagome continues. “Each race has its strengths and weaknesses. Remember that strength in this case does not always mean physical power. There was a time of peace between both groups, but unfortunately the ideal could not last; the fragile peace broke. Now, these many years later, youkai and humans despise each other and try to kill each other. You should also know that I have never seen any youkai in the time period where I live.”

 

Jaken does not look disturbed, instead he looks mildly amused. “That's simply human fairy tales- how ridiculous!”

 

Sesshoumaru shakes his head. “Yes, it is a fairy tale, but think, Jaken. She has just returned from seeing my father. As powerful as he was, he always was pro-human. It is not her fault; she is repeating what fantasies Inutaisho told her. After all, he was the taiyoukai who actually liked humans.” His last sarcastic word hangs in the air and its chilling tone sinks the human's hearts. They shift from one foot to the other and do not know how to respond. Their discomfort wipes their minds completely blank except for the shock.

 

After wetting her lips nervously, Kagome breaks the uncomfortable silence. “Yes, some of the information was from Inutaisho-sama.” Jaken smiles mockingly, but she ignores him and explains further. “You see, that's what Inutaisho-sama told us about the time of the first four souls… but what a way to speak of your father, Sesshoumaru.” The taiyoukai does not respond in any way. He does not bat an eyelash or change his breathing pattern. Completely still, he continues to stare at her without responding to her scolding. Sighing in exasperation, Kagome turns to Inuyasha to change the subject and continue the conversation. “That's where we're heading next- that distant past. We'll be able to tell you what is fact and what is fairy tale.” Jaken snorts, but she confidently ignores him. “Inuyasha, tomorrow, we'll…”

 

“No, I don't wanna go with you!”

 

“You don't?” Kagome feels slightly crushed, but she doesn't allow herself to show it. Instead, she straightens and takes another approach. “So you refuse to protect me…”

 

“You don't need me for the spell and if you need me to protect you all the time, why'd you go running off without me today?”

 

“You wouldn't have wanted come with me anyway, not that it matters!”

 

Sango joins in. “It's not as if you were so keen to follow her, Inuyasha. You did say that you would protect her.”

 

Inuyasha shoots back, “Will you stay out of this, Sango? It's not as if I have to protect you every waking moment, Kagome.”

 

Kagome jumps back into the conversation. “Yes, but you said that you would be there to help me as I travel through time. You're still refusing to protect me as you said that you would, Inuyasha.” She takes a deep breath and tries to calm down. “Come on, don't you think it could be fun? I bet the others are jealous that they can't come with us and you want to ignore this opportunity?” A curious smile appears on her face. “But more than that, it's the past- who knows what could happen to me!?”

 

Sesshoumaru is not paying attention to the lover's quarrel until he realizes that Inuyasha is about to break a promise to his future mate. Inutaisho's words stick in Sesshoumaru's mind with relentless accuracy… Protect her and teach him. Inwardly sighing, he gives in to his father's entreaties. “Inuyasha, you gave your word and you will go. No one with the blood of Inutaisho flowing through his veins will act so dishonorably, especially towards your…” Kagome spears him with a look. “friend.”

 

Inuyasha, looking both annoyed and puzzled simultaneously, turns around to face his brother. “You're playing big brother, aniki Sesshoumaru? Besides, she's human …”

 

“And you're half-human. This is not about race or species; it is a matter of honor. You have an obligation that you willingly made and so you will go… or I will make you.”

 

Kagome smiles at both of them. “Besides that, what if I told your Daddy? I can make a pit stop and visit him. I wonder what he would say if you weren't with me. There'd be hell to pay, boy!”

 

Inuyasha growls under his breath in rage. “Alright, just shut up and I'll go!”

 

Thank you, Inuyasha!” Kagome leaps towards him and envelops him in a hug. His eyes widening slightly, he is not sure how to react so he just stands there in shock until she lets him go.

(break)

 

The Next Morning:

In the mid-morning hours, Kagome wakes up to hear rain pouring down outside. The drops hit the roof and slide off in an entrancing, rhythmic pattern. The air inside Kaede's dwelling is humid and somewhat cool. Kaede stirs nearby and stretches while succeeding in catching Kagome's eye. Quietly preparing to get up, the older miko almost flinches in pain as she begins to move. Putting her hand to her mouth in astonishment, Kagome realizes what is going on. Kaede must have arthritis! She smiles sympathetically at her older friend and mentor, but does not say anything due to the fact that everyone else is still sleeping rather soundly.

 

Kagome looks around to see everyone sprawled around her- even stubborn Sesshoumaru came inside because of the torrential downpour. With an enchantingly innocent grin on her young features, Rin is curled into Sesshoumaru's long hair and tail. In a pile closer to where the fire had once been, Shippo and Kirara are huddled next to Sango. Inuyasha has his head cocked to one side as he is passed out in the corner with his back to the wall and Tessaiga in his hand. (A/N- like Kenshin when he's asleep, but hunched over more.) In a different corner, Miroku's hand is waving about in mid-air and twitching curiously as he sleeps.

 

Kagome smiles to herself. My dear friends… what would I do without them? I don't know… and I don't want to find out! She shakes her head in annoyance at the weather. Rain or shine, it's time to get up. If we're lucky, maybe it's not raining in the past!

 

Kaede nods to her and they agree to wake the others up. They begin to gently nudge their friends, but they don't go anywhere near Sesshoumaru because they do not want feel his wrath. Everyone blinks as they stare bleary-eyed around the small room. As some of them begin to yawn, Rin stirs slightly and wakes up Sesshoumaru with her movements.

 

The yellow-eyed youkai blinks, pulls himself into a sitting position and looks around the room. After taking a bit of sleep out of his eye, he narrows his eyes at everyone, except Rin who has already gotten up and moved away from him. His eyes rest on Kagome and Kaede for a few moments. Kagome shivers, but stares back while Kaede seems unaffected. The older woman closes her eyes and nods. “Good morning, Sesshoumaru-sama.”

 

He grunts and growls, “Miko.”

 

“Did ye sleep well? I am pleased that ye took shelter with us instead of being soaked from head to toe.”

 

“I could have returned home.”

 

“But ye chose otherwise. `Twas late when the weather changed and the journey is not that short, even for a taiyoukai.” He blinks. “Do not misunderstand, Sesshoumaru-sama; ye were very welcome here. I was honored.”

 

“Hmph.”

 

An intriguing smile plays on Kaede's lips as she turns to Kagome. “I hope that ye are ready to go?”

 

She nods in return and her long hair flows with her movement. “I am, Kaede-sensei.”

 

The older miko shakes her head and waves her finger in a gentle reprimand. “Remember, child, `tis Kaede, not Kaede-sensei.”

 

A crimson blush graces Kagome features. “Sorry.”

 

Patting her student's shoulder, Kaede smiles warmly. “No harm done, dear.” Looking to the corner where Inuyasha has been half-observing them, Kaede addresses him. “Inuyasha, are ye prepared?”

 

“To go? Babaa, it's freakin' rainin'! Are you crazy? I'm not walking around all day in the rain!” Kagome laughs a bit. Inuyasha watches her and feels instantly annoyed. “What is it? Why the heck are you laughing?”

 

Calming herself, she looks in his eyes and authoritatively quotes, “You're not thinking fourth-dimensionally!” She giggles.

 

Everyone's jaws hit the floor; no one has any idea what she means by this random comment. Absolute silence falls over the group. After clearing her throat, Kaede opens her mouth to speak, but Inuyasha beats her to it.

 

“Wench! Why don't you speak our language?” Kagome narrows her eyes at him, but Kaede clears her throat again to get their attention.

 

Calmly, Kaede asks, “Kagome, what does fourth-dimensionally mean?”

 

Kagome nods and pulls out a piece of paper and a pencil. “Ok, well, the fourth dimension is time. Conditions, such as weather, vary from time period to time period. Here it's raining, but in the other time, it may or may not be raining. So thinking fourth-dimensionally means taking those changes into account.” Everyone nods and has grasped at least some of the little lesson from Professor Higurashi.

(break)

 

That's the end of this part. As I said, I wanted to get this bit out to everyone. Next time does involve the trip into the past and I am not going to waste much time on them getting to the past- or I don't think I will- it'll mostly be the trip itself. See the very short preview below and review if you don't have an issue with the review box and if you do, feel free to e-mail me.

 

Note about Back to the Future- In the movies, Doc Brown is always chastising Marty because he's not thinking fourth-dimensionally. I'm sorry that I put this in, but I love those movies- I have ever since they came out. Naturally, I understand the theories better than I did back then. It does feel a little dated, but it's supposed to be that way. I would recommend the trilogy to anyone who has not seen it.

 

Poll So Far:

1 -One youkai mate

1 -Two youkai mates (one who would die)

1 -One hanyou mate (who would die), one youkai mate

0 -One human mate (who would die), one youkai mate

1-Rin as mate and stays alive

(Most of you like the idea that Rin would be Sesshoumaru's mate in some way and I may have that in there- haven't decided yet. If I do, there'd be mostly flashbacks to that time instead of a main focus on it because we're already juggling time periods and now Rin's only 11 or so- too young. But maybe some miracle will change that- I don't know. What I do know is that as a whole, you are all as divided on the subject as I am. Oh well! If anyone hasn't voted who has any idea or knows anyone else who cares, tell me your/their vote.)