InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Finding My Heart ❯ Soul Awakening ( Chapter 19 )

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AN: *pouts...I guess my bribing didn't work. Oh well, here is my next chapter.

 

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Chapter 19- Soul Awakening

 

You what?!”

 

InuYasha cringed under Kikyou's gaze. He sat on the wooden floor of their house like a dog; his ears pinned against his head, trying to cut out as much sound as possible. He hated it when Kikyou gets mad, and reluctantly endured her sharp yelling. “I gave the jewel to—

 

“I heard you the first time!” Kikyou interrupted. Her hands hung to her side; water mixed with soap dripping off of them. She couldn't believe what InuYasha just told her.

 

InuYasha wished that Kikyou would just turn around and continue washing the dishes, but he knew it would be awhile before she became completely calm again. He hadn't wanted to tell Kikyou that he gave the jewel to Kagome, but every hour of the day he felt more and more guilty for lying to Kikyou.

 

“Why would you do that?” Kikyou asked, a little calmer than the last time. Her eyes softened slightly. Before, InuYasha would never have given up the jewel to anyone, so she figured that he must have a good reason.

 

“Kikyou, I'm sorry.” InuYasha said sincerely, he lowered his head in shame. He didn't like making Kikyou upset, and always felt bad for doing it. “Kikyou, I don't want to become a human. I gave the jewel to Kagome because then there would be no way I could turn into a human.” He explained, avoiding her eyes.

 

Kikyou looked down at the hanyou numbly. She had no clue that InuYasha really didn't want to become a human. “Why haven't you told me this?” She asked, her voice calm. Aside from the fact that she did want him to become human, she had to admit to herself that ever since they had moved in together, she's been longing for his body. She wouldn't allow them to mate at the fear for what might happen, and because she was a priestess and he had demon in him.

 

“I never told you because I was scared of what you might say. I was scared that you might not love me anymore. Kikyou, all I want is for you to accept me as I am.” InuYasha said, rising to his feet. He stood, looking her straight in the eyes, searching for true acceptance.

 

Kikyou walked up to InuYasha and stopped when she was a mere inch away from him. “InuYasha, I will always love you.” She said softly, and closed the space between them. Her lips explored his warm lips as she wrapped her arms around him tightly.

 

InuYasha felt tears coming to his eyes as he kissed Kikyou back. He wasn't sure if this meant Kikyou would take him as a hanyou, but at the moment the only thing he cared about was not missing a single movement of her lips against his. He placed one hand on her back, while the other absently began to roam down past her waist.

 

“InuYasha, I promise you.” She said as she pulled away from his lips and grabbed his venturing hand.

 

InuYasha smiled, knowing exactly what she meant. He nodded, but did not let go of her hand.

 

“There's something you have to do first thought.” She said.

 

InuYasha eyed her suspiciously. `I never get a break.' He thought, waiting for her to say what it was he had to do.

 

“I want you to get that jewel back from Kagome.” She ordered. The look of pure confusion on InuYasha's face didn't surprise her. “Not because I want you to wish on it to become a human, but because it's safer here. And I am the jewel's original protector.” She added so InuYasha wouldn't think she had lied to him.

 

“Kagome and Sesshoumaru have it. How much safer could it be when it's under their care?” He stated more than questioned. If anyone could keep something safe, it was Sesshoumaru. He hated complimenting his brother, but it was the truth. InuYasha cowered as Kikyou's expression went from soft to irritated. “But, it's so far away.” He whined, letting go of her hand and backing away. `Why do I put up with women?' He thought, despising how they could completely dominate over a man.

 

“You can run fast. If you go now you'll probably be back in the morning.” Kikyou said, turning back to her dishes.

 

“Hmph, that's what you think.” He replied, crossing his arms in a stubborn manner.

 

“InuYasha!” Kikyou said, raising her voice. She picked up another dish, not bothering to look at InuYasha. She knew he would be standing there with a smug look on his face and his arms crossed.

 

InuYasha smiled, getting a brave idea. “Can I get a goodbye kiss first?” He said, smirking.

 

Kikyou turned her head almost robotically and glared at InuYasha.

 

“Okay, okay! But what if I can't get it back?” He asked as he walked to the door.

 

“Just go, InuYasha.” She said irritably and returned to her dirty dishes.

 

With that, InuYasha left the house and took off at a fast pace towards the western lands. He really didn't want to get the jewel back, but if it would make Kikyou happy then he would try his best to get it. Plus, he would be rewarded for it when he returned and made her his mate. “She promised. She can't break a promise.” He said to himself, trying to rid of the doubts in his mind that she might change her mind. `She can't break a promise.' He repeated in his mind and smiled as he ran through the forest. `This is for you Kikyou, lets just hope that Sesshoumaru will let me take it back.'

 

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“What? Do you really think it's possible that I could live as long as you?” Kagome asked, her eyes were wide in excited wonder. Just the thought of it lifted her spirits. She could live with Sesshoumaru, and grow old with him, instead of him just watching her get ugly and gray. If they had a child, she would be able to live while it grew up. `Oh, if there was only a way.' She thought.

 

“We have possession of the jewel don't we? It can grant any wish, can it not?” He asked, looking to Kagome for the answer. He didn't know much about the jewel, except for the fact that it can make demons stronger and grant wishes. He figured where Kagome is a priestess, that she would know its powers.

 

“Oh yeah!” She said, pulling the jewel out of the pocket of her kimono.” It can grant any wish, but I think it will only grant one. I'm not sure.” She said, staring at the light pink sphere.

 

“Only one wish.” Sesshoumaru repeated disappointedly. “But you're not sure.” He said, hoping that it could grant more than one wish. If it could only grant one, then the wish made on it should be made very carefully.

 

“Not completely sure. The jewel has so many mysteries. The only way I can think of truly finding out whether it can make more than one wish or not, would be by going to visit Midoriko herself.” Kagome said, remembering the time that she had visited the cave with InuYasha, Sango, Miroku, and Shippou.

 

“Midoriko?”

 

“Yeah, have you ever heard of her?” Kagome asked.

 

“I've heard of her before, but I don't really know anything about her.”

 

“Well, she is the body that gave birth to the sacred jewel. She was once a great priestess and fought many demons. Midoriko fought the demons for seven days and seven nights, and with her last ounce of strength, she took the soul of the great demon that threatened to ensnare her.” Kagome continued to explain the story of Midoriko and how a battle is still raging inside the jewel. “I don't know if there is anyway I could talk to her, but it's worth a try. I think maybe since I'm a priestess too, that there might be some way that I could talk to her through the jewel.” She said. It was a little too deep even for her to understand.

 

Sesshoumaru stared at the sand below him, in deep thought. He knew Kagome's idea was good, and it might possibly work if her spiritual power is strong enough. “Where is this grave of Midoriko's?” He asked. If visiting this priestess meant Kagome would live as long as him, then he would go in a second.

 

“In the Demon Slayer's village.” Kagome replied. She could tell by Sesshoumaru's stillness, that he was seriously thinking of taking her there.

 

“That's closer than InuYasha's village.” He said, persuading himself, and contemplating whether he should go today or wait till the next day. There was still plenty of day left to get there and back by midnight.

 

Kagome watched him as he just stared at the ground.

 

“You guys are being really boring.” Rin said, taking a moment to look away from what she was doing with the sand. She had been so excited when both Kagome and Sesshoumaru were going out to the garden with her, and now they were both sitting on the bench talking. It was boring her, especially when they were talking about stuff she didn't understand. Neither Kagome nor Sesshoumaru gave heed to what she said, so she went back to her own amusement.

 

`Oh my gosh, that's right. Rin is only human too. What about her? I could never let myself live as long as Sesshoumaru, knowing that Rin couldn't too.' She thought, suddenly feeling like it was all hopeless.

 

Sesshoumaru lifted his head. “Let's go now.” He said, making his decision. “And why don't we go and see your family while we're at it too.” He added. He saw no sense in traveling all the way out there, just to come back and have to travel again in a day or two. He'd rather get two trips down in one.

 

“Really?!” She said happily. She got excited about getting to see her family, but still had the thought of Rin in her mind. “Are you sure you want to do that now though?” She asked.

 

“I'd rather get them both done now.” He replied and rose to his feet.

 

Kagome smiled and got up with him.

 

“Yay! We're going on a trip?!” Rin shouted gleefully and jumped up off the ground.

 

“Yes, and you'll get to meet my parents.” Kagome said, grabbing Rin's small hand and pulling her along. Both of them followed Sesshoumaru in delighted joy.

 

“Kagome, get whatever you need and meet me at the gate in five minutes. I have to talk to Jaken and Ah-Un.” He said, turning off toward the field that he could find Ah-Un in. He found the two-headed youkai grazing beside the castle. “Ah-Un, I want you to guard the palace until I return. If anyone beside Jaken and Ryouichi's daughters try to come near it, you have my permission to smolder them.” He ordered. If anyone, he knew humans would be scared of Ah-Un. Not to mention that Ah-Un was very good at obeying him.

 

Ah-Un nodded in agreement and followed behind his master until he got to the front of the palace.

 

“Jaken!” Sesshoumaru yelled as he walked into the palace. No reply came. “Jaken!” He hollered even louder. He stood at the doorway waiting for Jaken's reply. He knew the little toad had to be around the palace somewhere.

 

“Yes! Yes, my Lord!” Jaken cried, stumbling over his own feet as he ran to the entrance.

 

Sesshoumaru watched the demon come running towards him from wherever he had been, and looked down at him sternly. “Jaken, I want you to take good care of Kagome's cat while we're gone.” He ordered strictly.

 

“But, but master, that is such a useless task for a demon like me.” Jaken protested.

 

“If I can recall, you couldn't even keep the palace safe from those Raiders. Rin could've been killed.” Sesshoumaru spat.

 

“But, there were so many of them Lord Sesshoumaru.” Jaken said, attempting to defend himself.

 

“Just do what I told you.” Sesshoumaru said, pushing past Jaken like he was nothing. Jaken always disappointed Sesshoumaru. He would always like him for his consistent loyalty, but in his eyes, Jaken didn't earn the right to be called a demon. “Kagome!”

 

“Coming!” She replied and ran down the stairs.

 

Jaken hesitantly abided by Sesshoumaru's orders and slowly walked upstairs to find the cat.

 

Rin came running down the stairs and stopped when she was beside Kagome.

 

Once all three of them were outside, Sesshoumaru wrapped an arm around each of them and gave Ah-Un a nod before he took off in a bright blue light.

 

“Sesshoumaru, there's something I should tell you though; about Midoriko's grave.” Kagome said, thinking of how InuYasha had been thrown from the cave last time. “The cave is protected by a barrier. The only way it will let you through, is if you sympathize for the humans that have died in that village, and also carry no evil intentions on using the jewel.” She explained.

 

“Are you saying that I won't be able to get in?” He asked emotionlessly.

 

“Not at all. But, I was hoping that you would let me go in alone.” She said, knowing Sesshoumaru wouldn't like that idea.

 

“Why?” He asked, his voice becoming more serious.

 

“I think in order for this to work, it will have to be only me and her in the cave. That way I can focus on my powers more, and everything will be pure, except the demon energy that has been left in the cave.” She explained, trying to picture how she would go about doing it.

 

“No.” He said firmly.

 

Kagome jerked her head to look up at him. “Sesshoumaru, please.” She pleaded.

 

“No.”

 

“Listen, my instincts tell me this won't work if anyone else is in the cave.” She said.

 

“No.”

 

Kagome felt her blood rising. `He's being so stubborn!' She thought and kicked the air. “Sesshoumaru!” She hollered angrily.

 

“You are not going in a dark cave alone, especially when you say there is still demon energy in it.” He said.

 

“Put me down!” She freaked, kicking and struggling. She couldn't believe he was being this way, and wanted to get out of his hold. She knew she must look childish to Rin, but didn't care at the moment.

 

“Okay.” Sesshoumaru said, and let her go just enough to frighten her. He caught her quickly before she fell out of his reach.

 

Kagome screamed when he let her go, and was extremely relieved when he caught her quickly. “Don't do that!” She hollered. `I can't believe he just did that!' She thought and looked over at Rin. The little girl was just looking at her like it was normal for Sesshoumaru to do that. `I guess he's done it to Rin before too.' She figured by the way Rin was looking. Kagome looked back up at her mate, and felt bad. She knew he was just being protective of her like he always is.

 

Trying to see things through his point of view, she decided to talk to him again, but calmer this time. “Lord Sesshoumaru, I know you will be very worried about me, but I assure you that I will be alright. I am a priestess you know, and I do have powers of my own. If any demons start to come after me, I could fight them off until I get to you. You can be waiting right outside the barrier for me.” She said nicely, using his authoritative name to show him respect.

 

Because she said it nicely, he decided to think about letting her go in alone. “Maybe.” He replied, thinking of the whole situation. He knew Kagome had powers, but she didn't know how to use them very well. He could just picture her panicking and forgetting to use them when a demon started to go after her.

 

Kagome still didn't like his answer, and then it hit her. “You don't plan on leaving Rin outside the cave all by herself do you?” She asked. `That will make him think.'

 

“No.” He replied. In his mind he was trying to figure a way that he could protect both of them at the same time.

 

“You're going to bring Rin into that dark cave?” Kagome said, digging deeper.

 

Sesshoumaru didn't want to bring Rin into the cave if he didn't have to. Kagome had him. She was right, although he wouldn't admit it openly. “Fine, I will let you go into the cave alone, but only if you promise me one thing.” He said, hoping she would agree to it.

 

“What's that?” She asked, just happy that he was going to let her go in now.

 

“Starting tomorrow at your parent's house, you are going to train with me in the morning everyday.” He ordered.

 

“Train?” She questioned, not sure what he meant.

 

“Yes. You must learn how to protect yourself. I will train you in the way of the sword, archery, and you will learn how to use your miko powers to their full potential.” He explained.

 

Kagome thought about it for a moment, and thought that it was actually a pretty good deal. She could go in the cave by herself, and would be able to strengthen her powers and learn to protect herself. `This isn't bad.' She thought. “Okay, I'll train every morning.” She replied, smiling up at Sesshoumaru.

 

Sesshoumaru nodded; glad she had taken the offer. Even if she had said no, he was going to make her train anyway. He loved her very much and wanted to make sure that someday if he couldn't be there to protect her, that she would be able to fend for herself with what he taught her. As for the miko powers, he only knew a little bit about them, but he also knew that he could probably find someone who did know about the power.

 

“Hey, are you saying I'm no good at archery?” Kagome suddenly clued in.

 

“No. But you could be better. I could teach you archery so that you would never miss your target. And it's been a long time since you picked up a bow and arrow, you are probably out of practice.” He replied.

 

“Hm, that's true. I may not be as good as I use to.” She said.

 

Hours passed, and finally they could see the Demon Slayer's village coming into view. It was getting close to the evening, and villagers could be seen walking about. As they landed, it wasn't a surprise to any of them when a bunch of villagers crowded around them. Luckily Miroku and Sango heard the ruckus and came out of their small house to help them.

 

“They are not here to harm you!” Miroku hollered and walked towards Kagome calmly.

 

“Thanks Miroku.” Kagome said.

 

Sesshoumaru felt like slicing all the humans with his acid whip, but he knew he couldn't do that. Kagome probably would never forgive him.

 

“What are you doing here?” Sango asked. She gave the villagers a glare, and they turned back to what they had been doing. She noticed that this time Kagome and Sesshoumaru had Rin with them.

 

“We're here to visit Midoriko's grave.” Kagome said.

 

“Really, why?” Sango asked, giving Kagome a confused look.

 

“Well, it's a long story, and I would be happy to tell you, but some other time.” She said, hinting towards Sesshoumaru. He was standing there with an irritated look of impatience on his face.

 

“Oh, okay.” Sango said, looking up at the tall demon. She couldn't understand what Kagome was still doing with Sesshoumaru, but she was too scared to ask. She figured that if she asked she would get an answer back that she didn't want to hear.

 

Miroku had a good idea as to why Kagome was still with Sesshoumaru. He could see the demon's mark on her neck. `Of all the people, Kagome, why Sesshoumaru?' He thought.

 

“Well, I guess we'll let you get back to your own business then.” Sango said, eyeing the youkai evilly.

 

“Sorry Sango. I promise we'll talk some other time.” Kagome apologized and turned towards the cave.

 

“It's okay, Kagome.” Sango said ore to herself as she watched Kagome and Sesshoumaru walk off towards the grave.

 

“Couldn't you see it?” Miroku asked, and put an arm around Sango, He could tell she was sad.

 

“See what?”

 

“Kagome and Sesshoumaru are mates. She had the demon's mark on the side of her neck.” He said.

 

“Why him?” Sango wondered.

 

“This is it.” Kagome said as they stopped in front of the cave entrance.

 

Sesshoumaru didn't like the look of it, but he had made a deal with Kagome and couldn't break it now. “How deep does this cave go?” He asked, hoping that it didn't go too deep so that Kagome could run back to him quickly if something bad happened.

 

“It's kind of deep.” She replied, looking into the darkness. Secretly, she was even a little afraid to go in all by herself, but she had to do this.

 

“This cave looks scary.” Rin said, holding onto Sesshoumaru's leg.

 

“Kind of deep?” He mocked.

 

“Well, I don't have a precise measurement.” Kagome retorted. She looked at the cave again and pulled the jewel out of her kimono. “Well, here I go.” She said, and moved towards the barrier. By the force she could feel coming from the barrier, she could already tell that it wasn't going to let her through. `I have to set all my thoughts aside, and focus on the ones that have died here.' She told herself. Bending down, she crossed her legs and sat on the ground praying.

 

“What's she doing?” Sesshoumaru asked himself quietly. He didn't understand why she was sitting.

 

“I think she's praying.” Rin answered him.

 

Sesshoumaru glanced down at Rin and nodded. She had obviously heard his question. `She must be praying for the humans that died here.' He thought, remembering what she had said about the barrier only letting people in who showed remorse for those that died.

 

Kagome rose and felt that the force from the barrier wasn't as strong, slowly she walked towards it and before she knew it, she was through. `Yes, now I need to focus all my miko powers and energy on calling upon Midoriko.' She told herself and slowly walked further into the cave.

 

Sesshoumaru moved close to the barrier and watched until Kagome was out of sight. He could feel his nerves already working up. `What if she needs me and I can't get in?' He thought. If he heard Kagome screaming then the barrier definitely wouldn't let him in, he didn't have any compassion in his heart to think about the humans that died here.

 

`There it is.' Kagome thought and looked on at the large demon that had Midoriko frozen in its grasp. As she drew closer, she could feel the earth starting to shake. `I have to reach Midoriko before all these demons come after me.' She thought, noticing that the jewel was waking the demon's spirits.

 

Kagome closed her eyes and held the jewel up towards Midoriko's form. She clasped it in her hands and focused all her strength into calling Midoriko. She wasn't even sure if she could, but she could try. The jewel began to glow, and ray of pink light shot out of between her fingers. Opening one eye, she looked up and seen Midoriko awaking from her grave. Kagome closed her eyes again and focused even harder.

 

By now the demon spirits were fully awake and shaking the cave as they tried to attack Midoriko.

 

“Kagome.” Came a soft woman's voice.

 

“M-Midoriko.”

 

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AN: Hope you all enjoyed chapter 19. It was a bit of a cliffy though...sorry for that. Anyway I'll be working on my next chapter to post soon!