InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Forbidden Sanctuary ❯ "You Are Near To The Dark" ( Chapter 10 )

[~: A/N :~]

 

Semi: Konnichi wa Minna-san! -grins- . . . Well it seems Naraku's insidious plans are beginning to come into the light, but will the others be able to stop him?

 

ChibiLee: The good guys always win . . . don't they Semi?

 

Semi: Unfortunately, no they don't Chibi-chan.

 

CL: Aww . . . that's not nice Semi-sama -cries-

 

Semi: Quiet child. This story is far from finished so quite your bawling.

 

CL: Oi . . . Semi-sama always mean to CL -pouts-

 

Semi: -hands Chibi a bag of melt-away mints-

 

CL: CANDY! -snatches and dashes away-

 

Semi: >>; -watches muse race away- Anyway, as I was saying there's a lot more to come so please enjoy this edition of FS -bows-

 

CL: It's time for CL's recap! In the last chapter, Umeko switched sides! And Naraku's up to something sinister . . . what could it possibly be?! Stay tuned to find out. -solutes-

 

[~: Disclaimer :~] I do not own InuYasha nor do I own Beauty and the Beast, or the song “Aura” . Have a nice day.

Sanctuary

By: Youkai Semi

 

Chapter Ten: “You Are Near To The Dark . . .”

 

Without warning Sesshomaru paused in his tracks. Something wasn't quite right. No scratch that, something was horribly wrong. He didn't know what it was but it spreed through the land like poison. A darkness of malice shadowed the land with a vice like death grip. As it passed it seemed to suck all happiness away with it.

 

The demon lord felt himself involuntarily shudder. This was no ordinary darkness. No. This was a darkness spreed from a heart thrown into the darkest chaos. One who held the sacred jewel most likely, as no other power was strong enough to do such a thing. That left only two people he could think of, Naraku and . . .

 

“Umeko.” He spoke the name in a mere whisper but it held all he could not say. Pain and regret the most predominate. What could have changed her pure heart? Was it not she that possessed the power to purify the jewel? To poison a heart like hers one must first do so to the mind. From the mind it went to the heart and festered like an open wound. If both were not cleansed the person in question would fall into utter darkness, unable to ever see the light again.

 

“Naraku. You are a fool. Punishment for tainting something so pure will be severe. Prepare yourself for hell.” Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes as he glared in the direction the darkness was gathering.

 

'Yet-I am the greater fool for ever giving you this opportunity. We shall both be punished.' The grim thought brought with it a feeling of impending doom. But-unlike Naraku, Sesshomaru was prepared to take his share and willingly-if only for penance. If he could he would save Umeko before Naraku could finish whatever it was he was up to.

 

'I promised to protect her.' He mentally growled at himself. 'Some protector I turned out to be.' For some reason he couldn't stop blaming himself. He knew it was mostly Naraku's doing, but he just couldn't help it. Now, more then ever, the demon lord wondered if the hanyo he had found had changed him for the better . . . or for the worst.

 

“Why did you leave? If something were bothering you, you had only to ask.” Sesshomaru whispered to the air, speaking to himself more then anything else. Silently he let the feeling of helplessness over take him. He now knew what his father meant and why he never understood before now. Having emotions meant you had a heart and lived. Locking them away denied your very existence. Umeko had shown him that, unintentional as it was.

 

But feeling helpless and being helpless were two different things entirely. Resolutely he began moving the the direction had started from. He would not sit by and let Naraku taint the beautiful creature he had named. If there was any hope to save this world, it would come through her. She alone held the key and power to bring an end to all of the unnecessary fighting. It was through her that demons could be cleansed, and it was she that could give him salvation.

 

 

* * *

 

 

“Shouldn't we be going in the opposite direction?” Shippo chimed from Sango's shoulder. InuYasha looked back with a mild glare.

 

“Why would we do that?” He frowned and turned his head back around. “That darkness is coming from the area Naraku was last seen in . . . and it's filled with Umeko's Sent. InuYasha's frown deepened. Somehow the smell was familiar but it evaded him as to what.

 

“Are you certain?” Sago asked cautiously, not wanting to get the up tight Inu and more upset.

 

“Totally. Its hers alright, but somethings not quite right about it. If I had to say it would be what Sesshomaru was like . .. you know before. Cold.” InuYasha commented quietly and tried to puzzle it out.

 

“Heartless you mean.” Miroku replied darkly. “He had no heart, or rather he locked his emotions away thinking them useless and undeserving of his attention. As you say InuYasha, she is the same now. I very much doubt she will greet us with open arms.” He finished with a dark glance at the horizon.

 

“But-Umeko's so kind hearted. Who would ever do such a thing?” Shippo asked weakly, his voice breaking at just the wrong moment.

 

“Naraku.” Was the simultaneous reply from all three adults. Shippo looked from one to the next in obfuscation. Why didn't anybody ever tell him anything?

 

“Perhaps Kaede and Keshina could be of some assistance.” Miroku added after a moment of silence.

 

“We're gonna need all the help we can get.” InuYasha's quiet comment was followed by silence. No one really wanted to admit the truth. That it would take more then InuYasha's Tessaiga, Sesshomaru's Tenseiga, the power of BOTH priestesses, the priest's Wind-tunnel, the kitsune's fox magic, AND Taijiyas' Hiraikotsu and Kusarigama.

 

“Did I hear someone say they needed help?” A cocky voice was followed by a small whirlwind.

 

“What are you doing here ya mangy wolf.” InuYasha automatically reiterated.

 

“Shut your mouth dog-boy!” Koga growled and was about to stomp InuYasha into the ground. Miroku and Sango were about to intercede when their hanyo friend held up a hand. They thought he had grown up, but obviously he hadn't. They watched the next exchange through hooded eyes, waiting for the outburst and fight scene to happen.

 

“Shuddup a minute would ya? I was about to say 'what took you so long'! You should have been here days ago.” InuYasha surprised them all, crossing his arms and smirking as he finished-very well aware of the confusion he had just caused.

 

“Sorry Master, we got a little side-tracked by Kagura and the others.” Meyoga jumped from Koga to InuYasha as he explained the situation.

 

“Alright, at least you got here.” InuYasha sighed slightly. They all froze when they heard a russling sound nearby.

 

“Uh, you didn't invite anyone ELSE did you InuYasha?” Sango pulled Hiraikotsu off her back an into fighting position as she spoke up.

 

“Unt uh.” InuYasha's hand mechanically went to Tessaiga's hilt, ready to pull it out at any second. No one spoke, frozen in anticipation of an on upcoming battle.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Keshina paused to fix her hold on the basket of her she was carrying on her head. Shou and Kasha were walking on either side of her, helping her pick the herbs. A fever epidemic had broken out in the village so she took the two children out to gather herbs for a remedy. She smiled at them once they started walking again.

 

'Such good children.' The priestess felt proud of the younglings beside her. They always helped her when she needed it and more besides. Though they were still young they weren't bothered if asked to help and usually did so without complaint or even having to be asked. Proud and blessed for having these two with her, Keshina couldn't of wanted more out of life at that moment.

 

“Would ye two like to help bake some sweets when we return home?” She looked expectantly from one to the other, receiving small cheers and nods in return.

 

“Ok then. How about sweet apple dumplings?” The priestess laughed heartily as Shou took her basket and grinned.

 

“Really Baa-chan?” He put the basket of herbs on his own head to carry and smiled gleefully when she nodded in assent.

 

“Sorry to cut this little chat short, but I believe we need to speak.” Before the trio crouched a man in a white baboon pelt, his face obscured from view. Shou and Kasha immediately ducked behind their grandmother.

 

“And if I refuse?” Keshina asked lightly, a spark of defiance in her tired eyes. She could feel this was no living man, but a demonic construct that took the form of one.

 

“You are a priestess and not fooled by appearances. Tell me what I want to know and I will go away. Do not and I'm afraid I will have to stay.” Naraku smirked, sending his message quite clearly to the priestess before him.

 

“Hai, ye be right on all accounts so I cannot let ye stay.” She bent down slowly and looked the children in the eyes. “Ye two get on home and sort these out. I'll be along shortly to start your treat.” Keshina smiled and ruffled their hair. Visibly relaxing, they gave her a bright smile-nodding and turning on their heels-ran back to the village. Naraku watched their retreating backs with a light smirk gracing his lips.

 

“Wise to keep prying ears from this.” The near laugh in his reply was not the least bit reassuring.

 

“I will let no harm come to little ones. What is it ye have come here for?” Keshina straighten up to face down the demon. Oh she knew he was dangerous. Possibly the most dangerous thing to of walked the Earth. Yet she held herself with pride and squared off with him.

 

“I want to know about a certain blind hanyo you cared for a few weeks back.” Naraku's smirk widened, just barely visible enough for her to see. The ONLY thing she could see of him, actually.

 

“What do you want with her?” The priestess took a bold step towards him, her eyes narrowing suspiciously.

 

“I have her in my . . . care. Yet she is not what she appears. I believe she used to be miko, transformed somehow into her current form.” His explanation with a simple half truth.

 

“Aye. I can tell ye that much.” Keshina agreed giving a rather reluctantly grim nod.

 

“I also know the jewel on her forehead is none other then the Shikon No Tama . . . the lost jewel of four souls.” Naraku continued as if she hadn't said anything at all, a dangerous glint in his eyes. When she said nothing in return he let out a malicious chuckle. So she had known, but kept silent. Stupid woman.

 

“I want to know how to break the spell to free her from the jewel's grasp.” Now he lied outright. He wanted the jewel from her, nothing more-nothing less. Keshina sighed, looking up at the cloud filled sky.

 

'Forgive me Kami.' She sent the silent prayer up to the gods, seeking forgiveness before she continued. This would probably bring an end to the world as they knew it.

 

“With her heart set in darkness, she must find love. The one who mates her will gain the jewel's power and set her free. It must be the one she loves that does so, the one she trusts beyond all others. Once freed she will take the same form as her lover.” Keshina spoke slowly, eyes closed in defeat and fained servility.

 

“You have been most enlightening. Look foreword to a further summons from me, Priestess Keshina.” If Naraku could of smirked anymore gleefully, Keshina would swear he would break his face. She watched silently as he bounded away to think over her words.

 

'Love?' That was laughable. There had to be some other way. A slow smirk spread on Keshina's face as soon as he was out of sight. It was gone the next instant when she turned her head towards the forest, replaced by a deceptive worry-frown.

 

“I hope ye caught all of that . . . Lord Sesshomaru.” She called out, keeping herself stock still. The demon lord landed a few feet from her, a heavy frown between his eyebrows. He didn't speak at first, as if trying to decide what to do with a problem best left alone.

 

“Ye be looking for her as well I take it. Otherwise ye wouldn't be following such an adversary. I only said what I did so that ye might hear it along side him.” Keshina was watching him with all the interest of a cat who had found a mouse too far from it's hole.

 

“You walk a dangerous path miko.” Sesshomaru's frown deepened. “You were speaking the truth then?” His curiosity betrayed him with his tentative question. The priestess did little more then tilt her head at it.

 

“I do not lie.” She resigned to answer before turning her back on him, smiling a secretive smile all the while. “So . . . she has found love.” A short pause as she glanced a him over her shoulder. “Or is it . . . love has found her?” Her voice was whisper soft as she began to walk away.

 

“Too bad for Naraku.” She smirked openly, leaving the demon lord to contemplate his next move.

 

'What will you do now Sesshomaru?' The priestess' smirk stretched from ear to ear as she neared the village, but before she entered-it was once again behind a mask.

 

 

* * *

 

 

“Lord Sesshomaru?” A young girl's voice called out before the group actually saw the little girl burst from the bushes. InuYasha blinked in surprise, releasing his hold on Tessaiga's hilt. Sango sighed in relief, letting Hiraikotsu fall into the dirt slightly.

 

“Isn't that Rin, Sesshomaru's ward?” Miroku asked, his confusion laced through his words.

 

“Yeah, but what's she doing here?” The hanyo replied, just as confused as the Houshi.

 

“Why you impudent . . .” Jakken followed after the girl, trailing off suddenly at seeing the group. “At last!” He seemed relieved at seeing them for once. His eyes wandered over them to find his lord, only to finally notice he wasn't there.

 

“Where's Lord Sesshomaru?” Rin asked with another look around, coming up short in front of Sango.

 

“We're not sure where he is at the moment, Rin, but tell me . . . why are you here?” The Taijia knelt in front of the girl and smiled. The others gathered around to hear the response, forming a ring around the girl.

 

“I told her to come.” A familiar voice called from the other side of the clearing.

 

“Lord Sesshomaru!” Rin squealed in delight and excitement, launching herself at the demon lord. They all turned to look at the visitor, each one noticing that there was something different about the Taiyoukai. He seemed worried and very distracted, not at all like the man they had begun to know over the past weeks. Something was distracting him, seemingly something he didn't want to think about but couldn't help himself in thinking of it.

 

“Welcome back.” InuYasha gave his older half brother his usual half smirk-half smile. The elder brother looked at his younger brother and inclined his head without saying a word.

 

“Hello Rin, have you behaved for Jakken?” The Taiyoukai asked the child in front of him and ruffled her hair. Also unusual, even Rin noticed who had been with him the longest besides his vassal.

 

“Jakken?” Sesshomaru came out of his slight trance like daze and called the imp.

 

“Yes Milord?” Jakken went up behind the girl so his master could see him. Sesshomaru, however, was looking around. When he didn't see the third person of his entourage his eyes narrowed to dangerous slants.

 

“Kohaku, come out of there or I shall come and get you myself.” The demon lord spoke harshly to his left, his threat hanging tangibly in the air as he detached Rin from his leg in case he needed to make good on the unspoken promise.

 

Sango was the first to react. That was her brother's name! Heads whipped around to stare at the place Sesshomaru had spoken towards. Had she heard right? Perhaps it was another Kohaku . . . but then, hadn't she known he had escaped from Naraku?

 

Miroku and InuYasha tensed at hearing the name. They had fought Kohaku before. It had been a long time ago, but the former Taijia had left his mark. Shippo bounced over to Rin and stood beside her to see what was going to on. Kirara jumped off of Sango's shoulder and took a few paces out towards the forest chirping. That did it, they knew it was the Kohaku . . . Kirara only did that with those she knew and trusted, and she loved Kohaku.

 

“I'm sorry Milord.” Kohaku quietly emerged from the trees. His bangs shadowed his eyes, hanging his head to help them. Kirara made a mad dash to her former owner, chirping happily as she landed on his shoulder and rubbed her cheek against his. Obviously happy to see him. For a moment he didn't move, but then his hand found its way behind her ears and he started to scratch mechanically.

 

“I missed you too, Kirara.” They could hear the near tears in his voice as well as the regret. He was still beating himself up over the things he had been forced to do. They saw him smiled sadly, finally looking up. His eyes as haunted as ever.

 

“Next time, do not hesitate when I call.” Sesshomaru sounded gruff, but the relief and . . . smile?-to his eyes told them he had been worried.

 

“Yes, Milord.” Kohaku set Kirara down and walked over to stand beside Rin. Sango was crying now, desperately wanting to run and embrace her little brother, but a hand on her shoulder stopped her from running foreword to do just that. She turned slightly to see Miroku with a stern look on his usually smiling face. He shook his head and put a finger to his lips, the sign to keep silent. She turned to watch the proceedings in confusion.

 

To think the cold Sesshomaru would take in yet another human stray, and not just any human at that-but a Taijia . . . a demon slayer. The boy had vowed to kill demons and yet he had joined the company of the Taiyoukai of the west.

 

A strange occurrence indeed.

 

 

[~:End of Chapter:~]

 

Semi: -evil maniacal laughter- Oh this is getting SO good . . . and such an ebil cliffie -another evil chuckle-

 

CL: -sweat drop- Semi-sama's scary. -hides- CL afraid of this Semi-sama.

 

Semi: -grins evilly- Well folks, we now know not EVERYTHING is what it seems. What exactly could Keshina be plotting or playing at? And who or WHAT is she?

 

CL: Semi-sama's evil -sighs-

 

Semi: Why thank you Chibi-chan.

 

CL: -face plants-

 

Semi: I would also like to thank those who have kept with us this whole time, we are so very sorry for not updating regularly. A very big special thank you to skipperdoodle on FanLib.com! -hugs- Thank you hun! Mu! <3

 

[~: Teasers for the next chapter:~]

WHAT?! Kohaku has returned?! Hmm and it seems Keshina's left the formidable Taiyoukai with a few problems to think on. What's happened to Umeko and how can the gang save her? Find out next time- on Forbidden Sanctuary.

Chapter Eleven: “ Perfect By Nature.”