InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Forbidden Sanctuary ❯ "Heaven Help Me!" ( Chapter 12 )

: A/N :

Semi: -whips brow- Whew! We've been on a writing spree with FS haven't we?

ChibiLee: -grins- Yep, yep. Semi-sama and CL have been writing like crazy and now CL's finger's are cramped! -rubs hands-

Semi: Yeah, but you're doing so well Chibi! Look at the reviews! You're awesome. -grins-

CL: -tears- Aww . . .Semi-sama being so nice to CL! -flicks tail happy and ears perk up.-

Semi: That's because you haven't been lazy lately. -smiles and pats Chibi on head-

CL: Would that be why Semi-sama's too lazy to type all this up? -raises a brow-

Semi: -WHAMP!- Quiet you noisy fox ...

CL: Ochies ... -goes back to work- ... meanie ... -whispers under her breath while holding her head-

Ele: You know . . . you really aught to be nicer to Lee, Semi.

Semi: Fine -sighs- Now go away Elessa.

CL: And now its time for CL's recap! In the last chapter, Sango was reunited with her lost brother Kohaku. Though it seems they lost one member, they gained another and now it appears Keshina might be able to solve a few problems ... we'll have to see.

: Disclaimer : I do not own InuYasha nor do I own Beauty and the Beast, or the song “Like A Prayer” . Have a nice day.

Sanctuary

By: Youkai Semi

Chapter Eleven: “Heaven Help Me!”

 

“So, what brings ye back here?” Keshina smiled at Sango and Miroku. It faded slightly at seeing InuYasha, but she covered it up well enough. “And who are your friends?”

“This is InuYasha and these are Shippo, Ren, and my brother Kohaku. You've already met Kirara.” Sango introduced them then laughed when the fire cat chirped in greeting.

“Indeed. It is good to see ye as well Kirara. Please come in. I seem to be acquiring many guests today.” Keshina stepped aside to allow them admittance. They blinked in bewilderment.

“You mean someone's already here?” Sango asked curiously. “Who?”

“Oh, ye-already know my other guest. He is waiting in the other room. Please join him while I make some tea.” She smiled then vanished into what they assumed was a kitchen. What meet their eyes when they entered the room, however, took them by surprise. Sesshomaru sat sipping a steaming cup of what smelt like vanilla and jasmine tea with his eyes calmly closed. They blinked as he slowly opened them.

“Took you long enough, don't you think?” He muttered casually and was rewarded by several thuds and a squeal from Ren.

“SESSHOMARU-SAMA!” The little girl yelled in delight and proceeded to tackle and hug him simultaneously. The demon lord caught her just seconds after setting his cup down.

“Now Ren, what did I tell you about jumping around inside of a building?” Sesshomaru scolded lightly. His face and voice as impassive as ever.

“Sorry M'lord.” Ren got to her own feet then smiled. He nodded his acceptance before turning to the others who had begun to sit around the small table. An odd accompaniment this was. A monk, two taijia, a kitsune, a human child, an imp, a half breed, and a demon. Add the miko into the mix and you pretty much had everything. Sesshomaru sighed his displeasure at having been interrupted. Thankfully Keshina chose that moment to reappear with the tea so no one heard it.

“Now tell me. What is it you've come here for?” Keshina raised her brows at the motley group.

“Well, we need to save a friend so we were hoping you could help.” InuYasha spoke up before the others could reply.

“Is that so?” Keshina looked at Sesshomaru then closed her eyes and sighed. “I'm afraid I can not. Kaede, though, I believe would be more then willing to help if ye but ask her.” They all sighed and looked lost. They needed all the help they could get to save Umeko. Couldn't they find a little more help?

“Ye all look tired. Feel free to stay for the night to think things over. Things will look better in the morn'.” Keshina grunted the last word as she got up. They all smiled and nodded their thanks.

“These are troublesome times. Best to know who your allies are.” She spoke ominously before leaving them to sleep. The group looked around uneasily, unsure of what she meant.

“Do not mind the miko. She liked to play games.” Sesshomaru once again picked up his cup and sipped his tea. Seeing him so calm put the others at ease.

“So why are you here Sesshomaru?” InuYasha raised a brow, crossed his arms and leaned against the wall across from Sesshomaru. His usual sleeping position.

“I came for information. You need not know what else.” The demon lord replied coolly. InuYasha bristled at that but let it go. Shrugging it off instead of arguing.

“Keh. Whatever.” He closed his eyes and let it go. Sango yawned and laid down, Kohaku doing the same next to her and laying so they could face each other. Miroku leaned on the adjacent wall of InuYasha's while Ren, Kirara, and Shippo all curled up next to Sesshomaru. Jakken just watched with interest in his wide orbs. When everyone was asleep, he turned to Sesshomaru.

“Is everything alright, Milord?” He asked, his voice dropping slightly to show his concern.

“Go to sleep, Jakken.” Sesshomaru closed his eyes and rested his chin on his chest, feigning sleep. Jakken hesitated a moment before making himself comfortable next to the children. When the Taiyoukai knew his vassle was asleep, he opened one gold eye to make sure the cost was clear then opened both to stare out the window at the star filled sky outside.

Little did he know, another golden eye watched him in silence. InuYasha watched for what seemed like hours until Sesshomaru got up and left. He sighed to himself, closing his eye and going to sleep for real.

'Same old Sesshomaru.'

 

 

* * *

 

 

Naraku watched Umeko as she wandered about the garden in the backyard court. Now her kimono was totally different from the one he had first seen her in. The under kimono was a soft pink with a floral design. Then there was a creamy yellow kimono robe with a bamboo design, and lastly was a sky blue robe with cranes across it. The obi she wore was a plain white one, secured by a black rope belt and the crescent moon ornament.

The sight of the ornament brought an amused grin to the male hanyo's face. 'Women are truly as fickle as the moon.' He mentally chuckled to himself. Umeko truly looked like a lost princess. A beautiful treasure that had been cast aside. Naraku felt a prick in his chest every time he saw her, yet he had forgotten what emotion it was. He could no bring himself to admit he wanted to keep her all to himself. He wanted to keep her as his and his alone.

Pushing those irritating thoughts and emotions away, Naraku focused on his treasure. No, he would never let her go. All this time he had let things slip away, but this little bird was staying wither she willed it or not. Even if he had to clip her beautiful wings to keep her from flying. He would build her a beautifully gilded cage to spend the rest of her life in, one only he could open. Because only he would have the key.

'Say goodbye to the world outside, Hime. For you will never again set food outside these walls.' Naraku stood up from his seat by the window and proceeded to exit the room.

 

 

* * *

 

 

The blind hanyo frowned slightly at the heavy cloth bowing her down. In one way she quite liked it because it felt nice to her skin and forced her to carry herself more erect. But it was cumbersome when one wanted to walk outside. Its many layers often crept under her feet, forcing her to slow or even pause to kick them back outward. She was getting used to it, it just left her a little hot and annoyed.

Without warning, Umeko felt a prickle of something no her back. Her hair was done up in two braids pulled back then made into hoops above her head, so she could not hide behind it like she usually did. The feeling of being watched gave her the itch to run and hide, but after only a few minutes it was gone again.

'What is the matter with me?' She frowned at herself. She was beginning to jump at shadows! Taking a deep breath, she calmed her franticly beating heart. Perhaps it wasn't the thought of being watched that disturbed her. Oh, she knew who was watching her all right. Yet she felt something akin to ... well she couldn't tell what it was, whatever it was it made her blood turn to ice in her veins.

It was only a brief glimpse of something going through his mind, so she hadn't gotten a chance to tell what it was. This disturbed the hanyo more then a little, he was getting very good at hiding things from her. She never really caught much from him in the first place, now he was even harder to read.

Closing her blind eyes, she knelt on the cool grass to think. Thinking these days was also much harder then it had to be. Sometimes she felt as if the path she had chosen had slipped from under her feet to cast her into a abyss of endless darkness. Forever falling away from the light and her true path. An involuntary shiver crept over her and once again the dark clouds gathered to smother her.

At hearing soft foot falls behind her, Umeko slowly opened her clouded eyes halfway. She hated the smothered feeling. It often made her feel as if she was not entirely herself anymore. Nor could she really thing things through.

“Hime, you'll catch a cold if you stay outside much longer. Come, let us go back inside.” A velvety voice called to her at what seemed like a distance. Looking up, however, she sensed the speaker beside her. It took her a moment to register his words before she nodded slowly and was helped to her feet. She felt the blood rise to her cheeks at being called Hime, but she didn't know why she reacted that way. Everything was muddled in her head. For an instant she felt like shaking it to clear away the oppressing clouds, the thought escaped her grasp like a slimy fish in her hands.

“Thank you, master.” Umeko replied quietly. She had automatically called him as such without thinking. What she could remember, or knew rather, was this was his place and she was .... was what? Her head cleared a second time, only for a brief moment. She was his guest, right? She felt this was the right answer so she let go of the thought altogether.

Naraku, when he saw the faint blush taint her pale cheeks, blinked several times. How beautiful she looked when roses graced her cheeks. He found himself mentally making a note to find ways to make her blush again. With a small smile he lead his treasure back to safety, he could keep an eye on her more easily inside. Obsession, like Naraku with Umeko, was keeping its hold on him and slowly digging its way deeper.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Neither hanyo noticed a narrowed set of eyes watching them. Set so deep into their own thoughts as they were. Hers were merely calculating rather then possessive or aggressive. So the difference might have let her view unnoticed.

'He is becoming rather smitten with that hanyo.' She thought with a frown. It was unlike Naraku to become attached, and it was unlikely he knew he was doing so with this hanyo girl. He was playing a dangerous game.

'If you play with fire, on day you will get burned.' Kagura smirked slightly at the thought. Crossing her arms she continued to watch them from the window out of the corner of her eye.

There was something oddly familiar about the hanyo walking demurely by Naraku's side. Only one person had the jewel, and she had supposedly been disposed of a few months back. Yet this hanyo was the same age, and height, as the miko.

In a flash of insight, Kagura suddenly spun to fully face the window. Looking at the girl, she now saw a double image superimposed over her. Kagome was Umeko, and Umeko was Kagome. For a moment the wind sorceress felt as if she had had the wind punched from her lungs.

'Of course. Kagome is Kikyo's reincarnation, so if Umeko is Kagome then of course he'd fall for her.' Kagura's mind reeled at the revelation. Forcing herself to take a breath and hide again, she leaned back to ponder the problem.

'How is it possible? A human being turned into a hanyo?' Such an occurrence had never happened before she was sure. Things were definitely getting out of hand here. Who could possess the power to cause such a transformation, and more importantly-Why. Kagura frowned deeply, she could smell that there was something cosmic happening without them noticing.

'Fate? ... perhaps.' Kagura looked at the ceiling a moment before turning her eyes on the hanyo again. It was night, but in the morning she would set her own plan into motion. She slipped silently from the room just as the other two reentered the castle.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Sesshomaru gazed down at his hands in mild contemplation. He could not remember how many had been slain by them. Nor had they actually helped anyone, until Ren and Umeko that is. Before he had to restrain himself to keep from killing. With Umeko around ... he didn't feel the urge to fight. He felt somehow calm and at peace.

Surprisingly, he found himself missing that peace as a flower misses the rain when it is gone. He removed his gaze from his hands to stare up at the stars. Fate had a strange way of working. He had never before believed in fate or destiny, but one could only ignore its screaming in one's ears when the one was louder. And then it usually left you deaf to all else.

His mind wandered back to Keshina. Her words were baffling to him. They were like a puzzle, and he hadn't been given the clues to salve it. Irritating. That was the word he would use for them.

'If the one she loves says her first name . . . What would she do if she got her memory back? There's noway for her to return home. . .' He didn't like the thought of her going back. She was an Inu now. She belonged here with her pack ... with him. He had waited a long time to find one of his own. Now that he had found one, she had been taken from him.

“The question you should be asking yourself, Lord Sesshomaru, is 'what are you going to do about it.'” A knowing voice spoke from behind the Taiyoukai of the West. He visibly stiffened and turned to face the intruder.

“Your point ... is well taken, Miko.” Sesshomaru frowned briefly. How had she gotten behind him? He did not like the fact that someone had sneaked up behind him so easily.

'You're getting soft.' He grumbled to himself.

“Good. Now quit brooding, its very unbecoming of a Taiyoukai. You may want to heed your friends for they worry about you as much as you worry about Umeko.” Keshina smiled gently before turning to go.

“Thank you.” Sesshomaru bent his pride to thank the miko one last time. Keshina paused to look over her shoulder at him.

“Get some sleep, even youkai need to rest at some point. NO one's invincible.” She smiled slyly at the demon lord then disappeared back into the forest. He watched her go, once again puzzled by this mysterious miko.

Sesshomaru looked up at the sky again after a moment. The stars winked at him so brightly that it was like a different world from the one he was currently on. The vastness of it made him feel very small. It had been years since he had felt so humbled. So many that he could not count them all.

With a small smile he turned his back on the forest and made his way back to the village. Funny, it did not feel as if he had had the sense knocked back into his, but he knew he had. Once back inside the hut, the Taiyoukai laid himself out next to the children and uncharacteristically fell asleep with his back to a door.

The next morning, InuYasha was shocked to see his brother laying among the others without the worry lines or typical scowl on his face. Almost serene even. Cuddled against him was his human ward, Ren, with her face against his chest and his arm protectively around her. Then hanyo had never seen his brother with such a fatherly air.

Sango was the next to awaken, and both stared at each other in shocked silence. Jakken grumbled before turning over and sleeping on. Shippo was cuddled with Kirara and Kohaku was still asleep by Sango's side. Miroku grinned at his friends and their expressions, having been the first to awaken and see this for himself. The dawn coming through the window shed a peaceful golden glow over everyone till it was hard to believe the shadows from the previous night ever existed.

 

 

* * *

 

 

“Lady Umeko, Kagura wishes to train you so that you might be able to defend yourself. We may not always be here so I think it might be wise to teach you how to take care of yourself if the need arises.” Naraku sat looking out the window. His incarnations assembled around him and Umeko sat in the middle of the room.

“But ... why?” Umeko's brows furrowed in confusion.

“Sesshomaru and the others are your enemies. Never forget that. They will continue to try to get to you. The Taiyoukai of the West wants you dead, you see the jewel on your forehead is a danger to him and he wants it disposed of.” Naraku turned his head to look at the hanyo.

Umeko's eyes grew wide in shock. That couldn't be true ... could it? Sesshomaru had seemed so kind. She tried very hard to deny it, but the nagging voice told her he had lied would not be silenced. No, he was the enemy now. Naraku was her master.

Naraku smirked at seeing the jewel darken even more. She was his now, and he wouldn't let her go. The tainted jewel would be in his grasp soon. Then he'd finish this once and for all.

The sight of the hanyo being so submissive made Kagura sick to her stomach. Naraku was really playing her well. All her doubts and fears ... he was bringing them all into the light. She grew more dependent on him by the day.

That was about to stop.

She would break her of that, even if it killed her.

“Let us go outside and get started M'Lady.” Kagura moved away from Naraku, going for the door.

“Hakudoshi and Akago will join you.” Naraku turned his gaze back to the window as he spoke. Kanna made no move to leave his side while the boys followed Kagura and Umeko out. Once they were gone, Naraku turned to the little girl.

“Keep an eye on them.” He commanded simply, getting up and leaving the room after giving it.

Kanna waited, then turned her mirror around so it was facing her chest. It was betrayal, but she-like her sister- believed Umeko would somehow save them. So instead of following orders she watched the group outside and shielded the mirror . . . something she never did.

'Be brave of spirit and heart ... Okaasan.' She smiled as she directed the thought at Umeko.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Umeko knelt quietly on the grass while the 'children' made up their minds what to do first. She pulled up a single stem of grass and brought it to her nose. It smelt of freshness, of things just beginning to grow. She smiled to herself, liking the smell at once. Kagura raised a brow but said nothing at first.

“Have the Inu-tachi taught you anything?” She wanted to know.

“Yes, a little sword play. They said I could 'change' both Sesshomaru's and InuYasha's swords.” Umeko replied casually. The wind sorceress smirked, filing away that tidbit of information for later. That was hopefully something Naraku didn't know.

“Well then. We'll work on your spiritual powers. I think you'd be much better suited using them then a sword.” Kagura commented equally casual.

“Really?” Umeko asked in surprise.

“Its who you are.” The other replied matter of factly. When she made no further comment, Umeko frowned in confusion.

Once again, Umeko felt someone watching her. Only this time it was a protective watchfulness. The thought behind it made her smile.

'I will try.” She thought back to the little Kanna. Yes, she would be brave and learn what was needed to be learned. Closing her eyes she turned her head to the rising sun. This was only a beginning.

Kagura, Hakudoshi, and tiny Akago, followed her motion and watched the sun come up with their Lady. For once they did not thing of Naraku's dark plots. Instead, they felt at peace just being there with Umeko, the one they hoped could save them all. The golden light that fell over them washed away the dark shadows, and the jewel on Umeko's forehead was bathed in light ... the love of those around her, for her.

 

:End of Chapter:

Sini: -grins- OMG I love the Cute Sessho moment! -giggles and squees-

Semi: Eh heh, glad you liked it Sin, and I hope everyone else did as well.

CL: -dances around- Hehe, all apart of CL's plan.

Semi: Your plan? -glares-

Ele: Oh come on, leave the cute little kitsune girl alone! -laughs and hands Semi some ice-cream.- Nice cliffe btw. -grins.

Semi: -sighs- Well anyway, that's it for chapter twelve minna-san! Please stay tuned because FS is about to get even better. -bows-

: Teasers for the next chapter:

Umeko begins training! Naraku steals a kiss and takes something from her?! Next time it ...

 

Chapter Thirteen: “ It Does Not Mean A Thing.”