InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Healing a TaiYoukai ❯ Chapter Eight ( Chapter 8 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: MuteAngel 
Sesshoumaru finds out Kagome needs Kaede to heal her and personally takes the duty of doing so. An old friend joins in.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Drama / Hentai / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 05.23.2008 | Pages: 5 | Words: 8.9K | Visits: 824 | Status: Work In Progress
Sesshoumaru finds out Kagome needs Kaede to heal her and personally takes the duty of doing so. An old friend joins in.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Drama / Hentai / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 05.23.2008 | Pages: 5 | Words: 8.9K | Visits: 824 | Status: Work In Progress
Healing a Taiyoukai
-By: MuteShadow
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Disclaime r: I, MuteShadow, do not own InuYasha. Any InuYasha related items are strictly owned by Rumiko Takahashi and her producers/lawyers.
Author's Note: This fanfiction was originally written by SilentAngel [Selena Bervaidous]. The plot, ideas and story belong to her.
WARNING: Sexual Situations (Lemons, Lime etc...), Language, Gore/Violence and angst.
________________________________________
This chapter brings an old friend of ours back into the story. Who? I will not spoil it. But perhaps you will not be so happy about this re-installment of our good friend. Yet, this character is such a plot twister you can not deny them. Also, in the story, Sesshoumaru is quite perplexed over our little Kagome and we find he does in fact have a bit of emotions. Poor Sesshoumaru tries so hard to appear so emotionless but fails before us. You can not help but love him for it.
Well that is all. I thank you all again. Enjoy your day/night.
Read, Rate and Review;
-MuteShadow
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Chapter Eight
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Silence entered the small forest clearing, its occupants stunned by the quick chain of events they had witnessed. InuYasha watched Kagome's limp body be caught by Sesshoumaru who in turn cradled the unconscious girl to his body. His golden eyes wide, his lips parted and forming a shocked gap, the half-breed slowly looked up at the demon. Staring into those furious golden eyes, InuYasha had too look down quickly. He could not bare to see the blatant accusation in those golden orbs. Feeling his sword shaking from side to side, the boy looked down and noticed it was not his sword shaking but him.
-By: MuteShadow
_________________________________________
Disclaime r: I, MuteShadow, do not own InuYasha. Any InuYasha related items are strictly owned by Rumiko Takahashi and her producers/lawyers.
Author's Note: This fanfiction was originally written by SilentAngel [Selena Bervaidous]. The plot, ideas and story belong to her.
WARNING: Sexual Situations (Lemons, Lime etc...), Language, Gore/Violence and angst.
________________________________________
This chapter brings an old friend of ours back into the story. Who? I will not spoil it. But perhaps you will not be so happy about this re-installment of our good friend. Yet, this character is such a plot twister you can not deny them. Also, in the story, Sesshoumaru is quite perplexed over our little Kagome and we find he does in fact have a bit of emotions. Poor Sesshoumaru tries so hard to appear so emotionless but fails before us. You can not help but love him for it.
Well that is all. I thank you all again. Enjoy your day/night.
Read, Rate and Review;
-MuteShadow
_____________________________________ ____
Chapter Eight
_________________________________________
Silence entered the small forest clearing, its occupants stunned by the quick chain of events they had witnessed. InuYasha watched Kagome's limp body be caught by Sesshoumaru who in turn cradled the unconscious girl to his body. His golden eyes wide, his lips parted and forming a shocked gap, the half-breed slowly looked up at the demon. Staring into those furious golden eyes, InuYasha had too look down quickly. He could not bare to see the blatant accusation in those golden orbs. Feeling his sword shaking from side to side, the boy looked down and noticed it was not his sword shaking but him.
His claws were shaking as they continued to hold Tetsusaiga by its thick, bandaged hilt, the shock of the recent events causing his body to spasm. Staring down at the cursed fang entrusted to him to protect those he cared about, InuYasha swallowed back a sob. He had killed Kagome because of his inability to control his anger. He had caused another woman he had fallen in love with to die.
“Kagome!” Sango's shrill scream pierced the deathly silence of the clearing.
Eyes quickly turned to the taijya and saw the elder girl struggling against the pale-faced houshi who struggled under the slayer's frantic attempts to run to the miko's side. His violet eyes flashing, the grim-faced monk whispered in Sango's ears soothingly, attempting to calm his fiancée and even himself at this moment. Allowing Miroku to rub the sides of her arms and whisper in her ear, Sango felt her body begin to shake violently as she stared at the pale, limp form of Kagome. InuYasha had killed Kagome. He had killed their best friend. The news flashed in her mind repeatedly. She could not completely absorb the traumatizing situation at this moment, the quickness of it occurring still mind-blowing. Her large brown eyes fixated on the boy furiously, she tried to breathe but found her throat too tight.
Why had Kagome died?
The answer came immediately to her mind.
`Because he was a jealous, possessive bastard. He did not want too see Kagome-chan with anyone else. This war between he and Sesshoumaru has been going on for over two centuries yet InuYasha can not be the bigger person and ignore the taiyoukai? Instead, he rampages the place, snaps at everyone and hurts their feelings. He lashes out on Kagome and then when Kagome starts finding someone else…'
Sango felt the tears gather in her eyes and begin to make their wet paths down her numb cheeks. Her body trembling, she choked back on a sob and turned to Miroku. Pressing her face into the fabric of his robe, she tried to block out the image of her best friend lying in Sesshoumaru's arm, dead and helpless.
InuYasha had killed Kagome over an idiotic rivalry with his older half-brother that was immature and pointless. Lifting her head from Miroku's arms, the taijya straightened her shoulders and turned to InuYasha, ignoring Miroku's tightening hold on her. The monk watched his woman turn to the hanyou and knew she did not mean well. He cared for Kagome and understood Sango's sorrow. But now was not the time too lash out. His eyes flickered to Kagome who remained silent in Sesshoumaru's arm. He did not know if Kagome was dead or not but he was frightened by the neutral aura around her. Her aura no longer was strong and vibrant but now dull and weak. Much like the auras of those who were dead he had come across many times in the last seven years of his life.
Her chocolate brown eyes snapping viciously, Sango allowed herself to be restrained by Miroku. She knew the monk was stronger then her and was trying to help her. This bit of knowledge kept her from slugging Miroku in the stomach too allow her to rush across the clearing and kill InuYasha. Her eyes slipping to Kagome, Sango fisted her hands until the knuckles protruded and were a dangerous white. However reluctant she was to leave Kagome in Sesshoumaru's arm she knew her friend was the safest there with the taiyoukai.
He would protect her… unlike a certain someone.
Remembering of the hanyou, Sango clenched her jaw, her eyes spitting daggers and turned to InuYasha.
“How could you, InuYasha.” she whispered. Ignoring the wince on the silver-hair boy's face, Sango felt her control begin to slip away. She hated that handsome face right now. It was the face of an idiot.
“Baka! Baka!” she shrieked her pretty tanned face twisted into a mask of fury.
InuYasha ignored Sango and her loud shouts, his large golden eyes fixated on the girl in his brother's arm. His lips parting to make some sort of retort, he found his voice unable to break from his throat. Instead, a large lump had formed in it, ceasing all possibility to talk much less breathe at this moment. His golden eyes filling with tears, the half-breed slowly brought his gaze to meet the frozen amber eyes of his half-brother. His body trembling, InuYasha stiffened when he watched those pale, thin lips part and begin to move.
The words that came from the furious-looking demon made him shiver the freezing element to that deep, smooth voice making his blood stop in his veins. The murmur was so smooth and soft but he knew it was a mask too hide the true beast hidden deep inside the pale demon Lord.
“You're dead, little brother."
Staring into the pale face he had grown to hate since a young age, InuYasha felt his body begin to sweat when he met the fury and promise of a painful death that was evident in Sesshoumaru's glare. Gulping, InuYasha looked at the pale, unmoving form of Kagome. He knew if he walked towards Kagome, Sesshoumaru would more then likely kill him. But he loved her. He never told her this enough but he, InuYasha, loved this simple, emotional mortal girl, Higurashi Kagome, with all of his being. He had grown to love her after the first year of their journey and it had continued to manifest as she continuously supported him and introduced him to her own version of love she directed towards him openly.
He would always love Kikyou. The miko would always have a claim on his heart for she was the first to introduce him to these confusing emotions for the first time since his Mother. But Kagome had done more then both Kikyou and his Mother had done. She had introduced him to love after pain. Kagome had offered friendship, loyalty, devotion and unwavering trust. Everything Kikyou had offered but had never truly freely given without any restrictions - Kagome had given him her heart without a question. She had supported him in every way; battles, inner turmoil, times of pain, the loss of Kikyou…
And how did he repay her?
His throat tightening, a tear slid down his face and his body quivered with the emotional pain he was experiencing. InuYasha continued to stare at Kagome silently, the pain in his soul overwhelming him. He regretted every spiteful word he had said to her. He regretted every time he had taken her for granted. Every glare, scowl or pout he had given her when she asked for a favor he wish he could take back.
Stepping forward, his expression revealing his inner agony, he managed to whisper,
“Is she alive?”
Sesshoumaru glared at the half-breed. His only arm tightening around Kagome protectively, Sesshoumaru growled at the hanyou, baring his deadly fangs at him in an action of hostility and possessiveness. He hated this boy to a dangerous degree. Where his contempt had previously been at an already dangerous level, the loathing he held for this moronic fool had ten-folded in these few minutes. He had promised to protect the miko - not for her to protect him, Sesshoumaru. The knowledge he had to be saved by this tiny mortal by his own half-brother again had injured his pride beyond his ability to swallow.
The hanyou had performed many transgressions lately against him. From calling him names, trying to order him and constantly badgering him, the hanyou had been digging himself a grave that he Sesshoumaru was going to put him in. He had annoyed Sesshoumaru since his arrival in this group and, admittedly, since the scum's birth he had been an annoyance to him. From his outbursts, immaturity, constant badgering of the girl and attempts to lay claim to the priestess [that truly irked him the most], the youkai Lord had been waiting patiently. He had hid his growing impatience and desire to decapitate the moron but now the desire to rid of the baka was too tempting. He had waited for this moment to rectify not only his honour and pride but to truly prove to the half-breed he, Sesshoumaru, was the better of the two and always would be.
His amber eyes narrowing, his pale upper lip curled into a sneer, the taiyoukai bit out icily, “She is still alive, baka.” Hearing the sighs from the group, Sesshoumaru continued to glare at the hanyou. “However, only by the graces of the Kami and her own strength does she continue to live.”
InuYasha felt his tense body instantaneously relax at the news. His eyes flashing to Kagome, InuYasha sheathed Tetsusaiga and began to walk towards his brother and Kagome. He had full intentions to bring Kagome to Kaede immediately. The elder miko understood these sorts of injuries, she had had a miko sister and was a miko herself. If Kaede could not help Kagome then no one could. Knowing time was wasting and Kagome was worsening by the very second, InuYasha walked forward to his brother. Only a few meters from Sesshoumaru, his claw rising to take the girl from the youkai's grasp, the hanyou froze when he heard the deep, threatening snarl breaking from Sesshoumaru's lips.
Confused, the half-breed looked up too see Sesshoumaru's eyes flashing red, the usually cool amber eyes now currently a molten golden and lined with a ruby red along the edges of those slanted eyes. Seeing the fangs flashing in the demon Lord's mouth, InuYasha ceased his approach to the two, his instincts screaming danger. His body stiff in case the taiyoukai decided to attack, InuYasha watched Sesshoumaru continue to glare heatedly at him.
"Stay back hanyou or this Sesshoumaru will kill you." Sesshoumaru stated frostily, his eyes tinting red along the edges of his narrow eyes. His pale face impeccably stoic, a deceiving mask that hid his barely restrained fury, Sesshoumaru straightened his back, his eyes slanting angrily.
“Kagome!” Sango's shrill scream pierced the deathly silence of the clearing.
Eyes quickly turned to the taijya and saw the elder girl struggling against the pale-faced houshi who struggled under the slayer's frantic attempts to run to the miko's side. His violet eyes flashing, the grim-faced monk whispered in Sango's ears soothingly, attempting to calm his fiancée and even himself at this moment. Allowing Miroku to rub the sides of her arms and whisper in her ear, Sango felt her body begin to shake violently as she stared at the pale, limp form of Kagome. InuYasha had killed Kagome. He had killed their best friend. The news flashed in her mind repeatedly. She could not completely absorb the traumatizing situation at this moment, the quickness of it occurring still mind-blowing. Her large brown eyes fixated on the boy furiously, she tried to breathe but found her throat too tight.
Why had Kagome died?
The answer came immediately to her mind.
`Because he was a jealous, possessive bastard. He did not want too see Kagome-chan with anyone else. This war between he and Sesshoumaru has been going on for over two centuries yet InuYasha can not be the bigger person and ignore the taiyoukai? Instead, he rampages the place, snaps at everyone and hurts their feelings. He lashes out on Kagome and then when Kagome starts finding someone else…'
Sango felt the tears gather in her eyes and begin to make their wet paths down her numb cheeks. Her body trembling, she choked back on a sob and turned to Miroku. Pressing her face into the fabric of his robe, she tried to block out the image of her best friend lying in Sesshoumaru's arm, dead and helpless.
InuYasha had killed Kagome over an idiotic rivalry with his older half-brother that was immature and pointless. Lifting her head from Miroku's arms, the taijya straightened her shoulders and turned to InuYasha, ignoring Miroku's tightening hold on her. The monk watched his woman turn to the hanyou and knew she did not mean well. He cared for Kagome and understood Sango's sorrow. But now was not the time too lash out. His eyes flickered to Kagome who remained silent in Sesshoumaru's arm. He did not know if Kagome was dead or not but he was frightened by the neutral aura around her. Her aura no longer was strong and vibrant but now dull and weak. Much like the auras of those who were dead he had come across many times in the last seven years of his life.
Her chocolate brown eyes snapping viciously, Sango allowed herself to be restrained by Miroku. She knew the monk was stronger then her and was trying to help her. This bit of knowledge kept her from slugging Miroku in the stomach too allow her to rush across the clearing and kill InuYasha. Her eyes slipping to Kagome, Sango fisted her hands until the knuckles protruded and were a dangerous white. However reluctant she was to leave Kagome in Sesshoumaru's arm she knew her friend was the safest there with the taiyoukai.
He would protect her… unlike a certain someone.
Remembering of the hanyou, Sango clenched her jaw, her eyes spitting daggers and turned to InuYasha.
“How could you, InuYasha.” she whispered. Ignoring the wince on the silver-hair boy's face, Sango felt her control begin to slip away. She hated that handsome face right now. It was the face of an idiot.
“Baka! Baka!” she shrieked her pretty tanned face twisted into a mask of fury.
InuYasha ignored Sango and her loud shouts, his large golden eyes fixated on the girl in his brother's arm. His lips parting to make some sort of retort, he found his voice unable to break from his throat. Instead, a large lump had formed in it, ceasing all possibility to talk much less breathe at this moment. His golden eyes filling with tears, the half-breed slowly brought his gaze to meet the frozen amber eyes of his half-brother. His body trembling, InuYasha stiffened when he watched those pale, thin lips part and begin to move.
The words that came from the furious-looking demon made him shiver the freezing element to that deep, smooth voice making his blood stop in his veins. The murmur was so smooth and soft but he knew it was a mask too hide the true beast hidden deep inside the pale demon Lord.
“You're dead, little brother."
Staring into the pale face he had grown to hate since a young age, InuYasha felt his body begin to sweat when he met the fury and promise of a painful death that was evident in Sesshoumaru's glare. Gulping, InuYasha looked at the pale, unmoving form of Kagome. He knew if he walked towards Kagome, Sesshoumaru would more then likely kill him. But he loved her. He never told her this enough but he, InuYasha, loved this simple, emotional mortal girl, Higurashi Kagome, with all of his being. He had grown to love her after the first year of their journey and it had continued to manifest as she continuously supported him and introduced him to her own version of love she directed towards him openly.
He would always love Kikyou. The miko would always have a claim on his heart for she was the first to introduce him to these confusing emotions for the first time since his Mother. But Kagome had done more then both Kikyou and his Mother had done. She had introduced him to love after pain. Kagome had offered friendship, loyalty, devotion and unwavering trust. Everything Kikyou had offered but had never truly freely given without any restrictions - Kagome had given him her heart without a question. She had supported him in every way; battles, inner turmoil, times of pain, the loss of Kikyou…
And how did he repay her?
His throat tightening, a tear slid down his face and his body quivered with the emotional pain he was experiencing. InuYasha continued to stare at Kagome silently, the pain in his soul overwhelming him. He regretted every spiteful word he had said to her. He regretted every time he had taken her for granted. Every glare, scowl or pout he had given her when she asked for a favor he wish he could take back.
Stepping forward, his expression revealing his inner agony, he managed to whisper,
“Is she alive?”
Sesshoumaru glared at the half-breed. His only arm tightening around Kagome protectively, Sesshoumaru growled at the hanyou, baring his deadly fangs at him in an action of hostility and possessiveness. He hated this boy to a dangerous degree. Where his contempt had previously been at an already dangerous level, the loathing he held for this moronic fool had ten-folded in these few minutes. He had promised to protect the miko - not for her to protect him, Sesshoumaru. The knowledge he had to be saved by this tiny mortal by his own half-brother again had injured his pride beyond his ability to swallow.
The hanyou had performed many transgressions lately against him. From calling him names, trying to order him and constantly badgering him, the hanyou had been digging himself a grave that he Sesshoumaru was going to put him in. He had annoyed Sesshoumaru since his arrival in this group and, admittedly, since the scum's birth he had been an annoyance to him. From his outbursts, immaturity, constant badgering of the girl and attempts to lay claim to the priestess [that truly irked him the most], the youkai Lord had been waiting patiently. He had hid his growing impatience and desire to decapitate the moron but now the desire to rid of the baka was too tempting. He had waited for this moment to rectify not only his honour and pride but to truly prove to the half-breed he, Sesshoumaru, was the better of the two and always would be.
His amber eyes narrowing, his pale upper lip curled into a sneer, the taiyoukai bit out icily, “She is still alive, baka.” Hearing the sighs from the group, Sesshoumaru continued to glare at the hanyou. “However, only by the graces of the Kami and her own strength does she continue to live.”
InuYasha felt his tense body instantaneously relax at the news. His eyes flashing to Kagome, InuYasha sheathed Tetsusaiga and began to walk towards his brother and Kagome. He had full intentions to bring Kagome to Kaede immediately. The elder miko understood these sorts of injuries, she had had a miko sister and was a miko herself. If Kaede could not help Kagome then no one could. Knowing time was wasting and Kagome was worsening by the very second, InuYasha walked forward to his brother. Only a few meters from Sesshoumaru, his claw rising to take the girl from the youkai's grasp, the hanyou froze when he heard the deep, threatening snarl breaking from Sesshoumaru's lips.
Confused, the half-breed looked up too see Sesshoumaru's eyes flashing red, the usually cool amber eyes now currently a molten golden and lined with a ruby red along the edges of those slanted eyes. Seeing the fangs flashing in the demon Lord's mouth, InuYasha ceased his approach to the two, his instincts screaming danger. His body stiff in case the taiyoukai decided to attack, InuYasha watched Sesshoumaru continue to glare heatedly at him.
"Stay back hanyou or this Sesshoumaru will kill you." Sesshoumaru stated frostily, his eyes tinting red along the edges of his narrow eyes. His pale face impeccably stoic, a deceiving mask that hid his barely restrained fury, Sesshoumaru straightened his back, his eyes slanting angrily.
“You have done enough damage for today, baka. The safety and needs for the miko are now revoked from you. You are no longer her protector.”
At first the words did not compute. Standing still and his brain running over the statement, the hanyou finally understood the meaning to Sesshoumaru's words. What the Hell was this idiot thinking? He, InuYasha, was Kagome's protector! He had protected her for over three years now! Throwing away all previous intelligence of not approaching the demon Lord [it had been his first smart move since the demon Lord had entered their group] InuYasha growled at the older demon viciously. His claws fisting as he tried to hold back his desire to slug the bastard in the face the hanyou stood where he was, rigid and stiff. His face scrunched into a snarl, the half-breed shouted,
At first the words did not compute. Standing still and his brain running over the statement, the hanyou finally understood the meaning to Sesshoumaru's words. What the Hell was this idiot thinking? He, InuYasha, was Kagome's protector! He had protected her for over three years now! Throwing away all previous intelligence of not approaching the demon Lord [it had been his first smart move since the demon Lord had entered their group] InuYasha growled at the older demon viciously. His claws fisting as he tried to hold back his desire to slug the bastard in the face the hanyou stood where he was, rigid and stiff. His face scrunched into a snarl, the half-breed shouted,
“Who are you to tell me what to do?! I am her protector and best friend! Give her to me so I can take her to Kaede!”
“You are unfit to protect yourself - much less this mortal.” Sesshoumaru stated icily, his eyes flashing.
InuYasha froze at the hatred and anger in the youkai's voice. He was used to hearing obvious tinges of disgust, mockery and hatred in this demon's tone but the intensity of Sesshoumaru's animosity was almost tangible in the air. Staring into that perfect pale face that remained stony and expressionless, InuYasha frowned.
Could he possibly...for...Kagome...?
Shaking his head, InuYasha ignored his jealous mind. Now was not the time to think about that sort of shit. He had to get Kagome to Kaede fast. Trying to calm his raw nerves, InuYasha hid his tearing eyes from his brother, knowing the sight of his sadness would cause the taiyoukai to be disgusted. His thick silver bangs hiding half his face, InuYasha's fisted flaws shook quietly at his sides.
“I need to bring her to our friend and healer, Kaede. She is a miko and would know how to help Kagome best, Sesshoumaru.” InuYasha said softly, his eyes fixed on the ground.
Sango and Miroku watched the tense scene, their eyes darting between the brothers. They were going to step in if another fight broke out. While they trusted both brothers to protect Kagome, the miko could be injured by accident in the fight - again. Hearing InuYasha's rare reasoning, the pair looked too Sesshoumaru. Sango released herself from Miroku and straightened her shoulders, her pretty doe-like eyes beseeching the demon Lord.
“We all care for Kagome-chan, Sesshoumaru-sama. But InuYasha is right. Kagome used a miko skill that none of us, even you, know. We do not understand it and because of that, we can not know the damage it had done to her.” the slayer sighed, her pretty face revealing her concern as she frowned.
“Please, Sesshoumaru-sama. If you truly care for Kagome in any way,” the slayer said the word pointedly as she noticed the demon stiffen at the mention of him having any sort of emotions or feelings, “you will allow us to take her to InuYasha's village to the elder miko.”
Sesshoumaru listened to the slayer's words. This girl was right. He did not understand the full extent of Kagome's injuries. Glaring at InuYasha, Sesshoumaru growled within himself, his youki riled. He would not give the miko to this hanyou abomination. He had caused enough damage too her. He would rather trust her with Naraku then this fool.
Turning to the slayer, Sesshoumaru stared at her blankly.
“This Sesshoumaru will bring her to the miko.” he stated monotonously, his stern tone leaving no room for argument from the girl's friends.
InuYasha opened his mouth to protest but felt tiny claws grab his lips and hold them shut. Growling, InuYasha glared at the scowling Shippou who had apparently snuck from Kirara's side to his, knowing the hanyou would say something stupid. Shippou glared at InuYasha angrily. The idiot was going to really piss off Sesshoumaru - especially if the idiot tried to take Kagome to Kaede himself.
Could the idiot not see the demon Lord's youki aura sparkling with blood lust and possessiveness?
The kitsune glanced at Sesshoumaru again, shivering at the power and cold anger the taiyoukai's aura gave off. He could not understand how InuYasha was not running away from Sesshoumaru.
'He's too stupid to realize just how pissed off Sesshoumaru is or even notice the danger he's in with him.' Shippou reasoned.
Sesshoumaru glared at the hanyou icily, his pale, thin lips tightening around the corners. His furry, white tail wrapping around the girl and holding her tightly to his body, the demon turned on his heel. Focusing his youki energy, Sesshoumaru felt his body readying to speed away. Before allowing his energy to completely envelop him, Sesshoumaru turned his head slightly to the right, allowing one icy golden eye to pierce the hanyou directly.
“I will finish this later with you, hanyou.” he promised coldly, his angelic face blank and frighteningly stoic.
InuYasha refrained from making a retort. He knew now was not the time to argue or threaten Sesshoumaru. Nodding slightly, he watched a fluffy red and white cloud form underneath Sesshoumaru's silk black shoes and lift him into the air. His eyes fixated on Kagome's pale, peaceful face as she rested her cheek against Sesshoumaru's shoulder, her body surrounded by the demon's fluffy white tail, InuYasha watched Sesshoumaru fly away, leaving only a stream of wispy red and white clouds.
Standing still, his silken white hair fluttering softly in the breeze as he traveled through the clouds above the earth, Sesshoumaru glanced down at the girl who currently snuggled into his body, her form shaking from the frigid coldness of the air high up in the sky. Tightening his tail around her, pressing her small body into his torso further and the fur of his tail more closely to her, the demon Lord continued to gaze into Kagome's pale face. He did not understand this need to protect her. He had known this girl was hazardous from the beginning; a tempting beacon of female sensuality basked in a deceitful aura of innocence. He knew he was playing with fire when he began to notice his growing acceptance and, alarming, as it was, attraction to her. Yet he had been too engrossed with his assumptions he could never like this mortal and had ignored his alerted senses and cautious mind.
He had pretended to be blind to this girl and her charms. With his vision clouded, she cast her silken web of innocence, kindness and loyalty around him. He had fallen into her snare and thus was entangled. He was now ensnared in the complex web of emotions he had never had to endure until this simplistic girl offered to heal his arm.
Straightening his shoulders, Sesshoumaru stared in front of him, his golden eyes thoughtful.
He would not let her go despite his disfavor of his growing bond with her. He knew he wanted her. Her scent had been imprinted in his nose, her touch absorbed into his skin and the sound of her voice ingrained into his mind. His eyes would never forget the image of this mortal. His inner-beast, the annoying beast that even now betrayed his mind and inner desires, would not allow him to leave this girl. She had managed to charm his inner youki sufficiently and thus earned its eternal protection. His arm tightening around her, Sesshoumaru's pale lips tightened at their corners, his amber eyes two orbs of highly polished gold as his mind continued to muse over his situation.
This girl was his. Where these feelings of protection, possessiveness, attraction…caring had come from, he would never truly understand. Perhaps the organ beating in his chest had not been as thickly fortified as he had thought. His pride and arrogance has made him blind to his wavering defences against the thing that he attested most - feeling. He did not know pain, desire, guilt, and anger… any of these inferior emotions had been alien too him.
Atlas until now.
This girl had made him feel jealousy. Watching her worry and care for the hanyou, the houshi and even the kitsune had made him want to run each bastard through with his katana. The bond she had with the taijya made him want to be able to speak too her more and understand the complex enigma that she was. She had made his blood rush in his veins with anger only to make his rising impatience melt away and become hot with desire. He had felt guilt with this mortal. When she looked at him with apparent hurt when he did not give her the attention she sought or if he made a cruel remark, the taiyoukai had been astonished when he first felt insecure about his actions.
He had wanted to comfort her and assure her she held a respectable position to him.
The scent of fire and food entered his nose, drawing the demon prince out of his confused thoughts. Looking down bellow him, he noted the tiny village beneath his cloud. Stalling his youki cloud, Sesshoumaru gracefully leapt off of his cloud, his silver-white hair whipping behind him as gravity pulled him heavily to the ground. Extending his long, white leg, the youkai Lord landed silently, his hair fluttering into his perfect placing, and his angelic face blank.
The reaction he received from his intrusion into the tiny village was amusing for a bit.
Screams tore from the throats of terrified women and man immediately squabbling around in circles, demanding for weapons. Children and their fleeing mothers were thrown carelessly into nearby huts, some people even making their way quickly into the woods. Silent, the taiyoukai watched the mayhem, his amusement quickly evaporating as he began to grow annoyed with the loud noises hurting his sensitive ears. Sesshoumaru glared at the human villagers, annoyed as they continued to make a large ruckus over his presence in their grimy village.
The girl moved, a moan breaking from her lips. Glancing down, Sesshoumaru frowned in growing impatience as the noise started to disturb the slumbering girl. They were disturbing the miko in his arm. His amber eyes resembling chipped ice, he growled at the mortals who ran around him like chickens with out their heads.
'Stupid creatures.'
Seeing a ningen man come up to stab him with a sword, Sesshoumaru glared at him, his golden eyes piercing into the man's very soul it seemed. The man ceased his attack on the demon a few meters from the youkai, his large bulbous eyes widening to an impossible size. His body trembling, he stammered,
“S-S-S…so-sorry…”
The man suddenly fell to the ground in a crumpled heap, his body not even twitching from the force of the impact between his body and the unrelenting ground. Sesshoumaru scrutinized the weak mortal who had, in his rare moment of bravery, had fainted in fear of him. While it soothed his pride and satisfied him to know these impudent mortals had some sort of intelligence to understand their place [beneath him - on the ground], the youkai could not help but hold these annoying, idiotic, unhygienic and cowardly abominations with complete abhorrence.
'And they are too populate this earth in five hundred years?' He thought in disgust to himself, remembering Kagome mentioning the vast population and success of humans in her time.
Their screams and yells continuing to hurt his sensitive ears, Sesshoumaru had finally lost patience with the moronic creatures before him. His golden eyes two slits of gold, the taiyoukai parted his lips and stated in his deep voice coldly,
“If any human continues to make noise they will be permanently silenced.”
The death threat seemed to enter every mind of the hysterical mob of panicking villagers. Every man, woman and child instantaneously stopped all flight to the woods and their houses, every mouth closed and all eyes turned to the pillar of white that currently glared at them dangerously. The crowd gathered around the taiyoukai, shaking underneath the glacial intensity of his golden-flecked amber eyes.
Shivering at the power and supremacy his cool aura radiated in freezing waves around him, the people fumbled beneath the demon's icy, golden gaze and literally jumped when they heard him speak again, his soft, emotionless voice frightening to them.
“Where is the miko, Kaede.” Sesshoumaru demanded dryly.
“Who are ye to demand for me?” a crackled, aged voice retorted from behind the crowd.
Sesshoumaru raised his head arrogantly in the air, his eyes piercing the people of the crowd who stood protectively in front of the priestess he sought.
“Sesshoumaru, taiyoukai of the West. You will show yourself human.” he ordered in a stern tone.
Hearing a cracking chuckle, Sesshoumaru heard the woman whisper orders to a few people. At the woman's request, the crowd parted to reveal a woman of the most haggled appearances. Dressed in the custom outfit of a shinto miko; red hakama and white hoari, the woman had an eye patch over one eye, her long grey hair tied in a low pony tail, her back hunched forward. Her face held many wrinkles - a sign of her closing years. Her thin mouth seemed to be turned down into a frown due to the amount of wrinkles on her wise, ancient features.
Her head raised into the air with some sort of pride [where did this inferior mortal find the audacity to believe she had the right to look at him as an equal?] she held her hands behind her in a manly fashion. Sesshoumaru assessed the woman before him with obvious scrutiny, his bold stare hinting his mockery of the elder miko.
This aged midget was to be the miko's saviour?
The taiyoukai almost sneered at the vision of a dried up mortal. His eyes moving up and down the quiet elder, Sesshoumaru came to the conclusion InuYasha was in fact a complete idiot. Too recommend a half-blind, aged ningen woman who looked as if she could die at any moment was ludicrous. Kaede looked at the demon closely, nodding as she affirmed her suspicion of who this intruder was. She knew exactly who this demon Lord claimed to be; the infamous Sesshoumaru. Half-brother too InuYasha and most hated of beings, a long with Naraku, by the half-breed. His reputation of power, cruelty and unfeeling fashion seemed to be correct. His eyes were two golden wastelands; revealing nothing.
Kaede pursed her lips together thoughtfully, her brow furrowing as she continued to study those mysterious, blockaded orbs of his. The golden eyes stared coldly back at her, inanimate and dead. The miko frowned as she explored those eyes further, unwilling to give up on finding something about this taiyoukai on her own instead of basing her opinion on him on the words of others. Rumours were exaggerated lies or events but now Kaede was not so sure the rumours about this figure of power was exaggerated in the tales of his power and cruelty.
His eyes affirmed her suspicion. In all her training there was one lesson she used daily - the searching of the eyes. It was said they were the mirror to the soul. On many occasions she had searched a person's soul by looking into their eyes and has been able to decipher their place in life and their future in the after life. However this youkai Lord with his icy gaze that held a barrier around his soul caused a sense of interest and dread in the woman.
Searching harder, Kaede frowned at the few, unpleasant things she discovered in his spirit.
Destruction, death, murder… this demon was heartless. She could see the hundreds of faces of demons and humans he had slain with no remorse. She could hear the taunts, pleas and cries of those who had been annihilated by his claw and sword. He had eradicated villages of youkai and ningen. He had slain warriors on the battlefields. He had exterminated his enemies ruthlessly. The torture methods he used were simply too grotesque to speak of. Kaede shuddered but refused to pull her stare from his now mocking eyes.
'The eyes of a killer - an animal with no remorse or guilt for those he rid of with his claw.' she mused inside of herself.
The power of this immortal being made the elder priestess wary and decide to be extremely cautious. She had not sensed a power alike to this since the brothers' father. Kaede looked into the demon Lord's eyes one last time, unable to accept the unanimated quality those beautiful, cold amber-gold eyes held. Staring into them, Kaede shivered. They were dead and barren as if there was no soul in that beautiful shell he called his body. Rubbing her chin with one hand, trying to calm her nerves, Kaede stepped forward, one bamboo shoed foot in front of the other until she stood but a meter from the intimidating figure.
“What do ye have need for this old woman, Sesshoumaru-sama?” she asked, curious but always cautious.
Sesshoumaru looked down at the old woman emotionlessly. “You were recommended to heal this miko under my protection by her comrades.” he said coolly before pulling back some of his tail to reveal the unconscious Kagome.
Kaede's one eye widened at the sight of the pale, limp form of the girl. Whispers and murmurs immediately rose among the crowd as they pointed and made pointing gestures to the priestess they had grown accustomed to and accept over the last few years. Limping towards the taiyoukai, Kaede stalled for a brief moment, her senses warning her. Her brow furrowing, the elder looked up at the demon.
His face remained neutral. Not a brow raised, a lip curled or a slight crease in that perfect alabaster skin to hint that he was not a beautiful statue made of marble. However, searching deeply into those golden-hued eyes alike to chip to ice, the angelic features stonily set in an expressionless mask, Kaede saw a swift flash as she moved near to Kagome.
'And so perhaps there is something in this demon.'
Kaede repressed her words. She knew the demon would not want to hear them. If she spoke about what he apparently wanted hidden she would be added to the list of victims by his claw. Turning on her heel, Kaede began to walk to the hut, satisfied. Her lips curling into a curious, mystifying smile the miko ignored the narrowing of those eyes, a small hint to his growing dislike of her and turned on her heel.
“Come with me, Sesshoumaru-sama.” she ordered curtly as she waddled to her hut.
Sesshoumaru stayed where he was, his face stoic. However, inside he was deciding whether or not to run the old woman through from behind. Who was she to be ordering him? His arm tightening around Kagome, the demon Lord's upper lip curled with disdain. Ordinary mortals ordering he, Sesshoumaru, where too travel and go? It was more then his pride would allow. If he let this old hag of a mortal order him, he would lose all respect for himself.
“You are unfit to protect yourself - much less this mortal.” Sesshoumaru stated icily, his eyes flashing.
InuYasha froze at the hatred and anger in the youkai's voice. He was used to hearing obvious tinges of disgust, mockery and hatred in this demon's tone but the intensity of Sesshoumaru's animosity was almost tangible in the air. Staring into that perfect pale face that remained stony and expressionless, InuYasha frowned.
Could he possibly...for...Kagome...?
Shaking his head, InuYasha ignored his jealous mind. Now was not the time to think about that sort of shit. He had to get Kagome to Kaede fast. Trying to calm his raw nerves, InuYasha hid his tearing eyes from his brother, knowing the sight of his sadness would cause the taiyoukai to be disgusted. His thick silver bangs hiding half his face, InuYasha's fisted flaws shook quietly at his sides.
“I need to bring her to our friend and healer, Kaede. She is a miko and would know how to help Kagome best, Sesshoumaru.” InuYasha said softly, his eyes fixed on the ground.
Sango and Miroku watched the tense scene, their eyes darting between the brothers. They were going to step in if another fight broke out. While they trusted both brothers to protect Kagome, the miko could be injured by accident in the fight - again. Hearing InuYasha's rare reasoning, the pair looked too Sesshoumaru. Sango released herself from Miroku and straightened her shoulders, her pretty doe-like eyes beseeching the demon Lord.
“We all care for Kagome-chan, Sesshoumaru-sama. But InuYasha is right. Kagome used a miko skill that none of us, even you, know. We do not understand it and because of that, we can not know the damage it had done to her.” the slayer sighed, her pretty face revealing her concern as she frowned.
“Please, Sesshoumaru-sama. If you truly care for Kagome in any way,” the slayer said the word pointedly as she noticed the demon stiffen at the mention of him having any sort of emotions or feelings, “you will allow us to take her to InuYasha's village to the elder miko.”
Sesshoumaru listened to the slayer's words. This girl was right. He did not understand the full extent of Kagome's injuries. Glaring at InuYasha, Sesshoumaru growled within himself, his youki riled. He would not give the miko to this hanyou abomination. He had caused enough damage too her. He would rather trust her with Naraku then this fool.
Turning to the slayer, Sesshoumaru stared at her blankly.
“This Sesshoumaru will bring her to the miko.” he stated monotonously, his stern tone leaving no room for argument from the girl's friends.
InuYasha opened his mouth to protest but felt tiny claws grab his lips and hold them shut. Growling, InuYasha glared at the scowling Shippou who had apparently snuck from Kirara's side to his, knowing the hanyou would say something stupid. Shippou glared at InuYasha angrily. The idiot was going to really piss off Sesshoumaru - especially if the idiot tried to take Kagome to Kaede himself.
Could the idiot not see the demon Lord's youki aura sparkling with blood lust and possessiveness?
The kitsune glanced at Sesshoumaru again, shivering at the power and cold anger the taiyoukai's aura gave off. He could not understand how InuYasha was not running away from Sesshoumaru.
'He's too stupid to realize just how pissed off Sesshoumaru is or even notice the danger he's in with him.' Shippou reasoned.
Sesshoumaru glared at the hanyou icily, his pale, thin lips tightening around the corners. His furry, white tail wrapping around the girl and holding her tightly to his body, the demon turned on his heel. Focusing his youki energy, Sesshoumaru felt his body readying to speed away. Before allowing his energy to completely envelop him, Sesshoumaru turned his head slightly to the right, allowing one icy golden eye to pierce the hanyou directly.
“I will finish this later with you, hanyou.” he promised coldly, his angelic face blank and frighteningly stoic.
InuYasha refrained from making a retort. He knew now was not the time to argue or threaten Sesshoumaru. Nodding slightly, he watched a fluffy red and white cloud form underneath Sesshoumaru's silk black shoes and lift him into the air. His eyes fixated on Kagome's pale, peaceful face as she rested her cheek against Sesshoumaru's shoulder, her body surrounded by the demon's fluffy white tail, InuYasha watched Sesshoumaru fly away, leaving only a stream of wispy red and white clouds.
Standing still, his silken white hair fluttering softly in the breeze as he traveled through the clouds above the earth, Sesshoumaru glanced down at the girl who currently snuggled into his body, her form shaking from the frigid coldness of the air high up in the sky. Tightening his tail around her, pressing her small body into his torso further and the fur of his tail more closely to her, the demon Lord continued to gaze into Kagome's pale face. He did not understand this need to protect her. He had known this girl was hazardous from the beginning; a tempting beacon of female sensuality basked in a deceitful aura of innocence. He knew he was playing with fire when he began to notice his growing acceptance and, alarming, as it was, attraction to her. Yet he had been too engrossed with his assumptions he could never like this mortal and had ignored his alerted senses and cautious mind.
He had pretended to be blind to this girl and her charms. With his vision clouded, she cast her silken web of innocence, kindness and loyalty around him. He had fallen into her snare and thus was entangled. He was now ensnared in the complex web of emotions he had never had to endure until this simplistic girl offered to heal his arm.
Straightening his shoulders, Sesshoumaru stared in front of him, his golden eyes thoughtful.
He would not let her go despite his disfavor of his growing bond with her. He knew he wanted her. Her scent had been imprinted in his nose, her touch absorbed into his skin and the sound of her voice ingrained into his mind. His eyes would never forget the image of this mortal. His inner-beast, the annoying beast that even now betrayed his mind and inner desires, would not allow him to leave this girl. She had managed to charm his inner youki sufficiently and thus earned its eternal protection. His arm tightening around her, Sesshoumaru's pale lips tightened at their corners, his amber eyes two orbs of highly polished gold as his mind continued to muse over his situation.
This girl was his. Where these feelings of protection, possessiveness, attraction…caring had come from, he would never truly understand. Perhaps the organ beating in his chest had not been as thickly fortified as he had thought. His pride and arrogance has made him blind to his wavering defences against the thing that he attested most - feeling. He did not know pain, desire, guilt, and anger… any of these inferior emotions had been alien too him.
Atlas until now.
This girl had made him feel jealousy. Watching her worry and care for the hanyou, the houshi and even the kitsune had made him want to run each bastard through with his katana. The bond she had with the taijya made him want to be able to speak too her more and understand the complex enigma that she was. She had made his blood rush in his veins with anger only to make his rising impatience melt away and become hot with desire. He had felt guilt with this mortal. When she looked at him with apparent hurt when he did not give her the attention she sought or if he made a cruel remark, the taiyoukai had been astonished when he first felt insecure about his actions.
He had wanted to comfort her and assure her she held a respectable position to him.
The scent of fire and food entered his nose, drawing the demon prince out of his confused thoughts. Looking down bellow him, he noted the tiny village beneath his cloud. Stalling his youki cloud, Sesshoumaru gracefully leapt off of his cloud, his silver-white hair whipping behind him as gravity pulled him heavily to the ground. Extending his long, white leg, the youkai Lord landed silently, his hair fluttering into his perfect placing, and his angelic face blank.
The reaction he received from his intrusion into the tiny village was amusing for a bit.
Screams tore from the throats of terrified women and man immediately squabbling around in circles, demanding for weapons. Children and their fleeing mothers were thrown carelessly into nearby huts, some people even making their way quickly into the woods. Silent, the taiyoukai watched the mayhem, his amusement quickly evaporating as he began to grow annoyed with the loud noises hurting his sensitive ears. Sesshoumaru glared at the human villagers, annoyed as they continued to make a large ruckus over his presence in their grimy village.
The girl moved, a moan breaking from her lips. Glancing down, Sesshoumaru frowned in growing impatience as the noise started to disturb the slumbering girl. They were disturbing the miko in his arm. His amber eyes resembling chipped ice, he growled at the mortals who ran around him like chickens with out their heads.
'Stupid creatures.'
Seeing a ningen man come up to stab him with a sword, Sesshoumaru glared at him, his golden eyes piercing into the man's very soul it seemed. The man ceased his attack on the demon a few meters from the youkai, his large bulbous eyes widening to an impossible size. His body trembling, he stammered,
“S-S-S…so-sorry…”
The man suddenly fell to the ground in a crumpled heap, his body not even twitching from the force of the impact between his body and the unrelenting ground. Sesshoumaru scrutinized the weak mortal who had, in his rare moment of bravery, had fainted in fear of him. While it soothed his pride and satisfied him to know these impudent mortals had some sort of intelligence to understand their place [beneath him - on the ground], the youkai could not help but hold these annoying, idiotic, unhygienic and cowardly abominations with complete abhorrence.
'And they are too populate this earth in five hundred years?' He thought in disgust to himself, remembering Kagome mentioning the vast population and success of humans in her time.
Their screams and yells continuing to hurt his sensitive ears, Sesshoumaru had finally lost patience with the moronic creatures before him. His golden eyes two slits of gold, the taiyoukai parted his lips and stated in his deep voice coldly,
“If any human continues to make noise they will be permanently silenced.”
The death threat seemed to enter every mind of the hysterical mob of panicking villagers. Every man, woman and child instantaneously stopped all flight to the woods and their houses, every mouth closed and all eyes turned to the pillar of white that currently glared at them dangerously. The crowd gathered around the taiyoukai, shaking underneath the glacial intensity of his golden-flecked amber eyes.
Shivering at the power and supremacy his cool aura radiated in freezing waves around him, the people fumbled beneath the demon's icy, golden gaze and literally jumped when they heard him speak again, his soft, emotionless voice frightening to them.
“Where is the miko, Kaede.” Sesshoumaru demanded dryly.
“Who are ye to demand for me?” a crackled, aged voice retorted from behind the crowd.
Sesshoumaru raised his head arrogantly in the air, his eyes piercing the people of the crowd who stood protectively in front of the priestess he sought.
“Sesshoumaru, taiyoukai of the West. You will show yourself human.” he ordered in a stern tone.
Hearing a cracking chuckle, Sesshoumaru heard the woman whisper orders to a few people. At the woman's request, the crowd parted to reveal a woman of the most haggled appearances. Dressed in the custom outfit of a shinto miko; red hakama and white hoari, the woman had an eye patch over one eye, her long grey hair tied in a low pony tail, her back hunched forward. Her face held many wrinkles - a sign of her closing years. Her thin mouth seemed to be turned down into a frown due to the amount of wrinkles on her wise, ancient features.
Her head raised into the air with some sort of pride [where did this inferior mortal find the audacity to believe she had the right to look at him as an equal?] she held her hands behind her in a manly fashion. Sesshoumaru assessed the woman before him with obvious scrutiny, his bold stare hinting his mockery of the elder miko.
This aged midget was to be the miko's saviour?
The taiyoukai almost sneered at the vision of a dried up mortal. His eyes moving up and down the quiet elder, Sesshoumaru came to the conclusion InuYasha was in fact a complete idiot. Too recommend a half-blind, aged ningen woman who looked as if she could die at any moment was ludicrous. Kaede looked at the demon closely, nodding as she affirmed her suspicion of who this intruder was. She knew exactly who this demon Lord claimed to be; the infamous Sesshoumaru. Half-brother too InuYasha and most hated of beings, a long with Naraku, by the half-breed. His reputation of power, cruelty and unfeeling fashion seemed to be correct. His eyes were two golden wastelands; revealing nothing.
Kaede pursed her lips together thoughtfully, her brow furrowing as she continued to study those mysterious, blockaded orbs of his. The golden eyes stared coldly back at her, inanimate and dead. The miko frowned as she explored those eyes further, unwilling to give up on finding something about this taiyoukai on her own instead of basing her opinion on him on the words of others. Rumours were exaggerated lies or events but now Kaede was not so sure the rumours about this figure of power was exaggerated in the tales of his power and cruelty.
His eyes affirmed her suspicion. In all her training there was one lesson she used daily - the searching of the eyes. It was said they were the mirror to the soul. On many occasions she had searched a person's soul by looking into their eyes and has been able to decipher their place in life and their future in the after life. However this youkai Lord with his icy gaze that held a barrier around his soul caused a sense of interest and dread in the woman.
Searching harder, Kaede frowned at the few, unpleasant things she discovered in his spirit.
Destruction, death, murder… this demon was heartless. She could see the hundreds of faces of demons and humans he had slain with no remorse. She could hear the taunts, pleas and cries of those who had been annihilated by his claw and sword. He had eradicated villages of youkai and ningen. He had slain warriors on the battlefields. He had exterminated his enemies ruthlessly. The torture methods he used were simply too grotesque to speak of. Kaede shuddered but refused to pull her stare from his now mocking eyes.
'The eyes of a killer - an animal with no remorse or guilt for those he rid of with his claw.' she mused inside of herself.
The power of this immortal being made the elder priestess wary and decide to be extremely cautious. She had not sensed a power alike to this since the brothers' father. Kaede looked into the demon Lord's eyes one last time, unable to accept the unanimated quality those beautiful, cold amber-gold eyes held. Staring into them, Kaede shivered. They were dead and barren as if there was no soul in that beautiful shell he called his body. Rubbing her chin with one hand, trying to calm her nerves, Kaede stepped forward, one bamboo shoed foot in front of the other until she stood but a meter from the intimidating figure.
“What do ye have need for this old woman, Sesshoumaru-sama?” she asked, curious but always cautious.
Sesshoumaru looked down at the old woman emotionlessly. “You were recommended to heal this miko under my protection by her comrades.” he said coolly before pulling back some of his tail to reveal the unconscious Kagome.
Kaede's one eye widened at the sight of the pale, limp form of the girl. Whispers and murmurs immediately rose among the crowd as they pointed and made pointing gestures to the priestess they had grown accustomed to and accept over the last few years. Limping towards the taiyoukai, Kaede stalled for a brief moment, her senses warning her. Her brow furrowing, the elder looked up at the demon.
His face remained neutral. Not a brow raised, a lip curled or a slight crease in that perfect alabaster skin to hint that he was not a beautiful statue made of marble. However, searching deeply into those golden-hued eyes alike to chip to ice, the angelic features stonily set in an expressionless mask, Kaede saw a swift flash as she moved near to Kagome.
'And so perhaps there is something in this demon.'
Kaede repressed her words. She knew the demon would not want to hear them. If she spoke about what he apparently wanted hidden she would be added to the list of victims by his claw. Turning on her heel, Kaede began to walk to the hut, satisfied. Her lips curling into a curious, mystifying smile the miko ignored the narrowing of those eyes, a small hint to his growing dislike of her and turned on her heel.
“Come with me, Sesshoumaru-sama.” she ordered curtly as she waddled to her hut.
Sesshoumaru stayed where he was, his face stoic. However, inside he was deciding whether or not to run the old woman through from behind. Who was she to be ordering him? His arm tightening around Kagome, the demon Lord's upper lip curled with disdain. Ordinary mortals ordering he, Sesshoumaru, where too travel and go? It was more then his pride would allow. If he let this old hag of a mortal order him, he would lose all respect for himself.
Sensing the demon staying where he was, Kaede turned to meet the demon lord's piercing glare. Sesshoumaru raised his head higher, glaring down his elegant nose at the elder miko who dared to order him. Kaede raised a gray brow at the Lord. He surely was an arrogant piece of work wasn't he? Shaking her head, Kaede pursed her lips together sourly.
“Gomen nasai, Sesshoumaru-sama. Would you please come to my hut with me? We need to look over Kagome's injuries.” she asked politely.
Sesshoumaru stared at the old woman in a bored fashion. His face impeccably impassive, he stepped forward elegantly. His head held high on his neck proudly, the taiyoukai did not even look at the midget of a woman when he passed her. Instead, he walked into the hut arrogantly. Sighing, Kaede shook her head.
It was going to be a long night.
_________________________________________
Far away in the dark, lonesome heights of the Akaishi Mountains, the clouds curled around the tips of the tall, majestic stone beasts and in the midst of these ancient elements were a solitary shiro. Its wood was painted black, the rice paper windows tightly sealed and an ominous atmosphere of foreboding darkened the area around the obsolete building. In the confines of this palace of evil, sat a lone figure dressed in purple and black. His claw draped casually over one raised knee, his back slightly hunched forward, the ominous owner of the shiro raised his other claw and delicately pushed a stray curled lock of his onyx hair from his pale face.
His thin, pale lips parted, revealing white-tipped fangs, and spoke his thoughts in his deep, silken voice.
"Kanna. Where is he? Where is that inu thorn in my side, Sesshoumaru?"
A small white figure stepped forward from the shadows of the room, the passing of their body making no sound. A little girl who appeared no older then several summers stood before the dark demon, her young face emotionless. Those somber, expressionless eyes of the darkest blacks raised and met his flashing red eyes slowly. Her pale face stoically impeccable, those small lips parted and a whispery-soft voice murmured,
“He has parted from InuYasha and the others. He has the priestess, Kagome, with him.”
Naraku glanced at his minion, his brow furrowing. Rubbing his pale chin thoughtfully, the hanyou stared at the nearly complete Shikon no Tama he currently fidgeted with in his palm. Twitching his fingers, watching the pink-purple orb fall in between the indexes of his claws, he seemed mesmerized with the tainted purple glow that surrounded the tiny sphere.
“Where...where is he and why does he have that annoying girl with him?” He murmured to Kanna, his deep voice smooth and deceptively soft.
Kanna grasped her mirror tightly and slowly walked towards the dark half-breed. Stopping but a meter from his face, the reflective weapon glowed a soft white, fog and wisps of youki energy blurring the mirror's glass. His ruby-red eyes intent on the mirror, Naraku watched the thick fog clear from the mirror's vision and revealed the taiyoukai standing in a small hut. Frowning at the almost human appearing location, Naraku was confused.
Why would this human-hating taiyoukai be in an obviously mortal's home?
Curious, Naraku looked closely at the demon Lord he despised and noticed the pale youkai was looking down at something. Following the line of sight those golden eyes were directed towards, Naraku raised a thin black brow when the vision of the reincarnation of Kikyou, Kagome, appeared to be the demon's source of attention. Noting she lay on the ground apparently unconscious, the younger sister of Kikyou, Kaede, hovering over top of her and speaking to Sesshoumaru, Naraku waved his hand to Kanna, signaling for her too leave.
The little girl tucked her mirror into the top of her hoari and silently slipped away out of the room, her pale form disappearing into the shadows of the remote castle.
Left to his own thoughts Naraku pondered these odd chains of events. He had been highly amused when he had seen the miko Kagome take Sesshoumaru in as her patient despite the ranting and ravings of that insufferable hanyou, InuYasha. He had watched with growing annoyance as Sesshoumaru grew stronger and healthier under the girl's ministrations. However, he had been surprised when he was informed of his spies of the changing bond between the youkai and miko.
Naraku smirked. Could it be the infamous taiyoukai was falling for a priestess? A priestess his despised half-brother loved?
The hanyou chuckled. How ironic. The human-hating youkai Lord was falling for a mortal - the mortal that his own half-brother and equally despised enemy also cared for.
'Such flaws and mistakes does a heart create.'
He knew all too well the repercussions of allowing those dangerous, toxic elements of the soul 'feelings' and 'emotions' had. Was it not the case of Kikyou? That mortal bitch had almost caused his down fall on numerous occasions. That annoying organ, his heart, had almost caused his own death. A twisted sneer curled on his pale, thin lips. How he despised Kikyou. He had never felt a greater sense of accomplishment when he had finally rid of the miko bitch. The look of horror and sadness in her eyes when he pierced her clay body with his spikes, filling her hollow shell full of poison had created a most pleasant memory for him.
He had made the mistake of pushing her off a cliff and assuming she had died. But that time, he had not made such a moronic move. He had ensured the woman's demise. He had watched through Kanna's mirror as Kikyou died in InuYasha's arms. He had almost laughed at the declaration of love Kikyou made for the hanyou and her apologies for her past transgressions against InuYasha and his annoying group. The sorrow and love in the miko's usually stoic face had caused Naraku to smile. He had felt a sense of completion when he saw he had finally managed to destroy Kikyou.
Sure it was not as drastic or horrible as the first; the first time he had once managed to send her to the after-life with a poisoning rage and hurt in her soul. This time he had sent the bitch to Hell with a spirit crushing sorrow and guilt. Not as traumatizing as the prior death of Kikyou, Naraku had enjoyed that this time Kikyou died knowing InuYasha loved another and she, Kikyou, had been unable to be understood by the one she claimed to love and be loved by.
It was a different, more agonizing sort of pain for her soul to endure.
The knowledge she had the chance too love but couldn't. The knowledge she had been replaced by a girl who only looked alike to her. The girl who had had the life the miko had wanted when she herself was alive. Naraku smiled. The most pleasing addition to Kikyou's second death was the most devastating. For the miko to know she had failed to avenge her death and loss because of her love for the hanyou and in the end died not only full of guilt and remorse. She had sacrificed herself for the woman he currently loved in an attempt to prove her own love. The sorrow for a love she could have never had but had wanted was deliciously sadistic and satisfying for him.
'Irony is such a beautifully twisted source of enjoyment.'
Naraku smiled. And perhaps he could enjoy this sadistic pleasure of his again. The introduction of Sesshoumaru into the miko and hanyou's lives was creating quite a love triangle. The half-breed smirked. Perhaps a triangle that could be severed and destroyed with but a bit of playing with. Naraku's grasp on the Shikon no Tama increased dramatically. His red eyes flashing with blood lust, his upper lip curling into a sadistic smile of utmost evil, the half-breed chuckled.
Had he not done so with Kikyou and InuYasha? Had he and his minions not also used the triangle between Kikyou, InuYasha and Kagome as well?
By using those petty emotions they foolishly allowed themselves to be lead by Naraku had reigned supreme. The hearts of creatures were easily manipulated. The emotions linked themselves to the idiotic person like strong, invisible strings and made them into a puppet of some sort. And he was the master puppeteer. He had mastered the art of manipulation, deceit and conniving. His eyes flashed insanely. He had not expected Sesshoumaru to be so foolish. He had admired the taiyoukai for his ability to stay emotionless but now, it seemed he too was being lead astray by his heart.
Another puppet; another pawn.
The demon Lord was not so intelligent if it was true he had allowed himself to grown emotionally attached to the little mortal. Mortals were weak and sometimes, accidents could happen to them. His eyes turned to Kagome. They were fragile and easily annihilated. What would happen if the priestess had an accident of some sort? Accidents are such troublesome, random events but always present in the life of a human.
Naraku chuckled. Yes. Indeed an accident was going to occur to the miko and her taiyoukai. He was simply going to give the accident a bit of a push - only a minor accident of course. The demon smirked and rubbed his pale, pointy jaw. His smile twisted and malicious, Naraku stared at Sesshoumaru and Kagome intently.
The respectable demon Lord was being lead to his death. And he could not help but love the miko Kagome for it.
_________________________________________
“ ;How did this happen?” Kaede asked, her voice hinting her awe.
Sesshoumaru looked down at the miko who currently was placing her hands over certain places on Kagome's body. Her forehead, temples, chest and hands was particular places she focused her seeking palms for some reason he did not yet know. Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed when he heard the elder priestess' question on the miko's cause of this situation. He did not want to think of the hanyou but the healer must know of the circumstances of Kagome's injuries. His eyes intent on Kagome's pale face, the demon decided to tell the aged elder despite his desire to not think of InuYasha at this current moment.
“The baka hanyou tried to use Kaze no Kizu to attack me.” he stated stiffly.
Kaede looked up at the demon, her confusion evident. “And how did that effect Kagome?”
Sesshoumaru's eyes became two gilded almond-shaped orbs, the coolness in those eyes hinting his anger. His lips tightening at the corners of the sensuous pale mouth, he bit out coldly, “She intervened in the attack and shielded this Sesshoumaru with her own body.”
Quiet and continuing her search for Kagome's injuries, Kaede reviewed the information she was being given by the reluctant taiyoukai. She was not surprised. Kagome was a foolish girl who placed people above herself. Shaking her head, the miko concentrated her powers in her hands, fixing her senses on certain chakra areas to try and find the damage done. Her one eye half-lidded thoughtfully, the elder nodded.
“I suppose Kagome had an odd barrier of some sort of color and feeling around her as she shielded you?” she asked casually.
Sesshoumaru nodded curtly. “Yes. She managed to erect a barrier of blue spiritual energy.” he said. Watching Kaede continue to place her hands over the priestess, Sesshoumaru demanded coolly,
“What is wrong with her.”
Kaede looked up into those frozen amber jewels. Straightening her back, the elder miko slowly stood, her aged face pulled into a frown. “Kagome has used a potentially fatal amount of soul energy to protect ye. Why? I do not know. She is a very caring girl. I can understand that.” Kaede paused, her one eye steely. “But only a barrier this powerful can be formed out of love, Sesshoumaru.”
Noting the blank expression on the demon's face, his appearance unfazed by the news, Kaede continued, her gaze shimmering to Kagome again, intent on the girl's sleeping face.
“This is a very rare form of spiritual magic. It is one created by a desperate desire to sacrifice and protect out of a pure form of love. The technique Kagome has performed is known as the shouheki no ai. It is a rare technique because of the fact most miko do not allow themselves to fall in love. See love is a rare emotion for miko to center on only one person. Miko focus energy to heal and protect - a form of love itself that allows the chakra in their body to be pure and healing. Without a miko's ability to love an entire group of people in a sacrificial, protective way, she is unable to perform any spiritual energy attacks.”
Kaede pursed her lips together tightly, chewing on the inside of her cheek in an agitated fashion. Her eye focusing itself on the demon's pale face, Kaede turned herself fully towards the demon, her short five foot frame against his six foot four.
“Miko never focus love on one person. It disrupts their chakra flow. The chakra is tempered with when the miko allows her heart and soul to be focused on that one person which closes certain flowing spots for the energy to travel. It is mostly locked in their heart,” Kaede tapped herself on her chest where her heart thumped in response. “And when their heart is desiring and loving towards only one person, the chakra ceases to flow in their body and it only emerges when that person they have sacrificed their powers for is in grave danger.”
Kaede continued to stare at the steely eyed Lord, her gaze relentless. “The love used to perform the shouheki no ai is one created by an intense feeling of love and careless want to protect, love and care for only one person. I have not seen such a thing done since my sister Kikyou performed it only once for InuYasha and it was under a grave situation.”
Kaede looked into the demon's beautiful face.
“For some reason, Kagome managed to perform this rare technique for ye. It can be assumed there is a certain level of devotion and caring between the two of ye.” The elder miko said.
Absorbing this news, Sesshoumaru tried to ignore the effect of this technique and its meaning was having on his person. The already strong feeling of possessiveness seemed to flourish underneath the news of Kagome's obvious feelings for him. Staring at the girl, Sesshoumaru severed his thoughts and heart. Now was not the time to analyse these already confusing events. They, he and this aged mortal, needed to focus on Kagome and her health.
Turning his gaze to the woman, Sesshoumaru asked monotonously,
“How do you heal her.”
Kaede clucked her tongue as she turned and began withdrawing wooden bowls, rice sacks full of odd herbs and a pot of boiling water. Pouring the boiled water into a small wooden rice bowl and adding a few herbs, she began grating and mashing it into some sort of poultice with a wooden spoon of some sort. Her one eye thoughtful, her lips pulled into a frown, Kaede sighed.
“I can only make some small medicines that will keep her comfortable and well. Other then that, Kagome must repair her own soul. When a person performs the shouheki no ai, they place a large amount of their own soul into the barrier. The love the person has pent in their heart, damaging their chakra, has torn up not only their chakra flow waves but their soul as well. The pain of withholding love is a poisonous thing, Sesshoumaru-sama. When the withheld love is finally released, it is released in a large wave of some sort. As ye noticed by the very powerful barrier Kagome managed to erect.”
Kaede stalled as she sighed. “The dangers of the shouheki no ai are numerous. The most dangerous aspect of it is that it leaves a sort of portal for the energy of the attack to go through and attack the person's life energy spiritually instead of doing physical harm.” Pausing, her face strangely sad, Kaede murmured. “The worse kind of injury is one of the heart and soul, Sesshoumaru-sama. It is a lonely injury for no one else but ye who have suffered its travels can repair it. Ye must heal yeself and it is a journey that is trying and devastating. Only the strongest and most willed people survive battles of love, loss and rejection.”
Sesshoumaru watched the woman shake her head and turn to him again, her glazed eye returning to normal, the expression of sadness leaving her ancient features.
“This battle has only begun for Kagome. It will take time and energy. She has released her soul, and no matter how immense it is, it could not endure such an attack directly with out a grievous amount of damage. Her soul has been damaged enough that it will now release all the toxins it has endured. Hatred, pain, loss of love… every emotional and spiritually trying incident will now be released and re-experienced by her. She can only face the wrath of her past experiences and present losses by herself.” The miko stated firmly.
Sesshoumaru looked at Kagome. So she would be facing every devastation she had experienced again. The rejection, hurt and want caused by InuYasha. The death and pain she has seen her friends and allies endure. The taiyoukai silently sat on the ground, his knees crossed and almost touching the girl. Only half a meter away from her, he sat rigidly in place, his eyes intent on her. He would not leave her during this time. Slowly, he placed his claw over her hand, allowing some of his chakra to flow into her body. She had given him her life essence on numerous occasions. Her blood, spirit and protection. It was time to repay his debt.
Kaede watched the taiyoukai place his large claw over Kagome's hand. Noticing the hue of green around the claw, the miko pretended to be engaged in something.
'And so he will give her some of his own spiritual energy. Surely he knows a bond will now forever be between them.' Glancing at the demon, she looked at his expressionless face, noting the way his golden eyes were fixed on the girl's gentle features. 'Yes. He does know. There is something deep between these two. What it is I am not sure. But I feel a sense of bonding and caring. He does not show it, but his aura reveals his inner feelings.'
Kaede smiled to herself. Sesshoumaru indeed cared for Kagome. How the miko had managed to ensnare such a cold, heartless demon she did not know. All she knew from personal experience is the girl was contagious. You could not escape from her. Her love was something you would not want to deny. Its purity and sincerity was something too beautiful to be left not cherished. Humming to herself, Kaede smiled happily. The link between Sesshoumaru and Kagome would reinforce Kagome's ability to escape her past ghosts. It was only a matter of time until the girl woke up.
_________________________________________
Translation s:
Akaishi Mountains: A Japanese mountain range of central Honshū, Japan, bordering Nagano, Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures.
Shiro: Japanese castle
Shouheki no ai: Barrier of love
Chakra: Energy
Shikon no Tama: Jewel of Four Souls
Baka: Idiot [who doesn't know this?]
Teme: Bastard
Inu: Dog
Taijya: Demon exterminator
Houshi: Monk
Kitsune: Fox demon
Tachi: Group
Oka-saan: Mother
“Gomen nasai, Sesshoumaru-sama. Would you please come to my hut with me? We need to look over Kagome's injuries.” she asked politely.
Sesshoumaru stared at the old woman in a bored fashion. His face impeccably impassive, he stepped forward elegantly. His head held high on his neck proudly, the taiyoukai did not even look at the midget of a woman when he passed her. Instead, he walked into the hut arrogantly. Sighing, Kaede shook her head.
It was going to be a long night.
_________________________________________
Far away in the dark, lonesome heights of the Akaishi Mountains, the clouds curled around the tips of the tall, majestic stone beasts and in the midst of these ancient elements were a solitary shiro. Its wood was painted black, the rice paper windows tightly sealed and an ominous atmosphere of foreboding darkened the area around the obsolete building. In the confines of this palace of evil, sat a lone figure dressed in purple and black. His claw draped casually over one raised knee, his back slightly hunched forward, the ominous owner of the shiro raised his other claw and delicately pushed a stray curled lock of his onyx hair from his pale face.
His thin, pale lips parted, revealing white-tipped fangs, and spoke his thoughts in his deep, silken voice.
"Kanna. Where is he? Where is that inu thorn in my side, Sesshoumaru?"
A small white figure stepped forward from the shadows of the room, the passing of their body making no sound. A little girl who appeared no older then several summers stood before the dark demon, her young face emotionless. Those somber, expressionless eyes of the darkest blacks raised and met his flashing red eyes slowly. Her pale face stoically impeccable, those small lips parted and a whispery-soft voice murmured,
“He has parted from InuYasha and the others. He has the priestess, Kagome, with him.”
Naraku glanced at his minion, his brow furrowing. Rubbing his pale chin thoughtfully, the hanyou stared at the nearly complete Shikon no Tama he currently fidgeted with in his palm. Twitching his fingers, watching the pink-purple orb fall in between the indexes of his claws, he seemed mesmerized with the tainted purple glow that surrounded the tiny sphere.
“Where...where is he and why does he have that annoying girl with him?” He murmured to Kanna, his deep voice smooth and deceptively soft.
Kanna grasped her mirror tightly and slowly walked towards the dark half-breed. Stopping but a meter from his face, the reflective weapon glowed a soft white, fog and wisps of youki energy blurring the mirror's glass. His ruby-red eyes intent on the mirror, Naraku watched the thick fog clear from the mirror's vision and revealed the taiyoukai standing in a small hut. Frowning at the almost human appearing location, Naraku was confused.
Why would this human-hating taiyoukai be in an obviously mortal's home?
Curious, Naraku looked closely at the demon Lord he despised and noticed the pale youkai was looking down at something. Following the line of sight those golden eyes were directed towards, Naraku raised a thin black brow when the vision of the reincarnation of Kikyou, Kagome, appeared to be the demon's source of attention. Noting she lay on the ground apparently unconscious, the younger sister of Kikyou, Kaede, hovering over top of her and speaking to Sesshoumaru, Naraku waved his hand to Kanna, signaling for her too leave.
The little girl tucked her mirror into the top of her hoari and silently slipped away out of the room, her pale form disappearing into the shadows of the remote castle.
Left to his own thoughts Naraku pondered these odd chains of events. He had been highly amused when he had seen the miko Kagome take Sesshoumaru in as her patient despite the ranting and ravings of that insufferable hanyou, InuYasha. He had watched with growing annoyance as Sesshoumaru grew stronger and healthier under the girl's ministrations. However, he had been surprised when he was informed of his spies of the changing bond between the youkai and miko.
Naraku smirked. Could it be the infamous taiyoukai was falling for a priestess? A priestess his despised half-brother loved?
The hanyou chuckled. How ironic. The human-hating youkai Lord was falling for a mortal - the mortal that his own half-brother and equally despised enemy also cared for.
'Such flaws and mistakes does a heart create.'
He knew all too well the repercussions of allowing those dangerous, toxic elements of the soul 'feelings' and 'emotions' had. Was it not the case of Kikyou? That mortal bitch had almost caused his down fall on numerous occasions. That annoying organ, his heart, had almost caused his own death. A twisted sneer curled on his pale, thin lips. How he despised Kikyou. He had never felt a greater sense of accomplishment when he had finally rid of the miko bitch. The look of horror and sadness in her eyes when he pierced her clay body with his spikes, filling her hollow shell full of poison had created a most pleasant memory for him.
He had made the mistake of pushing her off a cliff and assuming she had died. But that time, he had not made such a moronic move. He had ensured the woman's demise. He had watched through Kanna's mirror as Kikyou died in InuYasha's arms. He had almost laughed at the declaration of love Kikyou made for the hanyou and her apologies for her past transgressions against InuYasha and his annoying group. The sorrow and love in the miko's usually stoic face had caused Naraku to smile. He had felt a sense of completion when he saw he had finally managed to destroy Kikyou.
Sure it was not as drastic or horrible as the first; the first time he had once managed to send her to the after-life with a poisoning rage and hurt in her soul. This time he had sent the bitch to Hell with a spirit crushing sorrow and guilt. Not as traumatizing as the prior death of Kikyou, Naraku had enjoyed that this time Kikyou died knowing InuYasha loved another and she, Kikyou, had been unable to be understood by the one she claimed to love and be loved by.
It was a different, more agonizing sort of pain for her soul to endure.
The knowledge she had the chance too love but couldn't. The knowledge she had been replaced by a girl who only looked alike to her. The girl who had had the life the miko had wanted when she herself was alive. Naraku smiled. The most pleasing addition to Kikyou's second death was the most devastating. For the miko to know she had failed to avenge her death and loss because of her love for the hanyou and in the end died not only full of guilt and remorse. She had sacrificed herself for the woman he currently loved in an attempt to prove her own love. The sorrow for a love she could have never had but had wanted was deliciously sadistic and satisfying for him.
'Irony is such a beautifully twisted source of enjoyment.'
Naraku smiled. And perhaps he could enjoy this sadistic pleasure of his again. The introduction of Sesshoumaru into the miko and hanyou's lives was creating quite a love triangle. The half-breed smirked. Perhaps a triangle that could be severed and destroyed with but a bit of playing with. Naraku's grasp on the Shikon no Tama increased dramatically. His red eyes flashing with blood lust, his upper lip curling into a sadistic smile of utmost evil, the half-breed chuckled.
Had he not done so with Kikyou and InuYasha? Had he and his minions not also used the triangle between Kikyou, InuYasha and Kagome as well?
By using those petty emotions they foolishly allowed themselves to be lead by Naraku had reigned supreme. The hearts of creatures were easily manipulated. The emotions linked themselves to the idiotic person like strong, invisible strings and made them into a puppet of some sort. And he was the master puppeteer. He had mastered the art of manipulation, deceit and conniving. His eyes flashed insanely. He had not expected Sesshoumaru to be so foolish. He had admired the taiyoukai for his ability to stay emotionless but now, it seemed he too was being lead astray by his heart.
Another puppet; another pawn.
The demon Lord was not so intelligent if it was true he had allowed himself to grown emotionally attached to the little mortal. Mortals were weak and sometimes, accidents could happen to them. His eyes turned to Kagome. They were fragile and easily annihilated. What would happen if the priestess had an accident of some sort? Accidents are such troublesome, random events but always present in the life of a human.
Naraku chuckled. Yes. Indeed an accident was going to occur to the miko and her taiyoukai. He was simply going to give the accident a bit of a push - only a minor accident of course. The demon smirked and rubbed his pale, pointy jaw. His smile twisted and malicious, Naraku stared at Sesshoumaru and Kagome intently.
The respectable demon Lord was being lead to his death. And he could not help but love the miko Kagome for it.
_________________________________________
“ ;How did this happen?” Kaede asked, her voice hinting her awe.
Sesshoumaru looked down at the miko who currently was placing her hands over certain places on Kagome's body. Her forehead, temples, chest and hands was particular places she focused her seeking palms for some reason he did not yet know. Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed when he heard the elder priestess' question on the miko's cause of this situation. He did not want to think of the hanyou but the healer must know of the circumstances of Kagome's injuries. His eyes intent on Kagome's pale face, the demon decided to tell the aged elder despite his desire to not think of InuYasha at this current moment.
“The baka hanyou tried to use Kaze no Kizu to attack me.” he stated stiffly.
Kaede looked up at the demon, her confusion evident. “And how did that effect Kagome?”
Sesshoumaru's eyes became two gilded almond-shaped orbs, the coolness in those eyes hinting his anger. His lips tightening at the corners of the sensuous pale mouth, he bit out coldly, “She intervened in the attack and shielded this Sesshoumaru with her own body.”
Quiet and continuing her search for Kagome's injuries, Kaede reviewed the information she was being given by the reluctant taiyoukai. She was not surprised. Kagome was a foolish girl who placed people above herself. Shaking her head, the miko concentrated her powers in her hands, fixing her senses on certain chakra areas to try and find the damage done. Her one eye half-lidded thoughtfully, the elder nodded.
“I suppose Kagome had an odd barrier of some sort of color and feeling around her as she shielded you?” she asked casually.
Sesshoumaru nodded curtly. “Yes. She managed to erect a barrier of blue spiritual energy.” he said. Watching Kaede continue to place her hands over the priestess, Sesshoumaru demanded coolly,
“What is wrong with her.”
Kaede looked up into those frozen amber jewels. Straightening her back, the elder miko slowly stood, her aged face pulled into a frown. “Kagome has used a potentially fatal amount of soul energy to protect ye. Why? I do not know. She is a very caring girl. I can understand that.” Kaede paused, her one eye steely. “But only a barrier this powerful can be formed out of love, Sesshoumaru.”
Noting the blank expression on the demon's face, his appearance unfazed by the news, Kaede continued, her gaze shimmering to Kagome again, intent on the girl's sleeping face.
“This is a very rare form of spiritual magic. It is one created by a desperate desire to sacrifice and protect out of a pure form of love. The technique Kagome has performed is known as the shouheki no ai. It is a rare technique because of the fact most miko do not allow themselves to fall in love. See love is a rare emotion for miko to center on only one person. Miko focus energy to heal and protect - a form of love itself that allows the chakra in their body to be pure and healing. Without a miko's ability to love an entire group of people in a sacrificial, protective way, she is unable to perform any spiritual energy attacks.”
Kaede pursed her lips together tightly, chewing on the inside of her cheek in an agitated fashion. Her eye focusing itself on the demon's pale face, Kaede turned herself fully towards the demon, her short five foot frame against his six foot four.
“Miko never focus love on one person. It disrupts their chakra flow. The chakra is tempered with when the miko allows her heart and soul to be focused on that one person which closes certain flowing spots for the energy to travel. It is mostly locked in their heart,” Kaede tapped herself on her chest where her heart thumped in response. “And when their heart is desiring and loving towards only one person, the chakra ceases to flow in their body and it only emerges when that person they have sacrificed their powers for is in grave danger.”
Kaede continued to stare at the steely eyed Lord, her gaze relentless. “The love used to perform the shouheki no ai is one created by an intense feeling of love and careless want to protect, love and care for only one person. I have not seen such a thing done since my sister Kikyou performed it only once for InuYasha and it was under a grave situation.”
Kaede looked into the demon's beautiful face.
“For some reason, Kagome managed to perform this rare technique for ye. It can be assumed there is a certain level of devotion and caring between the two of ye.” The elder miko said.
Absorbing this news, Sesshoumaru tried to ignore the effect of this technique and its meaning was having on his person. The already strong feeling of possessiveness seemed to flourish underneath the news of Kagome's obvious feelings for him. Staring at the girl, Sesshoumaru severed his thoughts and heart. Now was not the time to analyse these already confusing events. They, he and this aged mortal, needed to focus on Kagome and her health.
Turning his gaze to the woman, Sesshoumaru asked monotonously,
“How do you heal her.”
Kaede clucked her tongue as she turned and began withdrawing wooden bowls, rice sacks full of odd herbs and a pot of boiling water. Pouring the boiled water into a small wooden rice bowl and adding a few herbs, she began grating and mashing it into some sort of poultice with a wooden spoon of some sort. Her one eye thoughtful, her lips pulled into a frown, Kaede sighed.
“I can only make some small medicines that will keep her comfortable and well. Other then that, Kagome must repair her own soul. When a person performs the shouheki no ai, they place a large amount of their own soul into the barrier. The love the person has pent in their heart, damaging their chakra, has torn up not only their chakra flow waves but their soul as well. The pain of withholding love is a poisonous thing, Sesshoumaru-sama. When the withheld love is finally released, it is released in a large wave of some sort. As ye noticed by the very powerful barrier Kagome managed to erect.”
Kaede stalled as she sighed. “The dangers of the shouheki no ai are numerous. The most dangerous aspect of it is that it leaves a sort of portal for the energy of the attack to go through and attack the person's life energy spiritually instead of doing physical harm.” Pausing, her face strangely sad, Kaede murmured. “The worse kind of injury is one of the heart and soul, Sesshoumaru-sama. It is a lonely injury for no one else but ye who have suffered its travels can repair it. Ye must heal yeself and it is a journey that is trying and devastating. Only the strongest and most willed people survive battles of love, loss and rejection.”
Sesshoumaru watched the woman shake her head and turn to him again, her glazed eye returning to normal, the expression of sadness leaving her ancient features.
“This battle has only begun for Kagome. It will take time and energy. She has released her soul, and no matter how immense it is, it could not endure such an attack directly with out a grievous amount of damage. Her soul has been damaged enough that it will now release all the toxins it has endured. Hatred, pain, loss of love… every emotional and spiritually trying incident will now be released and re-experienced by her. She can only face the wrath of her past experiences and present losses by herself.” The miko stated firmly.
Sesshoumaru looked at Kagome. So she would be facing every devastation she had experienced again. The rejection, hurt and want caused by InuYasha. The death and pain she has seen her friends and allies endure. The taiyoukai silently sat on the ground, his knees crossed and almost touching the girl. Only half a meter away from her, he sat rigidly in place, his eyes intent on her. He would not leave her during this time. Slowly, he placed his claw over her hand, allowing some of his chakra to flow into her body. She had given him her life essence on numerous occasions. Her blood, spirit and protection. It was time to repay his debt.
Kaede watched the taiyoukai place his large claw over Kagome's hand. Noticing the hue of green around the claw, the miko pretended to be engaged in something.
'And so he will give her some of his own spiritual energy. Surely he knows a bond will now forever be between them.' Glancing at the demon, she looked at his expressionless face, noting the way his golden eyes were fixed on the girl's gentle features. 'Yes. He does know. There is something deep between these two. What it is I am not sure. But I feel a sense of bonding and caring. He does not show it, but his aura reveals his inner feelings.'
Kaede smiled to herself. Sesshoumaru indeed cared for Kagome. How the miko had managed to ensnare such a cold, heartless demon she did not know. All she knew from personal experience is the girl was contagious. You could not escape from her. Her love was something you would not want to deny. Its purity and sincerity was something too beautiful to be left not cherished. Humming to herself, Kaede smiled happily. The link between Sesshoumaru and Kagome would reinforce Kagome's ability to escape her past ghosts. It was only a matter of time until the girl woke up.
_________________________________________
Translation s:
Akaishi Mountains: A Japanese mountain range of central Honshū, Japan, bordering Nagano, Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures.
Shiro: Japanese castle
Shouheki no ai: Barrier of love
Chakra: Energy
Shikon no Tama: Jewel of Four Souls
Baka: Idiot [who doesn't know this?]
Teme: Bastard
Inu: Dog
Taijya: Demon exterminator
Houshi: Monk
Kitsune: Fox demon
Tachi: Group
Oka-saan: Mother