InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ In Death, Trust Me, as You Didn't in Life ❯ Fooling the Wind ( Chapter 25 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Chapter 25: Fooling the Wind

Sesshoumaru was not a happy demon Lord.

They had arrived back at the village several hours ago, and Kagome was doing everything in her power to avoid him - and he had no idea why. She was upset about something, but no one knew what.

And she wasn't saying.

With an irritated growl, he stared after her as she moved off with the other women, then turned his thoughts to something else. Something he could deal with at this moment: Inuyasha.

His brother was also practicing avoidance, though it appeared that he was trying to avoid everyone. That would not do, because they were going to have it out. There was no more hiding from this... Kagome was his, and Inuyasha was going to have to learn to deal with it.

Stalking into the forest that the village sat on the edge of, he tracked down his brother in short order, moving quickly to keep Inuyasha from taking off.

"Inuyasha," he called out as his brother tensed, preparing to leap from the tree, "do not attempt to leave. This Sesshoumaru will speak with you."

Inuyasha stiffened, then slowly turned towards his brother, who stood below him, calmly gazing up at him.

"Fuck," he cursed quietly, yet vehemently. "What the hell d'ya want, bastard?"

"Do not take me for a fool, Inuyasha. You know very well what we will be discussing."

The half-demon growled with irritation, then jumped down from his tree and reluctantly faced his brother.

"Well then, say what ya gotta say, then disappear."

His brow shot up into his bangs as he held the boy's gaze. "I will disappear, as you say, when I am ready, and not before, half-breed, and you would do well to remember that I do not take orders from you."

"Whatever." Inuyasha waved a hand at him, refusing to back down. "I really don't care, Sesshoumaru. If you annoy me enough, I'll just go somewhere else and continue to ignore you."

"Perhaps, Inuyasha, perhaps." He continued to lock his gaze with that of the half-demon's, impressing upon him the seriousness of his words. "You will not cause my miko any more grief. You had your chance with her, and now, you have lost that chance. Your fate now stands at the other miko's side."

Inuyasha laughed harshly at that. "You'd think so, wouldn't you? But you'd be wrong. If I choose to take it, there is still a way that she could be mine. After all, she loved me for many years - how much could it possibly take to make her love me again?"

Sesshoumaru let his disgust of his brother's words show on his face. "And it is that word 'make', that tells me what you plan, Inuyasha. Are you that much of a fool? You say that this Sesshoumaru has no feelings - that he has no heart... and yet, even he knows that you cannot make someone love you. They either do, or they do not. Are you so simple that you do not understand that?"

He turned his face away, the disgust still plain on it. "Are you truly so honorless that you would attempt to force yourself on her - take away her choice?" His voice dropped, going deadly soft. "That is no better than rape - and would make you a creature akin to Naraku."

Inuyasha flinched as he heard his brother's words, because he couldn't really dispute them. It would be no better than rape, to try to force himself on Kagome when she'd chosen another.

And that was another thing he'd never thought of.

He looked away. Could I really do that to someone I have loved? And then, there's Kikyou. If I fight to take Kagome away from Sesshoumaru, then I leave Kikyou alone - but if I leave them together, and stay with Kikyou, then no one is alone.

Sesshoumaru watched Inuyasha struggle with his thoughts, and nodded to himself. His brother was thinking - finally. He slipped away, then, leaving the boy to his mental meanderings, and hoped that he found the right way out of this - because if he challenged him for Kagome, he would die.

Inuyasha didn't even notice his brother leave, too caught up in his heartache and his seeming inability to just let go... as Kagome'd said repeatedly.

Keh... but the truth is, I'd have to let go of one of them anyway - or lose both. Maybe that's what I should do. There's so much between the three of us, maybe I need to leave here alone, and find another place for myself.

Is it better to be alone, and whole in your heart, or with someone, and have only half of your heart?

---wWw---

Nyoko chuckled as she landed in the clearing that held her hut, thinking about the reaction the little toad would have if he ever found out just how quickly she could really travel - when she chose to.

It was a secret that almost none knew... while demons have two forms, their human forms, and their true forms, she herself had as many forms as she wanted.

Sure, she was human - or at least that's how she'd started out - but she was a sorceress, and as such, she could take on the form of just about anything.

She'd just used the form of a bird, and flown. It wasn't as fast as one of those energy orbs that Sesshoumaru had, but it was a lot faster than walking, that was for sure - and she'd found, once she had gotten used to flying, that she loved it.

Flying equaled freedom, pure and simple.

She wasn't about to let that nasty, green, miniature troll in on her secret however, so on the way to see Sesshoumaru, she'd sucked it up and walked.

With another, louder chuckle, she pushed through the matting over the door, and walked inside, sighing, she moved over to her fire-pit. Grabbing a small clay pot filled with a greyish powder, she took a handful and cast it into the pit, then mumbled a quick spell, and fire burst into life, almost instantly warming the overly cool hut.

Contented for the moment, she leaned back, stretching her arms behind her and balancing her weight on them while she let her mind wander.

So, I'm supposed to ask some outrageous price for my assistance to this Kagura, and keep her occupied while I make the potion to control her mind.

Easy enough, I suppose, and no real difficulty or challenge for one such as myself.

While she's off stealing from the masses or something to acquire my price, I'm concentrating on gathering what I need for this little scheme.

Although... an idea popped into her mind that made her eyes light up.

I can think of a better way to keep her occupied, and I won't have to go through all the annoyance of gathering what I need - I can have her do it. All I need to do is tell her that it's for what she wants.

That idea certainly had merit, since there were several ingredients that were located several days away from her home.

A wicked grin slashed her face, then as she thought about the fun she could have keeping the wind witch busy running all over the lands and gaining the ingredients for her own subjugation - the irony of the whole thing was just too delicious for words, and she laughed.

I'm such a nasty woman... but I love me!

She sat up, stretching her arms and rotating her wrists, then folded her hands in her lap as she stared at the fire.

Wondering idly when the woman would approach her, she leaned forward and grabbed the small metal pole she used to stir the fire, poking it slowly, then throwing a few extra logs on. It wouldn't do to let it die down until the lingering chill had been chased from every corner.

She yawned, suddenly feeling the need for a bit of a nap, and with a quick snap of her senses, she settled a barrier over her home, and scooted over to her futon, climbing happily into it.

Sleep. After a nice nap I'll be all ready to fool the poor wind demon.

Oh, what fun that will be!

---wWw---

Kikyou cast another quick glance Kagome's way, and wondered at the look on her face. It was beyond obvious that something was on her mind - but what was it? And why was she avoiding Sesshoumaru?

Had they had a fight?

She looked over at Sango, who met her gaze, and shook her head, her expression just as perplexed. It was a good thing they were heading for the hot springs - bath time equated with girl talk time, and they were going to find out what was wrong.

Sango knew just how to go about getting her best friend to talk, and this time would be no different.

Kagome was lost in her thoughts, not paying any attention to what was going on around her, so before she knew it, she was already undressed and sitting in the springs - what woke her from her introspection was the feel of the heated water soothing some rather achy muscles, and that's when she noticed the looks on the two womens faces.

Damn...

I backed myself into this corner, didn't I? That's what I get for not paying attention, I guess, she thought, with a mental shrug.

Reluctantly, she glanced at them both, then looked back down at the water, and sighed. "What?"

Sango raised a brow... she didn't even have to speak.

With an exasperated huff, Kagome said, "Fine. You want to know what's wrong with me, right?"

Kikyou nodded. "Yes. Something upset you... and you're avoiding your Lord. He's not too happy about that, I noticed."

Kagome winced as Sango nodded in agreement, and sighed again. She sent Kikyou a pleading glance, and the other woman looked back, surprised. "Come on, Kagome. Just tell us - maybe we can help?

She shook her head. "No... it's really my own problem and I've got to work it out on my own. It's just," she flicked another glance at Kikyou, unsure of what her reaction would be, "I...damn it..." she trailed off, and suddenly, it dawned on Kikyou what was wrong.

She sat back, saddened. "I know what the problem is. This is about when Sesshoumaru disappeared earlier, with no explanations - it brought back unpleasant memories of when Inuyasha would run off to see me, didn't it?" she asked, a guilty expression settling on her features.

Kagome nodded, ashamed. "Yeah... I know in my head that Sesshoumaru isn't doing that, but..."

"... your heart isn't so easy to convince," Sango finished, sympathetically. "It fears being hurt again."

"Yeah."

"I'm so sorry, Kagome. I know Inuyasha never meant to hurt you, and I didn't, either."

Kagome waved a hand at her, a slight smile on her face. "I know. Don't worry about it - it's in the past."

"Obviously not so much in the past if you fear such a thing now, Kagome." Kikyou finished her soak, and started to get out, followed by Sango. "Why don't we leave you alone for a while to think things through... we'd only be in the way."

Kagome nodded gratefully. "Thanks for understanding, guys. I'll be back later."

The two women, dressed, nodded and walked away, leaving her with her thoughts.

Kikyou looked over at Sango. "I'm going to go find Sesshoumaru. He should be told - and since it's a problem that originated with Inuyasha and I, I should be the one to face him with it."

Sango looked at her doubtfully for a minute, then asked, "Are you sure? Maybe you should just leave it alone."

"No. I won't go into details, but he needs to know." She looked down, unhappy. "He and Kagome shouldn't have to suffer because of old pain and fear that Inuyasha and I caused her."

"Okay... if you feel that way about it." Sango shrugged. "Good luck." She turned off towards the village, leaving Kikyou to trek into the trees heading for the Western Lord's youki signature.

As soon as the other woman was out of sight, Kikyou's shoulders slumped, and she looked painfully saddened. Despite what others thought, she didn't hate Kagome at all. The only thing that had ever caused discord between them was Inuyasha.

Now that that issue was out of the way, at least on Kagome's part, Kikyou had no other arguments with her - she liked the other woman a great deal, and hated the idea that the rather convoluted past between the three of them had caused permanent harm to her.

With a deep sigh, she hurried on her way - the demon Lord made her a bit uncomfortable, and she wanted to get this done as quick as possible.

She wasn't particularly surprised to find him standing before the Goshinboku, staring down at his and Kagome's former 'graves'.

"Priestess."

She inhaled deeply, and then exhaled slowly, he is quite beautiful, she thought idly. Kagome is a lucky woman.

"I came to speak to you about what is wrong with Kagome." She met his enquiring gaze as it lifted from the ground. "I felt as though it was my responsibility to let you know - seeing as it is something that Inuyasha and I caused."

A brow lifted at that. "And what might that be?"

"When you left so abruptly, earlier, before we got back here... it made Kagome... well, doubt. She knows with her mind that you would not be unfaithful, but..." she trailed off at his studiously blank look.

"I see." He turned away and gazed up into the branches for a moment, then down, at a small flower that lay between the former graves with an inscrutable expression. "Where is Kagome now?"

"She is at the hot springs, bathing."

"My thanks, priestess, for the information. In exchange, I will tell you that Inuyasha is near the dead tree that he seems to like so much. Perhaps you both should speak." With that, he was gone, disappearing from the clearing without a sound, and Kikyou blinked.

He is quick...

She looked at the flower that he had been staring at, then nodded to herself.

Yes, it's probably time to go talk to him.

Better now than later.

---wWw---

Sesshoumaru watched her in the water for a time, a slight smile gracing his features as she washed - it was an extremely erotic image, and despite his reputation, he was a very passionate demon... and all his passions were focused on the woman that lay in the water before him.

And despite her tiny frame, it was clear to him that she was indeed a woman - he drew his eyes over every curve and plain on her body, and barely controlled himself as his eyes flashed red.

He wanted her - badly.

We need to leave soon to our lands to clear them of all threats so that I may have them peaceful and calm when I claim her. Even my exceptional control has a fail point - and I am rapidly approaching said point.

If she could only see that her fears are groundless - she has nothing to fear from any other... ever. In all my centuries of life, none has caught my eye - until her, and she captured far more than just my eye.

I have said to her that she is mine...

But perhaps I should have said that I am hers, instead...

He stepped out from behind the tree he had hidden behind, and his brow raised sharply with heightened amusement as she let out a funny squeak and fell backwards in the water, face turning a charming shade of red.

"Sesshoumaru!" she shouted, as soon as she coughed out the water she'd inhaled. "You hentai--"

Voice slightly rough from the desire coursing through his blood, he interrupted before she could get any further, and his words silenced her. "Only for you, koi."

Kagome gaped up at him, not entirely sure whether she should be angry at his peeping, or happy and flattered at the flash of sheer want in his gaze, and she finally settled for somewhere in between, lowering her gaze and mumbling under her breath.

He chuckled, and her eyes flashed back to his, wide and suddenly melting, and he drew in a breath as she smiled at him. "You know..." she mused, eyes dreamy, "I love the sound of your voice - that deep baritone is just delicious, and even more so when you laugh... probably because it's so rare. Even before - when we were enemies - I was entranced by your voice."

He tilted his head and considered her for endless seeming moments, an intense heat in his gaze. "It is good to know this - that I can gain your attention just by speaking... it evens the field, so to speak."

Kagome frowned at that. "What do you mean?"

He moved slowly to sit on one of the rocks at the edge of the spring, draping his arm over a bended knee, and moved his eyes over her face, that heat still present within them.

"I mean that you do not even need to speak to gain all of my attention, miko. You scent alone does that."

She flushed and looked down shyly. "Uhm... thanks, I guess." She looked back up then. "But why did you come here, Sesshoumaru?"

"Do I need a reason to see my wife?"

"Wife..." she turned then, presenting her back, as she twisted water from her heavy fall of hair and tossed it over a shoulder, before glancing back at him, a sweet, wanting look on her face. "Is that what I am?"

"Are you still unsure of your place in my life, then? Have you not understood that because you are mine, the reverse is also true? I am just as much yours, Kagome," he said, eyes open and voice warm, no longer stoic or cold.

"Did it not tell you anything that I was faithful to you even in death? I waited. I would have kept waiting. I would not be separated from you by death - do you think some other female could do what death could not?"

Kagome looked away, shamed, especially as she could see the feelings he held for her openly in his eyes - he was making no effort to hide from her, letting her once again see beyond the masks he held in place to the rest of the world.

It was an awe-inspiring thing to know that a male of such a caliber held her in his heart - just as he was held in hers. He was right - this was a two way street, so to speak.

At that thought, she turned and smiled brilliantly at him and held out a dainty hand.

"Would you bathe with me, husband?"

His eyes flashed red, and his breath caught.

Wife... mate...

---wWw---

A/N: Sorry for the delay, everyone... have a lot going on right now. Just wanted to say thank you to all the reviewers - on FF.net, this story has now garnered over two hundred, and on Dokuga one hundred and seventy-seven. I am so honored that people are enjoying it so much! I wish I didn't have a word limit for author's notes, or I'd list names, but...

Also, sorry for the little cliffie... no, it won't lead to a lemon, yet, but a bit of lime might sneak in, lol. Anyway... enjoy!

Amber