InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ In Death, Trust Me, as You Didn't in Life ❯ Integration ( Chapter 38 )

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

Chapter 38: Integration

Touran kept a stern eye on the large force of panthers that had followed her with the chance to see a good battle, even despite the fact that the enemy was a very large force of those who wielded holy reiki.

Not that they minded killing humans - and that's why she had her eye on them, because despite the fact that they were going to be fighting an army of humans, she was well aware that their allies in the fight against those particular humans were also mixed with other humans. After all, not all humans were bad.

And for Sesshoumaru to be fighting with human allies spoke quite a bit to her about the humans - because every demon alive knew that the Lord of the West wasn't overly fond of humans as a species.

She herself was quite curious to meet these humans of the dogs... and the female that Sesshoumaru was so taken with.

For that wind wench to be so determined and work so hard for his attention, she must have competition - someone that he's interested in. I wonder what type of demon female finally caught his eye?

With a narrow-eyed smile, she slowed her pace, signaling the rest of the panthers to also slow... they were finally approaching the area that the Dog General was gathering his forces in, and she herself, as well as everyone else, could feel the auras of many demons... and the scents of a rather large village of humans.

Turning to Shouran, she said, "Keep everyone here, I'll go and talk to the dog, and see what's going on, and where we can settle. I'll return shortly."

"Alright - I'll keep them in line, don't worry about it, Touran. Bite the dog for me, would you?"

With a chuckle, she blurred into her feline form and took off, heading straight for the western lords heavy aura, and found herself approaching his position within moments. Coming to a stop just outside his position, she changed back into her human form, and stepped into the clearing, looking around curiously - and suspiciously.

"Touran." Sesshoumaru turned to look at her from where he'd been staring into what appeared to be an old well, and she quirked a brow at him.

"Well, my old enemy? Care to tell me about this troublesome monk?"

"Do I really need to? It is not like you, Touran, to not already know everything there is to know about such an enemy," he stated dryly. "Have you perhaps lost your touch?"

She hissed lightly at him, and cautiously moved further into the clearing as it became clear that no one else was within it.

"You wish, Sesshoumaru. Surely you aren't surprised to see me here - you know that I love a good fight."

"This one is well aware of that fact, Touran. Tell me," he glanced behind her, and flared his aura a little, noting that she appeared to be alone, "are you the only one that came?"

"Please, dog - do you really think I would come anywhere near your lands without an army at my back?" She snorted lightly. "If I come anywhere near you, I always have a large force with me. That hasn't changed just because this time we are allying together to destroy a common threat."

Sesshoumaru quirked a brow, then looked away. "Wise of you. So - allies until the defeat of this monk and his mongrel army?" he asked.

She moved closer, and followed his line of vision to stare into the sky. "Yes. We can always continue our argument later - as long as this monk and his friends are defeated and there actually is a later to get back to."

"True."

They were both silent for a time, simply thinking, and finally, she asked, "Where would be a good place for us to go? We would prefer forest, as I know you are aware."

He gestured idly towards the dark depths of the trees that lined the clearing. "I'm sure you know what the forest looks like, Touran - there is plenty of it for you and your... cats," he said, with deliberate emphasis, "to hide in."

She hissed again at him, not really all that annoyed, since she knew he did it deliberately just to annoy, and answered back with, "We cats prefer to stay in trees to keep the annoying puppies that live down below out of our fur - and so that we don't pick up some of their less - savory - companions."

He tilted his head in question. "Do you speak of Myouga?" he asked mildly, ignoring the barb just as she had. "I will be sure to send him to bother you and your friends, then, Touran. I'm sure he wouldn't mind a bit of neko blood - although I find that it gives me indigestion."

She rolled her eyes at him, and changed the subject. "So... the wind witch. Determined suitor for position of Lady of the West... a little too determined. Does she perhaps have competition?"

"She is not a 'competitor' as you say, in the first place. I am currently courting a female - and it is not Kagura, nor will it ever be." He turned away, then said, "You have good timing, Touran. Later this morning we begin meeting with the leaders of all the factions of those wanting to fight the monk, to discuss how to integrate the different forces into a cohesive fighting force. We will meet just after noon in the meadow on the outskirts of the village."

Touran nodded, noting the re-directing of the subject from his courtship to other matters with an inward smile. So... there is a little mystery here... I like that.

Aloud, she said, "Very well. I will get my people settled somewhere, and then join you there after noon." With that, she turned and left the clearing, once again blurring into her true form and leaping away, her blood running hot with excitement.

A good battle, and a small mystery to engage my feline curiosity. This will be a very interesting diversion...

And perhaps, there will even be other panthers there from other places - new blood, so to speak.

---wWw---

Miroku raised a brow in surprise as he and Sango landed in the village and his gaze landed on Ryozo.

Another monk - one not following Ungai? What's been going on since we left? he wondered, as he looked around, noting the crowded paths and extra huts being constructed - and the humans and demons mingling, without aggression, merely a slight feel of wariness.

He exchanged an uncertain glance with Sango - with all the demons around, how would the contingent of demon slayers that were following them into the village be received?

Ryozo met the gaze of the other monk frankly, curious. This must be the one the Lady Kaede spoke of - Miroku, I believe she mentioned his name was.

Everyone turned as Kaede herself came out of her hut, pushing aside her matting and stepping outside with a smile of welcome.

"Sango, Miroku, welcome back! Were ye successful in your venture?" she asked, and Sango nodded.

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I brought fifty-two slayers with me who are willing to fight against Ungai - when I explained what the monk was doing, especially to the human villages he encounters, they were outraged," she said.

Ryozo stepped forward, listening avidly as the conversation continued.

"The slayers then join us to protect the human villagers?" Kaede asked.

"Not just for them - slayers are taught from a young age to treat demons the same as people - some are bad, some are good. Why do you think it wasn't hard for me to adjust to Inuyasha - and why I work with Kirara? Slayers only fight demons that are endangering people."

Kaede nodded acceptingly, then, and her gaze landed on Ryozo. "Ah, monk Ryozo - please, meet monk Miroku - he is the one I spoke of earlier to ye." She turned her gaze on Miroku. "This monk once followed Ungai, but left when he began to exhibit this mind sickness that has taken him over."

Ryozo bowed as Miroku looked over at him with curiosity, and bowed politely in return. "It is nice to meet with another monk who hasn't been swayed by Ungai's madness," Miroku said, and Ryozo blinked, then nodded, his face serious.

"Indeed, I no longer feel quite so..." he glanced around, ".... out of place, as I have until now. Perhaps we could speak once you have some free time?" he asked.

"I will look forward to that," Miroku said. "Where may I find you?"

"I have tended to stay close to Lady Kaede - for protection, you know, since many of the villagers that have come here want nothing more than monk for dinner," he said wryly, and Miroku chuckled.

"I see. Well, then, I will look forward to speaking to you, perhaps later this evening?"

Ryozo nodded. "That sounds most welcome."

Miroku nodded, then looked for Sango, finding her deep in conversation with Kaede about where to set up camp for the slayers. As he moved closer to them, he picked up the conversation.

"... doesn't seem to be much room on the village perimeter," Sango looked around, "if you can even tell where the perimeter is anymore."

Kaede nodded. "Hai, it is very crowded, and getting more so almost everyday, as those the monk has dispossessed and yet, manage to get away, inevitably end up here. I would say," she looked up, squinting into the sky with her one eye, "that your best chance would be that clearing near the old bandits hideout to the north of the village. Since Inuyasha destroyed the bandits leader that was controlled by the corpse crow, no one goes there anymore, so it is fairly untouched."

Sango nodded, knowing exactly where she was speaking of. "Then we'd better get a move on before someone else claims it," she said, and Miroku nodded. "We'll be back in a while, Kaede."

"Oh, Sango, child, I almost forgot. Bring whoever leads the slayers, or your second-in-command, to the meadow on the outside of the village that leads towards the rice paddies. There will be a meeting there of all the different parties that will be working together against Ungai just after noon," the elderly woman said.

"Good... oh, and by the way, where's Inuyasha?"

"He was sent off by his brother to assist the sorceress in causing more problems for Ungai and his army," Kaede chuckled. "He was not so pleased."

Miroku and Sango both laughed, and then waved at the miko as they headed towards the edges of the village to lead the slayers towards their temporary camp.

Miroku's eyes narrowed in amusement at that information.

Looks like Inuyasha's in for a very interesting time...

I almost wish I could eavesdrop on that partnership.

It'd give me enough to hassle my half-demon friend for months, I am sure.

---wWw---

Kikyou was once again heading to speak to Sesshoumaru, although she wasn't strictly comfortable near the male that had claimed Kagome as his. He was so... dominating - far too powerful, she would never be able to handle a male like him.

That just goes to show the difference between her and I, she thought, with a deep sigh. As much as Inuyasha always thought we were alike in so many ways, he was wrong - Kagome and I have almost nothing in common, except a passing resemblance in features.

And even that is minimal.

As much as she could never have handled a male of the demon Lords caliber, Kagome could, and did. Not that he wasn't a gorgeous one, because he was - beautiful in an almost unearthly fashion - but despite that, she still couldn't find herself comfortable around him.

He was the only one who'd ever made her feel that way, too. No other demon had ever intimidated her as this one did; none had ever carried the power, and otherworldly aura that he did, either.

And yet... he and Kagome... fit. It was an odd pairing, on the face of it, but when looked at deeper, it was apparent.

Both were otherworldly, in that both had extraordinary origins.

Sesshoumaru, the eldest son and heir of the legendary Inu no Taisho, the single most powerful demon that ever lived, and Kagome, a supposedly simple little human female with an extraordinary destiny - that was playing out five hundred years before she was even born.

Who else could ever say the same? Truthfully, there never had been, and she was pretty sure there never would be, anyone like her again - just as there would never be another Sesshoumaru.

All the things I said to her, and the things I called her, were all just because I was jealous - jealous that fate had chosen her, and not I, for such a fate, for a position of great power and recognition. But I understand now why it was that she was chosen... it was because she never sought it out...

And I did.

She sighed as she stepped into the clearing that the demon Lord had taken over, and waited for him to address her, quietly enjoying the vision he made in the morning light with his silver hair limned by sunlight, and his beautiful, even features so seemingly calm.

Yet she could tell, as she waited, that it was all an illusion.

Because the lord was not calm at all - his youki was bursting with agitation, and she could only guess that he was upset at the separation from his female.

Kagome.

The very reason she was here in the clearing, waiting to speak to him.

"Miko," came the quiet baritone. "Was there something that you needed?"

She bowed, knowing that even though he wasn't really looking at her, he'd be aware of the sign of respect. "I... have come to speak to you about Kagome," she finally sighed, and kept her face straight as he turned abruptly to look at her directly.

"For what reason?"

"Yesterday, I, and every other human that has reiki, felt a... shift, for lack of a better word," she frowned, looking down at the ground in thought, "in the basis of our powers." She looked up, and noticed his interest, so she continued. "It was very subtle, but... yet powerful, and with far-reaching consequences. You are aware, I am sure, that our power comes directly from the kami themselves," she hesitated, and he nodded, "and it was something within the power itself, that changed."

Sesshoumaru kept his gaze on the miko as his thoughts wandered for a moment, then he nodded again. "And this has what to do with my miko?" he asked.

"When she disappeared, you said that she had gone into the 'other realms', correct?"

"Yes."

"Tell me, then... these other realms... do they lead, or can they lead, to the realm of the kami?"

His eyes widened slightly, and he appeared completely caught off-guard, but then he frowned a bit, as he began to think about what she'd said - and the ramifications.

"They can," he said finally. "But what makes you think that this shift has to do with her?"

She sighed, and looked away then, reaching up a slender hand to pull a lock of hair away from her face as the wind toyed with it.

"Because whatever has shifted in the realm of the kami, feels familiar to my aura. It feels like Kagome. I can't explain it any better than that, my Lord, but I felt that you should be told - whatever has happened... Kagome has had a hand in."

Sesshoumaru stared at the miko sharing his clearing with him, and wondered.

What have you done, Kagome?

And when will you return to me?

He said nothing, but nodded politely to the priestess as she bowed once more and left the clearing.

Did you really go to the realm of the Kami, my little priestess?

---wWw---

Sesshoumaru stood at the very head of the meadow that the meeting was in, and waited silently for everyone to appear - and even he was surprised at the sheer amount of beings, human and demon, that began filling up the large area.

If this keeps up, we will have a matching force to meet the monk with, he thought, pleased, knowing that the forces these people commanded were not even in the meadow - these were just the representatives.

It didn't take long, really, before everyone had joined them that was going to, and as the people pouring in went from a rush, to a trickle, and then stopped, he finally turned to face the large group, and began speaking.

"You are all aware of why we are here, so I will not speak overmuch on that subject, save to say that I have spies keeping me abreast of any happenings with the monk and his army, and will keep you all updated if anything should happen." There was a bit of speech in the crowd, and some rustling, and then silence fell once again.

"We will have a large, and diverse, force, to meet this threat with, and since most of us have not fought together before, we need to take into account the different fighting styles that we all use, and come up with a workable strategy based on that information."

He stopped for a moment, looking around at the different faces staring back at him, and then spoke again.

"For all of the demons here, understand, we will be working with some that use reiki - monks, and miko, that are not our enemies. We will have to come up with a way to identify them during battle, so that we are not attacking our own allies and stabbing a sword through our own backs."

"Perhaps I can help with that," came a voice from the ether, and Sesshoumaru turned around to stare as Kagome stepped from out of nowhere, appearing before the assembled group, and bringing almost everyone within the area to their knees in an instinctive obeisance - as what her aura poclaimed became more than obvious to everyone within the meadow.

Her essence was touched by the divine - and every human and demon for miles around could feel it.

And then she had to go and ruin the moment as she waved her hands in embarrassment and irritation.

"Stop that! Everyone get back up and stop bowing to me! I swear, I'm gonna get Amaterasu for this," she growled out, and she could almost feel the sun goddess chuckle in her mind.

As everyone sat back up, or stood back up, whatever the case was, and stared at her, shocked, she sighed, and folded her arms across her chest with a very annoyed expression on her face.

She stared at everyone who was staring at her, and then narrowed her eyes, and stared at Sesshoumaru, who stared right back, frank curiosity in his gaze.

Finally, she threw her hands up in the air, and yelled, "Fine! I'll explain it already, sheesh!"

With a wave of her hand, she said, "Well, come sit down, Sesshoumaru, stop standing there and staring like an astonished puppy. It's a long story, and I don't want to have to re-tell it over and over."

Once he sat down, and everyone gathered as close as they could, she began.

"Okay, so this is how it happened..." she started, and the clearing remained totally silent as she spoke, no one wanting to miss a moment of the story of the birth of a new divinity.

---wWw---

A/N: Well, I know I just posted on this one yesterday, but this chapter just hit me this morning, so I've been working on it all day, and finally got it done. Hope I got it balanced well enough...

Anyway, hope everyone enjoys!

Amber