InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Of Gods and Monsters ❯ Chapter 8: Awakenings ( Chapter 8 )

Disclaimer in Prologue

A/N: Danke for the beta, Merith. Mucho thanks to Everstar for the brainstorming.

Chapter 8: Awakenings

The first thing Teles became aware of was the strangest sensation of being both warm and chilled. The clean scent of air, water, and grass filled her nostrils. Teles slowly blinked her eyes open only to be greeted with the sight of grass -- the soft blades cushioned her head and tickled her cheek. Yawning, she brought a hand to her face, brushing away the gently teasing strands. The air was cool and she knew that she was naked...

Suddenly, with startling clarity, the goddess remembered how she came to be where she was and why she was in the state she was in. An arm, heavy and warm, was thrown possessively over her body, a clawed hand pressed against her stomach. Her back was pressed against a solid chest that moved slowly and regularly with each breath. She grimaced inwardly.

Oh gods...

The goddess gingerly lifted the youkai's arm and rolled away from his body. In his slumber, Sesshoumaru made a soft, contented, growling sound. Teles held her breath, watching him. A silent prayer formed a litany in her head.

In the name of Hypnos, please, please do not wake.

Teles exhaled silently as the demon exhaled softly before settling down once again. She stood, hugging her arms to her body, staring down at the demon lord in unabashed shock.

Dear gods, what have I done?

She ran a hand through her tangled hair before turning and searching out her abandoned sheath. As she wrapped it around herself she recalled the hunger reflected in Sesshoumaru's amber eyes as he had watched her disrobe. A fiery blush stained her cheeks in response.

She had submitted to a demon. A demon. Irrational anger clutched at her chest. She had joined with him -- had lowered herself to fornicate with a filthy, base...

Teles' eyes slid to where he lay. She clenched her eyes shut and grit her teeth, swallowing. Yes. Filthy, base, intolerable, unendurable...

She could see his eyes in her mind. His taste was in her mouth. His hands had been on her body. He had touched her, sent delicious fire roaring through her veins... She could still feel him.

No. He is just a youkai. Nothing more.

Teles fastened the clasp on her sheath as if to punctuate this thought. Her resolve renewed, the goddess strode to where the slumbering youkai lay. Folding her arms over her chest, she narrowed her eyes as she stared down at him. Teles' jaw tightened as her eyes raked over his features, relaxed in sleep. His hair was spread out around him, the strands catching the early-morning rays. A tiny frown formed on her forehead as she watched him, completely unguarded in sleep. His face was relaxed -- his lips were not curled into a mocking grin nor were they pressed into a hard line.

Teles' hands clenched reflexively and she turned away, awash in confusion, which was as unfamiliar as it was unsettling.

A few feet from where they had been resting, Sesshoumaru's clothing was folded in a small, neat pile. Worrying her lip between her teeth, Teles picked up the demon lord's kimono, the material heavy and soft in her hands. Kneeling by his side, Teles spread the garment over him. She stayed like that for several minutes, watching him sleep. He was on his side, one arm pillowing his head, the other -- the arm that had been holding her -- curled in front of him. She smoothed the kimono's material, letting her hands linger on his warmth. Her expression softening somewhat, she turned her attention to his face again. A lock of silver hair had fallen against his cheek. With a gentle touch, she brushed the hair away from his face, marveling at the softness of the strands.

Pulling her hand back suddenly, she closed her eyes. What am I doing? He is a youkai.

The soft sound of a sigh dragged Teles' attention away from her thoughts. She looked again at the sleeping Sesshoumaru. What she saw made her throat and chest tighten abominably.

A slow smile had spread across the youkai lord's lips. It was a smile not tinted with scorn or superiority, but one that was relaxed, genuine... content.

Teles' annoyance subsided, her shoulders drooping.

No, he was not lowly, nor was he filthy or base. He was a youkai, yes, but...

Shaking her head she stood. It was best to leave before she found herself unable to do so.

I will return, youkai. We have much to discuss.

***

The sun had lifted in the sky, its warming rays filtering through the trees, settling on the sleeping demon. It was that warmth that first roused him from his slumber. He reached up and rubbed dazedly at his face, noting that the slumbering warmth that had been pressed against his chest during the course of the night was now absent. Teles was gone; he was alone. Pulling his hand from his face, Sesshoumaru glanced around him; his kimono covered his body, but there was no sign of her. He sat up quickly, his ears straining to catch the snap of a twig, the rustling of brush, or the faint sound of an exhale -- something that would assure him that he was not alone.

There was nothing but the natural sounds of the forest around him. Grinding his teeth painfully, Sesshoumaru stood and dressed swiftly, all the while testing the air for Teles' scent. She had been there earlier, but her scent had faded and grown stale. It had been several hours since she'd been in these woods. An unfamiliar ache settled in his chest before he slammed it away, swearing viciously.

The bitch was gone. She'd left. She had left.

A deep growl formed in his chest and Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed. She had no right to leave. She was his. She had submitted to him, had given herself to him -- had opened her soul to him willingly. Did she not understand what that meant? She was his.

The surge of possessiveness ebbed as another, more traitorous thought flew through Sesshoumaru's mind. Yes, she was his. And he was hers.

Perhaps that was why she had left.

Something frigid slithered down his spine and settled in his gut. Teles was a goddess -- a descendant of divinity. She was in exile because her queen had suspected her of infidelities with the lord of Olympus. She knew the touch of divine flesh.

'It is the land of the gods. A mere demon would not be permitted to enter.'

Anger, hot and invigorating, flooded his limbs as he remembered her condescension when she had first spoken to him. Tightening his jaw, he took to the air, heading in the direction of Teles' cavern.

'I do not know what I might have done to provoke your ire, but know this: a demon like you is nothing to me.'

Sesshoumaru slowed slightly, the goddess' early words echoing in his mind. He was a "mere" demon, nothing to her. The demon lord ground his teeth, his anger increasing. Perhaps she was not a female who welcomed being mated with a mere youkai -- a lower being.

But he would hear the words from her lips first.

Sesshoumaru flew, crossing the distance to Teles' caverns in an inordinately short time. Anger and insult fueling his movements, he slipped behind the waterfall and faced the mouth of the cavern.

"Teles," he said, his voice a feral growl. "Come out here."

There was no answer.

"Do not make me repeat myself, woman. Show yourself."

The roar of the falls was the only response.

His stormy expression fading into puzzlement, Sesshoumaru stepped forward, edging toward the entrance to the goddess' quarters. He sniffed the air surreptitiously. The scent of Ryujin's barrier was absent. Strangely, Teles' scent was gone as well. Swallowing, the youkai stepped forward, waiting for the barrier to knock him back.

It didn't.

He caught a faint whiff of salt air as he stepped into her quarters, but there was no sign of the goddess. She had not been there for many, many hours. His frown deepening, Sesshoumaru walked slowly into the cavern. It was not long before he reached the series of caves that acted as her quarters. The area was decorated extravagantly with blue silk and marble. At the far end of the main room there stood a low marble table, a series of small statuettes on it. He strode to it and picked one up, examining it carefully. Still clutching the figure, Sesshoumaru searched the caverns, trying to find Teles -- trying to locate her scent.

It was useless -- she was gone.

The demon lord swallowed, his grip on the cold statue tightening painfully. He turned and stalked for the cavern's exit. As he reached the threshold, a blue light crackled, nudging him backward. He frowned and blinked.

I am permitted to enter but not leave? What manner of barrier is this?

He tried again with similar results. Sesshoumaru looked down at the statuette he held. Setting it down on a nearby table, he tried the exit again -- with success.

Sesshoumaru did not understand the change in the barrier's behavior, but he was fairly sure who would.

He had lifted into the air and was heading for the west shore when he stopped suddenly, recalling his last words to Jaken. With a surge of annoyance, his hand curled into a fist letting his claws dig into his palm. It was necessary to return.

"Damn."

***

"I am sorry to hear that you will be leaving us, Teles."

Teles sat cross-legged, hovering gently over the water's surface. "Please understand, Ryujin-sama, I wish only to travel a short while. I will return before long."

"Have you any idea where you plan to go?"

She smiled. "I have heard that the world has changed greatly since my arrival here. I may opt to visit some of the lands near Greece. There is a great deal to experience in the world -- I wish to see just a portion. I've heard of a mountain range to the west -- the Himalayas. I should think it would be a lovely sight. But I have not yet decided on my destination."

"And the duration of your stay -- what have you decided about that?"

"I have not made that decision either."

"I see." The dragon regarded her carefully. He had come to know the goddess fairly well during her stay. She was a result of good breeding -- gracious and polite. But now there was something about her that seemed different about the goddess -- was she more pensive, perhaps? No, that is not it. Something else... She had always been a very calm, serene woman, but she seemed neither now. Her good humor appeared forced, and she seemed very...

Preoccupied? No, that wasn't it.

Distant? No, that wasn't it either.

Suddenly, it struck the dragon with all the force of a bolt of lightning. She seemed guilty.

Teles shifted in discomfort under the water god's scrutinizing gaze. "Lord Ryujin, have I displeased you?"

"No, child, you have not displeased me."

Relief washed over her.

He pinned her with his eyes. "I merely wish to know the reason for your departure." The real reason, child. This evasion of the issue must stop.

Teles' breath froze in her chest. "I desire to travel, my lord. Your hospitality has known no bounds during my exile, and I have nothing but the highest esteem for you and the mortals you preside over."

Ryujin narrowed his eyes. "It is not because you have grown tired of these lands?" No, I suspect you have not.

She shook her head. "No, my lord. Absolutely not."

The dragon grunted softly. "You only wish to leave them for a short while. Teles, are you in need of a change in scenery?"

That is one way of putting it. "Yes, my lord. It is nothing more than that."

The water god shot her a wry expression. Perhaps you are not young to most, goddess, but you are a child to me. Do not think you can so easily fool me. "I do not believe it is as simple as that."

Teles' eyes widened. "I beg your pardon, Ryujin-sama?"

Huge black eyes focused on the goddess. "Tell me, Teles... what do you wish for me to tell Lord Sesshoumaru when he comes searching for you?"

The goddess swallowed against the sudden dryness in her throat. "I'm sorry, my lord?"

The dragon laughed suddenly. "Some things are only visible to those willing to see it. You have been with Lord Sesshoumaru recently. I sense him on you." I sense him on you and I can see your guilt. Though the picture may not be very detailed, I can still ascertain what lies within this frame.

A blush creeping up her neck, Teles braced herself, waiting for the insults that were sure to follow such an observation. None came. She stared at the massive water-god, her bewilderment obvious.

"I have already told you, Teles -- he is an honorable youkai."

The goddess sighed in frustration. "But he is a youkai."

"Surely that is not the root of this desire of yours to leave."

She looked away, unable to comprehend the water-god's attitude, so completely different than that of any god or goddess she'd ever known. "Not the root, my lord, but an offshoot." Teles' eyes settled on the depths below her. It would have been easy -- far too easy -- to travel down to Ryujin's kingdom and disappear. She could have lived out her exile in peace -- or what was left of it, at any rate; she still hadn't heard back from her father. The water-god had left her an open invitation. She sighed resignedly before looking back up at the dragon, a question in her eyes. "My lord, your opinions of youki appear to be somewhat atypical. Why is that?"

The dragon was quiet for a moment before nodding once. "I suppose you are correct, but it was not always so."

The goddess was silent, inviting him to continue.

"Years ago -- centuries, yet it does not feel that way -- the serpent Yofune-Nushi was endeavoring to gain control of the western lands. Lord Inutaisho, the Great Lord at the time, had approached me with the desire to forge an alliance. I had, of course, refused. I would not lower myself to allying with a youkai. I, the most powerful water-god in the land, looked with scorn upon Inutaisho and his kind. Pride kept me from seeing one crucial detail."

"What was that?"

"The serpent would not stop at acquiring the western lands. He was forbidden in my waters. Yofune-Nushi would settle for nothing less than domination of land and sea."

Teles regarded the great dragon, quickly losing herself in his story. "But surely, my lord, you could have destroyed him easily."

"Not without causing great harm to the human inhabitants of the isle. They are worthy devotees. To harm them or their lands unnecessarily would have been unacceptable. I was forced to summon Lord Inutaisho and recant my earlier refusal. I was not so proud that I could not do what was right. Our alliance was a strong one; together we destroyed the serpent along with his masses and the western land and sea were peaceful once again." He paused. "Lord Inutaisho was an exceedingly honorable youkai. I believe the same of his son, Lord Sesshoumaru."

A thoughtful expression settled on the goddess' face. An honorable youkai. What reason would one so 'honorable' have to desire his brother -- even a half-brother-- dead? How does this make him honorable? Teles cleared her throat. "And what of his half-brother, Inuyasha?"

"Ah, yes... the hanyou. I know less about him, I am afraid. I recall that Lord Inutaisho was inconsolable when his first wife was killed. While I admit I was surprised at his next choice, I believe the match was a wise one. I'm sure that Lord Sesshoumaru would differ with me." A faint smile appeared at the dragon's mouth. "The opinions and beliefs of gods cannot be made rule, Teles, because they are just that -- opinions."

Lifting both eyebrows delicately, Teles could not help but bristle at that.

"Ah, you disagree with me. Perhaps, then, your exile here is justified?" he asked lightly.

"Of course it isn't!" she shot back, indignant. "Hera is a suspicious and jealous goddess. Nothing I could have done would have changed her mind!"

The water-god did not respond, allowing Teles' words to echo through her head. Sighing heavily, she dropped her head and placed a hand over her eyes.

"Go, Teles. You require time to think. There is a cluster of islands to the east of these lands. If you like, I will send word to the local water goddess, Hina-Ika so your appearance will not be a surprise. The goddess Pele and her sister Hi'iaka will keep you under their protection."

Teles nodded slowly. "To the east?"

"Yes. The islands are small, and you will not be found easily."

***

Sesshoumaru inhaled the den's comforting scent. It was a welcome change as well as a calming one. He strode into his chambers before stopping, a thoughtful frown forming on his features. The rooms were strangely quiet. He turned and headed for Rin's chamber, his steps coming to a sudden halt when he saw the child sprawled out on the futon, her face pressed into the bedding, crying softly.

A sudden, fierce surge of protectiveness welled up in him. Had she been hurt? Was Jaken so completely inept that he could not keep an eye on a human child? If that fool's carelessness has caused this, I will rip his eyes from their sockets.

As if sensing another presence in the room, Rin lifted her head. "Sesshoumaru-sama!" she cried, her sorrow dissipating suddenly. "You're back!"

Perplexed, Sesshoumaru entered the room. "What gave you any idea that I might not?"

The child wiped at her face. "Jaken said..."

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes.

"...that you did not return when you said you would. He thought that... he thought that maybe you had been killed."

That idiot. "Rin, I only assured Jaken that I would return. I said nothing that should have led him to believe that I would be returning shortly. Please, cease this weeping."

She wiped at her eyes again. "I'm sorry, Sesshoumaru-sama. I... I was worried."

He winced inwardly. "I will speak to Jaken about his eagerness to contemplate my demise. In the meantime, be assured that I am uninjured. You needn't jump to such conclusions. I encountered... unexpected circumstances last night that delayed my return."

She nodded. "But you are not hurt?"

He ignored her question. "It may happen that I will require to be away increasingly. I will speak with Jaken. While I would prefer a less inept watcher for you, I suppose that for short periods of time he can be trusted."

Rin regarded the youkai, a serious expression on her young face. "Why do you need to leave?"

He contemplated his answer. "I have lost something and must retrieve it."

"Do you know where it is?"

"No, Rin. I do not."

"Then where will you look?"

"Everywhere," he responded. Sesshoumaru regarded the child for a moment. "Are you quite finished crying?"

She nodded, relief having replaced the sorrow in her eyes.

"I am pleased to hear it," he said. "Now, I feel I must have a word with Jaken about his... misconceptions." Without another word, he turned on his heel and left in search of the toad youkai. A short search yielded the vassal and with a snarl, Sesshoumaru grabbed him by the throat and lifted him up to eye level.

"M-my l-lord! Wh-what a pleasant s-surprise!"

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes and regarded the youkai fiercely. "Tell me, Jaken, do you anticipate my death so much?"

"N-no! No, of course not, Lord Sesshoumaru. I was just--"

"I do not wish to hear it," he growled. "I would appreciate it if, in the future, you would not attempt to prophesize my passing. When I tell you that I will return, it means that -- without equivocation -- I will return."

The toad youkai gave a little gulp. "Yes, my lord."

"Good," Sesshoumaru sneered. "I am glad that we appear to comprehend each other. Now, understand this: it is going to be necessary for me to leave occasionally and for fairly long periods of time. I trust that you will be able to handle these absences without incident?"

"Without incident, my lord? I don't underst--"

Sesshoumaru tightened his grip on Jaken's throat. "Hypothesizing my death, Jaken. Unless you desire to precede me, I suggest you refrain from such presumptions."

Struggling for air, the toad youkai nodded as well as he was able. Sesshoumaru dropped him suddenly. "Good."

Jaken pushed himself to his feet, rubbing gingerly at his neck. "My lord, might I ask what the reason is for your impending absences?"

The demon lord turned, heading back for his chambers. "That, Jaken, is none of your concern."

***

"You must be Teles."

The two goddesses had been standing at the shoreline expectantly, watching Teles as she came to land on the beach. The first thing she noticed as she landed was how very soft the white sand was. She bowed gracefully. "I am. You have my unending gratitude for allowing me safe haven here." She regarded her hosts with a serene smile.

"I am Pele, this is my sister Hi'iaka." The goddess smiled gently. She was a tall, willowy woman with skin like burnished bronze and glossy black hair that hung down to her knees. Her gleaming orange eyes were framed with thick, dark lashes -- two glowing coals burning in this midst of an otherwise peaceful expression. "Please don't consider it 'safe haven.' For as long as you are here, you are under our protection. This is your home for as long as you wish it to be."

"Thank you, Lady Pele."

"Please," the goddess placed a warm hand on Teles' arm. "Pele." No sooner had the two goddesses touched than a thin ribbon of steam rose from Teles' arm. She pulled it back in shock. Pele's eyes widened in surprise before a chuckle tumbled forth from her lips. "I'm sorry -- I forgot that you are a water goddess."

Comprehension dawned on Teles' features. "Ah, I understand -- fire. Am I correct?"

Pele nodded. "There is a great deal of fire beneath the surface of these lands."

Teles arched an eyebrow and grinned. "I believe that can be said of many things, do you not agree?"

The fire goddess smiled again. "Indeed."

The other goddess was slightly shorter with a kind, animated face. Hi'iaka's hair and complexion was identical to that of Pele, but bright violet eyes lit her features. She took Teles' arm and linked it with her own, leading Teles down the deserted beach. "My sister told me that we would be expecting a guest -- tell me, how long do you think you'll be staying?"

"I'm not entirely sure," Teles replied, letting the petite goddess pull her along.

"Well," the goddess replied, "we'll just have to make sure you enjoy your stay so completely, you don't ever want to leave. Tell me, do you dance?"

"Sister..." Pele said warningly, following the two other goddesses.

Teles smothered a chuckle as Hi'iaka rolled her eyes.

"Please forgive my sister, Teles. She is..." a wry grin lit Pele's lips "easily excitable."

Something inside of Teles began to slowly unwind. "On the contrary," she said, "her enthusiasm is a welcome change."

"Nasty business, that," Hi'iaka said mournfully, shaking her head.

Teles' eyebrows contorted quizzically. "I'm sorry?"

Hi'iaka's arm tightened around Teles'. "We heard about your banishment." She shook her head. "Shameful. It's positively shameful behavior for a major goddess." Hi'iaka stopped suddenly and regarded Teles with empathetic eyes. "How long have you been without companionship?" she asked.

Teles blinked, coloring slightly. "I... I am not here because I was in need of companionship..."

"Sister," Pele interrupted, "it is not any of your concern why Teles is here. It is only our responsibility to make sure that our guest is comfortable."

Hi'iaka pouted slightly, but said nothing.

Their steps eventually led them to a secluded lagoon. Exotic plants laced the area and vibrant flowers perfumed the air. Teles inhaled deeply, breathing in the scent. "This is lovely," she murmured, gently disentangling herself from Hi'iaka and moving around the various greenery. "This is... this is absolutely beautiful."

"Beauty flourishes here," Pele replied.

Smiling, Teles plucked a bright red flower from a bush, marveling at the softness of the petals. The goddess was certainly correct -- beauty did thrive on these islands. Teles only hoped that peace would as well.