InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Reaching for the Moon ❯ For the Best ( Chapter 5 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

To be free again was such a new feeling now that she had been away from Sesshomaru for two days.  She had contemplated on going back to see him, but remembered how he had released her.  Just the day before, she was about to walk out from behind the waterfall to go see him, only to stop herself just before leaving.  Koga had stopped her as well.  He had asked her where she was planning on going to.  Kasami merely remained silent and went back to where she slept on the bed of hay, though she did come to find out that the bed of hay was actually Koga's bed.  

Then, during the day, Koga had a meal prepared for the entire pack.  Six roasted, large pigs that were then cut to pieces so everyone had plenty to eat.  Kasami poked at her food as she talked with Koga away from the group.  She held her share sparingly as she gave most of it to the wolves around her.  Koga noticed and asked her, “Is something wrong that you don't like?”

“No, no,” Kasami answered with a light sigh, “It's been a relaxing few days to be away from what i'm used to doing.”

“Good.  My pack has seen peace since the birds of paradise were destroyed so we treasure each day anymore for hunting and training each other,” Koga commented as before taking a large bite of his share.

Kasami crinched slightly at how furiously he dug into his food.  She glanced around to see bones and scraps of meat everywhere.  Though she was flattered that Koga allowed her to stay as long as she did, Kasami was used to the finer tastes that Inu no Taisho and Izayoi had given her.  Then again, was she really in a position to judge her temporary home?  Kasami ignored the snorts and gluttonous sounds to nibble at her now smaller portion in her hands.  Koga wiped his mouth on his arm before gently taking her elbow and led her out of the cave to the outside where it was only them.  It was a lovely, sunny day, but it was starting to cool off with a smooth breeze passing by.  

“Kasami, I've made a decision that i'm sure you will appreciate now that you're here,” Koga stated as he placed a hand on his hip.

She glanced Koga up and down quickly for him to not notice.  He was a handsome man, possibly good for caring for children if he took a mate one day.  Kasami leaned against the rock-side as she loosely crossed her arms in front of her, “And what decision would that be?”

“I've decided to take-...  I mean, ask you to be my woman,” Koga corrected himself, remembering how he worded that phrase to Kagome before, “Our people have joined together before, and it would only be a good match.  Your abilities are remarkable as a Moon Demon and I can protect you like a strong Wolf-Demon.  Together, we could conquer any enemy.”

Kasami didn't move for a few moments before she soaked in his offer.  She honestly thought about taking it up with him and become his mate.  Before she opened her mouth, the image of Sesshomaru flashed in her mind.  Just after the image was the presence.  She could sense him from miles away and could feel him nearby.  Her eyes widened slightly as she glanced to her side, even Koga could smell the full dog-demon lord approaching.  First, Kasami made out the small figure of the green imp, Jaken, running with the staff wagging from side-to-side.  She was surprised that Sesshomaru had actually came, but was he looking for her?  Kasami was about to take a step forward before Koga intervened and stood in between her and Jaken.

“What's the meaning of this?” Koga stated aggressively, “This is my land and I won't have tresspassors on my land.”

“This man is Lord Sesshomaru!” Jaken stated sharply, pointing to the figure in the way distance, “And I have been sent to take Kasami away from this horrid place.”

“Is that so?” Koga sneered at Jaken, “You're not forcing my woman to go anywhere she doesn't want to go.  Kasami, tell them that you're staying here with me as my woman.”

This didn't make sense.  Kasami gently placed her hand on Koga's back as she stepped to the side to look down at Jaken, “Is that true?”

“Lord Sesshomaru has been travelling for the last three days to get you away from Naraku,” Jaken explained as Koga tried to block the view between the imp and Kasami, “You must return and-”

“Jaken,” Kasami interupted him and stood at Koga's side, “Unless he says this himself, I can't trust his words.”

“What are you doing!?” Koga whispered sharply to her, “Are you really going to go back to this guy?”

Kasami didn't answer as the breath left her body when she saw Sesshomaru walking towards the three of them from the distance.  In that distance, she saw his father, Inu no Taisho, walking towards her like he did before centuries ago.  Memories made her heart beat faster as Sesshomaru finally neared them and stopped just behind Jaken.  She couldn't believe that he was really there, that Sesshomaru had actually come for her.  Days felt like weeks being away from him.  Kasami curtly nodded her head in acknowledgement, “Lord Sesshomaru.  I'm sure you know of Koga, leader of the Eastern Wolf Pack.”

“Vaguely,” Sesshomaru commented dryly as he eyed Koga, then turned his golden gaze to Kasami, “I request that you return to my services immediatley.”

“You can't just tell her what to do,” Koga stated as he narrowed his eyes on Sesshomaru, “She's not yours to boss around anymore, especially not when she's in my presence.”

“Koga,” Kasami gave him a warning tone, then turned her attention back to Sesshomaru, “You released me before, why should I go back?”

Sesshomaru then slowly put his hand into a satchel he had attached his robe.  She watched as he pulled out a deep blue necklace.  The gems were a rich sapphire that represented the moon in many statues while the chain was made of slick, clean steel.  What made Kasami hold her breath was what the necklace symbolized.  Before she descended onto this planet, Inu no Taisho offered her a gift for her services.  It was that exact same necklace.  Inu no Taisho forged it himself and said that if she were to be at his side for his purposes, he would give her the life and treatment of a goddess.  He kept his promise.  She had worn that same next before, then gave it to Izayoi when the human woman was taken as her master's lover.  Eversince then, Kasami had not seen her necklace and was humbled by Sesshomaru's offer.

“That's..that could be worth a fortune,” Koga commented as his eyes were glued to the necklace.

“If you are at my side for your services, I will give you this necklace,” Sesshomaru explained, his expression did not change but Kasami could tell that he was not used to this sort of gesture, “You will not be treated as a servant any longer and I will keep in mind how your work has made my own plans much simpler than they need to be.”

Kasami, revered by her people for her ability to manipulate fire and the stars, sat on her jeweled throne as she allowed the audience of the Dog-Demon lord.  She had heard rumors of his notorious blood-thirst for humans and war, conquering many lands and taking in my servants for his personal use.  Why have need for her?  She toyed with a lock of her snow white hair as she watched the man enter her castle in the night sky.

“What brings you to my dimension, demon lord?” she asked, her voice dripping with boredom.

She took notice of his devilsh good looks.  His sharp gaze pierced her normally cold exterior and made her feel like a vulnerable human female.  Kasami inhaled a quick breath as he stood before her, wearing a suit of armor and sheathed swords.  She had never taken a demon like him to her bed, but she considered this one now that she was able to take a closer look at him.

“I've heard of your title, I needed to see for myself before I asked any questions,” he began as he gazed up at her on her throne, “I've come to ask for you to be by my side on the battle-field.  In return, I have created a trinquet fit for your title as goddess.  Be my goddess of the warfront and you will be forever known for your services.”

For the first time in her eternal life, Kasami had fallen in love.



“I accept.”

The words seemed unreal to her as she walked away from Koga to Sesshomaru.  Sesshomaru handed her the necklace before Kasami strapped it around her neck.  She looked over at Koga with a half smile as she shrugged, “I apologize, Koga.  I promise to repay your kindness to me.”

Kasami, Jaken, and Sesshomaru turned and left as Koga stood dumbfounded.  In a quick second, he took a step to run after them before pausing at the sight before him.  With the split second, Kasami had taken her blade from Sesshomaru and held it slightly off of Koga's neck as she was prepared to fight.  Koga stood very still as he glanced up to see Sesshomaru turn slightly to smirk.  The Wolf Demon angrily sighed as he took a step back, “Alright, alright, just go.”

Leaving the wolf pack and a demon race who were allied to her own was sentimental for Kasami.  She glanced towards Sesshomaru and felt even more pleased to know he had went out of his way to bring her back.  Whether or not he would eventually care for her as she did him was still a far off question.  

Out of nowhere, Sesshomaru stopped walking.  They had barely made it off Koga's land before Kasami picked up on a familiar presence.  She looked straight ahead and felt instant relief when Inuyasha and his human companion emerged from the trees.  Kasami remained by Sesshomaru's side as Inuyasha rapidly approached them, “Kasami!  Get away from Sesshomaru!”

“Inuyasha, i'm fine,” Kasami took a step towards Inuyasha, “You don't need to worry.”

“That bastard left you to be taken by Naraku and you're forgiving him!?” Inuyasha's temper flared as he pointed a finger towards Sesshomaru, “If you stick with that asshole, he'll just-”

“You will watch your tongue!” Kasami slapped his finger away from Sesshomaru, she got in Inuyasha's face as she growled, “I've been through Hell the last few days and the last thing I want is to fight with you!”

“Now, now, guys,” Kagome nervously tried to intervene, “Why don't we just-”

“Mind your own business!” both Kasami and Inuyasha stated towards Kagome.

“Kasami,” Sesshomaru took a step forward, “If the introductions are already made, we should leave my half-brother and his human on their own.”

“She's not going anywhere with you!” Inuyasha stated towards Sesshomaru, “I can't stand the sight of you, but i'm not leaving her alone with you.  If she doesn't leave with me, then you're not going anywhere with her without me.”

“Inuyasha...we can't just follow Sesshomaru.  He's tried to kill us before..” Kagome commented anxiously.

Kasami calmly stated to Kagome, “I will not allow him to hurt you or Inuyasha.  I swear on my life.”

There was tension in the air as Sesshomaru and Inuyasha glared at each other.  Kasami and Kagome looked over at each other, only to sigh at the circumstances they were in.  Without anymore words stated, Inuyasha and Kagome joined Kasami, Sesshomaru, and Jaken out of Koga's land.  It was a silent walk, no one wanted to say a word without offending the other while Sesshomaru and Inuyasha kept glaring at the other from time-to-time.  Kasami was glad that she could spend time with Inuyasha again, but like this?  It was hard to say anything with getting a death-look from either brother.

Around sunset, Sesshomaru stopped and had Jaken prepare a fire.  Inuyasha went out to get food, from what he stated, for only himself, Kagome, and Kasami.  Sesshomaru went for his own personal walk.  Kasami and Kagome remained by the campsite where both of them sat on the soft, green grass.  Kagome fidgeted for a few moments before looking over at Kasami, “Do you love him?”

This question was out of the blue for Kasami.  She wasn't the type of woman to blush and giggle about what she felt, but she certainly was slightly uncomfortable for how forward the human was.  Kasami matched Kagome's gaze before answering, “Yes, he reminds me a lot of his father.”

“Wait..did you and their dad...?” Kagome's eyes widened.

This time Kasami smiled softly as well as chuckle slightly, “Of course not.  Inu no Taisho would have never approached me in that sort of manner.  His feelings were for his first woman and Izayoi.  I was his servant and right-hand, there was no room for me in his personal life.”

The two women sat in silence for some time.  Kasami then excused herself so she could see where Sesshomaru was.  She followed in his footsteps before finally finding him over-looking a vast valley.  He was watching the full moon rise in the distance.  Kasami approached him from behind and then stood at his side, “By the looks of the sky tonight, it should rain tomorrow.  We should find shelter for the day before continuing our travels.”

He didn't respond to her statement.  She had no idea what he was traveling for.  Surely he'd like to go back to his father's home and remain there for some time to run the lands.  Kasami toyed with the necklace he had given her earlier.  A part of her felt he needed to apologize, but she knew he wouldn't.  Sesshomaru was filled with too much pride for himself and his race to know he was the one at fault.  She wouldn't hold it against him.  Her feelings for him were too strong and she knew she would forgive him nonetheless.  Kasami then murmured, “Thank you, this necklace and you taking me back were beyond what I had hoped for.”

Again, he didn't respond.  The sky started to darken as the full moon rose slightly above the horizon after a short time had passed.  She slowly looked to the corner of her eyes when she noticed Sesshomaru's facial expression seemed calmer than she had ever seen.  Kasami slightly turned herself to face him and asked in a hushed whisper, “Are you feeling well?”

“I did not originally plan to keep you for long,” Sesshomaru answered as he kept his gaze on the moon, “It seems my intentions have changed.  There is no need for you to leave, you will remain here.”

Maybe Sesshomaru wouldn't speak as elegantly like his father did, and maybe he wouldn't bend on his knee to request for her services.  But, Kasami was more than elated to know that Sesshomaru still needed her.  A small smile crept onto her lips as she chuckled beneath her breath.  She faced the rising moon again as she murmured, “As you wish.”

*~*~*~*
Later
*~*~*~*

Sesshomaru would not sleep anywhere near the camp where Inuyasha slept.  Kagome slept eagerly as did Jaken, but Inuyasha remained awake with Kasami.  He kept glancing over at the necklace she wore for a few moments before she asked him, “Are you curious?”

He glared at the ground for a few moments before grumbling, “That was my mother's...”

“It originally belonged to me.  I gave it to your mother,” Kasami commented matter-of-factly, then seemed concerned, “Are you really worried about me, Inuyasha?”

Inuyasha was not like Sesshomaru.  Kasami could read Inuyasha inside and out.  She could easily tell he was, indeed, worried about her safety.  Where she was flattered, Kasami also knew that she still belonged to Sesshomaru as well as had strong feelings for him.  She moved her feet closer to the fire as she asked, “Remember when we traveled so much while you were growing up?”

This brought a smirk onto Inuyasha's face as he recalled the fond memories of hunting.  Kasami felt more content as she reminded him of all the good times they had together.  She scooted closer to him and placed a hand on his shoulder, “You're a good man, Inuyasha, you're mother is always proud of you.  If she were able to see you now, she would-”

Inuyasha's demeanor changed.  Kasami watched as he stood up abruptly, “Inuyasha?”

“I know what you're doing..” Inuyasha stated beneath his breath as he took a few steps away, “You know why i'm going after the Sacred Jewel and-”

“No I don't know why you are, but I told you before not to go near that wretched thing!” Kasami hissed angrily as she, too, stood up, “That jewel brought nothing but trouble before and now you're seeking it again?  Why?  Why destroy all that is good around you?”

“I want to be a full-fledge demon!” Inuyasha growled, as to not wake the others in their heated argument.

Kasami flinched.  Her eyes widened as she took a step back at what Inuyasha had said.  Had she not seen that look of anger in his eyes?  The look of resentment he had towards her and all full-demons?  Those eyes held the same anger and hurt as the day his mother died, and he had beckoned Kasami to replace his mother's grave.  Apart of her hurt more for his anger than for his desire.  She took a few quick breaths before forcing herself to calm down.  Inuyasha angrily looked away as he murmured, “You wouldn't understand...”

“Of course I would,” she retorted as she took a step closer to him, “Everyone seeks out power and-”

“You're a full Moon Demon who has been given everything!  You're a privleged race of selfish rat-bastards,” Inuyasha lashed out.

Kasami snatched Inuyasha's ear and led him away from the sleepy campfire.  She dragged him as Inuyasha protested each step of the way until they were far enough away from the camp.  Then, Kasami thrusted Inuyasha away from her, “Repeat what you said.”

“Wha-?” Inuyasha looked over at Kasami as if she had three eyes, “Wait, what are you-?”

“I said,” Kasami cracked her knuckles slowly, “Repeat.  What.  You.  Said.”

Each knuckle she popped, Inuyasha's ears perked up from the memories.  Every time she had beaten him from a misdeed or saying something profane, she would pop her knuckles and beat him senseless.  Inuyasha took a step back as fear enveloped his mind, “Just wait a minute, i'm just mad!”

“And i'm mad because you're making it seem as if I had the choice of being created a full-demon when it's no ones fault!  Are you going to sit and blame your parents for creating you?  Izayoi would have given her life for you and your father made sure you would be safe and gave you a sword that would ultimately give your more power!  If there's anyone being selfish here, it's you!” Kasami raised her voice to Inuyasha, “So if you keep your attitude this way and you get to be a full-demon, then...then..”

“Say it,” Inuyasha teased as he glared at Kasami, “Say it, you don't have the balls.”

“Then you will not show your face to me again,” Kasami calmly stated as she crossed her arms, “I will not see you in any other form rather than this.  If you cannot accept who you are the way I do, then there's no reason for you to seek me out any longer.”

It took every ounce of strength for her to say those words.  She had helped give birth to him, she raised him after Izayoi passed, and protected him as he grew even more.  Kasami watched as Inuyasha's reaction to her words finally sunk in.  At first, he was just as surprised she had said that.  Then, his expression changed to indifference before turning and walking away.  She wanted to stop him.  She wanted to take back her words and promise to say anything like that again.  However, Kasami remained still.  Those words were spoken and she would keep to her own promise.  She turned and walked in the other direction before walking up a small hill.  When she reached the peak, she glanced down to see Sesshomaru sleeping in the grass.  Kasami walked down to his side where she layed in the grass as well, though she didn't sleep through the night.

*~*~*~*~*
The Next Day
*~*~*~*~*


Kasami had only slept for a few hours just before sunrise, only to find herself waking to the sound of Jaken wheezing to put out the distant fire.  She turned onto her side to see if Sesshomaru was awake.  By the absense on her side, she figured he was wide awake and preparing to depart sometime soon.  Kasami turned onto her back and looked up at the cloudy sky.  She was right, it was going to rain soon.  So, she forced herself to stand up and fixed her hair rather quickly.  The argument with Inuyasha still rang loudly in her mind as she thought of the last words she said to him.  Kasami walked casually towards the camp from last night.  If he was still there, she would apologize to him.  She may not agree with him on becoming a full-demon, but that didn't mean she would remain angry with him.  When Kasami walked over the intial, small hall to the camp, she saw that it was empty.  Only Jaken remained as he beat out the warm sticks from the fire.  Kasami's heart sank to know that Inuyasha left without saying goodbye.

“Inuyasha and his human departed early this morning,” Sesshomaru approached from her side view, “Just as well.”

It wasn't too long afterwards that Sesshomaru led the way away from the camp.  For hours they traveled without much talking.  Finally, Kasami walked to Sesshomaru's side, “Is there a certain place we're going to?”

“This sword you have given me has yet to work for me.  In a village north of here is a priest who guards a sacred scroll that can tame any sword,” Sesshomaru explained as he kept his gaze ahead, “You will go ahead and prepare for my stay there.  Have the human expect my visitation.”

Kasami stared up at Sesshomaru for a few moments before chuckling to herself.  Sesshomaru was used to having a life of leisure and prestige.  So, Kasami took off in lightning speed as she weaved through thousands of trees and miles of grasslands before she came across a village habitated by humans.  She stopped to catch her breath as she gazed over the humble village.  Kasami was about to take a few steps forward until she stopped.  The sound of someone choking for air nearby caught her attention.  She glanced this way and that before she found the source: a female child lay on her back on the ground, her throat had been torn into and her kimono was half ripped from her body.  By the bite marks on her skin and torn kimono, she must've been attacked by wolves.

She hesitated before going to the child's aide.  It had been nearly a century since she had helped an actual human and it came back to her quickly.  Her hands and grasp were gentle, she couldn't be as strong as she wanted.  Kasami's hands lit up with a bright, white light over the child's wounds.  Within minutes, the girl's breathing had cleared and had a steady heart beat.  The child's eyes gazed at her unsteadily for sometime before she sat up.  Kasami then stood up and began to walk away before she heard the child begin to scurry behind her.  She looked over her shoulder to see the girl struggled to stand, taking a few steps forward to follow Kasami.  This was slightly irritating for Kasami, she hadn't planned on taking care of another child besides her own for centuries to come.  

“Find your parents,” Kasami murmured before walking away from the girl, who then continued to follow her.

This time, Kasami spun around and snatched the girl by her frail shoulders and stated as her eyes glowed a bright white, “I said leave!”

The girl remained perfectly still as she gazed up at Kasami.  This only angered the Moon Demon as she tried to figure out how to keep the girl away from her without harming her.  Kasami released the girl from her grasp and turned back around.  Perhaps if she just ignored the girl, the human would just run off on some little pretend play..or whatever human children do.  Instead, Kasami continued into the village to run her errands regardless if the human child followed her or not.  To her dismay, the child did.  When Kasami had the Headman of the village informed of Sesshomaru's stay, the child followed her.  When she went to the manor the Headman offered, the child followed her.  Even as Kasami prepared the manor for Sesshomaru, the child still continued to follow her.  At this point, Kasami was growing tired of having this child following her around wherever she went.  The Headman had even asked if the child was her daughter, which Kasami eagerly answered with a 'no'.  

As soon as Kasami had finished the preparations, she turned the the child who was smiling out a window at a butterfly.  Kasami, who had only dealt with one child in her lifetime, did the only thing she could that she used to do on Inuyasha.  She grabbed the child's ear, gently in this case due to her fragile species, and tugged her out of the manor and back outside, “You will go back to your home and remain there.  I have no use for your kind following me nor does my master.  Find your parents and remain home.”

“I don't have a home,” the girl finally spoke up.

Kasami let go of the child and glanced down at her.  It was then clear to her; how the girl had died, why no one was looking for her, and why she had been following her around for hours.  This child had no family to go to.  There was no one in this village who wanted to care for her.  Kasami bit her bottom lip in confusion.  As much as she did want to help the child out, she couldn't just take in orphans when she was voluntarily serving Sesshomaru.  He certainly did not need a little girl getting into trouble when he had his own errands to run.  It certainly wasn't fair to the girl either to just be disbanded by the one person who saved her life.  

“Go to the back of the manor and sit in the kitchen.  I will deal with you at a later time then,” Kasami sighed, there was no way she could let herself be heartless to a pitiful human child.  Sesshomaru would have to understand this.
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