InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Remnants of the Spider ❯ An Omen of Things to Come ( Chapter 13 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Lady Sianna 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 10.19.2009 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.0K | Visits: 267 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 10.19.2009 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.0K | Visits: 267 | Status: Work In Progress
Remnants of the Spider
An Omen of Things to Come
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The early morning sun filtered through the canopy of trees, creating erratic patches of light and shadow on the grassy forest floor. The light sound of buzzing insects, and the occasional calls of various birds and other small creatures were all but unheard by the demon lord who passed them by.
As Sesshoumaru made his approach to the village, the various aromas that bombarded his senses were all but ignored, save for one. The miko‘s. When he first noticed it, he had almost expected it to disperse, and sweep away with the moderate breeze that occasionally drifted through the shady forest. However, as he drew closer and closer to the old miko’s village, the woman’s scent only grew stronger. He could not deny that it thoroughly aroused his curiosity. Obviously, the woman was still alive, and he, Sesshoumaru, intended to find out exactly how such a thing was possible.
“Here let me help you!” said Kagome as she took the elder miko’s arm. Carefully she helped lower the priestess to the tami padded floor. Borrowing the young miko’s strength, Kaede seated herself against her selected wall. She was having a bit of difficulty sitting under her own strength these days, so she’d taken to using the sturdy walls of her hut for support.
With a soft grunt, the elder miko settled in and slowly crossed her legs in front of her. She placed a hand on her abdomen and winced quietly before a light sigh passed from her lips. “Thank ye child.” she breathed as she picked up the nearby mortar and pestle. She scooped up a handful of the herbs Kagome had collected earlier and placed them in her mortar before setting to work. “After all these years, it seems my age is finally catching up to me.” she said quietly, a small wistful smile tugging the corners of her lips.
Kagome kneeled next to her. “Are you alright Kaede? You’ve been having a lot of stomach pains lately.”
The elder miko shook her head to indicate a negative response. “Do not worry over this old one. It is nothing more than the aches and pains of one who has lived a long life.” Kagome frowned, clearly unconvinced. Quickly changing the subject she continued, “Would ye be so good as to fetch me some water child? When I am finished preparing the herbs, we will begin your next lesson.”
Kagome gave her a hesitant nod, before rising to her feet. Walking to the far corner of the room, she selected a large pail, and headed for the exit. “I’ll be right back.” she told Kaede, as she pushed aside the old straw panel that served as the hut’s door. Her attention still focused on the elder miko, Kagome took no note of the imposing form standing before her until she crashed right into and armor plated chest. “Oh!” she cried as she began to rub the side of her face. She stepped back and looked up into the golden irises of Lord Sesshoumaru. “Sorry about that.” she apologized quietly.
The demon lord stared down on the diminutive female. It was her. The young priestess called Kagome. She was standing here right in front of him when he was certain that she had died weeks ago. As he continued to watch her, he vaguely realized that she was speaking to him. What she was saying however, was lost to him as he was still attempting to grasp the fact that she was actually alive.
“Sesshoumaru? Are you listening to me?” she asked again, her brows drawn together slightly.
“What?” he asked, having finally heard a portion of what she was saying.
“I was asking what you were doing here.”
Shortly after her inquiry, he could vaguely hear Jaken rambling on about her rude manner of speech, to which the woman was arguing that she had simply asked a question. He however remained indifferent to their ridiculous bickering. Instead, he kept trying to find the right words to voice the question that had plagued his mind since he discovered her scent in the forest. “Are you not dead?” seemed a bit foolish. “Are you a specter?” was somehow worse. And, “Are you not human?” was no good, as she obviously was. What do you say to someone who is supposed to be dead?
Finally he stated, “I witnessed your death.”
Kagome frowned. “Oh, right!” she said after a moment, an uneasy chuckle following her words. “Well, I’m all better now.”
Though the experience was not as unpleasant one would imagine, it was still somewhat discomforting to talk about her own death. She hadn‘t expected to have to tell the tale again. He was the first one to mention it in weeks.
“Clearly.” he intoned dryly, drawing her attention again. “How is this possible?”
The young miko glanced over her shoulder to the small dwelling behind her, before turning back to him. “I’m kinda busy right now. I need to go get some water. If you don’t mind coming along with me, I can explain on the way.”
“Girl, you will answer Lord Sesshoumaru right here and n--!”
“Jaken.” the demon lord silence the small demon with the single utterance. He turned his attention back to the female, giving her an almost appraising look. He held no particular desire to accompany her on her chore, but he would have to endure her presence either way. He supposed it really did not matter if they remained here, or went somewhere else. “You will explain.” he told her.
Kagome stared at him for a moment. “So that means you’ll come with me?”
A curt nod was her response, to which she smiled brightly.
“Jaken, you will remain here with Rin until I return.” The little toad demon looked as if he would argue, but a sharp glare apparently made him reconsider.
“Y-yes milord.”
The demon lord then turned his attention back to the woman, apparently waiting for her to lead the way. “Oh, umm… it’s this way.” she said as she made her way passed him. He quickly fell into step, and the odd couple walked side by side. As they made their way to a stream that served as the village’s primary water supply, Kagome explained her unusual tale. She described the events of her death, and told him of the spirit priestess who was gracious enough to send her back. By the time they made it to the stream, she had completed her little story.
Sesshoumaru watched as she kneeled to the water, and filled her large pail. Her account was unusual. Admittedly, his experience with humans was very limited, but he was relatively certain that this was not a usual occurrence for their kind. In fact, it was unusual for any creature. What was so special about her?
“So,” she said suddenly, jarring him from his thoughts. “now that I’ve told you my story, maybe you’ll tell me what you’re doing here.” She lifted her pail and slowly began walking back toward the village.
“Rin requires the guidance of a human female.” he told her as he again fell into step along side her.
“Ah,” Kagome nodded. “so you brought her to Kaede.” she said more to herself than him. She shot him a covert glance, a small smile on her lips. For a moment or two, they simply walked in silence, then she looked to him again. “You actually care about her don’t you?”
The daiyoukai gave her a cool glance, and for a moment, she didn’t think he would respond. “Do not ask questions you already know the answer to.” he finally said.
The miko’s smile spread into a full grin. “Right. Well I think she cares a lot about you too. Don’t you think she’ll miss you if you leave her here?”
“The situation has already been explained to her. She well understands that she can no longer travel with me.”
Kagome nodded again. “Do you mind if I ask why?”
Glancing at the woman again, he briefly wondered if he should entertain her question. After a moment however, he decided that it was of no consequence. “I have reclaimed my father’s territory in the west. My attention is needed to oversee the construction of my fortress there.”
“Really?” Kagome asked, sounding slightly surprised. So he was building a fortress? As in a castle? It was funny, but she’d never really considered where he went when he wasn’t’ around. Now he would be residing in his father’s domain. In the west. “So who’s doing the actual building?” she asked, genuinely curious.
“Many of my father’s partisans and associates still reside on the land. They are constructing the citadel as we speak.”
“Oh.” she nodded. Just then, Kaede’s hut came back into view. Rin, who was now awake immediately hopped from Ah-Un’s back and came to greet her.
“Lady Kagome, it’s so good to see you again! Did Lord Sesshoumaru tell you that I’ll be staying here in the village from now on?!”
Smiling, Kagome sat her pail on the ground and greeted the girl with a warm embrace. “Yeah, he was just telling me. You seem pretty happy about it.”
Rin smiled warmly. “I’m really happy now that I know you’re here! I thought it was just going to be me and Lady Kaede. And Ah-Un.” she added when she heard the dragon grunt behind her.
“Kagome?!”
All eyes turned to see the hunched form of Kaede. She was now standing in the doorway, apparently having become impatient for her water. Kagome immediately went to her, and helped her back inside. She told her that she’d bring the water in soon, and she took a moment to explain about Rin, before going back outside.
“Let me go you insolent child!!” Jaken’s shrill voice grated against her senses.
“I won‘t!” Rin yelled playfully, as she held him securely in her arms. The girl was bigger now, but Jaken was still a demon, and no doubt could escape her grasp if he genuinely wished to do so. Kagome smiled, well aware that his reluctant display was just for show.
“You know you‘ll miss me too Master Jaken!” said the young female as she continued to hold him close.
“I will not!” he squawked vehemently. “Now release me this instant!”
Rin held on just a bit longer, before finally putting him down. He huffed, and immediately began making a show of straightening his clothes. His continued grumblings went unheeded as the girl’s attention turned to the inu youkai. “I hope you will visit soon my Lord!”
For a moment, he simply looked down on her, and Kagome had the distinct impression that he was having a more difficult time with this departure than he would want anyone to believe. Finally he responded with a curt nod, to which Rin smiled brightly. “I expect your behavior to reflect the guidance I have granted you.” he intoned quietly.
“Of course my Lord. I will be on my very best behavior.” She gave a low bow, before turning to face Kagome again.
“Kaede was really glad to hear that you’ll be staying with us. If you want, you can go and help her. She’s inside preparing herbs for a medicinal salve.”
“Okay!” the girl chirped enthusiastically before prancing cheerfully to the hut.
Kagome smiled again before turning her attention back to the demon lord. “Well, I guess this is goodbye.” Just as she reached for the pail, Sesshoumaru’s voice gave her pause. “You are studying under the old miko?”
She released her hold on the pail, and turned to look at him again. “Yeah. But I’ll probably be finished within the next couple of months.”
“What will you do once you have completed your training?”
Kagome’s brows drew together slightly. She wasn’t sure why, but something about his line of questions bothered her. “I haven’t decided yet. Why do you ask?”
The demon turned away from her to stare at some unknown point in the distance. A short time passed before he answered. “The old miko smells of illness.”
Kagome’s eyes widened. She wasn’t sure what she had been expecting him to say, but it certainly was not that. The questions he’d asked her coupled with this new information did not bode well. Plus there were the mysterious stomach aches Kaede had been having as of late. Immediately, her mind began to whisper of the unfavorable possibilities, but she quickly brushed them away. Maybe she was just overreacting. “W-what kind of illness? Like a cold or something?”
“No.” He was only slightly familiar with human ailments, much of his knowledge centering on Rin. He understood what a ‘cold’ was, and he was also familiar with other minor human infirmities. The illness he scented on the old miko however, was not something he could identify.
Her features marred with concern Kagome asked, “Do you have any idea what it is?”
He turned back to her. “As you can well imagine, my knowledge of human disease is limited at best. The illness I detected in her scent is something I have not encountered before.”
Kagome swallowed dryly. She didn’t like the way that sounded. Not at all. For a moment she became lost in her thoughts, but a movement at the edge of her vision drew her attention. Sesshoumaru was still there. It was then that she understood his unspoken concern. “If you’re worried about Rin… don’t be.” She took a deep steadying breath, exhaling slowly through barely parted lips. “If… if something should happen to Kaede, I will take care of Rin.
Sesshoumaru stared at her, and without consciously thinking it, he realized that she was worthy of his trust. The miko called Kagome, was a puzzle to him, but if he knew anything about her, it was the fact that as long as she drew breath, his ward would remain alive and well. He had witnessed first hand, the woman’s tenacity to aid and protect not only those she cared for, but also those with whom she shared no particular bond. With a curt nod, he spun away from her. Kagome watched as he disappeared into the tree line from whence he came, her mind mulling over the information he had given.
Kaede was sick. She allowed her thoughts to wander, considering possible illnesses, and their various outcomes. After a moment or two, she decided she needed more information. The elder miko tended to brush her off whenever she asked about her health, so she would have to be careful with how she proceeded. She would watch the miko, and make note of her signs and symptoms. Maybe she could figure it out. Since she was still able to go to her own time, she could always go to the library, or use the internet to look up possible illnesses that matched her symptoms. Maybe it was nothing serious, and she would be able to bring medicine from her time.
Feeling worlds better, she lifted her pail, and turned back to Kaede’s hut. Breathing deeply, she allowed the gentle breeze to caress her cheeks, almost as if to comfort her. She loved Kaede, and very much wanted to see her remain alive and well for as long as possible. But, she also remembered the strange and beautiful place she had visited at her own death. It had been so peaceful there. So remarkably serene. Kaede would see it eventually, but hopefully she would do so later, rather than sooner.
She took a couple of steps toward the hut, but paused and glanced over her shoulder. In the distance, she could see movement in one of the tall trees at the edge of the village. The branches swayed slightly, but not in rhythm with the wind. She and Sesshoumaru had not been alone. Someone had been watching them the whole time. Kagome rolled her eyes. She resumed her slow pace to the hut, stopping briefly to pet Ah-Un on each of its heads before she went inside.
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Traveling at his usual leisurely pace, Sesshoumaru attempted to sift through his many various thoughts. He should have been thinking about the construction of his new home, and matters concerning the formation of his empire, but his mind reverted again and again to thoughts of that woman. Kagome. The last time he had seen her alive, she had aided him, preserving his life in the process. Yet, she seemed to think nothing of it. Any other, would have boasted, or attempted to lord it over him, but she did not. As he thought about it, he realized that he would not have expected her to. His brief encounters with her told him that she was not the sort of person who would indulge in such things.
As his mind wandered back to his most recent encounter with her, he considered the somewhat lengthy exchange they had shared. He, Sesshoumaru, called no one friend, and yet the conversation he had held with the miko could be described as nothing but companionable. It was the first time he had spoken with her at length, and while it was unusual, it had not been nearly as distasteful as he would have imagined.
As the wind shifted, and swept across his powerful form, a strange feeling surged through him. The woman was alive, and it had not been he who saved her. He had been reluctant to interfere, but that day on the charred and bloodied battlefield, he had decided to bring her back from the dead. It had been Tensega itself, which had stayed his hand. In an exchange known only between himself and the sentient blade, the sword had told him that it was not his place to intervene. And so he did not. He walked away, knowing that he would never see her again. He had been relieved in a small way. With her death, he would never have to recall what she had done for him. He would never have to be reminded of the day a mortal woman had saved his life.
But…
She was alive, and well. He would have to see her each time he returned to the village to check on Rin. This unexpected turn of events put him in a predicament he had never experienced before. Essentially, he owed the woman his life until such time as he was able to save her live as she had saved his. It was an undesirable state of affairs, but he understood that it could have been considerably worse.
The fading scent of hanyou informed him that he was no longer being followed. He was well aware that his brother had observed his interaction with the miko. The whelp’s overprotective tendencies, it seemed, were still well intact. The thought was enough to wash his previous tension away. He was suddenly revisited the idea that had occurred to him before the battle with Naraku. He owed the woman a debt of honor, and he would see it repaid without fail. In the mean time however, perhaps he could entertain himself… at Inuyasha’s expense of course.
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Alone in a spacious room, a huddled form sat trembling on a large futon. Cradled tightly against her chest, a luxurious white baboon pelt hung from her clenched fingers and pooled in her lap.
“It is all my fault. I should have run away. I should have gone with him!” Izanami chanted over and over to herself, as she rocked back and forth in a vain pursuit of comfort. When she had finally managed to get away, she’d used the map Naraku had given her to find the village he had spoke to her of. She had been forced to take Mai and Akira, but that had not been a problem. She only needed to tell him that she was unable to release the dragon in such a short period of time. If only she could have found him, and convinced him to wait for just a little while, she knew he would still be alive.
As none of them were experienced with reading maps, they had had difficulty finding the village. Finally, they managed to locate a neighboring village. When asked, the village headman informed them that Naraku had been killed. The heartless old crow seemed happy about it. Izanami whimpered quietly at the thought. She had been so distraught and heartbroken, that she fled the village immediately. For several days she had confined herself to her room. The pain and guilt had been indescribable. In fact weeks later, she continued to cry herself asleep each night. It wasn’t until a few days ago that she had been calm enough to recall that she’d forgotten to ask the name of her intended’s murderer.
And so, unable to see to the task herself, Izanami sent Mai, and Akira to seek out the information. So far, they had not discovered the culprit. She was certain that it had to be Inuyasha, or one of his comrades, but she wanted to know specifically which one of them had murdered her love.
Suddenly, a series of light taps on her shoji drew the miko’s attention. “Enter.” she announced between breathless sobs. The door soon slid open, the cat demoness, Mai stepped inside. As much as she and Akira distrusted that Naraku, they could not deny that he seemed to make Izanami happy. It had been extremely difficult seeing the young woman so terribly distressed. They had done everything they could to lift her spirits, all while making excuses to her parents for her strange behavior. When assigned the task to discover Naraku’s murderer, they had initially been reluctant. But their desperation to see the miko begin the process of mending her shattered heart, had made the decision for them. Finally, she had the answer he Lady sought.
She walked across the room, an kneeled at the Lady’s bedside.
“Lady Iza. I have obtained the information you requested.”
“Tell me.” she instructed quietly.
“My Lady, are you certain you wish to know? It will change nothing.”
“I said tell me!!” the miko ground out, her voice hoarse from crying.
Mai sighed quietly knowing Izanami’s display of temper was just a result of her still grieving heart.
“The one who killed Naraku was a young miko. Her name, is Kagome.”
________________________________________________________ _______________
An Omen of Things to Come
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The early morning sun filtered through the canopy of trees, creating erratic patches of light and shadow on the grassy forest floor. The light sound of buzzing insects, and the occasional calls of various birds and other small creatures were all but unheard by the demon lord who passed them by.
As Sesshoumaru made his approach to the village, the various aromas that bombarded his senses were all but ignored, save for one. The miko‘s. When he first noticed it, he had almost expected it to disperse, and sweep away with the moderate breeze that occasionally drifted through the shady forest. However, as he drew closer and closer to the old miko’s village, the woman’s scent only grew stronger. He could not deny that it thoroughly aroused his curiosity. Obviously, the woman was still alive, and he, Sesshoumaru, intended to find out exactly how such a thing was possible.
“Here let me help you!” said Kagome as she took the elder miko’s arm. Carefully she helped lower the priestess to the tami padded floor. Borrowing the young miko’s strength, Kaede seated herself against her selected wall. She was having a bit of difficulty sitting under her own strength these days, so she’d taken to using the sturdy walls of her hut for support.
With a soft grunt, the elder miko settled in and slowly crossed her legs in front of her. She placed a hand on her abdomen and winced quietly before a light sigh passed from her lips. “Thank ye child.” she breathed as she picked up the nearby mortar and pestle. She scooped up a handful of the herbs Kagome had collected earlier and placed them in her mortar before setting to work. “After all these years, it seems my age is finally catching up to me.” she said quietly, a small wistful smile tugging the corners of her lips.
Kagome kneeled next to her. “Are you alright Kaede? You’ve been having a lot of stomach pains lately.”
The elder miko shook her head to indicate a negative response. “Do not worry over this old one. It is nothing more than the aches and pains of one who has lived a long life.” Kagome frowned, clearly unconvinced. Quickly changing the subject she continued, “Would ye be so good as to fetch me some water child? When I am finished preparing the herbs, we will begin your next lesson.”
Kagome gave her a hesitant nod, before rising to her feet. Walking to the far corner of the room, she selected a large pail, and headed for the exit. “I’ll be right back.” she told Kaede, as she pushed aside the old straw panel that served as the hut’s door. Her attention still focused on the elder miko, Kagome took no note of the imposing form standing before her until she crashed right into and armor plated chest. “Oh!” she cried as she began to rub the side of her face. She stepped back and looked up into the golden irises of Lord Sesshoumaru. “Sorry about that.” she apologized quietly.
The demon lord stared down on the diminutive female. It was her. The young priestess called Kagome. She was standing here right in front of him when he was certain that she had died weeks ago. As he continued to watch her, he vaguely realized that she was speaking to him. What she was saying however, was lost to him as he was still attempting to grasp the fact that she was actually alive.
“Sesshoumaru? Are you listening to me?” she asked again, her brows drawn together slightly.
“What?” he asked, having finally heard a portion of what she was saying.
“I was asking what you were doing here.”
Shortly after her inquiry, he could vaguely hear Jaken rambling on about her rude manner of speech, to which the woman was arguing that she had simply asked a question. He however remained indifferent to their ridiculous bickering. Instead, he kept trying to find the right words to voice the question that had plagued his mind since he discovered her scent in the forest. “Are you not dead?” seemed a bit foolish. “Are you a specter?” was somehow worse. And, “Are you not human?” was no good, as she obviously was. What do you say to someone who is supposed to be dead?
Finally he stated, “I witnessed your death.”
Kagome frowned. “Oh, right!” she said after a moment, an uneasy chuckle following her words. “Well, I’m all better now.”
Though the experience was not as unpleasant one would imagine, it was still somewhat discomforting to talk about her own death. She hadn‘t expected to have to tell the tale again. He was the first one to mention it in weeks.
“Clearly.” he intoned dryly, drawing her attention again. “How is this possible?”
The young miko glanced over her shoulder to the small dwelling behind her, before turning back to him. “I’m kinda busy right now. I need to go get some water. If you don’t mind coming along with me, I can explain on the way.”
“Girl, you will answer Lord Sesshoumaru right here and n--!”
“Jaken.” the demon lord silence the small demon with the single utterance. He turned his attention back to the female, giving her an almost appraising look. He held no particular desire to accompany her on her chore, but he would have to endure her presence either way. He supposed it really did not matter if they remained here, or went somewhere else. “You will explain.” he told her.
Kagome stared at him for a moment. “So that means you’ll come with me?”
A curt nod was her response, to which she smiled brightly.
“Jaken, you will remain here with Rin until I return.” The little toad demon looked as if he would argue, but a sharp glare apparently made him reconsider.
“Y-yes milord.”
The demon lord then turned his attention back to the woman, apparently waiting for her to lead the way. “Oh, umm… it’s this way.” she said as she made her way passed him. He quickly fell into step, and the odd couple walked side by side. As they made their way to a stream that served as the village’s primary water supply, Kagome explained her unusual tale. She described the events of her death, and told him of the spirit priestess who was gracious enough to send her back. By the time they made it to the stream, she had completed her little story.
Sesshoumaru watched as she kneeled to the water, and filled her large pail. Her account was unusual. Admittedly, his experience with humans was very limited, but he was relatively certain that this was not a usual occurrence for their kind. In fact, it was unusual for any creature. What was so special about her?
“So,” she said suddenly, jarring him from his thoughts. “now that I’ve told you my story, maybe you’ll tell me what you’re doing here.” She lifted her pail and slowly began walking back toward the village.
“Rin requires the guidance of a human female.” he told her as he again fell into step along side her.
“Ah,” Kagome nodded. “so you brought her to Kaede.” she said more to herself than him. She shot him a covert glance, a small smile on her lips. For a moment or two, they simply walked in silence, then she looked to him again. “You actually care about her don’t you?”
The daiyoukai gave her a cool glance, and for a moment, she didn’t think he would respond. “Do not ask questions you already know the answer to.” he finally said.
The miko’s smile spread into a full grin. “Right. Well I think she cares a lot about you too. Don’t you think she’ll miss you if you leave her here?”
“The situation has already been explained to her. She well understands that she can no longer travel with me.”
Kagome nodded again. “Do you mind if I ask why?”
Glancing at the woman again, he briefly wondered if he should entertain her question. After a moment however, he decided that it was of no consequence. “I have reclaimed my father’s territory in the west. My attention is needed to oversee the construction of my fortress there.”
“Really?” Kagome asked, sounding slightly surprised. So he was building a fortress? As in a castle? It was funny, but she’d never really considered where he went when he wasn’t’ around. Now he would be residing in his father’s domain. In the west. “So who’s doing the actual building?” she asked, genuinely curious.
“Many of my father’s partisans and associates still reside on the land. They are constructing the citadel as we speak.”
“Oh.” she nodded. Just then, Kaede’s hut came back into view. Rin, who was now awake immediately hopped from Ah-Un’s back and came to greet her.
“Lady Kagome, it’s so good to see you again! Did Lord Sesshoumaru tell you that I’ll be staying here in the village from now on?!”
Smiling, Kagome sat her pail on the ground and greeted the girl with a warm embrace. “Yeah, he was just telling me. You seem pretty happy about it.”
Rin smiled warmly. “I’m really happy now that I know you’re here! I thought it was just going to be me and Lady Kaede. And Ah-Un.” she added when she heard the dragon grunt behind her.
“Kagome?!”
All eyes turned to see the hunched form of Kaede. She was now standing in the doorway, apparently having become impatient for her water. Kagome immediately went to her, and helped her back inside. She told her that she’d bring the water in soon, and she took a moment to explain about Rin, before going back outside.
“Let me go you insolent child!!” Jaken’s shrill voice grated against her senses.
“I won‘t!” Rin yelled playfully, as she held him securely in her arms. The girl was bigger now, but Jaken was still a demon, and no doubt could escape her grasp if he genuinely wished to do so. Kagome smiled, well aware that his reluctant display was just for show.
“You know you‘ll miss me too Master Jaken!” said the young female as she continued to hold him close.
“I will not!” he squawked vehemently. “Now release me this instant!”
Rin held on just a bit longer, before finally putting him down. He huffed, and immediately began making a show of straightening his clothes. His continued grumblings went unheeded as the girl’s attention turned to the inu youkai. “I hope you will visit soon my Lord!”
For a moment, he simply looked down on her, and Kagome had the distinct impression that he was having a more difficult time with this departure than he would want anyone to believe. Finally he responded with a curt nod, to which Rin smiled brightly. “I expect your behavior to reflect the guidance I have granted you.” he intoned quietly.
“Of course my Lord. I will be on my very best behavior.” She gave a low bow, before turning to face Kagome again.
“Kaede was really glad to hear that you’ll be staying with us. If you want, you can go and help her. She’s inside preparing herbs for a medicinal salve.”
“Okay!” the girl chirped enthusiastically before prancing cheerfully to the hut.
Kagome smiled again before turning her attention back to the demon lord. “Well, I guess this is goodbye.” Just as she reached for the pail, Sesshoumaru’s voice gave her pause. “You are studying under the old miko?”
She released her hold on the pail, and turned to look at him again. “Yeah. But I’ll probably be finished within the next couple of months.”
“What will you do once you have completed your training?”
Kagome’s brows drew together slightly. She wasn’t sure why, but something about his line of questions bothered her. “I haven’t decided yet. Why do you ask?”
The demon turned away from her to stare at some unknown point in the distance. A short time passed before he answered. “The old miko smells of illness.”
Kagome’s eyes widened. She wasn’t sure what she had been expecting him to say, but it certainly was not that. The questions he’d asked her coupled with this new information did not bode well. Plus there were the mysterious stomach aches Kaede had been having as of late. Immediately, her mind began to whisper of the unfavorable possibilities, but she quickly brushed them away. Maybe she was just overreacting. “W-what kind of illness? Like a cold or something?”
“No.” He was only slightly familiar with human ailments, much of his knowledge centering on Rin. He understood what a ‘cold’ was, and he was also familiar with other minor human infirmities. The illness he scented on the old miko however, was not something he could identify.
Her features marred with concern Kagome asked, “Do you have any idea what it is?”
He turned back to her. “As you can well imagine, my knowledge of human disease is limited at best. The illness I detected in her scent is something I have not encountered before.”
Kagome swallowed dryly. She didn’t like the way that sounded. Not at all. For a moment she became lost in her thoughts, but a movement at the edge of her vision drew her attention. Sesshoumaru was still there. It was then that she understood his unspoken concern. “If you’re worried about Rin… don’t be.” She took a deep steadying breath, exhaling slowly through barely parted lips. “If… if something should happen to Kaede, I will take care of Rin.
Sesshoumaru stared at her, and without consciously thinking it, he realized that she was worthy of his trust. The miko called Kagome, was a puzzle to him, but if he knew anything about her, it was the fact that as long as she drew breath, his ward would remain alive and well. He had witnessed first hand, the woman’s tenacity to aid and protect not only those she cared for, but also those with whom she shared no particular bond. With a curt nod, he spun away from her. Kagome watched as he disappeared into the tree line from whence he came, her mind mulling over the information he had given.
Kaede was sick. She allowed her thoughts to wander, considering possible illnesses, and their various outcomes. After a moment or two, she decided she needed more information. The elder miko tended to brush her off whenever she asked about her health, so she would have to be careful with how she proceeded. She would watch the miko, and make note of her signs and symptoms. Maybe she could figure it out. Since she was still able to go to her own time, she could always go to the library, or use the internet to look up possible illnesses that matched her symptoms. Maybe it was nothing serious, and she would be able to bring medicine from her time.
Feeling worlds better, she lifted her pail, and turned back to Kaede’s hut. Breathing deeply, she allowed the gentle breeze to caress her cheeks, almost as if to comfort her. She loved Kaede, and very much wanted to see her remain alive and well for as long as possible. But, she also remembered the strange and beautiful place she had visited at her own death. It had been so peaceful there. So remarkably serene. Kaede would see it eventually, but hopefully she would do so later, rather than sooner.
She took a couple of steps toward the hut, but paused and glanced over her shoulder. In the distance, she could see movement in one of the tall trees at the edge of the village. The branches swayed slightly, but not in rhythm with the wind. She and Sesshoumaru had not been alone. Someone had been watching them the whole time. Kagome rolled her eyes. She resumed her slow pace to the hut, stopping briefly to pet Ah-Un on each of its heads before she went inside.
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Traveling at his usual leisurely pace, Sesshoumaru attempted to sift through his many various thoughts. He should have been thinking about the construction of his new home, and matters concerning the formation of his empire, but his mind reverted again and again to thoughts of that woman. Kagome. The last time he had seen her alive, she had aided him, preserving his life in the process. Yet, she seemed to think nothing of it. Any other, would have boasted, or attempted to lord it over him, but she did not. As he thought about it, he realized that he would not have expected her to. His brief encounters with her told him that she was not the sort of person who would indulge in such things.
As his mind wandered back to his most recent encounter with her, he considered the somewhat lengthy exchange they had shared. He, Sesshoumaru, called no one friend, and yet the conversation he had held with the miko could be described as nothing but companionable. It was the first time he had spoken with her at length, and while it was unusual, it had not been nearly as distasteful as he would have imagined.
As the wind shifted, and swept across his powerful form, a strange feeling surged through him. The woman was alive, and it had not been he who saved her. He had been reluctant to interfere, but that day on the charred and bloodied battlefield, he had decided to bring her back from the dead. It had been Tensega itself, which had stayed his hand. In an exchange known only between himself and the sentient blade, the sword had told him that it was not his place to intervene. And so he did not. He walked away, knowing that he would never see her again. He had been relieved in a small way. With her death, he would never have to recall what she had done for him. He would never have to be reminded of the day a mortal woman had saved his life.
But…
She was alive, and well. He would have to see her each time he returned to the village to check on Rin. This unexpected turn of events put him in a predicament he had never experienced before. Essentially, he owed the woman his life until such time as he was able to save her live as she had saved his. It was an undesirable state of affairs, but he understood that it could have been considerably worse.
The fading scent of hanyou informed him that he was no longer being followed. He was well aware that his brother had observed his interaction with the miko. The whelp’s overprotective tendencies, it seemed, were still well intact. The thought was enough to wash his previous tension away. He was suddenly revisited the idea that had occurred to him before the battle with Naraku. He owed the woman a debt of honor, and he would see it repaid without fail. In the mean time however, perhaps he could entertain himself… at Inuyasha’s expense of course.
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Alone in a spacious room, a huddled form sat trembling on a large futon. Cradled tightly against her chest, a luxurious white baboon pelt hung from her clenched fingers and pooled in her lap.
“It is all my fault. I should have run away. I should have gone with him!” Izanami chanted over and over to herself, as she rocked back and forth in a vain pursuit of comfort. When she had finally managed to get away, she’d used the map Naraku had given her to find the village he had spoke to her of. She had been forced to take Mai and Akira, but that had not been a problem. She only needed to tell him that she was unable to release the dragon in such a short period of time. If only she could have found him, and convinced him to wait for just a little while, she knew he would still be alive.
As none of them were experienced with reading maps, they had had difficulty finding the village. Finally, they managed to locate a neighboring village. When asked, the village headman informed them that Naraku had been killed. The heartless old crow seemed happy about it. Izanami whimpered quietly at the thought. She had been so distraught and heartbroken, that she fled the village immediately. For several days she had confined herself to her room. The pain and guilt had been indescribable. In fact weeks later, she continued to cry herself asleep each night. It wasn’t until a few days ago that she had been calm enough to recall that she’d forgotten to ask the name of her intended’s murderer.
And so, unable to see to the task herself, Izanami sent Mai, and Akira to seek out the information. So far, they had not discovered the culprit. She was certain that it had to be Inuyasha, or one of his comrades, but she wanted to know specifically which one of them had murdered her love.
Suddenly, a series of light taps on her shoji drew the miko’s attention. “Enter.” she announced between breathless sobs. The door soon slid open, the cat demoness, Mai stepped inside. As much as she and Akira distrusted that Naraku, they could not deny that he seemed to make Izanami happy. It had been extremely difficult seeing the young woman so terribly distressed. They had done everything they could to lift her spirits, all while making excuses to her parents for her strange behavior. When assigned the task to discover Naraku’s murderer, they had initially been reluctant. But their desperation to see the miko begin the process of mending her shattered heart, had made the decision for them. Finally, she had the answer he Lady sought.
She walked across the room, an kneeled at the Lady’s bedside.
“Lady Iza. I have obtained the information you requested.”
“Tell me.” she instructed quietly.
“My Lady, are you certain you wish to know? It will change nothing.”
“I said tell me!!” the miko ground out, her voice hoarse from crying.
Mai sighed quietly knowing Izanami’s display of temper was just a result of her still grieving heart.
“The one who killed Naraku was a young miko. Her name, is Kagome.”
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