InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Sunset Love ❯ Deception ( Chapter 18 )

A/N - I must warn you that the first segment had been backtracked to give you a better understanding of what was going on in Sesshomaru's mind while under Sora's spell. So if it seems a bit repetitive please forgive me. It is something I rarely do but thought it necessary for this story line. Not to mention a few of us would just love to know how Sora captivated him so completely.

 

Also my excuses for not updating for a while.. if yer intrested..lol.

no inspiration, 2) a heavy irl workload, 3) computer problems.

 

I have no intentions of letting sunset love go dead until it is completed…lol. I'm just so slow cause of all the chaos around me.

 

Disclaimer - I do not own Inuyasha or any of the characters from that wonderful anime. They are the sole property of their creator.

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Chapter 18 ~ Deception

 

Sesshomaru watched as Ozeki entered the Council Hall and wondered why the general had left his post before Sora caught his eye. Everything faded away until there was only him and her in the long room, all else forgotten as her delicate scent filled his senses.

 

Suddenly, Kisho's commanding voice broke through the haze that had seemed to have fill his mind, pulling his attention back and allowing him to concentrate on the rest of the meeting. It had been hard not to look back at the captivating demoness, her flowery scent still lingering in the air around him, but he forced himself to keep listening to the arguments going on.

 

The sun had begun to set when Sesshomaru first sensed the rising blood lust of the gathered youkai. The talk of war had heightened and debates between human and youkai were getting heated. Both he and Kisho decided it would be best to continue the assembly after everyone had calmed down and called the meeting to an end until the morning.

 

Sesshomaru found the demoness' scent becoming stronger, sweetly beckoning him until his mind became clouded and all he could think of was seeing Sora. That was when he saw her weaving her way toward him through the slowly exiting crowd. The world tilted slightly and he felt his mind drift farther into the strange fog that seemed to have filled it.

 

When the Western Lord stepped around a strange bear demon that was blocking his path, Sesshomaru thought he heard Kisho call out to him but when he looked around all he saw was a youkai that he did not recognize. Confused, he dismissed it as nothing important and turned back to the approaching demoness.

 

Sora looked so beautiful, her shimming blond hair swaying loosely against the pale green kimono. Her seductive smile enticing him, pulling the young lord in her direction and he slowly became aroused at the beautiful picture the female youkai cast in the fading sunlight. Her scent was alluring, her swaying hips hypnotic and her porcelain skin seemed to glow with some inner light. Soon Sesshomaru felt himself become lost in her beauty and forgot what it was he was supposed to be doing. All he wanted was to run his claws through that perfect hair and taste her delicate lips.

 

“Sesshomaru!” A sweet voice called out to him, his name sounding like music as it drifted through the air, but it also held a trace of anger. It had not come from Sora and confusion built as his steps faltered.

 

That was when Sesshomaru saw her, leaning heavily against a bull demon and surrounded by others he felt that he should know but he could not recall their names. Even in what appeared to be a weakened state the woman was breathtaking, her mussed ebony hair falling around her like a halo interrupted only where the bull held her upright. The light pink kimono brought out startling blue eyes that seemed to look deep into his very soul as though weighing his worth. She was an angel more beautiful then anything he had ever seen and it confused him to as to why she would seek him out. He did not even know how she knew his name.

 

Why would an angel be calling to him? His mind reeled at the meaning behind it and his brows drew together in confusion as he looked between the two women. One the full-blooded inu youkai named Sora, he could recall her name as clearly as his own, and the beautiful angel that seemed angry about something, her pink aura flaring out like shimmering wings.

 

Sora's sweet scent drifted farther into his mind, making it impossible to think but the angel's aura washed over him with a calm purity that called to his inner beast. The angel was warning him not to go closer to Sora and he didn't understand why. He was inu youkai after all why would she not want him to be with one of his own kind?

 

“Great lord, do you allow all of your servants to act this way toward honored guests?” Sora demanded her voice harsh sounding compared to the angel's. Slowly, an anger built inside of him that he could not explain yet try as he might Sesshomaru could not pull that rage out of the depths of his soul while Sora's attention was directed to him. The impulse to go to her grew even stronger than it had been in the beginning. He felt all of his emotions draining away to be buried deep within as the demoness' voice wrapped around his mind and burrowed inside.

 

Sora's scent spiked in her anger, digging deeper into Sesshomaru's clouded mind, demanding he be with her. At the same time he felt his beast stir and rebel against the call. It wanted, no it demanded to be allowed to go to the angel and help her. She needed him more than Sora did and a hazy part of his mind reminded Sesshomaru that he had a duty to the angel, though he could not remember exactly what it was.

 

He heard a low growl and from the corner of his eye Sesshomaru watched as a single touch from the ethereal woman calmed one of her large guardians. That was when the wings seemed to expand until they wrapped around all of the creatures behind her as if holding them back. The angel only growing more beautiful with each spike to her powers but Sora's grip over him was too strong and he could not resist her scent.

 

Sesshomaru felt himself begin to walk toward the demoness, his feet moving against his will. He had to be with the inu youkai because the angel was angry and would not want a foul demon such as him. It felt wrong, but he could not stop himself. His beast raged inside, wanting only to be with the angel, his angel.

 

He could hear as she yelled out to Sora and heard the demoness threaten her. Anger stirred at the threat and Sesshomaru felt he had to break away from the demoness before she could hurt the weakened woman.

 

His anger was intensified as a bolt of miko like energy struck out at the female youkai, barely missing as she jumped away. Sesshomaru knew that the blast was meant to keep the inu youkai away from him and felt that angel was trying to protect him, though he could not understand why. She had so many guardians around her that surely he would never be allowed near the ethereal being.

 

Sesshomaru's anger deepened when he heard Sora's maniacal laughter drift through the air, her words lost to him yet he easily picked up on the threatening tone. He heard the angel yell in frustration, heard her body slump and her guardians steady her. Something was going on between the angel and the demoness but his mind refused to analyze the situation. His body only wanting to go closer to the demoness while his beast tried to get him to move away. It was both enraging and confusion as to why his normal control was lost to him when it was needed the most.

 

A chorus of growling filled his sensitive hearing and watched with a growing despair as Sora disappeared into the gathering darkness of night. The shadow filled corner giving away her secrets as surely as he could not feel anything other then resentment and hopelessness.

 

He was angry at Sora for leaving him there, trapped in whatever spell the demoness had cast over him, angry with the angel for chasing away the female inu youkai who seemed to be meant for him, and angry at himself for feeling the combined emotions that were both foreign and buried inside him with no way out. Sesshomaru felt as though someone had turned him to stone because he could not move or respond to the angel's sweet call.

 

Her voice sounded weaker but that did not take away the heavenly quality it held. Soft footfalls told Sesshomaru that she was approaching, his name on her lips like a pleasant summons. Someone was yelling but it was lost to him because even in the stone like state his full attention was on the soothing scent of a storm swept forest. It was growing stronger and he knew it must belong to the beautiful angel.

 

A light touch was all it took before Sesshomaru was ripped from the spell with a force that triggered the predatory growl. His clawed fingers gripping the woman's upper arms and felting her petite fingers dig into the underside of his forearms. Her touch had triggered so many memories that they flooded his brain with her images.

 

With in seconds, Sesshomaru relieved each time she had stood defiantly against him, her bow raised in defense of a hanyou, of her pleading his case with a group while he stood and watched, of her reading to two small children, one a human girl with a toothless grin and a red-haired fox kit, and of her flashing blue eyes as she dared him to do so many things he normally would not have done.

 

Emotions surfaced that he had not felt for a long while as he remembered her crying over something the hanyou had done or said, of her curled up with both children while they slept, or of her delighted cries as she mastered the new miko powers he taught her.

 

Her guardians were trying to separate them without bringing her harm and it angered Sesshomaru that they were trying to take her away from him. His eyes darkened with it and her name drifted across his thoughts. Kagome, the same woman who haunted his dreams for ten years now, she was his angel, the one who had left only to return when they needed her, no when he needed her the most.

 

“Sesshomaru, you promised,” Her voice washed over him like an omen, calling back the words he had spoken during her illness while a second shock swept through him as the words escaped her soft lips and tears filled her eyes. Other memories were summoned, ones he had buried long ago.

 

Memories of her sitting countless times under a star laden sky looking up wistfully at one shining orb or another, and the desire he had fought against even back then. She had always looked so beautiful, even in her woman-child state, that Sesshomaru had often found himself fighting against the desire to kiss her until she forgot all about the irrational hanyou. His honor and pride would not allow him to do that and he always had held the secret fear of Kagome's rejection.

 

That long forgotten desire swept through him like wildfire, causing his heart to beat furiously against his ribcage and warmth spreading through his veins. Unable to resist its call, Sesshomaru pressed his lips against hers in a fierce kiss, one that held so much of his hidden emotions.

 

He sensed her teeter on the brink of consciousness, felt when her slender body slumped against his and he raised slightly confused eyes to look down at her. Kagome had used up what little energy she had left to save him. Sesshomaru's mind was clearer now, both beast and thoughts easily becoming one. The past few moments slipped away and he looked at the group of youkai gathered around them as his arms wrapped protectively around the unconscious woman.

 

Sesshomaru was not certain as to what led up to him kissing Kagome, his mind drawing a blank as the last of Sora's scent faded under the miko's purer one. The others looked as though they expected something else to happen and it took a moment for Sesshomaru to regain his normally cold mask, emotions shown only in the golden eyes.

 

Even as he enquired to what had happened, Sesshomaru was certain of one thing. Kagome had once again saved him.

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The wooden door slammed tightly shut, the sound echoing through the long corridors. Four heavily armed youkai flinched at the assault to their sensitive hearing but none of them dared to reprimand the one responsible. Torches were hung in various places around the small room until no deep shadows where present. As an added measure, a strong barrier had been erected around the room, blocking out any form of eavesdropping from magical means or forced intrusions.

 

In light of current circumstances it was the perfect place to keep the prisoner. Every avenue of escape being effectively cut off by the presence of soldiers and the angry general who paced back and forth in front of the tied youkai.

 

Iyashii stared up at Kuro, watching the general's every movement. The angry aura rolling off the lion was enough to keep the inu youkai silent, even though he longed to find out exactly why he was being held.

 

When they had come for him, Iyashii had been searching through the shops of the village for something he could present to Kagome when she regained her health. Kuro had told him in clipped tones and small threats that he was being taken for questioning yet did not say what for.

 

The feelings of dread swept through Iyashii as they securely tied his arms behind his back with heavy ropes and lead him to the room he now sat in. The room had not contained any sort of furnishings and he had been forced to sit on the dirt floor though the undercurrent of magic tingled through his legs warning him of the barrier's presence.

 

Kuro seemed to be waiting for someone to arrive, his brisk pacing a sign of agitation. Iyashii sighed, thinking back over the last few days trying to find a small clue as to what sort of trouble he was in.

 

He had grown weary of the war talks after the first two days, leaving the meetings to his master's other spies. It was not his place to find out their attack details, he was here to discover the reason his master's men were killed and try to convince Kagome to help him regain his daughter.

 

Iyashii's thoughts settled on Sora and a shiver went through his body. She had to be the reason he was here, though what she had done was a mystery. Maybe she had turned him in for her own purposes, or had someone else set him up for something. He did not trust the demoness and sought to avoid her at all costs.

 

Perhaps that had been where the mistake had been. Iyashii silently reprimanded himself for not keeping a closer eye on the shape shifter. Now he was certain he would never be able to see his daughter again.

 

His thoughts were interrupted as the door swung open and he looked up into the golden eyes of the Northern Lord. Anger radiated from the inu youkai and there was a stone set to his features that had Iyashii wishing he were anywhere but here. He knew from the way Kisho was looking at him it would not be good.

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Two days past while Kagome slept, unaware of everything going on around her. Sesshomaru, on the advice of Tatsu and Kisho, had her moved to a room adjoining his own, Ozeki or one of the others always present to watch over her.

 

Sesshomaru also allowed Kuro, Inuyasha, or Kisho to accompany him everywhere in case Sora reappeared to work her magic over him. It irritated him, though no one would have guessed at it by the stone set of his face. He did not like the feeling of weakness that had taken a hold of him and he sought a way to break free from the inu youkai's spell.

 

Even interrogating the demoness' so-called younger brother did nothing to lighten his mood. Iyashii gave them very little information. Sesshomaru loathed the look of hopeless despair that had appeared on the younger Inu's face the moment he had entered the holding cell.

 

Iyashii had told them he would only talk with the young miko that still had not awaken. To Sesshomaru it was a means of stalling for time and he found himself reminding the youkai that there was no hope of escaping.

 

Kisho longed to be able to look after Kagome, maybe even get a closer look at the strange pendant without her knowing it, but his duty to Sesshomaru kept him from it. Questions about the young woman's origins plagued his mind, making it hard for him to concentrate on anything else at times.

 

The war talks finished on the first day and plans to start marching a part of the combined arm toward the Northern Boundary was in the works. Kisho wondered how Sesshomaru was going to be able to lead an attack without worrying about Sora distracting him. It would be likely that she would attempt something in order to by her master time in the battle.

 

Sesshomaru had heatedly denied that there was any possibility of it happening but the others were not so sure. They tried to reason with him that Kagome, who seemed to be the only one who could break the spell, would need to be with him. It was an argument that the young lord did not wish to participate in.

 

And on the eve of the first day, a stone-faced Sesshomaru marched toward the Western Boundary in front of the armies. Ozeki was the only one of the original rescue party that was left behind and even all of Kagome's male friends from her first adventure marched in those ranks. That left only the bear general, Rin, Kikyo, and Sango to watch over their sleeping friend.

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A dream of calling swept through the young miko, one filled of blood and distance voices that called to her, waking her from the world she'd slumbered in. It was still dark outside as something deep inside brought the young woman instantly to her feet.

 

Kagome had no way of knowing how much time had pasted since she had went to rescue Sesshomaru from Sora. Her mind was wide-awake, running in various directions as those ghostly voices still echoed through it. She could not understand what had happened and as the memories of what had occurred before she slipped into peaceful oblivion surfaced, she felt her face grow heated. The blush sweeping down through her body at the memory of Sesshomaru's lips on hers and she wondered what had caused him to actually kiss her.

 

It was so out of character for the great Taiyoukai but at the same time Kagome knew that it was probably just an effect of Sora's spell. A sigh escaped her as realization hit home and she suddenly became aware of how quiet it was.

 

There was no noise going on outside that was a normal occurrence even during the nighttime hours, nor was there a snoring bear sleeping curled up on the corner mat. To Kagome it was almost like the world had forgotten her, leaving her for dead in a room that was unfamiliar. This was not the room she usually woke to and it's silver and white trimmings were a bit unsettling to the young miko.

 

Quietly, Kagome slid the door open and peeked out into the hallway only to gasp when she saw the silhouette of Ozeki imposed against one of the darkened windows. The starlight shown behind him, giving the bear an unearthly look and even as she stepped forward, she knew that something was wrong.

 

Ozeki heard the soft thud of the door opening and knew by the scent that floated from inside that Kagome had finally awoken but in his silent depression the great bear found he couldn't not draw his eyes away from the star filled sky overhead. The moon was nothing but a slip, gleaming down through the few darkened clouds that seemed to have gathered around its brightness.

 

“What is going on Ozeki?” Kagome whispered, as she approached the bear youkai. For some reason she found she could not raise her voice any higher almost as if she were afraid to break the peaceful silence that had settled over the castle.

 

“Lord Sesshomaru has led one-third of the armies to war along the Western Boundary, lady miko,” Ozeki replied without looking down at her. His voice was as soft as her own as if he too felt the spell of the night. “And your inu youkai friend has been placed in the dungeons until you can question him.”

 

“Oh,” was all she seemed able to reply, the information slowly sinking into her stunned mind. She knew Ozeki was referring to Iyashii; because it would have been logical since he was suppose to be Sora's brother. But why had Sesshomaru dared to go out without her there incase the enchantress appeared during the heat of battle? If that were to happen he would certainly be lost to everyone.

 

“Take me to Iyashii,” Kagome sighed knowing that it was the first step toward something she could not name.

 

“Yes M'lady.” Ozeki pushed away from the wall and silently lead her to the room where the youkai was still bound. The guards dipped their heads to the general and miko as they passed but none moved to halt their passing. Even they seemed to be affected by whatever was shadowing the once active castle.

 

“You have come at last.” Iyashii's voice cracked and broke as he spoke. He looked haggard and his appearance was unkempt. The long pale blonde hair lay in tangles, dirt somehow finding its way into the matted strands, his plain gray kimono was ripped and there was old evidence that he may have taken a beating wherever the flesh was exposed.

 

“Iyashii what is going on?” Kagome asked as she knelt beside the weary youkai, Ozeki watching closely from the doorway.

 

Iyashii told her then, he told her everything, the fight having gone out of him when is amber eyes settled on her alive and well. He explained about his daughter and mate, he told her of Sora's deception, his own forced compliance, and every detail he knew of the master's plan.

 

By the time he was done, Kagome sat stunned that he had told her so much but when it sunk in that he had lost much already she became angry. How dare the so-called master hold a child hostage in order to gain this inu youkai's compliance. She was livid when she ordered Ozeki to make sure that Iyashii was properly cared for and looked over until he could regain his strength, and as she stalked back to her room another reason for the master to be purified was added to the swiftly growing list.

 

Ozeki hurried to do all that she had said; he too had taken the dog demon's plight to his heart and understood why Iyashii had done what he had. He might have even done the same if he'd been in the demon's place.

 

When he returned to the miko's room, Ozeki was in time to see her pulling the door to her room closed once again. She was dressed this time in the white haori and red hakama of a miko, her sword tied securely to her waist and the unusual yellow bag strung over her left shoulder. He knew what she was planning and had grabbed his own bag on the way to the room

 

“You don't have to go with me.” Kagome replied as she stepped out into the great hall. She dared not look up at him for fear of seeing something condemning in his dark eyes but when his footsteps fell into place with hers, she somehow knew that he was going to anyway.

 

“Yes I do.” Ozeki replied he too looked straight ahead as they walked. “I was ordered to keep watch over you. Not to mention you still have a few days left of being my mistress.”

 

The last was said with a slight chuckle as if he were actually looking forward to still serving under her and Kagome found herself smiling in spite of the rage she felt inside. She wasn't as innocent as she once was and knew that this was just the beginning of something much larger then just a skirmish at the Boundary. The young miko was determined though that her friends would not fight without her.

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Sorry everyone for the long awaited chapter… Things have been quite a handful here lately. And as I've stated at the beginning of the chapter, my reasons are pretty valid even though I wish they weren't.

 

Hopefully my next chapter wont be so long in the wait and the veil of writer's block will soon lift completely. Now if only I didn't have so much work to do…*sigh* such is life.

 

Thank you to all who've encouraged me to go on and continue the story, to all those of you who have reviewed.. and to everyone who has read this far into my ramblings. I hope I can continue to keep you on the edge of yer seats, grip yer hearts with endearing characters or even rile you up with my impossible villians..*evil grin* but the torment shall continue for now.. mwahahaha.

 

Much love

DJ aka AuroraNyte/l3lackroze