InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Tears of Blood ❯ Healing Through Tears ( Chapter 5 )

Demoness: *yelling is heard* Don't you dare kick him you, slimy, worthless, asshole!

Sesshoumaru: It seems that she is watching her new Witch Hunter Robin DVD. How she can sit there and yell at a TV is beyond my comprehension.

Demoness: *walks into the computer room pissed off* That was soooooo not right! *takes a deep breath* Ok I'm better now and I have brought you the 5th chapter. *brings it from behind her back and light shoots from it as she holds it up*

Sesshoumaru: You couldn't find any better special effects than attaching gold strips of paper to the chapter and having a fan blow them from behind?

Demoness: *sighs and tosses the chapter onto the desk* What? I'm on a budget for this one. I'm getting better with updates, but this was a hard chapter for me to write. When I started writing it, it was just going to be a normal chapter in the story, but it turned into something more for me. I lost my mother in 2000 and when I wrote this it transformed into some of the memories I have of her and all the times we shared. I know this is a bit slow, but I wrote it and I do not plan on taking it out. Enjoy...

Disclaimer: *digs a hole and tosses a paper in and fills in the hole with dirt* Now they can never say I had a disclaimer...
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Chapter Five: Healing Through Tears

As the afternoon sun rose high in the sky, the small group had just passed though the castle's outer gates. Hakunetsu quickly debriefed the soldiers who then scattered to various parts of the compound to be with their families. Some men stayed behind in order to carry the stretchers to the healing ward of the castle. Both generals also accompanied the men, knowing that the healer would want an explanation and they knew that Iyasu would yell at the soldiers and chase them out with whatever she could use as a weapon.

The healing ward was located in the southern wing of the castle, along with the Library and various other rooms. The servants and soldiers rarely visited the wing unless they were dying because of the old youkai healer. Iyasu had held that position for longer than anyone could remember and they joked that she must have been built with the foundation. She had the `no nonsense' type of attitude which quickly made people rethink talking to her, even just to say `hello.'

Once the group had reached the stoic double doors that led into the ward, they stopped and exchanged looks of cowardice. No one wanted to open the doors, remembering what had happened when they did so before. No one said anything, but soon Shirin got annoyed with their lack of courage and opened the doors herself, earning a bowl thrown at her head. Luckily she was prepared for the attack and managed to duck just as it came at her from behind. She turned around, moving out of the entranceway, and glared at the old woman who was tending to an herb garden by the window. "Good afternoon to you too Iyasu," she grumbled before helping move the crimson haired demoness onto one of the beds.

Iyasu stopped what she was doing and walked over to inspect what had been brought to her this time. "Hakunetsu, I do wish you would stop bringing in strays from out in the forest. I have better things to attend to," she scolded.

He just ignored her as he placed the element demoness on a bed next to the other. `I know. Talking to plants like you are insane is such an extremely complicated job' he thought as he waved the soldiers out of the ward. They were all too happy to comply and practically ran out without having to be told twice.

Iyasu walked over to see what injuries the two had sustained and wasn't surprised at the severity. "What happened to them," she asked the two generals.

Shirin shrugged her shoulders. "We don't know. We just found them in a clearing on our way back here, but it looks like they were attacked by assassins from the Southern Lands." She pointed to the dagger embedded in the girl's back.

Iyasu sighed and made a motion to shoo them out the door, but Hakunetsu would not budge. "You cannot care for all of their injuries by yourself, though I know you think you can," he said moving around the ward gathering supplies. He had spent enough time here during his life and basically knew where the old woman kept everything.

She looked at the general and conceded that no matter how many things she threw at him, he wasn't going to leave until he wanted to. While he gathered the basics, she made some salves to put on the wounds that would aid their natural healing ability, as well as dulling the pain. When all the supplies were gathered they set to work.

~*~

It was late into the evening when the ward produced its first signs of life coming from its two new occupants. The black veil over Chitenshi's mind slowly lifted, bringing the outside world flooding back in. She felt the pain of her injuries spread over her body, but she wouldn't submit to the inky blackness again. She slowly opened her eyes and to her surprise, saw that she was in a rather large room instead of outside. Through her senses, she was able to feel Haily lying next to her and breathed a sigh of relief. Chitenshi tried to recall the events of last night, but bits and pieces were missing. She couldn't remember what had happened after she saw Nanashi on top of Haily. Her anger grew again as she saw the scene in her mind, but was forced back to reality when a sharp pain raced along her spine.

Wanting to relieve the pressure put on her back, she shifted her wings, attempting to prop herself up. However, the mending bone in her right wing made it difficult. Chitenshi ignored the pain and struggled into a sitting position so she could clearly see around the room and hopefully figure out where they were. Even in the dark she could make out the basic floor plan of the room and sensed that she and Haily were the only ones there. The room was quite large and Chitenshi sat in one of the beds in a row along a wall that ran perpendicular to the windows. She noticed various tables containing upon which strange bottles filled the salves and concluded that she was in some type of healing ward.

Chitenshi began to stretch out her legs and arms trying to rid them of their stiffness from not being used in hours. The muscles in her legs stretched fairly easily, but when she tried to move her upper body, the bandages that had been wrapped around her restricted her movement. Her whole upper torso was wrapped in cloth bandages and upon viewing her wrists she found them to be the same. `I always wanted to know what it was like to be a mummy. Guess I got my wish,' she thought much to her amusement and displeasure.

She carefully swung her legs over the side of the bed and placed her feet on the smooth wood floor, a bit shocked by its coldness. Grabbing the side she hoisted her body up and steadied herself until her legs decided that they wanted to cooperate. The feeling of `jello legs' soon passed and she looked down at her body and blushed a dark shade of red realizing she was only wearing bandages. Noticing a bundle of cloth at the edge of the bed, she grabbed it and hastily wrapped it around her body, glad to discover that it was a robe.

Glancing in Haily's direction she saw that the girl was still unconscious and decided against trying to wake her. `She'll just start yelling and shouting; then wind up waking the whole household. Until I know of who helped us and what their intentions are, I do not want to draw more attention to ourselves than needed.' With her last thought she padded across the floor towards the door and opened it, peering out into the dimly lit hallway.

Though the light was low, it offered more than enough light for Chitenshi to see by. Candelabras were burning, casting small arcs of evenly spaced light down the many corridors she traveled. To a normal person it would appear that this place held no life, but on the edges of Chitenshi's mind she could feel different auras and energies coming from other youkai who lived there. She kept a silent pace as she continued on her little quest, but almost faltered when a soft sound echoed in her ears.

Chitenshi brushed the hair away from her face and listened for the sound closely, hoping to follow it back to its origins. Increasing her pace she let her mind guide her, following the sounds to an ornately carved door. The deep rich wood had been carved with all different kinds of flowers in various patterns the concealed even the door knob. Such tricks could not work on Chitenshi. She quickly found the door knob and opened it so she could see in through the tiny crack created in between the door and its frame.

Seeing no imminent danger in the room she slowly, pushed the door open wide and walked inside keeping her guard up. Looking at the furniture and the different toys on the tables, she saw that it was a child's room. The room was simple and yet it felt safe and inviting, making Chitenshi feel more at ease. She walked to a small desk and looked over the various drawings that covered its surface. She smiled at the innocence the pictures held and remembered a time when she did the same thing.

A quiet sob interrupted her musings and she turned around to find two big brown eyes staring at her. Tears fell from the small girl's eyes and Chitenshi instantly wanted to comfort the girl. Remembering where she was and what she was doing, Chitenshi wanted to kick herself. `She's probably frightened beyond belief at seeing a stranger in her room. Nice going Chitenshi!'

Chitenshi bowed her head and made a move for the door. "I'm sorry, I did not mean to frighten you," she apologized as she gripped the door handle.

"The pretty angel lady didn't frighten Rin. Rin just had a bad dream and now Rin can't go back to sleep," the little girl said in between sniffs.

Chitenshi turned around and took a closer look at the child. She didn't appear to be more than seven or eight years old and was surprised to see that the child was completely human, in a place filled with youkai. Her hair was brown, but looked black in the light emitted from the candle on her bedside table, but her eyes made Chitenshi melt. They were so large and filled with an innocence that only a child could have.

Chitenshi gave a soft smile and moved to the girl's bedside and sat down next to her. "What was scary about your dream?" she questioned.

Rin wiped a few tears from her face and stared into Chitenshi's emerald eyes. "Rin was being chased by bad wolves through the forest. Rin just wanted to pick flowers, but they wouldn't leave Rin alone no matter how fast Rin ran. They were going to eat Rin!" she cried, throwing herself into Chitenshi's open arms.

She held the crying girl and rubbed her back, soothing her sobs. "Shhhh, it's alright Rin. No wolves will be able to get you now. I'll punch them in the nose if they try." She ran her fingers through the girl's hair until she looked up at her.

"Promise?" she questioned, looking to Chitenshi.

"Promise." She ran her fingers through the girl's hair one last time and then gently tapped her nose. "Now I think it's time for you to go to sleep. It's late and little girls need their sleep, okay?" Chitenshi laid the girl down and pulled the covers up around her small figure.

"But Rin can't sleep," she said letting a yawn slip out.

Chitenshi tried to think of a way to ease Rin back into the dream world and was struck with a sudden idea. "When I was your age and I couldn't sleep, my mother used to sing a song to me that chased away all my fears. Would you like me to sing it for you?"

Rin nodded and snuggled deeper into the covers. Humming the tune, Chitenshi let the words flow back into her mind along with the attached memories. The soft melody filled the room, casting away the lurking shadows, only letting the tranquil light remain. She let the song fill her whole body and began to sing.

Be brave little one.

Make a wish for each sad little tear.

Hold your head up though no one is near,

Someone's waiting for you…

Chitenshi watched her eyelids grow heavy with pending sleep and let a genuine smile grace her lips as she continued to sing.

Don't cry little one.

There'll be a smile where a frown used to be

You'll be part of the love that you see

Someone's waiting for you…

Always keep a little prayer in your pocket

And you're sure to see the light.

Soon there'll be joy and happiness

And your little world will be bright

Rin closed her eyes and fell into a dream that would only have a happy ending. Chitenshi felt the contentment coming from the girl and was glad that she could offer her comfort as her mother had done many years ago.

Have faith little one

Till your hopes and your wishes come true.

You must try to be brave little one.

Someone's waiting to love you…

As she finished, she stood from the bed and silently walked over to the balcony window and opened the doors, letting the sweet scent of the night flowers enter the room. Chitenshi inhaled the scent and remembered all the times she and her mother would sneak out of the house to go to a nearby field, just to admire the stars glittering in the night sky.

Chitenshi closed her eyes not wanting to remember those long forgotten times, but they overcame her. The good would always come with the bad and she accepted that fact as her mind was lost in one particular memory.

~Flashback~

Late one early winter's evening, after Chitenshi had been put to bed, her mother came in and silently beckoned her daughter to come with her. Chitenshi threw aside the covers to show that she was already dressed, shoes and all. She smiled, saying goodbye to her teddy bear Mr. Snuffles, and happily took her mother's hand, eager to begin the night's adventure.

Walking to the back deck, her mother removed the binding spells that hid their true appearances and powers. Both stood side by side and looked at each other with knowing smiles. With a final squeeze of their hands, they let their wings spread behind them in preparation. Not a sound was made as their wings gently lifted them from the ground into the waiting arms of the sky.

The cool temperature of the night air felt wondrous to Chitenshi. The wind rushed over her body, letting her float on its softness. The night poppies had just started to bloom, releasing their sweet scent to dance on the wind. Her mother flew beside her, looking like a true angel in the light of the moon. Occasionally she would take her hand and guide her higher into the velvet sky, spinning and twirling like little girls.

Her mother, Mitsuko, was one who could be considered a true demoness, at least to Chitenshi. She had a kind heart and soul that Chitenshi had never known in another. She would always try to help those in need and she did her best to care for her adopted daughter who had brought such joy into her life. She was beautiful on the inside with an exterior to match.

Her skin held a light shade of ivory that helped to accent her hair. The shoulder length strands looked as though they were spun from the purest gold and if one was to look close enough, they would see tiny white feathers woven throughout it. Her body held no markings except for one light pink stripe on each of her cheeks that brought out the deep rose color of her eyes. But a person could forget everything else about her with one look at the wings that lightly floated behind her. Their base color was a light shade of crème, molted with tiny brown specks starting at the juncture of her back that faded outwards towards the tip.

Mitsuko was a snow owl youkai, but to name her just by her species would never suffice. Above all else, she was a mother, a mate, and a pure light in the darkness. Chitenshi often stole glances at her mother, marveling in her light; secretly hoping one day to be just like her in everyway. Even though she knew that it would never happen, she was content to dream of the impossibility.

The pair set down in a hidden clearing at the edge of a lake that few knew about, or even dared to visit. Most came to the lake on a dare, but were soon faced with dark and mysterious occurrences that could otherwise be known as Chitenshi. Mitsuko tested her daughter in her developing powers by seeing how well she could patrol the surrounding area of the lake. She judged on the efficiency and how clever the traps were, and also on how many demons or humans she could make run away in fear screaming that the lake was haunted.

The mother and daughter had quite a few laughs over the easily frightened humans, who came to the clearing trying to prove their bravery like valiant knights, but who were soon forced to drop their lances and retreat with shame. The demons at least put up a better fight, only to be forced to return to their clans to face humiliation. Mitsuko let a small smile come to her face as she thought of the past visits while Chitenshi ran her test.

Minutes later, Chitenshi returned looking a bit sad at not finding any trespassers to torment, but her mood brightened at seeing her mother standing in the swaying grass. With a burst of energy from her wings she reached Mitsuko's position in only a few short seconds. She had planned on tackling her, but her mother always knew how to evade her attacks, including this one, by deftly moving to the side with one step.

Chitenshi did not have time to stop herself and tumbled over the ground, landing flat on her back staring into the amused rose eyes of her mother. "No fair, you moved," she pouted.

"Why wouldn't I have moved?" She eased herself onto the grass and helped Chitenshi remove all the stray blades of grass and leaves that had become entwined in the seven-year-old's crimson locks. "Though, I do say that you are getting faster Tenshi. You almost got me that last time."

Chitenshi beamed brightly at her mother and climbed into her lap, content to just be in her warm embrace. She stared into the night sky, scanning over the various constellations thinking over earlier that day. `Why would they say those things? They don't even know me.' Her mood darkened as the questions were asked

"Is something bothering you Chitenshi," her mother asked as she looked down at her daughter.

"Mom, why do people hate me so much?" She looked to her mother with innocent eyes clouded by confusion.

Mitsuko brows furrowed, at the suddenness of the question. She did not know why her daughter would ask such a question. "Chitenshi, why do you say that people hate you?"

Chitenshi looked at her mother with unshed tears in her bright emerald eyes. "I heard some kids talking about the stories they were told about my race. They said that humans and demons hated us and killed us for fun. Is that true?"

Mitsuko was taken aback by the statement, but lowered her head knowing that if she left the question unanswered, it would just be asked at a later time. She shifted the young girl in her lap so she was facing her and gently stoked back some of her crimson hair. Her voice was soft as she began, "Yes Chitenshi, what you heard is true. A century before I was born, the last of your kind was supposed to have been killed. Your race was brought to extinction by those who did not understand what true potential you hold and how kind your hearts are."

She gently cupped her daughter's cheek and looked at her with loving eyes, that wanted to give her the world, but she knew that no matter how hard she tried, it would never come true. "You should never let the words of others affect you. They will think what they like, but I know that you will show the world who you really are and what you can truly do."

Mitsuko picked up a small rock and cast it into the waving see of grass, releasing thousands upon thousands of fireflies into the sky. Their small lights illuminated the dark night, creating a masterpiece that was never meant to be captured on a canvas. "Chitenshi you are like those fireflies. You are a person who holds mystery and truth. You are a special girl that should never be caged because that is what others want."

Chitenshi absorbed all the words that had been said to her, making sure to memorize each syllable. She could feel the honesty coming from her mother and she knew everything would be alright in the end, but she still had a lingering question. "Will they ever accept me," she asked, pulling her gaze away from the fireflies.

Her mother wrapped a lock of her golden hair around her finger and let out a small sigh. "I do not know Chitenshi, but I think that if anyone can show them that they were wrong it will be you." She lightly tapped her daughter's nose causing Chitenshi to giggle in response.

The pair sat there for minutes just watching the dance the wind was performing with the night. Chitenshi laid her head against her mother's shoulder as her mind grew heavy with sleep, bringing her to the open and waiting arms of the dream world. She snuggled closer to her mother as she tried to keep sleep at bay, but she was losing the battle. Her voice became soft as she managed one final question. "Will you always be with me?"

Mitsuko smiled sadly at the innocent question. "I will be with you as long as I can be. Now get some sleep my tenshi."

As the moon crossed the sky, Mitsuko sat there watching the little girl that she had been blessed to know. "It is strange," she mused "how fate plays such a big part in out lives and we barely notice it. This angel was given to me when I thought I would never hear a child's laughter in my home. I had tried for so long to give Kousetsu a child, but we came to realize that it was an Impossibility."

She shifted Chitenshi in her arms so that the small girl would be more comfortable. "Then that dark night you were given to us by your mother and father who were unable to keep you safe in their time. Come to think of it, if your biological parents had not moved you forward in time and I met you now, you would be older than me by a little more than a century."

Mitsuko gave a wry grin at her statement and moved her gaze from Chitenshi to the star-studded sky just in time to see the first few snowflakes of winter dance their way to the ground. She held out her hand to catch them and then watched them vanish as though they had never landed. Seeing as the hour was growing late, Mitsuko gingerly stood up from the ground making sure not to jostle the slumbering Chitenshi. With one last look around the clearing she spread her wings and took to the sky.

The snow owl demoness arrived at their home only to find her mate waiting for them in Chitenshi's room with amusement shining in his eyes. He walked over and lifted Chitenshi from her arms and carried her over to the bed, laying her down. Mitsuko sat at the edge of the bed and removed her daughter's shoes and socks while Kousetsu retrieved his daughter's night gown from a dresser drawer.

With the two working in tandem, they had quickly changed Chitenshi and pulled the covers up around her. Both had said their `good nights' and left the room, but Mitsuko stayed a bit at the doorway looking at the tranquil face of Chitenshi. "One day Chitenshi. One day you will prove them wrong." She quietly closed the door and joined her mate in sleep.

~End Flashback~

Chitenshi stared into the full moon over head as a lone tear slid down her cheek. She hastily wiped it away, not wanting to cry again. She had made a promise to herself to never shed another tear, but that promise had been broken before and she knew it would only be broken in the future. `I should not linger here. The girl will be waking up soon and I do not wish for her think I was real. It would be better if she thought me to be some figment of her dreams.'

Chitenshi sighed and stole one last look at the moon and turned to head back inside. Had here senses not been dulled by injury, she would have felt the powerful aura of another behind her, watching her every movement. She reached for the handles on the glass doors in order to close them, but she was grabbed roughly by her arm and spun around to gaze into a pair of blazing gold eyes.

The clawed hand on her arm was taken away only to be placed around her throat, cutting off her air as she was lifted off the ground. Her feet dangled beneath her as her own hands worked desperately to remove the force from her neck. "Who…," she managed to gasp, looking down at the demon in front of her.

"Assassins do not have the right to ask questions," he said, his eyes narrowing at her.

Chitenshi grasped his wrist firmly in a last attempt, digging her claws into the soft flesh. "Not…assassin…," she forced out.

He didn't even flinch as the skin was pierced; it only fueled his desire to kill her. He dismissed her words as he slowly increased the pressure around her throat, wanting to make her suffer for attempting to kill his ward.

"Die," he said in a tone that felt like the artic winds from the north, but he was interrupted by a child's voice coming from the nearby bed.

"Sesshoumaru-sama?" Rin sat up fully in bed and looked to her protector in the dim light holding a woman she recognized from her dreams. "What is Sesshoumaru-sama doing with the pretty angel lady?"

Sesshoumaru turned to face the young girl, retaining his grip on Chitenshi. "Rin, do you know this woman?"

She nodded her head yawning. "The pretty angel lady helped Rin go back to sleep after Rin had a bad dream." She tossed back the covers and padded over to where he stood, gazing up at him with her chocolate brown eyes.

He saw the truth in the child's eyes and lowered the demoness so she could stand, but he did not relent in his hold of her neck. His eyes were emotionless as he spoke, but his tone softened when he spoke to the young girl. "Rin, go back to bed."

With that he dragged Chitenshi out of the room and down the same hallway she had followed in her search. She was having problems keeping up with his long strides, but she was glad that he had released his hold on her throat. `No, he decided that holding me by my upper arm to the point of breaking it was much more fun.' She pushed her body to keep up with him, not wanting to show how her injuries had affected her. She looked at the demon holding her with contempt at the rough treatment.

From her position behind him she could only see part of his face, but found that he had stripes similar to her own, despite the fact that his were magenta. His ears also resembled hers, but his hair attracted the most attention from Chitenshi. Its pure silver color astounded her, as well as the length of his hair. It flowed down his back and ended at his knees. The light from the candles on the walls was reflected in each strand of hair, creating the illusion of hundreds of highlight throughout the silver locks.

She was so lost in her own thoughts that she did not notice the light coming from around the corner. When Sesshoumaru stopped, she kept walking until his grip tightened around her arm, jerking her back and causing her to stumbled and fall. Only then did her release his hold on her.

Chitenshi hit the ground landing fully on her back and wings which succeeded in knocking the air from her lungs. Despite the sharp pain emanating from her right wing and middle of her back she forced herself not to make any outward sign that the fall had hurt her, but she knew he could see through her no matter what she did to hide it.

She looked up at him and found that he wasn't even looking at her, but straight a head. Turning her head she found a person holding candle to be standing in front of them. Even though her vision began to blurr as a result of pain and exhaustion, she could tell that the holder of the candle was an older demoness, a kitsune youkai. She saw the woman come towards her just before the blackness covered her mind, letting her slip in the unfeeling abyss.

~*~

Iyasu had come to check on her patient during the night and was quite surprised to find one of them gone. She had quickly grabbed a candle and followed the girl's scent which led her to finding not only her, but her Lord as well. Iyasu watched his rough treatment of the injured demoness and scowled; Sesshoumaru knew better.

As seeing and sensing the crimson haired girl lose consciousness, her scowled deepened. She stepped in front of Sesshoumaru looking at him and started to address him in a manner that showed none of the respect one would expect of a person talking to their Lord.

"I thought I had taught you better than this pup. I know you can tell that she is injured and yet you do not care. Not only that, but I know your delight in hauling her around like a dead carcass of some wild animal, and due to your manhandling, some of her wounds have reopened and have to be attended to. Pick her up and take her to the healing ward," she scolded not caring that his eyes had narrowed dangerously.

He regarded her with the same icy façade that he did for the rest of the servants and soldiers living in his castle, but he also knew that the woman was not one to be trifled with. He was about to refuse when she turned from him and walked away.

Iyasu turned back and saw him just standing there like a statue. "NOW PUP!" she bellowed and stood there, making sure he obeyed.

Sesshoumaru weighed his options and resigned himself to following the orders from Iyasu. He bent down and slipped one arm behind the girl's back and used his tail to wrap around her legs. He stood up and continued walking in a fowler mood than he had been when he first discovered her in Rin's room.

Chitenshi's head rested on his chest and her scent encased him, enticing his sensitive nose. Her took the smallest sniff and found it to be like the orchids that grew in the garden on the western wing of the castle. `At least she does not have an unpleasant scent.'

He quickly banished the though to the darkest recesses of his mind and glowered at the old healer. `That old woman is going to pay for this.'

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Demoness: Well there it is and before I update again with the sixth I would like at least two reviews. It would be really nice of you and I could bake you cookies and other things-

Sesshoumaru: Stop begging the readers for reviews

Demoness: *sighs* Alright, hope you enjoyed it and I'll try to type up the next chapter soon. *waves goodbye*

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