InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Gates of Heaven and Hell ❯ Misty Dreams of the Future Part I ( Chapter 3 )

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

The Gates of Heaven and Hell
 
Chapter Three
Misty Dreams of the Future Part I
 
Yuki-hime
 
AN: This is an alternate reality fanfiction to where I, Yuki-hime, am in complete control of this story. ^^ power trip alert! Warning: this fanfic is a KagomexSesshoumaru pairing. I'm going to do a short introduction that will lead into the first chapter. I don't want you completely confused. As I stated before, the only similarity to the series is that I am using the characters and likeness as well as certain plots, twists or etc from the series to push this little story along. To be sure that there is no confusion, I am listing the following characters the will appear. I hope this helps.
 
 
* I will not be listing my own original characters with the guide below.
 
 
romance: the romantic development between characters.
angst/drama: emotional developments.
action/adventure: adventurous content {battles, quests, journeys}
 
 
RATING: R
 
 
Character Guide:
Kagome
Sesshoumaru
Jaken
Rin
Inuyasha
Myouga
Kikyou
Kaede
Miroku
Sango
Kohaku
Kirara
Shippou
Kouga
Toutousai
Naraku
Kanna
Kagura
Hakudoushi
 
 
Guide:
“ ” the spoken words.
Any thoughts are in italics.
* for definitions or notes at the end of the story.
 
 
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The short trip seemed to take forever because of the uncomfortable silence that hung in the air. The tension could be cut with a spoon. Inuyasha's anger boiled over to the point that he was even snapping at Kikyou. Miroku thought he had never seen his friend this angry. `The anger can not be fully release.' His gaze slid to the demon holding the woman. Their arrival startled the villagers. All the demons known to them were deadly if their paths crossed.
 
As to tradition, Kaede greeted them with fresh water to quench their thirst after the journey. Sango and Miroku were surprised at how well the young girl hid her fear and anxiety. Her eyes never lingered longer than necessary at the new “guests”. Kikyou had trained her well.
 
The meal was eaten in silence but the brothers had barely touched the human food at their feet. Inuyasha surprisingly kept his cool through dinner; it was not until Sesshoumaru decided to bring up the conditions that he burst out.
 
“Priestess.” The formal icy tone in his voice drew everyone's attention. “We shall discuss the arrangements.” The demon lord was not going to hide from anyone, not even his hanyou half-brother.
 
She nodded, trying to prevent the coming bloodshed between siblings. “Of course, I have not forgotten. What are your demands, Lord Sesshoumaru-sama?” She questioned with a tone of respect in her voice. Inuyasha grunted but never took his eyes off of the dog demon.
 
Sesshoumaru paused as if silently waiting for Inuyasha to blow up. He was fully aware of the predicament he was in. The demon knew the hand maidens and Rin were safe simply because they were human. Jaken would not be murdered. The only worry that tugged at his mind was the unconscious woman in the bundle beside him. He spoke his next words carefully. “I require two rooms.” He knew the demand was a large one for such a small village, but Sesshoumaru would only make this claim. He could not risk Rin and the lives of his **“children's” safety if the target was Kagome. And he rarely felt this way. He was willingly risking his life though he could not explain why. The proud youkai could not bring himself to face those thoughts when they came to the surface, the prince would bury it again.
 
“Heh, and what do you suggest? Are we suppose to force the villagers from their homes for you?” Inuyasha's sharp tone cut through the air before Kikyou could reply.
 
“Inuyasha!” Her voice stopped him from further remarks. “Lord Sesshoumaru-sama, please forgive Inuyasha,” she bowed. The hanyou huffed at her words and actions.
 
“He has little understanding of the situation at hand.” He spoke harshly as he rose, turning to pick the sleeping woman off of the wooden flooring. “When you have made the arrangements, you may find me in the forest.” The group watched him leave with the bundle.
 
After the demon had disappeared outside, Kikyou turned her frustrations on Inuyasha. “If you want to defeat Naraku, you will have no other choice but to work with your brother! He will not relinquish his hold on that girl, Inuyasha. He knows that she will be able to assist us. Even more than with all of our powers combined.” She paused rethinking her words. `How can she be so in tune with that jewel?' She huffed and closed her eyes. `Is it the real thing? What have we been chasing?' *** “We can not take her from him because we have no right.”
 
Kikyou's words struck the half-demon. “We have a right if she holds the jewel.”
 
“No, Inuyasha, it is not that simple anymore. I believe she is deathly ill.”
 
“What?!” He burst out.
 
“Kikyou, how do you know?” Miroku's voice broke through.
 
“Her energy is different.” Her thoughts flashed to what she had seen. 'The jewel was melting into her body.' “But Sesshoumaru's actions confirmed it.” Her words were matter-of-fact as her eyes stared into space. `It was not a complete lie, just a guess.'
 
“How?” the monk asked again.
 
“He had her bundled in his garments and under a protective barrier yet, she still seemed… dead. I doubt that he, or even we, can know to what extent her illness will be but that is a reason why he wanted two rooms. I believe he does not want his pack involved in this or ill themselves.”
 
Inuyasha was speechless. 'Sesshoumaru was showing kindness to humans? It is unusual to see even Rin by his side. Now there are four?' His mind tumbled over this newly acquired information, trying to understand what might have happened to change his behavior since their childhood. Everyone's eyes watched him exit the hut.
 
Sango spoke quietly. “Kikyou, you said that the human's safety was `a' reason.” The priestess nodded. “What other reasons would Sesshoumaru be harboring?”
 
Everyone knew that the Lord of the Western Lands deeply desired more power. `What other reasons would Sesshoumaru have besides defeating Naraku?' the monk thought.
 
“Naraku us sure to attack again and quickly. I assume that he does not want the young women to be involved in that either.”
 
Sango nodded. Sesshoumaru did not seem the type to pull others into his business. `But he also is not the type to be around humans.' The miko's movements caught her attention. “Kikyou?”
 
Her silhouette stood in the door-frame, blocking the night sky and stars. “I must make preparations for the trouble I have invited into this village.” Her words struck a realization in the taijiya and monk.
 
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`It has been a week and still this woman sleeps.' The demon prince growled lightly. The unusual female did not stir as the youkai sat, lightly touching her hand and face. `Still no response.' The contact had become much gentler and serene since that first night.
 
* FLASHBACK *
 
Sesshoumaru made sure that Rin and the others were safely hidden in another hut before he retired to his quarters, which laid twenty feet away from Inuyasha's. At first, he believed he would feel some relief when releasing the creature, but that feeling was short-lived as he unconsciously began to miss her warmth. He refused to pick her up out of pride. Instead, he stayed by her side, never leaving the hut and never letting anyone in, other than Kikyou. Sesshoumaru cared for her by himself.
 
* END FLASHBACK *
 
A knock on the wooden walls caused the demon to remove his hand quickly. “Come.”
 
The priestess pulled the grass screen aside and entered the room. The body had not moved. “Lord Sesshoumaru-sama,” she greeted him. “I have more medicine for Kagome.” Kikyou laid the mixture beside the bed-mat as she sat to check the woman. Her hand rested on the female's forehead. “I see.” A sigh erupted from her throat, “Still no change.” There was a long pause before the miko broke the silence. “I believe that she was poisoned.” It had taken a lot of though and consulting nearby monks and experts with poison teachings but the miko felt certain that somehow Naraku was behind it. Though the how part could not be answered.
 
“I know. The antidote is one that cannot be attained. Only Naraku has the cure.” Sesshoumaru spoke letting his mask fade for a brief second. `It is better to explain what I know than to let Kikyou go ignorant.' The thought that she might be able to help possessed his heart with happiness for a moment. “It is his blood mixed with miasmic gas. She should be dead or the jewel at least tainted, but neither event has presented itself.”
 
The woman looked amazed and surprised as she felt. Never had she expected the day would come that Sesshoumaru would feel anything similar to compassion or love. `Especially for a human girl!' She suddenly remembered to nod at his statement, deciding to not question the source. “This means we must put her through the traditional cleansing rituals. There is a holy spring underground that we may use.” He nodded his approval reluctantly. “Shall we prepare her?”
 
The demon stood. “I shall prepare and bring her myself. Meet me at the bridge.” In a single motion, he ushered her to the door. His silver hair glinted in the sunlight's first rays. “Give me a moment.” The door fell into place, shielding the interior from outside eyes.
 
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Inuyasha didn't understand what the hell had gotten into Kikyou. `Why is she so willing to submit to his fucking will so easily?' He kept to the forest or the village until dinner, and only then did he retire early or off for a run before bed. He let his thoughts wonder to Kikyou and his uncertain future.
 
It had been almost ten years since that near fatal day. A lot had happened to them since then and he felt that she may hold a secret grudge against him now because of the fate that befell them. He recalled seeing her scars one day in the river. It had been a harsh reminder of what she had had to endure. `She never spoke of it...'
 
The marks ran from her right shoulder down diagonally over her chest, and back, to her waist area on the left side. `never told me how she managed to survive the attack from Naraku.' But it seemed to Inuyasha that now, his feelings were somewhat different. Although the two had been side-by-side for years, fighting against Naraku and his demons for the return of their forgotten peace and happiness, it seemed that they had grown apart. Now that he took a look back, it seemed that Kikyou had been distancing herself this whole time.
 
* FLASHBACK *
 
He had spoken the truth when he told Kikyou that he wanted to become human. When Inuyasha left her by the edge of the hut, he held no reservations about his decision. The moon was bright, shinning light through the trees and seeming to make the forest glitter with unknown anticipation. Even, now, alone in the quiet grove of trees, he did not think twice about the words he spoke or questioned what he felt.
 
He would have spoken his heart if she had not stopped him. He would have told her the truth. The truth of his love: that he had indeed fallen deeply in love with her. No human had ever shown him compassion other than his mother. She seemed to have so much respect and love towards a half-demon when everyone else had afraid of violent.
 
* END FLASHBACK *
 
`Can I still believe that I love her as deeply as I thought I had?' The strange dreams that filled Inuyasha's mind surfaced. `Can I still believe that she still loves me?' Since the arrival of Sesshoumaru and that strange girl, `the one that resembles a young Kikyou so much,' Inuyasha just couldn't keep the strange dream woman and her voice out of his head. She looked like Kikyou, but her face was always out of focus. The red and white miko clothing was his only way of identification. At first he thought her to be Sesshoumaru's woman, but he dismissed that quickly.
 
* FLASHBACK *
 
Her voice was hollow as she continuously repeated her silent omen. Her whispered words were lost to even Inuyasha's sharp ears. The rustling of the red hakama* seemed to echo off invisible walls that continued to drown out her cries. Inuyasha tried to move feeling a need to comfort her but he was frozen, unable to move or speak to her.
 
It appeared that she understood his dilemma and wafted in his direction. Her long black hair seemed to float in pools around her face. The hanyou squinted his golden eyes in an attempt to clearly see her features. Her hand gently stroked his cheek. In his mind he heard a female voice.
 
`Inuyasha, you are so caring. Do not you wish to become human?'
 
Her question shook him. `Kikyou!' Only Kikyou would ask him such a thing. `Why are you here Kikyou?'
 
She shook her head. `Please listen to me. Do you not care about the future of the ones you love?'
 
`Of course I do!'
 
`Then answer the question. Do you not wish to become human? To live happily ever after with the one you love? Would that not be heaven?'
 
Her words were meant to make him wonder about his decision of life as a human or death as a demon. If he chose to become a demon, Inuyasha would lose his human heart and compassion. He would fall into a bottomless pit of loneliness and solitude. His death would be the longest form of torture known to anyone. Yet, if Inuyasha chose to become a human, he would live and grow around people who love and cherish him. He would not live as long but it would be worthwhile.
 
Images of these events flashed into his mind. He saw his demon form slaughtering the ones he cherished and held close to his heart. Sango and Miroku's motionless bodies lay sprawled out, some of the limbs detached and laying feet away. Their blood soaked into the earth. He could smell their scent on his hands and clothes. Kikyou appeared from behind him. His mind screamed for her to run away, as far as she could get, but his lips only smirked. He silently cried as he watched her being ripped into shreds by his own claws.
 
Inuyasha felt that he was going to throw up. A gentle hand touched him again, bringing warmth and light. `Please, come see what could be if you chose to become a human.' She led him into a light.
 
A knoll appeared before him. He could feel the grass under his feet. The woman who was standing beside him a second ago was gone. When he turned to look behind him, Kikyou was running up the slope with a wonderful smile on her face. He opened his arms to her, suddenly noticing his hands were absent of his demon fingernails. The woman collided with him, wrapping her arms around his upper torso and demanding his full attention. From under his eyes, he could see his silver hair was black as a starless sky. In the distance, Inuyasha could see his segregate family. He went to wrap his arms around Kikyou but in an instance, this fairy tale vanished like it would never be.
 
Tears pooled in the corner of his closed eyes. `Why do you torture me? Are you enjoying my pain?!' His mind screamed at the motionless woman that appeared before him. `I just wanted…'
 
`It does not pleasure me to see your pain Inuyasha. I know what you wish and want. I am simply giving you the reality of your choice. No matter what you do, there can not be any doubt.'
`What must I do?'
 
`Make a choice. Human or demon.'
 
* END FLASHBACK *
 
“Heh, how am I suppose to chose that?” Inuyasha growled furiously. `Ten years has passed and you still don't know,' her voice rang inside his head. He froze. `Was she answering me?'
 
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Author's Note:
*** I thought I would let you all know how the jewel is shattered into pieces in a later chapter. ^^ Helps keep the suspense up. I had to split this `chapter' into three - I believe that is how many it will take! ^^
 
Hakama - the Sashinuki style of the Heian Period { 795-1192 } although the show takes place
in the Sengoku Period { 1467-1615 } I mention a year, 1552, which I use in my guidelines. ^^ If you think about it, say 2002 - 500 = 1502. I add the extra fifty years just cause. ^^
 
2002 - 500 = 1502
1502 + 5 { since the attack on Kikyou and Inuyasha } = 1507
1507 + 5 { Kagome's first appearance } = 1512
 
** CHILDREN - I made this up… ^^ …this is in reference to a demon tradition in which orphaned human children are adopted by a demon or clan. The children then live underneath the demon in return for his kindness and protection.
 
SIDE NOTE:
I don't know if I should point out ages but here are the general areas I'm thinking about. The first number is the character's age in the original series, the second is their age in my story. ^^
 
Kagome - { 15 } { 18 }
Sesshoumaru - { *appears 22/23 } { same since demons grow over longer periods of time }
Jaken - { 3000 } { same }
Rin - { 7/8 } { 11/12 }
Inuyasha - { *appears 17/18 } { 27/28 b/c he is a half-demon}
Myouga - { unknown } { same }
Kikyou - { 17/18 } { 26 }
Kaede - { 50+ } { 11/12 }
Miroku - { 16/18 } { 26/27 }
Sango - { 16/17 } { 25/26 }
Kohaku - { *appears 11/12 } { 12/14 }
Kirara - { unknown } { same }
Shippou - { appears 7 - 50 } { same }
Kouga - { appears 17/18 } { 27/28 }
Toutousai - { unknown } { same }
Naraku - { appears 23 - 50+ } { same }
Kanna - { appears 10 - less than a year } { same }
Kagura - { appears 17/18 - less than a year } { 22/24 <- Kagura appears slightly older }
Hakudoushi - { appears 10 - less than a year old } { same }
 
*This is a rough estimate in my opinion. There is no official age for Inuyasha or Sesshoumaru - not from Rumiko! { at least I think so. }
 
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