InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Hearts of the Lost ❯ Death Rattle ( Chapter 19 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Hearts of the Lost
By Kytenluvinu

Disclaimer: I do not own any of Rumiko-sama’s creations. But I do own sweet, little Daiki



Inuyasha stood with a look of shock. ‘It’s my fault.’ He thought to himself. ‘I gave her this burden. She will die because of me.’

Sesshoumaru slowly put the elderly miko down when Kaede told him Kagome was dying. For the second time in his life he felt guilt. Not because his lands were in danger, but because his love was. And he felt as if there was nothing he could do. The mighty Sesshoumaru felt like a weak failure.

“Kaede-baba.” Inuyasha stepped forward. “It’s because of us, isn’t it?” Inuyasha asked in almost a whisper. “She can’t fight it because she lost her miko strength when she mated youkai.”

Kaede slowly straightened herself and faced the hanyou. “No, Inuyasha. She is still powerful and stronger than when I last saw her. I don’t know what happened in these last five years. But her spiritual power surpasses even that of my sister’s.”

“Then what is the meaning of your assumption, old woman?” Sesshoumaru questioned was a fierce tone.

“Kagome still carries much power in her body. But her soul has been dramatically weakened. I believe her soul is being taken by some unknown source.” Kaede explained.

“Do what you can, woman. To restore my mate to me.” Sesshoumaru said before turning and leaving the hut.

Inuyasha watched him go and turned back to Kaede. “She is strong, stronger than I’ve ever seen her. She’s going to live isn’t she?”

“I know not, Inuyasha.” Kaede sighed. “But I know thee loves her. I can see it in you both. And if she loves you, she will fight.”
Inuyasha gave Kaede a tiny smile before going out to find his brother. Inuyasha knew they should both be by her side.




Kagome fluttered open her eyes and squinted at the light that brightened the clear blue ocean in front of her. She was back at the beach, and she was afraid.

“Oh no, the last time I was here I wound up crying. What happened for me to wind up here again?”

“Kagome?” It was the confused voice of Kikyou. “What are you doing here?”

“I was hoping you could answer that one for me.” Kagome frowned and stood up from the sand. “What is this place? And where is Midoriko?”

Kikyou looked out towards the vast ocean. “We come here to rest, when we are drained from fighting the demons in the Shikon no Tama. Here we gather our strength and prepare to destroy the three souls and completely purify the jewel.” Kikyou looked back at Kagome with a sad expression. “You aren’t supposed to be here. When you first appeared and Midoriko sent you back, I knew something terrible would happen.”

“What are you trying to say, Kikyou?” Kagome asked, wishing the older miko would get to the point.

“I’m trying to tell you, that you are trapped inside the Shikon no Tama.”



Kaede watched happily as Kagome opened her eyes and sat up slowly. She hoped Kagome’s mates would return soon to see they’re young miko awake. Kaede was confused at first as to why Kagome would suddenly awaken, but she could feel her strong soul just as vibrant as it always was.

“Ye are awake child.” Kaede said happily. “How are ye feeling?”

Kagome remained silent at first, then she reached for her neck and pulled off the necklace that hid the Sacred Jewel. She stared at it in awe then separated the ruby and the jewel once more.

“I’m sorry.” She said almost inaudible. “I promise to make things right. I just wish it was you to do this. Forgive me.” Kaede was confused as to why Kagome was speaking to the jewel, so she decided to ask.

“Kagome? What are ye doing?” Kaede watched as Kagome stood and headed to the door. She paused for a moment and took a deep breath. It felt good to smell the clean fresh air. “My name...is not Kagome.” She said before leaving the shocked Kaede alone in the middle of the hut.



Inuyasha finally caught sight of Sesshoumaru almost five miles away from the village. The hanyou was pissed that Sesshoumaru would travel so far away from Kagome. Even though both he and Sesshoumaru could be back there in an instant, Inuyasha didn’t want to leave Kagome’s side. But the younger of the two brothers wanted answers.

Sesshoumaru didn’t acknowledge his brother with not even a flick of his mokomoko-sama. But the taiyoukai was annoyed that Inuyasha would give this moment of peace he was so desperately seeking.

Inuyasha wondered why Sesshoumaru would choose such a nice place to sit and think. It was by a calm lake with beautiful wild flowers everywhere. But Sesshoumaru seemed at peace with his hakama rolled up and he bare feet dipped in the water. Inuyasha mimicked his brother and allowed the cool water to sooth his hot feet.

“Why did you leave?” Inuyasha asked after an uncomfortable long silence.

“The miko was not safe with our youki around her.” Sesshoumaru answered. “She cannot die.”

“And you think leaving her side would help her?” Inuyasha growled.

“I will not be responsible for her death.” Sesshoumaru sneered.

“Like you killed your other mate.” Inuyasha said quietly.

Before Inuyasha could blink he was held up by his neck by a red eyed youkai. “You know nothing half breed!” Sesshoumaru snarled in a demonic booming voice.

Inuyasha didn’t flinch, he merely looked down on his angry brother. “You think I don’t know. Myouga told me the story.” Inuyasha almost smiled. “You killed her, and you didn’t even know she carried your heir. Even you can make mistakes, eh, Sesshoumaru?” As quickly as he was held up, Inuyasha was dropped to the ground. “You killed her because she wasn’t good enough for you. But Kagome is too good for you, and you don’t want her blood on your hands.”

“You know nothing, Inuyasha.” Sesshoumaru said again before turning to leave.

Sesshoumaru flew until he was back at the village, standing in front the hut he left Kagome in. As much as he hated to admit it, his little brother was right. Kagome was too good for him, and he knew it. He would make things right and be by her side throughout this strange ordeal. That was the vow he made when he mated with her. That was the vow he made when he fell in love with her. She was the first woman he came to love. And he wouldn’t lose her and his potential heir. Not like before. Not like that traitorous wench his Mother had chosen for him.





Nearly sixty years earlier...


“My Son, Naniko will make a fine mate.” Sesshoumaru’s Mother, Maesoyumi smiled.

“She is weak, in body and spirit.” The indifferent Sesshoumaru replied. “She is hardly suitable for even a human male.”

“Such insolence!” Yumi growled. “Her lineage is proof of her strength, she will bear you a fine son.”

“Her lineage has nothing to do with her personal strength.” Sesshoumaru hissed through clenched teeth. “I will not stoop to mating a devious wench such as she.” With that last statement Sesshoumaru turned to leave.

“And what of your Father’s wishes.” Yumi almost whispered, causing Sesshoumaru to stop in his tracks.

“What of them.” Sesshoumaru responded without turning.

“Your Father wished for peace with the mainland, would you disregard your father’s wishes so easily?” Yumi knew she hit a sore spot with her words. Sesshoumaru had such deep respect for his father even after losing his life for a pathetic human woman.

“The moment I sense the smallest hint of betrayal, the woman dies.” Sesshoumaru didn’t wait for a response and left Maesoyumi with her victory.

Naniko was the obedient silent type. She held her tongue most of the time and never looked Sesshoumaru in the eye. It was infuriating. The wife of the Japanese had some say is home affairs. They dealt with finances and dealt with the servants. In fact that was all she was good for, ordering the servants about. But she was extremely uneducated and was useless for everything else. Even her duties in the bedroom. She refused the use of erotic toys and just laid there waiting for the taiyoukai to do his business, as she worded it. He detested her. He hated the women of the mainland and their unresponsive ways. Japanese women were exciting and educated but there were no Inu taiyoukai clans left in Japan. He had no choice.

He never spoke to her, only when necessary. Naniko saw him off like she always did when he went on his monthly inspection of his lands. The taiyoukai only glared at her and bared his fangs. Naniko never looked up to show him the fear in her eyes.

“Hurry and bear my pup, so that I can be rid of you.” Sesshoumaru said coldly, that moment was one Sesshoumaru necessary moments to speak to her. Naniko only bowed as she always did and responded in a quiet tone.

“Yes, My Lord. Forgive me for being unworthy.” Naniko said.

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes and took to the skies without looking back. It was three days before Sesshoumaru needed to return to recover a missing treaty he had forgot to give to the wolf youkai of the west. What he came home to was certainly unexpected. His young mate was in his chambers, which was forbidden unless she was there to copulate with him. Other than that, she had her own chambers. He stopped when he scented her arousal, what was she doing? Sesshoumaru stepped closer to the shoji screen, knowing with her inferior senses Naniko would not be able to detect him.

“Oh, Maeso. You’ve made me feel so good this last lunar cycle. I never knew life here could be so thrilling!” Naniko’s words shocked Sesshoumaru. Maeso? Sesshoumaru thought about the name. Then his eyes widened. Maeso, his cousin! His Mother’s nephew. Sesshoumaru had grew up with him. But Maeso moved to one of the Shikoku Islands to take over his father’s lands. He returned to visit Maesoyumi, that was a month ago.

“Naniko, remember what you are supposed to do for me?” Maeso smiled sinisterly.

“Of course my love. When Sesshoumaru drinks that poisoned tea, the lands will be yours for the taken. And I’ll finally be free of the beast of a dog.” Naniko laughed. But her joyous tunes were cut short rather quickly by Maeso’s gurgling cough. Before Naniko could react, Maeso was ripped apart and his entrails covered her naked body.

“So, you had plans to betray me, did you?” Sesshoumaru’s blood stained face lit up in a evil smile. “I will enjoy ripping you apart. Piece by treacherous piece.”

The servants of the castle covered their ears to the tormented screams.

Sesshoumaru had disappeared after the screams had finally stopped. One of the taiyoukai’s faithful retainers dared a peek inside the room the screams came from. The sight made him retch. From the horror it was impossible to tell how many beings were killed. Unidentified flesh was everywhere. Blood coated the walls, it was like both Naniko and her mystery guest completely exploded. One thing that the retainer did recognize was the cord of life. The piece of flesh that sustains the unborn pup until it’s birth. Naniko was with child, but both the pup and Sesshoumaru were gone.



“So, Aniki.” Inuyasha said in a hushed tone as he came up behind Sesshoumaru who was lost in thought. “Is this half breed worthy to know the truth yet. Or are you going to remain a dick about it.”

Sesshoumaru sighed for even his brother to hear. “She betrayed me, that bitch Naniko. She and my cousin plotted against me. They’re blood was sweet on my tongue. I relished ripping the hearts from they’re bodies. I didn’t know she...” Sesshoumaru paused. “His name is Ken’ichi. He was my first son. He died as a true taiyoukai. That was the proof of his parentage.” Sesshoumaru turned to face his brother and Inuyasha nearly stepped back at the unfamiliar and strange look Sesshoumaru gave him. The great Taiyoukai was regretful and hurt beyond words.

“I will not be held responsible for another death of those I care for.” Sesshoumaru stepped from the hut and took for the trees, this time Inuyasha didn’t follow.





“What the hell do you mean, I’m trapped in the jewel!” Kagome screamed. “How did this happen!”

“I don’t know, and I cannot find Midoriko either.” Kikyou said still stunned from meeting Kagome once again in he jewel. But this time Midoriko wasn’t there to help her out. “I cannot even sense her soul anymore.”

“Hmpf!” Kagome snorted. “I’ll find her.” Kagome sat hard on the ground and closed her eyes. She sat cross legged and rested her hands softly on her knees. Kikyou looked down and followed suit. She hadn’t done this since speaking Kagome in the cave. Kikyou knew they would be immensely weak from the ordeal when they find Midoriko, Kikyou knew she would have to guide Kagome back to the beach.

Both mikos remained silent for what seemed an eternity. Then a small flash. Kagome furrowed her brow but continued to concentrate. Kikyou saw the flash, but to her it only meant they were coming close to the truth.

Then another flash, this time with an undefinable shape. And another, each flash becoming quicker and more identifiable. Then sounds came, as first mumbles then clear words. Although the scenes passed quickly, Kagome could understand everything. Then suddenly she was standing over Midoriko. The priestess was dressed in modern miko clothing and lying in Kaede’s hut.
“Midoriko!” Kikyou exclaimed She reached past her material body and shook her soul awake. Midoriko woke to see Kagome and Kikyou.

“Midoriko, Naraku did this. He used the jewel to switch our souls. He did it, because he loves you.” Kagome said, remembering the flashes and seeing Naraku’s plans. Kagome could hear muffled sounds behind her, and recognized the voice to be Kaede’s. Kagome drew her attention from Midoriko and realized that Kaede could not see her and Kikyou standing before Midoriko.

“I’m sorry.” She said, drawing Kagome’s attention back to her. “I promise to make things right. I just wish it was you to do this. Forgive me.”

Kagome smiled softly. “We are the same soul, remember. We’ll do this together.”

“Kagome and I must return now, but we will help you. It is our responsibility also, Midoriko.” Kikyou smiled. “You should go, our mates will be returning shortly.” Midoriko smiled as Kagome and Kikyou disappeared.

Midoriko hasn’t smelled the clean air for over two hundred years. It smelled warm and like morning dew. She took a deep breath and was about to step out when Kaede’s voice rang I her ears.

“My name,” Midoriko knew her words would shock the old miko. So she opted not to tell much. “Is not Kagome.” Midoriko left the hut intent on finding Naraku.


Sayuri flew over the hut to see Kagome walking out. The little bird was happy to see her mistress up and walking.

“Kagome-sama!” Sayuri exclaimed as she landed gently on Kagome’s shoulder.

Kagome smiled at the bird. She knew Sayuri was to Kagome as Kirara was once to her. She knew she could trust the small youkai. “Hello, Sayuri-chan.” Kagome said happily. “Are you ready to go?”

“Go?” Sayuri questioned. “Go, where?”

“On another adventure. But first, I have something very important to tell you.” The miko knew the real Kagome would want her friend to know the truth. “Have you ever heard of the miko, Midoriko?”

Sayuri was confused. “Ano... yes, you told me about her already. And that you and she had the same soul. Don’t you remember?”

Kagome sounded sad. “No, I don’t remember. Because I’m not Kagome. Sayuri, I’m Midoriko.”


Sayuri flew high over the lands, contemplating all what Midoriko had told her. Midoriko. She was the priestess who had created the sacred jewel. She was the incarnation of both Kikyou and Kagome. Sayuri had believed the ancient miko’s words and knew to help her for Kagome’s sake. Sayuri searched the land as per Midoriko’s request. She would search for Naraku, so Midoriko can finally destroy him.



“SHE WHAT!!” Inuyasha screamed at Kaede. Needless to say the hanyou was pissed. Kagome was gone and Kaede just let her go.

“Ye do not understand, Inuyasha.” Kaede tried to explain.

“Forget it! I’ll find her myself!” Inuyasha didn’t wait for Kaede’s explaination, he would have to find Sesshoumaru first. If his elder brother returned to find Kagome gone, Kaede would never live to explain anything else.

Sesshoumaru was found returning to the village, a look of peace in his features. Inuyasha wanted to ask where he went, but that wasn’t important at the moment.

“Sesshoumaru, Kagome went off on her own.” Inuyasha said quickly.

Sesshoumaru growled low and didn’t respond. The taiyoukai sniffed the air for the scent of his mate. “Come, we must find her.” Sesshoumaru said as he picked his brother up by the scruff and summoned his youkai cloud.

“Hey! I can walk on my own you know!” Inuyasha protested.

“I haven’t time to wait for you, Brother. We must move quickly.” Sesshoumaru glared down on the pouting Inuyasha.

“Keh, just make it quick will ya.” Inuyasha sat crossed legged on the cloud and allowed Sesshoumaru to steer him to Kagome.



Sayuri nearly gagged at the scent of miasma in the air. She knew this demonic aura belonged to the demon who attacked the army. The small bird turned to inform Midoriko of Naraku’s whereabouts. Midoriko sensed the bird long before she saw her and that meant, she had found Naraku.

“Midoriko-sama!” Sayuri exclaimed as she landed on the miko’s shoulder. “I have done as you asked. The demon Naraku is two leagues away and moving slowly further away.”

“Then we have to move quickly.” Midoriko said. “Sayuri-chan, I must burrow your power.”

“Of course, Midoriko-sama.” Sayuri said as she plucked a feather from her wing and placed it in Midoriko’s hair.




Naraku walked slowly with Nakori by his side. Flying would have been quicker, by being apart from the sacred jewel and also being torn apart by the inu brothers, his powers have weakened dramatically. Naraku wanted to find another castle to restore his power. That small hut was unsatisfactory. Nakori had stopped much to Naraku’s displeasure.

“What is it?” Naraku demanded.

“I sense...spiritual power, My Lord.” Nakori whispered. The moment she uttered those words the heartless demon whirled around to block the attack of a miko.

Naraku growled. “Kagome, you have come to finish me?”

Kagome backed away from Nakori and looked up at Naraku. “You know as well as I that I am not Kagome.”

Naraku smiled. “Ah, Midoriko. I see my spell had worked. I really must thank you for teaching me your ancient ways.” Naraku stepped closer. “So, you are dissatisfied. I was under the impression that you wanted a physical body once more. Was I wrong?”

Midoriko smiled inwardly and knelt before Naraku. Slowly she held up the Shikon no Tama for him to take. “No, My Lord. You were not wrong. Please allow me to join you and become your wife.”

Naraku was pleased and took the jewel from the miko’s hands. He helped her up and held her close. Midoriko looked up with love at the youkai and pressed her lips to his.



Kagome’s scent had vanished and Sesshoumaru had landed to try and pick up the scent once more. It was like she just flew away and the breeze had carried her scent away also. Sesshoumaru growled and began walking toward the disappearing scent. Than he noticed that Inuyasha was not following.

“Do you hear that?” Inuyasha whispered as he touched the hilt of Tessaiga. “It’s evil.”

Sesshoumaru stopped to listen. It was a flute and it’s song was haunting. But Inuyasha was also correct. The sound that permeated the air was also evil. Then it began to grow louder and the brother’s dropped their hands form the hilt of their swords.

Kurogawa stepped from the brush and played her flute with more intensity. The sad, haunting tune mesmerized the inu brother’s and they sat hard on the ground. Kuro could see their souls growing weak.

Sesshoumaru looked over to Inuyasha, his eyes heavy. “It’s beautiful, just as she is.” Then the taiyoukai fell over.

Inuyasha didn’t feel the tear that fell from his eye. “Yeah...” Then darkness.

No one sensed the boy watching from the barrier.




Well hello again my dear readers. It’s time for more angst!!! But I do love the fluff too! Betcha wondering why Midoriko betrayed Kagome and Kikyou huh? Well there’s still more to come. Watch out for a action packed chapter next time!!!!!