InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ This Sesshoumaru Needs Not A Mate - ON HOLD ❯ PART TWENTY-SEVEN ( Chapter 27 )

 

DISCLAIMER - The ownership and general brilliance that is the original Feudal Fairy Tale remains the property of its honored and rightfully revered creator Rumiko Takahashi without whose brilliance we would not have fodder.

 

Quotations by one J.K. Rowling, an authoress of deft skill, giving R.R. Tolkien a marvelous run for his money with a series of novels about a young man by the name Potter… Harry Potter.

 

Reviews are fuel.

 

Edited By: WiccanMethuselah in whom I find grace and a speed demoness, fond of laughter. Elle6778 gave me wings, you… strengthened them.

 

EP

 

Japanese Terms/Phrases Used In Part Twenty-Seven

 

Sesshô or Kampaku - In ancient Japan, Sesshô was a title given to a regent who was named to assist either a child emperor, or empress before his/her coming of age. The Kampaku / Sesshô was theoretically a sort of chief advisor for the emperor/empress, but was the title of both first secretary and regent who assists an adult emperor. During the Heian era, they were the effective rulers of Japan. There was little, if any, effective difference between the two titles, and several individuals merely changed titles as child emperors/empresses grew to adulthood, or adult emperors retired or died and were replaced by child emperors. The two titles were collectively known as Sekkan, and the families that exclusively held the titles were called Sekkan-ke or Sekkan family. A retired kampaku/ sesshô is called Taikô.

 

Yasha - One of the demon-gods who protected Buddhism in ancient Japanese folklore.

 

Tori Gate - The entrance to a Shinto Shrine.

 

Haiden - Innermost sanctum of a shrine.

 

 

Part Twenty-Seven - This Sesshoumaru Needs Not A Mate

 

 

 

“You place too much importance... on the so-called purity of blood! You fail to recognize that it matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be!”

 

 

Ancient limestone steps led down to a fallen Tori gate, red pigment still vibrantly evident on its columns surfaces.

 

The Taiyoukai observed this, looking to his mate, who seemed far more concerned with the two arguing males behind her. Miroku was insisting that he was capable of walking, while Inuyasha continued to insist on being his personal mule, as he would delay the other two behind them.

 

Sesshoumaru's warning growl echoed in the darkness, but did not have the usual effect of silencing the duo.

 

“Inuyasha, put him down now!” barked the Taiyoukai. His nerves were on edge and the usual bickering did not sit well with the Western Lord.

 

Inuyasha's guilt had much to do with his insistence on carrying the monk. It was proving impractical, however, as the walkway was becoming more narrow the deeper they went, in part because of the debris on the stairs and the curvature of the limestone walls.

 

Before any of the party moved further into the cavernous shrine, the priest was abruptly dropped. A few colorful expletives were exchanged between the hanyou and the monk, most pertaining to guilt, ingratitude, and questionable ancestry on the houshi's side. Then, all was once again right with the world, as Inuyasha stormed past the Taiyoukai and the miko respectively, grumbling loudly.

 

Kagome pulled at Sesshoumaru's hand nervously. “Shouldn't we go after him, Sesshou?”

 

“No, he is attempting to scout ahead without being asked. He will return.”

 

The darkened cavern was cool and, the deeper they went, the more evident the sound of a running spring, as yet unseen by the group descending the stairs. The faint scent of sandalwood hung in the air, only picked up by the Taiyoukai, his sibling, and Masaru, or so they thought.

 

Inuyasha sniffed. “Ya smell that Sesshoumaru? Smells like that shit Kagome loooooooves on you. Fuck, hurry up, you should see this! What the hell is all this doing down here?”

 

Kagome rolled her eyes and chuckled. “Not half as good as my lord. You should try it sometime, Inuyasha. I bet you would score some serious points with Ayame,” she said, quickening her pace down the narrow, steep, and now-slippery stairs. Sesshoumaru was making it difficult to see, as he insisted on walking slowly ahead of her, grasping her hand.

 

“You can smell it, Miko?” inquired the Taiyoukai in surprise, his hold on her hand growing tighter, as he carefully stepped then gently pulled her down each stair. He was forever mindful of her tendency towards a lack of co-ordination in broad daylight, much less a dark, winding path.

 

Sesshoumaru's calloused palms were moist. He was nervous, Kagome realized in surprise, an unusual occurrence for the Western Lord. She squeezed his hand in turn to reassure him. Opalescent amber, accustomed to the dark, looked around into hers briefly in understanding and, if she was not mistaken, gratitude. The miko winked at him. It would remain their little secret. It was nice to feel useful, and trusted with his emotions.

 

“Yes, my lord, I can. It reminds me of the incense used by my Jii-jii before prayers,” Kagome answered, then grew guarded once her own words were spoken. Something about this place, felt familiar. Way too familiar. There was a current of air, fresh air, coming not from above but within. There must be a Haiden beyond the outer part of the shrine that led outside. There was no other possibility. `But outside where… exactly?'

 

“Can anyone else feel that current of air?” asked the priestess.

 

“Yeah, I was wondering about that!” said Inuyasha. “You're right `Gome, but I'm not sure where its coming from. It smells exactly like when the old codger swings open the reliquary doors. Stop dawdling Sesshoumaru, she's not an invalid yet. Get down here, you won't believe this shit! This is fucking amazing. It looks just like it did before, but underground. And Miroku, I found your staff. You're not gonna believe where it is,” Inuyasha cajoled, excitement evident in his young voice.

 

“What looks just like it did, Inuyasha?” queried the taijiya behind the priest. They were all walking single file now, as the stairs would no longer permit two at a time. The day's light was now just a white spot in the darkness above. Sango did not care to think how long they had been descending in the apparent bowels of the earth, nor did she wish to consider how long it would take to return.

 

The miko's eyes had finally acclimated to the darkness, but her friend, the priest's, breathing disturbed her. He was evidently in some discomfort, as his breathing was labored. Gravity was working with them; he should not have sounded that way. “Miroku, are you alright?” inquired the miko casually.

 

“Yes Kagome, I am. In fact, my chest feels fine, as does my hand,” Miroku answered. His eyes, also now accustomed to the dark, travelling the walls, he noted the subtle, familiar indentations. `Say nothing until you are sure, Miroku,' thought the houshi excitedly.

 

`Sesshoumaru-sama, if I might ask, were you aware this was a Sekkan-ke Shinto Shrine?” The priest questioned the Taiyoukai as carefully as he dared. He did not need to raise the lord's ire in such close quarters. It could prove deadly, especially as his usefulness might well be at an end.

 

Miroku slapped his own forehead in sudden realization of what he knew he would find ahead. It would be necessary to be sure, though, before speaking of it to the Western Lord, whose jyaki had risen at the tone in the question, even more so than at the question itself. `I will have to be a little more careful in future. He knows I am evading him in some way.'

 

“If it is permitted, my lord, I think I should perhaps go ahead. This is a shrine of a very unusual kind, but I believe myself more familiar with the surroundings than yourself. It might prove judicious, solely in this instance, for me to lead. If we keep walking forward we should come to two plinths with the stone dog guardians Ah and Un. Beyond, if I read the walls right, there should be an exact replica of the garden before it was destroyed.”

 

Further ahead, Inuyasha's voice echoed, “How the fuck did you know that?! I am lookin' at it, right down to that little basin that the Mangy Wolf hates; beyond that a spring with a path. A very narrow path, one that leads through another Tori Gate. This one is still standing, and guess what's in between?”

 

Sango, who had been unusually quiet while walking ahead of Masaru, gasped as Miroku stumbled forward. He was caught by a firm arm grasping his shoulder and an equally firm smaller one, underneath it. It was Masaru's strong, well-muscled arm that touched her shoulder and hand in the process of steadying the priest. She withdrew her fingers from below his as if burned.

 

“Are you sure you are alright?” queried the taijiya worriedly. It was proving rather difficult to see his face.

 

He responded with a soft, familiar chuckle, then a strong hand reached back to squeeze hers in the cloistered darkness.

 

“It would take more than one of Inuyasha's `love pats' to finish me off, Sango. Thank you Masaru, I simply missed my footing while lost in thought.”

 

“Love pat, my ass. I could have finished him but for your blasted interference. You're lucky, lech. I managed to stay my strike just in time. It might not be a `pat' next time, so butt out in future.”

 

“And for that, my young lord, I am eternally grateful,” Miroku responded sarcastically, feeling the wall with his Kazana-afflicted hand. It tingled, sending shivers up his spine. `It is shrinking.'

 

Sango felt his hand tense in hers, still very aware of the inordinately tall male behind her, who maintained his distance just a hairsbreadth away from her back. Masaru was not one of the world's best conversationalists, adding to her discomfort at his close proximity. Well, that, and her unwanted attraction to him.

 

“What's wrong, Miroku?” she asked in a worried manner. As much as he tried to maintain a casual air in his jovial banter, she knew him well enough to know he was hiding something.

 

“You may lead houshi. Do not, however, step beyond my view. Your eyes will not always spot potential pitfalls ahead. Remain within the sight of a male in the group at all times,” warned the Taiyoukai.

 

Sango huffed indignantly.

 

“Don't get your knickers in a knot Sango. Lord Pompous means, since all other males here are demonic, we have an advantage in our senses and will notice potential dangers before either you or Kagome do. There is a reason you're in the middle.”

 

“Speak for yourself, Inuyasha. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself should the need arise.” snapped the taijiya, who still had a bone to pick with the ill-tempered hanyou.

 

Sesshoumaru turned and looked at the priest, whose own perceptive eyes shone back down at him in the darkness. Even in the dim light, the Western Lord could tell the houshi had arrived at some conclusion he did not yet wish to share with the others. `He is being deceptive, benignly so, but deceptive.'

 

“Proceed, priest. And, no, until yesterday, this Sesshoumaru had no idea as to the possible placement of the shrine; only that it did exist, according to the Goshinboku Scroll, and that it would be found near one of the springs within the shiro.”

 

The Western Lord stepped aside, moving closer to the wall, as did Kagome to the opposite wall, allowing the houshi free passage, before resuming their order of descent.

 

~~~sks~~~

 

“To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.”

 

 

Kagura struggled for air as a tentacle wound tightly around her long, pale throat.

 

The Wind Sorceress sputtered. “My Lord… I don't know what you want from me. Kohaku and I have retrieved Akago from the noblewoman. All are dead as you ordered, Hakudoshi and the damn demonic horse should be outside the Western Shiro now,” rasped the Wind Sorceress, struggling for air as she tried to pry the putrid, oozing limb from about her neck unsuccessfully.

 

Naraku had managed to regain most of his humanoid form all the way to his pale torso. The rest remained a soup of decaying flesh, pustules, and malformed tentacles.

 

A sibilant hiss rose above the myriad whispering demonic voices within the room. “Why were you delayed Kagura? You have been gone for days. Kikyou is at death's door, yet I feel it is by her choice, not the effects of the miasma finally taking her clay body and that dim speck of a soul she possesses. Why Kagura?”

 

Kagura pursed her lips. Though frightened, she sensed Naraku's agitation and distrust. The miko had been unable to help him heal, by choice, though he was not to know that. The fly in the ointment was Hakudoshi, who he had recalled at the same time he had sent herself and Kohaku to retrieve Akago. He was the red child, the keeper of his true power, who Naraku had hidden away with a noblewoman. With Akago, he would be able to heal, though the fact that he sent for him had clearly been a last resort. This meant he was afraid, very afraid, of the sudden turn of events and the change in the jewel's heart that he possessed. There was now a speck of white light within, which had been purified despite his best efforts.

 

“Take Akago to her now, see what she hides. Then return him to me, Kagura. At which point, you will explain why it seems one of your feathers is missing.”

 

Kagura's ruby eyes hooded as she averted her own gaze. “Missing? Whatever do you mean Naraku? I don't have time for this inquisition,” she retorted brusquely. She felt around in her hair absently, feigning composure, and shock at its loss, while the tentacle about her throat tightened.

 

Naraku's lips curled into a thin, menacing smile. “Oh yes, it has been missing for quite some time; in fact, a month, possibly two. Very interesting Kagura… very interesting indeed. We will speak of this, but not before Hakudoshi brings my prize. I grow weary of waiting for the Western Lord and his bitch to make the first move. Let the games begin. Don't you agree?” asked the hanyou with a sibilance that caused Kagura to shiver involuntarily. The veiled threat to her person was evident, as tentacles coiled about her waist, tightening slowly while she tried to maintain her composure. `It would not do to allow him to believe he has caught me out. That would be my death knell.'

 

“I hadn't noticed. You've kept me rather busy of late, my lord,” she answered with quiet diffidence, not meeting his eyes. `He has recalled Hakudoshi. Though not a child of Naraku, he was the most powerful of Naraku's incarnations through his brother Akago's, spiritual powers which were inherited at his incarnation at Mount Hakurei. They are both a danger to my own survival as a former trusted minion. Somehow, they both need to be dispensed with, and soon, or the plan will fail.'

 

“Not as busy as I should perhaps. You seem inordinately fascinated with Kikyou. You spent a great deal of time with her in the dungeon this morning. In fact, you went straight there and spent countless hours with her. Perhaps you would like to join her… permanently?” inquired the half-demon with a malicious smile, his red eyes piercing where her heart should have been.

 

A pain caught her in the chest suddenly as though her heart was being squeezed. The hanyou chuckled malevolently. “Noooo, I don't think you would like that, would you? Trapped in the dark, no means of escape, no wind in your hair… No… a freedom loving entity like yourself would die, slowly and most painfully, without air. Something to think about the next time you steal away to be with, as you term her, `that woman.' I find it curious that the jewel now has a light within it so pure that nothing I do can overcome it. As she fades, it appears to grow stronger, lessening my ability to heal without my body's demonic heart. A curious development don't you think? Hence the return of my beloved Akago who will rectify that shortly, but not before paying a visit to the miko on my behalf. Oh Kagura, if you have been deceptive, I will know soon and you will join your sister Kan'na, but your end, oh, your end will be painful.”

 

Kagura raised her chin diffidently and faced his penetrating gaze. “I am keeping an eye on her since, as you rightly pointed out, she is very near death and is capable of all manner of trickery. Surely, you don't wish her to die before you find out all her secrets or whether she has something to do with the change in the jewel, Naraku? I do this for you my lord, how can you go into battle in your current unrestored state?” Kagura said, lowering her gaze and feigning obeisance, bowing as low as she could under the circumstances with his restrictive hold.

 

“Really. You think well on your feet Kagura, I give you that. Yes, quite good on your feet… be gone. Attend to the miko whose company you so enjoy. Afterward, return Akago to me, all will become transparent then. You see, Kagura, in those days he spent with you he garnered all your thoughts, all your darkest wishes. Nothing can be hidden from Akago. Make haste, Wind Sorceress, your life depends upon it either way.”

 

The loathsome bonds loosened and Kagura fell to the slimy floor, gasping for air. `He intends to re-absorb Akago. This could prove ticklish. Equally, though, it could hasten his demise and my eventual freedom, if the right parties are informed. He will not truly be able to sustain injury as he had done without his heart. Naraku, for the first time, will be made truly vulnerable.'

 

“Kohaku, you have served me well,” said Naraku. Kokaku's face remained deceptively blank as he held the child in swaddling linen close to his own heart. He could feel the pseudo-child's pull on his mind and had not the energy to resist it. Kohaku did notice one curious thing, though. Each time Naraku mentioned Akago's name, a bitterness rose in Kohaku's throat and not of his own volition. Equally, it occurred when mentioning Hakudoshi, Akago's brother. He dare not hope what it could possibly mean. `Was it possible Akago did not care for the pending joining which would signal the loss of freedom of both brothers?'

 

It had been two days now; two nights of nightmares, of screams, visions of his father, his sister, an entire village of exterminators destroyed by his own hands and assorted lesser demons taken by Naraku. His clan cut down in their prime, all because of the machinations of this decayed composite of demonic flesh. Naraku, in his true form, was nothing more than a jumble of putrefying evil. The face of his sister, Sango, in tears at his loss - a constant theme - and death, as well as the smell of it, made sleep impossible. Then there was the vision of the young girl he had almost slain, had it not been for the timely intervention of the young miko and Inuyasha. Her name had escaped him until he overheard Naraku's conversation earlier with Hakudoshi, who currently was nowhere to be found in the stronghold. What Kohaku found most peculiar of all was that Kagura was not informed of the latest plan; a sure sign she had lost favor and, therefore, could no longer offer him protection, as minimal as it was. Her end was apparently near. Kohaku would have to escape since, the minute the hanyou reabsorbed the infant, Naraku would know the boy had regained his memories.

 

All this flooded his mind, all because he was given the task of holding Akago for most of the return journey to the fetid hanyou, who still labored under the impression that he was without memory and nothing more than a pawn in his never ending games of power and conquest.

 

At the mention of his name, Kohaku bowed and averted his gaze from the mass of undulating attachments and rotting ooze. He was uncertain how long he could maintain this guise. He was quite sure that, any moment now, Naraku would sense his deception, yet he did not. Shifting the cloth under the child's chin, he looked into the small knowing eyes. `Is it possible Akago is preventing Naraku from sensing the change in me? To what end?'

 

Kagura knew; she knew the first night as he screamed out in his sleep. She had suspected for quite some time in fact. He always knew she wanted more than anything to escape to freedom. She was the essence of the wind and freedom was her goal. In her case, it really was a matter of time whether freedom would come through death or otherwise. Still, he had to trust someone and, in this case, it was Kagura and the priestess currently in the dungeon. They had a common enemy. Once Naraku absorbed Akago, he would know everything. Somehow he had to escape and prevent Rin's capture by Hakudoshi, it was the least he could do to atone. Even if it cost him what little remained of his life, held together by that single shard imbedded in his back.

 

 

 

 

“Destiny is a name often given in retrospect to choices that had dramatic consequences.”

 

 

The red-clad hanyou looked about him in fascination, his arms folded, as he stood between the two lion dogs, Ah and Un, situated on plinths. One clawed hand tentatively reached out and touched Ah's face briefly, then said hand withdrew quickly as though burned.

 

“Fuck, this thing is charged or something,” said the hanyou, crouching next to it, giving it the once over. He was careful not to touch this time, but still sufficiently curious to look up at it, and its partner with quirked brow. A slow smile crossed the hanyou's handsome face as he snorted under his breath, standing to face the sound of feet finally approaching. Arms folded with a smug expression in place, he waited, most particularly for his brother.

 

Kagome's eyes were large. “This is gorgeous, my lord, how old is this shrine?” Somehow, she knew that her mate knew more than he was saying. She could outwait him.

 

“Approximately 2,000 years old, Miko, from start to finish,” said the Taiyoukai, stepping off onto the white gravel surface and releasing her hand. He observed his brother's facial expression intently. `The puerile little pup is feeling smug. He has made a discovery and is bursting at the seams to point out whatever it is.'

 

Inuyasha was walking around each of the deities with furrowed brow, completely ignoring the path that led between them to a raised courtyard terrace, lit from above by an unknown source.

 

Not for the first time, Sesshoumaru was struck by Inuyasha's innocence, youthful exuberance, and excellent instincts for self-preservation. `He instinctively knows that he should go no further. Inuyasha is worldly in some ways, and yet still a pup in others. He is in need of guidance, perhaps the guidance of an elder who has been remiss in his care.'

 

“Inuyasha, you will stop touching the deities, we remain unaware of the repercussions at this time,” the Taiyoukai commanded in his usual bored tone, his own arms akimbo, glaring at the young upstart.

 

The hanyou huffed. Quirking one dark brow, his eyes became mere amber slits, chin raised diffidently. It still rankled each time Sesshoumaru gave him an order. `Where in kami does he get off doing so? Since when do I give a shit? I've always taken care of myself. I don't need the Snotty Bastard telling me what to do like I'm wet behind the ears.' Even with this thought, he did step back one pace, digging his toes into the white gravel below and turning his back on Sesshoumaru, before remembering he had the jump on Lord Know-It-All. Inuyasha looked over his shoulder with a deprecating smirk on his lips, the tips of his fangs exposed for effect.

 

“Why shouldn't I, exactly? This one looks like me, did you notice that Lord Hot Pants? Or did that escape you? The other one looks like he has something stuck up his ass, so I can safely assume he sorta looks like you,” retorted the hanyou smugly.

 

Kagome, shook her head and took in the entire chamber, listening intently to the soft growl of her mate. The lighting was incandescent, its source unknown. What fascinated her was that sense of the familiar, right down to its smell. It was definitely ancient, but lacked the usual mustiness associated with an enclosed space. The white sand and stone were pristine, like the first day they had been poured and laid respectively. The limestone walls were smooth, with ancient kanji and glyphs barely discernable in the current ambient lighting. Between the protective deities was an inclined path of red stone, leading to what only could be a raised altar. On both sides of the path, a meandering spring flowed towards and behind it; probably headed towards the Haiden, which remained out of sight. An object was situated above gilded altar, glinting sporadically as it revolved, but it was too far away to see any definition.

 

 

 

 

The houshi bowed and stepped past Kagome, who was lost in thought. Sango followed him hurriedly onto the white gravel surface, to take a better look at her surroundings.

 

Unbeknownst to the Western Lady, Masaru had the assignment of being her personal guardian, so he remained two steps above; directly behind her, awaiting her next move.

 

Miroku hunched in front of one plinth with its ancient writing. Rising with effort, he did the same in front of Ah before standing, aided by Sango, who smiled at him shyly. Patting her hand, he spoke.

 

“Inuyasha, you are quite right. If I am accurate, the diety to the left, which is usually the representation of Un, is, in this instance, personified by the Sesshô, or regent. The Ah representation is that of Yasha, a diety who protected the Buddhist monks of antiquity.

 

Silence followed the simple statement, as feet crunched the gravel beneath.

 

Inuyasha was the first to speak. “Come again, pervert? Sesshoumaru is that one, there,” the hanyou pointed at his silent elder sibling who stood in front of the dog diety Un, “and the other is me, Inuyasha? Are you saying these two represent US?! For real?! How the fuck is that even remotely possible, if, and that is a big assed if, it's over 2,000 years old, according to Lord Bookworm over there?” queried Inuyasha in a pubertal squeak that was vaguely reminiscent of Jaken, his large amber eyes, the size of saucers.

 

“Sesshoumaru, what is that? I cannot see clearly,” asked Kagome pointing. Finally stepping off onto the gravel surface, a vague fluttering occurred in the pit of her stomach as shock waves coursed through her body, causing her to shiver involuntarily. `I have been here before. If I haven't, then something, or some part of me has.'

 

“My staff,” said the priest matter-of-factly. “If you will all excuse me, I shall go retrieve it, now that it has served its purpose.”

 

“Oi! Wait one god damned… I asked you a question. I want an answer monk,” Inuyasha said between gritted teeth. The statues were giving him the heebie-jeebies, especially the one representing him. It was almost as if its eyes followed his movements.

 

Miroku examined the base of both statues again with furrowed brows, and nodded to himself.

 

Turning towards the irritable young hanyou currently glowering at him, violet eyes stared fixedly into large confused amber pools. Inuyasha's expression softened, his ears flattening to his skull. `Miroku is pissed.'

 

Measuring his words, Miroku spoke.

 

“The answer remains unclear, but it seems, Inuyasha, your coming was foreseen, as was that of your brother, Lord Sesshoumaru. I would think you should see the honor in this. One thing you have always sought in life, admittedly or not, is a purpose, Inuyasha. Here, below the Western Shiro, your rightful home, resides this ancient shrine meant to be protected by both sons of the Inu-No-Taisho. There is no mistake Inuyasha. Right down to your very names, written in stone, centuries old. The Western Lord and eldest son, regent and sire of the coming Enlightened One, Satori; and her uncle, her guardian. Read it,if you don't believe me. Inuyasha, you have a purpose, and it isn't to lope through the canopy of your forest alone for eternity, licking your wounds for being abandoned and unloved. This might well be the seventh treasure, but that remains to be seen. We have yet to reach the Haiden of this shrine; only then can I be sure of what all this implies. Now, if you don't mind, I will collect my staff and try to make sense of what lies beyond, with the aid of the Western Lord,” Miroku said in a clipped tone. His palm stung the closer he got to path that led to the altar; the Kazana was acting strangely. Flexing his palm subconsciously, Miroku stepped away from the statues. Instantly, the stinging stopped.

 

The Western Lord's eyes became angry slits, despite himself. He did not appreciate the priest's tone with Inuyasha, nor the implication of his words. `The priest is hiding something, something far greater.'

 

“Priest, what of your affliction?” inquired the Taiyoukai coolly, his eyes cold slits awaiting the houshi's answer. The Western Lord had noted that the houshi had been favoring it throughout the journey.

 

Miroku stiffened visibly. There was a barrier in front of him and he had no means of breaking through without aid. He felt it as he approached the red path between the protective deities. Retreating, he looked them over intently once more as the Taiyoukai approached him, along with Sango and Inuyasha, recognizing he was in some form of distress.

 

Only Kagome chose to remain behind, with Masaru to her left. Squinting her eyes, she finally could make out the outline of the houshi's staff. Her butterflies returned. Closing her eyes, she breathed deeply as pale light enveloped her.

 

“My Lady?” asked a quiet, deep male voice beside her in concern. Masaru could feel the tingle from her skin. Kagome looked up into cobalt blue and smiled. “Nothing, just listening to the Enlightened One and seeing how she feels about all this,” she said pleasantly, flicking her wrist towards the altar. She felt, more than saw, Sesshoumaru turn in their direction, his emotions under control but for a slight tingling of her mating mark. `He did not appreciate the conversational tone I took with Masaru, nor did he like my internal innocent, yet complimentary, musing on the unusual color of Masaru's deep-set eyes.' Kagome sighed, he was jealous. Distractedly she decided she would have to see about making a few more female friends, if for no other reason than the peaceful co-existence of all other attractive males within the Western Shiro, as well as their longevity. She did not want to have any more bloodshed if unnecessary.

 

“What is it, Satori?” whispered the miko, before looking at the priest's back and his covered palm, which was trembling. It was glowing a light purple, as was the rest of his body. This was entirely new. She could see his aura clearly, it was incredible strong. To the left of him was Sesshoumaru, his own fire-red aura ablaze, somewhat confused and agitated. Inuyasha's was a few shades lighter than that of his older brother, with flecks of white light interspersed. Sango's was a lovely shade of verdant green, Kagome noticed. `Is it this place, or my recent experience with Tatsuo, that caused this new ability?'

 

“Miroku, you will need both Lords Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha to get through the barrier,” said Sango, who had been making a detailed study of her surroundings while the others talked.

 

“I am unsure what they are to do exactly but, as this is their family shrine, it was clearly not meant to be entered without their agreement. They are needed.”

 

Kagome suddenly caught Masaru by surprise and moved forward with surety, stopping to look over both statues intently, while the others watched her attentively.

 

Turning to her mate, she inclined her head. “Lord Sesshoumaru, would you be so kind as to place Tenseiga's blade in the slot between Un's feet? Inuyasha, please do the same for Ah with Tessaiga? You will find they fit perfectly” intoned the priestess knowingly, stepping back as both males unsheathed their respective swords. Two differing shades of amber looked back at the miko in question; one in shock and the other coolly pleased. Both followed her request to the letter.

 

~~~sks~~~

 

“It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to your enemies, but even more to stand up to your friends.”

 

 

All walked behind the houshi, up the slight incline of the crushed coral path to the gilded altar. Reaching it, the priest bent his head and intoned ancient words, bathing the altar in a golden light as he attempted to reach for the staff.

 

“Stop!” shouted the miko excitedly. “Miroku, look up! Look at the limestone wall behind it. Oh Kami…” said the miko, as she fell to her knees. Sesshoumaru stooped behind her, pulling his mate's shaking body into his as he too stared above in equal disbelief. `These are the Seven.'

 

There, painted in relief, were exact replicas of seven figures. At the center was the Inu-No-Taishou himself, transformed. To his right stood Midoriko, bow raised. And, to his left, a male Kagome recognized instantly as her father, wearing simple priestly robes; around his neck was the amulet Sesshoumaru now wore.

 

“Kikyou?” said Inuyasha in a barely audible voice. “That can't be Kikyou…” he repeated out loud, falling to one knee. Her form was the only one with a ghostlike appearance, not as well defined as the others. She stood to Midoriko's immediate left, her arrow missing one feather.

 

“Kagome… the feather,” said Inuyasha in a whisper. He had forgotten Kagura's sarcastic inuendo until that moment.

 

Kagome nodded her head in acknowledgement, though the hanyou could not see. “I know, Inuyasha. The feather belongs to either Kikyou or Kagura, I think.”

 

“What?!” bellowed Inuyasha in shock.

 

Tears streamed down Sango's face as she lowered her head, one delicate, pearlescent tear dropping to the crushed coral beneath her feet. There, in full regalia, was her father with the Hiraikotsu he had bequeathed her. The chieftain of the exterminators stood to Kagome's father's right, a jubilant smile on his handsome face.

 

Miroku remained silent; his amethyst eyes shimmered as he looked into equally deep violet eyes, ones he recognized from his youth. The man pictured there was younger than he remembered; dark tresses flowed below his shoulders. Miroku's grandfather Miyatsu stood to the immediate left of Kikyou, his staff firmly gripped. He, too, was one of the Seven Treasures, as was a fully manifested fox demon with nine tails - Shippou's father. The houshi counted only six, neglecting to note the position of a radiant ball that hovered over the Inu-No-Taishou's head like a crown of light. There was one other shadowy figure in the distant background of the slab, not easily discernable. The shadowy figure had a pale visage, with a quirked, malevolent smile. Blood red eyes were trained on the radiant ball of light. It was Naraku.

 

They all turned as the sound of a tapping cane echoed through the chamber. A stooped, ancient figure entered the chamber, fussing with a small dark pouch on his hip. Looking up, his face broke out in a grotesque, gap-toothed smile of welcome.

 

“Ahhh, you have come, at last. Where is Shippou? I so looked forward to meeting the little kitsune, he shows great promise. Miroku... My, my, you do so resemble your grandfather. And Sango, you are a great beauty; Kagome was quite right,” said the elderly male, who had thin beard and dark, mischievous brown eyes. He popped a bit of chocolate in his mouth and chewed with relish, beaming at all concerned.

 

“Jii-jii?” said the Miko, her eyes the size of saucers.