InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ To Perish Once More ❯ Chapter Ten: Pulse ( Chapter 10 )

To Perish Once More: Chapter Ten: Pulse

-Jasmine Fields

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A/N: First things first!! A huge hug to himeno, Artemis of the Ice (wa-a-a-y too cool name), barbara-marie (extra hugs), Andrea Perry (thanks for the suggestion), and Somnabulicious (sounds like a collection of the best words put into a masterpiece of a name). You guys are so awesome. Because of your love and belief, this chapter is dedicated to you!

-Jazzy

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The weight she carried beneath her breast was likened to a spring breeze.

Sometime during their travels he had fallen into a brief doze caused by the pseudo-temperate warmth of the sun. She hoped all her plans - if only for now - ended as mercifully as today's refreshment from the humidity and scalding rays of wretched summer's curse.

She plopped her load upon her descent.

What was his problem?

His disposition was not as pleasant as she might have imagined.

So snobbish.

She wasn't here to behave to her master's fancy. She was here to indulge her...

Dare she think in such manner?

...my brother's request.

In any case...

She had his attention.

That was long enough not to catch his wrath.

"State your business - and quickly." He said.

She would have quipped out a sarcastic comment, but her presence was not purported with the intent to rouse discord from the demon lord.

Conceited though, he was.

Her bundle nearly squirmed away from her side. She stretched out for one of his limbs and caught his arm.

"Not so fast, you."

Kohaku would be admonished by her words but never struck…not by anyone…so long as her defense survived her display of mercy.

She would not tempt fate of the lord, thus far, not having utilized his strength against her own.

I am the wind…

And she would have her freedom.

The boy thrashed out of her arms.

Her temper surfaced, so she cursed choice words…her efforts only agitated his efforts.

She spared a wary gaze toward her closest advocate.

He was assessing the boy's earnestness, she reasoned.

It was, in the end, an absurd petition.

...Huh? Oompf.

...When did they get here?

Clouds overcast the sun.

"Woman."

That brought her attention back to the present.

"Remove it."

She heard stifled sobs of distress from the taijia - whom she now recognized - winded from what ever pursuit she had endeavored.

Just who does he think he is?

Her disgust evidenced by hesitation, she weighed his command against her master's hand.

Bastard.

He really was.

She willed away the command. It didn't work.

"Remove it."

How repulsive. He will not force my hand…

Really, he pissed her off.

Lord Sesshoumaru's jaw set.

For the love of the fates! Both priestess and taijia were witnesses to this insanity!

Naraku was not irresolute when his plans were spoiled. Convinced of the abuse her body would receive tonight….

…he loves to loathe his enemy.

She shuddered.

…not another memory of that revolting ass-hole!

How many times would he say it? Did he not know her dilemma?

"Do it."

Damn.

She hated this kind of decision.

I don't want to do this…

How would she explain? Could she?

What punishment would the dark lord inflict upon her person? Would Naraku's lust drive his warped sanity beyond madness? Would Naraku and Hakudoushi share her tonight?

Her sudden revelation caused her to regurgitate the remnants of a pleasant morning and afternoon.

Oh, no! The gods be damned if that happened!

Not like that! No-o-o!

Not like that!

She felt defeated.

And had not used her weapon once.

…just like with Naraku.

Curses, she was damned.

Before the sun reached dusk, all she wanted was to enjoy the fresh air. Enjoy her `freedom'. Enjoy her company.

If she executed the command, her treachery would conclude with the termination of both their lives. If not, she would never gain her freedom. Not that her choices were good. Kohaku had to stay alive to satisfy the perverse desire of Naraku's bidding. She had to keep alive long enough to acquire her heart and avoid serious bodily harm.

Damn it all.

If she obeyed this lord, although her life was already spared, the noose around her scarce `freedom' would tighten.

Damn it to hell and back.

But! If she obeyed her dark lord, there was no guarantee for life anyway.

What to do?

The priestess whispered comforts to the woman-exterminator.

She really did pity her.

Avoiding eye-contact from all standing parties, she reached out her hand.

Where is it?

There!

She obeyed the Lord Sesshoumaru.

I'm dead…

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