InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ To Perish Once More ❯ Chapter Twenty: Sovereignty ( Chapter 20 )

To Perish Once More: Chapter Twenty: Sovereignty

-Jasmine Fields

****

A/N: This chapter is dedicated to my ever patient fans, who, through their hilarity, have made me laugh like a hyena and made blondes everywhere happy: nightchild, angelmiko69, and LostArtist….

****

Softly padding after her lords, she, mimicking a mournful nightingale, sang a slow sweet lulla-bye called to mind from her beloved brothers and mother, who frequently sang to their hearts content keeping considerate care while she pretended to sleep.

Never did they once suspect that she often stayed wakeful during those cold, harsh winter nights just to listen to the declaration of the hymns launched forth from the trenches of the soul.

She would never understand the melodies murmured and the harmonies hummed, but then it was pleasant - almost paradise.

Until war hunted the very village in which she resided.

Its death grip locked punishment over the working weak.

Its claws sharpened and then everyone ran, while her own feet froze fixed in place.

Meaningless massacre…

Murdered to a gang of bandits, her family was no longer…and she was spared.

The never ending rivers of blood and the horror-stricken screams echoed in her mind for eternity and then…

She went mute.

Those memories were hers to bear when darkness and fear crept into her tender heart and seized her courage and will.

She could not fight.

She would always remember the villagers that ridiculed her circumstance, beating and bruising her body, blinding her `til she lay broken and bleeding on a rat infested floor.

Meaningless might…

She did nothing wrong the first day her eyes lay on him.

He looked hurt.

Like her, he was alone in the forest and needed healing.

Recognizing that he had no ill intent toward her, after their initial meeting, she returned to restore his body with solid food and water.

Yet, she recognized true strength when she happened upon it.

Though there was no love for her in his heart, and no offering of thanks given, he did not strike or harm her…and his curiosity for her welfare was an invited first.

Hope.

She had hoped to visit him again the next morning, but then…

The wolves and wolf-demons came.

They were vicious, hungering and snarling in need of food.

When the leader spilled the blood of its own kindred, she hid.

There was no hesitation to run toward an enigmatic, estranged fortress, when the wolves sought to bleed her body as a delicacy for their tastes.

Mercy…

She sought for his face in the dark depths of the forest, running, tripping, and waiting

…For mercy.

She awoke from some coldness that dragged her soul away from her body and beheld his gaze

…And knew.

Replaying the very moment and miracle of her own resurrection, she faithfully followed her lord and never once regretted her decision.

She knew why Kohaku obeyed Lord Sesshoumaru. He didn't have to voice and defend his decision with explanations.

While not fully understanding the magnitude of the taijia's new mission, she was grateful that her new friend would live.

****

Wolf.

He sought out the wolf-demon leader.

It did not matter whether or not the boy followed him.

His power was his own.

However, he would utilize or assault opportunities that happened across his path.

Having no equal, he would not ask for assistance - only an audience with the wolf.

The wolf-demon's revenge, he knew, would persevere until the slaying of Naraku brought about his final breath.

Not that he was attached to the wolf.

Royalty and leader that he was, of his own rite and accord, the demon prince remained entrusted with the two remaining Shikon jewel shards.

Not that he was interested in that kind of power.

Unlike Naraku's purpose fabricated in craft and cunningness, he held no hidden agenda.

His reasons were his own. He did as he pleased.

…Of course, he accepted and permitted the unexpected, at times, but always, it was perfect

…Like now.

Even the temporary pact with Naraku had been perfect.

Narrowing his eyes in disgust at the hanyou's impertinent craft, he sliced through a poison insect currently blocking his path.

Cunning and audacious, indeed…

At first, he was never in a true hurry to destroy the bastard so quickly. After all, he posed no threat.

Then, something unnamed changed. It stirred his possessive nature and enlivened his rage.

Listening for the small children's feet skipping behind, he slowed his stride.

The cause was worthy enough.

Therefore, Naraku was deemed foe.

****