InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Unforgettable ❯ Revelation ( Chapter 3 )

The scent of blood and death no longer bothered him; he had become used to them. He had been sitting in the little clearing by the spring for over an hour. The sun had set, the full moon had risen, and he was alone. That is, if one discounted the corpse of the woman directly in front of him and that of the demon behind him.

Sesshomaru was never hasty. He was in most respects the antithesis of his half breed brother. Trained by the best warriors, the taiyoukai had become calculating and patient. Large dilemmas were not things to be jumped into, and the problem before him was immeasurably and unquestionably great.

And thus he sat, long legs crossed, with one large hand cradling his face and a solitary claw tapping his jaw as his thoughts moved at a frantic pace. Despite the turmoil crashing around inside, his outward appearance was, as per usual, one of stoicism. The only thing that betrayed his collected demeanor was that one, single, tapping claw.

The moonlight shone down upon the pair, lending dim lighting and dark shadows to an already surreal scene: a dead woman, naked by the waters of a calm spring, her only vigil the most powerful demon in all of Japan. The heat of the waters from the spring met the cool air of the newborn evening and birthed a roiling fog. The blazing corona created by the dying light of the setting sun was gone from around her head, leaving only shiny ebony locks, long as her watcher's and heavy with the spent blood of her life. Her skin was pale, the unearthly glow of the moonlight washing over her prone form and accentuating her pallor from blood-loss. Her body was snowy perfection, unmarred but for five deep slashes that crossed her back One lithe arm, stretched out in the direction of the taiyoukai, ended in a small and delicate hand, palm facing the sky and fingers curved, as though beckoning to him from the underworld.

And still he pondered. He could revive her, indeed all things seemed to point to the conclusion that he should do so. Yet he did not wish it. He had many reasons for this. Some were undeniably selfish. She had been Inuyasha's miko and had caused him nothing but grief from the moment he met her. Other reason's were less self-absorbed. She was a human, and she had fought valiantly, only succumbing to death once her attacker was also fatally wounded. Humans were such weak creatures that those who died honorably should be respected.

But there was a nagging question, and it was that quandary that had set his claw tapping. He had been sitting here, observing the woman, for over an hour. The sun had set long ago, and yet he still found himself undisturbed. Where was the half-breed? Why had the miko been here, bathing and vulnerable, alone? And why did no one come to seek her now that she had been absent for such an extended period of time?

Sesshomaru realized that if he did not leave now, his curiosity was going to get the better of him and he would do the unthinkable. Standing swiftly, the fog slipping from his lap, he turned and began to walk away. It would not do to bring this woman back. He would respect her in her death as a warrior and leave her to find her peace. Perhaps he would even go so far as to seek out his hanyou brother and inform him of her passing. It would be an honorable gesture of respect for her brave passing.

“Have you something to protect?”

Sesshomaru paused in mid-step at the sound of his great father's voice reverberating in his ears. What manner of nonsense was this? Of course he had nothing to protect. His quest was the same now as it was on that day- ultimate power. One could not be concerned with protection when attempting to fight for supreme power. Sesshomaru snorted indignantly and gave his head a small shake. He ran a clawed hand through his hair, the strands catching the moonlight and shimmering like silk, and continued to walk away.

“Kagome was kind to Rin.”

Another voice, this one cutting him to the quick, and he actually faltered in his steps. Sesshomaru's eye's widened in obvious shock. Somehow, despite his best intentions, he had gained something to protect.

“Rin” he whispered as he closed his eyes.

In one deft movement, he grabbed his father's fang, pivoted, and sliced the air above the miko. The only sound was that of metal scraping wood as he re-sheathed his sword. Large amber eyes fixed on the body of the woman and all was silent. The fog continued to curl about her body as the moonlight seemed to shine on only her.

And then he heard a hitching breath, saw her chest move and her fingers tremble.

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And now we're getting somewhere! Woo-hoo! So, I have NO IDEA where this is going, or how long it will be. I'm not one of those author's who types up an outline. I'm sort of disjointed and just go with flow. So, what I'm basically trying to say is that the characters are responsible for their own actions, and PLEASE don't try to persuade me to give you hints about upcoming chapters. No can do.

What can I say? I think I'm a little nuts. Preferably cashews...... I really like cashews..... ;)

~omizumaru
R&R. I love to read your opinions.