InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Whispered Dreams ❯ My Strength ( Chapter 5 )

* Whispered Dreams *

By: Youkai Yume

Yume: Wow, 2004 already! Let's see. . .(pulls out New Years resolutions list) Hmmmm.

CF: What's Yume's goal?

Yume: Pass Math Analysis with an "A!"

CF: Oooh! Let's take baby steps, kay Yume?

Yume: A "B-!" ^_^; lol. Hope you all had a good New Years eve party and all that! Here's the next chapter to Whispered Dreams, and in this chapter, Sesshomaru is about 17 or so now. Enjoy!

CF: Don't forget to review at the end of the chapter, and no flames please!

Chapter 5: My Strength

The clouds drifted lazily above the lush green fields, and the soft summer breeze sent the blades of grass and flowers dancing to the lulling winds. Everything was calm and peaceful, even the sun seemed to glimmer in relaxation. The sound of laughter and two bantering friends soon pierced the serene atmosphere. That of a demon prince and his ghost.

"I don't see why I have to be nice to him," A now adolescent Sesshomaru at the cocky age of 17 retorted to his best friend. He glared over at her when she began to laugh good-naturedly at him. Her sapphire eyes lighting up in mirth and her voice echoed to the skies in a sweet melody.

"Because he's your little brother, maybe?" Kagome answered, "He's only four, Sessho. He doesn't know any better, so stop complaining so much!" He narrowed his eyes at her, slightly offended that she'd take HIS side. But afterall, it was expected. His younger brother was only a child. "He probably looks up to you, you know. . ." She added, looking over at him.

Sesshomaru shrugged it off and stared off with expressionless eyes over to a nearby butterfly that hovered above a daisy. He didn't say anything because he knew she was right. His little brother followed him everywhere when he was not with Lady Izayoi. He didn't mind most of the time, but sometimes he just got annoying; always asking him questions on matters that seemed pointless.

But he's "Only a child," as Kagome keeps reminding him smugly. Sesshomaru had to keep from growling at he every time she chided him like that. It wasn't because it made him feel like a child, because Kagome never talked to him in a condescending manner. But he hated the fact that she used it because she knew it aggravated him.

On top of that, he couldn't even use force to silence her on account of her. . .condition---not that he'd ever want to hurt her in any way. His thoughts were interrupted when he heard her start up again.

"Besides, from all I heard. . .Inuyasha sounds like a real sweet child. . ." He glared at her when he heard this.

"I assure you, he is a brat," Kagome laughed at his answer, and she hovered down to the patch of grass beside him. She seated herself, and he waited as her laughter died down to soft giggles.

"You know that little guy's growing on you," Sesshomaru scoffed at her remark, averting his gaze to the sky as she chuckled to herself at his reaction.

He had to keep from smiling himself, he'd never admit this to anyone else, and especially not to her; but he loved the sound of her laughter. It was. . .unreal, far too heavenly. But then, she wasn't even real to begin with. His mask slipped back on, as he continued with his playful glare.

For a long while they sat like that, just the two of them, enjoying the warm summer breeze. This was how he liked spending his free time the most. They would both just fall into silence and lie back, gazing at the stars or clouds that hung above the heavens. But the best part of it was, it would just be him and Kagome. He wouldn't have it any other way.

It was strange in a way. . .that things always seemed like they were. Of course, now that precisely four years had passed since the day that he vowed his friendship to her, he had aged. Although he knew he himself changed, Kagome didn't change a bit. She was still just as beautiful as when he first met her. Still the same sad, and yet cheerful girl he remembered. She was still forever 18. . .

It was also strange how he never saw her as an older sister, or even a motherly figure. Not even when he was a child, to him she would always be. . .well, just plain Kagome!

"Don't you have any lordly things to do?" She started suddenly, staring off into the midday sun. It was strange, Sesshomaru had always expected for her to disappear when the sun came out. But she had explained to him many nights ago, that she was sadly, always lingering among the living. Whether it was day or night.

"Must I remind you, that I have yet to become Lord of the Western Lands," He answered, coming out of his thoughts. Sesshomaru gazed over at her with a raised eyebrow, propping himself on his elbows. "Or. ..do you not WANT me here?"

She smiled at him, placing a finger to her lips as if to feign innocence.

"Does it show?" He smiled in return, and if not for the sun shining through her transparent for, reminding him that she was untouchable, he would've tackled her to the ground and wrestle playfully with her. Sesshomaru sighed. You'd think he'd get used to it by now, him having a best friend like her that is.

However, he never understood why. . .but a sudden ache echoed inside whenever he was reminded of his best friend---his ONLY friend's plight. Perhaps it was the fact that she was the only person he had ever felt pity for in his entire life. Even now, he still felt pity for her. . .or perhaps it was something else. . .

"Sessho, didn't you tell me you had an important meeting to attend to later on today?" Kagome's voice drifted softly to his ears. He sat up, brushing any grass that may have latched themselves onto his clothes.

"Lord Inutaisho had a meeting with the other lords, he only requested that I attend." He answered coldly.

"I see," Kagome closed her sapphire orbs, staying absolutely still. "He's been making you go to more of his meetings recently," Sesshomaru gazed at her patiently.

"I find it rather bothersome," He answered, "I never asked to be a lord. . ."

"Well I never asked to be dead," She joked back, causing him to stiffen at her sudden comment. She usually wasn't one to dwell on her death that much, but with his acute hearing, he was sure that there was some bitterness in her voice. "But. . .he's only trying to prepare you for your future role as the next Taiyoukai."

Her eyes snapped open when she heard rustling beside her, and she turned to see Sesshomaru standing up.

"You're right," He sighed.

"I am?"

"I need to be getting back to the castle," He watched her face fall, and the familiar feeling of a clenching heart rose within him.

"Oh, well then you should get going. I'll head back to the shrine as well." With that, she rose also, smiling at him, and walked past him, her ebony hair flowing unearthly behind her. He stared after her, and ran his fingers through his silver tresses. After a while. . .

"That is, I SHOULD be getting back to the castle. . ." He started, his tone changing, and catching her attention. Kagome gave him a curious glance. "But I think I'll just skip it for today. . ."

Kagome stared at him and came back to his side.

"Won't they miss you?" He shrugged, and settled himself back onto the grass. A smile broke out on her beautiful face. In a moment, she was back on the soft grass, watching the clouds roll past. It had seemed they were always like this, just the two of them.

And for a long while, that was all that really mattered.

^*^*^*^*^*^*^

The demon lord flipped through the documents that the other lords had given him. He inwardly sighed at the inevitable headache that he knew was going to plague him while going over them. Inutaisho's eyes perused over the pages of treaties, alliances, production rates among his lands, and rubbed his temples. Placing the scrolls down, he looked up from his study and gazed outside to the scenery of a setting sun.

It was getting late, and he had yet to see his eldest son return from his "hunt." Inutaisho had a sneaking suspicion that Sesshomaru wasn't out hunting at all. The scent of orchids and vanilla did not go unnoticed by the taiyoukai whenever his son came home, and although he knew himself that his son was still chaste, he could not help but wonder how he always managed to get that scent on himself. Out with a female, most likely. The demon prince had been out a lot more lately, he hardly saw the adolescent around anymore. However, he didn't want to pry, no matter how much he wanted to know.

Their father and son relationship was very dysfunctional, and Inutaisho did not want to blow what was left of it. Especially after the arrival of Izayoi and his half-brother, Inuyasha, Sesshomaru had grown especially bitter. Maybe it was the fact that he gave more attention to the new pup, and the taiyoukai felt very guilty for ignoring his eldest son.

He tried making it up to him, but no matter what he did, Sesshomaru always made it seem like he was only doing so out of pity. And Sesshmaru had always made it clear to those around him that he needed no one's pity.

But he had also noticed that Sesshomaru did not express his bitterness and anger towards him and his new family as of late. In fact, he seemed almost content behind that cold façade that he had made for himself. Inutaisho knew that it didn't have anything to do at home, and was almost sure it had something to do with his walks to the outside world.

Inutaisho wondered vaguely what it was that kept his son's rage at bay. But he was silently grateful for it, whatever it---or even who---it was. However, it was most bothersome now. . .for the fact that Sesshomaru was about to reach proper age to take over his lands, and yet still lacked the proper training for it.

The demon prince was never around for his lessons or studies, because he was out doing who knows what, and Inutaisho felt that now more than ever is when his son should forget his childhood days of throwing away responsibility. Just when he was about to turn his thought back to the forgotten documents at hand, he heard light footsteps resound in the hallway, and knew it was none other than his son.

Before Sesshomaru could walk past his father's study, Inutaisho had already called for him. Hearing a silent groan, the younger, spitting image of himself emerged through the shoji screen door.

"You called of me, Lord Inutaisho?" He said stiffly, causing him to close his eyes warily. `He still continues to go on with the formalities.' The taiyoukai nodded and gestured for him to come in. Sesshomaru glided across the room and sat down on the cushion next to his father.

"Sesshomaru, I noticed that you did not attend to the meeting of the lords today, as I requested," He started. His son did not look at him, instead focused on the sunset outside the window. "So I would like to inquire you where you were if not at the meeting."

"I do not believe that is any of your business, milord," Sesshomaru answered gruffly. Inutaisho narrowed his eyes threateningly.

"I am your father, therefore it is my right to know. Do NOT forget your place, pup." He bit back defensively, watching as his son gave him gave him a surprised look. But soon after, he too narrowed his eyes. Inutaisho stood up, his form towering over Sesshomaru.

"And just where is my place, FATHER," He spat out the word with bitterness.

"It is here, in this domain, bearing the title of being the next Taiyoukai of the Western Lands," Inutaisho said harshly. "However, you shirk your lessons, and brush off your responsibilities as such far too easily. Your head is always somewhere in the clouds---or in the woods," He added, causing him to shift in uneasiness, "And you take your position for granted."

"Your point is. . .?" Sesshomaru said casually, collecting his cool once more and pretending to look rather disinterested in the lecture. Inutaisho growled.

"The point is, I feel that you are unfit for such a role," He finished. At hearing this, the young prince stood up, and although seemingly calm, he could tell that anger seethed beneath him, as shown in his fiery golden depths.

"Then give the role to INUYASHA," Sesshomaru said bitterly. "He's your favorite, anyway, isn't he FATHER?" He was taken aback at this, and golden eyes stared at each other for a long while before both regaining their composure.

"Is that what you believe, Sesshomaru?" He asked. Sesshomaru turned away.

"It is what I know." Lord Inutaisho sighed, walking back over to his study.

"No matter what you may think, my son. I have chosen you as the heir, and it is YOU that will lead." He turned back to the silent demon prince. "And from now on you will act as such, I don't want you going out so often anymore." Sesshomaru stiffened noticeably at the words, and he began to protest. However, Inutaisho was firm. "That is to say, I don't want you going to HER anymore."

The demon prince fell silent at this. Did he know of Kagome? How could he? He had kept his friendship with her a secret all this time. He growled low in his throat, and even more so when he hear his father chuckle.

"Did you not think I would not smell the feminine scent on you, my son?" He said lightly. "I didn't expect you to be fooling around with a girl, it is most dishonorable. Unless you are planning on making her your mate. . ." Sesshomaru almost choked. His father thought that Kagome was---

"You are mistaken father. She is only a friend," but then his voice grew quiet as he added the next part. "Besides, I cannot possibly take her in as a mate. . ." He was surprised at his own words. Of course he would never dream of taking in Kagome as a mate. . .she was his best friend! It was just too strange.

Lord Inutaisho raised his eyebrow when he saw his son's sudden shift on moods upon the topic of this girl.

"Well, if she really is just a friend, then I don't think it would be a big loss if you cut back on your visits," Sesshomaru looked at him with shocked golden depths.

"No," He said flatly.

"Why not?" Inutaisho pressed in an almost innocent manner. Sesshomaru thought for a long while.

"Father," He said for the first time, sincerity at the word that the taiyoukai's attention was completely immersed in his son. "You've taken away many things away from me already." Sesshomaru looked up at him at last, "I ask you to not take this---HER from me."

Silence filled the room of his study, and as the last rays of light disappeared over the horizon, bringing the blanket of the night sky, only their molten gazes shined in the darkened room.

"How much does this `friend' mean to you?" Inutaisho asked slowly. Sesshomaru stayed silent for several moments, contemplating over his answer. How much did Kagome mean to him? Thinking back, he could not possibly list all his reasons. If not for her, he was not sure what would've become of him. . .probably would've faded away like he had intended all those years ago.

But Kagome had taught him to live. . .taught him so many things, and it was ironic that it was the dead that showed him life was worthwhile. There was only one answer, and he felt a bit humiliated to admit this to his father, but at the same time proud as well.

"She is my strength," was the answer. Inutaisho stood shocked at the words, and a small smile formed at his lips. This friend of his must be something if the mere thought of her was able to render his stubborn son into swallowing his pride and defending her. And there was something in the way he spoke of her as well that reminded him of himself. . .

"Very well. I will not forbid you to break this friendship with her. However, I want you to put your duties as future lord above all else," He stated coolly, and he watched from the corner of his eye as Sesshomaru nodded stiffly.

"I understand," He said once more with stiffness in his voice.

"You are dismissed," Inutaisho returned to his papers as his son walked out of the room, feeling as if for the first time, that the two of them had finally come to an understanding.

^*^*^*^*^*^*^

The crickets chirped softly into the night air as Sesshomaru made his way to his usual meeting place with Kagome, his mind still set on the conversation that he had with his father. It was the most that they had ever spoken in along time, and he felt it so odd that it would be about Kagome.

Kagome. . .he guessed he should learn to mask his scent pretty soon, even thought he technically never touched her. . .Still, even with her close proximity to him, her scent could linger. He was surprised to say the least when his father had assumed she was his potential mate.

He would've laughed at the idea. . .if only he wasn't thinking so vigorously over it. She was his best friend! Why, the very thought. . .and even if he wanted to----not that he ever would---it's not like he could. He wasn't sure why he was thinking over this anyway, and made a mental note to stop. Then, why did it suddenly hurt when he thought about it? Why did it hurt at the reminder of the fact that he couldn't touch her? For the same reason he could not feel her hand when she had asked him so many years ago? He wasn't sure.

"What'cha thinkin' about?" He almost jumped at the sound of her voice, but calmed when Kagome's face came into view. It seemed he was so lost in his own thoughts that he did not realize he had reached the site of the shrine. She giggled.

"What brings you here twice in one day?" She asked him, and he ran his fingers through his hair as he replayed what his father said.

"I had a little talk with Lord Inutaisho today," Kagome's smile disappeared.

"It's about you skipping that meeting isn't it?" She twiddled her thumbs nervously. "I'm really sorry, it's all my fault! You stayed for me, and now I got you in trouble. . ." Sesshomaru shook his head, bringing a palm to outline the transparent surface of her cheek as if he was able to touch it.

"No, it's not. The argument that followed shortly after was bound to happen. My father feels that I should be concentrating more on my studies instead of being here with you," He said slowly, his voice void of emotion as if he didn't care.

"Oh," She whispered, looking off into the direction of the stars. He gazed up at them as well.

"This means that. . .I won't be seeing you as often anymore. . ." He trailed off sadly. Kagome nodded, and turning to him she gave him the most cheerful smile she could muster.

"I understand! Besides, you've already wasted enough of your free time with this lonely ghost. . ." He held up a hand to silence her, his golden eyes shining with honesty.

"I did not waste my time on you," He answered softly, "Friends, remember?" He couldn't help but smile when he saw her face light up in happiness, and she nodded. Tears almost forming on her translucent blue orbs at the words.

"Hai. Friends," Kagome whispered softly to him, and in the silence of the night, both understood that whatever time they could spend together as such, they would cherish it. As they sat under the stars, telling each other about their hopes and dreams like always, it was then that Sesshomaru realized that this friendship wasn't enough for the demon prince.

And this feeling stayed with him for the several years that were to come. . .this sudden growing of longing whenever he looked at her.

* End Chapter*

Yume: Okies, this was basically a filler chapter, and it's sole purpose was to portray Kagome and Sesshomaru's complicated relationship with each other up to this point.

CF: What about Sesshomaru-sama's father?

Yume: Yeah, the whole son and father relationship as well. What I'm trying to get across is the fact that Sess (a little ooc, but hey! He's a rebelious teen) feels trapped in his role as the future heir, and finds escape from it whenever he is with Kagome.

CF: Everything's very complicated, but the next chapter will be VERY meaningful!

Yume: Yes, in the next chappie, fast forward to when Sess is FINALLY and adult! And what of Inuyasha? Stick around!

CF: Review! No flames please!

Review Responses:

~Fanfiction.net

ennovymoon; Fiorella-sama; Lady Kaela; TheTrueSilver; animeactionfan; Butterfly Monkey Babe of Doom; airbear44; Saria4; The great and masterful Yoda; crystal; Silver-Blue-eyes; Duke of Spades; GreenDragonSpirit; sashlea; HellzAznGrl; amyfushigiyugi; MidnightDragonShadow; K-chan16; Rabid-Inu-Girl; THANKS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT!

Zakari: {giggles} I'd be thrilled to have you as a crazed fan! And no, I actually have not even thought of making my works into a dousinji---how do you do that? You got me interested! And I would SOOO go for it! ^_^

Leafz: lol! Breath! Take a deep breath and calm down! Now, feel better? Thanks for the support, and I'm so flattered with your enthusiasm. ^_^

DarknessGuardian: (hands tissue)

RubiSapphire-Sama: That's funny, I know how muses can get, and CF isn't any better. Lol.

Familia-Ficz: I like the way I made her die too, and as for the payment on the Sesshy pics. . .hehe. Oh, gods! I need a scanner! I've got really good Sess/Kag fanart lying around everywhere and I can't show them to the world! (sobs)

Kiwi93089: The reason why Kag didn't wish to get out, is because she accepted her fate. Or something like that.

Ladihouki: Well, as for that prospect, I'll leave that as a big surprise!

Mistress Fluffy: I tried to make this one not as sad, so are you happy? Lol. A lot will happen in the next chappie!

~Mediaminer.org

C; Awaikage; StormAZ; Razor Blade Magarita; Fenikkusu Ice; Fasha Youkai; Heninu; Amethyst; THANKS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT!

japanese_angel12: Thanks, that was the intention that I had for this story.

Cresent Moon 22000: You'll just have to keep reading, it's going to be VERY angsty, I warn you now!

Striking Falcon: I have checked out your bio page, really funny, and CF still sends you kisses and hugs for recommending my {hears CF cough in the background} I mean. . .HER story. {sighs} Anyway, thanks for your undying support!

wackoramaco87: I don't know when the third movie is coming, but I'm pretty sure the 1st movie is coming really soon!

IsisTheEgyptianGoddess: Thanks for your enthusiasm, and again, Jaken won't be needed! ^_^

END NOTE:

CF: Done! Now on to FMN! {tugs at Yume's shirt}

Yume: Oh, can't I catch my breath?

CF: Not with angry fans! {tugs once more, as Yume falls unconscious onto the ground} Hmmm. . .{evil smirk} >ZAP!<

Yume: YOW! {jumps up, hair in electrical afro} Grrr! CF! I'm gonna kill you!

CF: hehe, gotta go! Review! No flames! Peace!

{Yume chases CF out of the room}

~Ja Ne! ^_~