InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Whispered Dreams ❯ Standing Still ( Chapter 6 )

* Whispered Dreams *

By: Youkai Yume

Yume: It's been so long since I've last been here! I have a sneaking suspicion everyone has a hazy memory on this fic now. . .lol.

CF: RECAP TIME!

Yume: Our story up until now; Sesshomaru is now an adolescent, and feels a bit burdened by his roles as the next heir to the Western Lands. He finds escape from his harsh reality whenever he meets up with his best friend; Kagome. Who is indeed, a ghost who died saving her brother, and is kept behind because of an unconscious wish she made on the Shikon no Tama (which is now a part of her). The Shikon no Tama also enables her to become human once every full moon!

CF: Breath Yume! Breath!

Yume: (sigh) Anyways, in THIS chapter, fast forward about fifteen years. This should mean that Sesshomaru is an adult now, and Inuyasha should be around 19 or so. Sesshomaru ages up until 20 years of normal human years, then he doesn't age for a very long time. ^^ It'll be explained in this chappie!

Disclaimer: If I owned Inuyasha, I wouldn't be having the shitty life I do now. . .

Chapter 6: Standing Still

Golden eyes trailed up to gaze at the full moon that hung in the sky, it's light setting a peaceful glow onto the forest scenery. Just the mere sight of it caused the demon lord to smile. It was one of the few nights that Kagome would become flesh, a part of the living, and he felt just as happy and excited as when he was a mere pup awaiting the full moon to come.

His footsteps were quiet, and graceful as he made his way through the familiar path to the shrine. The wind blew lightly, caressing his flawless skin and pulling at his silk robes. Sesshomaru held the small package in his arms a little tighter.

He wanted her to be surprised when she saw what he had brought for her. The fine fabric and the whisper of silk ran through his fingers like liquid, and the demon lord silently admired the fine work that the dressmakers did. Of course, it won't feel as nice as Kagome's hair would feel, and Sesshomaru's fingers ached to touch her ebony tresses. Something that he only had the privilege of doing once a month.

`The color will compliment her eyes beautifully. . .' He thought fondly. Sesshomaru was not one known for giving gifts, but for his best friend, he would give his life. Not that it would ever come to that. . .she was already dead. Golden eyes narrowed at the thought. How the fact still brought the pang of sadness to him so.

It still felt even more painful now than it was when he had met her sixteen years ago, for some unknown reason he did not know. But indeed, it did hurt a lot more now, especially when he looked into her sapphire irises---irises that told of lost dreams and denied opportunities. `For both of us?' He shook his head. Where did that come from? Sixteen years of gazing into those sad eyes.

`How time seems to pass. . .' Sesshomaru mused, his pace quickening when he caught sight of the shrine steps not far from where he was. Yes, how very fast time passed.

In the time that he had known her, so many things had happened. . .Izayoi, Inuyasha's mother, died when he was only five years of age. His father passed away as well, in a brutal battle against a formidable dragon youkai.

Which left him as the new Taiyoukai of the Western Lands. He had taken on his role with honor, and even now, finally felt the utmost respect and sorrow for his father's death. Sesshomaru regretted never taking the time to understand his father. . .

But now that he was adult, he understood. . .that all his father ever wanted for him was to succeed. And despite what he may have done to prove to his father that he felt the contrary, he was grateful for Lord Inutaisho.

Since then, Inuyasha had grown up under his care, and although Sesshomaru wasn't particularly fond of the half-breed pup, he couldn't bring himself to leave his younger brother at some village to fend for himself. It would have meant that the demon lord would've erased all traces of his father's betrayal to his mother's memory.

Make no mistake, the idea had been very tempting at the time, but. . .

* Flashback *

"No! Sessho, you can't do that!" Kagome said, startled that he had even suggested such a thing. He raised an eyebrow at her.

"And why not?" He answered coldly. "I am lord of the Western Lands now, and the castle is under my rule. If I do not wish for the whelp to remain then it does not have to be so." Kagome glared disapprovingly at him, and he suddenly felt small---like he was a pup again, looking up at the older girl.

"I used to remember you not wanting to have anything to do with such a role!" She bit back, "But even if you ARE a lord now, you can't just throw the poor kid out! He's just a child!" Kagome continued.

"A child that can take care of himself," Sesshomaru said, his voice firm, and his arms crossed. However, his mood suddenly shifted when he saw the ghost of a girl turn away from him. Her aura came off in sad waves. . .so much so that it seeped into the demon lord himself.

"I never realized. . .that growing up, and becoming a demon lord, would cause you to become so cold. . ." Her voice was laced in deep sorrow, and guilt began to consume him. Was that what he had become? Cold? Cold enough for Kagome to feel differently about him?

His arms fell to his sides, and his eyes softened.

"I haven't changed, Kagome. . ." He started, his emotionless voice filled with a sense of apology. "It's just, Inuyasha reminds me of everything that I have lost. . .my mother, my father's replacement for her. . .and HE was the result of their. . ." He forced out the next words, "love."

Kagome slowly turned around, sapphire eyes gleamed in the darkened atmosphere. Slowly, she walked over to where he stood, and brought her hands up, just mere inches away from either sides of his face. She did not go any farther, knowing that it would do no good anyway, but it made the desired message.

"Sesshomaru, I thought YOU more than anyone would understand your little brother. . ." She said softly, her voice holding the same tenderness that he had always remembered her to have. "He's all alone in this world---he lost his mother at a young age. . ."

Honey-gold eyes, shadowed by silver bangs, hid her from his view. The taiyoukai remained completely silent, letting the words seep through. He knew what she was going to say next, and a part of him didn't want to hear it. But the bigger part of him knew it was true, and knew it would usher in feelings he preferred not to have.

"You're all he has left. . ." A barely audible sigh passed his lips, and he opened his eyes once more to see her transparent hands return to her side. Kagome only gave him a look of what he recognized to be pleading. . .and hope.

"I know, Kagome. . ." Sesshomaru finally answered. "And he. . ." He could not bring himself to say the next words.

"Is all you have left," Kagome finished for him. Nodding in defeat, Sesshomaru averted his gaze in the direction of his castle. Inuyasha was nine years old now, and the child showed a lot of spunk. Not to mention, he annoyed the hell out him, but in the end, Sesshomaru knew he couldn't go through with it.

He couldn't abandon what was left of his blood, no matter how tainted it was, or no matter how much Inuyasha was a constant reminder of his lost happiness.

From behind him, he could smell Kagome's orchid-vanilla scent calm to a peaceful state. Turning to meet her gaze, he saw her to be smiling.

"You don't have to raise Inuyasha all on your own," She started, then a slight blush came onto her pale cheeks. "Um. . .I could help you. . ."

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at her.

"You want to baby-sit the obnoxious runt?"

"Well, I've never actually met him before, and I would love to get to know the one who annoys his older brother so much!" Kagome chuckled, and gave him an untouchable tap on the nose. "I gotta know his secret!" She finished, winking playfully at him.

Somehow, this did not bring the smile upon his lips like she thought it would. Instead, a low growl passed from them, and he narrowed his eyes at her.

"No. He will remain under my care. I will have servants take care of the hanyou pup. Do not concern yourself with him." He bit out, almost coldly, and Kagome could've sworn she heard something close to possessiveness in his voice. Her head tilted to the side.

"You know, I was only kidding about the whole `I'm gonna find out what's his secret for annoying you,' thing. . ." She said slowly. Sesshomaru glanced back at her, his hardened gold orbs eased, and his tone of voice grew soft for a moment.

"It's not that, Kagome," He ran his clawed hands through silver locks, watching as her face showed with confusion. Sighing, he gave her a small smile---she would be the only one to ever see them, and turned to head back to his domain.

"I have matters to attend to back at the castle," He told her stoically. A sigh sounded from behind him.

"Where have I heard that before?" She mumbled. Glancing back, Sesshomaru said in a quiet tone,

"I will be back tomorrow, promise."

* End Flashback *

Light footsteps sounded as he made his way to the top of the shrine, his mind still preoccupied with the memory.

Thinking back on it, he had to admit---though never to Kagome, that the reason he had never let her see Inuyasha was solely because he wanted her all to himself.

Over the years he had found that since Inuyasha entered his life, Sesshomaru was slightly deprived of possession. He had to share everything with the little half-breed, not that he minded, but he had always felt that nothing was his anymore.

When Kagome had suggested that she took care of him as well, the demon lord came to realize that there was one thing his little brother did not have. And that was Kagome. As if he was reverted back to being a selfish child, he found himself not wanting to share her.

She was his, and his friend alone. She was the one thing Inuyasha did not have, and he felt a sudden wave of possession come over him. He couldn't bear the thought of Kagome giving someone else the same attention that she gave him.

He wanted to be the only person she ever laughed with. The only person she'd ever whisper her secrets to. The only person she'd cry in front of. He wanted to be the only person who had the simple pleasure of feeling her warm embraces when she was human, and the only one who she would ever smile for whenever she was happy or content.

But he didn't have to worry about Inuyasha being around anymore. At the age of eighteen, the hanyou had left home at least a year ago, claiming he had bigger and better things to do than to linger in his elder brother's shadow or argue with him all the time. Sesshomaru could care less where Inuyasha was now, but he had heard rumors that he was now residing near a village and spent his time with a miko. . .

No matter, he did not care. As long as he still had Kagome all to himself.

Yes, he was always the same, selfish little pup when he was with her. When he reached the top, he saw his best friend awaiting him in front of the shrine---not see through like she usually was, smiling softly and greeting him in a giggled "hello." But Kagome never seemed to mind, and he hoped she would never know that he DID feel selfish when it came to her. He smiled at her in return.

God help him why he did feel that way when it came to her though.

"Sesshomaru!" Kagome ran to him, throwing her arms around his torso to give him a tight embrace. . .an embrace that they had both been waiting for. She could feel his strong arms wrap around her petite form, and she cuddled into his warm fur, inhaling his masculine scent.

Kagome giggled when she felt his hands bury into her raven mane, and smiled into his chest when she heard him sigh in contentment.

"I've been waiting all month to do that," He whispered, letting her strands fall from his fingers like liquid. Kagome pulled away, and playfully hit his chest.

"And I've been waiting all month to do THAT!" She chuckled, causing him to smile as well.

"So, did my dearest friend fare well?" He asked in a stoic voice. Kagome sighed, she had noticed he kept up the cold façade ever since he became lord of the Western Lands. But she also knew she was probably the only one he'd give his small smiles to, and just felt grateful for at least that.

"I'm good," She replied. "Especially tonight!" Pointing up at the full moon, she smiled from ear-to-ear, "Because I'm not all see through!"

Sesshomaru gazed at her affectionately, noticing that no matter how much time seemed to pass, Kagome would always hold her air of innocence.

He knew he himself had changed in some ways with age. . .but Kagome? No, she was always Kagome. He had to remember that. Kagome would always be exactly as she was. . .she would always be this beautiful, have this laughter, have this innocence. While now that he was an adult, immortal like she, and only aging every few hundred years, time would always stand still for her.

Sesshomaru saw her avert her gaze back onto himself, and had to hold back a smile when her eyes traveled to the package still clutched in his hand.

"Hey, Sessho, what's that?" She inquired. The demon lord held it out to her.

"What? This?" He said casually. "A gift. . ." Kagome's eyes sparkled with excitement.

"For me?" She reached out to grab it; like an eager child. But Sesshomaru merely held it over her head, and out of her grasp, not able to resist the amusement that played across his features.

"I never said that. . ." He drawled. She glared at him, and tried to jump up and grab it, but he only held it farther away from her.

"Come on, Sesshomaru! Let me see!" She pouted, and glared when she saw him smirk in playfulness.

"You can see it perfectly from where you are."

"Sessho!" She burst out in frustration. "Not fair, I'm shorter than you, and who else are you going to give it to?" He chuckled slightly, grabbing her by her shoulders and twirling her around so that her back was pressed against his chest.

Kagome glanced backwards at him, a look of pure confusion on her face. But before she could say anything, Sesshomaru untied the package, letting its' silky contents cascade in front of her.

The girl gasped when she saw what it was, and lost her breath when he held the fine clothing against her frame, as if seeing if it would fit her.

"Sesshomaru. . ." She managed to choke out. "It's beautiful!" Indeed it was; a kimono in a fine shade of blue that darkened to a sapphire to match her eyes when it came to the bottom of the sleeves and hem. Vines of flowers decorated the edges, and here and there, she saw butterflies printed on the fabric.

"I knew you would like it," He said softly to her, watching with affection as she swept the kimono into her arms and examined every detail of it.

"For me? Really? You're giving it to me?" He nodded. She laughed in pure happiness, and Sesshomaru basked in the pleasant ring it made in his ears. But it died down eventually, only to be replaced with silence and a frown upon her fair face. Sesshomaru didn't like the look she was wearing

"What's wrong? You don't like it?" He asked, suddenly hurt. Kagome shook her head, holding the kimono tighter against herself.

"It's not that," She answered. "It's. . .well, I love it, but whatever would a ghost like me do with it?" Sesshomaru sighed in relief, and placing a hooked finger under her chin to force her gaze to meet his own, he smiled warmly at her.

"But you're not a ghost tonight. . ." His gentle voice caused her to smile, and tears to well in her orbs---in happiness of course. "You're allowed to wear new clothes once in a while, are you not?" Kagome smiled, nodding ad wiping the tears that threatened to fall.

Giving him another tight hug, she ran inside the shrine to try out her new kimono.

Sesshomaru waited patiently outside, and after a few minutes had passed, Kagome emerged wearing the beautiful kimono. He smiled when he saw her.

"So, how do I look?" She asked, twirling around for him to see. Sesshomaru's honey-gold eyes traveled her form; the kimono was a perfect fit on her, hugging her curves in all the right places, and color brought out her eyes just as he had predicted. Kagome was even more beautiful than he had imagined her to be.

"Perfect," Was his answer, causing her to blush.

"Really? I thought it kinda made me look fat. . ." She joked. The demon lord shook his head, amused at her reply and walked closer to her. Taking her hands into his own, he spread out her arms so he could have a better look.

"No, you look perfect. . ." He said again, though this time, Kagome noticed that it was as if he was saying it in a dreamlike state. She smiled warmly, and before he knew it, she had him in another embrace.

"Arigato, Sesshomaru," She thanked into his tail. Wrapping his arms around her, he whispered a "your welcome," into her hair. Sesshomaru was silently glad no one else came up here, or else they would've mistaken their embrace to be that of two lovers instead of friends.

But, strangely at the moment, the demon lord didn't seem to care. Not really wanting to break the moment, Sesshomaru hesitantly pulled away, and his expression grew serious. He couldn't forget the other reason he came here tonight---though he would always be here on the night of a full moon.

"Kagome," She looked up at him, questioning him with her gaze when she heard the sudden change in his voice. "I am also here to tell you something important."

"Tell me what?" He paused for a moment, mulling over his words.

"That I won't be coming here for a while," The light in Kagome's eyes left, and she pulled out of his embrace completely.

"You're. . .you're leaving?" She asked, her voice cracked. "That's all this was? A farewell present?" She turned away from him, hurt and hiding the tears that began to brim her sapphire irises.

"No," Sesshomaru chuckled, waving away the notion completely. Kagome turned her attention back to him, sniffling a bit.

"Then what?" The demon lord gazed distantly at the full moon that hung overhead.

"I'm going on a journey. . .to find something that belongs to me. . ." He explained. She was by his side, gazing at the moon as well.

"How long are you going to be gone?" She asked slowly.

"I do not know how long it will take, but I will not return until I find it."

"What is it?" Sesshomaru looked down, only to have his golden eyes meet her blue ones, looking into his soul like she always did. "What are you looking for?"

"A sword. . ." Was his simple answer. ". . .Tetsusaiga. . ."

* End Chapter *

CF: Dun, dun, DUN!

Yume: hah! The plot thickens! In the next chappie, Sesshomaru searches for the sword that slays a hundred demons, and finds something far more valuable in the process. And you guessed it, INUYASHA! Next chapter, he'll make his cocky appearance!

CF: yay! Let's all do a happy dance! {starts happy dance}

Yume: Alright, but FIRST! As some of you may know, I now have a gallery of my fanart on mediaminer.org. There is a drawing inspired by this fic there as well called "Butterfly Wishes," of a ghostly Kagome and a young Sessho! ^^ It's really cute! Come and visit it! Go to Mediaminer.org and copy search for "Youkai Yume" And please take the time to review my artwork if you can! I enjoy them as much as I enjoy reviews for fanfics!

CF: Hehe, enjoy! ^^ And for news and updates on Yume's fics, please visit Yume's homepage---er, xanga, or whatever! Kap-king! ^^ Just check for it on Yume's bio-page!

Review Responses:

~Fanfiction.net

Thesta; Butterfly Monkey Babe of Doom; Cold-Hearted NightFox; Zakari; aoringo-chan; I; zhoujen; rosie; inudemoness247; blythe; Silver-Blue-Eyes; CreSentMoOn99; Moon-n-Universe-Goddess; Duke-of-Spades; Peanut Gallery - Alaska's Own; Tsuki Yume; ^.^; ptbear; ennovymoon; crystal; Sanosuke Hidane; Lady Kaela; animeactionfan; THANKS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT!

Sesshys Hime: Wow, thanks! I'm glad you liked the story so much, since I feel it's my baby! Hehe, CF has a really big head right now. I'll try to update this fic regularly, but my teacher is sending us tons of work by e-mail. Once forgetmenot is done, however, you can definitely expect more updates for this fic!

Perro: Oh, Perro, I know about your little computer problem, and I completely understand. Just missed you is all. . .^^ Oh, and my profile usually changes once a month.

HellzAznGrl: Kagome is dead, therefor she is immortal. She cannot age.

DarknessGuardian: Thanks so much for viewing my artwork on mm.org! I just got one up for this fic, and I'm glad you like the angsty feel of this fic. Some idiots complained to me about "where are all the happy moments?" (mumbles) it's in the ANGST category, seesh!

iyluva7978: I don't know about calling myself reliable. . .Oh, and they do have a physical relationship when it comes to the full moon, but I picked her to be a ghost to portray the feeling of falling in love without having to touch something, but simply by feeling---even though you can't have it. It's a deeper concept than I can explain, gomen!

Tessa3: You know, I always love hearing from you! Lol. Hope to do so again soon!

The Wielder of the Glave: Shh! Don't give the story away!

Shiori-chan: Thanks so much for the pics! It really helped! ^^

Kiwi93089: Oh, Naraku, you won't be coming back until waaay later! But you'll still be vitally important! Trust me! ^^

Talent Scout: No, this is entirely my original idea, and I'm sticking to it! (stands up proudly)

Mistress Fluffy: haha, but it'll have more fluffy moments, but it's also going to get sadder as well.

Blue-Saiyan-Angel: Yes, I was going for different, and no Kagome's not going to fall through the well, and all that. Totally AU.

Familia-Ficz: You make a good point. Ah, so wise!

~Mediaminer.org

StormAZ; White Tiger Princess; Amethyst; amyfushigiyugi; japanese_angel12; THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!

Za Reiken: You really think I can pass Math Analysis with an "A?" with this stupid brain? Lol. Good one!

Striking Falcon: Haha, despite how much CF and I fight, we love each other, right? CF: Love? What is this love that Yume speaks of? Yume: {glares} Don't make me get the force you through another dance lesson. CF: O_O No!

IsisTheEgyptianGoddess: haha, I'm glad you didn't send over Jaken either. To be honest, I kinda threw in the scene where Sess and Kag were looking at the stars. Worked out well though, ne? ^^

Fenikkusu Ice: I know it's confusing, but SESSHO was 12 in the first chapter. Kagome's 18, and always will be 18. ^^

iram(wakcoramaco87): wow, really? New episodes? When? I heard February! Haha. Movie? Where? Haha. Oh, and as for the ending to this fic, I can promise bittersweet, but I can't give ya any spoilers, now can I?

END NOTE!

Yume: Okay, I'll try to update this fic on a regular basis, but no promises!

CF: Like Yume's promises actually are true in the first place. . .

Yume: Hush, child. I have my excuses. Please read and review, no flames, and drop by mai gallery sometime! ^^

Ja Ne! ^_~