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Miko no Makimono	By : cakeiton Category: InuYasha > Het - Male/Female > Sessh?maru/Kagome > Sessh?maru/Kagome Views: 4431 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I don't own or make money off of anything Inuyasha.

Chapter List
- 12
- 13
I don’t own anything Inuyasha.

Thanks go to Leah for the beta!

~~~

An hour later the three stood in the dark shelter, looking down into the enigmatic depths of a timeless well. Kagome was fidgeting with the ridiculously large blue pack on her back, her bow and quiver hanging off their own shoulder adding to the awkwardness, but all of this wasn’t what was throwing her off balance.

The open mouth of the well called to her, the Miko Scroll lying secured on its ledge, and Kagome knew how to answer back. She would jump in and travel onward to a battle-filled fate without the promise of success. Something tickled in the back of her subconscious, and she stole a glance to her right for Inuyasha then to Sesshoumaru at her left. Youkai; the race she was supposed to defend, but would it cost her own? Was she betraying her own kind?

“Um…” she started, gaining Inuyasha’s attention and once more focusing on the wooden portal. “What’s the plan?”

Crossing his arms confidently he answered, “Jump in, kick ass, go home.”

“Hn.” Neither Sesshoumaru nor Kagome were amused.

She shook her head, but never took her gaze away from the endless, hollow bottom. “No… I mean…” her voice got quieter “Who are we fighting?”

The two brothers shared a look over the miko’s head and Inuyasha nodded once the message was understood. “Only those who attack us, Kags.”

The next breath came easier as Kagome signaled her acceptance with an decisive nod.

“Well, then” she bent over, leaving a small envelope with Anka’s name at the foot of the well, “Let’s get to it.” Gripping the edge and grabbing onto the scroll simultaneously, Kagome pushed her legs up for the jump over, but was stalled by a familiar clawed hand on her arm. “What?” she asked, meeting Inuyasha’s gaze with ire.

He was looking at Sesshoumaru instead. “What if that miko kid is still there?”

“Then that would create a problem.” It was always a considerate amount of time before Sesshoumaru spoke and as it filled the small well house with its self-righteous indignation Kagome found his low voice surprisingly powerful.

The silence that stretched between them was only interrupted by Inuyasha tapping his claws on the wooden edge, inches away from the scroll. Kagome finally put her leg back down as she came to a solution, once again comfortably shifting her bag. “I’ll go through first.”

Before Inuyasha could protest, Sesshoumaru did. “No.”

“But,” she argued, “That miko can’t hurt me so I can look and jump right back through.”

“There is no guarantee,” he was being intimidating, only frustrating her more.

“What do you think we should do then?” The miko’s hands gripped her hips and squared her shoulders to the demon lord as he glowered down at her.

“I’ll go.” Kagome, shocked, turned around quickly as Inuyasha explained “I can handle anything on that side of the well.”

“That’s not the point!” Her shrill protest took Inuyasha back a step and annoyed the already tense taiyoukai.

Rolling his round, yellow eyes the hanyou leapt up to stand on the narrow edge. “Listen, if I’m not back by the time the moon is at its highest, then grab him” he rudely pointed a dirty claw Sesshoumaru’s way “and follow.”

“But!” Kagome had no more time to argue as Inuyasha leapt down into the darkness while Sesshoumaru grabbed onto her shoulder painfully, holding her back.

Floating specks of soft blue light swirled out from the cavity that swallowed Inuyasha, followed quickly by a bright burst erupting from its depths. A warm wind forcefully flowed out, caressing Kagome’s cheeks and tangling her raven hair before the light flooded the room. The flash pained her eyes, causing them to shut tightly as she remembered her last day in the feudal era…

The day was hot and thick, irritating her neck and waist where the miko’s clothing was wrapped tight. Wearing such an outfit, especially on such a day, always seemed ridiculous to Kagome, but she now noticed how it trapped the cooler air inside its heavy flowing layers. Still, it did nothing to ward off the humidity that Japanese summers brought with them. Even breathing filled her lungs with the hot weather.

So for the fifteenth time in almost as many minutes she dabbed away the sweat accumulating on her brow and nape of her neck. Silently, she worked in her own herb garden outside the hut that was built shortly after her return. Every little successful sprout and bloom blossomed pride within her heart and on days like this where Inuyasha and Miroku were gone to help a village’s youkai problem it brought her solace. A small pain ebbed into her temple and she routinely flared reiki in her hands, just recently discovering it was the best way to stop the mysterious pain that plagued her since their Shikon no Tama journeys.

Flicking away yet another small gnat clinging to her sticky skin Kagome sighed knowing there wasn’t enough busy work for the two days her hanyou love would be gone. Yes, they were going through a difficult time, but they survived a full out war. Time did not even keep them apart, so the recent distance growing between them surely wouldn’t either.

A swatch of white emerging from the tree line grabbed her attention and stopped her comforting ministrations. What was that? Slowly, as the figure walked closer, Kagome started making out the details; young woman, braided, shiny brown hair, white haori, small blade at her hip…

“Kira-san!” Kagome planted a foot on the ground and used her knee to push herself up before walking towards her guest for a friendly greeting, brushing her soiled hands on the red fabric of her hakama on the way. “What are you doing here? I thought Inuyasha and I were supposed to come see you next week?”For the past six months they had traveled to Kira’s village, all three trying to find answers to why they couldn’t mate. It had been a puzzle to her, too, but Kira believed it had something to do with Inuyasha, so the past few trips he went alone.

She was wrong.

Kira looked exhausted, but brought Kagome in for an unexpected hug, holding on tighter than usual. It took her by surprise, but she returned it with a genuine smile and genuine concern. “Kira, what’s wrong?”

“I am sorry.” The visiting miko pulled out of the embrace, wiping tears away and refusing to make eye contact. Worried, Kagome extended her reiki trying to comfort the girl and noticed that she couldn’t sense the same power within her. She was a non-reiki Miko now.

“Oh Kami, what happened?” Inuyasha has been making back and forth trips for months, he should have protected her…

In response, Kira nodded through her tears and looked past the blue-eyed woman in front of her. “Yes, um… I still have no idea why your body fights, but mine… Mine did not.” The distraught girl tried pulling back, but Kagome was not letting go, instead bringing her hand gently to her chin and encouraging eye contact.

“I don’t understand. Why-“

“I am in love, Kagome-sama…” Kira finally looked into those eyes that never needed to know pain again, yet here she was delivering it. “We are in love.”

“Thank the Gods, I thought you were hurt. Who…” A flash within Kira’s eyes answered Kagome’s unfinished question. “No…” As her heart sank the realization struck hard, and suddenly the world was spinning under her feet.

“Kagome-san, please, listen…” The voice was pleading and soft, but it was the worst sound in the world to the futuristic miko.

Pain crippled her heart as the unknown pressure in her head subsided, followed quickly by the pounding of blood and adrenaline rushing through her body. Never, in the entire year she had been back, had Kagome lamented her decision. Though she missed her family, and showers, and air conditioning, she had a place here with Inuyasha. Kagome had made this her home, and now, as it was being ripped away, she couldn’t help but feel the burning suffocation of regret.

Clutching her chest, the cheated woman almost fell to the grass as Kira swiftly caught her. The younger miko tried hoisting her up by the arms, but was stopped when Kagome slapped the hands away.

The betrayal… It was happening all over again yet not the same. This was worse… much worse.

“Kagome-sama, I-“

“No.” She faltered in stepping backwards, her remaining pride the only thing keeping her feet grounded. It took all her will power to stand straight again and push Kira away. “No.” The denial was over. No matter how much it ached to hear she knew it was true. Even though the brown haired miko was always earnest Kagome would not give her any sympathy or regard. “No, you don’t get to talk to me anymore.”

Kira fell to her knees, the clinking of the small wakizashi collapsing on the ground with her ringing in Kagome’s ears, personifying the desperate plea in her voice. “Please! There’s something-“

But she never got the chance to finish.

Kagome ran. The thick, humid air gave no breeze or comfort as it tousled her clothing and loose hair. Every pound of a foot hitting the ground drowned out more of her surroundings. Without acknowledgment she ran past Kaede and village children playing a game she had taught them a year ago.

In sickly innocent voices they were circling around a seated and blindfolded child while singing, “Kagome. Kagome.” Though she continued to run far away, their chants echoed in her head long after they were left behind. They were mocking her. Taunting her. Tears of frustration burned her eyes, trailing above high cheekbones and into raven hair that danced in torment with her frantic running. Every step further away, every villager calling out to her, every thump of her heart hurt there was pain… it even hurt to breathe.

Bitterness and hate were things she had forgotten about slowly after Kikyo took part of her soul. When it was returned, Kagome fought the urges to lash out or retain grudges, even though she knew it was a part of her, but now as the need for it attacked like a gale-force wind she could not stop it anymore. Her tears seemed to burn hotter with her sorrowful anger. No wonder Kikyo was so ready to die after she felt betrayed by Inuyasha…

Reaching her destination, Kagome climbed down into the Bone Eater’s Well. She knew she did not want to go back; she did not know if she even wanted to stay here. Trying to find an escape from the raw heartbreak she sought out a place in between; a place where she didn’t have to be in either eras; a place where she did not have to be anywhere.

Kagome sat on the dark, damp earth surrounded by tall, oppressive walls of wood and cried. She rocked her body in the rhythm of her breaking heart. The adrenaline shook her body as it escaped through the pores of her sticky skin. Pulling her hair, Kagome screamed with a shrill and anguished voice through endless salty tears. She bawled her protests, curses, and countless ‘Osuwari’s, even though they would never reach their target. Instead of subsiding, the pain squeezed her tight as a new wave of agonizing torment washed under her skin, refusing to let go. It had to stop. She had to find a way to stop this hurt. Kagome rocked harder, clutching her knees to her chest, and hit her head repeatedly against the wall of the well. Still, it would not relinquish.

This was not like the unknown pain that caused pressure within her head and a dark shadow over her spirit. This one had a name. This one she had trusted, and loved, and sacrificed for, and put the entirety of her being into his hands. This pain was all Inuyasha. Even thinking of his name made her eyes ache from how tight they were shut, yet the tears flowed freely. Her jaw was tense as she made small squeaks and drawn out cries with a tender voice through grinding teeth. She was so lost in her grief that the bright, blue light that enveloped her went unnoticed. She was so consumed by regret and the sting of betrayal that after an unknown amount of time her body finally collapsed from it.

When she woke up there was a ceiling instead of a sky. Car horns replaced the sound of summer birds. One place she didn’t belong traded for another.

She never even said goodbye.

The flash of the well died and Kagome’s mind was brought back to the present. She had never seen someone jump in before, or felt the aftermath. As its residual breeze caused by the magic quickly swirled and died inside the well house her hammering heart calmed. The well was hypnotic, chaotic, and warm when left outside its grasp. Then, a strong, clawed hand left her shoulder and she became aware of her body once again. As their clothes calmed from the stilling wind, returning to hang naturally against their skin, Kagome felt silky, silver hair accidentally brush her cheek and she turned to Sesshoumaru.

His cold expression gave the impression he was unfazed, but the way his golden eyes did not look away from where Inuyasha disappeared into the magic indicated that even Sesshoumaru could be entranced.

Looking back down into the returned darkness of the well’s gaping mouth they both stilled for a few long moments before she realized how awkward it was to be next to the taiyoukai. She used to fear him, greatly, and though Sesshoumaru was still the dangerous being from her memories, Kagome found she was no longer afraid.

Now, it was just weird.

“So…” She looked around nervously and turned her back to the well. “What’s up?”

Sesshoumaru never felt compelled or required to answer the questions of others. However, as he took a moment to consider her words and all the possible meanings of them, his curiosity peeked causing him to look straight up at the plain, old wood of the ceiling. There was nothing strange, nor different. There wasn’t even anything interesting, so with bored eyes and a rudely raised brow he looked back at the miko as if she was the biggest idiot in existence.

Understanding the insult, Kagome crossed her arms across her chest, which was difficult considering the numerous items hanging off her shoulders, huffing as she faced the opposite wall. “Oh, nevermind.”

The silence between them returned, as awkward as ever. Kagome started pacing, unable to keep still with her anticipation, and annoyingly Sesshoumaru just sat in the dirt leaning against the side of the well. Stealing glances, she noticed his one knee bent and left arm hanging lazily across it as he stared at the closed entrance door. After several minutes she took off her pack and weapons, only to continue pacing. Sesshoumaru must have known the right time to go after Inuyasha, but that left Kagome in the dark… literally. Sunlight escaped as the hour got late and the hanging shop light left from recovering the scroll was useless; the bulb must have broken with the initial reopening of the well. That seemed so long ago now, weeks not days. There was so much confusion, so many unanswered questions, but ‘when are we hopping in the well?’ seemed like one she should know about.

And he was just sitting there.

“Well… say something.”

Her demand was sudden, and irritation laced heavily in her voice. Without looking in the woman’s direction he mused over how she must appear; weak hands on her hips, a small foot tapping in annoyance, and a look on her face confident he would comply with her request. Sesshoumaru did not take orders, but he also never wasted an opportunity to berate subordinates. He would allow her rant, if only to bring her down. “Be quiet.”

Now he imagined that look on her face replaced with indignation. “You know what?” Her tone proved him right. “Forget it.”

To his annoyance, the girl started pacing again, kicking up small amounts of dirt and filling the hut with the scent of her anxiety. If he were a lesser demon his teeth would be grinding, or she would be dead already. It was a good thing for the miko he did not give into his animalistic side easily… anymore.

“How long is this going to take?”

Sesshoumaru wanted to sigh. Again, she was asking something of him. “Inuyasha was clear.”

Kagome waved a hand in the air, as if dismissing his logic. “Yeah, I know what Inuyasha said,” the miko finally knelt down and sat against the adjacent wall to Sesshoumaru’s, turning her head so she could see his face. “But that doesn’t mean it was clear. I have no idea how long it will take for the moon to reach… wherever.”

“That is your failed understanding.”

Ugh, how could he sound so bored while insulting her like that! “Fine. Here,” Kagome turned away from the taiyoukai to rest her head against the outer wall of the troublesome well, bending both her knees up to get more comfortable, and continued. “Here’s a lesson in future time keeping, so we can finally speak the same language.”

The miko used shortened words, bad pronunciation, and awful grammar. Sesshoumaru didn’t count it as much of a language, more rather the butchering of his own. Then, what he assumed was the start of her ‘teachings’, she began chanting some ridiculous, rhythmic, and painfully dull song without end. It dragged on and she quietly sang to the fifty-ninth second before finally breaking the monotony by announcing, “One minute!”

Sesshoumaru shifted his eyes her way when instead of silencing she once again started with the same quiet chanting and swinging of her hands, fidgeting through her ‘lesson’. Kagome’s whole body slightly swayed and bounced as she marked each moment before announcing the next milestone.

“Two minutes!”

He tried to ignore it, but when he quickly caught on to exactly what she was trying to express another spark of curiosity took hold. Minutes… Such a human necessity since every moment counted in their short lives ruled by limited time.

“Three minutes.”

Sesshoumaru continued to stare at her and for a weak moment and wondered if he could have measured Rin’s life in minutes, but immediately stopped knowing the number would be too small for his liking.

“Four minutes.”

Taken by surprise, his glare turned harsh. These minutes seemed to be passing by faster. He did not like it.

“Five min- oh…”

Upon the fifth minute Kagome turned to face him and saw deep, deep anger in his eyes, causing her to literally choke on the halted announcement. She fought back her initial reaction to ‘run away from the scary demon’ by pushing down the lump in her throat and nervously asking, “Guess you don’t like time, huh?”

His eyes remained deadly while regarding her question. He had not been angry with her, really, just the frail mortality of humans in general. Watching a woman, on the brink between growing and slowly dying, counting off minutes of her life without thought to what they represented seemed brutal. She was too naïve to see that in the great span of his life, one of his ‘minutes’ would be the entire span of her life, yet here she sat and waited, these measureable moments of her life slipping past. “It is of no consequence to this one.”

Considering his words she thought it was fairly ironic that a being almost unaffected by time was sitting next to a girl whose life was dictated by traveling through it… and the well at their backs connected them.

And now they had another war to fight together.

“Honestly, with this mission, this scroll, this,” another lump in her throat “war, what if I don’t, you know, change anything?”

His eyes narrowed, but he remained silent. Sesshoumaru knew what she asked of him, that she wanted him to say it would be taken care of, but he would not lie just for her comfort.

“Well, that’s just great.” She turned her focus to the dark wall in front of her. “It’s all on me… Better not mess it up then.”

The miko had better make every minute count. “That would be wise.”

Another half hour passed in silence as Kagome thought of the implications should she fail. It wasn’t that hard to think about, the consequences surrounded her. Did this mean she already failed? Or, were things supposed to be like this so she could fix them later? And why were things like this always her duty, anyway? And who understands how all this time travel stuff works!? The more she thought about it, the more her irritation grew.

Oddly enough, the same thing was happening to Sesshoumaru. The more he could scent her rising frustration, the more annoyed he got with the anxiety caused by it.

Her unease gave way to restlessness and soon after she was pacing again, this time with the added bonus of talking to herself. The taiyoukai, for the sake of his sanity, slipped into deep meditation, slowly disconnecting his mind from his body and relished in serenity of not thinking at all. He was conscious of the fact the miko was still moving, and attentive to the night growing later, but only a few words from her made it into his awareness.

“Scroll…”

“…Inuyasha…”

“Camp…”

“Sesshoumaru… Sesshoumaru?”

“... Se-shou-ma-ruuuuu…”

Kagome swore he looked almost disgusted for a brief moment before he opened one eye towards her kneeling in front of him. “Sesshoumaru, I’m worried about Inuyasha.”

Opening his other eye, the demon lord stared at the miko for a few awkward moments. She was not that young, yet she acted childish at times. Her skin was clean and hair pulled back neatly, yet he got the distinct feeling she never stayed like that for very long. She was plain, but not awkward, however if anyone should ask he could only describe her as human. Also, her face was tight in such a way that showed the miko was genuinely concerned.

Maybe he should be as well.

Without responding, Sesshoumaru rose and looked back down into the well, as if he could will Inuyasha to return. Of course, to his chagrin, it did not work.

Kagome came up and stood beside Sesshoumaru once again, back to their original positions from hours ago. Her pack was back on, and weapons secured, with the Miko Scroll tightly grasped in her right hand. She didn’t know if she was necessarily mentally ready to go through with everything, but she certainly packed enough to be physically prepared.

Sighing, she asked, “How did you get through the well before?” Sesshoumaru was still, but Kagome felt his urge to step away from her. Suddenly, the question neither inu wanted to answer was, and she suppressed her grin in acknowledgment. “He had to hold you, didn’t he?”

The growl was immediate, and Sesshoumaru moved to reprimand the miko for no true offense other than her teasing. She had been right, but she had no right to make a joke of it. However, he was stopped by a crashing sound within the main house and an older woman calling out said miko’s name.

Kagome didn’t hear anything, but knew Sesshoumaru did. “What is it?”

They both turned to the well house door right when it slid open to reveal Hitomi, breathing hard and scared senseless.

“Mama?”

Tears threatened to fall from her mother’s face, but the fear melted to relief. “Thank Kami you’re still here.” She rushed to her daughter, completely ignoring the tall demon next to them.

Sesshoumaru was starting to wonder if that was a family trait.

With an “Oof” from Kagome, Hitomi hugged her daughter tight and with a shaky voice said, “You weren’t going to say goodbye?”

Guilty pangs invaded her suddenly and when her mother pulled away Kagome saw the pain that she caused. This must have been what everyone she left behind in the feudal era felt when she disappeared. This must be what her mother went through every time her teenage self jumped times for lost Shikon shards and a second family on the other side.

Before Hitomi could fully break the embrace, Kagome had brought her in again. Her arms tighten around her mother with ferocity as she willed herself not to cry, showing the strength her mother had. “I’m sorry.” It was a whisper, and conveyed her apologies for not just this recent offense, but for what she had always put her through.

There is no other comfort like your mother’s arms, no matter how much you age. They are strong, supporting, and in Hitomi’s case incredibly understanding. Kagome just never really thought that her mother needed her presence as well. The older woman patted Kagome on the back, softly reassuring with gentle words. “I know. It's okay. It’s okay, really. I’m just glad I got to see you before you left.” Both women pulled apart from each other, sharing a smile that only happens when a parent sees their child as an adult, than Hitomi slowly turned and acknowledged the beautiful demon at her daughter’s side. “Please excuse my rudeness.” She gave Sesshoumaru a small bow while continuing, “I am Higarashi Hitomi, Kagome’s mother.”

Sesshoumaru did not have time to answer since Kagome was quick to respond. “Oh! Sorry, this is Inuyasha’s bro- HALF brother, Sesshoumaru.”

Hitomi deepened her bow. “Sesshoumaru-sama.”

He offered a small nod, if only for her manners, and watched as the older woman rose, quickly making eye contact with him unafraid. There was some resemblance between mother and daughter, but he assessed that the miko must look more like her father.

Then Hitomi smiled, and he saw Kagome clearly in her for the briefest moment before her attention went back to the young woman.

“Do you have all the clothes you need? First-aid kit? Jacket? Sleeping bag?”

Kagome nodded in rhythm to her mother’s questions. “Yes, Mama, and a bunch of food. I have everything.”

Absentmindedly, Hitomi ran her finger lightly over the smooth wood of the bow on her daughter’s shoulders while forcing a smile. “Alright then, come back when you can.”

Now Kagome forced a smile and tried to hide her fears. She didn’t know when she could, or if she could, come back. But, she didn’t want her mother to worry about that now. “Oh! I almost forgot!” Reaching down, Kagome picked up the letter she intended on leaving by the well. It had a better chance being delivered than being found. “Mama, if Anka stops by the shrine, can you make sure he gets this?”

Hitomi nodded, taking the letter, than brought Kagome in for one more hug. “I’ll miss you.”

Fighting back tears once again, she nodded as well into her mother’s shoulder and whispered, “Every time.”

The night was getting late and only the half moon’s light made its way into the well house. The celestial glow made everything look cold, foreign, and sad. Or, maybe that’s just how Kagome was feeling. When they pulled apart again, she saw seriousness in Hitomi’s eyes that usually meant a scolding, but it was not directed at her.

“Sesshoumaru-sama.” The taiyoukai did not move or look her way, yet she knew the demon was listening. “I expect her back.”

This must be yet another family trait; demanding things from him. With golden eyes that always pierced through darkness he regarded the older onna once again for a long moment. Neither backed down, but Sesshoumaru never made promises. Keeping the eye contact, he watched as her face went from stern to shock in the instant he grabbed Kagome from the mother’s arms, her ridiculously large bag and weapons making his strengthening hold challenging, and stood on the edge of the well with her in his grasp.

“And this one expects your daughter to fight.”

Before Kagome fully realized what had happened, or before Hitomi could respond, Sesshoumaru jumped into the well and watched as the explosion of blue light surrounded them. The same sparks floated by his vision, twirling in his and Kagome’s hair peacefully as the magic warmed their skin. The magic caught, but something was wrong… they stopped floating down…

Then it became hot…

And the sparks of light swirled faster around them. They were anchored from above, but a force pulled them down and caused every muscle to ache.

Sesshoumaru did not let go of Kagome, not knowing what would happen if he did so, but he could feel something trying to wrench her from his hold. If he should let go, he might be stuck between times forever. The burning became a searing pain radiating from his bones and hazardous winds of the space between times felt like a brandishing whip, cutting over and over across his flesh.

It was then that Sesshoumaru noticed her screams, muted by the twisting power and light surrounding them. As far as he could see there were waves of a multi-colored light storm, quickly spinning with them at the center. Something was holding them there, and with another one of the miko’s screams she was torn away from him. Driven by his survival instinct, he wrapped his arms around her waist at the last moment.

Looking up, Sesshoumaru saw Kagome’s face twisted in pain and her right arm outstretched upwards towards the faint silhouette of the open well. In her hand was the Miko Scroll, stuck in her original era and refusing to travel back to his, keeping them locked in between while the chaos of shifting time slowly tore them apart from the inside.

The miko’s blood left expanding trails down the sleeves of her sweater and her neck was tight with the force of her hold on the scroll along with the screams of protest she gave. A malicious light emitted from the damnable object she refused to let go of, and though he could not scent it, he could tell it burned away the skin from her fingers and soaked the green cloth that protected the inner paper with sticky crimson.

If she did not let loose the scroll, they will be torn apart into nothing.

“Miko.” Sesshoumaru tried to call out to her, but his voice died with the assaulting wind. “Miko!” The scream was muted, but with the small nod of her head he knew she had heard him. “Release it!”

“No!” Kagome’s head slowly shook from side to side as she fought against the pressure from the vortex surrounding them. “It’s how I’ll get back home!”

Sesshoumaru grip was loosening under the crushing weight of the magic, and he slid a few inches down the miko’s body. It was then he noticed his own blood staining her clothes as well. With a snarl, he argued, “You have traveled without the jewel and scroll, release it!”

Again, Kagome shook her head, but this time forced her eyes away from the scroll to stare into his own. There was true emotion in his eyes for the first time she can really remember, and as her heart reached out to him she loosened her grip… only the scroll would not let her. “I can’t!”

Sesshoumaru felt his own youki try to rise, but it was suffocated by the treacherous enchantment killing them slowly. “This Sess-" he struggled against the force once again trying to slid him off her form. “This Sesshoumaru knows where to travel next, just let it go!”

Her face softened, and somehow it seemed the storm did slightly as well. “You will travel with us?”

He growled as red invaded the corners of his eyes, seeing Kagome as the threat to his life, yet his only lifeline to continue it. “You will travel with this one.”

“No!”

The vortex picked up again, spilling more blood from small cuts and bending his bones in excruciating directions, but Kagome continued on. “If you join me, we have to do this together.”

As other painful jerk threatened to take Kagome from his hold, Sesshoumaru squeezed his eyes shut while grinded his fangs to fight against the agonizing torture.

He was going to die.

“Sesshoumaru!”

He had heard her plea through the loud winds and what he now realized was his own scream. With his remaining strength he looked back to the girl with abrasions covering the exposed skin and genuine worry across her expression. He was astonished to see in her eyes it was more for him than her own well-being.

“Sesshoumaru! It won’t let me go!”

He did not know how he knew, or what caused him to give into the miko’s demands so easily, because clearly death was a better choice than being led by a human, but in a moment of clarity that seemed to make the pain disappear Sesshoumaru announced, “Together.”

“What?” Again, the storm destroying them minutely died, allowing their voices to be heard clear as their eyes met once again.

“Together, miko. We will do this mission together.”

Kagome did not release the scroll. Instead, the next instant after the taiyoukai’s declaration everything calmed and the chaotic sparks of blue light clung to their skin. They both released long, bated breaths as the pain subsided, only to have Kagome gasp and Sesshoumaru still when the sparks grew upon their flesh. Slowly, it enveloped them in a comforting blue light.

Her hand upon the scroll tingled, and as she looked up to it the once dark glow became a bright, pure light, instantly healing their wounds, before shattering into countless pieces and disappearing between the eras.

No!

They were continuing onward to a past to be altered and a future uncertain. As the blue glow cushioned their path through time, Kagome frantically reached out for the scroll no longer there. As they traveled down, Sesshoumaru pulled her closer to him and further from where the relic had harmlessly exploded apart.

The scroll was gone…

~~~

The End of the Feudal Era, Musashi Province; Hikawa-Jinja Shrine

Two Days Later…

The middle sister turned and ran from the messenger, leaving him confused as she traveled up the tall steps of the shrine with her long braid whipping against her shoulder blades as she rushed. The news the boy had brought was unexpected, and Hiyori hoped that the Sayuka, the Mother Miko, would not be too upset by it.

As she reached the top Hiyori noticed her younger sister’s aura in the stable they kept that part demon thing contained. Their shrine had been burdened with him ever since his reiki-less miko mother begged for sanctuary from their grandmother, covering their auras and scents with the powerful reiki handed down her line. When Hiyori was younger, she used to daydream about what would happen to the small creature if she let the barriers slip and allowed his hanyou father to finally find him. Would he destroy him like his mother claimed? That would not be too upsetting. Or, was this Inuyasha even still looking for him after four generations of her family sheltering his son within their shrine?

Mamuro looked so much like them, almost human in every way, but whenever he dared to look in her direction Hiyori saw the unnatural gold in his eyes and was not swayed with his pathetic attempts of manipulation. She honored her family by keeping him safe, but she would not fall for his tears. The day her father had passed was the same day they all sensed a powerful inu hanyou close by. The boy fought, decimating half the village trying to get to his father, regardless of their warnings for his safety. He was a monster, and that incident proved it. He had cried when they bound him and shed tears the day he started the war against youkai by being forced to behead the great shogun Oda Nobunaga. Tears were for genuine, human feelings, and the fact that he had been able to shed them at all left her disgusted.

When her older sister, Hotaru, started having visions at night about their true purpose in life and the truth about their past lives, Hiyori recognized it as her calling. She was the same soul as one of the three original humans; born of prosperous goddess Sakuya and Ninigi, grandson of Amatseru. As her position entails, she would see to the end of the youkai. What was not required, but was what she relished in the most, was her enjoyment of their conquest.

Hiyori reached the main house, quickly leaving the chill of the blossoming autumn outside as she slid the shoji door shut, dutifully removed her shoes, and demurely walked to the reincarnated Sakuya’s room. The polished wooden floors smoothly passed by under her slippers as she caught her breath, gripping tightly onto the message she had already read, and kneeled down before the door illuminated by the braziers inside.

In the echoing, haunting voice none of the sisters could get used to, Sakuya called out to her. “Hosusori, please come in.”

Being addressed by her original name, the one of the middle son of the first mortals, always made her pride swell. Hiyori inhaled deeply, the only thing quelling her smile was the news she held in her hand. Upon entering she bowed low, then offered the letter.

“News from Hashiba Hideyoshi-sama.” The elder sister took the letter, opening it and reading for herself what Hiyori was claiming. “It seems that Oda Nobukatsu-sama had refused the invitation to Osaka castle, thus negating Hideyoshi’s claim on the Oda clan’s territory. Instead, he is raising his forces against Hideyoshi’s and has fully activated the role of the Four Guardians. Our general did manage to manipulate Oda’s three chief retainers, but the rumors of them supporting Hideyoshi quickly spread, and Nobukatsu had them killed.”

Both sisters looked towards the child miko who proclaimed herself their mother and originator of all humans. They expected some reaction, but instead were confused when she sat there calmly, not even opening her eyes.

That in itself was a small blessing for Hotaru. The dead green eyes that Sakuya possessed sent unnatural shivers down her spine, yet something within her demanded she comply with the child’s orders.

Without ceremony, the small miko began speaking to them within their minds, keeping still as the message rang clear. “Let us not worry too much on this. The desired outcome was still achieved and a war will be waged. This gives Hideyoshi justification for declaring a battle. Sadly, it seems there will be humans on the other side.” Sakuya opened her eyes and Hotaru instinctually dropped her gaze.

“Hosusori,” the Mother addressed the middle sister out loud this time, “Did you not use the semi-youkai boy to dispatch Oda-sama?”

The voice approached her in every direction, slightly confusing Hiyori as to where she should be paying attention, but she looked straight into the dull eyes of the ancient goddess and nodded in affirmation.

“Then it seems,” Sakuya continued, “That the boy who helped start the war will continue it on as well.”

While the Mother goddess conspired, Komeko was sitting just out of reach of Mamuro’s chains and sang softly. It was not a song to control the boy with the beads, but one she used to sing him when they were both younger and both able to roam free around the village.

“Shut up.”

His demand was spiteful, and his voice carried so much anger that it twisted the young tones within it to something heartbreaking. Komeko paused is her singing to gaze at him once again, but Mamuro still stared to the vacant wall at his right, the only soft light able to penetrate his prison when all the doors were shut.

“Mamuro-san…”

An animalistic growl silenced her once again, but she did not move. For long moments they sat there in silence while she stole glances and he never looked her way.

When the tears started to sting her tears, she finally spoke up once again. “Please, Mamuro-san, I had no idea they were going to have you do that!”

With impassioned golden eyes the boy glared at the small girl who still foolishly cared for him. He stood up, knowing full well he could not reach her where she sat, but approached her anyways. “You let them.”

“No!” A tear fell, and his nose twitched with the salty scent filling the room. “No, please. Hiyori told me Mother gave the order; that it was for a greater good! I did not know what they would make you do. Besides, she is my new oneesan, and a powerful goddess. She tells me I am one of the originals humans. I believe in her.”

Snarling, he looked down at Komeko still clutching her knees to her chest, the thick fabric of her miko garb keeping out the late afternoon chill he had learned to ignore. He was a prisoner in the only house he had ever known, and now the only person he had ever truly cared for was made into his warden. “That miko is not your mother! I remember your mother, Komeko. She was kind, and she was brave. She knew that having another child could cost her life, but she did not worry about it. Just your existence made your true mother happy, and she died that way.”

Komeko’s tears started falling freely. She had never known her mother, but Mamuro had clear memories of the day she was brought to the shrine to train as a child, growing up with their father and slowly falling in love. Before Mamuro’s attempted escaped he would share anything he could remember with Komeko as they rested in tall branches of old trees before carrying her down in his arms. It was their escape, and a part of her life she would never get back.

His messy plait hung over his left shoulder as he crouched down, trying to look into her eyes once again. But, it was not for comfort. He just wanted to make certain that his once love would understand the hate he held for her family now. “This new miko is not your mother, she is evil, and she will ask me to do more of these things.” He stood again and turned his back to her while continuing, “And you will once again allow it.”

Komeko did not flee, though she wished too, but instead sat and cried over her conflictions while Mamuro took his customary seat near where the chains were attached to the wall and stared off into space again, dreaming of the fading afternoon sun on his face.
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Miko no Makimono