Adult-FanFiction.org : Inuyasha / Yashahime

Suffering and Rebirth	By : scattered-dimensions Category: InuYasha > Het - Male/Female > Sessh?maru/Kagome > Sessh?maru/Kagome Views: 8846 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 4
Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha or any of the characters. This is for fun not monetary gain.

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
- 7
“What are you saying, InuTaishio?” Noriko asked feeling her chest constrict painfully.
“It is not my wish to mate this female, but it has been prearranged. I cannot turn my back on my duty to the Western Lands.” He explained while she watched his long tresses along with his pelt billow in the wind.
She felt the sting of tears threaten to fall, but she held them back. She would not break before him.
“Prearranged? For how long?” She was able to keep the trembling out of her voice, but only barely.
He turned to look at her then, in all his immaculate glory, the moonlight washing over his lovely features making him seem so cold. He looked every bit the Prince and heir that he was. She felt so small and insignificant in comparison.
“Since the beginning.” His voice had gone neutral, not even a hint of pain marred his tone or any emotion for that matter.
That was the worst part, the indifference. Had she been nothing more than a conquest or worse, a meaningless distraction? She felt her insides crumbling and it took all the restraint she had to keep it from showing outwardly.
“I should return to the fortress, Master InuTaishio.” She managed, using his honorific, and bowed low to hide the cracks she could feel splitting her facade.
“Noriko, I…”
She turned away from him, not able to endure another word.
“Princess Avaka will be accompanying her father to dinner this evening. I expect you will act accordingly.” He amended as if he was addressing any other member of the court instead of her.
“As you wish, Master.” She responded in kind, but inside she was dying.
There was a surge of youki and a fluttering of the wind at her back indicating his departure. Her knees gave way and she fell, a great wail tearing through her throat. She had allowed herself to get carried away knowing better. She had been a fool to believe that there would be a future for the two of them. They were from two different worlds. He a demon and she a mortal priestess. They were natural born enemies. It was but a dream. The realization did nothing to lessen the pain.
He spoke of duty. Even after all they had shared and all she had just lost, she still had her own duty to fulfill. She had pledged her loyalties to the Western Lord, to InuTaishio’s, no, Master InuTaishio’s father. Lord Masahiro knew nothing of their former relationship and she intended to keep it that way. Her presence in the Western Lands held a higher purpose than petty squabbles or matters of the heart and it was possible she would be sent away. She wasn’t ready for that.
After all that had just happened, she couldn’t bring herself to leave her Master’s side. Love was a strong and compelling emotion, one she had never expected to experience. It had been so easy to fall in love with him. She just never thought it to end or for it to hurt so badly.
Noriko sniffled and wiped her face with her sleeve. It took more energy then she thought to stand, but she did. There was no more time for mourning. She had a dinner to prepare for and those juni-hitoes were a pain to get on what with all the layers even with a servant’s help. Lord Masahiro would be most displeased if she missed it.

Another dream. Damn Sesshomaru for causing this. He was still around, lurking just beyond the trees. Noriko could feel him, but he had not yet found her. It had been a week and a half since his unexpected visit and his presence had caused her much torment. He was waiting for her to show herself. Fat chance.
“Good morning, Shika. Did you sleep well?” Kagome asked yawning and giving her head a light pat.
Noriko played her part well. She purred and rose to meet Kagome’s hand. Blending in had taken more effort this time around and she was always on call to act appreciative to her so called mistress to keep from arousing further suspicions.
“Well, time to get started on our day.” She said rising to her feet.
“What are you jabbering about over there?” InuYasha asked stretching his arms over his head.
“Morning, InuYasha. You hungry? Shika and I were going to get started on breakfast.” Kagome answered with a smile.
InuYasha stood, pushing his sword into his belt and walked up to the young Miko. He nuzzled the top of her head and sifted her hair through his fingers, something Noriko had never seen him do. She could tell that the attention made Kagome uncomfortable, but he didn’t even notice. The dummy.
“I’ll go get some eggs, Kagome. Need anything else?” He asked softly, his hand lingering on her shoulder.
“Maybe some water. Thanks, InuYasha.” She said not meeting his gaze.
Noriko scoffed at the display. Of course the dense half-breed wouldn’t get it. Kagome was too smart to fall for the likes of him. He should feel lucky to have her friendship. Demons and humans were never meant to mix. Even if that were not a factor, Kagome was further up the scale in terms of maturity on her worst day than he could ever possibly achieve in his entire lifetime.
InuYasha waited for a moment before walking out the door to set about accomplishing his self-appointed tasks. Kagome stood stock still for a moment staring at the floor. To Noriko, she looked pitifully lost. It caused an odd stirring from deep within her, the desire to comfort another. She hadn’t had the urge to do such a thing in so long that it felt surreal and she almost didn’t know what to do, but Kagome had saved her in the forest that day, granting her the time she needed to accomplish her goals.
Noriko, once again reminding herself she was a cat, began to rub herself along Kagome’s legs, effectively distracting her from her sad thoughts. The young woman bent and petted her affectionately while she purred with as much liveliness as her feline form allowed.
“Looks like Shippo’s already at Kaede’s. We’ve got the house to ourselves, girl.” Kagome said with mock happiness clearly trying to brush off her melancholy, but Noriko could see right through her front.
Noriko had to remind herself that a cat shaking its head would seem very odd and thus restrained herself. Instead, she padded around the house behind Kagome while the woman cleaned her humble dwelling. There wasn’t much to be done. Noriko wasn’t surprised. Kagome’s cleanliness was an endearing quality. The girl bathed daily and was constantly picking up after the males she lived with. Her efforts kept the small hut as comfortable as possible all things considered.
During the making of InuYasha’s bedding, Kagome discovered that the bottoms of the covers were caked with dirt. The young Miko stripped the futon, mumbling threats under her breath and once she exited the hut with the soiled linens, Noriko snickered wickedly. There was going to be a hell of a show when InuYasha returned and she couldn’t wait.

InuYasha walked towards Kaede’s with his coin pouch in his hand. He knew she would give him the eggs, but it just wasn’t right. He had his own coin to pay for things now and it showed Kagome he could be trusted to provide for her. That’s what he wanted, to provide for her and eventually, for their family.
He had always loved her, but it had taken her absence to make him realize just how much. She looked at him and saw something worth her time, not a half-demon or half-human, just InuYasha. He felt like he could take on the world with her by his side, like he was invincible.
Living with her had been trying at first, but in his defense, he’d never lived with anyone before, never had a place to call his own. She handled him in her usual way and he lashed out in his, but it was the way they always reacted to one another when they didn’t see eye to eye.
After the adjustment period was over, things settled into a nice routine, even that cat was involved in their day to day life. InuYasha still didn’t like the feline, but it did give him a sense of pride and accomplishment when he saw the fur ball trotting alongside Kagome. She loved that cat. It was proof positive that he could be thoughtful and make her happy.
InuYasha pushed his hands into his sleeves and fingered the small bundle attached to the inside of the red fabric. He smiled to himself. Kagome had no idea what he was planning, but he was certain she wouldn’t reject him. He wasn’t able to accept any other possibility.
He’d caused her so much pain with Kikyou and hadn’t meant to, but they had come so far since those days. He always returned for her and she remained by his side. She had become something he couldn’t live without and now that she was back to stay, he refused to even try.
He had talked to Kagome’s mother before the final battle with Naraku and the elder Higarashi had explained human courting customs, something InuYasha was completely in the dark about. It wasn’t a subject he felt comfortable talking about with Miroku at the time considering the letch’s tendencies.
So, he went to the only other Higarashi that made him feel safe. She had been quite happy to explain it all in great detail and he had planned on going down the list of things she had told him after Naraku’s death, but the Shikon no tama had other plans and Kagome was taken from him.
That didn’t stop him, though. He would never give up on her. It took him the better part of the four years she was gone to accumulate enough coin to afford the token that would symbolize the final step to the process. It wasn’t fancy or encrusted with jewels, but the simple golden band was what he hoped to present Kagome with once he felt she was ready. He’d waited on her this long and he would wait forever if it was for her best interests. Losing a family was hard. Kagome was going through a lot; even if she wasn’t showing it. He knew that losing her nearly killed him at first, so he was able to sympathize.
“Hey, InuYasha. Wanna play?” Rin asked breaking his concentration.
“Nah, I ain’t got time, squirt. Where’s Kaede?” He replied, his hands falling out of his sleeves.
“She’s in her garden.” Rin said helpfully as Shippo ran up to them with a ball, Yuuta and Emi not far behind.
He ruffled the little girl’s hair and made his way to the herb garden Kaede kept behind her hut. It was crazy how much he’d warmed up to Rin. He no longer saw her as Sesshomaru’s ward, but as the being she was without the imposing Taiyoukai. She had been a constant reminder of Kagome during her visits to the village while his beloved was gone. They had the same warm and caring heart and mannerisms, though he doubted Rin would ever subjugate a demon out of spite, like Sesshomaru would let her.
InuYasha fingered the lacquered beads around his neck and smirked. This is what had connected them in the beginning and there was a time when he would have gladly been rid of them, but that was before his emotional epiphany. He still hated the dreaded word, but truth be told some of those sittings meant more to him than he could ever say…then there were the ones that were just cruel. His face drooped.
“Why the long face, InuYasha?” Kaede asked and InuYasha crossed his arms in indignation.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Got any eggs?” He responded gruffly hating that he’d been caught pouting.
“I do indeed. This way.” Kaede said with the hint of a smile and a wave of her hand.
InuYasha followed the hunched woman inside her hut and waited patiently for her to gather a few eggs from a basket on her supply shelf. Lately, Kaede’s scent had changed and he didn’t know the cause of it. Even her hut smelled differently. He had thought to ask her about it, but decided against it. Kagome would probably snap his back in half for being inconsiderate.
“There ye go, InuYasha. Was that all or did ye wish to ask this old woman something?” She asked sagely handing him a tied bundle.
InuYasha took the package and shifted it to one hand.
“No, that’s it. How much do I owe you?” He responded fingering his coin pouch.
“That is not necessary…”
“Just tell me how much.” He said a little more forcefully than he had meant to.
“If ye insist…”
Both individuals stopped. InuYasha dropped the cloth holding the eggs back into Kaede’s hands and dashed out through the mat covering the door.
“Hey, you runts get inside!” He yelled to the playing children as he drew Tetsusaiga.
Rin nodded and obediently did as she was told, ushering the little ones to the safety of Kaede’s hut. Shippo stood stubbornly by InuYasha’s side, his little fists glowing with his fox fire. The clink of metal announced Miroku’s presence. Sango had Hirakotsu slung on her back and Kaori in her arms. She rushed to defend the old Miko’s hut and the children inside.
“What is it? Do you know?” The monk asked panting lightly.
“Don’t know, but it’s a lot of them and they’re coming in fast.” InuYasha answered keeping his eyes trained on the horizon where he sensed the accumulative demonic auras.
“InuYasha!” Kagome yelled running up to them with her bow.
“Kagome! Go back home!” He yelled at her, but she just shook her head.
“Not a chance.” InuYasha growled his complaint.
Kagome stood at the ready, an arrow notched in her bow. InuYasha let his eyes linger on her for a moment, the way her jaw was set in stubborn determination and her eyes narrowed towards the horizon. He would never forgive himself if anything happened to her. He gritted his teeth and shook the thought away. He wouldn’t lose her. Never again would they be apart.
Noriko stood a few feet behind Kagome. Apparently her little slip up had attracted more than just the Taiyoukai. She let out a very feline snort. There were always lowly demons wishing to possess the power she had. The fools never got far in their attempts, as if they would be able to wield it if they ever got lucky enough to overcome her.
She watched Sesshomaru land in the vacated road next to Kagome and was relieved that he took no notice of her. His presence was highly unexpected, but should prove be quite interesting regardless. Noriko stretched and settled herself into a comfortable position to watch it all play out.
“What the hell are you doing here, Sesshomaru?! This doesn’t concern you!” InuYasha yelled.
“Rin’s safety is this Sesshomaru’s concern.” The demon Lord responded neutrally.
Well, well. It seemed he took after his father in the strangest of ways. Noriko hadn’t been expecting that considering Sesshomaru’s human hating mother.
“InuYasha, don’t start. From the feel of things we might very well need his help.” Kagome said irritatedly.
Two silver inu’s glared down at the little woman between them. The looks seemed so similar to Noriko. Her tail twitched reflexively. This might be more interesting than she had originally thought.
“Like I’d ever need his help!” InuYasha groused.
“Indeed.” Sesshomaru agreed with a sneer.
“Whatever. The sibling rivalry can wait. Here they come!” Kagome said causing everyone to take up their battle stances.
Kagome raised her bow and infused the arrow with her reiki. It blazed a pink streak across the darkening horizon.
Noriko didn’t even notice when the group ran into the oncoming fray or the cries of the children from behind her yelling for their father. The sounds of flesh tearing and the clanging of steel was also lost on her ears as she sat dumbly in the middle of the street replaying that final sentence over and over in her head.
Siblings…They were brothers.
Something snapped bringing her back to the present pushing her to get up and get moving. She raced away from the village as fast as she could. Noriko looked back at the small group of warriors and grinned. There was enough opposition to keep them busy for a while. This was her chance to get her revenge and to think, it had been under her nose the entire time.
She tried not to get too far ahead of herself. There was a spell she still needed to mix then she was going to have to face the two estranged brothers and somehow keep the others out of her way all while trying to keep her head on her shoulders. That was going to be the tricky part, but she’d come this far, had subjected herself to the life of a house cat and all the abuse that came with it. She would not fail.
Noriko stumbled over herself during her transformation and nearly fell. It had been too long since she had stretched her human legs, but she didn’t have the time to revel in the freeing sensation. She grabbed a basket hanging on the side of her hut and hastily began plucking the herbs she needed. She counted each leaf and sprig meticulously and once she was satisfied, she ran inside her hut to grind them down into the potion she would need to ingest.
She smirked devilishly when the concoction began to smoke in her mortar. Finally, retribution was within her grasp. She truly hoped InuTaishio would feel this in the next world. If not, she’d be sure to tell him all about it in great detail when she met him there.

A/N: I’d like to thank Shyneamor for her review. Thank you for taking your time to let me know how I’m doing. I appreciate all the readers and voters. You guys are awesome.
~scattered-dimensions~
- 5
- 6
- 7
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Suffering and Rebirth