Captured and Trapped
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InuYasha › Het - Male/Female › Sesshōmaru/Kagome
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Adult ++
Chapters:
30
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Currently Reading:
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Category:
InuYasha › Het - Male/Female › Sesshōmaru/Kagome
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
30
Views:
43,921
Reviews:
158
Recommended:
4
Currently Reading:
2
Disclaimer:
I do not own InuYasha, nor make money from this story.
Naraku's plan
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Chapter 15:
Naraku’s plan
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A few hours later, the two figures were still snuggled close to each other, sleeping peacefully. No one had entered the cell since they had brought back Kagome, preventing any inconvenience for the two sleepers.
A light movement of the smallest figure and the demon Lord's eyes snapped open. Eyes still a little foggy from sleep, Sesshoumaru took in what was around, when he finally became fully aware of the weight on his chest as said weight moved again.
Muscles immediately tensing, the DaiYoukai looked down, only to find his human miko companion of cellar wrapped around his torso, not awaken yet. His amber pools opened wider at finding the woman on his lap, still sleeping deeply and peacefully. What the Hell is this woman doing here?! Thought Sesshomaru alarmed. Then he finally remembered that he was the one who had placed her there.
The young Miko had nightmares and during one of the strongest, he tried to wake her. That's when things went crazy. Impossibly, the human seemed to find his presence soothing and calming. Plus, the closer it was, the better. Even better when in direct contact with his person.
What on the Earth was wrong with the Miko?
It was improbable for anyone to find the DaiYoukai's presence, dare he say, securing. It was already uncalled for in essence but for a human woman, but a Miko at that?! Something must definitely be wrong with her. Maybe the Kamis hadn't put all the right pieces in the right places in her because it was...Hell, there wasn't even words to equal the confused and dumbfounded feeling in the demon Lord. Even his own mother was on her toes around him most of the time, due to his overwhelming youki. He could understand the way Rin was acting around him. For her, he was her savior, her hero and, in her innocence, she looked up at him as if he was a God. But the Miko was human, adult and knew full well what he was capable of, and still she found his presence soothing?! The idea wasn't any less confusing at all after having slept a few hours on it, really. Maybe, after the ordeal she had survived at the hand of the dark hanyou, sensing a strong presence at her side reassured her that she was, at least in the instant, safe. That he could understand in theory, but the 'strong presence' was him! Sesshomaru sighed. The demon Lord decided then to set the matter aside. It wasn't important for now.
He finally realized why he had woken up in the first place: the craziest human woman he had ever encountered in his long life had moved around a little, signaling her soon to be awakened state.
Not wanting to be seen in this position by anyone, even less by said person on his lap because he didn't particularly wish to have to explain why she was there, Sesshoumaru gently tried to put her down. However, in response, the sleeping woman tightened her grip around him. Still not awake, she even nuzzled her face in Sesshoumaru's chest happily. The demon Lord narrowed his eyes in distaste. She was a little too comfortable and taking way too much liberty with his person for Sesshoumaru's liking.
Then, to the horror of the usually feared by all demon Lord, Kagome mumbled, in her semi-sleeping state, something that made the poor DaiYoukai freeze in place. She said, "Hmm, smells good" and then cuddled closer to his warm body.
Sesshoumaru blinked down at the woman. He then blinked a second time, trying to analyze what had just happened and what had been said. When what she had whispered sleepily on his hard chest finally registered in his mind, the demon Lord took a horrified look. For the first time since he could remember, Sesshoumaru was rendered speechless. Well, not really. When this same girl had pulled out his late father's heirloom without even trying, which he himself couldn't do, he had been more than shocked too. But now, it wasn't exactly the same. No, it was worse.
Sesshoumaru bit down a growl that was threatening to over take him. Could he fall any lower? Really, the insult of having been captured by a low life of a hanyou, having to take care of a human's injuries with his own hands, then comforting her, even if she was unaware of it, to chase her nightmares away, wasn't it enough already?! But no, now he was reduced to serve as pillow for the hellish woman! What unnerved Sesshoumaru even more was the fact that his beast wasn't overly disturbed by her actions. In a way, it didn't like that someone as dignified as him had to be in this kind of position, but in another hand, it couldn't shake away the satisfaction of knowing that the girl had so much faith and trust in her Alpha to feel completely at ease and safe in his presence.
Sesshoumaru, trying to shake off the affront made to his person and already abused ego, pried the Miko away from him and put her down. Strands of hair went falling on her face but the demon Lord fought down the urge to push them away. He had been shocked of how soft her hair was to touch when he had distractedly let his fingers glide through them a few hours ago. Even after two days of not washing, staying on a hard and dirty floor of her cell and some blood in it from her ordeal with Naraku, the young Miko's hair seemed still cleaner than most humans he had encountered, if not all. Even his ward had to be ordered to go wash or she would never do it. The little girl avoided the water like if it was poison but like to play while fishing in it. It was beyond the DaiYoukai'd comprehension. But that was beyond the point. It seemed as if almost every human he had ever come across felt as if washing often would kill them or their skin would melt from their bodies. That's why the Miko seemed so different from her pair.
After a moment, Kagome finally began to stir.
She shivered, her source of heat having mysteriously disappeared. She was sore. The bandages that Sesshoumaru had so gently helped to put on were really efficiently made and were still in place. She sat up slowly, not wanting to open her wounds once more
.
It still hurt everywhere but at least they weren't bleeding anymore.
She then felt the weight of a gaze on her. Her head then snapped towards the owner of said piercing eyes and she found Sesshomaru looking down at her intensely. Looking around and seeing the closeness of the demon Lord, she then realized that she was closer from his 'usual spot' than when she fell asleep. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. How did I end up here? She blinked. I must have rolled in my sleep and ended up at Sesshoumaru's feet. Light pink rose on her cheeks. She was grateful that, despite her proximity, the demon Lord hadn't shown his disgust and simply thrown her away. He had let her, even if totally unaware of it, take comfort in his cold and powerful presence. That must be why she was now so close to him. That could be the explanation of why, after a series of never ending nightmares, she finally succeeded in settling down and slept a little. It was strange but a plausible reason.
Sesshoumaru watched attentively the thoughtful expression of the Miko in the corner of his eyes. She was, as predictable, puzzled on the reason she woke up at his feet. Good, it should stay like that. She then cleared her throat, avoiding eye contact.
"I-I am sorry to have invaded your personal space while I was sleeping." She said quietly, the blush still present on her cheeks.
"Hn." The demon Lord grunted in response. So she thinks that she came to this Sesshoumaru's side by herself…Good. It saves this Sesshoumaru the headache of explaining. Still…
Great now Sesshomaru almost felt guilty! "It's of no consequence." He added flatly after a moment, when gazing from the corner of his eyes at her embarrassed form.
He might not tell her that she had deduced wrongly but he wouldn't let her feel too much guilt when he knew she wasn't responsible. Kagome rewarded him with a small grateful smile. Really, Sesshoumaru isn't that bad. She thought warmly.
She then looked over herself. Her wounds were just closed up, so she had to be careful to not open them back up.
"Miko." Came the deep emotionless voice of the demon Lord. She looked up at him in question.
"Heal your wounds." He said, still not even glancing at her direction.
She looked at him for a moment, confused. What does he mean by 'heal your wounds'? She cocked her head to one side and blinked up at him, puzzled.
Sesshomaru finally gazed at her directly when he noticed that she wasn't doing as he said. Really, is she that dense or is she doing it on purpose to get on this Sesshoumaru's already thin nerves? The DaiYoukai growled at himself. He then did something else, again, out of character, thing that he seemed to be doing a lot in the Miko's presence: he elaborated.
" Your powers are back, are they not?" He asked tightly.
She nodded uncertain of what he was trying to say but finally seeing the growing annoyance in the demon Lord.
"Then, heal your wounds." He said, turning his head to the other side, clearly dismissing her.
Kagome stayed rooted to the spot and looked at Sesshoumaru as if another head had suddenly popped out. W…What?!?
"B-but I don't know how to use my powers like that!?!" She almost yelled out.
He looked back at her direction, an eyebrow raised, his face darker than usual, making Kagome gulped. The miko was really getting on his nerves.
"You healed this Sesshomaru's injuries earlier, have you not? Or maybe your feeble human brain had already forgotten?" He said in a condescending tone, making Kagome flush in anger.
"My brain is doing well, thank you very much. And it's not the same! I just followed your instructions to purify the poison from your injuries. It's really different from healing myself of all…that! I don't know how to heal!!" She almost shouted out, breathing erratically. She winced, her just closed-off wounds not supporting her outburst and tentative of wide movement. The sign of pain didn't escape and only fueled the anger of the demon Lord. Really, was the human trying to further endanger her damaged weak body? Eyes narrowed, Sesshoumaru spoke.
"You would do well to remember to never raise your voice in this Sesshoumaru's presence or this one will personally assure that you will never have the opportunity to yell ever again, or speak for that matter." He hissed coldly.
Kagome's mouth closed down with a 'click'. When shock recoiled, she bit down the inside of her cheek to stop herself from snapping at him.
Sesshoumaru breathed deeply, his eyes flashing a milli-second.
"You already know how to do it. It is the same as when you neutralized the poison in this Sesshomaru's wounds. You should do it before they come back and your powers elude you again." With that said, his head then turned away, dismissing her for good.
The nerve of that…that arrogant dog! Thought the young Miko vehemently, not knowing where all that anger was coming from. It wasn't like she didn't know how Sesshoumaru was, so why was it ticking her so much? She then breathed in deeply.
No need to pass your anger on the DaiYoukai. It won't help you and it's certainly not healthy. Be already happy that he is acknowledging your presence so much, Kagome! Plus, what he said was only for your benefit. Yes, he said that to help me and I almost snapped at him for that… She suddenly felt guilty when the line of thoughts passed in her mind.
She closed her eyes and, boosted with renew confidence, Kagome recalled and followed what the demon Lord had previously taught her so she could use her powers to heal and not just purify.
After a moment, when Sesshoumaru thought that she wouldn't do as instructed, finally, the young Miko body emanated a gentle purple color for a few seconds then everything went back to normal, leaving a panting Kagome. When her powers went back in her body, Kagome felt light-headed from using so much power in one sitting. She just whispered a soft "I succeed" and would have fallen face first on the hard ground from exhaustion if it hadn't been for Sesshoumaru's quick reflexes, who had caught her by the shoulder, just in time.
She quickly regained her balance and thanked the demon Lord, blushing furiously. Sesshoumaru just nodded his head in acceptance.
She sat down and, slowly, she reached for her bandages and looked herself over once she had them out of the way. For a moment, she fixed her thighs intensely. She was so silent that even Sesshomaru knew that it wasn't like herself.
"Miko." Called out.
The DaiYoukai watched Kagome jumped as his voice brought her out of her reveries. He looked down, trying to see what had fascinated her so, then looked at her when she gazed up at him with unshed tears gathering in her eyes. From the corner of his eyes, Sesshoumaru saw her hands unconsciously coming over where her wounds where before.
Kagome felt as if something in her finally had broken. Her wounds were healed, yes, but they had left behind scars. At the place of the ugly cuts were now light pink scars, just healed. She may be scarred for life because of the treatment of Naraku.
With a finger, she traced the still-raised skin sorrowfully, fighting with all her might to not let a sob escape her lips. She continued to pull off the others bands, tracing each new scar silently. Sesshoumaru watched her do, not saying a thing, until he couldn't hold his tongue much longer.
"Miko." Repeated, Sesshomaru.
When looking back up, she saw that one of his eyebrows was rising in inquiry. She blinked slowly, liberating the salty drops of water that had stayed in place until now with her eyelashes. For Sesshoumaru, she was the epitome of pitifulness at this instant.
"There are scars." She said quietly and a duller voice than usual. She had whispered softly as to answer his silent question. His eyebrow rose higher, as if it was his way of saying 'and?'.
She lowed her head. Sesshomaru didn't seem to understand but, maybe, he can't really understand. He didn't seem to grasps why she was feeling like weeping her heart out. There were scars. That meant that even if she succeeded in getting out of this Hell, she will keep the traces of Naraku's hands marring her skin for her whole life as a reminder of what had happened here.
"You are human; in consequence, you have inferior healing abilities than this Sesshomaru. The uses of powers only accelerate the normal healing process. So, it's logical for you to have scars, while this Sesshomaru don't." Said the DaiYoukai of the West, flatly.
Really, it's obvious, so how could she be so perturbated by this? Apparently, humans scarred more easily than Youkais. Well, no real surprise here.
For Kagome, it felt like his words were blades going through her. She flinched and felt her body go numb. Her scent was clouded with so much sorrow that the air was even difficult to breathe in. Sesshomaru wasn't stupid. He understood that she will have to live all her life with those reminders of the hanyou tortures. The souvenirs of what happened, and possibly will happen, will stay forever engraved in her skin. It will be hard on her but again, it's no surprise there.
He knew that now mustn't be the correct moment to ask what was burning the tip of his tongue, but his curiosity was eating his guts and he couldn't stop it.
"Miko." After a few seconds where Sesshoumaru thought that she hadn't heard him, she finally turned to look at him. Her gaze was so broken that the demon Lord almost hesitated, what he usually never does, to ask what was troubling him. Unable wait any longer, Sesshoumaru spoke.
"You said that only you, or a miko, would be the one able to give the hanyou this new power he is seeking."
Breath hitching in her throat, Kagome froze literally on the spot. Her eyes opened wide. She wasn't prepared for Sesshoumaru's questions so soon. But at the same time, how could she have expected him to take her frail nerves in consideration. It was just too much too soon. In fact, to be honest with herself, she didn't know if she would ever be ready to speak about it. However, from his closed-off usual face, she didn't seem to have the choice.
Gathering her now healed legs to herself, Kagome started to move back and forth to try to calm herself. She was fighting between crying and sleeping. The idea of sleeping hadn't ever sounded so great. The use of so much of her powers so soon after being drained was really taking its toll on her. In fact, if she had the certainty that she wouldn't have another nightmare, she would do just that, Sesshoumaru could be damned.
Kagome's eyes glazed over, becoming unfocused as if not seeing what was in front of her anymore. Her body was becoming number as minutes passed. Finally, she opened her mouth.
"Naraku wants to have access to the powers of a miko, so never would he come so close to being purified ever again as it happened in the past. He wants immunity to holy powers." She answered tonelessly.
Hesitating slightly, Sesshomaru pursued his inquiry. Really seeing her so…dull, made even the demon Lord of the West uneasy.
"How does he wish to obtain those powers?" He asked, almost gently.
Kagome finally looked at him, seemingly lost, as if trying to look for what she could do. Sesshomaru had never seen the young Miko looking so defeated, and he realized that he didn't like it one a bit. Though, he wasn't sure why it was so relevant.
Her bottom lip quavering, she answered slowly.
"He-he wants a child. He thinks that if he could absorb a child born between a youkai and a miko, he will have the power he seeks. He can't gain the power of a miko only by absorbing one directly, so he thinks that it is the solution of his problem. To have a better probability of success, the child will be his." A silent tear escaped her eyelid.
"The problem is that he doesn't know any miko that will volunteer for his 'experiment', none alive, that is. However, nothing of youkai blood can rape a miko. It's a divine protection of some kind protecting the mikos' bodies against any 'youki tainting'. It's a rule that even he can't go against."
With that said, she buried her face in her knees, bringing her legs closer to her chest.
Never would Sesshomaru have ever imagined feeling slightly disgusted with himself, but he was just now. He felt like he had just kicked an injured puppy, really, or pushed her over a cliff she had been trying so desperately to escape. At the same time, he couldn't find in him the will to hate her for bringing feelings in him. She was already down and it wasn't really her fault. It wasn't as if she wanted to make him feel those troublesome emotions.
No, the only responsible was the dark Hanyou. Blinding rage surged through the DaiYoukai, his eyes flashing red at the thought of Naraku. The Miko was so lost in her dark thoughts that she didn't even feel the shift in the subdued aura of the demon Lord. He tried to calm down and analyze what the young Miko had reported to him.
"So he decides to torture you in hope to make you bend to his will. But, at the same time, he knew enough of your character to know that it will never happen if you can prevent it. So, he intends to try to break your spirit by any means, without damaging your body too much, since he needs it. If you have no will, your mind broken, nothing, he hopes that your powers won't react at his future assault." Resumed Sesshomaru.
Kagome nodded weakly, still no rising her head from her knees.
"Hn."
Going through everything, Sesshoumaru analyzed the situation. There was a little chance for this plan to work. It may be enough to go around this divine protection, but, at the same time, maybe not. Divine laws are often difficult to understand in their globality. It was a risky move but there seemed to be no other solution if Naraku really wanted those powers.
What was sure was that the dark hanyou was, if anything, patient. It could take days, or weeks, if not more, and there was no guarantee of success at the end. At the same time, this blind thirst for powers may be one day his downfall. On the contrary of some others, this particular Miko would be difficult to break completely. Well, if you looked at her right now you wouldn't say that, but Sesshoumaru was certain that it was just the immediate after-shock effect of what happened. Any other would have been in an even worst state if someone had captured her, then tortured her in order to make her give herself to his cruel desires so he could absorb any child produced and then kill her. It even made the demon Lord's head spin just to think about it. But the Miko had stayed strong. Well, until this Sesshoumaru asked for details. Thought the Lord of the West uneasily. Damn those emotions. It was the fault of the hanyou too. If he hadn't reduced his youki so much, he would be in better shape to contain and control his emotions. Again, Sesshoumaru swore that the dark hanyou would pay.
However, even if he didn't like to say it, his half-brother's miko may be the most powerful Miko around. She was the Shikon Miko, after all. To steal holy powers, better choose the most powerful when you are at it. It must have been what Naraku had thought. Plus, the dark hanyou seemed twistedly fond of the little miko. But, Sesshoumaru knew that she would resist. She would choose death before giving in, he was sure of it. That's how and why she had gained his respect in the past, after all.
But one thing was troubling the demon Lord of the Western Lands. Something didn't fit in this scheme planned by Naraku : Him.
"What is the purpose of this Sesshoumaru's presence?" He finally asked after a moment, not finding any logic in the why he had been captured too.
"Naraku had taken in consideration that it will take time to 'persuade' me to participate in his plan. The cave in which our cell had been dug in is almost impossible to find. Only the more powerful youkai have a chance to detect the natural barrier hiding this cave. Since you have, in more than one occasion, already interfered in his plan in the past, Naraku hadn't want to take any risk this time around. He wanted to make sure that you won't interfere, so he used any means he possessed to capture you, knowing that it would be really difficult if not quasi-impossible for you to get out once imprisoned inside with all those spells. Or, at least, it will give him the time he needs to do what he has to be done. With you inside, there is no one powerful enough to find this cave's location." Said Kagome dully, not knowing how much her words had angered the demon Lord.
Shaking in the struggle to contain his rage, Sesshoumaru, his voice darker than usual, his beast close to the surface, spoke.
"Rest, Miko." You are safe for now. He let unsaid. Waiting for her to fight his order, he was surprised and disturbed when she just nodded and slipped on the ground, closing her eyes immediately. When he was sure that she was asleep, Sesshoumaru moved closer, not resisting the urge to be close to her and lend some comfort. She needed it.
Now alone, Sesshoumaru went back through everything that had been said. The DaiYoukai was mad, to say the least. Sesshoumaru may be cold but the thought of Naraku producing an offspring, a real pup and not an incarnation, only to kill it at birth, was just... totally wrong. The demon Lord was ready to lose his other arm before doing something like that to a pup, even worse if his own.
More, his beast was seeing red at the very idea of Naraku laying even a finger on her. Eyes flashing between golden and red, This Sesshomaru won't let this to happen, he thought vehemently.
They had to find a way and get out of here before the dark hanyou succeeded in breaking the young miko mind or everything would be lost...
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End of the chapter 15
To answer someone who had left a rather long review (DarkMystic). He or she asked why I had put “kukuku” when Naraku is laughing. Well, it’s what is in the manga when Naraku laugh and I find it funny that’s why I put it too. As for the problem in my choice of words, I apologize sincerely for my lacking in English. I’m doing what I can and I’m sorry if it’s not enough. I hope that you will be able to overlook it and don’t abandon my story. Still, thank you to have taken the time to read and review.
I thank too everyone who had taken the time to leave a review. It really warms my heart to read your words and opinions and it’s really helping me.
Well, I’m off now.
Much love,
Sweetest angel
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Chapter 15:
Naraku’s plan
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A few hours later, the two figures were still snuggled close to each other, sleeping peacefully. No one had entered the cell since they had brought back Kagome, preventing any inconvenience for the two sleepers.
A light movement of the smallest figure and the demon Lord's eyes snapped open. Eyes still a little foggy from sleep, Sesshoumaru took in what was around, when he finally became fully aware of the weight on his chest as said weight moved again.
Muscles immediately tensing, the DaiYoukai looked down, only to find his human miko companion of cellar wrapped around his torso, not awaken yet. His amber pools opened wider at finding the woman on his lap, still sleeping deeply and peacefully. What the Hell is this woman doing here?! Thought Sesshomaru alarmed. Then he finally remembered that he was the one who had placed her there.
The young Miko had nightmares and during one of the strongest, he tried to wake her. That's when things went crazy. Impossibly, the human seemed to find his presence soothing and calming. Plus, the closer it was, the better. Even better when in direct contact with his person.
What on the Earth was wrong with the Miko?
It was improbable for anyone to find the DaiYoukai's presence, dare he say, securing. It was already uncalled for in essence but for a human woman, but a Miko at that?! Something must definitely be wrong with her. Maybe the Kamis hadn't put all the right pieces in the right places in her because it was...Hell, there wasn't even words to equal the confused and dumbfounded feeling in the demon Lord. Even his own mother was on her toes around him most of the time, due to his overwhelming youki. He could understand the way Rin was acting around him. For her, he was her savior, her hero and, in her innocence, she looked up at him as if he was a God. But the Miko was human, adult and knew full well what he was capable of, and still she found his presence soothing?! The idea wasn't any less confusing at all after having slept a few hours on it, really. Maybe, after the ordeal she had survived at the hand of the dark hanyou, sensing a strong presence at her side reassured her that she was, at least in the instant, safe. That he could understand in theory, but the 'strong presence' was him! Sesshomaru sighed. The demon Lord decided then to set the matter aside. It wasn't important for now.
He finally realized why he had woken up in the first place: the craziest human woman he had ever encountered in his long life had moved around a little, signaling her soon to be awakened state.
Not wanting to be seen in this position by anyone, even less by said person on his lap because he didn't particularly wish to have to explain why she was there, Sesshoumaru gently tried to put her down. However, in response, the sleeping woman tightened her grip around him. Still not awake, she even nuzzled her face in Sesshoumaru's chest happily. The demon Lord narrowed his eyes in distaste. She was a little too comfortable and taking way too much liberty with his person for Sesshoumaru's liking.
Then, to the horror of the usually feared by all demon Lord, Kagome mumbled, in her semi-sleeping state, something that made the poor DaiYoukai freeze in place. She said, "Hmm, smells good" and then cuddled closer to his warm body.
Sesshoumaru blinked down at the woman. He then blinked a second time, trying to analyze what had just happened and what had been said. When what she had whispered sleepily on his hard chest finally registered in his mind, the demon Lord took a horrified look. For the first time since he could remember, Sesshoumaru was rendered speechless. Well, not really. When this same girl had pulled out his late father's heirloom without even trying, which he himself couldn't do, he had been more than shocked too. But now, it wasn't exactly the same. No, it was worse.
Sesshoumaru bit down a growl that was threatening to over take him. Could he fall any lower? Really, the insult of having been captured by a low life of a hanyou, having to take care of a human's injuries with his own hands, then comforting her, even if she was unaware of it, to chase her nightmares away, wasn't it enough already?! But no, now he was reduced to serve as pillow for the hellish woman! What unnerved Sesshoumaru even more was the fact that his beast wasn't overly disturbed by her actions. In a way, it didn't like that someone as dignified as him had to be in this kind of position, but in another hand, it couldn't shake away the satisfaction of knowing that the girl had so much faith and trust in her Alpha to feel completely at ease and safe in his presence.
Sesshoumaru, trying to shake off the affront made to his person and already abused ego, pried the Miko away from him and put her down. Strands of hair went falling on her face but the demon Lord fought down the urge to push them away. He had been shocked of how soft her hair was to touch when he had distractedly let his fingers glide through them a few hours ago. Even after two days of not washing, staying on a hard and dirty floor of her cell and some blood in it from her ordeal with Naraku, the young Miko's hair seemed still cleaner than most humans he had encountered, if not all. Even his ward had to be ordered to go wash or she would never do it. The little girl avoided the water like if it was poison but like to play while fishing in it. It was beyond the DaiYoukai'd comprehension. But that was beyond the point. It seemed as if almost every human he had ever come across felt as if washing often would kill them or their skin would melt from their bodies. That's why the Miko seemed so different from her pair.
After a moment, Kagome finally began to stir.
She shivered, her source of heat having mysteriously disappeared. She was sore. The bandages that Sesshoumaru had so gently helped to put on were really efficiently made and were still in place. She sat up slowly, not wanting to open her wounds once more
.
It still hurt everywhere but at least they weren't bleeding anymore.
She then felt the weight of a gaze on her. Her head then snapped towards the owner of said piercing eyes and she found Sesshomaru looking down at her intensely. Looking around and seeing the closeness of the demon Lord, she then realized that she was closer from his 'usual spot' than when she fell asleep. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. How did I end up here? She blinked. I must have rolled in my sleep and ended up at Sesshoumaru's feet. Light pink rose on her cheeks. She was grateful that, despite her proximity, the demon Lord hadn't shown his disgust and simply thrown her away. He had let her, even if totally unaware of it, take comfort in his cold and powerful presence. That must be why she was now so close to him. That could be the explanation of why, after a series of never ending nightmares, she finally succeeded in settling down and slept a little. It was strange but a plausible reason.
Sesshoumaru watched attentively the thoughtful expression of the Miko in the corner of his eyes. She was, as predictable, puzzled on the reason she woke up at his feet. Good, it should stay like that. She then cleared her throat, avoiding eye contact.
"I-I am sorry to have invaded your personal space while I was sleeping." She said quietly, the blush still present on her cheeks.
"Hn." The demon Lord grunted in response. So she thinks that she came to this Sesshoumaru's side by herself…Good. It saves this Sesshoumaru the headache of explaining. Still…
Great now Sesshomaru almost felt guilty! "It's of no consequence." He added flatly after a moment, when gazing from the corner of his eyes at her embarrassed form.
He might not tell her that she had deduced wrongly but he wouldn't let her feel too much guilt when he knew she wasn't responsible. Kagome rewarded him with a small grateful smile. Really, Sesshoumaru isn't that bad. She thought warmly.
She then looked over herself. Her wounds were just closed up, so she had to be careful to not open them back up.
"Miko." Came the deep emotionless voice of the demon Lord. She looked up at him in question.
"Heal your wounds." He said, still not even glancing at her direction.
She looked at him for a moment, confused. What does he mean by 'heal your wounds'? She cocked her head to one side and blinked up at him, puzzled.
Sesshomaru finally gazed at her directly when he noticed that she wasn't doing as he said. Really, is she that dense or is she doing it on purpose to get on this Sesshoumaru's already thin nerves? The DaiYoukai growled at himself. He then did something else, again, out of character, thing that he seemed to be doing a lot in the Miko's presence: he elaborated.
" Your powers are back, are they not?" He asked tightly.
She nodded uncertain of what he was trying to say but finally seeing the growing annoyance in the demon Lord.
"Then, heal your wounds." He said, turning his head to the other side, clearly dismissing her.
Kagome stayed rooted to the spot and looked at Sesshoumaru as if another head had suddenly popped out. W…What?!?
"B-but I don't know how to use my powers like that!?!" She almost yelled out.
He looked back at her direction, an eyebrow raised, his face darker than usual, making Kagome gulped. The miko was really getting on his nerves.
"You healed this Sesshomaru's injuries earlier, have you not? Or maybe your feeble human brain had already forgotten?" He said in a condescending tone, making Kagome flush in anger.
"My brain is doing well, thank you very much. And it's not the same! I just followed your instructions to purify the poison from your injuries. It's really different from healing myself of all…that! I don't know how to heal!!" She almost shouted out, breathing erratically. She winced, her just closed-off wounds not supporting her outburst and tentative of wide movement. The sign of pain didn't escape and only fueled the anger of the demon Lord. Really, was the human trying to further endanger her damaged weak body? Eyes narrowed, Sesshoumaru spoke.
"You would do well to remember to never raise your voice in this Sesshoumaru's presence or this one will personally assure that you will never have the opportunity to yell ever again, or speak for that matter." He hissed coldly.
Kagome's mouth closed down with a 'click'. When shock recoiled, she bit down the inside of her cheek to stop herself from snapping at him.
Sesshoumaru breathed deeply, his eyes flashing a milli-second.
"You already know how to do it. It is the same as when you neutralized the poison in this Sesshomaru's wounds. You should do it before they come back and your powers elude you again." With that said, his head then turned away, dismissing her for good.
The nerve of that…that arrogant dog! Thought the young Miko vehemently, not knowing where all that anger was coming from. It wasn't like she didn't know how Sesshoumaru was, so why was it ticking her so much? She then breathed in deeply.
No need to pass your anger on the DaiYoukai. It won't help you and it's certainly not healthy. Be already happy that he is acknowledging your presence so much, Kagome! Plus, what he said was only for your benefit. Yes, he said that to help me and I almost snapped at him for that… She suddenly felt guilty when the line of thoughts passed in her mind.
She closed her eyes and, boosted with renew confidence, Kagome recalled and followed what the demon Lord had previously taught her so she could use her powers to heal and not just purify.
After a moment, when Sesshoumaru thought that she wouldn't do as instructed, finally, the young Miko body emanated a gentle purple color for a few seconds then everything went back to normal, leaving a panting Kagome. When her powers went back in her body, Kagome felt light-headed from using so much power in one sitting. She just whispered a soft "I succeed" and would have fallen face first on the hard ground from exhaustion if it hadn't been for Sesshoumaru's quick reflexes, who had caught her by the shoulder, just in time.
She quickly regained her balance and thanked the demon Lord, blushing furiously. Sesshoumaru just nodded his head in acceptance.
She sat down and, slowly, she reached for her bandages and looked herself over once she had them out of the way. For a moment, she fixed her thighs intensely. She was so silent that even Sesshomaru knew that it wasn't like herself.
"Miko." Called out.
The DaiYoukai watched Kagome jumped as his voice brought her out of her reveries. He looked down, trying to see what had fascinated her so, then looked at her when she gazed up at him with unshed tears gathering in her eyes. From the corner of his eyes, Sesshoumaru saw her hands unconsciously coming over where her wounds where before.
Kagome felt as if something in her finally had broken. Her wounds were healed, yes, but they had left behind scars. At the place of the ugly cuts were now light pink scars, just healed. She may be scarred for life because of the treatment of Naraku.
With a finger, she traced the still-raised skin sorrowfully, fighting with all her might to not let a sob escape her lips. She continued to pull off the others bands, tracing each new scar silently. Sesshoumaru watched her do, not saying a thing, until he couldn't hold his tongue much longer.
"Miko." Repeated, Sesshomaru.
When looking back up, she saw that one of his eyebrows was rising in inquiry. She blinked slowly, liberating the salty drops of water that had stayed in place until now with her eyelashes. For Sesshoumaru, she was the epitome of pitifulness at this instant.
"There are scars." She said quietly and a duller voice than usual. She had whispered softly as to answer his silent question. His eyebrow rose higher, as if it was his way of saying 'and?'.
She lowed her head. Sesshomaru didn't seem to understand but, maybe, he can't really understand. He didn't seem to grasps why she was feeling like weeping her heart out. There were scars. That meant that even if she succeeded in getting out of this Hell, she will keep the traces of Naraku's hands marring her skin for her whole life as a reminder of what had happened here.
"You are human; in consequence, you have inferior healing abilities than this Sesshomaru. The uses of powers only accelerate the normal healing process. So, it's logical for you to have scars, while this Sesshomaru don't." Said the DaiYoukai of the West, flatly.
Really, it's obvious, so how could she be so perturbated by this? Apparently, humans scarred more easily than Youkais. Well, no real surprise here.
For Kagome, it felt like his words were blades going through her. She flinched and felt her body go numb. Her scent was clouded with so much sorrow that the air was even difficult to breathe in. Sesshomaru wasn't stupid. He understood that she will have to live all her life with those reminders of the hanyou tortures. The souvenirs of what happened, and possibly will happen, will stay forever engraved in her skin. It will be hard on her but again, it's no surprise there.
He knew that now mustn't be the correct moment to ask what was burning the tip of his tongue, but his curiosity was eating his guts and he couldn't stop it.
"Miko." After a few seconds where Sesshoumaru thought that she hadn't heard him, she finally turned to look at him. Her gaze was so broken that the demon Lord almost hesitated, what he usually never does, to ask what was troubling him. Unable wait any longer, Sesshoumaru spoke.
"You said that only you, or a miko, would be the one able to give the hanyou this new power he is seeking."
Breath hitching in her throat, Kagome froze literally on the spot. Her eyes opened wide. She wasn't prepared for Sesshoumaru's questions so soon. But at the same time, how could she have expected him to take her frail nerves in consideration. It was just too much too soon. In fact, to be honest with herself, she didn't know if she would ever be ready to speak about it. However, from his closed-off usual face, she didn't seem to have the choice.
Gathering her now healed legs to herself, Kagome started to move back and forth to try to calm herself. She was fighting between crying and sleeping. The idea of sleeping hadn't ever sounded so great. The use of so much of her powers so soon after being drained was really taking its toll on her. In fact, if she had the certainty that she wouldn't have another nightmare, she would do just that, Sesshoumaru could be damned.
Kagome's eyes glazed over, becoming unfocused as if not seeing what was in front of her anymore. Her body was becoming number as minutes passed. Finally, she opened her mouth.
"Naraku wants to have access to the powers of a miko, so never would he come so close to being purified ever again as it happened in the past. He wants immunity to holy powers." She answered tonelessly.
Hesitating slightly, Sesshomaru pursued his inquiry. Really seeing her so…dull, made even the demon Lord of the West uneasy.
"How does he wish to obtain those powers?" He asked, almost gently.
Kagome finally looked at him, seemingly lost, as if trying to look for what she could do. Sesshomaru had never seen the young Miko looking so defeated, and he realized that he didn't like it one a bit. Though, he wasn't sure why it was so relevant.
Her bottom lip quavering, she answered slowly.
"He-he wants a child. He thinks that if he could absorb a child born between a youkai and a miko, he will have the power he seeks. He can't gain the power of a miko only by absorbing one directly, so he thinks that it is the solution of his problem. To have a better probability of success, the child will be his." A silent tear escaped her eyelid.
"The problem is that he doesn't know any miko that will volunteer for his 'experiment', none alive, that is. However, nothing of youkai blood can rape a miko. It's a divine protection of some kind protecting the mikos' bodies against any 'youki tainting'. It's a rule that even he can't go against."
With that said, she buried her face in her knees, bringing her legs closer to her chest.
Never would Sesshomaru have ever imagined feeling slightly disgusted with himself, but he was just now. He felt like he had just kicked an injured puppy, really, or pushed her over a cliff she had been trying so desperately to escape. At the same time, he couldn't find in him the will to hate her for bringing feelings in him. She was already down and it wasn't really her fault. It wasn't as if she wanted to make him feel those troublesome emotions.
No, the only responsible was the dark Hanyou. Blinding rage surged through the DaiYoukai, his eyes flashing red at the thought of Naraku. The Miko was so lost in her dark thoughts that she didn't even feel the shift in the subdued aura of the demon Lord. He tried to calm down and analyze what the young Miko had reported to him.
"So he decides to torture you in hope to make you bend to his will. But, at the same time, he knew enough of your character to know that it will never happen if you can prevent it. So, he intends to try to break your spirit by any means, without damaging your body too much, since he needs it. If you have no will, your mind broken, nothing, he hopes that your powers won't react at his future assault." Resumed Sesshomaru.
Kagome nodded weakly, still no rising her head from her knees.
"Hn."
Going through everything, Sesshoumaru analyzed the situation. There was a little chance for this plan to work. It may be enough to go around this divine protection, but, at the same time, maybe not. Divine laws are often difficult to understand in their globality. It was a risky move but there seemed to be no other solution if Naraku really wanted those powers.
What was sure was that the dark hanyou was, if anything, patient. It could take days, or weeks, if not more, and there was no guarantee of success at the end. At the same time, this blind thirst for powers may be one day his downfall. On the contrary of some others, this particular Miko would be difficult to break completely. Well, if you looked at her right now you wouldn't say that, but Sesshoumaru was certain that it was just the immediate after-shock effect of what happened. Any other would have been in an even worst state if someone had captured her, then tortured her in order to make her give herself to his cruel desires so he could absorb any child produced and then kill her. It even made the demon Lord's head spin just to think about it. But the Miko had stayed strong. Well, until this Sesshoumaru asked for details. Thought the Lord of the West uneasily. Damn those emotions. It was the fault of the hanyou too. If he hadn't reduced his youki so much, he would be in better shape to contain and control his emotions. Again, Sesshoumaru swore that the dark hanyou would pay.
However, even if he didn't like to say it, his half-brother's miko may be the most powerful Miko around. She was the Shikon Miko, after all. To steal holy powers, better choose the most powerful when you are at it. It must have been what Naraku had thought. Plus, the dark hanyou seemed twistedly fond of the little miko. But, Sesshoumaru knew that she would resist. She would choose death before giving in, he was sure of it. That's how and why she had gained his respect in the past, after all.
But one thing was troubling the demon Lord of the Western Lands. Something didn't fit in this scheme planned by Naraku : Him.
"What is the purpose of this Sesshoumaru's presence?" He finally asked after a moment, not finding any logic in the why he had been captured too.
"Naraku had taken in consideration that it will take time to 'persuade' me to participate in his plan. The cave in which our cell had been dug in is almost impossible to find. Only the more powerful youkai have a chance to detect the natural barrier hiding this cave. Since you have, in more than one occasion, already interfered in his plan in the past, Naraku hadn't want to take any risk this time around. He wanted to make sure that you won't interfere, so he used any means he possessed to capture you, knowing that it would be really difficult if not quasi-impossible for you to get out once imprisoned inside with all those spells. Or, at least, it will give him the time he needs to do what he has to be done. With you inside, there is no one powerful enough to find this cave's location." Said Kagome dully, not knowing how much her words had angered the demon Lord.
Shaking in the struggle to contain his rage, Sesshoumaru, his voice darker than usual, his beast close to the surface, spoke.
"Rest, Miko." You are safe for now. He let unsaid. Waiting for her to fight his order, he was surprised and disturbed when she just nodded and slipped on the ground, closing her eyes immediately. When he was sure that she was asleep, Sesshoumaru moved closer, not resisting the urge to be close to her and lend some comfort. She needed it.
Now alone, Sesshoumaru went back through everything that had been said. The DaiYoukai was mad, to say the least. Sesshoumaru may be cold but the thought of Naraku producing an offspring, a real pup and not an incarnation, only to kill it at birth, was just... totally wrong. The demon Lord was ready to lose his other arm before doing something like that to a pup, even worse if his own.
More, his beast was seeing red at the very idea of Naraku laying even a finger on her. Eyes flashing between golden and red, This Sesshomaru won't let this to happen, he thought vehemently.
They had to find a way and get out of here before the dark hanyou succeeded in breaking the young miko mind or everything would be lost...
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End of the chapter 15
To answer someone who had left a rather long review (DarkMystic). He or she asked why I had put “kukuku” when Naraku is laughing. Well, it’s what is in the manga when Naraku laugh and I find it funny that’s why I put it too. As for the problem in my choice of words, I apologize sincerely for my lacking in English. I’m doing what I can and I’m sorry if it’s not enough. I hope that you will be able to overlook it and don’t abandon my story. Still, thank you to have taken the time to read and review.
I thank too everyone who had taken the time to leave a review. It really warms my heart to read your words and opinions and it’s really helping me.
Well, I’m off now.
Much love,
Sweetest angel