Total Eclipse of the Heart

Total Eclipse of the Heart

Disclaimer: I do not own anything in this fanfic except for certain characters such as Liana, Aya, Aki, etc. The characters of InuYasha are not mine; they are property of Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan, Yomiuri TV, Sunrise, and Viz. I make no profit from this fanfic.

Author's Note: Yay, I am very pleased with the response that my fanfic is getting! It inspires me to update as quickly as I do and I will continue to do so for the next few chapters. October is a busy month for me however and I cannot promise when updates will come, but am continuously working on this fanfic. I do promise longer chapters for this story and hope you have forgiven the last three "short" chapters. They will get longer...as this one has.
Sesshomaru's beast has returned again for a short time in this chapter and the same rules apply as they did in the last:

Sesshomaru's beast

Sesshomaru's thoughts

Thank you so much for all of your support!


Chapter Four: Journey Pt. 1

He had sensed her aura long after she had left her pack. Although she wore a smile as she neared the Bone Eater's well, the scent of distress was far more disturbing to him than the Western Lord would have cared to admit. He said nothing to her however and simply turned south where their destination lay. They would travel several days to the old Southern Youkai Temple; however, Sesshomaru was pleased to find that the miko remained silent as she followed in step behind him with the kitsune in her arms and his ward at her right side.

As the day progressed, Rin attempted to impress her Sesshomaru-sama but pointing out the herbs she had learned from Kagome-san. Though he never acknowledged to Rin that he was listening to her, Kagome could tell by the way his eyes would narrow or widen at the information his young ward was sharing with him. Smiling to herself, Kagome continued to remain silent and stay a certain distance away from the Western Lord in respect.

Much had changed when it came to Sesshomaru in Kagome's eyes. She was sure that when they had first met, he was nothing more than a killing machine that thirsted for the blood of both humans and hanyous alike. He bore no emotions nor any sign of remorse to those he killed or threatened. But now, as Kagome studied the Western Lord and the young girl who had moved during the day to walk by his side, the miko saw the layers on this creature that she could scarcely believe were there. His emotions, though little as they were, shown quite brightly through his golden eyes when looking at Rin every once in a while. Oh yes, Kagome was sure that this heartless demon was not as cold as he made himself out to be. Like herself and those of her pack, Naraku's "reign" had made a huge impact on Sesshomaru's life; for better or for worse.

"Miko," Sesshomaru called out in his usual cold tone that pulled Kagome out of her thoughts. "When we make camp tonight, it is imperative that you speak to this Sesshomaru about the upcoming Court gathering." They were still walking and Kagome was a bit annoyed that he didn't even look back at her when speaking. She narrowed her eyes slightly; it was in a way that very closely resembled the Inu Youkai in front of her.

"Alright," Kagome agreed, calming her anger as quickly as it filled her. Now was not the time for pitiless arguments. Looking up, she studied the sky as both Inuyasha and Kaeda had taught her and determined that it would be an hour or so more before the sun set.

Shippo, like Kagome, felt the need to remain silent during the trip, and hid from the Youkai Lord within his oka-san's arms. If there was one thing he had been learning from his academy, it was that you were never to speak to those of higher stance than you unless you were spoken to. Kagome and Shippo were neither pack nor family to this demon as of yet, so all words and actions would be judged according to Sesshomaru's standards.

"Shippo-chan, would you and Rin like to help me cook dinner tonight?" Kagome asked in her motherly tone after a few minutes of silence fell upon the pack of four travelers.

"The kit will accompany this Sesshomaru on his hunt," Sesshomaru answered before Shippo could react. Everyone seemed a bit shocked at this statement, but did not dare deny his words and the group fell into silence for the remainder of the day's trip.

When it came time for making the camp, Sesshomaru immediately demanded the departure of the kit and himself for that night's dinner. Still shocked by Sesshomaru's actions, Kagome nearly missed Rin calling out her name and pulling on her hand to go gather some firewood. Sesshomaru had led them to a well cleared area near a river and the firewood seemed plenty on the ground but Kagome studied the broken branches that she picked up. Most of the wood was drenched from rain that seemed to have fallen in this region no more than a week before. Rin was better at finding some dry wood, however, and they were able to prepare a fire in time to when the two Youkai returned.

"Oka-san, look! I caught two rabbits and Sesshomaru was able to find a wild boar," Shippo exclaimed as he handed over his catch to Kagome who smiled at hugged him in reward. Sesshomaru was not too far behind the kitsune and had his kill over his shoulder, skinned and ready to be cooked.

"Oh wow Sesshomaru-sama, we'll be able to take some with us tomorrow and not have to worry about stopping for lunch!" Rin stated happily as she hugged the Youkai Lord's leg once more.

"Hn," he responded and helped the miko cut at the meat, though was intrigued by the device she was using to do so.

Kagome seemed to notice his curious gaze and handed him her pocket knife for his inspection. He merely studied over it for a minute or two before handing it back to her. He would not question her about the object now, though he suspected it had to do with the Bone Eater's well that she and his half-breed brother fought over constantly three years earlier.

Not your typical miko, his beast stated in confusion as well.

No, she is not, Sesshomaru agreed and ended the conversation just a quickly as it had started as she put the knife away to cook the meat. "Rin, see to the meat." His young ward nodded her head. "Miko, you are to follow this Sesshomaru."

Bewildered, Kagome gasped but followed Sesshomaru out of hearing range of the children. He motioned her to take a seat and she was a little perplexed, but took the offer. Sesshomaru remained standing, taking his time to lean against a tree that stood across from where she sat. This could take some time to get through to the miko; however, the information he was to share with her was urgent and very important to her survival.

"Miko, as your protector, this Sesshomaru is obligated to inform you of the Youkai laws in which you will be subjugated to as someone who was summoned by the Youkai Court; Youkai or not," he began slowly and carefully, knowing fully well that this was a delicate matter when it came to humans since most where unaware of their culture. "The most important law that you must remember amongst Youkai is to be submissive. You are the Shikon Miko and therefore hold a higher stance than most, however, you are still female and to all Youkai, most females are submissive; especially to their mates and lords of higher stance than their own as the Youkai Court is to you.

"You must also remember that you are not to speak unless spoken to. You will be given you chances to speak at the summons, but you must never speak aloud without the Court's consent or your life will be forfeit," he warned.

Kagome giggled and he raised an eyebrow. "Sorry, it's just kind of silly to be killed for just speaking your mind," she said and quickly continued with, "but I understand that you are warning me so thank you."

"Hn," he responded and was not amused by her remark. These were important matters she was dealing with but here she was laughing at the simplest of Youkai laws. "To continue miko, it is Youkai law that no one is to make demands of the Court; not even the Lords who hold a place amongst the court. You must make requests, not demands for demands are a sign of disobedience and therefore un-submissive.

"And miko, this Sesshomaru need not remind you to keep your powers at bay. Most of the Youkai Lords in the court are of old and find mikos nothing more than their enemy. You must remember not to be intimidated by these Lords as they cannot harm you unless law is broken. Most Youkai view you with great respect as you are the Shikon Miko and the one to save the world of further destruction and chaos."

"And by respect, I am also guessing that they fear me as well," Kagome stated and watched the Youkai Lord nod his head. "Well maybe through this summons, I'll be able to prove to Youkai that not all mikos and humans are as bad as we are made out to be."

"That's yet to be seen, but agreed," Sesshomaru responded. Kagome was shocked, to say the least, at his response but rewarded it with a very gentle smile of hers and made the Western Lord's chest tighten strangely.

Why is this miko affecting this Sesshomaru so strangely? She is ningen, he thought to himself as he narrowed his eyes at her.

She is the Shikon Miko,his beast replied.She is deserving of respect and honor. Not even our sire's bitch held such a stance.

Unaware of his actions, Sesshomaru let out a low growl at the mention of Inuyasha's mother and this growl caused Kagome's mood to change into slight fear, though her face never showed it. Upon scenting her fear, the growls ceased and Sesshomaru moved off of the tree, looking towards camp as if signaling her that it was time to return.

"Sesshomaru," Kagome began slowly, not knowing whether now was a good time since she had heard the growl and was a bit confused. After all, she had only smiled. Was smiling such a bad thing for her to do? He looked in his direction which meant that she could continue and she looked away from his intense stare. "Will you come to the wedding?"

"No," he immediately stated and watched Kagome's confusion suddenly morph into anger.

"What? Why?" she exclaimed.

"This Sesshomaru need not explain his reasoning for attending a human ceremony to you, miko," he growled.

"But you're Inuyasha's brother," Kagome stated.

"Half-brother," he barked back. "This Sesshomaru is not concerned what the hanyou does with his pathetic life. Explain this miko, why so eager to mate the very same hanyou that ran off to the dead priestess? Is he not promised to her?"

Sesshomaru knew he had struck a chord and something in him twisted as Kagome turned her face away again with tears in her eyes and much distress in her aura.

"She is gone, Sesshomaru," Kagome said shakily. "I know that I am not Kikyo, and I don't expect to fill that space in Inuyasha's heart. I do fear that he is only marrying me because I am her reincarnation and look like her, but I hope that he sees that it is me as well." She looked up at him and fought to let the tears fall, to show weakness to this Youkai and know that he would take advantage of her if given the chance. She had to be strong. "I love him, Sesshomaru. I love him enough to know that I may be second best to him, but that will never stop me from loving or protecting him."

"Do you have someone to protect?" His father's words rang once again in his head and he growled at it, forcing it away once more.

Hearing the growl, Kagome sighed and determined that perhaps even after all these years, some things would never truly change.