Serene Lies

AN: HEEEEEELLO everyone, I just wanted to start by saying sorry if the new summary messed you up. As well I will be changing the title to Paradigm of Sacrifice by chapter 7 or 8 so be on the look out. I also finished the manga finally; I would suggest if you have the time that you read it because it is fantastic and some of the plotlines in this story lend towards that.

I want to thank once again, my wonderful beta, Nikkular.

I would also suggest to all my readers that you sign up for forums (they always need more members).

Now to my reviewers:
evilpinatag- I always love your reviews ^^. And as for the whole skirt lifting thing, I had almost thought I'd gone too far with that one. I'm pretty sure however that Chapter 6 will be even more epic (its my favourite so far :D)

Alpine- It is always nice to see a new face and I am really glad that you decided to take a chance on my story. I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as you have the entire story so far :).

Fourshotchild- It was no problem. I am glad that you are enjoying the story so far and I really do hope you enjoy this chapter just as much.

Thank you as well to all the raters as well!

Without further ado, I present:

Chapter 6: The Black Miko

Marked

Sesshomaru’s blatant prognosis was greeted with silence at first, no one able to speak past the spell that it had invoked. The tension that hung heavily between the siblings was matched only by the intense curiosity that radiated from the three humans that watched from the side lines. InuYasha was the first to break the silence, his clenched fists and forcibly calm voice hinting at the restrain it took not to blow up, “As in a mating mark?”

InuYasha’s anger and stress was palatable, the sickening twist of iron and salt overwhelming Sesshomaru’s keen senses, growing stronger as Sesshomaru nodded his affirmation of InuYasha’s suspicions. Sesshomaru knew that being part human, the hanyou would have some sort of emotional response to a friend’s distress, but he really couldn’t comprehend exactly what it was about this woman that drove this group to such irrationality.

Glancing down at the miko in question, Sesshomaru noticed her pale face was painted with splashes of red, her brown eyes glued to the floor. Her darkening cheeks and the scent of honey and salt reminded Sesshomaru briefly of the intimacy that had just occurred between the two of them. Annoyed that she should have any effect on him whatsoever, he dismissed the miko and returned his attention to InuYasha.

Kagome looked up from her spot near Sesshomaru’s feet to observe the proceedings. She had already determined that the golden eyed hanyou glaring at Sesshomaru was his brother, but she did not understand their animosity towards each other. Then again, Kagome was sure that if her mother had remarried and had more children, she would not feel as inclined to love them the way she did Souta. As thoughts of her mother and brother seeped into her mind, Kagome pulled the warm creature that was Mokomoko tighter around her, thankful for the comfort that its purring form offered her agonized mind.

InuYasha narrowed his eyes dangerously at Sesshomaru before turning on his heal and striding purposefully out of the small hut. Kagome doubted anyone noticed the sadness that haunted his angry expression; the hanyou was sad about something, Kagome knew, that had to do with her. As she watched InuYasha go, the young warrior woman, Sango, sighed, shaking her head; the boy seemed to be quite impetuous, and Kagome could almost imagine the woman’s thoughts as her friend left. These are my friends too, aren’t they?, Kagome thought, a pit of depression forming in her stomach. I can’t recall a single one of them; they are strangers to me.

“I know you probably won’t understand but, despite everything that has happened in the last couple of years, InuYasha still really cares about Kagome,” Sango said quietly, earning herself an arched eyebrow from the cold demon. He knew that although she was talking to him, the statement was directed more towards Kagome; Sango was still unaware that the miko remembered nothing whatsoever. “I am worried about Kagome, but my fears for her barely scratch the surface of InuYasha’s turmoil. To be honest, I think he is more miserable now than when Kagome killed Kikyo.”

“Killed?” Kagome’s stuttered statement drew Sesshomaru’s attention to her spot on the floor. Her wide eyes were focused on the young slayer who was speaking to him. “No! N- no, that’s not possible! How could I?”

“What I am asking, Sesshomaru,” Sango continued, not hearing Kagome’s shocked objection to her words, “is that you try to be a little compassionate towards InuYasha. I know your relationship is strenuous as it is but please, understand that this is hard for him too.”

Sesshomaru stared back at the young woman, his face an expressionless mask. Kagome looked up at his quiet form, her mind clearing the haze of denial that Sango’s words had incurred. Although he appeared to be focused, Kagome knew that inside his mind, a war was being waged, and he didn’t want anyone to see exactly how he felt. She understood the feeling, having felt that exact same pull from opposite ends within herself. Standing up, Kagome placed a hand gently on his arm, bringing his attention back to her.

“Don’t let your pride control you. This woman Sango has been friends with your brother for a long time, and judging by the tension between you two, she can’t help but see you as the bad guy, and your pride refuses to correct her assumption,” Kagome whispered. Sesshomaru stared at her coldly, an embarrassed flush warming her cheeks, before turning to glare at Sango. That the woman at his side presumed to know so much about him; the accuracy with which she described unnerved Sesshomaru – the miko was too perceptive. Leaving Mokomoko around Kagome’s shoulders, Sesshomaru nodded his acknowledgement of Sango’s wishes before walking towards the bamboo flap that served as a door.

Kagome sighed quietly as the room became devoid of his dominating presence; she wouldn’t admit it out loud but she felt a small hollow feeling in her chest at his absence. However, before she could delve further into those thoughts, Sesshomaru strode purposefully back in and grabbed her arm, dragging her out of the small hut.

“I told you miko; you need to be with me constantly. Unless you want to fade into a wraith, I suggest you take care to do as I say and don’t make me repeat myself again.” Sesshomaru’s face was completely deadpan as he said this but Kagome heard the annoyance in his voice. Glaring at the demon who was slowly tightening his hold on her, Kagome yanked her arm out of his grip, preparing to give him the sharp side of her tongue. Unfortunately, the ease in which she had pulled her arm back sent her flying backwards over a tree root to land hard on her backside.

“Son of a-” Kagome bit her lip to keep from cursing, sitting dejectedly where she landed. Choking on the anger raging in her chest, Kagome tried to hold back the aggravated tears that burned behind her eyes. Kagome wanted to be strong, wanted to resolve this problem quickly and effectively, but the obstacles that continuously arose were beginning to weigh heavily on the little confidence she had left.

“Miko, get up.”

“Fuck you!” Kagome snapped, her eyes blazing with her frustration. “You stand there cool as a freaking cucumber, caught up in your own little pity party while, hey, I am here struggling with the fact that I may turn into a fucking wraith. You know it’s just one problem after another; even though it was part of Naraku’s manipulation, I had to bury my mom and brother, and then I find out that my soul has been separated from my body.”

“Let’s not forget to mention the fact that even though I am not in my physical body, I can still feel pain. Oh, and then of course there’s the fact that I have lost memories that seem to be vital to my own survival at the least!” Kagome’s heart ached as the pain of her loss finally hit her. Clenching her fists in the soft ground beneath her, she fastened her gaze on her feet. “You have no idea what it’s like to look at people you know that you should know and have them be complete strangers to you. Your brother supposedly cares deeply for me but when I looked at him I felt nothing. Absolutely nothing!”

The feeling of his warm hand against her cool cheek startled Kagome at first, but she leaned into his palm, relishing the comfort that he unwittingly provided. Like this, Kagome could almost imagine that he was a lover, offering her his tenderness in her time of distress; his touch a salve to her burning anger. Looking up at him beneath her sooty lashes, Kagome caught a brief glimpse of Sesshomaru’s unguarded face.

Sensing her gaze on him, Sesshomaru schooled his features, moving his hand down to grip her chin tightly. He was level-headed, an emotionless demon; he would be damned if this woman would change that. He tilted her face so their gazes connected.

“Sesshomaru?” Her timid question sat silently on her lips, awaiting an answer, her huge brown eyes looking up at him with the innocence of a child. In that moment, she reminded him of Rin with her guileless eyes and ready acceptance. Narrowing his own eyes, he firmed his resolve; no human or demon would ever break the careful barrier that he had sealed his heart in.

“I am not asking for your pain and I am not asking for your understanding, so don’t bother attempting to give me either. What I am demanding however, is your obedience. When I say jump, you will say how high, do you understand me? I have been sensitive to your needs long enough,” Sesshomaru said coldly. Glaring right back at him, she attempted to jerk her chin away but was held firmly in Sesshomaru’s grip. As he applied more pressure against her jaw, she stilled, a sigh signaling her resignation at escaping him. Instead, she continued to glare at him defiantly.

“And what if I don’t listen to you?” she asked belligerently. He pulled her closer to him so that their noses where almost touching, her furious pants warming his lips. If her body language was not indication enough, the fire that lit her eyes let Sesshomaru know that she was as pissed as a wet panther demon; he had to suppress a smirk as his gaze bore into hers.

“If you do not, I will leave you for Naraku and his demons.” Sesshomaru released her from his hold, coolly observing the emotions that crossed Kagome’s face as she pulled away from him.

Kagome felt as if she had been slapped, the anger that had raged inside her dying as numbness tugged at a spot in her gut. She had believed that she could trust Sesshomaru with her life but the indifference he showed her now caused her to reconsider her confidence in the demon. What exactly was he trying to hide?

Seeing the hurt expression that crossed her features he knew that his threat had hit home; he wanted to needle her, needed her anger and defiance. Sesshomaru could not handle the kindness that she extended to him, as if saying that he only had to let her and she would soother all the wounds that he kept locked in the same barrier as his heart.

“And don’t deceive yourself into thinking that I hold any sort of sentiment where you are concerned simply because of what happened earlier.” Sesshomaru said cruelly, turning his back before he could see her devastated reaction. A small shift in the air whispered through the small clearing, the myriad of clean and earthy scents fading behind a sharp, sour stench. A recognizable hiss of warning from Mokomoko had Sesshomaru on his guard, tensing even more as the protective creature settled itself back on Sesshomaru’s shoulder. Turning slowly to face the miko once again, Sesshomaru could not control the sharp intake of breath he took as he stared in shock at Kagome; she was black. Having felt fear on very few occasions, Sesshomaru did not recognize the emotion at first until white eyes stared at him from the thick black aura, and he was nearly overwhelmed by it.

“Miko…” he said firmly, keeping his gaze locked with the white orbs he had assumed were her eyes. He couldn’t help the prickle of annoyance that nagged at the back of his mind; how could he have been so stupid. Even though Naraku had failed to commit to the act itself, the mating mark would still allow Kagome to inherit some of his traits. However, it seemed the woman would not display any of the traits unless she was extremely angry. Would have been nice to know that before, he thought, aggravated.

Pointing one finger towards the sky, Kagome moved her hand in slow circle, a sphere of dark aura forming above her hand. Opening her hand, it appeared almost as if she would cradle it but as soon as she made contact with the dark orb, it was propelled from her palm towards the sky. Sesshomaru watched the sphere strike the clouds and disperse among them, turning the cotton fluffs into dark masses of energy.

An apprehensive mewl tickled Sesshomaru’s keen hearing, drawing his attention towards the miko’s possessed soul who now looked ragged and weak. The black aura that had consumed her own had completely dissipated, leaving her pink aura flickering dangerously. Sesshomaru cursed.

“I… I didn’t want to fall so easily… I didn’t want to be just like him…I-” she was cut off as her head snapped up to glare purposefully at the sky. “Something is coming.”

As soon as the words left her lips, the black aura that had seeped into the clouds collected in a sphere over ahead, dripping into a puddle like blood. It coagulated into a dark viscous mass, bubbling and solidifying into the lithe form of a woman. As she turned to face them, her face twisted into an uncharacteristic malicious grin, causing both Kagome and Sesshomaru to freeze in their tracks.

“It…It’s me,” Kagome whispered.

* * *

A cool breeze licked the sweat that coated the back of InuYasha’s neck, flicking away the stray hairs that clung to the hot skin. As InuYasha dipped his feet below the surface of the cold water that rushed through the river bed, his thoughts strayed to his best friend – the woman he had once even loved. If Kagome was here, she would have changed into one of those ridiculous outfits that showed way too much skin and – what had she called it?

Swimming, he thought. She had called it swimming. He had been amazed the first time he watched her twist and turn in the water, playful as a dolphin demon cub, and as graceful as the water sprites that frolicked in Hijiri lake. And then, when she had resurfaced, she appeared before him as a siren, the sun alighting on the water droplets that coated her black hair and pale skin.

InuYasha sighed; if he continued thinking about her this way, he’d end up no better than the lecherous monk. Not that it mattered anyways; InuYasha would never be able to forget what had happened earlier that year. It wasn’t like he harbored hatred or bitterness toward Kagome for it, but the growing love that he’d had for her had died that day.

“InuYasha?” The sound of the young fox demon snapped InuYasha out of his reverie. Shippou stood beside him, Sesshomaru’s young ward standing a couple of feet behind him, flushing as she stammered an awkward hello. It still baffled InuYasha that Sesshomaru had taken the young girl under his wing and cared for her for the last three years. The girl had grown taller since they had first met, her face losing its baby fat; she was a beautiful child, one he knew would grow to be as beautiful as Kagome.

“Hello Shippou, Rin. What have you two been up to?” The light pink that had crept over Rin’s cheeks darkened as she played with a necklace of yellow chrysanthemums and sakura blossoms. InuYasha nodded slightly, a small smile playing about his lips.

“I see,” he said wisely, earning himself a small kick in the side.

“Never mind that InuYasha, we have a problem.” Shippou insisted. “A sphere of black aura just flew up into the sky and turned the clouds black! Something bad is happening.”

“Go find Kirara and take Rin back to Kaede’s hut. Get Miroku and Sango, and tell them to meet me where the demonic aura is originating from,” InuYasha commanded, taking off in the direction where Shippou said the dark clouds were. It was about time he had gotten some action – he was feeling particularly restless especially after the uncomfortable meeting with Sesshomaru.

His eyebrows furrowed as a strange scent reached his nose; it was Naraku’s but there was a sweet and spicy smell mixed in with it. Kagome!. But that couldn’t be right, she was back at Kaede’s hut, protected by the others. Dwelling on those thoughts he had not noticed a new scent until it overpowered the others; a sickening metallic smell that was more familiar to InuYasha then anything else.

Blood

* * *

A hiss escaped Sesshomaru’s lips as he tried to overcome the pain that plagued his stomach and thigh. The black bitch stood before him, grinning with bloodied teeth at the pained sound that Sesshomaru tried to restrain. She sighed lustily, as if his pain excited her morbid fantasies.

“Your blood is delicious, Sesshomaru.” She purred, licking her lips with delight. Sesshomaru still could not believe that this twisted monster had come from the seemingly innocent woman that he had been protecting. The demonic miko flew at him, her fingers elongated into grotesque claws that swiped for his neck. Backing up, Sesshomaru barely avoided the vicious attack, drawing his sword, Tokijin. He glanced quickly at the real Kagome who stood warily behind him, frustration etched into her face; his hesitation nearly cost him his life.

The black miko struck out at him again, this time aiming for his heart. Sesshomaru dodged to the left, ready to cut the demon’s head off, coming up short as her claws pierced through his right shoulder, sending Tokijin clattering to the ground. His eyes widened, his shocked gaze connecting with the white eyes that glowed eerily in the black aura. The miko’s other hand trailed up his neck behind his head, her nails digging sharply enough into his skull to make him bleed. Sesshomaru cringed as she brought his face closer to hers, trailing her slimy tongue down his cheek, over his jaw and down to his neck.

“Mmm, your skin tastes almost as delicious as your blood; too bad I’m going to have to kill you,” she cooed. Unable to control his disgust, Sesshomaru’s face contorted at her words; eyes reddening, he pushed her away from him, staggering backwards slightly. The claws tore out of his shoulder, small barbs in her claws tearing at the skin and muscle; stupid bitch was underestimating him . Raising his hand slowly, his nails glowed as he prepared to use his poisonous whip on the annoying demon.

“You think you can kill me so easily, huh.” Sesshomaru growled from between gritted teeth. Flicking his wrist slightly, the green light whipped around the black miko’s waist before snapping tight, tearing her in half. Slowly lowering himself to one knee, he ground his teeth to control the pained breaths that wanted to escape.

“Sesshomaru!” the real Kagome ran over to him to check his wounds, ignoring the halved body of the youkai copy of her that had tried to kill him. However before she could even touch Sesshomaru, she was fiercely shoved to the ground; she would have been annoyed if it hadn’t been for the fact that when she looked back up, she saw her evil half attacking him again.

“Wind Scar!” A brilliant flash of light blinded Kagome as it struck the dark miko, her scream cut short by her violent death. Glancing in the direction where the attack had come from, Kagome was surprised to see Sesshomaru’s half brother standing there with what was possibly one of the largest swords she had seen.

“Damn Naraku!” InuYasha spat, as he approached the black chunks of youkai that were beginning to amalgamate into another small bubbling pool. Striking the middle of the pool, Kagome watched as a red aura was absorbed by the demon sword, the pool of youkai disintegrating in the process. Looking at Sesshomaru, his lips curled into a mocking sneer. “Couldn’t beat a fucking demon puppet, eh Sesshomaru? Seems to me you’re not as strong as you act.”

“Don’t make me laugh, half breed,” Sesshomaru snarled back. He could tell that InuYasha was looking to pick a fight probably because of earlier, and Sesshomaru would have enjoyed putting the stupid hanyou in his place, but because of the wound in his shoulder, he couldn’t even lift a sword. Infusing as much loathing into his voice as possible, Sesshomaru explained, “If you had paid attention, you would have noticed that this was not a demon puppet. It was part of the darkness that is infecting the miko’s soul; this particular darkness was created with the specific intention of killing me.”

“Bullshit!” InuYasha snarled, “Why the hell would Naraku possibly go after you?”

“It wasn’t Naraku,” Sesshomaru stated flatly. His eyes narrowed, hinting at the anger he was feeling. Sesshomaru felt no resentment towards the miko; she hadn’t wanted to kill him, but Naraku’s influence on her body had turned her anger into something much more deadly. His annoyance was aggravated more by the confused look on InuYasha’s face. “It was your friend.”

“How dare you accuse her of any such thing! Kagome would never hurt anyone, even an asshole like you.” Kagome, baffled at the respect the young hanyou seemed to hold for her, sat motionless as he quickly closed the distance. It was when she realized that he intended to kill Sesshomaru that panic set in.

“InuYasha, sit boy!” Kagome yelled.

“Wha-?” A look of shock passed over his face before it was forcibly planted in the ground. Unsure of what exactly she had just done, Kagome stared at the still hanyou, her head tilted slightly to the side in question.

“Uhm.” A bark of laughter echoed throughout the small clearing as the miko stood beside Sesshomaru, a look of befuddlement still painted on her face. Her confusion was intensified when she looked at InuYasha and saw that it was he who was laughing. He must be losing it, she thought. How could anyone who just pulled that kind of face plant be laughing – it must’ve hurt like hell.

“Damn it…Nothing like giving a guy a face plant to make your presence known. I don’t know where you are Kagome, but thank you.” InuYasha smiled as he said this. Kagome’s suspicion of his mental condition was intensified as he said this; how could any sane person thank her for doing that?

Before Sesshomaru could make a snide remark, the demon slayer, monk and old woman landed in the clearing atop the fire twin tail, Kirara. Sango jumper off, flipping the Hiraikotsu over her shoulder, prepared for battle; Miroku slid off Kirara a little more leisurely, his stance completely relaxed.

“Killed it already, eh InuYasha?” Miroku asked, disappointment evident in his expression. Sango twirled the Hiraikotsu over her head before placing it back in her shoulder strap, her excited expression fading; InuYasha nodded.

“It was some form of dark energy that Kagome’s soul had created. I am assuming that the mating mark has something to do with that?” InuYasha directed the question towards Sesshomaru who was slowly rising to his feet, the blood from his wounds blooming like morbid flowers across his white kimono.

“Any type of mating mark, whether it was consummated or not, involves a transfer of traits from one partner to the next; thankfully enough, the miko did not mark Naraku or we would be in a lot more trouble. As well, even though the darkness of Naraku does reside in the miko’s soul, she is strong enough to keep it concealed unless provoked.” Sesshomaru finished his explanation on an uncomfortable note, his gaze lingering on the baffled miko. Her pink aura was still wavering slightly, wringing a small pang of guilt from Sesshomaru; if he hadn’t provoked her, the woman wouldn’t be in this weakened state.

“So that is the situation,” Kaede said from behind the monk, causing everyone to turn and look at her. Judging by their faces, Sesshomaru knew that they had all forgotten that she was there. Glaring reprovingly at the group, Kaede ignored them as she hobbled towards Sesshomaru. He didn’t know what it was what exactly it was, but ever since he had gotten mixed up with the young miko, he had been unnerved by human women, and Kaede was no exception.

“Ye are responsible for that black Kagome, I know,” Kaede whispered so none of the others would hear. If any of the others found out that Sesshomaru had make Kagome so angry that she released some of her black side, they would try to kill him. “I warn you Sesshomaru, while you may believe yourself to be above us humans, I can still give Kagome – a human – the power to restrain you. Do not upset her again.”

A silence hung heavily over the group as the tension thickened between Kaede and Sesshomaru. Unable to help himself, Sesshomaru glanced over at the beads that hung around InuYasha’s neck; he would not allow any such thing to happen.

“Anyways, while you two were out here getting ready to kill each other, Miroku, Kaede and I figured a way out to help Kagome return to her body,” Sango said, attempting to break the tension between Sesshomaru and Kaede. Successful, Sango caused Kaede to glance over at her, before nodding in understanding. They could not afford any problems or tension with Sesshomaru.

“Indeed, we have. As everyone is well aware, Kagome has great spiritual power. However, Naraku’s mark has weakened her powers significantly, meaning that she does not have enough power to return to her body.” She paused, turning to make eye contact with Sesshomaru, “I have heard rumors over the last several years of a miko that lives to the west, on the border of this land and the next; it is said that she is an ancestor to Midoriko, the first priestess. You both need to find this woman and seek her assistance.” Kaede finished, observing Sesshomaru quietly. He glanced to the side for a moment before looking back at Kaede.

“A miko, huh? What is this woman’s name?” Kaede smiled, taking his question to be an affirmative to this action.

“Her name is Michiko.”