InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Darkness Fades to Dawn ❯ Bound By Possession ( Chapter 19 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

A/N: Thank you all for your patience as I have edited my work the past few days. I appreciate all of the reviews and emails letting me know when I had formating issues with the updates. Special thanks to Kokoronagomu for the late nights and sore eyes you had while going through my chapters a second time.

Two days passed from the day of summoning for Kagome. Two days of confusion and frustration over the uncharacteristic actions of her mate. Inuyasha had suddenly blossomed into orchid of hentai, constantly sniffing her and licking her as if he was marking his territory. That and his suggestiveness the past few days had often left the two of them shocked and red faced. She was beginning to suspect that their bonding had made the hanyou mad with lust. She had woken up last night to the sound of the shower, only to find wet spots on her skin as if he had been licking her. Annoyance had flowered into mixed feelings of her own desire and her fears of the coupling to come.

This morning she had joined Misery in the lab once more, pushing her own problems aside to see how the girl was fairing. Somber gray eyes stared back in dull recognition when she had first entered. The morning had been spent with Kagome gently questioning Misery on the information Shippo had relayed to her. Unable to find out much more than what she already knew she had left things as they were. It wasn't that Missy hadn't been willing to talk, the poor girl simply didn't know. Too much of her past had been kept from her by Daearen in order to protect her as a child. So Misery was left trying to piece the puzzle together by bringing up old memories and matching them with her vision. Kagome suspected that it was this continual processing of memories that had led the girl into such a rut of despair. She couldn't imagine having to bring up a past that had been laid to rest years prior.

“Misery?” She asked when another thought came to mind.

“Yeah?” Misery was close to exhaustion after so many days with so little sleep. She was currently working on an exploding shuriken, carefully examining the combustible mixture in three vials.

“About the gates, you're suppose to be a key. Do you know how to open them?”

“Not a clue. I can't think of one thing from my past either that would help. I barely remember father and he's the only one that would have known.”

Kagome looked puzzled as she tried to figure out the perplexing problem. So lost in her thoughts she failed to notice the brightly glowing sphere that manifested beside her.

“Kagome?” A light voice called out.

“Oh Kami!” She squealed before finding herself on the floor after falling from her chair in shock.

“My apologies protector. I find it easier to take this form at the moment. You can still see 'me' and I can talk to you. Please seat yourself again child, you look ridiculous in that position.” Midoriko floated over the counter.

“Midoriko, I see you are enjoying your freedom.” Misery chimed in, only half interested before returning her attention to the vials.

“Yes, thank you so much. The both of you did a remarkable job getting me out of there.”

“Midoriko-sama, we were just discussing some new information.” Kagome began only to be cut off by the spirit.

“Pardon me, but I know all about it. I am embarrassed to say that I have been eavesdropping the past few days. I know all about Misery and the key.”

“You don't say.” The eerie calm had again settled over the researcher, causing Kagome to cringe.

“I too have new information. Misery, you do not know how to open the gates correct?” The ancient miko inquired.

“You already know the answer, keep going.”

“Cernonnus requires the two of you to open the gate. Your blood is diluted. Third generation that you are, you alone do not have the ability to will the portal open. That is why he desires Kagome and the jewel. The jewel would enhance your powers and grant you the ability to open the gate.”

This caught both the girls' attention, their heads snapping up in unison. Misery set the vials down and moved over to join Kagome giving the spirit her full attention. Kagome still looked as confused as ever. Finally she asked what was on her mind.

“Then why does he need me?”

“Kagome, you are a powerful being. Likely he desires you to assist him in gathering the strays and taking over the legions.”

“Seriously, does he think I would actually help him?” Kagome snickered at the thought.

“Willingly? No, he knows that you would not. I believe that he would subdue you in order to force your compliance.” The glittering sphere moved around them as if Midoriko was walking the floors deep in thought.

“He'd force me to?” Kagome paled at the thought. “So many lives would suffer.”

“What's the plan then Midoriko?” Misery inquired, still processing the implications of this new information.

“Mainly, keep you and Kagome away from that beast.” She sighed. “I'm not sure what the future holds. You two will have to keep your guard up. He knows where you are and will likely begin his offensive on you shortly.”

“So we supposed to lay low like kicked dogs and wait for him to find us.” Anguish finally flickered in Misery's steel eyes before she drew a ragged breath and composed herself back into an unfeeling entity.

The globe floated directly in front of Misery before it flashed and the full specter of Midoriko stood before her. A soft smile was on the ancient's face as she reached a translucent hand up to brush against the Nephilim's face.

“You must not let the weight of this break you child. Your eyes are already so lifeless. Let those around you heal you before you do something rash. You cannot take him on alone. He has grown too strong.”

Misery responded by pulling back from her touch and leaving the room. Kagome and Midoriko looked at one another with worried eyes. Kagome came to stand beside the older miko regarding the door that had slammed behind Misery.

“That's the most energy I've seen out of her since it happened.” Kagome quietly whispered.

“Then perhaps all is not lost. She needs to regain her fighting spirit. She thinks to shield you all by withdrawing herself.”

“I know.”

“How are you holding up child?”

“I have accepted my fate. I will not let him win.” Kagome stated with more determination than she thought she possessed.

Midoriko looked fondly upon the miko before her. With a nod of approval she returned her form to that of the globe drifting away through an adjacent wall. Kagome was left alone to contemplate the information that was circulating in her mind.

The following day, Sesshoumaru burst through the doors of his office leaving a stunned kitsune staring as he sped down the hall. He had been called away from the estate with urgent matters, only to return two days later and learn everything he had. He had appointed a head CEO to relieve himself of his duties right before Shippo had arrived in his office. First he had learned about the headquarters of the united oni strays. Shippo had been instructed to deploy a small team of specialized youkai to take the headquarters out. Once the phone calls had been placed to set that into motion, he had been hit with the information about Misery. The topic had only further enraged him and for with no reasonable explanation to justify his actions, he was rapidly descending upon the girl in her lab.

Grinding to a halt in front of the lab, he was surprised to find a sign hanging on the door and the door locked. The sign read, 'No entry, Experiment in Progress'.

“Experiment my ass!” He thought to himself before rounding the corner and heading into the training room.

Quickly crossing it he was ignorant to Inuyasha and the others who were practicing in the room. Grabbing the door to enter the lab from the opposite side he cursed loudly when he found it was locked as well. Glancing in he could see Misery wearing protective eye goggles and ear protectors, her eyes focused on an area just opposite the door he was standing at. Rapping loudly against the glass he attempted to gain her attention. With no luck he put his shoulder into the door, grinning like a mad man when the hinges gave way and he burst through.

He was half way across the room when the deafening explosion sounded and he suddenly found himself thrown against a wall. The shelf beside him teetered and fell, showering his unconscious form in shrapnel of glass and metal.

Misery was shocked to see an enraged youkai coming across the room. She didn't have time to warn him before the explosive detonated, sending him flying across the room. Grabbing her first aid kit she ran from behind her protective shield. She found him propped up in a sitting position against the wall, wedged between two shelves. Unable to sit beside him she quickly dropped in his lap one knee on each side of him, effectively holding her weight off in case he was badly injured.

“Oh Shit! Sesshoumaru can you hear me?” Her hand reached up to inspect his face, horrified at all the blood that was seeping from the many cuts. She reached over throwing the first aid kit on the nearby self before using on hand to flip open the clasp that held it shut. She was searching through the kit when she heard him moan.

“What the hell!” He mumbled before his eyes cracked open.

“Thank gods!” She grabbed a bottle of antiseptic and a swab of cotton. Pouring the cleansing solution onto the cotton she applied it to the nastiest looking cut. Her wrist was suddenly caught his hand.

Predatory eyes glared at her moments before he realized who it was and where she was kneeling. He released her arm and allowed her to continue her ministrations.

“What the hell do you think you were doing? I could have blown you up.” She cursed when her trembling hands dropped the cotton.

“You should not lock the doors.”

“I locked them to keep idiots like you from barging in. You couldn't have waited until I was finished?” She wielded a new cotton swab and was again frantically cleaning the wounds.

“Cease woman!” He growled catching he hand again. His other hand moved to her waist, forcing her hips down so her weight rested on his thighs. He glared at her with such intensity that she shivered in response.

“I'm only trying to clean you up.” She breathed quietly, quickly hiding her face from his intense gaze.

“I'm fine. I will heal with no problems.” He released her wrist to settle his hand on her other hip.

He stared at her when suddenly he notice her shoulders beginning to tense, a full shudder racked her body before sparkling steel eyes locked with his. He was even more taken back when she brought a hand up forcibly and landed a good slap against his face.

“You POMPOUS ASS! I damn near killed you!” She screamed at him with fury, her eyes twinkling and more alive than he had ever seen them. “I can't believe the nerve of you!”

He smirked then, finally able to wipe the shocked look off his face when she started poking him in the chest. The smirk grew as lewd and loud curses poured from her pretty little mouth. Wrapping her hands in the front of his shirt and she was soon shaking him in her frustration as she called him every name in the book. He growled slightly when a sob suddenly burst from her, her eyes misted with forming tears.

“I could have killed you... you stupid jerk.” She whispered before outright sobbing.

His amber eyes softened as he embraced her, tucking her head under his chin. He tightened his grip when her frail body shook with the onslaught of emotion that poured from her very soul.

Movement in the doorway drew his attention. The stunned faces of Inuyasha and the others stared back at him. They had obviously been drawn down there with all the commotion. He wondered how long they had been standing there undetected by him since his ears were still ringing from the blast and his noise could only smell the acrid smoke. He lifted one hand to signal that they were both unhurt. The group disappeared leaving Inuyasha smirking before giving him a quick wink and following his companions.

Slipping his hands under her bottom, he carefully lifted her so he could stand. She responded by wrapping her legs around his hips and adjusting her arms to cling to him like a broken rag doll. He vibrated soft growls in his chest meant to comfort her. Removing them from the assaulting smells that lingered in the lab, he held her tightly as he walked the hallways. One final turn found them exciting the building and back in the healing presence of nature.

He settled against a tree, sinking to the ground and adjusting Misery so she was tucked in his lap. Brushing a clawed hand through her hair he pulled her arms from his neck.

“Quiet woman. That's enough.” He ordered her to finish her crying with a stern voice.

Misery watched with red rimmed eyes as he tilted her head up with one finger, gently wiping away the last of her tears with his thumb. She hiccuped as she tried to calm herself. She had hardly cried since the day her mother was killed. Only ever allowing a tear or two to fall had caused the tension inside to build to monumental proportions. When she saw Sesshoumaru in the lab she felt herself crack. Unable to stop the tears that flowed she had cried like a child in his arms. Overcome with embarrassment she struggled to free herself from his embrace.

“Going somewhere?” He cocked an eyebrow up before tightening his hold on her.

“Release me my Lord. I am fine.” She whispered unwilling to look him in the eyes for fear of another breakdown. Instead she focused on erecting a wall up once more to shield him form witnessing her vulnerability.

“It is Sesshoumaru to you. Do not address me as Lord.” He again tipped her head so that he could stare into her eyes.

Her fear was realized when she felt the wall she was desperately trying to erect crack as those amber orbs gazed into her eyes with such intensity. Another sob racked her body and the flood gates opened. She wasn't surprised when he moved her slightly to once again tuck her head under his chin. Strong arms wrapped securely around her.

Sesshoumaru was somewhat unnerved when she had broke down again, overcome with the weight that had been thrust on her small shoulders. Realizing this was what she needed he did not reprimand her for her weakness instead, cuddling her until her breathing slowed and she wept no more.

“Now, shall you tell me what you refused to before?” He prodded for the conversation.

“I'm sorry. I was afraid to speak with you an the matter.” She whispered into his chest seeking strength from the warmth she found there.

“Do not fear me. I will never harm you.” He whispered into her ear. Arms tightening slightly trying to get the message across.

“I assume that Shippo told you.”

“Yes, I have been informed.”

“I'm scared.” She whispered after a long period of silence.

Sesshoumaru growled loudly, startling the girl in his embrace. His whole body tensed with rage as he made his declaration to her.

“I will carry your destiny on my shoulders. He will not claim you. He will not harm you. Cernonnus' death will come by my hands.” His eyes flashed red momentarily as he thought about the menace that had already stolen so much from him. He felt Misery shiver in his embrace and calmed himself. He knew that she was sensing his flaring youki and did not wish to frighten her any more than she already was.

“I'm being haunted by a whisper of his reality. I'm afraid.” She lifted herself up, placing one hand on each side of his shoulders, she pleaded with him. “Free me before I slip away! Heal me... please Sesshoumaru, wake me from this dream!”

Sesshoumaru could only stare in wonder as her eyes began to bleed with silver, rawness and fear in her voice as she pleaded with him to save her. The energy she was producing was causing the wind to pick up forcibly. Storm clouds rolled in, thunder roaring and lightening flashing ominously above. Rain pelted down on them as the storm raged around them.

“I've seen the face of my tormentor and I'm afraid that his face is my reality. I'm being haunted by visions of things that are yet to be. Those images are burning my mind, invading it as I sleep. I feel the burden of confusion as I search for something I know nothing about. I have the weight of the world on my soul!”

Lightening flashed dangerously above them, lighting her silver eyes with an ethereal glow. Her red hair had come lose from its bindings and whipped furiously in the wind. Pieces were beginning to stick to her bare shoulders as the rain fell. Her grip on his shoulders tightened as if he was her only anchor in this world. He stared at her transfixed as her voice rose to scream over the wind. Her body tensed as if becoming possessed. Her eyes suddenly grew very distant and she turned to look up into the storm.

“Lift me up, lead me from this place.
Out of darkness straight into the light!”

Her eyes locked with his and in that moment she became the very obsession of his soul. One delicate hand moved to cup his cheek lightly. He tightened his grip around her waist, desperate to stay connected with her in the raging wind.

“Heaven sent you to change me, to pull me out of ashes and make me whole. To lift me up and recreate me, ensuring I overcome myself.”

He felt something in his chest surge as she screamed out her next statement. His eyes grew red once more and his youki flared to new heights.

“Lead me from Hell!”

Her voice chanted into the wind. She released him to lean back and open her arms as if embracing the storm that howled around them. Her head fell back as she faced the sky head on. Her voice came in a hypnotic melody as her chant continued.

“I'm rising up, I'm moving on,
Give me strength to carry on!
I feel the rain upon my face,
I hear the angels words of grace!
My broken wings were meant to fly.
Bound no more by fear am I!”

He frantically called out to her trying to reach her in the place she had lost herself in. She was screaming into the storm, offering herself to it. Her words changed to her native tongue, making her life force pulse recklessly.

“Chì mi gun dàil an t-àite 'san d'rugadh mi
Cuirear orm fàilte 'sa' chànain a thuigeas mi
Ged theich i le beath' as na glinn
O Dhuthaich MhicAoidh fada tuath
Gigheadh dhi na h-Eileanan Siar
Bi na claidheamh ‘s na sgiath ‘nad dhòrn.”


Afraid of loosing her to her own darkness Sesshoumaru's youki reached its pinnacle and he grasped for the girl who offered herself. Snaking a clawed hand around the back of her neck, he roughly drew her in for a passionate kiss. Threads of silver swirled around the two as youkai and oni fought for dominance over each other. He felt another pulse in his chest, when Misery stopped fighting him and leaned against him deepening the kiss. Electricity surged through both their veins as their forces melded into one, linking them forever to one another. Sesshoumaru had accepted her plea for protection and Misery had let go of her fears to invoke the forces that would bind them.

The wind calmed and the clouds parted, sunlight warming their soaked bodies. Misery slumped against her newly found mate, exhausted by the possession she had allowed the earth's elements to put her under. She did not know what had come over her to allow her to openly bind herself to a youkai she did not really know. 'Destiny' her mind whispered in self assurance.

Sesshoumaru cradled his mate in his arms as he withdrew with her from the gardens. Silently he stalked through the manor towards his own quarters. No protests where heard form the woman in his arms when he kicked the door open to his room and laid her gently on the bed.

Misery braced herself, expecting him to finish the deed and consummate the ritual. She cracked an eye open when his weight dipped the mattress beside her. Again her held her in the comfort of his arms.

“Rest Koishii. You have been through much. I will keep the beast from your dreams.” He held the exhausted girl in her arms finally breathing a sigh of relief when she drifted off.

He lay there for hours while she slept, amazed at what he had just experienced. How they had gone from strangers to mates, he couldn't figure out. He had meant every word of his declaration. Cernonnus would die by his hands. The sooner, the better.



A/N: The Gaelic above is translated as follows.

I see, straight away, the place of my birth
I will be welcomed in a language which I understand
Although I fled for my life from the glens
From the land of MacKay in the far North
Nevertheless in the Western Isles
I'll be armed with sword and shield