The Gardenia by GJanulyt

The Gardenia

3 years…

3 years have passed since the day I was brought back to my own time with confusion and unanswered questions following my last encounter in the feudal era.

I can’t remember how many times I’ve gone to the well and tried getting back,  thousands, and everytime I come back home with bruises on my legs and teary crystal eyes. Yet not discouraged and still hanging on a little thread of hope left that maybe tomorrow will be the long awaited day in which I would get all my answers.

Faith. Tomorrow. Past.

Today, finally, the past is my present.

After a long day of studying and work at the shrine Kagome came down to the well to seek peace with herself while also concentrating on the matter in front of her. 3 years she trained hard to strengthen the obtained miko powers in hope of opening the well to receive the answers for questions Kagome was left with.

Today didn’t felt any different than any other days. Passing down all of her spiritual energy from her hands to the well, in hope of it opening up once more, she tries her best to be concentrated as her hands dig further into the soil at the bottom of the well to purify the area as much as possible.

“Ouch!” Kagome pulls her hand back quickly as an electric shock runs down on the tip of her fingers. “What’s that all about? It doesn’t seem that I got cut or anything. Maybe a sharp pebble got in the way.”

Reaching down to throw out the source of the suddenly felt pain her hazel eyes widen in shock when she lifts up a string of silver hair.

So that’s where the shock came from, it didn’t seem to like to be purified. A weak smile tugged on the corners of her lips.

“Sesshomaru. Why were you the one that came for me?” One of so many questions echoed inside the well. Kagome just couldn’t bear the silence that came after every question she asked but she never gave up, even if it was hard and painful to live in the memories not knowing the future, she didn’t allow herself to forget about her life in the past. ‘’What has happened to InuYasha.. Just once more I wanted to see him before I was blocked out. Just once, to make sure that he was safe and away from harms way.”  Shrugging away from the memories starting to occupy her mind, tears well up in her eyes as she hugs the strand of hair close to her heart.

“Gather strenght for the worst is yet to come.”

“What did you mean by that Lord Sesshomaru? I’m strong enough now, how long will you make me wait and suffer the unknown! Please, I had enough, just let me pass this damn well!’’

With a swing of her hand at the well the long awaited abyss appeared and without a moments notice she was taken back 500 years to the past, to where her soul and entire being craved and belonged to be.

-

The smell.

Her.

Sesshomaru was taken away from the task at hand and he turned around, his hair following swiftly in the chilly autumn breeze as he headed to the direction the smell was coming from.

It would have been easier for everyone for you to stay away from this place. You’ve chosen the hard path Miko.

Moments later he was faced with an unconscious woman at the bottom of the well, her sweet scent was being overpowered by the salty sadness surrounding her. Picking Kagome up Sesshomaru noticed a string of silver thread strongly held in her hands.

There’s no mistaking it. It seems that I am to blame of leaving a link between the two worlds.

”Sorry for the future as it won’t be the one you’re expecting.” With a whisper that was only heard by him Kagome snuggled to his chest for comfort. Stupid brother.

The moon among the stars shone bright illuminating every being in it’s path. Kagome was no exception, her skin was like fine silk laid out on a furry bedding. Sesshomaru never left her side since he picked her up, clinging to his mokomoko she was in deep sleep with her eyelashes moving ever so lightly illustrating a dream she was in right now.

It won’t be long for her to finally come back to her senses, little by little I can feel her Miko powers coming back to her body. So fragile, just like we parted that day three years ago.

Looking at her frame he felt a pulse of energy from the Miko and soon enough he was met with her sleepy eyes.

“Sesshomaru?” A sleepy face greeted the Lord confused if it was reality or just another nightmare.

“Kagome. It seems that you did the impossible, after three years we meet again.” The Lords gaze followed her as she sat next to him. He noticed that the air was starting to change as well. Happiness. Confusion. Doubt.

“I can’t exactly remember what happened, it seems that I found a silver thread and I ended up here.” Silver. Sesshomaru… “Where’s InuYasha and everyone else?! Sango, Miroku, Shippo.. Where are they and how come I was greeted by you?” Shying away from Sesshomaru’s gaze she hugged herself for comfort. It felt weird for Kagome to be next him after how they parted from the Shikon no Tama’s spell, it didn’t feel right to end everything and begin everything again with Sesshomaru playing the main part in both encounters.

Seeing how restless Kagome was getting he decided to begin the long story of the new past that she will need to accept. “Your travelling companions are alright. The demon slayer and the monk settled down in Kaede’s village starting a family of their own.” He pointed out simply, not even bothering to notice Kagome’s gaze of delight in hearing the news. “They have three off-springs not counting in the kit that you were taking care of in your journeys.” He tucked a strand of hair behind his ear and curled mokomoko around Kagome’s waist as wind was starting to pick up.

“Um, thank you, Lord Sesshomaru.” She whispered and pulled the fur closer. “I’m so happy for their new family, can’t wait till I see them.” Kagome beamed. Acknowledging her statement he nodded his head and continued.

“The kit is training in the fox trickery school most of the days but visits occasionally to help the old priestess and entertain my ward Rin.”

“It seems like everyone has settled down in the village.” Kagome pondered. It’s no surprise, since Naraku was defeated her companions wanted to live a normal life, it seems that Kaede’s village was their priority choice.

“How’s InuYasha?” Kagome leaned in more to hear about the half demon who was invading her mind everyday for the past three years. “Why come you’re here Lord Sesshomaru?”

Looking up at the bright moon he contemplated on how to inform the Miko without shattering her illusion of a perfect life. It’s inevitable he thought.

“Miko, do you remember my last words before we parted?” He felt her tense up hearing the question. It seems that she remembers. “Right now you will define just how strong you’ve become.”

“Sesshomaru, has something ha-happened since I was away?” The cracking in her voice didn’t help with the situation. Sesshomaru cursed himself for being so careless leaving a link between their worlds, if it wasn’t for him, he and the Miko wouldn’t be in this situation.

“I’m watching over Kaede’s village on my half-brother’s behalf.” Sesshomaru stated.

“InuYasha’s behalf? Why? Where is he, I want to see him!” Kagome stood up with trembling hands but determination apparent in her voice.

“It isn’t so easy Miko. A lot of things happened when you were trapped in the Jewel.’’ He sighed. Sorry, for your nightmares will become soon reality. ‘’Initially InuYasha tried to come and save you but he was faced with Naraku once more and his sneaky ways got the better of my reckless brother.” A sob was heard from Kagome still standing her ground and facing Sesshomaru fearlessly.

“What do you mean?”

“After a day of no signs of him returning I used the Meido to enter the abyys to where InuYasha was headed. It didn’t took long for me to find him. However, his life was hanging on a thread and if I moved any slower he wouldn’t even made it out alive of the abyss.” Sesshomaru sighed knowing that the part Kagome was most afraid of was nearing. “He survived long enough to tell me his last wishes, putting all of his faith in me.”

That was the breaking point for Kagome. Her darkest fear was now not only in her dreams but it became reality crushing all of her happy endings into pieces.

Feeling her knees going weak she crashed down in front of Sesshomaru, clinging onto his kimono and pulling him close, her tears staining the snow white fabric. Kagome’s mind was going into mayhem, after a moment of silence her eyes shot up to meet his, bitterness and anger spilling from them she whimpered in agony.

“Why didn’t you save him! You have Tenseiga! How could you!” Still holding a firm grip on his kimono she let her tears spill waiting for an answer.

“I did. It seems that Father has used it on him before I was able to. I’m sorry Miko.”

Right.. InuYasha’s Father has saved his mother when she was killed while in labour, saving InuYasha in the process as well. Kami, why did you do this to me.

Sesshomaru hugged her closer to him letting her grief for the death of his brother get the better of her.

She didn’t deserved it, her destiny was to end up with InuYasha so what Kami is plotting for her. Why do I feel such deep sadness for her. Brother, Father, is this our destiny, to fall for a mortal and die protecting her? No. This Sesshomaru is strong enough to withstand any evil.

The only doubt I have... Does this Sesshomaru is strong enough to make a broken heart love again.

Sorrow and sadness enveloped them as the night grew long.

“I want to see him Sesshomaru. I want to say goodbye.” The words like knives pierced her heart.

A firm grip around her was all that she needed as an answer.

Maybe they both aren’t so different from each other after all.. Reliving the memories of her and InuYasha Kagome fell fast asleep in Sesshomaru’s arms.

Running away from reality only for a short time.

-

InuYasha’s Forest. A tombstone. One shattered dream.

‘’I’m sure my brother wouldn’t have mind if you brought any kind of flowers to his tombstone. Why these?” Sesshomaru asked as his gaze followed the Miko.

“The Gladiolus symbolises strength and faithfulness, InuYasha deserved to be remembered like this. It’s the least I can do now.” Kagome stood in front of the gravestone afraid to move any further, her hands having a strong grip on the flowers. It’s so wrong, this was never meant to happen, and yet.

Sesshomaru seeing her hesitate took a step forward and kneeled down paying his respect to an honorable warrior who wasn’t afraid to lose his life in order to save the people who were precious to him.

Encouraged by Sesshomaru’s actions Kagome kneeled down next to the grave placing down the flowers in the middle of the soil.

“The Gladiolus flower  also signifies remembrance.” Sesshomaru looked up at the woman in front of him who was running down her fingers through InuYasha’s initials. “He was afraid to be alone. Afraid to be forgotten. I promise InuYasha, I will always remember you, because you were the first one to get a hold of my heart as I did yours.” A tear trailed down her cheek as she stood up and prayed for her friend, life-saver, traveling companion and past lover.

This is the end of this story, life moves forward and I too must move forward.

“Shall we go?” The Lords voice rang through the deep forest.

“Yes. Lets go and greet the others.” With a smile she turned to walk by Sesshomaru’s side.

InuYasha I hope your soul is at peace. Please find Kikyo and be happy together,

-

Few months have passed since the day that Kagome came back to the past.

She settled down with Kaede and Rin together as the well didn’t seem to be working again. But that didn’t seem to bother the young priestess, even though there are more sad and bitter memories in this time frame, she felt more at home here than with her future family.

Night walks now were one of her favourite thing to do. It helped her clear her mind, figure out what to do with her future and meet him.

Sesshomaru was a good listener and a shoulder to cry on when the times seemed tough. Her up’s were congratulated and her downfalls were consoled by him. Kagome’s heart felt at ease every night when they sat  looking up at the stars and the moon. She can’t count how many shooting stars she has seen during these nights. Autumn was clearly the best season to star-gaze.

Everytime a shooting star passed their figures she made a wish, which with time started to change.

“What did you wish for Miko?” was a question that followed every of their seen falling stars. “And you milord, what did you wish for?” was the answer he received just as often as he asked.

They didn’t even seem to notice just how close the started to become, leaning against each other to seek warmth they shared their experiences and memories. Kagome talking about her Future and Sesshomaru about his Past.

“Strange that at this time in winter there’s still no snow in sight. Though I don’t really mind it, it gives me the opportunity to stay longer with you. Good evening Sesshomaru.” Kagome greeted the Lord, walking to their usual meeting place after finishing all of her work in the village.

“Growing bored of these talks at night little Miko?” An amused tone danced on his tongue pulling Kagome closer to sit by his side, shielding her away from the cold.

“Never. ” Kagome laughed. “I dare to say it’s the best part of my day, not counting in the times I spend with Rin. You should be proud Sesshomaru, she’s a quick learner of everything I teach her.” A smile followed by a frown appeared on her face when she faced Sesshomaru. “I would like for you to spend more time with her, she really enjoys your company and I sure wouldn’t mind as well.”

A glimmer from the moonlight in his eyes showed that he was pleased by Kagome’s comments. “ I have responsibilities to look over my Western Lands Kagome. As much as it would please me to stay, I have to fulfill my promise for InuYasha and protect everyone.”

“That’s true, I’m being selfish for wanting to keep you by my side, sorry.” A light breeze touched her cheeks and cooled them down fast enough for Sesshomaru to not be able to see her blush.

“Kagome, I’ve heard from my ward Rin that you were telling her about a celebration that is being held in the middle of the winter. Care to tell this Sesshomaru personally?”

“Oh. I’ve told you already. It’s Christmas.” Kagome chirped.

“When family and friends give ‘presents’ to one another?” Sesshomaru remembered their talk from about a month ago.

“That’s the one,” Kagome nodded. “It’s a time for all the people close to your heart to meet and spend time together appreciating each others company.” Kagome smiled.

“Don’t you feel sad that you probably won’t be able to see your real family this time?” The Lords gaze followed her hands as they reached down, intertwining her fingers with his Kagome looked up at the Lords eyes.

“I do. I miss them greatly. But I have a family here as well, Miroku and Sango, Rin, Shippo and you. Milord I feel just as much at home when I’m with you as I do 500 years in the future.’’

Her small soft hands fit so perfectly in his. Grazing his thumb against the back on her hand he questioned.

“When is the celebration held?”

“In three days.’’ Kagome felt a blush on her cheeks to appear and her eyes grew wide when the Lord lifted her hand to his lips and placed a soft kiss on her knuckles.

“Hnn.”

-

This was on of the most memorable Christmas celebration Kagome ever had. Her friends seemed to enjoy themselves when she teached them new party games, dinner was like a big feast thanks to Sesshomaru’s great hunting skills and snow from the night before was a great playground for the kids to enjoy themselves.

As the day grew long everybody started to get tired and excused themselves after thanking Kagome for such a splendid day. There’s one other person left. She thought as she waved her friends a goodbye and walked into InuYasha’s Forest.

“Sorry for taking so long InuYasha.” She mumbled as her hand scraped down the snow from his gravestone. “I hope you’re happy on the otherside. As for me, I think I’m on a new road towards my happiness. I thought it’s just fair to let you know this, after all, you were the main reason of my happiness before this happened” Kagome crouched down in front of the gravestone and prayed. “Inu No Taisho should be proud of his kind-hearted sons, you and Sesshomaru. I’m blessed to have been able to be by both of their sides.”

And with that Kagome stood up and headed in the direction of hers and Sesshomaru’s meeting place.

“I’m sure you are more than tired after your little celebration with friends, you needed to rest.” The daiyoukai spoke up as he heard the sound of crunching snow behind him.

“And yet you’re still here too Sesshomaru aren’t you tired after hunting for us?” She giggled and came to stand by his side.

“A simple task like this doesn’t tire me.”

“Well then, I wanted to thank you. Without your imput, the celebration wouldn’t have been such a success as it was, I’m sure my friends are grateful as well.” Kagome smiled as she looked up at the daiyoukai next to her and noticed that he hid away his hand under his mokomoko.

“Um, Sesshomaru, have you hurt your hand? Let me take a look at it.” Kagome reached out to him.

“Nonsense. This Sesshomaru would heal quickly if one was hurt.”

“I know that, but my herbal ointments would help to speed up the healing process.” Kagome retored back. “Don’t be so stubborn and let me help. Hah, and I thought that we became closer after all these nights.” She reached down to take his hand and stopped when she felt something soft tickle her palms.

“You’re so impatient Kagome. This isn’t the case.” She looked up at his golden orbs and he continued. “You mentioned that the main tradition of Christmas is to gift something to a person you care for.” she nodded in response.

“This is my gift for you.” Sesshomaru took her hand and placed a flower in her palm. The reaction was already priceless and the most pleasing one that his eyes have ever seen. Her cheeks flushed a soft shade of pink, dark eyes sparkled as she inspected the flower with such curiosity and attentiveness, as if she found a diamond among a field of rocks.

“A Gardenia.” Her voice came out like a whisper, afraid for it to be only an illusion. “But how did you..? Everything is covered in snow here, there’s no way a flower could bloom in such cold.” Searching for an answer hazel eyes rested upon his with calm and soft golden ones.

Sesshomaru took a few steps towards her, laced his arms around her waist and pulled her close to his chest.

“You’re cold, I can see you shivering.” Confused, Kagome let him embrace her form. ”Flowers are as fragile as you, it’s hard to find one in difficult times, only the strongest are able to grow and bring happiness to others, just like you.” She felt her cheeks burning up after hearing his words. The silence lingered but soon enough was interrupted once again.

“Kagome, I made one more promise to InuYasha before he passed away.” His grip tightened around her. “I promised him to keep you safe and make sure that you are happy. Over time I realised that me staying with you all these nights wasn’t because I made a promise to my brother, but because my soul was at peace at your presence, my mind was at ease but my heart was pounding just by talking and being close to you.”

“Sesshomaru…”

“I realised that I developed feelings for you and it was already too late to ignore them.” Kagome tilted her head to face him, moonlight illuminating both of them

“I also have a gift for you.” The Miko tiptoed, the sound of crunching snow followed her actions, lips centimeters away from his. “A gift of love and loyalty.” She whispered before closing the distance between them.

Clossing their eyes a shooting star went past the pair but neither of them made a wish as they both were already holding everything they wished for in their arms.