A Kludge of One Shots by tenchi no mai

A Fractured Fairy Tale

This was written in response to Priestess Skye's weekly challenge.

Theme:  Fairy Tale

Due: June 26th, 2009

Required Word Count:  700

Actual Word Count: 4228

Universe:  Alternate Universe - Modern Era

Rating:  M

Warnings: Very angsty, somewhat dark, language, and mentions of character death. 

Disclaimer: The characters of InuYasha are not mine, they are the property of Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan, Yomiuri TV, Sunrise, and Viz Media.   Only the plot to this story and my original characters, Shun and Hayato, are my intellectual property.  I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

'Italics' = thoughts 

A Fractured Fairy Tale

Kagome was wandering through the shiro intently searching for something.  Passing Sesshoumaru's office, she popped in and asked, "Have you seen the course catalog for the local night school?  There were a couple more things I wanted to sign up for this semester." 

"Yes, I threw it into the recycling bin.  All of our schedules are complicated enough through the end of the year, you don't need to sign up for anything else right now.  I'm sure that whatever you wanted to take will be offered again, either next semester, or the first semester next fall.  You can take whatever it is at that time."  Sesshoumaru had taken the day off from work, but was currently answering some important company e-mails that couldn't wait until tomorrow. 

Shun had mentioned it to him earlier, but now Sesshoumaru was also worried about Kagome's health, both physical and mental.  She lately seemed to alternate between two extremes.  On one hand she was becoming more withdrawn and introspective, both of which were very unusual traits when it came to Kagome.   On the other hand she would throw herself into some new interest with an obsession and flurry of activity that was almost frightening.  It had been like this since her grandfather had died several months ago.  Sesshoumaru wasn't exactly sure how, or for how long, humans grieved, but this was getting out of hand.  He was ready to talk to Suikotsu and see if he could recommend anything to help with the situation. 

"That's not fair!  You don't understand! I might not get a chance to take it then either!"  Kagome stamped her foot and was once again on the verge of tears at what she considered Sesshoumaru's unreasonable attitude. 

Sesshoumaru almost imperceptibly shook his head.  'Here we go again.'  Looking at her over the screen of his laptop, he leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest, prepared for another emotional thunderstorm.  "Kagome, you have all the time in the world to take any classes or do anything else you desire.  I will not have you overworking yourself into a breakdown."  

Kagome stared at him, speechless, with her mouth hanging open, then turned on her heel and left his office. 

Sesshoumaru sighed, then picked up his cell phone and dialed the doctors private phone number. 

~*~ 

Kagome headed towards the family wing, upset and aggravated.  'He just doesn't understand! "Kagome, you have all the time in the world...blah, blah, blah".  Easy for you to say Sesshoumaru, you're youkai, almost immortal, you and Shun do have all the time in the world!  I'm only human, how much time do you think I have?'  Ever since her grandfather had died a couple months ago, Kagome had been plagued by thoughts of her eventual mortality, and the prospect of having to leave Sesshoumaru and Shun. 

Walking down the hall, Kagome was planning on heading to the bedroom and grabbing a long sleeved shirt, then walking to the beach; it seemed to help to be able to sit and watch the waves.  Maybe she would see the dolphins again today. 

But, before she got there she would have to pass Shun's study.  'I should have taken the long way around.'  She could already hear the music, Shun was playing Frank Sinatra cd's again.  They weren't exactly her favorite, but Shun loved them.  "Though they are nice to slow dance to with him.'   

Kagome stopped for a minute and leaned against the wall.  The musical intro to "Young At Heart" was just starting.  Sinatra's smooth voice flowed through the speakers.  "Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you, If you're young at heart...".  Kagome stayed still, waiting for the end of the song.  "And if you should survive to 105, look at all you'll derive out of being alive...".  She suddenly burst into tears and ran past his doorway and into the bedroom, slamming the door behind her.  

Shun jumped when the door slammed.  Alarmed, he strode down the hall and gently knocked on the bedroom door.  "Kagome, are you okay?"  

"Yes, I'm fine, just leave me alone!"  Kagome yelled at him from inside her closet.  She was searching for her chambray shirt.  Well, it really wasn't hers.  It belonged to Shun, but she liked to wear it, it was comfortable and smelled like him, which was soothing. 

Shun stood outside the door, trying to decide whether to leave her to herself, or go in and try to alleviate whatever was wrong.  Finally making up his mind, he turned and stalked down the hallway towards Sessh's office.  They needed to talk about this situation and find a solution now, it had gone on for far too long. 

Finding the shirt, Kagome tiptoed over to the bedroom door and listened to Shun's footsteps receding towards the foyer.  Opening the door, she was ready to head towards the laundry room and out through the gardens.  She had to get out of here quickly, before the next song came on.  'Oh no, too late!  It's  already on and is almost to the chorus.' 

"Stardust" was currently playing.  Sinatra sang it like a love song.  Kagome personally prefered Willie Nelson's version.  It somehow seemed sadder, filled with more regret and remorse; a death and a love left behind.  "The melody haunts my reverie and I am once again with you...".  Stuck in her thoughts, Kagome could only stand and listen.  "The nightingale tells his fairy tale of a paradise where roses grew.  Though I dream in vain, in my heart you will remain, My stardust melody, The memory of loves refrain."  

The thoughts continued unbidden and unwanted.  'When I'm gone, will they remember me? Or will I be just a blink of an eye to them? How long will they continue to love me before they find someone else?'   

With a fresh outburst of tears, Kagome quietly closed the door, and ran outside to the bedroom patio through the french doors.  Not stopping, she circled around the back of the house, then through the gardens of the honmaru heading towards the beach.  Taking the shortcut towards where the dojo and her personal office and workshop used to be, she continued west, down through the ninomaru before passing a small section of wall and jumping down into the sannomaru.   Cutting at a sharp angle across the road, she didn't even notice the car that slammed on its brakes as the driver almost hit her.  Still running at full speed, she disappeared through the trees. 

~*~ 

Bankotsu sat there in shock for a couple minutes, his heart pounding in his chest, before putting the car in gear and continuing up the road to the shiro.  'No sense chasing after her, I have no real idea where she was headed.  Let me get up to the shiro and find out what's going on.' 

Parking his car near the front door, Bank stormed into the house.  Hearing Sessh and Shun's voices coming from the office, he stalked in without knocking or waiting to be acknowedged, planting his palms down on the desk and leaning towards Shun.  "What the hell is going on?  I almost hit Kagome as she ran across the road through the sannomaru!  All I could see were legs and a pair of shorts as she flew off the embankment from the ninomaru, then a shirt and hair flying out behind her as she ran across the road!  She scared the shit outta me." 

Sesshoumaru leaned his elbows on the desk then rubbed his forehead.  His migraine just got worse, something he didn't think was possible.  

"We're not sure exactly.  Kagome has been acting very odd the past few months.  Sessh just called your brother to come out and see if he can help."  Shun watched as Bank retreated from his in-your-face position and pulled up a chair.  "I was getting ready to call you and see if you knew what was upsetting Kagome so much."  

Bank was the one Kagome used to turn to when she needed to unburden herself or required an emotional outlet before Shun became her second mate.  Shun was now the one she wanted when she needed comforting, but even he hadn't been able to help lately. 

"No, I have absolutely no idea.  She hasn't been talking much to me recently.  She sometimes gets overly emotional, I've seen it before.  But never like she's been lately."  Bank was startled out of his thoughts when Shun began to snarl at him.  "What!  Believe me, I'd tell you if I knew!" 

~*~ 

Kagome finally slowed down as she reached the gate to the beach.  Taking off her sneakers and socks, she left them beside the fence and walked onto the small strip of sand that was the boundary marker of the sannomaru and the far western edge of the shiro.  Walking into the water she followed the curved beach as it embraced the small cove.  Reaching the end of the beach, where the sand met the rock wall of the sannomaru, Kagome searched the open water for the pod of dolphins she had seen yesterday.  Not seeing them, she turned and waded back to where she had entered the water. 

Trailing back up the beach she sat down in the sand, just above the high tide line, and wrapped her arms around her legs, leaning her chin on her knees.  Listening to the shore birds and watching the small waves lapping at the beach, she was finally able to empty her mind, leaving her morbid thoughts behind, and enjoy the warm afternoon sun and soft breeze. 

~*~ 

Suikotsu let himself in the gate of the shiro via his passcode, then decided to take the long road up to the house, to give his colleague a quick tour of the property.  As he drove up through the sannomaru, he spotted Kagome on the beach, sitting quietly in the sand.  Stopping the car for a moment, he looked over at his passenger.  "The dai-youkai's mate." 

Raising an eyebrow at Suikotsu, he leaned forward to peer through the drivers side window.  "She is uninformed of our appointment today?"  His sharp vision picked up her small form and dejected posture as she sat alone on the beach, apparently in deep contemplation.  'I know Suikotsu said it was an unusual situation, but is she extremely hostile towards the meeting or unaware of the fact?' 

"Sesshoumaru-sama called me to help solve an urgent problem, I don't know if Kagome is aware of the meeting or not."  It wasn't that Suikotsu disliked his colleague, but knew he was extremely perceptive and able to quickly delve to the root of a problem, ascertain the cause and recommend a solution.  He was the best psychiatric specialist in the country for just those reasons.  Suikotsu wanted to give him the least amount of information he could, it was Sesshoumaru and Shun's place to express their concerns, no matter how troubled he was by the phone call.  

Sesshoumaru was suddenly aware that Suikotsu was not alone, and went to meet him at the door.  He was unable to comprehend why he would bring someone with him when he was told it was urgent and confidential. 

As Suikotsu reached the front door, it was flung open by an irate dai-youkai.  "Sessh, before you even ask, this situation is well beyond my capabilities.  May I present my colleague, Dr. Hayato Yamamoto?" 

After shaking hands and introductions, Dr. Yamamoto handed Sesshoumaru a business card.  'Hn.  More abbreviations than I've seen on a business card in a long time.  Director of Psychiatric Services, Associated Medical Center.  Suikotsu obviously knows him through work.' 

"Follow me.  Shun and Bank are in my office."  Sesshoumaru led them into the office and sat back down behind his desk.  "Please have a seat and I will introduce everyone."  

Putting his slim briefcase down, Dr. Yamamoto chose to sit in one of club chairs near Sesshoumaru's desk.  

"Dr. Yamamoto, you obviously already know Dr. Yomiuri.  The gentleman to your right is Shun Tanakamura Taisho, Kagome's second mate and beta of my pack.  The other gentleman is Bankotsu Yomiuri, a colleague in my business and Dr. Yomiuri's  brother."  Sesshoumaru was aware that it would quickly get complicated with all the honorifics that would start flying around soon, and decided to step in and cut it short before it began.  "If it is alright with you, and I mean no offense, Dr. Yamamoto, I would propose we dispense with the honorifics and call each other by first name.  We all find it easier within the pack to do so." 

"That is fine with me, Sesshoumaru.  Now what seems to be the problem that has caused Suikotsu to get me involved?"  Hayato leaned back in his chair and listened intently as Sesshoumaru and Shun told him about Kagome. 

After they had both finished speaking, he began to ask questions to fill in the blanks.  Coming close to the end of his long list of questions, Hayato was quickly making notes.  "Was the death of her grandfather the first close family death in the recent past for Kagome?" 

"No, her father died when she was a young child, that would have been about 20 years ago."  Sesshoumaru was wondering where this line of questioning was heading. 

"Her father died when she was obviously very young, she has probably come to terms with his death.  So, the answer then is yes, this was the first close death in the family in recent memory.  With humans, these events often brings up questions about their own mortality and regret for things left undone."  Hayato flipped back several pages through the notes he had made. 

Shun leaned forward to ask a question.  "But Kagome is mated with two youkai, one of them a dai-inu-youkai lord.  Her life span is now equal to ours.  Why would she question her own mortality?" 

"That would be an ineluctable truth.  It is something no one can dispute.  Kagome is aware of this facet of mating with youkai, is she not?"  Hayato was beginning to see where the problem may have started, as well as why the current situation was becoming so distressing for her.  

"I'm sure she is."  Shun looked over at Sesshoumaru for confirmation. 

"We had spoken of it during our courting, when I explained the differences of youkai customs and traditions, as well as the technicalities and ramifications of the mating."  Sesshoumaru was also starting to come to the same conclusion as Hayato.  'Is it possible she has forgotten about her life span equaling mine?' 

"Don't forget, humans see the passage of time much differently than youkai, or even hanyou.  What you see as a blink of an eye or the snap of your fingers can be a very long time for a human.  Especially for one as sensitive as your Kagome seems to be.  Compound that with the complexities of the human psyche and mind; the human female mind.  It is one of the Kami's more unfathomable creations."  Hayato was carefully watching Sesshoumaru as he spoke.  It was unusually difficult to probe the inu-youkai lords mind.  He seem to have great resistance to letting anyone inside the walls he had erected.  The others in the room were much easier.  "I would like to meet your mate." 

"I'll go look for her."  Shun stood up to leave and go search for Kagome.  

"When we drove into the shiro, Kagome was at the beach."  Suikotsu had been watching the entire proceeding with great interest.  He had never before had the opportunity to see Hayato work, even though they were both employed at the same hospital. 

"Shun, why don't you stay here in case Hayato has any more questions.  I'll go get her."  Bankotsu stood up and walked out of the room. 

"It'll be okay Shun.  Let Bank go get her."  Sesshoumaru was keeping a close eye on Hayato.  He knew him from somewhere, he just couldn't quite place him yet.  The slight tugging at his mind was a familiar feeling he could only recall a very few other youkai ever attempting.  "Hayato, what breed of youkai are you?" 

"I am dai-tengu."  Hayato was also of the opinion he had met the inu-youkai lord at some point in time.  One of his many abilities as a tengu was mental telepathy and the ability to delve into the recesses of someones mind.  It was not something he used on a regular basis anymore, but it was a huge help in his current medical practice. 

Shun was watching both Sesshoumaru and Hayato.  He could sense that something was about to happen, but was unsure of what that something would be.   "A dai-tengu?  You're a protector of the mountain?"  Suddenly his name made sense.  Hayato Yamamoto - falcon person of the mountain. 

"Yes,  I see no one here wears a concealment spell.  If you would like, I can remove mine as well."  Hayato suddenly realized where he had met the dai-youkai lord before, and his true nature to cause some mischief was asserting itself. 

"By all means, please do so."  Sesshoumaru abruptly had a sneaking suspicion where he encountered the dai-tengu. 

With a small swirl of jyaki, Hayato removed his concealment spell and was standing in his humanoid form. 

"You!  You are the tengu that accosted my miko!"  Sesshoumaru, temper flaring, was quickly on his feet, as a flash of jealousy and his protective instinct rattled his beast awake inside of his cage. 

Shun was watching with avid interest.  This apparent episode was something he had never heard tell of before.  'Sesshoumaru and Hayato have some history together involving Kagome?' 

"Yes, I will admit that I did.  I was young and extremely wild at the time.  I learned afterwards that she was the Shikon Miko who defeated the evil hanyou, Naraku.  I heard that she perished very shortly afterwards.  I am truly sorry, for she was a sweet young girl."  Hayato was having difficulty believing that Sesshoumaru was still upset over a few kisses.  "However that is neither here nor now.  We should be able to put our personal differences of over 500 years ago aside to help your mate." 

"Hn."  Sesshoumaru sat back down and smirked at Hayato.  "Do you think you can help Kagome get over this difficulty she is currently having?"  

"I am positive that I can.  I will inform you what I surmise the problem to be; once I meet her, I will know for sure if I am correct.  I will advise you what I can do to help Kagome.  If you are agreeable, we can then work out the specifics for a plan of treatment."  The only thing disconcerting to Hayato was Sesshoumaru's smirk.  'It's as though he knows something that he isn't about to tell me.' 

~*~ 

Kagome jumped as someone sat down on the sand in back of her and wrapped arms and legs around her own.  'Hm, white jeans, no markings on the feet... it has got to be Bank.' 

Turning her head, she gave him a half-hearted smile.  "What brings you all the way out here Bank?" 

"I came to see you, Angel."  Bankotsu could feel that she had lost a little more weight since the last time he had seen her.  "Also to make my universally famous stir fry for dinner tonight.  So be prepared for the arrival of the aliens once I start cooking.  Maybe you can figure out where to park all the UFOs this time." 

Kagome laughed at his joke.  It was one he repeated every time he decided to cook for her. 

Standing up, Bank grabbed her hand to pull her to her feet.  "Come on, let's get back to the house and get dinner started.  You can help me chop the vegetables." 

Kagome followed Bank through the gate, brushing the sand off her shorts and feet before putting her socks and sneakers back on. 

~*~ 

Bankotsu juggled Kagome in his arms as he entered his passcode for the front door.  Quietly shutting the door with his foot, he shifted her again, then walked to the office.  "She started to conk out about half way back.  Do you want me to put her in bed while I start dinner?" 

"No, bring her in here, I'm sure Shun would like to hold her for a while."  Sesshoumaru was curious to see Hayato's reaction once he recognized Kagome. 

Hayato was staring at the young woman sleeping in Bankotsu's arms.  He was carrying her like a child, and all he could actually see was long wavy black hair.  Her head was on his shoulder, and her legs were wrapped around his waist.  With one arm wrapped around her waist and the other one under her derriere, Bankotsu was holding her like she was extremely fragile. 

"She's lost some more weight since the last time I saw her Sessh.  Is she still just picking at her food?"  Bank walked into the office, and leaning down, put Kagome in Shun's outstretched arms.  "Here, let me take her shoes and socks off, she may as well be comfortable if you're going to let her sleep for a while." 

Once Bank headed towards the kitchen, Hayato was instantly kneeling in front of Shun.  Brushing her bangs back off her forehead, he looked from Kagome to Sesshoumaru, then back and forth several more times.  'There is no way this can be the same girl!  It's been over 500 years since I saw her in that hot spring.  Although her aura is the same, and her scent is similar.' 

"How?"  It was the only thing Hayato could think of to ask Sesshoumaru.  

Smirking, Sesshoumaru let the realization sink into Hayato's mind as he walked around to the front of the desk and leaned against it, crossing his arms over this chest.  "That is a story for another time.  And the answer is yes, she is the same miko from the hot spring incident.  However, she is now my mate, and I would advise you to be very careful how you approach her." 

Shun's arms tightened reflexively around Kagome as she rested on his lap.  'Do I have to be worried that he will harm Kagome?' 

"Don't worry Shun, I will not cause her any harm.  After all, she was uninjured the last time she was in close proximity to me."  Hayato gave Sesshoumaru a wicked grin.  "I will treat her with every professional courtesy." 

Cupping Kagome's face in his hands and placing his fingers on her temples, Hayato called forth his jyaki and gently delved into her mind.  Slowly her aura began to calm and she relaxed into Shun's embrace.  After about 30 minutes, Hayato ran the back of two fingers across her cheek and rose to his feet.  Smiling down at her, he then looked from Shun to Sesshoumaru.  "I've done all I can for her.  The happily ever after is up to you two, but I would like to check up on her in a week." 

"We can discuss the rest of this over dinner.  It smells like Bank has completed what he calls his universally famous stir fry."  Sesshoumaru led the way towards the kitchen while Shun carefully laid the now peacefully sleeping Kagome on the loveseat, and after giving her a gentle kiss, covered her with a blanket. 

~*~ 

While everyone was in the process of departing, Kagome slowly walked out of the office, yawning and stretching.  "Is there any stir fry left, I'm starving!" 

"Of course there is koi, Bank saved a plate just for you."  Sesshoumaru scooped her up in his arms and carried her into the kitchen, sitting with her at the breakfast bar while Shun retrieved the plate from the microwave. 

"Once you have finished, we all need to sit down and have a talk."  Sesshoumaru was debating the best way to go about this. 

"Can we talk after I get a shower?  I'm still all sweaty and sandy from being at the beach."  Kagome was trying to hide another yawn behind her hand.  "And maybe we can sit in bed and talk?" 

"Where ever you want Kagome."  Shun was beginning to get tired also. 

~*~ 

After getting showered, Kagome was in her nightgown, sitting between her mates, leaning back against a pile of pillows.  With a bottle of her favorite iced tea, she was still wondering what Sesshoumaru wanted to talk about.  He was more a youkai of action, not words.   

"Kagome, I'm going to tell you a story..." Sesshoumaru began.  

Giggling, Kagome interrupted him.  "What's the name of the story?" 

"I guess we can call it A Feudal Fairy Tale."  Sesshoumaru continued, giving her the smile reserved only for her.  

"Once upon a time there was a beautiful young girl with long, wavy black hair and the bluest eyes anyone had ever seen.  A miko who didn't know she was a miko until her 15th birthday when she was pulled down an enchanted well.  She landed in a time of magic and youkai and hanyou, known as the Sengoku Jidai.  While she was there gathering the shards of the Shikon no Tama and fighting an evil hanyou named Naraku, she fell in love with an inu-youkai lord.  A dai-youkai, who in turn loved her more than she would ever know.  When they finally were mated, he thinks he forgot to tell her something very important..."

~*~

Fin

A/N - I do not own, nor do I have any financial interest in any of the following:  "Young At Heart"; Frank Sinatra; Carolyn Leigh; Johnny Richards; Cherio Corporation; "Stardust"; Mitchell Parish; Hoagy Charmichael; Nat King Cole; Willie Nelson; "Sengoku Otogizoshi Inuyasha" or "Warring States Fairy-Tale Book: Inuyasha". 

If you would like to read the hot spring scene with Kagome and Hayato, check out Chapter 4 - Tengu of my one shot collection "Encounters With Obakemono". 

~*~