InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Sesshomaru Story ❯ Chapter 12 ( Chapter 12 )

Chapter 12

 

Sesshomaru burst out of the side of the mountain with Alexandra in his arm and sprang into the sky. It was good to be moving again. The air was damp and fresh. He could smell the forest beneath them and it energized him. It was a relief to be free of his brother's stench.

 

Even though the sky was overcast it was bright by comparison to the cavern they'd vacated. Rain pelted them as they landed lightly in among the trees but in a moment they sailed upwards again.

 

The speed as they traveled over the trees took Alexandra's breath away. She was firmly pressed up against Sesshomaru. With no amour in the way she could feel the hard muscles of his body flex and contract underneath his clothing as he leapt. She was surprised at how warm he was. Partially buried in the soft warm pelt over his shoulder she slipped her arm around his waist.

 

The ground came rushing up at them and she involuntarily tightened her grip. Butterflies danced through her stomach. She closed her eyes enjoying the rush of air in her face. It was exhilarating. Better than any carnival ride she'd ever been on.

 

Sesshomaru glanced over at her when he'd felt her clutch his waist. She was smiling wildly with her eyes clenched tightly. She opened them and looked at him. Her expression was one of utter joy. As they sprang back into the air her hair flew out behind her.

 

He turned his scrutiny back to the horizon and made the next leap even higher. He smiled inwardly as he heard her gasp with delight.

 

They landed in a large clearing. Instead of springing back into the air Sesshomaru released Alexandra. She reluctantly slid her arm out from behind him and took a step backwards. The breeze cooled her damp clothes. Still smiling happily she suppressed a shiver. Her heart was pounding though whether it was from the journey or being next to Sesshomaru Alexandra wasn't sure herself.

 

“Why did you bring me here?” she asked breathlessly.

 

Sesshomaru blinked at her. “You live here,” he stated matter-of-factly.

 

It was then she noticed her little house in the gathering dusk. Kagome's bicycle was leaning against it. Suddenly it occurred to her that she hadn't told him about the well. Her smile faded. It had all happened so suddenly she hadn't really realized that she might have a reason to stay.

 

Alexandra studied Sesshomaru as he stood before her. Would she be willing to stay here the rest of her life and forever turn her back on the world she'd known, simply to be with him? She realized then that the answer was yes.

She decided she would stay if he would have her.

 

She realized that it sounded crazy. She'd really only just met him yet she felt this incredible connection. As if she could see the burning heart hiding behind the cold exterior and it ignited her own. When she was with him she felt that she was the person she always wanted to be. She felt that she could do or face anything

 

She thought he felt the same way but was she just fooling herself?

 

“Is something wrong?” Sesshomaru asked.

 

Alexandra took a deep breath. “I've found a way back to my own time,” she said bluntly trying to gauge his reaction. He gave nothing away.

 

“Inu Yasha and the others were going to take me to a place called the Bone-Eater's well,” she continued. “It has the same powers as the Heavenly Chest. It will take me home but I won't be able to ever come back.”

 

His expression remained unreadable. But however he felt, she realized she had to go on. It was be her one and only chance. “Sesshomaru, I care for you very deeply,” she said placing her hand on his arm. She looked up at him earnestly. “I need to know how you feel about me leaving.”

 

Sesshomaru looked in to those sober green eyes. He smiled to himself. Foolish girl. Even after he'd told her his feelings plainly she still doubted him. What had the monk told him this afternoon? - “If words don't work, then show her!” Those words of advice seemed very applicable at the moment.

 

He moved towards her. She grabbed onto him to keep from falling backwards and he caught her simultaneously. Then slowly he bent over and kissed her.

 

Enveloped in the warmth radiating from him, Alexandra closed her eyes. She felt his soft lips against hers. The kiss was slow but deliberate. Any doubts she had melted away - they were meant to be together. She responded to him and felt his warm breath on her face as he exhaled.

 

Slowly, his tongue rolled over his own lips. It teased her as he ran the tip of it over her bottom lip. She opened her mouth to accept him. A small moan escaped as his tongue invaded her mouth. He was careful and gentle taking his time. His tongue lovingly explored her.

Alexandra felt like she was floating. His hand was at the back of her neck, bracing her against him. Slowly, her hands encircled his neck, covered by his silky cascade of his hair. He broke the kiss off tenderly. Then he embraced her holding her close to him. His hot breath tickled her skin as he nuzzled her neck.

 

After a moment Sesshomaru moved back letting Alexandra regain her footing. Her knees were weak. She had thought up until now it was a figure of speech. Her whole body yearned his touch again and she instinctively moved toward him. He stopped her, capturing both her hand in his own. He held them gazing down at her solemnly. Then he turned and started walking away.

 

Surprised, Alexandra called after him, “Sesshomaru!”

 

He looked at her expectantly. How could he have forgotten what they'd been talking about?! “About the well…?” she asked confused.

 

He paused for a moment. “Do as you wish,” he said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. He leapt up disappearing into the distance.

 

Alexandra stood there in total disbelief.

 

Just like that he was gone?

 

Alexandra felt like she'd had a bucket of cold water poured over her. He didn't care if she left. The pain of his rejection was almost physical. She covered her face with her hands and sank to her knees.

 

She wanted an answer and she got one. She made no difference to him.

 

Do as you wish.

 

She got up tears stinging her eyes and hurried into the house. Once inside she leaned against the door and hot tears slid down her cheeks. She wiped them away. There was no point to crying. There was nothing for her here.

 

It had just been her imagination after all.

 

Alexandra found a lamp and lit it. She washed up. The water was icy but she barely noticed. She quickly changed into the clothes that she'd come to the feudal era in and was brushing her hair when she heard voices outside. She tied it back into a ponytail and grabbed her bag on the way out.

 

The rain had stopped. Inu Yasha, Kagome and Shippo were walking toward the house. Sango and Miroku were climbing off a large saber-tooth cat in front of her. The beast shrank down to be Sango's pet, Kirara.

 

Alexandra thought that she should be surprised by that but she felt nothing at all. It didn't matter. Nothing mattered.

 

The dress she was wearing flattered her even more than it used to judging from the appreciative looks she was getting from Miroku. Even Inu Yasha was stealing the odd look. She ignored them. The only person she wanted to look at her that way wasn't interested.

 

“Lady Alexandra!” Miroku exclaimed as he hurried forward. “We're so glad to see that you made it here safely.”

 

Alexandra shouldered the tote she was carrying. “Let's go!” she said unable to keep the pain out of her voice.

 

“Aren't we going to spend the night here first?” Shippo asked surprised.

 

“Actually I was thinking the same thing myself,” Miroku agreed.

 

“Is something the matter?” Sango asked noticing Alexandra looked upset.

 

“Of course not!” she answered not meeting her eye.

 

“It wasn't Sesshomaru, was it?” Kagome came up to Alexandra and put a comforting hand on her shoulder. “He didn't try anything, did he?”

 

Alexandra saw a dark look pass across Inu Yasha's face at the suggestion and laughed bitterly, “Don't be ridiculous!”

 

“Just what kind of advice did you give him?” Sango hissed at Miroku grabbing his sleeve.

 

Miroku did his best to sound indignant. “My dear Sango! You can hardly blame this on me! I would never advise anyone to behave inappropriately.”

 

“Look! I'm fine!” Alexandra lied. “I'm just in a hurry to get home. Back to where I belong. We've been sitting around all day. Could we please just go now and rest somewhere along the way. Please.” Her voice broke and she blinked away the tears that threatened to return.

 

Everyone looked at her uncomfortably. Inu Yasha was the first to answer. He shrugged “Suits me.”

 

“I suppose a walk this evening would be invigorating,” Miroku said.

 

The women and the kitsune agreed as well and went about collecting their things. Alexandra spent the time wandering around under the pretense of not forgetting anything. She couldn't stop thinking of Sesshomaru. She realized that they hadn't even said good-bye to one another.

 

She saw her ink pots and brushes. She picked up one of each and went to the door. In her best calligraphy she wrote goodbye. She looked at it sadly. I hope you'll be happy Sesshomaru.

 

By the time she'd rinsed the brush the rest of them were ready to go. The sky had cleared and they set off. They traveled at a good pace until dark then set up camp for the night. Lying rolled up in her blanket by the fire, Alexandra thought about her day. She touched her lips she could still taste him. She closed her eyes and remembered the feeling of being in his arms. At least she'd have that.

 

Do as you wish. The words haunted her.

 

She dreamed she was flying through the air with Sesshomaru. Except it wasn't Sesshomaru it was Superman. He was taking her somewhere that she didn't want to go. She was trying to tell him but he wouldn't listen. He was too busy bragging about how his secret identity was Lord of the Western Lands.

 

He flew over a wishing well and tried to drop her in but at the last moment she managed to catch hold of the edge. Snow White came to look down at her and in her musical voice said “Do as you wish.” She ran away laughing when Alexandra tried to ask her for help.

 

Jiminy Cricket who looked a lot like Jaken appeared to do a song and dance number on the rim as she clung to it for dear life. “When you wish upon the moon every wish will come true soon…” The song was irritating her and she was sure those weren't the right words. She felt her hands begin to slip. Then she was falling.

 

She opened her eyes.

 

Dawn was just beginning to break. She rolled over and tried to go back to sleep but she just couldn't stop thinking. She finally got mad at herself. In all likelihood it wouldn't work anyway she told herself angrily and she would be trapped in feudal Japan for the rest of her life anyway. The thought made her feel strangely better.

 

In a little while the rest of the company started to stir. They got up, had a quick breakfast and were on their way. After about an hour and a half of traveling they reached the top of a hill. Shippo got excited and bounded into Alexandra's arms. She was surprised at how light he was.

 

“Look!” he exclaimed pointing. “It's Kaede's village. We're almost there.”

 

But rather than head towards the village they turned and followed a path into the forest. Her stomach clenched. She tried to calm down. Her palms were sweating. As she wiped them on the skirt of her dress she realized that Kagome was talking to her.

 

“I'm sorry,” she said. “What was that?” She forced herself to listen to the chatter around her.

 

“What's the first thing you want to do when you get back to the 21st Century?” asked Kagome.

 

“Have some ramen!” Inu Yasha answered enthusiastically.

 

“I think we all know your plans, Inu Yasha! After all you ate the last of the ramen four days ago!” laughed Miroku.

 

“The answer is more likely to be - have a bath,” suggested Sango. “I know that's the first thing I'm going to do when we get back to the village!”

 

Miroku got a thoughtful expression.

 

“I know,” agreed Kagome. “Regular baths is one of the things I miss most when I'm here. That and my own bed!”

 

The path came to a clearing. In the center of it was a wooden structure that resembled a box. It was very worn and covered with vegetation. Alexandra stopped where she was and looked at it.

 

Kagome came up and touched her arm. “Nervous?” she asked her. “It's only natural. I'll go first.” She led Alexandra over to the well to where the rest of the group waited.

 

“OK! Then I'm off but I'll be back once I've stocked up and get Alexandra settled,” announced Kagome as she put her backpack on.

 

“Don't forget to bring more pocky!” Shippo reminded her.

 

“I won't,” said Kagome smiling. “Good-bye everyone!”

 

Everyone chimed in with their farewells and with a final wave Kagome jumped into the well.

 

Alexandra walked over to the edge and looked inside. There was only bare dry ground at the bottom. So much for telling herself it wasn't going to work.

 

Do as you wish. That was what Sesshomaru had said.

 

Was this her wish? To go back

where she belonged? But she didn't really belong there any more. Life had gone on with out her. And truly she hadn't missed her old life for a long time. She'd tried to leave once in anger and regretted it. If she left now she knew she would regret it for the rest of her life.

 

So what then was her wish? She closed her eyes and hung on to the rim of the well, her fingernails biting into the aged wood. The hurt washed over her.

 

Sesshomaru.

 

The answer was Sesshomaru. She loved him. She couldn't lie to herself any more. And if she could have one wish it would be that he would love her and the two of them would be together. That would never happen if she left now.

 

“Well, what's the matter?” Inu Yasha asked. “Just jump in and you're there. It doesn't hurt or anything!” he scoffed.

 

Do as you wish.

 

Alexandra opened her eyes, turned and faced him. “I'm not going!” she said defiantly.

 

She would put Sesshomaru's words into action.