InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Chou Shoki I: Learning from Yesterday ❯ Chapter 29 ( Chapter 28 )

I have always believed that all things depend upon Fortune, and nothing upon ourselves.

-Lord Byron

 

CHAPTER 29

 

1204 A.D. ~ SEPTEMBER

 

He leapt through branches in hopes that the jumping distance would get him to his destination faster. He knew he could always transform, but that would only attract unwanted attention and that was the last thing he wanted. His every sense was on alert. Thousands of thoughts ran through his mind. But the most important was: How was he going to handle this?

 

He had practically been kicked out of the Crescent Moon. He stopped mid jump when a familiar scent assaulted his nose. Perching himself on the highest tree he saw, he awaited until the well known figure stopped and looked up at him.

 

“What are you doing back?” There was a bit of hostility.

 

“Believe me, my friend, that that is the least of your worries,” came the voice of an amused inu youkai up in the tree. He leapt down landing about five feet in front of his friend.

 

“Has something happened?” If something went wrong and he...

 

“Calm down, Sesshoumaru. Everything is fine.” `At least until your father decides how to kill you!' thought Ujio.

 

Sesshoumaru sighed and turned to sit down under the tree his friend had just jumped from. Ujio stood in front of him, a scowl on his handsome face. They remained in silence, both of them never removing their eyes from each other.

 

“He knows.” The simple phrase made the demon prince begin to worry.

 

“You told him, I presume?” He narrowed his eyes.

 

“It was either that or have my throat ripped out, bone by bone by the Inu no Taishou. And I think we both know he would have.” He felt bad for exposing his `brother', but even Sesshoumaru knew that his father would have found out anyways. Youkai that visited the castle had already begun to spread the rumor.

 

“Does he know WHO exactly it is I'm... `visiting'?” He at least hoped that her name had remained anonymous.

 

“Unless you have conversed and met other miko, I am more than positive that he does.” He waited for a panicked reaction from Sesshoumaru, but was surprised when he merely stood and began walking towards the western lands.

 

Ujio followed him and when he fell in place next to him, he asked. “What are you going to do?”

 

The inu prince stopped for a moment and then faced down. He himself wondered what it is that he was going to tell his chichi-ue when he got home. Clearly, the Daiyoukai would not even listen to any reasoning and completely prohibit him from ever leaving the western territories. He could almost picture his father going to the lengths of chaining him to the dungeons of the old castle and keeping him drugged for the rest of his existence. All in an attempt, of course, to keep him from ever seeing Kagome again.

 

“Honestly, I'm not sure. But I will tell you one thing. I'm not going to let my father have a say in this.” He began walking again, this time a little faster.

 

“Is she really worth all this Sesshoumaru?” He could almost know the answer, but if Sesshoumaru was going to go through with this, then he needed to know. As much as he disliked the idea (for reasons even he didn't understand), he had to admit that she had something that had already changed Sesshoumaru, and even him. That something was one thing he had to give her credit for because no amount of females had made Sesshoumaru take interest in life again.

 

“She is worth this and much more. She holds my very existence in her hands. And I would gladly give up my life, my heart and my very soul, just to have her smile at me.”

 

Ujio kept his gaze in front of him. Sesshoumaru might very well have to give up all that and more in order to be with her. But apparently, this didn't seem to bother him. “Well, then, I suggest we start going over what we're going to say to our chichi-ue. No doubt he's going to strangle you before a word is out of your mouth.” He chuckled at this last part trying to ease the nerves of the prince.

 

Sesshoumaru abruptly stopped and looked at his friend, cocking an eyebrow. “We? I don't recall asking your help in this?”

 

“WE never did have to ask for help between the three of us, remember? Have I ever backed down from a challenge? Besides, like it or not, she's pack now.” Ujio made a hurtful face.

 

Sesshoumaru just shook his head and smiled at his friend. He was right. Juro, Ujio and he had always been there for each other since the first time they met. Ujio had been ten, Juro six and Sesshoumaru five when they all laid eyes on each other and a friendship developed that very day ― the fact that they were family made the comrade even easier. And since then, they had been inseparable and invincible.

 

“I know. But, if I remember correctly, I thought you said you hated her. Which reminds me... you and I have to talk about what happened at the lake.”

 

“Oh, I still don't like her. HOWEVER... if you think that she's worth the effort... by all means... Besides, I must admit that I judged her based on rumors. In the end, I have to admire her courage in battle as well as her honor. She could have easily killed all of us after the war ended. We both know that the pact between her and father was dissolved right when it all ended. Yet she even offered her allegiance. As for my `actions', I told you already that she's pack. That's all. ” He ran a claw through ruffled onyx bangs.

 

Ujio caught the smirk from his friend and smiled himself. Whatever hold this miko had on Sesshoumaru must be really strong. He wondered what exactly she could possess to have males drop to their feet with just one word. Kami knew that she had Juro, Sesshoumaru, the Great Inu General... and he hated to admit, even himself, eating out of the palm of her hand! He tossed that thought aside and a mischievous grin formed in his face.

 

“So, are you going to tell me what exactly you've been up to since we left? Any progress?”

 

At this, Sesshoumaru threw his head back and laughed. Somehow Ujio knew that just maybe he could come to like this miko. The Sesshoumaru that had disappeared after the death of his mother now seemed to resurface and he knew it was thanks to her. Well, he would have to at least thank her for that.

 

“My dear Ujio, if you only knew!”

 

“We have time.” Ujio shrugged.

 

“Then let us sit down. I don't want you falling down from what you're going to hear. Though I might have to skip on some minor details if I want to get home to get disowned and make it back in time to Kagome's castle in order to await her arrival.”

 

“Wow! Already on a tight chain and you haven't even mated her!” He barely dodged the rock Sesshoumaru threw at his head.

 

They sat for almost an hour as he related all the events of the past few hours. Sesshoumaru even confided on his suspicions of another male moving in on `his territory'. The incident from earlier that morning was also discussed and he even gloated about the `special necklace' that consisted of a single sapphire on a silver chain that Kagome gave him before she left, that allowed him to pass through the barrier surrounding the castle.

 

“So, I suppose you have made progress. And from what you tell me and judging from her reactions, I can honestly say that you might just have a chance. What we do have to find out though, is this other male you think there is. Tell me, have you smelled that scent on anyone that has shown an interest in your miko? Maybe it's that wanna-be-warrior that we saw follow her like some sick little puppy?”

 

“Iiee. Like I said before, no other male has that scent. It frustrates me to no end that I can't even bring myself to ask her. I have gained some territory with her and I really don't want to lose ground. You have no idea how aggravating it felt when she calls me `inu youkai'.” Sesshoumaru picked up another rock and threw it, almost hitting Ujio.

 

“I know patience is something that doesn't come very easy to youkai in our family, but if you have managed to get in her good graces, I suggest that for the moment, you satisfy yourself with that.”

 

“You're right, I guess. However, I don't know how much more I will be able to be `just friends'. Whenever I have her in front of me, I just want to ri ―”

 

Ujio just raised an eyebrow and had to press his lips together to keep from laughing. “You're really in deep my brother! Kami save you when father finds out the particular thoughts you have in store for his little miko!”

 

“Speaking of father, we should make a mad dash to the Crescent Moon. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner I can return.”

 

Both inu youkai were engulfed in a blue light that disappeared into the sky.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

I was silently praying to the Kami to strike me down. The annoying child would just not SHUT UP! Ever since I snuck her out of the castle, even avoiding Lana, she had not stopped talking about everything and anything. I was pretty sure that if a fly flew in front of her she would immediately start laughing.

 

As hard as it was, I had to recognize that the trip was somewhat more `interesting' - for lack of a better word. Eriko asked question after question. Some of which included who my mother was, where I found the pretty glass ball around my neck, where we were going, how much longer we were going to travel, and why my eye color was different from anyone else's. All those I could endure, though most were answered through gritted teeth. However, the one that almost had me choking on my own saliva was when she innocently asked why Sesshoumaru and I had not had children.

 

“He looks like a really good husband. Does he not want children?”

 

I wasn't sure how to answer her question. First of all, Sesshoumaru and I were not married. Secondly, he was an inu youkai. And third, I absolutely loathed the demon.

 

“The... uh... man... you saw in my bedchambers is not my husband.” Feeling quite satisfied with my answer I looked at her.

 

She looked ahead, clearly assimilating my reply. Then she asked, “Then why does he sleep in your room and in your bed?”

 

I closed my eyes. How the hell was I going to answer a question to which even I did not have an answer to? I cast my eyes towards the heavens.

 

This was going to be a long trip. And to think, that I had another day of blissful questioning. Oh Joy!

 

~~~~~~~~~~

 

“It's the first time in six years that I have arrived before you. If I didn't know you better, I'd say something more important has kept you.”

 

“And I'm also glad to see you,” I replied sarcastically. I walked faster and embraced him. “I hate that we have to see each other like this. I'm growing weary of these secret meetings.”

 

He pushed me from him slowly and took my hand guiding me to a small log where he had been sitting when I had first come upon him. “I do too, but we both agreed that this was the only way we could be together.”

 

“That does not make it any easier. But you are right. The time will come when we can finally be together and no one will ever be able to keep us apart.” I gazed into his hazel eyes and smiled. “So, how are things in your side of the world? Do you need anything?”

 

His eyes trailed off my face as soon as he saw the child hiding behind a tree. Looking at me for an explanation, I only shrugged. He walked up to Eriko and extended a hand to her. Hesitantly she took it and walked back with him.

 

“And who might you be?” he inquired softly.

 

“My name is Gi­â€•, I mean, Eriko. Miko-sama was kind to me and has been taking care of me.” She grinned at him and added, “I live with her in her castle!”

 

“Really?” She bobbed her head until I thought it was going to fall off. Then he told her to go unpack our belongings. He looked back at me. “Does he know?”

 

“Do you think she'd be here if he did? Look I'm sorry for the inconvenience. I had no choice. As soon as we return, I'll make sure to leave her in some village.”

 

“She obviously wants to be by your side.”

 

“If she does, she certainly has a death wish,” I replied sardonically.

 

“You can't give her away Kagome. Maybe you can let her stay with you. I think it will bode well for both of you.”

 

I wasn't going to argue. My time with him was limited and I didn't wish to waste any seconds talking about something that could be resolved later. “I asked if you needed anything.”

 

He picked up Kirara who was rubbing her little body on his arm and was now circling in his lap to nestle there. “I'm fending alright. I've been training more and I have even been given the honor of being called a samurai of the furusato I am living in. Of course I will never be as good as you!” He nudged me and winked.

 

I bit my lip and looked down to my feet. I wanted so much to be able to tell the world about him. He was all that had kept me going all these years. How can I not want to wake up every day knowing that I would see his beautiful smile? I looked at his smiling face. How cruel and unfair life had been to both of us.

 

“Kagome, what's wrong? Please don't tell me that you're still blaming yourself for our situation. Because if you are then - “

 

I put up my hand to silence him. “How can I not? We deserve to be together!” He put his arm around me and pulled me to him.

 

“Look, someday we will. For now all we can do is wait and be patient. The day will come when you and I can be together. Just hold on for me, okay?”

 

“Hai.” I sighed.

 

“You seem different. Your gaze seems... softer. There's something else, isn't there? Even your aura feels different.” Of course, there was. But I wasn't going to tell him about Sesshoumaru just yet. Without thinking, I pulled at the cloak around my neck to cover the courting mark.

 

“Iiee. There have been some unexpected events. That's all. Nothing to worry about. Let's not talk about him - ” I cringed and mentally slapped myself. Damn, the first thing I told myself I wouldn't say! I glanced at a giggling Eriko, hoping she had not heard and praying she never brought up Sesshoumaru.

 

“Him?” He turned my face with this hand. “Tell me everything. And don't you think about letting anything out Kagome because I won't let you leave until you do.” His tone had changed to a rather serious and altogether grim one. He was able to see and sense auras. His spiritual power was, however, limited. Unlike my powers, his had never been trained.

 

I stood and kept my back to him. For one thing he was right. I wasn't going to be able to keep this from him. And it was nothing really important. The inu youkai and I had no ties. I would at least keep the more intimate details out. If he were to know these things, he'd probably hunt down Sesshoumaru and kill him for even looking at me.

 

I straightened my back and carefully turned to face him. Inhaling his calming cider and fir scent, I began to relate all that had happened - from the first visit Ujio gave me to the feast at the Daiyoukai's palace. Needless to say, when I got to the part when Sesshoumaru had `suggested' I sing he was almost breaking the log he was sitting on with his nails. Even Kirara had jumped from his lap and had moved to a safe distance far, far away. I tried to ignore that as I continued with the story.

 

Astonishingly he took the news of my allegiance to the youkai rather well. In fact, it didn't even seem to bother him. What I did notice, was the slight cringe in his body whenever my father's name was mentioned. Even a stranger could notice the hatred he felt for the okami. Not that I blame him, for he was the reason we could not be together. He had separated us.

 

“This... youkai... Lord Sesshoumaru... what is he to you?” I noticed the anger in each word.

 

Fainting a calmness which I didn't even feel, I tried phrasing my answer carefully as not to make him any more uncomfortable. “Nothing. I absolutely loathe the man, er, youkai.”

 

“Do you?” He stood next to me and lifted my chin.

 

I saw the worry and the pleading in his eyes. “I... have come to accept a truce between us. But that is all that binds me to him” Kami if he only knew!

 

“Kagome, I love you. I don't want to lose you. I...am afraid of this... `tomonari' (developing friendship) with the inu youkai.” I hugged myself.

 

“Shinpai shinaide. If there is ever anything, I can assure you that it will never escalate more than a simple friendship. You will always be the only man in my life.” I gave him a pat on the shoulder and pushed him to the ground. “Now, let's see how much your training you've done!”

 

He ran after me and tackled me to the ground. We sparred for a while but then we stopped to hunt for food and set up camp. I was more than glad when he offered to cook so I could bathe in the small river. Eriko had sat quietly watching us the entire time. If she'd been hungry or uncomfortable, she never once complained. As nightfall came, we settled in a tight embrace by the fire as he recalled some of his journeys. The small child fell asleep next to me.

 

“She really does like you.”

 

“I don't know why. I have offered nothing nor cared for her.”

 

“Worldly things come and go Kagome. We both know that. But I think Eriko has seen in you what Lana, Kirara, the Inu no Taishou and I do.”

 

“I wouldn't know what you mean. There is nothing I have to offer to anyone.”

 

“She sees the real you. Not the miko or the hime or the power. She sees a woman who has so much to offer. A woman who radiates love and affection even when she is unaware of it. That is why she follows you. She needs someone who can love her and someone who needs the love she has to offer.”

 

“She can keep it for all I care. What has love brought us but more pain?”

 

“Don't say that. Life will eventually put everything in its place. We just have to be patient. Please don't lose faith. And don't let the anger make you bitter.”

 

“I won't promise anything. But I'll try - for you.”

 

Time seemed to pass by in a flash when I was with him. By midday the next day, Eriko and I were already changed and getting ready to go to my gilded cage once more. We said our goodbyes as always and agreed on a location and day for our next meeting. With a tender kiss to my forehead, he waved me goodbye and galloped away in his horse. Every time he left, he took with him a piece of my heart.

 

Picking up Eriko and placing her on Kirara, I made sure that there was no evidence we had been here. Then I returned to her and swallowed my pride. “I'm not used to asking favors. But this is something that could harm the man that was just here. And for him and him alone, I am willing to kneel before anyone if need be.”

 

I took in a deep breath and continued. “No one, and I mean, NO ONE, can know anything that happened since we arrived here. No one can know why we came, who we met and what we did here. No one can know his identity or what we talked about. Please, keep this secret with you. If anyone should ever question you the purpose of this journey, I want you to tell them that I came here to meditate and cleanse my body. I know I am making you lie, but I wouldn't be asking this if it weren't necessary. Can I trust you?”

 

She giggled and covered her mouth immediately. “Gomen, miko-sama. It's just so funny. You didn't need to ask. I know that you wanted this to be a secret. I'm just glad you trusted me enough to let me be a part of it.” She held her hand to her heart. “I promise that I will NEVER utter a word about this.”

 

I just couldn't understand this child, but I nodded. “Arigatou. Now, let's be on our way.”

 

~~~~~~~~~

 

Both inu youkai crossed the gate to the garden in the Crescent Moon. However, only the older youkai was able to continue walking. Sesshoumaru was thrown roughly against the surrounding walls and managed to go through it.

 

“Get out of here!” The red-eyed Daiyoukai yelled at his other son.

 

“I'm sorry, my lord, but I cannot do that. You have to - ” Just like Sesshoumaru, Ujio was punched and thrown across the garden. Upon recovering from the blow, he gave an apologetic gaze to the demon prince and disappeared into the castle.

 

Sesshoumaru stood and faced his father. He didn't want to, but if it came down to fighting with his father, then Kami save them both. He was not giving up Kagome without a fight.

 

“I will not ask. You are to stay away from Kagome and you will NEVER even think about her ever again. IS THAT CLEAR?”

 

“Sumimasen, chichi-ue, demo, for the first time in my entire life I will not heed your words. I am not letting go of her. Not for you, not for anyone.” Deep, deep inside, the young inu youkai was trembling.

 

The Inu no Taishou regarded his son and his words. If it were not for the many things he knew, and that Sesshoumaru would never understand, he would be the first to further the union. Nevertheless, he just couldn't allow this. At least not until the rest of his doubts were appeased.

 

“NO. SESSHOUMARU SHE IS NOT MEANT FOR YOU! YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU ARE GETTING YOURSELF INTO. SHE'S NOT - ” He stopped when he realized that his son was glaring at him.

 

“No. It is you who doesn't understand. I am no longer a pup who you can order around. I respect you but I can make my own decisions. Father, I - ” Inu no Taishou clenched his fists.

 

“IF YOU'RE NO LONGER A PUP, THEN STOP ACTING LIKE ONE! GET YOUR MIND OUT OF THE CLOUDS AND LOOK AT YOU. SHE IS A HUNTER... AND YOU ARE THE HUNTED! YOU TWO DON'T BELONG TOGETHER. I'M SURE THAT SHE HAS A BETTER HEAD ON HER SHOULDERS AND REALIZES THAT THERE IS SOMEONE OUT THERE FOR HER. BUT SESSHOUMARU... IT'S NOT YOU!” He tried hard to make his son see.

 

There was a long silence in which both of them glared at each other, neither daring to look away. It was then that a thought crossed the demon prince which only made him loose more control. “I SEE WHAT YOU'RE TRYING TO DO AND IT'S NOT GOING TO WORK. YOU WANT HER FOR YOURSELF! WHEN YOU USED THE BLOOD RITUAL ON HER, YOU MEANT TO MARK HER AS YOUR OWN... NO! I WON'T LET YOU HAVE HER... SHE'S MINE. SHE - ” Another quick blow, too quick for him to have seen, sent him across the garden. The few guards, who had only been witnesses until this point, began running to help the younger youkai. A loud and threatening growl stopped them and they fearfully moved back.

 

“DON'T YOU EVER IMPLY SUCH MONSTROSITY! SHE IS LIKE A DAUGHTER TO ME.” The Inu no Taishou noticed that his son was rapidly becoming enraged. At this rate, he would not listen to a word he had to say. He began walking back to the castle entrance. He ordered his son to follow him.

 

In the privacy of the Daiyoukai's study, they both sat facing each other. The demon lord's eyes were still red, but his countenance was that of calmness. Sesshoumaru was fighting on his own to keep his own youkai from surfacing. They both waited until they saw that it was safe to continue without another fight. Moments passed as the Daiyoukai tried to understand why Sesshoumaru's smell had interlaced itself so much with the miko's. He narrowed his eyes when he comprehended that his impulsive son must have marked her.

 

He held himself still. An outburst at this moment was the worst thing he could do. If Sesshoumaru had marked Kagome, which at this point he was pretty sure, injuring his son would not bode well for Kagome. He pressed his hands against his desk. The pup was going to suffer more than he'd ever know. What he needed now was to find a solution to this situation. The courting mark would disappear in a short time and if he kept a close eye on Sesshoumaru, he'd make sure he didn't have the chance to renew the mark.

 

An hour and a half later...

 

“You know that Kagome is like a daughter to me. I would do anything to keep her from any more suffering. We both know how terrible her upbringing has been and if it is in my hands to avoid any more distress to her, then I would move mountains in order to do so.” He was left with the rest of his argument in his mind when his son interjected.

 

“Then you must understand that I would also do anything in my own power not to hurt her.”

 

“Sai (my son), if... if Kagome were... if circumstances were different.” With a long sigh, he continued. “Just trust me when I tell you that Kagome cannot be with you. And if you feel anything ―”

 

Sesshoumaru hastily bolted from his seat. “Chichi-ue,” he reflexively ran a hand through his face, “you of all youkai know that I shielded myself from the world a long time ago. I've closed myself to the possibility of being happy. But ever since Kagome... because of her... I've stopped running away from love. I no longer want to live inside myself. I want to live within her, to respond to her and to grow from her response to me. I never want to shut her out of my life because she is the best thing that's ever happened to me.”

 

The Inu no Taishou was shocked beyond words. He never thought that he would be hearing this from Sesshoumaru. He knew exactly how he felt. Aikiko had had a similar effect on him when he met her. Still, things were different between Sesshoumaru and Kagome. If only Kagome would have been born a youkai, then what a perfect Lady of the West she would have been.

 

“Tell me Sesshoumaru, truthfully, does she return your feelings?” The Daiyoukai hoped with all his soul that she didn't. That would only add to both their sufferings.

 

The inu prince considered his father's words carefully. He could easily lie and say yes but his father would see through him clearly. “I don't know. There were times when I could almost swear that she did. The fact that her blood accepted mine can be somewhat of a proof that she at least has some feelings toward me.”

 

He thought about what he was going to say next. Sesshoumaru was not going to like what he was about to propose, but if there was indeed any hope for them, then it would be worth it. “I'll make you a deal.” Sesshoumaru eyed him suspiciously but waited for what was to come. “You promise to stay away from Kagome for some time until I can discern certain things. If my doubts have been dissolved by what I find, then I will be the first to defend your relationship with her. To be honest, nothing would please me more than to have her as a daughter bonded by blood.”

 

Sesshoumaru turned the idea in his head. Whatever the Daiyoukai wanted to find must be something of great importance if he considered it an obstacle. “It is a reasonable deal. And although I do not wish to stop seeing her, I accept. But I tell you now, that I will only wait for so long. If by the time the autumn season comes, and you have not come to a decision, then I will continue with my previous plans.” Little did his otou-san know that he had other plans.

 

“It's settled then. At dusk you leave for the northern border of our lands to receive our newest shipments from the mainland.” He reached for a scroll and tossed it to his son.

 

The prince was about to protest but another idea came to mind. “Very well. I shall go rest for some time and then I will be on my way.” He bowed and opening the door to exit he paused and glanced at his father. “Chichi-ue if you have no objections, I would like both Juro and Ujio to accompany me.” He only got a nod from the demon that was already immersed in several scrolls.

 

Ujio was speaking with Juro when Sesshoumaru found them in his heya. His brothers immediately questioned him and he answered. “Listen, I need both of your help.”

 

They sat with him and heard his every word.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~

 

It was close to the fifth day since I had left the imperial city to uptake my monthly journey. The path I had chosen on my return was much faster but more dangerous. The stretch between the mountains was rumored to be guarded by many youkai. What was important to me right now was getting home as fast as possible before a certain silver-haired demon ran havoc.

 

I had send Kirara ahead with Eriko and told her to wait for me at the end of this particular path. I was sure that there would be attacks and Eriko would be a constant distraction. The wind was starting to blow harder and the sky was turning a darker gray. I picked up my pace and before I knew it, I was running up along the path. One or two youkai stopped me long enough to catch my breath.

 

Without further warning the rain poured down and I was forced to find shelter inside a small cave. Thankfully, it was big enough to build a fire and pass the weather. I removed my haori and hakama and hanged it on the edge of a protruding rock, leaving on only my hadajuban. I began building a fire with the thin logs I picked up. Once the fire had picked up, I moved closer to it rubbing at my own shoulders to keep from freezing. The cold water was making me shiver endlessly.

 

BOOM! The cave lit up and suddenly the cold water was no longer an issue.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Okay. So he lied when he said he'd keep his word. But was it not worth the woman you loved?

 

He traveled through the sky in his blue sphere to get there with more than enough time to receive Kagome with a surprise. Now was the perfect time to give her the circlet and confess his love to her. Sesshoumaru thought about all the things he could say to explain how their constant bickering was a way to get her attention.

 

He looked up from the ground where he was currently trying to stand. All the thinking had made him miss his landing and he fell face first in the mud. The rain was now getting stronger and it was difficult to see what was in front of him. So, with that in mind, he decided that he'd walk instead of running the rest of the way. It wasn't much longer to the castle in Kamakura.

 

Every now and then a bolt of lightning lit up the land in a flash of brilliance, and each clap of thunder was so loud and unexpected, he jumped when he walked. Kami, how he loved thunderstorms. Hard to tell why. Maybe it was just the proof of nature's power over all the beings. Maybe it was the sheer energy of the light and sound that pounded around him. Whatever the case, it made him feel alive.

 

When he arrived, he noticed that several carriages were outside the palace. It was strange that he had never once noticed these before, but he dismissed them with a shrug. Sesshoumaru was about to jump up the wall and into Kagome's room when a pain in his chest stopped him. It was a bizarre and awkward feeling.

 

Something was wrong. He looked around frantically for any signs of danger but nothing in the area seemed out of place. Shaking his head he once again began walking when the feeling stabbed him again, sharper this time. He clutched the bark of a tree to keep his balance.

 

A whimper.

 

His mind was really playing games with him today. The whispering cry sounded so frightened but when he surveyed his surroundings he found no one. He waited a few seconds and then he moved once more. It seemed the hindering feeling was gone, whatever it had been. Then out of nowhere an image flashed across his mind.

 

Kagome!

 

Without second guessing he raced across the city, leaping on the rooftops of the huts. His instincts guided him. He was already running for a good twenty minutes when a yellow and black shape flying above his head halted his movements.

 

“Kirara.” Kami, he hoped the damn neko would recognize him.

 

Fortunately, the neko heard him and landed by him. She cocked her head in confusion. Sesshoumaru didn't miss the small girl covered in Kagome's cloak on the neko's back. He moved towards her slowly so she would not take it as an attack. Sensing his uneasiness, Kirara growled at him something he wasn't able to understand. The small child got off and ran under the tree.

 

From there, the neko stood next to the child in a protective stance. The child petted the neko and looked up to Sesshoumaru. He realized she wasn't afraid as he tried to recall where he had seen this particular child. It took some moments but he recognized her as the child that left with Kagome.

 

“What is your name child?” he asked in his softest voice.

 

“Eriko,” she replied. “You were in miko-sama's futon.”

 

He nodded. “I'm a friend of hers.” He glared at the neko who made a sound close to a snort when he answered.

 

Sesshoumaru released his breath and went to kneel in front of her, careful of the neko. “Eriko, where is Kagome?”

 

The small girl turned her head up in the direction of the mountain. Sesshoumaru followed her gaze and saw the path that went through the mountains. “She sent me ahead on Kirara and told us to wait for her down here.”

 

Risking the chance of losing his hand, he patted the neko and bowed to the child. To his surprise, the neko just looked up at him.

 

“Find shelter. I will go look for Kagome and I will see you tomorrow morning in this same spot.” The youkai cat stood and growled at him.

 

“No. Don't worry. I will not harm her. I just want to make sure she is fine. I promise to bring her back.” It seemed to ponder on his words but settled to give him the benefit of the doubt. It probably just understood that it had a child to look after.

 

Sesshoumaru waited no longer when the thundering and lightening increased. He flew up towards the path and walked looking around for her. The rain drowned out any scents so he could not rely on his nose. He thought of calling out to her but he knew of the youkai that inhabited these areas and thought it best to just look.

 

Then that formed another thought and not a good one. What if she had been attacked? What if she was injured and lying half dead somewhere? What if they were holding her captive and torturing her? What if ―

 

Another painful stab.

 

Even with the rain beating against his entire body he could hear the sound of his boots against the wet path. One of his brows rose in question. There was a small opening to a cave a few inches ajar and he could almost smell the remains of a small fire coming from within. He was fairly certain that it was not a youkai because he sensed no demonic aura. Someone must have gone in to avoid getting caught in the thunderstorm and probably left the fire to burn out itself. It was a rather odd feeling that drove him to find out who was inside.

 

He entered the cave. One entire wall of the cave was filled with greenery so that the little rain the entered through small crevices bathed them. A crack of thunder shook on the floor, then practically on top of that, a flash of lightning split the night. The electricity of the moment made him grin, and he crossed over to where the fire would have been left burning. He leaned over, looking for clues, and then...

 

He heard something.

 

It was the sound of breath. Panicked, labored, with the slightest touch of a whimper. Sesshoumaru looked purposefully around the cave. “Is someone here?” he called out. But he could not see anyone. Then he heard it again. From the corner.

 

Expanding his own senses, he moved towards the shape. And his breath was sucked right out of his body.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I've tried repeatedly to keep my chapters from ending like this but it's just an impossible feat. While I've already written four more chapters in advance, I'm just a bit too OCD to just post them. My beta and I are discussing them and editing them, so as soon as they are ready and I get some time to myself, I'll post them.

Also, I must warn all of you that I will no longer be updating weekly. After I came back from the convention I assisted, I was given a promotion. Most of you know that a better job means more responsibility. I'm working longer hours and every other weekend. So, updates will come whenever my schedule allows me. Don't worry though, for I ALWAYS see my projects through. It might take a little longer than I thought but Chou Shoki WILL be finished no matter what. Plus, it kind of helps that I've outlined all my chapters in all three trilogies already!

Well, kiddies...until next time!