InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Falling Away ❯ Changes and Enlightenment ( Chapter 26 )

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Chapter 26 Changes and Enlightenment

 

(Sango's 'POV)

 

I sat there patiently waiting for him to tell his tale. At this moment he looked as if he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. My heart went out to him, for I know what it is like to have too many burdens to bear.

 

Soon, he lifts his head and continues.

 

“It is part of the process when you become pack leader to go to the oracle and have your `path' established. Refusing to do this is not an option; neither is straying from the path. I knew when I rose to pack leader this was how it was going to be, but from what I had been told from older members of my clan, usually little or nothing comes from this reading. So I went into the oracles cave fully expecting her to tell me to watch out for some lame threat or something like that. I was woefully unprepared for what she had to say.”

 

After saying all of this he turned to face me and I simply nodded in response, still not wanting to interrupt his tale. He narrowed his eyes at me for a long moment before he continued to speak.

 

“Her name is Hisa and she has been the oracle of our clan for many centuries, she foretold me becoming pack leader before I was even born. For a blind woman she sees a lot.”

 

Realizing his own tangent he waved his hand, mumbled and continued on with his original line of thought. He divulged that his trip to the oracle began just as he had assumed then it took a turn for the peculiar. She began to ramble on about some great demon of many demons, which he later determined was Naraku. Then she went into his eventual meeting with the Great Dogs of the West, which he admitted to not putting together until he met Lord Sesshomaru. What she then delved into was his eventual mating to one that was powerful, kind and spiritually gifted, and how important it was not only to the clan but it was not to be denied for the sake of the delicate balance of the fabric of destiny. For when destiny is thwarted a great ripple is created in that fabric which, in turn, spawns ill fates for all for centuries. She then said the untimely death of the Great Dog was one such ripple. This mating of mine was to be a big part in ushering in the next calm for our world.

 

I had to admit he was given quite the reading in his visit to the oracle. Talk about pressure, for this I envy him none. Knowing this I now see why it seemed for the last century the world appeared to be caught in the throes of a vicious sort of turmoil. I was completely awestruck by all of it, and was unsure of what to say, but I spoke anyway, because if anyone ever looked as if they could use some kind, supportive words right now, it was Kouga.

 

“I guess this means you have some things still left to take care of. My heart goes out to you and the burdens you must bear, my friend. Is there anything I can do?” I asked him.

 

“Only, if you would like to become pack leader for at least the next decade.”

 

“Not likely my friend, but might I ask what seems to be your current problem?”

 

“Well, I was dead set convinced Kagome was the one I was supposed to mate. She fit all of the criteria; at least she did initially, then that fell apart and the more I got to know her the more I realized she could not be the one. So that left me thinking I had acted too quickly and that I had more time to be me and not obligated to filling my destiny. I figured it would come when it felt like it.”

 

“Sounds like that's the only choice you had,” I replied, trying to alleviate some of his confusion.

 

“Yeah, I know but now… now it's just way more complicated than I ever imagined or wanted to deal with and….”

 

At this moment he turned to me with the most complex expression I have ever seen go across someone's face. It was a mix of fear, sorrow, rage, confusion and a few others I couldn't name. Then without warning he whirled around and started marching off towards the palace.

 

“I shouldn't be bothering you with this, Sango.”

“Why not? This is what friends are for.”

 

He stopped in his tracks to face me with regretful eyes.

 

“Well I'm not feeling like the greatest friend to anyone right now so I think its best I take my leave of you this evening.”

 

With that said he turned again to continue his march.

 

I debated with my words for just few moments, fearful of making the situation worse instead of better. Then I thought how much worse can it honestly get?

 

“Your feelings for Houshi-sama will not make you any less a friend to me, Kouga.”

 

That stopped him dead in his tracks. Inu-chan always did say I had a way with words like I did with weapons. Poor Kouga he stood there so long in silence I was beginning to feel I had crossed the line when suddenly, for no reason apparent to me, he started laughing.

 

“Is it that obvious to everyone?” he sighed as he took a seat on the path.

 

“No,” I replied as I walked over to join him

“Then, how? And when …?”

“Just a few moments ago and it was your outburst that started the wheels turning, and the fact that after I thought about it, the two of you have been almost inseparable for a few months now. And when I did see you apart you were always looking for each other.”

“Funny how you figured this out about the same time I did, but I ask your forgiveness nonetheless, Lady Sango.”

“What for?”

“What do you mean `what for'?!” he all but shouted “I know you had feelings for him, then he fell for Inuyasha and now here I go…”

 

I stopped him mid rant and embraced him. It took a few minutes for his breathing to settle and for him to get himself together. When we pulled apart I simply smiled at him.

 

“You are quite the complex female, you know that?”

“So I've been told. I hope what I say next puts your mind at ease.”

 

At that point I told him about everything I had gone through since finding out Houshi-sama's feelings for Inu-chan. I was straight forward with him about the whole thing. I let him know that initially, my feelings were hurt and I did grieve the loss of what might have been, but the more I stepped back from the situation and saw it for what it was the easier it was to deal with.

 

“And exactly what was the situation?”

“Something that was not meant to be my friend, this is the way of things sometimes. No it isn't always pleasant to endure, but it is what it is.”

“Well regardless it still sucks!” he replied

“That fact I won't deny. So now that all of this is out in the open what are you going to do?”

“What can I do? His heart is already taken.”

“It will not remain so forever and he does fit all the things from your reading so I would not be so quick to throw in the towel. I have known you for years and I think that outburst of yours back there was the most emotion I have seen out of you without reason. You got it bad my friend and unless you want to go through what he is going through right now I suggest you make a plan.”

 

 

(Sesshoumaru's POV)

 

 

Tibade is a one of the best at what he does but, by all there is, he is slow. I am trying my level best to not show my irritation but that is becoming next to impossible the longer he takes with this examination. As much as I want him to be thorough I also want an answer.

 

“Sit down, my Lord.”

“I am fine, Tibade.”

“Well I am not, and that pacing you are doing is impeding my work. In any case, I am pretty sure you are worried over nothing.”

 

If anyone else had spoken to me in this manner they would be facing death, but Tibade was very close to father and he has helped me through many rough times after his passing, so for this he will be permitted to live.

 

“Like I said my Lord, sit down and plot my death over there,” He stated as he motioned to a bench behind him. “And if you are wondering how I knew you were considering my death it is because your worrying has lowered your defenses and your emotions are quite clear.”

 

I say nothing to this and do what needs to be done to regain control of myself.

 

“What do you think is the cause of all of this?”

“Is it not obvious?” he replied.

 

Not in the mood for games I glare at him.

 

“Has it been so long ago that you have forgotten what this developmental stage is like?” He elaborated.

 

My mind flashes back to what the flea had said.

 

“I thought that transition was almost over?”

“It is, but now he has entered another one before that could finish and additionally he has this bonding that's going on with you, so I fear it has all worked to tax out his system.”

“What other one do you speak of?”

“So I guess you have forgotten.”

 

Another glare.

 

“You might as well save the effort it takes to do that my Lord; you know you will not act on it. But since you are so wound up I will just set aside amusing myself for later. He is going through the kensei henkou - the change of power.”

“I know what it means, Tibade.”

“Well you did not recognize it so I thought maybe I should explain.”

 

It took more of my will than I care to admit, not to glare.

 

“Besides, the way you came storming in here one would have thought he was dying.”

 

Once again, I say nothing.

 

“I have given him a mixture that should have him regaining consciousness at anytime now, so we can have him try it out.”

“What is it?” I inquired.

“Boy, you really do not remember much of this do you? You destroyed half my chambers when you got that whip.”

 

When he said that the memory of my kensei henkou came flooding back to me. Now that the memory is sparked it has become quite vivid. If I recall correctly I think I took a good deal of father's hair off that day as well.

 

“All joking aside, I need to speak with you before he awakens,” He said to me with narrowed eyes, “and you would be wise to listen carefully.”

“What is so serious all of a sudden?” I asked, genuinely curious

“Lord Inuyasha is, but is not ready to be a mate to you.”

“Repeat yourself, this time without the riddles.”

“What I mean by this is he will want to but you cannot.”

 

Oh this again, I think to myself.

 

“And because you cannot there will be a build up of sorts.”

“Meaning?” I asked through clenched fangs.

“Well…how can I put this lightly?”

“Just out with it already!” I snapped

“Fine, but I want no complaints. Well basically his sex drive is going to go through the roof and it will take every ounce of inner strength you have not to ravage him anytime he's within a 100 yards of you. Your protective nature towards him is going to increase on a daily basis until you actually mark him and your instincts have their proof that he is yours and yours only. Now taking into consideration that it could be a while before his mind, body and abilities get into sync I will be surprised if no one ends up maimed before it is all said and done.”

“I am not some barbarian, Tibade.”

“I was trying to be polite with it; you were the one rushing my words. And yes, I know you are no barbarian and that you usually have great control over yourself and all that. But this is a different matter all together, once strong instincts come into play all bets are off. You will react and react strongly to any and all things that you perceive as a threat to him or the bond that is forming.”

 

I was about to ask a question when I felt Inuyasha stir. My head whips in his direction only to find him still motionless. I turn to look at Tibade.

 

“If you felt it then he will be waking in a moment, we will continue this later.”

 

I stare at his prone form and just as Tibade said he begins to move. Much too my pleasure he turns his head in my direction before he even opens his eyes. When he does confusion sets in.

 

“Ru… where am I? What happened?”

“Oh, I forgot to mention his senses and coordination will fluctuate as well,” mumbled Tibade, as he busied himself with his many bottles and herbs.

 

I then proceeded to tell him what happened and divulged to him an abridged version of what Tibade had told me. I will tell him more when I get a better understanding of this from the healer. I was in mid-sentence when unexpectedly Inuyasha hiccups, and out of nowhere comes this bubble. Intrigued, Tibade wanders over.

 

“In all my time as healer, I do not think I have ever seen any ability manifest in this nature.”

 

The three of us sat there in awe watching this bubble float slowly toward the ground as it got closer to the floor it took on a blue hue.

 

“Interesting…” Tibade mumbled

“What kind of so called power is hiccupping bubbles?” Inuyasha groaned, “How lame.”

“Well I have to admit …” Tibade began.

 

Then it made contact with the ground and that tiny bubble proved to be anything but lame. When it popped a path of white hot fire shot across the floor and cut across the healers' desk like lightning, setting anything in its way ablaze.

 

“You and your brother are more alike than either of you like to think,” Tibade huffed, “If these walls could talk…my poor chambers.” He trailed off as he went to smother the flames.

 

When he returned he gave me strict orders to have Inuyasha rest for a couple of days (along with something to put in his tea to ensure he does) until the sweating and dizzy spells ease up; then our next order of business was to focus on honing whatever this was. Inwardly I sighed and thought my brother has no idea how not to be complicated.

 

When the two of us left Tibade, he babbled all the way back to my chambers about how he felt fine and how he needed to go talk to his pack; all the while I was silently blessing Tibade for the tea additive.

 

He didn't make it halfway through the cup and he was out cold.

 

Feeling the need to get some fresh air I headed outside. No sooner than I set foot into the late night air, did I scent the wolf and slayer out at the courtyard. I honored my earlier promise to inform them of Inuyasha's condition. They asked questions that I gave brief answers to, deciding to leave all of the detail to Inuyasha, and I took my leave of them.

 

When I enter one of the many vacant guest rooms I realize that for the first time in years I feel stressed. It is not often that I fold to the pressure of the world or those around me, but tonight is an exception. I did not admit it to Tibade, but I had no need to, he already knew I was worried for Inuyasha this evening and the weight of that worry caused my defenses to slip. The further this bond develops the more I understand some of my fathers' actions in the past. Some of what I once considered foolish and unreasonable I now know was nothing more than him acting in the best interest of his mate … not himself. I have looked after Rin for years now but this, this is something much deeper. Am I really ready to do this? Can I?

 

 

“Beginning to understand your father much more now, huh Pup?”

 

I can't believe I did not sense the healer's approach in any way. I did my best to not show how off guard I was.

 

“You can cease amusing yourself at any time,” I stated dryly

“I know, but what fun would that be?”

 

I sighed as I leaned on the balcony rail to stare out into starlit sky and at the crescent moon. I figure he has tracked me down for some reason and he will come out with it when he is ready.

 

“This really will all be worth it in the end you know.”

 

I give no response.

 

“Oh come on Pup, I know you can do this and you are more ready than you think.”

 

I am beginning to wonder if he can read minds.

 

“I am no mind reader; this is merely the experience of couple of millennia speaking.”

 

I am not convinced. The glare escapes me.

 

“Well regardless of what you think now, it will all work out and the two of you will be much better off because of it. I know it does not appear this way now, but trust me things will be fine.”

“I am not some child who needs a pep talk, Tibade.”

“Well quit standing out here confused and brooding like one.”

“I am not confused and I DO NOT brood.”

“All right then what are you going do when he wakes up in the morning? You have gone through this before; he has not so he is going to be looking to you for answers and guidance. Do you have that figured out `oh wise and aged Lord' of mine?”

“You know I really would slay you, if you were not so useful.”

“Did you know your father used to threaten my life on a regular basis?”

“No, I did not, but I can understand why!” I sneered.

“Temper, temper my Lord. If you are not careful you will wake little `happy face'.”

“Who?”

“Your brother, that's what I used to call him many years ago. The nickname just seemed to suit him. No matter when or where I saw him he always had the biggest smile on his face. Not only that, he was usually just a ray of sunshine in general. He almost seemed to bounce and be alive with unending joy.”

 

At that statement my mind reeled back almost a hundred years to a memory long pushed aside and locked away.

 

 

**Flashback**

 

I was standing in front of my wardrobe dressing to go and practice with father in the courtyard when the sounds of a great effort being made reached my ears. One whiff of the air told me Inuyasha was close but I saw him nowhere. Following the sound of the noise led me to my study window and when I peered down I saw this small form doing its best to leap from one protruding stone to the next on the way up the castle wall. Amused at his antics and somewhat impressed that he could make some of the jumps at his age, I stood there and watched until he got close to his goal which was apparently my chambers.

 

With one last `oomph', he landed on the window sill, with a look of complete and utter triumph on his face.

 

“Ru!! Ru!!! Look what I did and all by myself too.”

“I see I am very proud of you Inuyasha. Might I ask why you went through all of that to get here?”

“Well, I see you doing hard things all the time and you call it training so since I wanna be strong like you so I'm training now too!”

 

I remember I could not help but laugh at his logic. He sat there smiling on my window sill until I left to train. When I returned I found him asleep on my bed, that smile still on his face. As I thought about it, all my memories of him at that timeframe are ones of him happy and smiling.

 

That caused me to try and think of when this new distant scowl became his trademark expression. It did not take my mind very long to drudge up something I have tried very hard to forget.

 

It was our first encounter after fathers' death and he and his mother had left for that human village. It had been years since we had spoken to each other and I had only stolen a handful of glances at him since their departure, when I ran into him near the border of the snake clan's territory. I remember wanting to say anything and do anything but what I had to do. But I had a role to play for his safety as well as mine. I watched from a distance as he made a clumsy lunge for a deer, and what should have been an easy kill slipped right through his claws. I watched stunned as he sat down on the forest floor and cried. Disappointed in his lack of skill and composure, I figured I would taunt him a little …I had to remember… roles to play.

 

“Headed back home to cry to your mother now, Half-breed?”

 

It was obvious he was not aware of my presence; it was even more so when his head whipped in my direction and a gasp escaped his throat. It was then that I finally got a good look at his haggard appearance. His face and hands were covered in cuts and bruises. He had an obvious wound in his lower right thigh that was bleeding through the fire-rat robe he wore. It was then my turn gasp. I hadn't mean to let it out but it was hard to believe this thin, worn, and wounded person before me was my younger brother.

 

I guess he figured I wasn't going to say anything else so he decided to speak.

 

“She's dead Sesshoumaru, she died years ago; and as far as a home is concerned, I don't have one.”

 

Then with no more ado than the limp he tried to hide, he disappeared into the forest.

 

**End Flashback**

 

I shook my head as the memory washed over me trying desperately not to let it get the better of me. When I turned to Tibade he had a look of worry on his face. This look lingered long enough to make me uncomfortable. I was just about to speak when something damp dropped on my hand; annoyed I look up to find the source only to find none. Further irritation sets in and I shoot daggers at Tibade.

 

“Hey, I didn't do it, and my apologies for staring; it's just that I haven't seen or known of you to shed a tear in over 300 years. I honestly thought you'd lost the ability to do so.”

 

My hand went to my face before I could stop it, and the moisture I found turned my irritation into out and out rage! Tibade put what should have been a comforting hand on my shoulder only to have me slap it away and march off as if ready to kill something. Tibade then stepped between me and the door.

 

“Easy there Pup, I don't know what just crawled under your skin but you need to get a hold of yourself.”

 

I was very close to forcing my way past him when I realized I had no idea why this feels so intense and why I want nothing more than to go out and cause mass destruction. Angry, frustrated, and somewhat baffled I looked at Tibade and said, “Please tell me you have a potion to fix this.”

 

“Sorry Pup, I don't.”

“By the gods this is awful. How much longer is this going last?”

“I cannot say for sure but you are looking at another month or so easily,” He answered.

“I'm not even sure why I'm upset. What am I so angry about?”

“Due to the bond that is forming, you will be in a state of unrest when he is in a state of unrest, and vice versa. You are feeling it more so now because you are the strongest so the bond will solidify with you first.”

“So this is how I knew to go to him when he fell ill?”

“Correct.”

“It was not so much that I knew he was ill, I merely felt an almost undeniable urge to find him.”

“It will be like that at times. Sometimes it will be very obvious what the issue is, at others it will be just as you experienced earlier.”

“Will it always be like this?” I asked and as soon as I did I realized two things: One - how childlike that question sounded and two - how right the healer was in his assumption that I did need guidance with this, because in reality when it came to the whole mating process, I knew very little.

“Yes and no. Yes you will always be able to sense what is going on with the other to some degree. But no it will not always be this overwhelming and hard to control.”

“That is quite the relief to know.”

“I figured it would be.” He said with a smile that faded altogether too swiftly for my liking.

“What's wrong Tibade?”

“Nothing really, I just have a question I need to ask.”

“And that question would be?”

“Have you told him the real reason why he and is mother had to leave the Western lands and why you suddenly hated him so?”

 

My shoulders slumped in response.

 

“I'll take that as a no,” he sighed “Damn it Pup, I would have thought that would have been one of the first things you cleared up. So now you are weeks away from mating someone who still thinks you used to hate their existence! Not good my Lord, this is not good at all.”

“I realize this now.”

“What you don't realize is how detrimental this could be to the both of you if he stays uncertain of your intentions or has less than absolute trust in you. Chances are this is part of the reason for his condition now, and who knows what else goes on in his world. You can't fix everything but this you need to correct this as soon as possible.”

“I can and I will.”

“Good, then I will be looking forward to hearing how you handled the situation by this time tomorrow.”

“What!”

“No time like the present, because the longer you wait the worse this will get especially for him. You now have emotional obligations outside of yourself Pup, welcome to adulthood.”

 

I openly sneered at him and he laughed.

 

We spent another two hours discussing how, why and what I needed to do. He went over a few more things concerning Inuyasha and what he's going through. Then we closed the conversation with him all but shoving me out the room to go handle this immediately. I didn't really protest because the sun was less than an hour away from rising and I might as well give up on the prospect of sleep and use the time to think of the best way to start this conversation.

 

When I entered my chambers, I couldn't take my eyes off his sleeping form and thoughts and memories were spinning through my head so fast I had a hard time keeping up with them.

 

My mind once again flashed back to a conversation we had not to long ago.

 

“What demon fears being alone? I personally would love to have most of my time to myself.”

“You say that now, while never having known the true meaning of the word alone. Alone doesn't just mean no one to talk to, it means if you get sick you could die cause you have no idea how to make yourself well and no one to ask, it means you could starve to death because you can't hunt and kill enough food to keep you going. It means even if you had money more than likely no village human or demon would let you in. It means you could freeze to death in the winter because the only home you have is out within nature and even Mother Nature turns her back on you when the snow begins to fall. That's what alone really means.”

 

And he was correct, I have no idea what it is like to be truly alone, and it is my fault that he does. I sit here thinking of all the things I've done, the fact that my hand was forced does not erase the harm it has caused. I look at him and for the first time I wonder how he could possibly feel anything other than loathing for me. But here he is despite it all, I am fortunate indeed.

 

When he wakes I am sitting beside him, then due to some reflex I could get use to, he curls up beside me and places his head on my lap.

 

“How long have I been sleep?” he asked.

“All night. How do you feel?”

“Fine, a bit tired still yet.”

“Do you wish to return to sleep?” I asked almost hopeful .

“No, but I do wish for you to tell me what has you acting like this.”

“Like what?” I asked, knowing full well what he was referring to.

“Like I've suddenly become fragile or something, or like I will run off never to return. Hell I don't know, I've got so many things running through my head right now I don't know what to think. All I can say for sure is that I'm getting the strangest sort of vibe from you right now and it's has me… concerned.”

“I guess there is no reason to put this off any further,” I sighed.

 

The look he gave me was one filled with uncertainty and apprehension. I held out my arms to him and when he accepted I pulled him between my legs with his back to my chest. I didn't know where to begin with this tale so I just started talking, all while silently praying my arms would not be empty in the end.

 

I told him of the discord father had caused by taking a human as a mate. No one liked it but no one was strong enough to oppose father either. I then went into the discussion I had with Lady Izayoi shortly after father died and I ascended the throne. She knew I did not yet have my father's power and that many had their eye on the West and would stop at nothing to get what they desired. One attempt had been made on her life already and father had not been dead a month. So those of us left at the palace knew we had to do something to keep the two of you out of harms way. I had not the power to protect you at all times and some of the alliances father had now wished to fight me for the throne.

 

Tibade, Myouga, Lady Izayoi and I sat for hours contemplating the situation. At our wits end as to what to do, it was Lady Izayoi who actually came up with the plan and as much as we all hated to admit it, it was the best chance we had. She suggested I publicly cast her out of the palace walls calling her and Inuyasha a disgrace to the West, banishing the both of you from these walls as outsiders.

 

I felt him tense in my arms and I knew the reason was still yet unclear to him, so I went on to explain his mother's logic.

 

She wanted everyone, including you to think I had washed my hands of both of you and that whatever happened to you from that day on was no longer my concern. We made quite the show of the entire ordeal so that anyone that was not completely loyal to me would assume now that father was dead I had gotten rid of the two of you because I no longer had to tolerate you. We hoped that this would cease to make either of you a target for those seeking power and a way to get the throne. We did this because we knew there was no place safe enough to hide the two of you forever.

 

I had no idea how much father went through to protect us all until I had to do the same, the only difference was when he died I wasn't able to do it on my own. But I want you to know having you and your mother shoved out of the palace walls that day was the hardest thing I had ever done at that point in time in my life. I am sorry but it was the only thing I knew to do at the time.

 

And it worked

 

Once word got around about what the Inu No Tashio's son had done to his fathers mate and Hanyou child, talk of plots on you and your mother's life ceased almost instantly. Now all any of us here had to do was play our parts in your exile and all would be calm.

 

You relaxed in my arms then you pulled forward far enough to allow you to turn and face me. The look in your eyes was one I could not readily decipher. You sat there looking at me like that for so long I was beginning to wonder if you ever planned on speaking.

 

“You never really hated me?” you asked barely above a whisper.

“No, you had done nothing for me to hate you.”

“You never really despised the fact that mother was human?”

“I did not understand father's choice in mates at the time, but I never despised her or you.”

“I guess this is the real reason you would never kill me or actually take possession of Tetsusaiga.”

 

We talked until well past noon that morning and would have probably continued if I had not insisted that we stop to appease his growling stomach.

 

“I don't want to go down for food.”

“Fine, I will have it brought to us.”

“Well while you're doing all that I going to take a bath.”

“As you wish Inuyasha, I will let you know when the food arrives.”

 

He nodded and disappeared towards my private bathing room. I summoned Jaken and requested what would have to be a late lunch for the both of us and told him we are not to be disturbed for the rest if the day. I sat at the desk in my study with my mind running in circles. I was glad this conversation was going as well as it was but it was quite unnerving to see, hear and realize just how convinced he was that I hated him for being well…him. I know that was the plan but I never thought it would work quite so well, I guess I always hoped he would realize the ruse.

 

I was in the midst of this type of circular thinking when Jaken arrived with the food and confirmation that everyone had been informed we were not to be disturbed. I figured Inuyasha was close to being done with his bath so I waited; when he didn't emerge on his own I went to retrieve him.

 

I turned the corner just as he was climbing out of the water. I watched, as he stood there, wringing water from his hair and I noticed that it seemed to be slightly wavy. This made me wonder if it was going to end up looking like father's when all was said and done. This thought brought a smile to my face.

 

I turned to leave the room and him to his drying when his words stopped me dead in my tracks.

“Leaving so soon, Ru? And here I thought you were enjoying the show.”