InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Into the East ❯ Traveling Companions ( Chapter 7 )

A/N: Alright… It's a curse… middle of the day - you know, when I'm actually awake? - I can't write a thing worth dirt, but in the dead of night, inspiration suddenly hits… same with my artwork. (I've added a sketch - also done in the middle of the night - Take a look and let me know what you think!) If the first part of this is a bit sketchy, well… it's because I was awake while writing it. I've read through it, but I'm not sure if it helped.

 

Ok, just to set the record straight, I made everything up about Sesshoumaru's past - except the part where his dad died… but I changed that a little bit too. I've only watched the anime as far as Adult Swim will allow plus the 3 movies released in the US, so… if Sesshoumaru's history is written anywhere… I haven't seen it.

 

Anyway, I know I said that it wasn't likely that I'd post again anytime soon … and I guess a week and a half isn't exactly “soon” by some standards, but… that last chapter left me kind of frustrated. Writing angsty stuff puts me in a funny mood and for my own sake as well as yours, I wanted to get more into the real story. I want to know what's going to happen too ^_^ Besides, I had two 2-hour finals today and spent another 4 hours in the computer lab working on a group project. I thought a break might be in order.

 

 

Into the East

Chapter seven: Traveling Companions

Characters/Plot originally appearing in the anime/manga Inuyasha © Rumiko Takahashi

Everything else © me

 

 

 

 

 

 

He scoured the news websites, searching for anything concerning his businesses. He had been traveling back and forth between his international locations and it had been a while since he had last visited the states. Of course, it wouldn't do to be surprised with information from the media when his own people should have informed him, so he continued his scan of the web - but then a short article caught his eye and made him pause, his breath catching. He almost missed it.

 

`Boston Socialite Disappears from Salem Estate

 

Three days ago, Vanessa Cartwright (24), daughter of William and Melinda Cartwright of Boston, disappeared from a party on the estate of Michael Swenson in Salem, MA. Cartwright's fiancée Bryce MacMillan (25) last saw her just before dusk, walking toward the gardens. “She wanted me to go on a walk with her,” recounts a distraught MacMillan, “but I wanted to stay near the house where the party was. I can't help feeling that if I had gone with her or persuaded her to stay close by, that nothing would have happened.”

 

Other friends have commented on Wellington and MacMillan's relationship. One friend of the pair told reporters, “They've been drifting apart for a while now, everyone can see it, but it's not like Nessa to just leave. She just cares too much to make everyone worry like that. I hope nothing terrible has happened. Please find her.”

 

There are as yet no leads on the young woman's disappearance, though some suspect foul play due to the fact that her coat and other personal belongings were left behind within the house. Further information will be released as it becomes available.”

 

He stared at the screen, absorbing what he read, all thoughts of business fleeing from his notice. Vanessa… ? Immediately, he began making arrangements for his return trip to the United States.

 

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Vanessa woke before the sun had fully risen above the trees. Surprisingly, she wasn't at all sleepy anymore. Figures, they've had me on bed rest for the past day and all for a sprained ankle. She sat up, smiling at their concern. No one else was up yet, and rather than sit alone in the dim hut, Vanessa rolled up her blankets and made her way among the sleeping bodies and out the door. She hadn't seen Sesshoumaru and figured that he was outside somewhere, doing whatever it was that he did when he wasn't sleeping so she slipped her ribbon band on her wrist as she took in the quiet morning.

 

The air was cool, clean and refreshing, something very hard to find anywhere remotely near civilization in her time. Vanessa couldn't wait to see what else feudal Japan had to offer her. To her right, the slightest rustle caught her attention. When she turned, a pale figure was stepping through the trees, silent and stoic as ever. She smiled. Who knows? Maybe one day he'll return the sentiment. Sesshoumaru only raised one eyebrow slightly and stepped closer, “I see you are awake.” Vanessa grinned at him.

“Yeah, well, I got a lot of forced rest yesterday, so… I guess I'm a little less than sleepy.”

“Hn.” Silence reigned over the pair for a few moments while Sesshoumaru studied Vanessa, but just before she began to feel particularly uncomfortable under his gaze, he spoke again, “When will you be ready to leave?”

“Oh. Well, I don't really have anything to pack, but I'd like to say goodbye to Kagome and Sango. Can we wait until they wake up?” She looked up at the lightening sky, “It shouldn't be too much longer.” Sesshoumaru nodded.

“We will wait until then.”

“Thanks,” Sesshoumaru turned and began walking toward the trees again, “Um, Sesshoumaru?” He stopped and looked over his shoulder, waiting for Vanessa to continue. “I really appreciate you letting me tag along, and I really don't want to be an inconvenience, so… if there's anything I can do… um… just let me know, okay?” Real good. Way to be intelligent, Nessa.

 

Sesshoumaru regarded her for a long moment, and Vanessa could have sworn that if he were any other being, he would have smiled. There was a glimmer of something in his eyes, amusement perhaps? And when he spoke, his low voice was almost gentle. “You will not be an inconvenience. There will be adjustments to be made when we reach my home, but we will discuss that further as we draw closer. Bring Rin when you are ready to leave.” He gave her one last look and continued to the tree line to wait.

 

Vanessa re-entered the hut as everyone began to stir and gathered up her dress - she had slept in the gray yukata from before, and whoever had given it to Kagome for her had said that she could keep it. It was infinitely more comfortable than the strapless evening gown, so she decided not to change out of it for her first day of travel. She really saw no need to bring the dress with her, but… it was all she had from home. Maybe it could be cleaned and altered into some semblance of its former beauty. If not, well, it would always stand as a reminder of how she got into this time in the first place.

 

She sighed and laid the folded dress by the door and turned as Kagome sat up smiling brightly, “Good morning, Vanessa!”

“Morning,” Vanessa replied, smiling in return. Kagome got up quickly and rebuilt the fire, setting the kettle to boil water for tea.

“Hey, Vanessa, could you come with me for a minute?”

“Sure, what's up?” Kagome just smiled and started for the door.

“It's a surprise!” Puzzled, Vanessa followed the other girl out into the yard toward the forest. What could she have planned that she couldn't show her in the hut? Vanessa jogged a couple steps and caught up; she was barely limping anymore.

“So, are you going to tell me where we're going?” Kagome grinned at her.

“Can't you tell?” Vanessa glanced around. She thought she might have seen that particular tree before, but couldn't place when in the past two days, so she shrugged.

“No, sorry. I'm pretty hopeless when it comes to directions.” Laughing, Kagome turned toward her.

“You'll get used to it. See where the sun is now?” Vanessa nodded. “That's east. Sesshoumaru's land is in the west, so the sun will mostly be at your back until about mid day. Then you'll be walking right into it. Oh! We're here.” The well?

“Kagome? It didn't work last time, what makes you think it'll work now?”

“No, no. Wait here. I'll be right back.” Ok then... Kagome jumped over the side, while Vanessa watched in fascination as a blue-violet light flared from the depths and then Kagome was just … gone. She glanced around at the surrounding trees, feeling the strange sensation that she was being watched. Weird. Unsure how long she would be waiting and also not wanting to keep Sesshoumaru waiting, she returned her gaze to the depths of the well and after a few more moments, the well flared again and faded to reveal Kagome standing at the bottom. “Back!” she called up, and began climbing the vines to the top.

 

After pulling herself over the edge, Kagome dropped a brown backpack on the grass and sat down, motioning Vanessa to join her. “Here,” she said, handing over the bag, “I thought you might be able to use this.” Shocked, Vanessa took the bag, feeling that it was fairly full.

“Wow, you shouldn't have. Thank you, Kagome,” she said quietly, looking up at her.

“Well, go on. Open it!” Vanessa grinned at her and opened the flap. There on the top lay a large bottle each of shampoo, conditioner and liquid body soap with a shower puff and fluffy towel. She laughed.

“I take it hygiene in this era leaves something to be desired?”

“You don't know the half of it. Believe me, you'll learn to cherish every drop. Well…” Kagome was thoughtful for a moment, “You know, you might not have a problem. I don't think I've ever seen Sesshoumaru dirty. Anyway, they're still modern conveniences. Keep digging!” The next layer was a pair of T-shirts and some very comfortable-looking sweatpants. “I figured you might not always want to wear your dress or a robe. And you know, sometimes you just want to wear pants!”

“Thanks! Really, you've done so much already.” But Kagome just waved it away.

“No, I told mama what happened and she sort of went nuts. She's a mother hen to the core and can't stand knowing that there's someone somewhere who just might need the slightest bit of her help and not do anything about it. You're taller than I am, so I had to guess on your sizes, so I hope everything fits alright.” Vanessa held one of the shirts up to her chest.

“I'm sure everything will be perfect. Please thank your mother for me?” Kagome nodded.

“There's more, though probably not as exciting as the rest.” She was right. Vanessa made her way to the bottom of the bag and blushed, giggling. Kagome's mother really had thought of everything. She had packed about two weeks worth of new white panties, a first aid kit, toothbrush and toothpaste, a hairbrush and hair ties, and some other… feminine necessities.

“Kagome, I wouldn't have even thought about all this!” She stared placing everything carefully back in the bag. “I wish I could thank your mother myself.”

“Hey, I know. When we figure out how to get you home, I'll be sure to give you my information and maybe sometime you can make a trip out here - the normal way this time, you know in a plane? - and meet her in person.” Vanessa smiled as she closed the flap on her backpack.

“I'd like that.” Kagome rose to her feet then, and Vanessa followed suit.

“We should probably be getting back. Inuyasha is a little touchy about me going home. Don't want a cranky hanyou on our hands!” Vanessa shouldered the bag and, grinning, followed Kagome back through the trees and down the path to the village, never noticing her silver-haired shadow.

 

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Sesshoumaru watched as Kagome and Vanessa left the hut and made their way down the path through the woods. Now where are they going? No one else came out of the hut and so, partly out of curiosity and partly to be sure Vanessa was not put in danger, he followed. He recognized the path. The bone eater's well? Hadn't they already tried sending Vanessa through the well? And hadn't she gotten herself injured in the process? Questioning the logic capacities of humans, Sesshoumaru continued after the pair until they stopped at the well. He waited, concealed by the thick foliage, watching to find out why on earth they came to the well again when Vanessa should have been preparing to leave. The women spoke, though Sesshoumaru only understood Vanessa's words because of the band - she had no more idea why they were there than he did, and then Kagome leapt over the side and into the well.

 

The well flashed blue-violet soon after the miko entered. Sesshoumaru had witnessed the event twice now, but still found it difficult to believe that she landed 500 years in the future. He also found it difficult to believe that she left Vanessa defenseless in the middle of a forest. True, Sesshoumaru was near and would not let harm come to his charge, but the miko did not know that. The taiyoukai continued to watch as Vanessa glanced about almost nervously, and when her eyes slid toward his hiding place he backed deeper into the shadows, freezing when her eyes lingered for a moment before turning back to the well.

 

Only a few minutes passed before the well flashed again and the miko climbed out; she had with her a pack that she didn't have before she left. Sesshoumaru heard Vanessa thank Kagome as they sat on the ground together. Her expression of shock and confusion and even a small amount of embarrassment intrigued him. A gift? What might she need that this Sesshoumaru cannot provide. The bag seemed fairly full and Sesshoumaru could not imagine what it might contain. Vanessa opened the flap and laughed. Sesshoumaru waiting for some sort of clue but narrowed his eyes slightly when her comment reached his ears. There is nothing wrong with my hygiene. Though it was true that most humans he encountered seemed to be particularly averse to bathing. She pulled a few bottles out - presumably soaps of some sort, and proceeded to dig further. The next items were clothing - not the obscenely minimal clothing that the miko wore, but pants and a shirt. Acceptable, but a kimono would be much more suitable. He would have to be sure to have some made for her when they reached his palace.

 

Whatever else was in the bag, Vanessa did not pulled it out, though she did blush a bright shade of pink and Sesshoumaru could smell her embarrassment. She laughed again though, and thanked the miko, or rather, the miko's mother. Slightly perplexed, Sesshoumaru decided that no matter the species, males simply were not destined to understand females - especially when said males were listening in on conversations that perhaps they shouldn't be. The pair talked for a few more minutes then rose to return to the village. Finally. He let them pass, only about thirty paces from where he leaned casually against a tree. Sesshoumaru knew that if they were really looking, they would see him, but Vanessa was concentrating on not stumbling on the meager trail and the miko was looking straight ahead - until she stiffened almost unnoticeably, sensing him, and slid her eyes in his direction. Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow and Kagome gave no other indication that she knew he was there, but he thought he saw a smile playing at the corner of the miko's mouth. Hn. I will be glad to be away from all of these humans. Never mind that his only two traveling companions would, in fact, be human. Sesshoumaru followed again at a distance until they reached the village again. This time he took a seat at the edge of the forest to wait for Vanessa to say her goodbyes. He wondered why he was waiting at all. Normally, he wouldn't have hesitated to order their departure right away; he was a demon lord after all, but he didn't want to upset the woman.

Sesshoumaru thought it strange that he would be considering the feelings of another. It hadn't stopped him before, but he also knew that an unhappy female - of any species - made for miserable company, and he had offered for her to accompany him of his own free will. Why, I shall never know. Sounds from within told Sesshoumaru that the others were having breakfast, and he hoped that Vanessa would be ready to leave soon after they were finished. He tired of the presence of so many humans, but mostly he tired of the scent of his hanyou brother. The first day it had been an internal struggle not to wipe his presence from the earth. It would have been so easy, but he had made a promise - if only to himself - to protect Vanessa while she was under his care. Surely slaughtering one whom she had begun to think of as a comrade would violate some level of the rules of “protection.” No matter. The hanyou's time would come. Sesshoumaru was stirred out of his thoughts by movement near the hut. Vanessa was talking to Kagome while Rin peeked from behind her legs, looking up at the conversing adults. Golden eyes softened at the sight of the little girl. Rin truly has taken to the woman. The journey home may yet prove interesting.

 

Finally, Vanessa and Kagome embraced and Vanessa took Rin's hand before turning toward Sesshoumaru. Rin was positively beaming up at her - until she saw her Sesshoumaru-sama and broke away to run up to him, stopping just short of leaping into his lap. Sesshoumaru turned his gaze on the girl when she approached. “Sesshoumaru-sama! Kagome-sama said that Vanessa-sama is coming with us! Is it true?” The girl was almost pleading that he say yes.

“Yes, Rin,” he rose smoothly to his feet, “Vanessa will be returning to stay with us for a time.” Turning to Vanessa, he asked, “Are you ready?”

She smiled brightly, “Yep, all ready! Let's go.”

 

As the three approached, Ah-Un raised his heads and rumbled a greeting. Sesshoumaru set about checking the straps on the dragon's saddle and his hand brushed the paper package containing Vanessa's kimono. He stared at it. It wasn't a gift really… After all, the woman needed proper clothing. Yet… why did he hesitate?

“Sesshoumaru?” He retracted his hand and turned slowly toward Vanessa. “Is everything okay?” Making up his mind, Sesshoumaru turned back to Ah-Un and unfastened the package and offered it to her.

“You require clothing appropriate to this time, wear this for now.”

Vanessa just stared for a moment then shook herself, blushing. Gently, she took the package from Sesshoumaru's hand and clutched it to her chest. “Thank you.” Then she grinned at him and sat down, asking, “Can I open it now?” She is acting as though I just gave her a festival gift. Are all humans this easy to please? His thoughts turned to Rin; he merely had to speak to her and she was thrilled. Maybe just the females?

“That is why I have given it to you.”

Vanessa untied the string and pulled away the paper, gasping when she caught sight of the silk. “Oh, it's beautiful!” She ran her fingers over the fabric and traced one of the flowers. Beautiful? Mediocre quality at best. Even to Sesshoumaru, the kimono paled in comparison to the quality of the dress that Vanessa had arrived in, so he was a little surprised at her reaction.

“Change and we shall be on our way.” Vanessa stood, the pile of clothes in her hands, and glanced about for a relatively secluded space in which to change while Sesshoumaru turned his back on her modesty. After a moment he heard the rustle of fabric and then a few minutes later, a tentative, “Sesshoumaru?” He glanced over his shoulder.

“Yes?”

“What do you think?” Vanessa spun around once, letting her long, wide sleeves flutter around her. What do I think? She smiled happily at him, exuding cheer and innocence. I think… He thought she looked lovely. He thought her pale hair contrasted beautifully with the dark fabric. He thought the deep violet of her kimono made her lighter violet eyes sparkle. He thought she made the simple kimono shine like something twice its worth. But Sesshoumaru could never say as much so he simply nodded.

“It is acceptable.” As the words left his lips, he thought he saw her smile falter just a fraction and there was a flicker of something - disappointment? - from her, but it was gone in a flash and she smiled brightly again.

“Thank you. I really like the color. When did you get it?” she asked, fingering the wide silk sleeve.

“Yesterday. While you slept.”

“Hmm. I guess that's when Kagome went to talk to her mother too. Oh! I almost forgot. Kagome was brought me a backpack with some supplies from our time that might be useful. She gave it to me this morning.”

“That was kind of her. Come. We have lingered too long already.”

 

Vanessa tied her new backpack and her dress behind the saddle and climbed onto Ah-Un's back after a quick scratch under each chin, while Rin scrambled to a seat in front of her. Jerkily, the dragon rose to his feet and followed after Sesshoumaru. He was in no real hurry to return to his palace; he was, after all, on a vacation of sorts, and he intended to enjoy what time remained. So they walked.

 

An hour or more passed when Sesshoumaru began to feel Vanessa's curiosity. He ignored her and walked beside Ah-Un's right head. She was probably wondering about where they were going or what they would do when they got there. So Sesshoumaru continued scanning the surrounding forest for danger. When her curiosity turned to amusement, he grew curious himself and slid his eyes to give her a sidelong glance. Golden eyes widened minutely in surprise to find that he was the object of her focus. She stared at him, watching with a strange smile. Sesshoumaru turned his eyes back to the front and spoke, low and even, “Do you find this Sesshoumaru so amusing?”

“What? No! I mean, I was just thinking…” she trailed off, “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stare. It's just…”

 

Sesshoumaru dropped back so that he was even with Vanessa. “Go on.” She turned away, blushing in embarrassment and began to idly play with Rin's hair. Curious. She was only watching, yet seems particularly embarrassed. Normally he wouldn't care, but for some reason, this woman piqued his curiosity. I probably do not want to know… “Speak your mind.” Vanessa looked over at Sesshoumaru and smiled almost sheepishly.

“I was just thinking about how you reminded me of someone back home just now.” He regarded her with a raised eyebrow.

“Indeed.” Then she grinned.

“Forget I said anything.” Now Sesshoumaru's curiosity threatened to get the better of him. They continued in silence for a time until his curiosity finally won out.

“Who?”

“Hm?” Vanessa turned and Sesshoumaru caught her eye and held her gaze. Why am I bothering with this human?

“Of whom are you reminded by this Sesshoumaru?” Vanessa laughed nervously.

“You're going to make me tell you, aren't you?”

“Perhaps.”

“Ok, well…” she hesitated, “It's not so much you as it is your actions.”

“Actions.”

“Yes. I was watching you, as you… ah… found out and I began to notice little things.”

“Continue.” Sesshoumaru continued to hold her under his gaze, amused by her nervousness, though he didn't show it. Vanessa took a few breaths before beginning again.

“You're not that easy to talk to, you know that?” He very nearly smirked at that.

“Indeed.”

“Fine. While I was watching you I noticed you sniffing the air - nothing more than a flare of your nostrils, really. And every now and then when something out there,” she made a vague gesture with her hand, “made a noise, your ears twitched a little.”

“And?”

“And… Ok, please don't take this the wrong way, but… it made me think of the puppy I bought a few years ago, Max.” Sesshoumaru stared at her, aware of, but ignoring, the sadness that filtered through their connection when she mentioned the animal. She dared… And yet, in a way she was right. He almost laughed. Humor danced in his eyes for an instant before he responded, cool and calm as ever.

“Do you know what I am?” Vanessa seemed surprised by the question.

“Sort of. I mean, Kagome told me that you are a youkai and not human, and that you rule the western lands. Beyond that though, I guess not.”

 

Sesshoumaru turned his attention back to the path before him, letting silence reign over them. What does she need to know? He had never encountered anyone who knew nothing of youkai and didn't know how she would react. She must know what to expect when we reach the palace. Rin grew up knowing of youkai… Vanessa is different… “What do you know of youkai?” he asked, breaking the silence.

“Honestly? Nothing. I guess you could say that you are the stuff of legends in my time.” Sesshoumaru was silent for another long moment before beginning again.

“Youkai vary in type. Many hanyous and youkai have a human-like form such as I do, though full youkai have key differences such as markings or pointed ears.” Sesshoumaru paused, uncomfortable playing the roll of teacher, and glanced over at Vanessa, but she seemed to be listening with rapt attention so he continued, “Others have animal-like forms such as the bull that you encountered before our first meeting.” Vanessa shuddered and nodded for him to continue. “Only strong and pure bloodlines can take both forms.”

“I see,” she thought for a moment, “So, if you don't mind my asking, what is your other form?” He raised an eyebrow at her. Empty flattery? Or is she more perceptive than other humans? She seemed genuine, so he asked, “What makes you think that this Sesshoumaru can take another form?” She smiled.

“Your presence alone exudes strength in a way that suggests that you were born into it. Also, I would assume that you are very powerful if you can take time off like this and still be secure in your rule. And Kagome said that you see Inuyasha as a taint on your bloodline. Why think that unless your line was pure before he was born?” Sesshoumaru bristled at the mention of his half-brother's name, but held his composure.

“Very astute of you. In answer to your question, my true form is that of a great white dog.” He turned to gauge her reaction, but she only looked thoughtful.

“That would explain it then.” In response to his questioning look, she continued, “I take it that you can use your dog senses even in your current form?” He nodded. “That would also explain why you didn't seem overly offended when I likened you to a dog.” Vanessa was quiet for a moment and Sesshoumaru could smell the salty tang of her unshed tears. “My Max is a fluffy white dog,” she said softly. He couldn't explain why, but he didn't want her to be sad. It was strange how she affected him, made him feel protective - even more so than Rin.

“Why are you saddened to speak of him?”

“What?” Vanessa looked up, distracted from thoughts of her dog. “Oh, I guess I don't know when I'll see him again. I haven't left him alone for more than a week since I got him, and I don't think I'll be getting home any time soon. He won't know where I've gone. He'll think I've abandoned him.” She gasped. “I hope they don't give him to a shelter when I don't come home for a while!” A `shelter'? It doesn't sound like a terrible place. What could have her so upset?

“A shelter?”

“It's a place that takes unwanted animals and if they haven't found new homes after a certain amount of time, they… they're destroyed,” she finished softly, a tear making its way down her cheek.

 

At this point, Rin, who had been unusually quiet throughout the morning, spoke up, “Sesshoumaru-sama? Why is Vanessa-sama crying?” Sesshoumaru's gaze shifted to the child.

“She misses a friend.” Sentimental human. He did find it strange though, that she left one white dog behind and found another in this time. While his thoughts wandered, Rin twisted around and stood, easily balancing on Ah-Un's swaying back, to wrap her tiny arms around Vanessa's neck.

“Nessa-neesan, don't cry. You'll see your friends again. Until then you have Rin and Sesshoumaru-sama.” Sesshoumaru knew that Vanessa could not understand her words, but his heart warmed a fraction as he watched Rin giving her the comfort that he could not. He was glad to see her give a genuine smile and hug the girl tight, making the child giggle. Turning his eyes away from the pair of females, he noticed that the sun was already high above them, and he knew from experience with Rin that humans generally chose this time of day for a meal.

“Humans require food more often than youkai. We will stop for a short while and you and Rin may have something to eat.”

“That would be great! Thank you. And… I'm sorry for losing it just now. I don't know what came over me.”

“You have had a trying few days. It is natural for a human to miss a friend.”

“I suppose so. Do you ever miss your friends when you're away like this?”

“This Sesshoumaru has no friends to miss.”
“No friends?!”

“You are surprised.”

“Of course I am! You have no one to talk to? No one to care what happens to you?”

“This Sesshoumaru needs nothing of the sort.” Vanessa still looked at him incredulously, so he amended, “In a position such as I hold, it is… difficult and often unwise to keep friends.” Then she looked at him in that peculiar way of hers. It really was rather unsettling, as though she were searching for something deep within his core.

“Can we be friends?” she asked suddenly. Sesshoumaru was taken aback.

“Why?”

“Why not?”

“You would be in constant danger. Others would seek to use you against this Sesshoumaru. It is inadvisable.” You are human, you don't even belong in this time, what more reason is there?

“But you would protect me, wouldn't you? If we were friends?” He stared at her. Have you someone to protect? He could hear his father's words as clearly as the day they were spoken.

“If we were friends, yes.”

“I see. You don't trust easily, do you?”

“I do not.”

“Do you think you'll come trust me enough to call me friend?”

“We shall see.” Yes. I do not know why, but yes. “We will stop here. Rin will show you what you can eat.” Vanessa said nothing more on the matter and Sesshoumaru was glad that the woman knew when to let a subject drop. He led them to a small stream and knew there would be fish in the clear water and other vegetation that Rin liked that grew nearby so he settled himself beside Ah-Un and waited.

 

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Vanessa followed Rin to the stream to set up a few lines to catch fish and then to some bushes that held some tasty-looking fruit. She was intrigued by how the small girl knew so well how to care for herself in the wild. Even when Vanessa went on camping trips, they had always brought along their own food and supplies. She had never been truly “roughing it.” While she gathered the fruits that Rin showed her, Vanessa thought back to her previous conversation with Sesshoumaru. He had talked far more than she thought he would. That will probably change once we get to the palace… He'll be so busy. Well. I'll just have to get as much out of him now as I can. Once she had a sizeable pile of fruit, Vanessa made her way back to Rin and Sesshoumaru. Already there were a few fish, cleaned and run through with sticks to roast over a small fire. She was impressed with the efficiency of the girl, but suspected that his waiting for her that morning was a fluke of sorts. If she had been walking rather than riding Ah-Un, she would have also noticed the fast pace he set through the woods.

 

The humans ate their meal quickly while Sesshoumaru kept watch, and Ah-Un took the opportunity to graze a bit himself. Vanessa watched the dragon eat, curious that he was a grazer and not a carnivore. Must be convenient having two heads to fill one stomach. Once everyone who wanted or needed to had eaten, Rin and Vanessa scrambled onto Ah-Un's back and set off once again to the west.

 

Rin had gathered an armload of flowers and was happily weaving them into chains and crowns. That left Vanessa to fill the silence… or at least try to. She wondered if the taiyoukai would be as forthcoming as he had been before lunch. Worth a shot… “Sesshoumaru?”

“Hn,” came his noncommittal response. Though he remained facing forward, she knew he was listening.

“Will you tell me more?”

“What do you wish to hear?” Alright, start slow and see how far he'll go.

“I'd like to know more about how youkai are different from humans.” This time he turned to her and gave her a penetrating stare, before turning back to the front. She didn't think he was going to answer, but finally his smooth baritone reached her.

“Similarities end with the few physical features that might be shared by both. Senses are keener in youkai, some even more so depending on the animal characteristics in the blood.”

“Really?” It was fascinating how similar he looked to a human but was really so different.

“For example, inuyoukai such as this Sesshoumaru and, to a lesser extent, Inuyasha have exceptional hearing and sense of smell. Others, such as eagles…” He grew quiet for a moment, lost in thought then straightened and continued as though he hadn't paused, “Eagles have exceptional eyesight.” What was that about? … Now is probably not the best time though. Alright… subject change.

“What else besides senses?” She could see his shoulders relax just a bit. He thought I was going to ask about that… Did I just score a few points?

“Youkai are almost always physically stronger than humans. We can run faster, leap higher, and carry more weight than humans.”

“Wow, how much?”

 

Vanessa blinked and the next thing she knew Sesshoumaru was gone, but before she could even look for him she heard his voice again from her other side, causing her to jump. “Humans, compared to youkai, are weaker than an infant compared to an adult.”

“H-how did you…” she stuttered, then grinned, “You were showing off!” Sesshoumaru regarded her with a raised eyebrow before attempting to defend himself.

“This Sesshoumaru was merely demonstrating the superior speed of a youkai.” Vanessa just shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips.

“Right. So, what else?”
“Most have the ability to heal themselves. An injury that would take a human weeks from which to recover could be healed in a matter of days.”

“I hope I don't have to witness that particular trait.”
“Indeed.”

“Anything else?”

“A youkai, even a hanyou like my half-brother, will live much longer than a human.”

“How much longer?” Vanessa expected him to say something like twice as long or some such number. She was completely surprised by his answer.

“Indefinitely.”

“What?”

“If a youkai remains healthy and does not die in battle, it may live to be thousands of years old.”

“Wow…” What else could she say to that?

“Inuyasha is more than two hundred years old.” Two hundred? He doesn't look more than seventeen.

“And how… how old are you?” she asked, then hastily added, “If you don't mind my asking.” Would he be offended by her asking his age?

“Probably more than five hundred years,” he replied casually, “Birthdays mean little when one's life is so long.”

“Five hundred years…” Vanessa could only stare in awe at the man beside her. “You don't look a day over twenty-five.”

“Our aging process slows. It will take many centuries before this Sesshoumaru appears as a middle-aged human would.”

“That was really interesting. Thank you for telling me, Sesshoumaru.”

“As you will be surrounded by youkai when we reach my home, it is important that you understand that they are not like humans. Some may not hesitate to threaten you because you are human.” Vanessa paled and stared back at Sesshoumaru. Exactly what have I gotten myself into? Sesshoumaru, however, seemed to sense her anxiety and turned. “You need not fear. It will be made clear that you are under my protection for the duration of your stay.” Vanessa shook herself, taking in what he had just said and turned a sly smile on him.

“So, you are going to protect me.” Sesshoumaru seemed to decide that her statement was not worthy of a verbal response and merely raised an elegantly arched eyebrow before turning back to the path before them. He either did not notice, or was ignoring the broad grin gracing Vanessa's features. Ah-ha! He is capable of a semblance of friendship… or at least a duty to protect those weaker than him. …We'll call it friendship.

 

The next few hours passed in relative silence - the occasional interruption from Rin asking Sesshoumaru a question or singing a song - and before long, the afternoon turned to evening and Sesshoumaru announced that they would be making camp in a nearby clearing. He left them momentarily and returned with a small deer, which he cleaned himself and prepared for roasting over a fire that Rin built. Vanessa assumed by the amount of meat the kill would supply that Sesshoumaru might actually be joining them in the meal. Sure enough, while the meat was still rather more rare than Vanessa preferred, Sesshoumaru neatly sliced off a portion of the haunch for himself. He set it away from the flames to wait for Rin and Vanessa's meal to finish. Vanessa watched in amusement until she couldn't contain herself any longer. “So you do eat,” she stated, trying to sound casual.

“Of course. This Sesshoumaru prefers meat to be rather… fresher than appeals to human taste.”

“I see. Well, I'm glad you're sharing a meal with us anyway. It's more companionable this way.”

 

When the meat was finished to the taste of the humans, Sesshoumaru sliced a portion each for Rin and Vanessa with his claws. Without the use of proper utensils, the three munched on their meals held in their hands. Afterward, they cleaned up in a stream and pulled out the blankets for Rin and Vanessa's beds. Sesshoumaru took a seat on the forest floor and leaned back against a rock while Vanessa untied her backpack from Ah-Un. The taiyoukai raised an eyebrow in question and Vanessa explained that she wanted to change into more comfortable clothing for bed. She ducked behind some bushes and untied her kimono, folding it neatly in preparation for tomorrow's use, before donning the new sweats and t-shirt that Kagome had given her that morning. Just as she predicted, they fit perfectly and were very comfortable. She stepped back into the clearing carrying her discarded clothing and saw Rin curled up beside her Sesshoumaru-sama. Vanessa couldn't help but to smile. Sesshoumaru turned his gaze on her as she approached and regarded her new clothing with something akin to curiosity in his eyes, but said nothing. I suppose he hasn't seen clothes like this before. It seems that Kagome almost always wears her school uniform… Does he think everyone in my time dresses like that??

 

Vanessa sat opposite Sesshoumaru, her back to the fire. She wasn't quite sleepy yet and thought she might coax some more conversation out of the demon lord before she succumbed to slumber. But where to start? He had been kind enough to answer her questions about youkai. Maybe he has questions of his own? “Sesshoumaru?” she asked, careful not to speak so loud as to wake Rin. He turned his golden gaze on her and raised an eyebrow in response. “I was just thinking. You told me a lot about yourself today, well, your kind anyway. Is there anything you want to know about me? Or my time maybe?” She could almost feel his curiosity, but his face remained impassive. While waiting for his response, Vanessa began to idly spin her engagement ring around her finger and saw Sesshoumaru's eyes flick down to it briefly. She was about to move over to her bedroll when he spoke.

“Perhaps tomorrow I will ask my questions. You should get some rest. We leave at dawn.” Did he like our conversations earlier? I guess I can wait. Vanessa nodded and crawled to the blankets spread out beside Rin. She was about to remove her ribbon bracelet when Sesshoumaru spoke again, surprising her. “Don't.”

“What?”

“The wilderness is more dangerous than the miko's village. Should I need to wake you, it would be best if you did not awaken confused. Keep the band on from now on while we journey.”

“Are you sure?” He nodded. “Alright then. Good night.” Vanessa said, smiling softly as she laid her head down, using her arm as a pillow. This is so much different than that first night. I feel safe and comfortable with him watching over me. My guardian angel… The small smile stayed on Vanessa's lips as she drifted off to sleep.

 

Violet eyes snapped open as Vanessa woke with a start, momentarily disoriented. What was that? Slowly the fog cleared from her mind and she took in her surroundings. It was still dark without even the barest hint of twilight. She must have only been asleep for a few hours. Something woke her, but what? She sat up and glanced around, her eyes finding and staying on Sesshoumaru's pale form. He was gazing off into the distance with an expression as close to anger as she had yet seen on his face. He must have heard it too, but what - Then she heard it. A wolf's howl. Why would he be so angered by a wolf? It didn't sound very close, but Vanessa wasn't a very good judge of such things. Soon, another answered it, but that one seemed even farther than the first. At the second - no, third - howl, Vanessa heard a soft whimpering beside her and watched as Sesshoumaru instinctively placed a protecting hand on Rin's shoulder. He never took his gaze from the direction of the wolves. However, even under Sesshoumaru's protective hand, Rin did not quiet. Whatever plagued her sleep seemed to grow worse. Sesshoumaru finally looked down at the girl, seemingly unsure of what to do. He seems so… helpless. The word definitely did not fit Sesshoumaru, but did seem to fit how he felt toward the crying girl under his hand. Vanessa's barely awakened maternal instincts kicked in and she knew that she had to step in to comfort the child.

 

Vanessa moved slowly to sit behind the curled up form of the girl. She didn't want to seem in any way threatening to the girl when it seemed that Sesshoumaru was already on high alert. When she took his big hand in both of her own, he turned his narrowed eyes on her, barely suppressing a growl. But Vanessa did not allow herself to be frightened and said gently, “Let me try.” Rin began muttering in her sleep, her tears coming faster, and Sesshoumaru nodded, pulling his hand away from hers. Vanessa pulled Rin into her lap and wrapped her arms about her, holding the child's head against her chest as she gently rocked, hushing and speaking comforting nonsense. Soon she found herself humming a song from her childhood. Well, why not? What could it hurt? Normally she didn't like to sing in front of others, but she had the feeling that Rin needed a comforting voice to help quell her fears. She started to sing, shaky at first, but then she shut everything out of her focus except the frightened child in her arms - even the presence of the taiyoukai beside her.

 

“A gentle breeze from Hushabye Mountain

Softly blows o'er lullaby bay.

It fills the sails of boats that are waiting--

Waiting to sail your worries away.

It isn't far to Hushabye Mountain

And your boat waits down by the key.

The winds of night so softly are sighing--

Soon they will fly your troubles to sea.

So close your eyes on Hushabye Mountain.

Wave good-bye to cares of the day.

And watch your boat from Hushabye Mountain

Sail far away from lullaby bay.”

 

She opened her eyes and found that Rin had quieted and was now sleeping peacefully in her lap, tiny arms snaking around her waist. When she looked up, Vanessa was surprised to find Sesshoumaru staring at her, a strange softness in his eyes. He just gazed at her for a long while before speaking softly; she almost didn't hear him. “Where did you learn to do that?” Vanessa looked down at the sleeping girl, brushing a few stray hairs away from her face.

“I didn't really learn anything. It was just instinct I guess. That song was in a movie that was my favorite when I was little. I guess it always stuck with me.” Sesshoumaru looked at her, puzzlement plain on his face and Vanessa almost laughed. “I'm sorry, I forgot you don't know what a movie is. It's…” How do I explain this when he doesn't even know what electricity is? “It's sort of a way of telling stories. I'm not sure how else to explain it right now without getting too complicated.” She looked down on the sleeping girl clinging to her again and chuckled softly. “I don't think I'm going to be able lay down any time soon. Mind if I share that rock with you?” He nodded and moved away slightly, while Vanessa set about scooting close enough to prop herself up without jostling Rin too much.

 

It wasn't the most comfortable of sleeping positions, but Vanessa didn't mind. She could deal with a little stiffness for one day if she could ease Rin's fears. Sleep didn't come quickly, though. The question kept gnawing at the corners of her mind, finally she couldn't take it anymore. “Sesshoumaru?” she probed softly.

“Hm?” He almost sounded sleepy and Vanessa would have giggled if she didn't want him to answer her question.

“May I ask what happened?”

“What do you mean?”

“About the wolves… I'm guessing that was what caused Rin's nightmare and you actually looked angry. From what I gather, that doesn't happen very often.” He glanced at her and looked away, back in the direction they had last heard the now-silent wolves. He was quiet for so long that Vanessa thought he might not answer. She wouldn't push. But then he spoke.

“Before Rin came to travel with this Sesshoumaru, she was attacked by a pack of wolves. I… saved her and she has followed ever since.” Vanessa could tell that he wasn't telling her everything, but it was enough. The attack would explain the nightmare, and she unconsciously pulled Rin closer to her. Sesshoumaru noticed and commented, “You are good with children.” A compliment? His next question, however, almost made her laugh. “Do you have a family of your own where you are from?” She actually snorted trying to contain her laugh.

“Oh no. Not yet. I'm not even… married.” She glanced briefly down at the ring on her finger.

“Why? You are of marriageable age, are you not?” Vanessa stared at the taiyoukai for a moment, her jaw slack, before snapping back to reality.

“Well… I guess you could say that things have changed over the past five hundred - or… will change in the next five hundred years… whatever. The point is, generally people wait longer before getting married and starting families. Most wait until after college.”

“College?”

“Right, college is a place where men and women learn special skills so that they can get a good job and earn a decent living. Not everyone goes to college, but those who do are usually too busy with their studies to even think about starting a family. Some fields of study take longer than others too. Some graduate and are ready to get a job by the time they are twenty while others aren't finished until several years later. I trained to be a doctor, so I had four years of pre-med then another four years of med school. Actually I was going to start my fourth year of medical school in the fall.” Sesshoumaru stared at her, his confusion evident in his eyes.

“I will admit that I did not understand half of what you said.” This time Vanessa did laugh softly and leaned over to whisper conspiratorially.

“That's alright, I won't tell. Just think of it as a lot of studying to become a healer.”

“I see.” The pair fell into a companionable silence and Vanessa felt her eyelids begin to droop as sleep overtook her once again.

 

Vanessa was startled into wakefulness, though she refused to open her eyes. Something was tickling her nose. What the…? She scrunched up her nose, trying to persuade the offensive tickler to move on, but to no avail. If her arms weren't still full of Rin, she would have swatted it away. Instead, she tried blowing. That didn't work either. Then her “pillow” shifted. That got her attention. Uh-oh… Vanessa snapped her eyes open and pushed away nearly tumbling poor Rin from her lap. “I'm sorry! I didn't mean to -” She stopped when she saw a hint of amusement in Sesshoumaru's eyes, then discovered just what had been tickling her nose. It was none other than the furry pelt that he wore. His voice was cool and calm, belying the amusement still dancing in his eyes.

“You seem to have made a habit of falling asleep on my person.” Vanessa blushed in embarrassment. He was pretty comfortable… No! Bad. Um…

“Really, I didn't mean to, I -”

“You may be forgiven,” he said, raising an eyebrow at her, “so long as you did not drool.”

“I don't think I did… Hey!” Was he teasing her? She supposed he sort of had the right, seeing as she did use him as a pillow… Well, who would have thought the great Lord Sesshoumaru had a sense of humor? Vanessa shook her head and went to find some wood to rebuild the fire. Afterward she would grab her new toiletries and take a cold bath in the stream. Well… It's better than nothing.

 

 

 

 

A/N: And so ends another chapter of Into the East. What do you think?

 

The song Vanessa sang is “Hushabye Mountain” from the movie “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and was written by the Sherman Brothers. I only wish I could be so poetic. It's a really pretty song; I'll probably sing it to my kids if and when I ever have any. Anyway.

 

Ok, it's been a while since my last post and I hope I've included everyone since then who were kind enough to write a review of my chapters so far.

 

golden_kitsune: When I started that last chapter, I don't think I planned on it being as long as it was. It was supposed to be a sort of flashback while Sesshoumaru deals with feeling again sort of thin. Anyway, Vanessa just didn't fit in very well and I couldn't just throw her in randomly. I think that will be the last one that focuses exclusively on one or the other… unless they get separated for some extended period of time. So, if you like Vanessa, fear not! She's not going anywhere

 

Sess's girl: I'm glad you like it. Sesshoumaru has been one of my favorite characters pretty much since I first saw him in the anime. I hope to keep this story going for a while, so please keep reading!

 

nessie-poo: lol. If I knew it would make my readers (^_^ I have readers!) so happy, I would put all of their names in my stories… sadly, I don't have that many characters and, well… it would be a little weird. I hope I do your name justice Strange world Has your friend read my little story?