InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Into the East ❯ Departure ( Chapter 21 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

A/N: (16/2/07) I'm going to be revamping the story so far. I'll still be working on the next chapter so don't worry. But if it takes a while, this is why.

A/N: It's been a while… Just over 2 months if my sources are correct… So… Please forgive me?

Into the East

Chapter twenty-one: Departure

Posted: 1 February 2007

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

Everything else © me

Vanessa was no sooner out the door and on her way to a late-night rendezvous with the bath, than she heard a familiar voice in her head.

“Nessa-chan? I thought you left for good!”

Her bath could wait a few more minutes so she turned and eagerly walked out into the garden to meet her winged friend. She hadn't thought she would ever see Shizu again. The horse pranced excitedly and butted Vanessa's shoulder with her nose as she stepped into the trees.

“I'm only back for a short while,” she said, a touch regretfully. “Sesshoumaru-sama is taking me home, but I don't know when we'll leave.”

“So you did find a way then?” Shizu's wings drooped sadly. “I thought you might have come back to stay with us.”

“I think I have found a way, but I won't know until I get there.”

“Where are you going?”

“We're going to try to go back to my continent and find the place where the gateway stands in my time.”

Shizu's big blue eye widened in surprise, “Really?”

“Yeah, we'll have to cross the mainland to the west and then sail across the ocean, so I really hope this works, or Sesshoumaru-sama is going to take me all that way for nothing.”

“He's really going with you? All that way?” Her eyes were bright with amusement.

“Yes… He seemed set on going, so there really wasn't anything I could do to stop him. It's not that I'm ungrateful,” Vanessa said, leaning against a tree. “It's just that he's got so much to do here, and after everything that's happened, can he really afford to take the time to bring me home?”

“Sesshoumaru-sama makes his own decisions.”

“Everyone keeps saying that, but it doesn't make me feel any better.”

“We just have to accept his decisions, good or bad, and trust that he knows what he's doing.” The silence hung over them for a moment. “Well, I am keeping you from your bath. Come see me again before you leave?”

Shizu spoke in such a way that Vanessa could practically see the wheels turning in her head, but to what end, she had no idea.

“You can count on it. Good night, Shizu.”

The bath felt wonderful and soothed her muscles, taut from a harrowing ride on Ah-Un. She hoped she never had to ride that fast for that long again. When she finally returned to her room, she peeked into Sesshoumaru's quarters, but he was nowhere to be found. He would probably be in meetings from now until they left, whenever that would be.

Feeling suddenly lonely, Vanessa returned to her own empty apartment. It seemed strange not to have Rin there. Rin… She would never see her again. The thought made her quietly enter the girl's room. Sesshoumaru did say that he would be sending Ah-Un back with her belongings, so it wouldn't hurt if she took it upon herself to pack them up, would it?

Rin didn't have much, some clothes, a few dolls, all of the finest quality of course. One couldn't expect anything less from a guardian like Sesshoumaru, but he didn't spoil her. Vanessa found a bag in the wardrobe and filled it nearly full to bursting with everything she thought Rin might want or need: clothes, dolls, fresh writing supplies, and an extra blanket.

She wished that she had something of her own that she could give her, but she didn't, unless… Vanessa went into her own room again and dug through her pack. It didn't take long to find what she was looking for: a pink kimono with dark red and silver vines embroidered on the sleeves, collar and bottom hem. The obi was silver and the under kimono the same dark red as the embroidered vines. It was one of Rin's favorites.

It would be several years before she could wear it, but Vanessa thought she might love to have it. Tomorrow she would find out the best way to store it and leave it for Rin in her room. But for now, exhaustion had finally caught up with her so she retired to her bed.

VvVvVvVvV

“So, you're really going to do this?”

Sesshoumaru shot Saburo a glare for the umpteenth time since he had gotten home that night. Was it really so unbelievable that he should want to protect someone he had taken into his care? So she was human… He realized that mere months ago, he would have scoffed at the very idea of traveling with a human halfway across the world, but this human was different. She was… special.

“Yes, I intend to see her safely as far as I can take her.”

Saburo pushed himself off of the edge of Sesshoumaru's desk and busied himself with an inspection of a painted scroll hanging on the wall. The taiyoukai imagined he was trying to hide that same knowing look that Kagome had so often sent his way. Whatever they were implying, whatever they thought they knew, well… they were just wrong, plain and simple. He was merely fulfilling a duty he had appointed himself. Nothing more.

“As usual, you will act in my stead. Treat these lands as your own until I return. I have sent messengers to the other Great Lords telling them that you have my confidence. I do not foresee any major trouble with them. They might seek to test you and your hold on my land, but they have also seen you in battle and in my seat before. Do what you must to maintain my territory.”

“It will be as though you never left, my lord.”

“Hn.” He would be making a long journey, and it would be wise to plan for any possible outcome. He told Saburo as much.

“If I should not return -”

“My lord, no! You will return. I can't imagine otherwise.”

“If I should not return,” Sesshoumaru repeated, “I name you regent over these lands. If my half-brother ever claims what is his birthright in the event of my death, guide him.”

Of course, Sesshoumaru had never told Inuyasha that he stood to inherit the Western Territory. That would have meant publicly accepting him for what he was: his brother. Let Myouga deal with that if the need ever arose. Until then, he would appoint someone he knew to be capable. Until he produced an heir, it was all he could do.

“My lord, please. Do not speak of such things. You will return whole and healthy as the day you leave.”

“Just see that it is done.” Saburo's interruptions were not simply sycophantic drivel. Unbelievable as it might be, Saburo was honestly that confident in his lord's abilities.

“How long will you be away?”

“I am not certain… Perhaps a few months, maybe a year… Surely no more than a year.” How could he know? Vanessa said that there were flying machines in her time that could travel the same distance in a day, but the speeds that they must travel were simply unimaginable. Sesshoumaru knew that he could move faster than the average eye could follow if the need arose, but to maintain that sort of speed for any length of time… He would burn himself out.

“I will take care of everything,” Saburo assured him. “And… Rin will not be returning until you do?”

“She will stay with the miko of the village in Inuyasha's Forest.” Sesshoumaru frowned for a moment. Rin would be alone in a human village. Inuyasha's presence would be unreliable at best with his preoccupation with that jewel. “I would ask that you watch over that village. Rin is fond of Rai-san. Perhaps she wouldn't mind paying her a visit from time to time?”

“Of course. We will see that nothing happens to her.”

“Ah-Un and Jaken will be staying there as well,” he added off-handedly.

His stomach twisted oddly each time he thought of Rin living without his personal protection. She had never been away from him for so long since he took her in, and Saburo's assurances did little to dispel his concern.

She would be fine. She had to be.

Sesshoumaru cleared his throat.

“Have you given thought to how you will travel?” Saburo asked, changing the subject.

“There is much yet to plan. Vanessa says that where we are going, there is little of magical origin, and what is there is hunted or persecuted. However we get there, once we are closer to the more populated areas, we will have to find horses or walk.”

“This land sounds so strange.”

Sesshoumaru nodded. It sounded very strange. “It is late,” he said and rose from his seat. “Return to your mate, and I will send for you tomorrow and we will speak more of preparations for my absence.”

“Hai, Sesshoumaru-sama.”

Saburo followed him out and then turned at the stairs to go back to his quarters and his mate. Sesshoumaru went to his room and changed into a sleeping robe, but before he settled for the night, he stole quietly down the hall to Vanessa's room. Not before peeking into Rin's room, however. Much to his surprise, he found a bag packed and sitting on her bed. Vanessa must have packed it, he thought to himself.

He left the eerie quiet of his ward's room and moved on to Vanessa's, thankful that he would not have to bear the silence of that room for much longer. Vanessa was already sleeping when he opened the door a crack to peer inside, but in the narrow rectangle of light, he saw her stir.

“Is everything okay?” she asked sleepily.

“Yes. Go back to sleep,” he responded softly, and backed out of the doorway, closing the door as he left. This room would be strangely quiet, too… After she was gone. He gave a derisive snort and went back to his own room. Far too sentimental indeed.

The next morning, Sesshoumaru met once again with Saburo. They got an early start and took their breakfast in Sesshoumaru's study. The Western Lord had never been away from his rule for as long as he would be in completing this journey, and they were fast discovering that their brief meeting the night before had barely scratched the tip of the iceberg.

Sesshoumaru was beginning to wonder what he was thinking, leaving on such short notice, but what's done is done. He couldn't call the messengers back and he wouldn't go back on his word to Vanessa. She was going home. And his territory would survive. Somehow he would make everything work. He ran his hand through his hair and glanced across the room to Saburo. It was a small gesture; most might never notice it as anything unusual.

Saburo noticed. “Sesshoumaru-sama?”

Sesshoumaru dropped his hand back to the desktop and sifted through the papers littering the surface. There was nothing of great importance there, nothing that Saburo couldn't handle once he left.

“The other lords should be receiving the messages I sent today or tomorrow at the latest.”

“Yes, my lord. What if they request more information?”

“I have told them what they need to know. Repeat it if they are too thick to understand. A matter of great importance has called me away. The nature of the agreement does not allow me to say more.”

“And if they refuse to accept that answer?”

Sesshoumaru shrugged. “You have my warriors at your disposal. Use them if you have to in order to maintain the peace of my land, though I do not believe you will need them. I have made it clear that you will be making regular reports to me.”

Saburo stared at him in confusion. “But… how can I? I couldn't possibly send a messenger after you and hope to receive a reply in time.”

“They do not know that. They do not know where I will be. For all they know, I will remain near to my territory and will simply be unreachable.”

“I hadn't thought of that… Sesshoumaru-sama, are you sure you want to leave your lands with me?”

Saburo rarely expressed doubts in his abilities, why now? Sesshoumaru leveled him with a look before snorting. “Do not be a fool. How many times have I left you in charge before?”

“Many, but-”

“And how often have you fought by my side?”

“All the time, but my lord-”

“Then tell me, how many times have I disclosed privileged information to you alone - personal as well as official?”

Saburo paused in his objections then.

“Saburo, you know more about the hidden workings of this territory than anyone save myself. There is no one else as qualified as you, so why should I leave my lands in the care of someone I do not trust half as well as I do you?”

The tiger's mouth worked, but no sound came. He appeared to be in some state of shock at hearing what might be considered sentimental words from his lord. Sesshoumaru needlessly straightened a few items on his desk.

“Perhaps I have not made clear the value I hold for your services… and your loyalty. There is a reason why you are the only other to know Vanessa's true origin, or to know anything about me for that matter.”

Did he really need to put it to words? That Saburo had been his closest friend long before he'd ever wanted or needed someone to fill the position? But the way Saburo fairly beamed at him, he thought not.

Sesshoumaru clicked a claw on the wood surface of his desk. “Now, if you no longer need me to lead you along by the hand, we have matters to discuss and I have yet to pack for a rather long journey.”

Saburo quickly brought himself under control. “You can count on me, Sesshoumaru-sama. I'll take good care of your territory.”

The Western lord stood and went to the window to look down on the courtyard below, leaning his hand against the frame. “I know.”

Vanessa had certainly done something to him. It was the only explanation. Never before would he have bothered to reassure Saburo. His word was law and, insecurities or not, he expected his orders to be carried out. What in the world was happening to him?

Saburo was waiting for him to say more, and for a moment, Sesshoumaru wasn't sure where to begin. On the one hand, taking charge of the territory wasn't by any means new to Saburo. On the other, there was really no precedent for this sort of absence.

“Pull back your seekers from their hunt for Naraku,” he said finally. It was a start.

“You don't mean to continue?”

“I will resume my search after I return. Until then simply pay attention and take note of any rumors, but do not actively seek him. Use those resources elsewhere. He should not pose too great a problem. It is me he wants, not any of you. That much he has made abundantly clear. When I return, I will finish him, but I cannot do that when I am on the other side of the world.” That thought still settled a sort of uneasiness over him. What he was undertaking, all for a mere mortal no less, was… was HUGE.

“Don't you think Naraku might follow you?”

“No.” Sesshoumaru's grip tightened momentarily on the window frame. “Even if he did, if what Vanessa says is true, then he would quickly discover that there are few to none of the youkai he needs to maintain his strength. He would become weaker the farther he traveled from our land. Besides,” he added with a grim smile, the one few ever lived to speak of. “Naraku was badly wounded when last we met.”

“When last you… Did you encounter him when you went to see Inuyasha?”

“We fought,” he confirmed. “Inuyasha had his band of followers actually served a purpose for once.”

“Then… no one was hurt I trust?”

For a moment Sesshoumaru's vision clouded and all he could see what Vanessa's broken and bleeding body. All he could hear was her frightened cry of pain until the sharp crack of splintering wood brought him back to the present. He hardly noticed the sting of jabbed bits embedding themselves under his skin.

Sesshoumaru released the abused frame and stared in strange fascination as his body expelled the intruding wood and healed the remaining lacerations. So unlike humans…

It was then that he noticed Saburo's voice, growing louder with his concern.

“Sesshoumaru-sama? What happened? It wasn't little Rin, was it? Is that why-”

“No.” Sesshoumaru turned a somewhat distracted gaze over his shoulder at his advisor. The bitter taste of failure was still strong in his mouth. “Not Rin.”

“Then… what happened?”

Sesshoumaru straightened and dropped his hand to his side. It was too late now to pretend nothing happened; the splintered window frame was proof enough of that. All he could do was feign further detachment. Schooling his face once more, he turned to face Saburo.

“The only one of our group seriously wounded was Vanessa.”

Saburo frowned. “She was hurt? I saw her when you came in and she seemed fine. Surely she couldn't have healed in so short a time. She was really wounded?”

Now it was Sesshoumaru's turn to frown. Trusted advisor or not, who did he think he was to doubt what Sesshoumaru knew for truth?

“Badly. I did not reach her in time to protect her.” He could have. He could have found a way to protect her, but he didn't. There was that `guilt' feeling again.

“What happened?” Saburo asked quietly, still not quite believing it could have been bad enough to make his lord react this way.

“Naraku cut her down while she protected Rin,” Sesshoumaru answered evenly. “If we had split up, if I had gone to her right away, more of them would have been hurt. We had to finish Naraku before I could go to her, and even that wasn't a complete success.” With a sigh, he returned to his seat at his desk. “It was never my intention to sacrifice her,” he found himself defending, though whether it was to himself or Saburo, he wasn't sure. “I did not want her to be hurt, much less killed -”

Saburo lurched to his feet. “Killed! You didn't say she died!”

“Tenseiga brought her back,” Sesshoumaru said. Saburo didn't need to know how reluctantly Tenseiga seemed to have acted.

“Does she… remember?”

“She seems to remember a great deal, but we haven't spoken of it in great detail. She lives. That is what matters.”

Saburo looked about to say more, but there was a knock on the door.

“Come,” Sesshoumaru commanded, glad for a break from the topic at hand, but the very person they had been discussing poked her head in the door.

“Hi guys!” she chirped. “You've been closed in here all day. Are you hungry?”

“Vanessa-san, you are too thoughtful, but do not trouble yourself over us,” Saburo said before Sesshoumaru could even get a word out.

“Well… in that case,” she said with a pout. “I guess I'll just have to throw this away then.”

She pushed the door open a little farther and produced a rather tantalizing beef dish. “If you're not hungry…”

“Like I said, do not trouble yourself over us. Please, come in. Sesshoumaru-sama?”

Sesshoumaru merely nodded once, so Vanessa came in with a tray for them and a smaller dish of her own.

For the next hour or so, Sesshoumaru watched the two interact. Occasionally he would offer a comment or answer a question posed to him, but his companions did most of the talking, and he was content simply to listen.

The next morning, after he had sent Ah-Un off with Rin's things and a bag for Jaken as well, Sesshoumaru took his breakfast with Vanessa. They had hardly sat down before someone knocked on the door. What now?

“Come.”

It was a runner from the front gate. Sesshoumaru wasn't expecting anyone…

“Yes?” he prompted when the messenger didn't say anything.

“Forgive the intrusion, my lord. There is someone here to see you, rather… both of you.”

“We will be down when we finish our meal,” Sesshoumaru said, wordlessly dismissing the runner.

“Er… My lord, that is…”

“What is it?” He was quickly losing his patience.

“My lord, you see… This person is a miko, and a powerful one if I am any judge.” Clearly her presence had shaken him up.

Sesshoumaru knew few mikos personally, and certainly none that he would expect to pay him a visit. “What is the name of this miko?”

“I didn't get her name, my lord. I was sent to find you the moment she approached the gates.”

The taiyoukai stared hard at him. “Am I to understand that I, lord of these lands, am to walk unprepared into the presence of an unknown miko, who just happens to be within my walls?”

“Sh-she said she knew you. That much I heard before I left. And she arrived on a firecat.”

Interesting.

“We will discuss proper receiving protocol later. Go back and tell your superior that we will be there shortly.”

Kagome's presence would certainly be felt by nearly everyone within the walls, and would probably raise any number of questions. He wouldn't be the only one to feel vaguely uneasy about her visit. He watched the runner leave and pushed his food away before standing.

“Come, Vanessa. It would appear you have a visitor.”

Sesshoumaru led Vanessa through the palace to the receiving room at the top of the front stairs. All unexpected guests were to wait there. `Mitsue' should have waited there. Well. That was done, and his guards knew under no uncertain terms not to let that happen again. Still… It was odd to have a miko under his roof, friendly or otherwise. He couldn't remember the last time a miko had come to see anyone in his House.

He opened the door and Kagome jumped. Why, exactly, was she here? And where was Inuyasha for that matter? It wasn't like either of them to casually pay him a visit. Vanessa may have taken a liking to the girl, but that didn't mean that he had to do more than tolerate her. For a moment he just stared at her silently - that is, until Vanessa brushed past with a vaguely reproachful glance before grinning at the miko and embracing her. It was then that Kagome released her iron grip on the ruff of fur on Kirara's neck. Was she frightened? She should be. This was no shrine. She was on his territory now.

Vanessa turned back to him with a small smile. “Hey, Sesshoumaru? I'm going to how Kagome around, is that okay?”

Sesshoumaru inclined his head slightly toward the miko. “Be a welcomed guest in my home,” he added respectfully. Odd as the situation might be, he wouldn't be accused of being a poor host, especially with a guest who might find it within herself to purify him. “If you will excuse me.” He left Vanessa grinning and Kagome staring dumbstruck at his back. He had business to attend to, after all.

VvVvVvVvV

“Kagome! What are you doing here?” Vanessa exclaimed after Sesshoumaru had left.

The miko shook herself back to reality and gave her an uncertain smile. “You left so suddenly, I didn't even think to ask you if you wanted anything from the other side to take with you. So… I went home and picked up a few things for you.”

“Really? You shouldn't have. But… What did you bring?” she asked eagerly.

“Could we go somewhere a little more comfortable?”

“Sure thing. Follow me. We can go to my room first and then maybe a walk out in the garden?”

“Sounds great.” Kirara transformed with a small burst of flame and leapt up onto Kagome's shoulder as they left the receiving room.

“So… Kagome,” Vanessa began. “Where is Inuyasha? I find it hard to believe he'd be okay with you being here.”

Kagome grimaced. “He… doesn't exactly know I'm here. I asked Sango if I could borrow Kirara to come see you and she promised not to tell. Inuyasha thinks I'm at home studying for an exam, and he knows not to bother me when I have a test coming up or I'll `sit' him into tomorrow.” She wore a sheepish sort of grin, but didn't seem any more apologetic than that for having deceived him.

“I won't keep you too long then. I wouldn't want him to get worried over nothing.”

“Thanks. I probably shouldn't stay more than a couple hours. It'll take us two days to get back if we don't fly through the night, and I won't push Kirara like that if I don't have to.”

“Well, here we are,” Vanessa said when they stopped outside the building that had been her home for the past several months.

Kagome stared up in wonder. It wasn't the largest building on the grounds, but it did hold a sort of regality, and Vanessa thought it suited Sesshoumaru perfectly.

“Come on. My room's upstairs.”

The miko followed silently, absorbing the exquisite simplicity of the décor. Vanessa remembered the first time she entered. The vaulted ceiling in that front hall, the patterned wooden floor… it was a far cry from the huts populating most of the villages she had seen.

Vanessa led Kagome into the suite she had shared with Rin and from the corner of her eye caught the other girl's shudder as she passed through the doorway. “Something wrong?”

Kagome started. “Not really… At least, I don't think so. There is a barrier around this area.”

“Yes… there is. How did you know?”

“I felt it. It's different from a miko's barrier, but I could still feel it.” Kagome rubbed her arms briefly, as if to wipe away the remnants of the barrier from her skin.

“Sesshoumaru keeps other youkai out of these rooms to protect Rin. He lives on the other side of those doors.” Vanessa pointed toward the doors separating her rooms from Sesshoumaru's. “This is Rin's room,” she said as they passed by. “And this… is my room!”

Vanessa swept in and turned once.

“It's… nice,” Kagome said, sounding a bit disbelieving and glanced about the room. “I don't think Inuyasha would believe it.”

“What?”

“That Sesshoumaru didn't have you staying in some cell… he's different here - or maybe he's just different when he's not trying to kill Inuyasha.” She smirked at that. “It's so strange… `Be a welcomed guest?' I never in my wildest dreams thought I'd hear that out of his mouth.”

“Honestly, I don't think it would have been quite the same if Inuyasha were here with you.”

“Probably… So. Want to see what I brought now?”

“Definitely.” Vanessa sat next to Kagome on the bed and looked on eagerly with Kirara as Kagome opened up her yellow backpack.

“I didn't bring anything fancy, mainly things I thought you could use.”

One by one, the miko brought out the items from her bag: a small sewing kit, first aid kit with bandages, ointment, and aspirin, a travel pot with utensils, several bars of camping soap that was safe to use on hair as well as clothing - it would definitely be lighter than carrying bottles of shampoo… Last were some warm socks and mittens.

“It might start getting cold. I think Sesshoumaru should be able to find some warm clothes, but these are from me.”

“Thank you, Kagome. I really need to find a way to thank your mother. Oh, speaking of that. I need to get your address or phone number so I can contact you when I get home.”

They set the things aside and Vanessa found something for Kagome to write on. After trading information and spending a few more minutes chatting, Kagome regretfully told Vanessa that she had to leave.

“Inuyasha is about the least patient person I know and I don't want to risk him going back to my time and find me missing.”

“I understand,” Vanessa said as she walked Kagome back to the front gates. “Really. Thank you so much for everything, and thank your mom, too, until I get back home and can thank her myself.”

“I will. And good luck, Vanessa.”

Sesshoumaru was waiting for them at the top of the stairs.

“Oh! I almost forgot!” Kagome exclaimed and set her bag down to dig through it once more. When she emerged, she wore a look of triumph and held aloft an ancient, though apparently functional Polaroid camera.

“It's grandpa's,” she said, catching Vanessa peering at the contraption. “I suppose with all the crazy things people do these days I could use a normal camera and have the film developed without a problem, but this has a much more immediate result. Sometimes I bring it back here, but it's so heavy I'd rather not carry around more than I have to. Anyway, I thought… maybe you two… Just for remembrance sake, of course…”

“I'd love a picture,” Vanessa confirmed and glanced up at Sesshoumaru. “What about you?” He was staring between the girls wearing only a hint of the bafflement she knew he must be feeling. She almost laughed. Of course he wouldn't know what the device in Kagome's hands did. She was almost sure she had explained cameras at one time or another, but hearing a description and seeing the real thing were two very different things.

“You wouldn't mind taking a few pictures?” she asked Kagome.

“Of course not. I've got a few exposures left,” Kagome said, checking the refill. “They're yours if you want them.”

“You're the best, Kagome. Okay,” Vanessa said rounding on Sesshoumaru, “I'd like a picture of the two of us, if you don't mind.”

He looked at her skeptically. “A portrait? Do you truly wish to take the time-?”

Vanessa shook her head. “Not a painting. A photo. It's… Well, trust me on this one. It's much faster than sitting for a painting.”

He didn't seem convinced.

“Just stand where I tell you and look at the box when Kagome holds it up. There will be a flash of light and some sounds, but nothing dangerous,” she added quickly, almost as an afterthought, suddenly wondering how the taiyoukai would react to having his picture taken for the first time.

Sesshoumaru stared at her blankly, but finally nodded and looked toward Kagome. Vanessa moved in beside Sesshoumaru, feeling suddenly awkward. “Okay, smile for the camera!” Somehow she knew that even for this, he wouldn't crack a smile.

True to her word, there was a flash, causing Sesshoumaru to tense beside her, but he made no other move to investigate the source. Instead, he watched with thinly veiled curiosity as the camera whirred and finally spit out a white square. Vanessa took it from Kagome and set it aside to develop before returning to Sesshoumaru to make duplicates of the one they had just made.

She took two of Sesshoumaru alone and had Kagome take two of her. “One more,” she said and trotted back to Sesshoumaru's side. Without warning, she put her arm around his waist and grinned up at the shocked confusion that played over his face - just as the camera flashed for the last time.

He stared back at her for a long moment and her grin faltered, but not from fear. Something… Kagome cleared her throat, breaking the spell neither realized they had been under. Vanessa stepped away and looked to Kagome, who was shifting a bit awkwardly on her feet. She took the photo and set it with the others.

“I… should really be going,” Kagome said, signaling to Kirara that it was time. She reached once more into her bag and pulled out an envelope. “I took these before I left. I thought maybe you - both of you, would like to have them.”

Inside were snapshots of Rin, by her self and with Jaken. Of course Ah-Un wouldn't be in them, as he was currently en route to the village now. Tears threatened at the thought of never seeing the little girl again, but Vanessa refused to let them fall. “Thank you, Kagome. This means so much to me. Wait here, just a moment.”

Vanessa walked back to the stack of photos they had just taken and found Sesshoumaru holding one gingerly in his claws and peering at it intently. She sifted through the others, found the ones she was looking for and replaced the ones of Rin with those before handing the envelope back to Kagome. “I'd like Rin to have these.”

Kagome nodded and tucked the packet into her bag before looking toward Sesshoumaru. “You take care of her, Sesshoumaru-sama.”

He glanced up from his inspection of the photo and raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.

After Kagome left, Vanessa went back to Sesshoumaru to gather up the collection of photos. He watched her silently for a moment.

“She came without my half-brother,” he observed.

“Yeah. Actually he doesn't even know she was here.” Sesshoumaru raised his eyebrows at that.

“She took a risk in coming here then.”

“Maybe, but she's going back now. Kirara will take care of her.”

“What did she want?” He sounded more curious than defensive. “Other than to nearly blind me with that… contraption of hers.”

She smiled. “Kagome came with a few things she thought we could use on the journey.”

“I see.” He returned his attention to the photo in his hand. “I had thought perhaps…”

Perhaps what?

“You said your time holds no magic,” he said suddenly, indicating the photo in his hand - the last one they had taken.

“That's not magic. Just chemistry.”

“Chemistry.”

“I'd like you to have a few. I already sent some with Kagome for Rin. Just… to remember.”

“I could not forget,” Sesshoumaru said softly. He looked like he would say more, but instead turned abruptly to return to the palace, leaving Vanessa to stare after him.

He didn't put the photo back.

VvVvVvVvV

Sesshoumaru walked silently into his office and shut the door. Taking a seat at his desk, he gently laid the photo on the surface. He had watched the square darken and resolve into a likeness of them more perfect than the most skilled of painters could have accomplished.

`Not magic' indeed. What else could explain it? Still, something about it intrigued him.

Captured in that one frozen moment was everything that they shared: Vanessa, positively glowing with cheer and trust, and he, baffled by the actions of this mortal, human woman. She seemed to send him into a constant state of confusion whenever she was near, a state that could only be remedied by further interaction with her. And the more time he spent with her, the more he enjoyed her presence. No… he would not soon forget, with or without this `photo.'

He set the photo in a certain drawer of his desk. The contents would forever be preserved as the day they were placed inside, and no hand but his or his kin could open it. It held the most precious of items, handed down through the ages. Everything from treaties to personal mementos lay within that drawer, and now, added to that family history, was an image of a mortal woman. His father must be laughing in his grave by now.

Sesshoumaru snorted. It was perfectly explainable, wanting to preserve the memory of this strange creature. After all, it wasn't everyday that one encountered someone from another time. He and his descendents could learn from her.

“Sesshoumaru-sama?”

He nearly jumped out of his seat. Snarling to himself, he waited. Kaminari didn't have Shizu's ability to read thoughts, only to project his own and hear those projected by his kind.

“Sesshoumaru-sama, forgive me for interrupting, but if you have a moment I would like to speak with you. And the human, Vanessa, if she is available.”

Intrigued, Sesshoumaru went to find Vanessa. It wasn't often that Kaminari sought him out. Most times they simply co-existed on the same land, unless Sesshoumaru needed the eyes and wings of the horse-like scouts.

He found Vanessa quickly enough. She was in her room packing the things that Kagome brought her. The photos were stacked neatly beside her on the bed.

“Vanessa, would you come with me for a moment?”

She looked up at him and smiled. “Sure, what's up?”

“I am not certain,” he said as they entered the hall. “Kaminari wishes to speak with us.”

“Shizu's father? I wonder what he wants.”

“We will find out soon enough.”

Once past the gardens, Sesshoumaru lifted them into the sky and sped toward the far forest where Kaminari would be waiting. They touched down at the edge of the forest and almost immediately Kaminari stepped out to greet them with Shizu practically prancing at his flank. Sesshoumaru caught Vanessa's questioning glance, but he could no more guess what they were after than she.

“Thank you for coming, Sesshoumaru-sama, Vanessa-san. I hope I have not caused too great an inconvenience?”

“Not at all,” Vanessa assured him, and he bobbed his head to her.

“Sesshoumaru-sama, I would like to offer you my services.”

“Your services.” At first Sesshoumaru didn't know what he meant. What could he think to do in the short time they had left?

The winged horses waited or his response, but he felt nearly as baffled as Vanessa looked. Shizu fidgeted excitedly, almost anxiously and ruffled her wings. It was about the same moment that realization dawned on Vanessa's face that Sesshoumaru knew what they were offering.

“You mean…?” Vanessa questioned uncertainly.

Shizu bobbed her head excitedly. “Papa says that since we are able, we should help Sesshoumaru-sama any way we can. I thought that since you're taking such a long trip, we could help you get there faster.”

If Sesshoumaru were any judge of equine body language, he might have said that Kaminari gave his daughter a sharp look, even a stern word, but she looked only slightly abashed at speaking out of turn. Shizu certainly has found her voice, he mused with a small smirk. How many other lives will Vanessa touch before the end of her days?

“Forgive my daughter, Sesshoumaru-sama. Now that her tongue has loosened, she cannot seem to control it. But what she says is the truth. My herd owes you a great debt and we would do anything to aid you. Shizu and I would personally take you as far as you will allow us.”

“You owe me nothing. What was agreed upon by your ancestors and mine stands between them. I require nothing of you to share this land.”

Actually, he never was entirely clear on the details of the agreement. As far as he was concerned, the herd members were simply further residents of his palace.

“You are generous, Sesshoumaru-sama, but it would honor me and my clan if you would allow us to do this.”

Sesshoumaru glanced to Vanessa to gauge her reaction, but he really needn't have. He could feel her joy, presumably over keeping her friend just a little while longer. They had grown quite close… and Vanessa's eyes took on a pleading quality when she turned to him. Females…

“I will allow it,” he said and was utterly surprised when she squealed and threw her arms around his neck, hugging him fiercely. He could only stand there in stunned silence until she disengaged herself from him and fled to Shizu's side, glowing like a lamp with her blush. Apparently she is pleased with my decision, he thought wryly, and decided that he hadn't entirely minded the contact. What was she doing to him?

He turned his mind to safer territory and addressed Kaminari, while Shizu and Vanessa moved several paces away. “It will be a long journey. What will you need?” Sesshoumaru found the idea of traveling with sentient horses intriguing. He'd never really thought of asking a horse what it might need, not that he could under normal circumstances.

Kaminari pawed the ground thoughtfully. “We can graze easily enough as long as there is edible greenery, but perhaps we should bring some grain, just to be sure. And a blanket each, if you would be kind enough.”

“I will see that you are comfortable for your trouble.”

“We will not require much. We are not used to being pampered like riding mounts, but I would like to be prepared.”

“Of course. I will see to the arrangements. Your herd will be taken care of in your absence?”

Kaminari bobbed his head. “It is time my son stretched his wings, so to speak. He will keep order until I return.”

Sesshoumaru nodded. He remembered the last time he had been left in charge in his own father's extended absence. He only hoped the young horse would have Kaminari's council long after they returned.

“I will speak with Vanessa and find out more about where we are going. If you think of anything else, do not hesitate to contact me. We must be going back now to prepare. I plan to leave within the next few days.”

“We will be ready, my lord.”

“Vanessa,” Sesshoumaru called to the females. “We must return.”

She gave Shizu one last fond pat and trotted to his side, smiling sheepishly before slipping an arm around his waist to prepare for flight. Something felt right about her being at his side like that, but he forced the thought aside. She would not be there for long. “Where is your boldness now?” he murmured in her ear with a smirk as he pooled his youki at their feet. He could practically feel the heat rising in her cheeks.

“You continue to surprise me,” he said finally, taking pity on her.

“Well… That's me. Always full of surprises.” Something sounded… off in her voice. Had he offended her?

“There is nothing wrong with that,” he assured her, wanting to bring some of her usual cheer back to her voice. “The occasional surprise can make life… interesting.”

Sesshoumaru felt her shift to look up into his face. “Is something wrong?” he asked after a moment, keeping his gaze trained straight ahead.

“No. You just don't strike me as the type to enjoy surprises.”

“It depends on the surprise.”

“Well then… what makes a good surprise?”

“That depends on the person doing the surprising.”

“Hm.”

You also continue to confuse me, he might have added, but wisely decided against it. He might have created more problems than it eliminated with such a comment. He would simply have to figure her out… without her help.

“We need to discuss what will be needed for this journey. I know nothing of the lands we will be crossing so I am relying on you to be sure that we have everything that we might require.” He didn't even balk at admitting his lack of knowledge with her. Of course, he had never been to those lands, nor had he ever met anyone who had - before Vanessa.

Sesshoumaru set her down outside the door to the garden. She looked up at him and smiled suddenly. “Want to talk over dinner? I'm starving.”

“Go up to your room. I will have something prepared.” He watched her disappear through the doors and shook his head before heading to the kitchens. Odd creature.

Sesshoumaru returned with their food to find Vanessa poring over a list at the table. She smiled at him when he knelt opposite her at the table and began filling a bowl for her.

“I've been thinking. If Shizu and Kaminari are coming too, then we can pack a little better than if it were just the two of us, but even so… I don't want to burden them too much.”

“They are stronger than ordinary horses.”

“That may be true, but they still have to get that extra weight off the ground. So we'll have to decide what we really need and what can be left behind or bought along the way...” She paused and frowned. “That could be a problem.”

“What could?”

“Money. Unless you have gold or silver, I doubt we could get your currency exchanged if we needed to buy anything.”

“If gold or silver is what we need, then that is what we shall have. What else?”

Vanessa took a bite and peered at her list. “Well, I started thinking about what Shizu and Kaminari might need. I think we should bring along some feed for them. There will be some areas that won't be very green. And blankets. I don't want them to get sick just because they're helping us. Maybe some brushes?”

“Kaminari suggested as much. I will take care of their needs. What do you need?”

“Warm clothes… It'll be getting cold soon. I think another set like the ones you gave me for riding would be fine if I could wear them in layers. And a cloak…”

She cocked her head and gave him an odd sort of penetrating look then, one that put him on guard.

“Do you have a cloak with a hood on it?” she asked finally.

“Yes… why?”

“Well… You don't look like anyone else we'll see where we are going, and…”

“You want me to hide.” He couldn't believe she would ask it of him. Hide who he was? Unthinkable. “I will not,” he said, closing the topic. Or so he thought.

“Look, I don't like it any better than you do. Honestly, I like the way you look.”

That caught him off guard. She had never mentioned his looks before. He was contemplating the odd tingle left in the wake of those simple words when he realized that she was still speaking.

“…the lands we'll be visiting before we cross the ocean… They don't easily accept things that are different, or that they don't understand. I can almost guarantee that we won't see anyone else with pointed ears or eyes the color of yours. Your markings… Well, those can be explained as tattoos easily enough, but for the rest, even your hair… you don't look nearly old enough to have a head full of silver hair. They'll kill you if they think you're connected to magic in any way. I don't want anything to happen to you. Please, trust me on this point.”

Her eyes begged him to listen, to set aside his pride and accept the advice of a human woman. If everyone they encountered had similar features to Vanessa, then yes, he would look different. He knew that, but the fact that the differences would undoubtedly be noticed wasn't why she wanted to hide his appearance. She seemed to be frightened not that they would react, but of how they would react. What sort of people were these that she thought he should fear them? What did he have to fear from humans? Still… if there were enough of them, even he could not fend them off indefinitely.

“You know the customs better than I,” he conceded finally, and Vanessa let out the breath that she had been holding.

“While we're on that subject, there's something else.”

What could it be now?

“I think that when we get to the point where you should start covering yourself, we should send Shizu and Kaminari back. Wings will be harder to hide and there simply aren't winged horses there. They'd be captured and put on display or taken to be studied, or killed as trophies-”

“I would not allow anything to befall them - or you - but if you feel so strongly about it, I will send them home when you say it is time, and I will wear the cloak.”

“Thank you, Sesshoumaru. There may well be nothing to worry about, but I don't want to take the chance.”

“I understand. Now. What else?”

She sat back and picked up her list again. “Do you think I could get some boots? Sandals aren't really my idea of proper traveling shoes - at least… not the sort of travel that we'll be doing.”

Sesshoumaru nearly smiled at her. She was so different from the females he was used to, preferring practical, almost men's clothing over the pretty things she had been wearing during her stay. “I am certain we can find something suitable to your tastes.”

She grinned. “What do you have for travel food? Even you can't bring dinner if there's nothing to hunt.”

“We have the same as any other traveler - dried or preserved foods.”

Vanessa looked at her list again. It was completely incomprehensible to Sesshoumaru, being written with the odd characters - letters - of her language. It would have been useless for him to try to read what she had written. “Kagome gave me some things to cook with so maybe we can bring a little life to that dried food.”

“Hn.”

She had shown him his name once - at least she had shown him something that was the best she could figure it would be spelled using her letters. Perhaps one day he too would learn to decipher them. How much would change for him between this time and hers? He wondered briefly if it would even be possible to find her again after so many years. Would he want to? Would he even remember her after five centuries? Of course he would, how could he not?

“Sesshoumaru?”

“Hm?”

“I asked if you could think of anything else. You were wearing such a frown that I thought I must have forgotten something important.”

“No, you seem to have it well in hand. I will gather what we need tomorrow and you can match it to your list.”

“Sounds like a plan.” She set the parchment down and fidgeted with a loose string on her sleeve. At Sesshoumaru's questioning look, she finally admitted to being nervous about leaving. “What if all of this turns out to be for nothing? What if it doesn't work?”

Sesshoumaru gave something that might have been a shrug. “Then we return here.”

Vanessa's face fell a little.

“Could you be happy here?” he asked, feeling rather awkward. “If you were not able to return to your time, I mean.” For some reason this answer was very important to him.

“I think I could be… I don't know. You've been so good to me.”

“But?”

“But if I were here permanently, I think I would feel like a burden. Look at everything that has happened in the few months I've been here. I'd be nothing but trouble for you for years to come… that is, if I stayed here in your palace.”

“You are no burden,” he said softly. “You…” He stopped short. What more could he say? That she had shown him what it meant to care again? She had, hadn't she? He wouldn't have done half the things he did in the past months if he didn't care some small amount at least. And there was no time left to investigate this realization.

“You have not been a burden,” he finished lamely.

She gave him a curious look and her mouth twisted into a sort of half smile, but she let the moment pass.

“Well, I guess I should go and get the rest of my things together. I'm sure you have a lot of work still to do before we leave, ruling a territory and all.”

Sesshoumaru watched her gather her list and disappear into her room.

No time… and still so much he didn't know about her.

VvVvVvVvV

Two nights after Sesshoumaru decided to take the horses up on their offer, he came to Vanessa again. She had hardly seen him in all that time, but it seemed every time she turned around, another item was added to the collection of things they would be bringing with them. Everything but the grain and other supplies for Shizu and Kaminari was stacked neatly in the corner by her balcony door.

Sesshoumaru had found her another set of hakama and haori like the one she already had. On top of that was a light cloak made of what felt like cotton and another heavier fur-lined cloak made of wool. On the floor next to the clothes was a pair of sturdy, yet somehow delicate-looking black leather boots. She had tried them on immediately and found them to be quite comfortable. She didn't know how he did it, but Sesshoumaru always seemed to know just what size would be right for her.

The rest were sacks of dried meat, fruit and nuts, rice and some spices. It certainly wouldn't last them the entire trip, but when there was nothing else to be found from their surroundings, it would serve just fine. The best thing was that even when they had gathered everything she could think of and added her own possessions, it wasn't that big of a pile. She didn't see anything of Sesshoumaru's, but she assumed that he would gather his own things.

Sesshoumaru came in and gave the pile an appraising look before seating himself on the cushions. He hardly looked it, but Vanessa knew that the past several days had been stressful for him. After all, it wasn't often that a ruler just left with barely a word of warning. She wondered how Saburo was holding up.

“Is everything in order?” he asked from his seat, propping his elbow up on one knee and leaning back against the wall. In spite of everything, he seemed to be exceptionally relaxed, especially considering that any day now he would start probably the biggest journey of his life to date. Vanessa on the other hand, had a stomach that felt like nothing more than a tangle of knots. Maybe he knew that and was simply trying not to add to her (very likely irrational) worries. Whatever his reason for being some measure of stability in her world, she was grateful and flopped down beside him.

“I think that's everything,” she said. “All that's left, other than Shizu and Kaminari's things, is what you're bringing.”

“Good.”

He was quiet for a moment and then dropped his hand from his knee to his lap.

“If you are certain that you wish to make this journey, then we will leave at dawn tomorrow.”

Dawn. She had the feeling that she was going to get very well accustomed to dawn departures in the weeks to come.

“I'm going,” she said firmly. “I have to.”

Sesshoumaru nodded as though he hadn't expected anything less. “I will have these things brought down in the morning then,” he said and rose to his feet once more. “You should get some sleep. You may have experience riding, but it something else entirely to sit a saddle for days on end, and it will be some time before you feel a real bed beneath you once more.”

He held out his hand to pull her to her feet and she accepted. This was it - her last night as a guest under Sesshoumaru's roof, and she didn't think she'd get a wink of sleep the entire night. “Okay,” she said. “Good night then, Sesshoumaru.”

“I will wake you in time to say your good-byes.”

Vanessa had had dinner with Rai and Saburo earlier that night, but she didn't want to miss seeing them one last time.

“Thank you.” With one last look at the pile that would be her life until she either returned home or returned to Japan, she went to her room and tried to find sleep.

As much as she tossed and stared up at the ceiling through the night, thoughts and worries continuing to rage through her mind, sleep must have found her eventually because, all too soon, she was being gently shaken awake.

“Vanessa, it is time,” floated a disembodied voice out of the darkness.

“Hmm?”

“Vanessa.” The voice was sterner this time. She cracked her eyes open and squinted at the dark shape above her. Not dark… Just silhouetted against the light from the hall.

“Oh. Sorry,” she yawned. “I'm up.”

“Hardly,” Sesshoumaru countered with a snort, his voice light with amusement. He sounded almost… excited, if one could believe that, about leaving. Well… excited about something anyway. Hadn't he said he enjoyed being outdoors more than in the palace? Now that she thought about it, he hadn't left the palace once since she had been there, except for that last trip to see Kagome… and that wasn't exactly a pleasure excursion. He hadn't gone scouting, patrolling… Nothing. No wonder he seemed eager to get out and range.

“Just give me a minute to change. I'll be right out.”

Sesshoumaru swept out of the room, but not before lighting a lamp for her. Vanessa changed quickly and stowed her pajamas in her bag.

When she emerged from her room, Sesshoumaru wasn't anywhere to be found, and neither were the bags. He wasn't in his quarters either when she poked her head in, nor was he in the hall. Is he that eager to leave? Up until now he had seemed to be against the whole idea. What changed?

Vanessa slung her remaining bag over her shoulder and stepped out into the hall. Maybe he was waiting downstairs. As she descended the staircase, she spied Saburo hurrying past. He paused and took a few steps back to greet her when he saw her, too.

“Ah, Vanessa-san. You're up!”

“Unfortunately,” she grinned. “Do you know where our esteemed lord has run off to? I seem to have lost him.”

“I just saw him. He's out front with Kaminari and young Shizu.”

“They're here already?” That the herd lived within the palace walls was generally kept secret. Had they compromised all of that just to help her?

“Of course. Did you expect to carry your bags all the way out to them? They came in through the front gate to avoid suspicion, if that's what you're worried about.”

How did he do that? Vanessa was about to ask him if he really did have some sort of telepathic ability, but he interrupted her thought.

“Forgive me, Vanessa-san. I have to run, but I will be out shortly with Rai to see you off.”

“Okay. See you then.”

He hurried off to finish his task, leaving Vanessa with more butterflies than she had gone to bed with. Why was she so nervous? Nothing could go wrong with Sesshoumaru there, right? Famous last words, if she'd ever heard any.

Nevertheless, she made her way out to where Sesshoumaru was standing with their winged friends. He glanced up at her approach, but did not cease his inspection of the ties securing everything to the horses' backs. The saddle caught her eye though. It wasn't a saddle exactly, not in the conventional sense, more of a contoured padding with some straps holding it in place. When Shizu shifted her wings, Vanessa noticed that the soft padding moved with her, allowing her flight muscles to move freely.

Shizu danced excitedly when she saw Vanessa, but Sesshoumaru laid his hand on her neck to quiet her. He wasn't finished checking her load yet. There was just space enough for the bag that Vanessa carried and he took it from her silently to secure it with the others.

“It's not too much is it, Shizu? If it's too heavy I can leave some things behind.”

“Don't be silly. It feels a little strange to be weighted down like this, but it's not too heavy.”

“She is strong,” Sesshoumaru said as he stepped up to Vanessa's side, just as Rai and Saburo came down to meet them, and Shizu ducked her head bashfully under his praise. He patted her neck and gave Vanessa one last glance before moving to stand by Kaminari's head.

“Vanessa-san, we made it,” Saburo called.

She turned to them as the approached. “You didn't think I would be able to leave without saying good-bye, did you?”

Vanessa tried not to cry as she hugged her youkai friends fiercely. “I wish I could take all of you with me,” she said, wiping her cheeks.

“Ah, but this is where we belong,” Rai said gently, and embraced her once more.

“Who knows, perhaps we will meet again one day,” Saburo added with an enigmatic smile.

She doubted it. A lot could happen in five centuries, but then again… Saburo did seem to know things. “Maybe we will,” she said dubiously. She wouldn't get her hopes up too high.

Saburo cupped his hands to give her a leg up and showed her some buckled straps that she could fasten around her knees if she felt unstable. “Wouldn't want you tumbling out if you fell asleep,” he explained.

“I was wondering what those were for.”

Finally he stepped back and put an arm around Rai. “Take care of this one, Sesshoumaru-sama,” he called to his lord and was rewarded with a glare. Vanessa was surprised he didn't mutter under his breath about everyone telling him to do what he had set out to do in the first place. Maybe he did. She smiled down at her friends and took hold of the thick strap over the pommel. Reins would be useless, and rather offensive, to sentient mounts, but it was reassuring to have something to hold onto.

Sesshoumaru vaulted onto Kaminari's back with the ease of a seasoned rider. “If you are ready, then let us leave.”

Vanessa nodded and Shizu went to her father's side. Rai and Saburo followed a few paces behind.

“This place will be just as you left it, Sesshoumaru-sama.”

“See that it is.” He hesitated. “Be well, both of you.”

With that, Kaminari whirled and trotted out the gate.

“As he watches over you, you take care of him also,” Saburo said in all seriousness.

Vanessa glanced at the now-empty gate and nodded. She didn't know what she could possibly do to `take care' of Sesshoumaru, or even what Saburo meant, really. “I'll do what I can. Take care of yourselves, too. If you really think we'll meet again, you've got centuries yet to keep yourselves out of trouble.”

“This is the one you have to worry about, not me,” Rai laughed and jabbed her mate lightly in the ribs.

Saburo just grinned and waved.

“Let's go,” she said to Shizu finally and they too left the gates to meet the males down on the road.

It was a little strange, surrendering control to Shizu. “I'll have to get used to the idea that you're not just a horse,” she admitted.

“The wings didn't give me away?” Shizu laughed. “Or my voice in your head?”

“You know what I mean. I think it'll be different when we fly, but on the ground experience is telling me that I'm sitting on a horse.”

“Well, if it makes you feel any better, I'll have to get used to the idea of being a pack animal.”

“Touché.”

Kaminari turned to face them as they approached, but it was Sesshoumaru who spoke. “We will fly until mid morning and then stop for a short while. For now we will simply head westward until Vanessa sees anything she might recognize.”

Like cities full of people who would hunt you. Still, it was as good a plan as any. “Let's go then,” she said.

“Hold on tight. This might be… bumpy.”

“Bumpy?” But without further explanation, Shizu launched herself into a gallop down the road.

Vanessa tightened her grip on the strap and held on with her knees. Meanwhile, Shizu opened her wings and leapt, beating hard, downward strokes, but it wasn't enough. Vanessa heard her mental, as well as vocal, grunt when her hooves touched ground again with a jarring impact. “Sorry,” she muttered before leaping again. She strained against gravity, but this time her efforts brought them farther from the ground below. Vanessa let her concentrate on flying until they drew nearer to where Kaminari and Sesshoumaru circled lazily on a thermal.

Shizu's sides were heaving, but Vanessa could tell that she wasn't struggling nearly as much, now that she could use the currents to her advantage. “You said it wasn't too heavy,” she whispered, hoping they were still out of Sesshoumaru's hearing.

“It's not. We're in the air, aren't we? Just… more than I had anticipated. It'll get easier, don't worry.”

“If you say so.” She was glad that Sesshoumaru had already set a stopping time. She didn't think Shizu would admit to needing a rest, not with her father flying effortlessly beside them.

“Ready?” Sesshoumaru called to them.

“Yes.” “Yes,” Shizu and Vanessa said in unison, and then giggled, uncertainties set aside.

“Westward, then,” he said and Kaminari turned away from the faint glow of the approaching dawn.

::To my Reviewers::

Honestly… I couldn't figure out which notes were the `new' ones and which ones I'd already replied to (means I have repeat readers/reviewers, which I LOVE!!!). I'm copping out, I know, but really!! I appreciate each and every one of your comments and despite the long wait for this chapter, you really do make me want to write more.