InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Revelation, Realization & Redemption ❯ chapter 14 ( Chapter 14 )

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of its characters they are the property of Rumiko Takahashi. This story was written for the purposes of entertainment and I by no means will profit from the story other than the satisfaction of exercising my imagination and writing abilities.

 

 

Chapter 14: Unsettling Meeting

 

 

 

Expectant amber eyes regarded the ice demon that sat in contemplative silence. Lord Hikari's appearance never ceased to fascinate Sesshomaru, even as a pup he could sit and marvel at him for hours. The way he could sit so still, looking so much like a sculpture carved from a block of ice. Everything about him, seemed solid, his clothes, his hair everything seemed part of the intricate sculpture he so much resembled. There was no rustling of cloth, no arching of a brow, not even a movement of breath to indicate otherwise. However, today he did not find it fascinating. No, today it was unnerving as he waited in anxious silence for the ice demon to say something.

 

Lord Hikari had been silent almost since his arrival earlier today. The Northern Lord had quietly listened to his theories. An occasional nod of his head; the vaguest of movements of his icy brow were the only indicators that he was indeed listening. He had uttered a barely audible “interesting” before lapsing into his own thoughts and sitting silently still as he did so.

 

Now a deafening silence hung between them. Sesshomaru knew the taiyoukai sitting across from him was thinking things through, formulating what must be done, just as he had the night before. Sesshomaru's own mind had already formed a plan of action and he was anxious to start it. Any delay meant precious time wasted and time was something that they didn't have much of.

 

The occasional silent tap of his index finger against the armrest of the chair where he sat was the only indication of his impatience. Had it been any other demon before him Sesshomaru would have interrupted his thoughts and insisted to talk about strategy. For this taiyoukai, and this taiyoukai alone Sesshomaru would wait in deferential patience.

 

Lord Hikari had come to his aide more often than not. The elder youkai had helped ease the young Sesshomaru into his position of Lord of the Western Lands after his father's death. Lord Hikari's opinions were valued above all others, even at times above Sesshomaru's own. Though time and experience had given Sesshomaru confidence in his own abilities and opinions, this demon's approval of him was akin to having his father's approval. Lord Hikari had been Inutaisho's closest ally and more often than not a trusted confidante, and to Sesshomaru he was one of the few ties to his father he had left to cling to.

 

After what to Sesshomaru felt like hours of belabored silence Lord Hikari's deep baritone voice broke the silence that had settled in the air about them.

 

“I think you are quite correct in your assumptions. I have been sitting here thinking about all the other possibilities and I can find none. Therefore we will base all our decisions on the assumption that this theory of yours is true.” Lord Hikari said fixing pearl white eyes on Sesshomaru.

 

“Hai; Do you realize what this means if I am correct?” Sesshomaru asked him, knowing full well that the demon before him probably knew better than he what it meant.

 

Lord Hikari's solid looking lips formed effortlessly into a warm smile of amusement. “I do.” The smile faded away as quickly as it came, and pearl eyes regarded the younger youkai with serious curiosity for a moment. “The question is, do you?”

 

“Hai, I understand that we will have to make a peace of sorts, however temporary between both allies and foes alike. As a precaution we will even need to include humans with spiritual powers.” Sesshomaru stated calmly. The confidence carried in the younger youkai's voice implied that it was a simple matter that could effortlessly be solved.

 

Both demons knew better than that. They knew there were going to have to acquire many concessions for this truce to occur. Neither demon was naïve enough to think for a moment all the different factions would willingly unite for this purpose; however brief that unity may be. Hate and distrust ran deep, thousand year old grudges lay between some; and these were daunting chasms that they would have to try and bridge in order to achieve their goal.

 

Making the daunting task seem more impossible was that they did not have the luxury of time. Both were aware that their time was extremely limited. At most they had five days to make this all happen, after that who knew how long they really had. Both knew that they had to try. Once they had agreements from the major lords the others should fall in line.

 

This would include concessions on their parts as well. Hikari knew he was willing to set aside his grudges. His silence had in part been the result of the inner struggle within himself to come to that conclusion. His pearly gaze still rested on Sesshomaru, he knew he would have to persuade him. The younger lord was willing to give up many things in order to secure this temporary peace. However, what Hikari knew Sesshomaru must relinquish to secure this would not come easy. Better do it now before the Nekos did. Hikari knew Sesshomaru would never consent to them alone, and this argument would have to happen now while it was just the two of them.

 

“You will have to lay aside the Brother's Vendetta.” He said calmly. The deep soothing fatherly baritones of his voice gave hint to the fact that he knew this would not be easy for Sesshomaru to accept.

 

The Brother's Vendetta between the two was the only thing that protected Inuyasha from the Eastern Demon clan of the Nekos. Without that they would be free to exact their revenge on Inuyasha. Hikari was certain that they would not lose a moment to do so. Sesshomaru would just have to trust in Inuyasha's abilities to defend himself. If he was strong enough the hanyou would survive.

 

However much Sesshomaru wanted to protect his brother, and honor his promise to his father, that would have to be put to the side now. Lord Hikari intended to make Sesshomaru understand that he would have to, and he knew that this would not be an easy conversation. The younger youkai's response did not take him off guard.

 

“I am sorry Hikari-sama but that is out of the question, and I believe you know why.” Sesshomaru stated his amber eyes betraying none of the inner turmoil he felt upon hearing the elder youkai's statement.

 

“Sesshomaru, I understand. Believe me I do.” Hikari stated his baritone voice carrying the warmth of an understanding father trying to make a favorite son see reason. “I know you promised Inutaisho that you would protect Inuyasha. I also know that you invoked the vendetta because your father asked you to.” Hikari looked at Sesshomaru then. The single arched silver eyebrow was the only outward indication that the younger taiyoukai was surprised by his knowledge.

 

Sesshomaru had been surprised that Hikari had known that. He should have guessed, Hikari had always been in his father's confidence. This, though, he was not proud of. He had hoped that his father's request was something that had been between father and son only. Sesshomaru was not naïve enough to believe that he had acted honorably and had hoped others were only left to speculation. He stood then, wanting to put some distance between him and the older demon. Sesshomaru didn't trust himself to look the elder youkai in the eye.

 

Hikari watched the younger demon from his seat. Sesshomaru was troubled. He would give the younger youkai a moment to compose himself, but he would not let sentimental memories get in the way. Hikari silently cursed his friend's poor judgment again, just as he had done so often through the years.

 

Hikari did not doubt that Inutaisho had meant well. However he had let his fear rule his decision and in doing so he had placed Sesshomaru and Inuyasha at odds. One bound by a promise of silence and honor, the other bound by the human emotions in him that would never let him see past this betrayal. How was the problem to be solved? He thought of Sesshomaru and Inuyasha with compassion; these two brothers who once were as close as two brothers could be; had been un-intentionally driven apart by their father's misguided good intentions.

 

The light from the window caught on the hilt of the blade Sesshomaru wore on his hip. The tensaiga was always at his side, a gift bequeathed from Inutaisho to his eldest son. A fang crafted into a sword by Totosai after his death. Inutaisho had commissioned the swords-smith to make two swords before he even went into battle. Hikari had always known that Inutaisho had intended to die at the hands of the Nekos.

 

The sword's hilt gleamed again. Hikari understood that with the sword Inutaisho was trying to restore the humanity in his eldest son. Inutaisho felt that he had stolen it from him. In a way he had. Sesshomaru had only been too willing to drop the Vendetta when he heard of Inuyasha's reaction, but Inutaisho insisted that they go forward. Sesshomaru faced his brother in battle and to no one's surprise had bested his brother.

 

Sesshomaru had changed after the battle. He looked at everything coolly and logically without emotion. Any who had the misfortune to be his enemies were slaughtered with emotionless calm efficiency. No longer did Sesshomaru allow anyone to get close to him, or confide his thoughts in them. Neither himself, nor Sesshomaru's own father had any real insight into the inner workings of Sesshomaru's heart. Inutaisho felt responsible for this unforeseen change in his son.

 

Inuyasha's reaction had also taken Inutaisho by surprise. His friend had not foreseen the young hanyou's reaction. Inutaisho had been devastated by the look in his youngest son's eyes when Inuyasha begged to know what he had done. Hikari knew then, as did Inutaisho that Inuyasha and Sesshomaru would never be as they were. Inutaisho had tried to make the youngster understand, but the youngster would not listen to reason and had challenged his brother.

 

Always hotheaded and undisciplined, even with Sesshomaru's example and guidance, the hanyou was too volatile. Inuyasha had lost the battle. Hikari had watched as Sesshomaru's eyes pleaded with his brother to understand when Sesshomaru had claimed his life was his to take at will, and no other shall harm him. Hikari also saw the hatred and embarrassed hurt that glistened in Inuyasha's eyes, before he had turned and fled the castle. That was it… that had been the end for both of them.

 

Inutaisho had seen it too. That is why he faced the Nekos alone, sending Sesshomaru to find Inuyasha and bring him to the battle. He forfeited his life because the guilt was too much to bear. And he left that painful legacy behind him hoping that his sons would understand and forgive him one day. He left them each a fang a symbol of what he had unwittingly stolen from them, hoping the significance of the gift would not be lost on his sons.

 

Hikari pulled himself from his thoughts and crossed the room to stand beside Sesshomaru. Gently he put a firm hand on the younger youkai's shoulder and gave it a gentle but firm reassuring squeeze. Dropping his hand to his side he spoke. His voice still held fatherly affection.

 

“I know you probably haven't heard this often enough, but you have been a good and loyal son, a better son a father could not hope to ask for. Your father will understand.”

 

The tones and the words would have brought tears to his eyes if Sesshomaru would have allowed them to form. He continued to look out the window, refusing to look at Hikari, refusing to let any emotion other than duty dwell in his soul.

 

He had promised his father. That was all he had left of him. He had despised his father for asking that of him, but now for so many years since his father's death he had clung to it, and understood why his father had asked it of him. His words and tone were calm and firm when he answered. “Inuyasha's life will be forfeit if I do. I promised my father I will protect him as I always have, and I do not go back on my word. I will not fail my father.”

 

“Everyone will die if you do not. The Nekos will not join us if you do not relinquish this farce of a Vendetta. The Nekos as you know are very angry that you have not killed your brother. They know that it is Midoriko's blood that runs through his veins. The only thing that keeps them from waging outright war is the report circulating about your failed attempts to kill the hanyou.”

 

Sesshomaru stiffened at this revelation. He did not like being reminded of the methods he now employed to ensure his brother's safety.

 

Hikari pressed his point further seeing Sesshomaru's reaction. “Do not think others naïve enough to believe that you can not kill your brother. The Nekos right now believe that you are just toying with him, like a cat with a mouse. I tell you though, their patience wears thin, and soon they will demand satisfaction or they will attack again.”

 

“If I rescind my pledge to kill my brother wouldn't it be more apparent?” Sesshomaru countered. He would not let this go so easily. It was a matter of honor to both his brother and father that he kept this up. If need be he would face the Nekos. He had no doubt that he would win as he did before.

 

“No, it will prove to them and their allies that you could care less about his life. It would send a message to your allies who know better what you're willing to sacrifice for this. It will show to them how important it is that we come together for this cause.” Hikari's voice was firm and insistent by his side.

 

Hikari knew it was essential for Sesshomaru to agree to this if they were to have any hope of convincing the others to do the same. Though he was but a new Lord, the others respected and feared him. Sesshomaru had a reputation for being fair handed amongst the demons. He was respected and feared for his abilities. His strength and brutal ruthlessness against his enemies was legendary, and his unswerving honor and loyalty was something that many coveted and few earned. For all his arrogance and confidence in his own opinions, Hikari Mamaru knew that Sesshomaru did not realize how much many of the other Lords looked to him for guidance. The young taiyoukai was too wrapped up in managing his lands, and holding to his strict code of honor to see just how others looked up to him. Hikari had seen and understood all this. The elder taiyoukai was very proud of the young youkai lord. But now it was time for the young lord to step up and take his place and get the others to fall in line with his example.

 

Sesshomaru shook his head in frustration. Why couldn't the hanyou have just stayed sealed to the tree, everything would have been out of his hands. There would be none of this political intrigue. All that had died with both his father and Inuyasha. Now fifty somewhat years later it was being resurrected and he felt himself ill prepared to deal with this. If only they had told the truth back then. But they hadn't and he would never truly understand why, that secret Midoriko and his father had taken to their graves with them. He knew that one day this day might come. So often through the years he had visited his brother pinned to the tree praying that the time wouldn't come to choose between his brother and his principles, but now it was before him.

 

“I can not kill my brother. Nor do I want to condemn him to what will surely mean his death. When his life is in my hands and mine only, can I guarantee his safety.” Sesshomaru stated with clarity in his soul. He owed his brother. His honor demanded he repay Inuyasha's suffering somehow. His brother had found a family of sorts and he would let him keep it, he had after all had a hand in taking away his family in the first place. His sense of justice demanded he hold fast.

 

“Can you guarantee it now, with Naraku sending creations to kill him every other day? I have heard the stories, so don't think me ignorant. It's just a matter of time before the Nekos will cast aside honor as well.” Hikari's baritone was beginning to edge itself with the impatience he was feeling at Sesshomaru's continued resistance.

 

“The Nekos will not stoop to such actions as Naraku, that bastard hanyou. No matter what lies between East and West the Nekos are youkai and they live by our codes of honor.” Sesshomaru stated firmly hoping to put an end to the subject.

 

Hikari was not to be gainsaid though and his voice was a growl of frustration when the speech burst forth from him. Sesshomaru would have to see reason, this was madness. Damn Inutaisho and his foolish decisions. Hikari would make the son see reason where he had failed with the father.

 

“Then you will be just as dishonorable as your father was. He manipulated the codes and blackened the honor they held. What he did was wrong. You knew it. I knew it. Damn it the Nekos knew it. Hell, they went to war with your father because they knew what he had done. What he had asked you to do. Your father knew it was dishonorable as well. Everyone knew it was false when you failed to kill him. Do not think yourself as clever as that to make fools of youkai at least twice your age. A full-blooded youkai, a taiyoukai such as yourself could not slay a mere hanyou. He didn't have the protection of his father's fang then, and the miko blood in him was weakening. They knew then, but the code made them keep silent. They were angry and rightfully so.” Lord Hikari paused then to see if any of this was making any sense to the angry youkai beside him. The firm set of Sesshomaru's jaw told him he was not ready to capitulate.

 

Hikari pressed on fervently, his words harsh and quick. He did not care to consider Sesshomaru's feelings on this. The younger youkai would listen whether he liked it or not. Sesshomaru would have to listen to the truth that Hikari was certain Sesshomaru already knew but was willing to discard to loyalty to his father's memory.

 

“Your father persisted with the charade anyway. When Inuyasha began to seek the jewel the Nekos were furious. They demanded your father force you to either end his life then, or relinquish your claim on it. He refused, and they knew the truth. He died defending your honor because he knew he was the one who asked you to do it. The Nekos have remained quiet while your brother had been sealed to the tree. Their rumblings however are beginning to grow. They are beginning to question your honor once again. As I have stated before their patience grows thin. Would you risk not having their aide and even possibly provoking another war? Would you risk alienating the allies that support you now? For what? For your brother? For your misplaced sense of honor? For a promise made to a father whose foolish decisions put you in this disgraceful predicament?”

 

Sesshomaru's eyes darkened then, and red began to ring their outline, his voice was a growl, “He is my brother. I will not abandon family to the whims of some short sighted youkai who are prejudiced about his heritage. I will not allow that to happen. If it means we fight without them, then so be it. We will find a way.”

 

Hikari knew it was more than a promise to his father then. Something else, something deeper held him. He knew if it was just that Sesshomaru would have relented by now. Hikari was determined to bring the reason to light, and get Sesshomaru to act as he ought.

 

“That is not all. You are thinking with your emotions. It is so unlike you. Tell me why. Don't insult my intelligence with such a transparent attempt to throw me from my argument. What is it that binds you to this?” He stated, his own eyes glowing showing his anger and displeasure openly.

 

Sesshomaru was silent for a moment. Hikari had cornered him and he knew it. The guilt inside him had kept him to this course. Hikari knew and would not relent until Sesshomaru was honest. The words were out of his mouth before his pride could stop them.

 

“Because it was my fault that Inuyasha was sealed to the tree. My fault he didn't come to father's aide. I should have argued with father, because I knew he was undisciplined and hotheaded, I knew this would hurt him… I didn't even try. I convinced myself that he would understand.” Sesshomaru said this all in a chillingly calm even voice. Only his amber eyes betrayed the emotions that raged within him to their single solitary silent witness; the landscape of the Western Lands beyond the window.

 

“You did what you should have done and followed your father's wishes.” Hikari stated firmly. “No choice was ever given to you. You could no more oppose your father than you could hate your brother.”

 

Hikari paused then. Sesshomaru still looked out the window, refusing to look at him. His shoulders were not as rigid as they once were. He was getting through to him and he continued his speech.

 

“You forget I know you well, as I knew your father. I saw you grow up, and I saw the care and time you put into Inuyasha's education. That you still put into it, though he doesn't realize it. I have also known your brother when he was young. He never was very intuitive or insightful. I know you knew that, your father did as well. I know you care for your brother and your pride and sense of honor don't allow you to admit it. But think on this, maybe, Inuyasha will realize the truth when you rescind your claim to his life.”

 

Sesshomaru looked at Hikari then. Amber eyes regarded the elder taiyoukai carefully and Hikari saw the disappointment that lingered in the younger demon's eyes. “There is no hope for that. Too many years have passed and his heart is so set against me it will always corrupt his thoughts. No, taking away the Vendetta will only confuse him, and I need him focused. He wields father's fang of protection, and we will need that weapon to help us break the jewel's barrier.”

 

“Then we will tell the Nekos that. They understand only too well that the jewel must be destroyed. They will not harm him until after this is finished.” Hikari's voice was soothing and placating as he continued to regard the demon before him. But Sesshomaru remained silent. No acquiescence seemed forthcoming.

 

Hikari continued then, his tone the full authoritative tone of a man used to having his own way, “Damn It. Sesshomaru you must do this. You need to set aside your feelings and do this. You know as well as I do that this is not the time to be arguing about this. It is one life. One. Compared to thousands that will perish what is one.”

 

Sesshomaru, however much he did not want to hear it let alone acknowledge the truth in what Hikari was saying knew it was so. Hadn't he made similar decisions countless times over the years when dealing with the problems in his land? Justice and action were always so easy to achieve when one laid aside their emotions. And here he had been wasting precious time in argument because he had let his sense of guilt over ride what he knew he must do. He was humbled.

 

“Hai,” Sesshomaru answered quietly, his voice full of apology and self reproach, “I will release my claim on Inuyasha's life, I will set him free.”

 

Lord Hikari put a hand on his shoulder and looked him squarely in the eye, “Hai, I knew you would. Now we have work to do. You may able to save your brother yet. Hopefully it will only be one brave soul that we lose when this is over.”

 

Sesshomaru shrugged Hikari's hand from its place on his shoulder. Amber eyes reflected their distaste at this statement. “You call Naraku a brave soul?”

 

Confused pearl eyes searched angry amber ones. It hadn't occurred to him that Sesshomaru hadn't figured out the miko's fate. But then now that he thought about it, Sesshomaru mentioned nothing of it in his synopsis. Hikari had regarded it as a foregone conclusion and the omission didn't surprise him until now.

 

“No, I do not regard Naraku as a brave soul. Surely you deduced from what you already know that the miko will not survive. She will suffer the fate of all those destined to protect the jewel. She will die.”

 

Sesshomaru froze at those three fatal words. Something gripped at his heart and he felt hot and cold at the same time. Fear, that foreign almost forgotten emotion from so long ago, now took hold of his senses and he could not move past that one thought. Kagome dead, that was impossible. “She is the strongest miko I have ever encountered.” He managed to say despite the emotions that constricted in his throat.

 

“She is human just like the mikos whose souls she possesses. They were strong as well, but in the end they were still painfully mortal.” Hikari said flatly.

 

Something in Sesshomaru's stomach twisted uncomfortably at Hikari's lack of emotion. He felt the anger flare within him, and he fought to control his temper. This was Kagome they were talking about. She wasn't just any human, hell she just wasn't anyone human or demon. Her life was not expendable, and he would not allow it to be so.

 

“Yes, and so are those that fight with her. They have survived this far by working together. I don't think with our aid that they will fall to Naraku.” Sesshomaru stated firmly refusing to acknowledge any other possibility. He would not think it, therefore it would not happen.

 

Hikari continued, his baritone voice echoing in Sesshomaru's mind, driving out the voices that begged him not to listen. He closed his eyes and looked away as if that could stop the sound from entering. But his ears heard only too clearly Hikari's next words. “I don't speak of Naraku. He has not the power to harm her. That fool will die as he rightly deserves to. When we release the souls and the powers held within the Shikon no Tama, Midoriko's soul will finish what it has already started; it will fuse with the other soul that this miko possesses. The energy from the two souls fusing together will destroy the human.”

 

Sesshomaru looked at Hikari then, solemn amber eyes looked into curious pearl ones. He knew the elder demon spoke the truth. Why hadn't he seen this last night? The emotions that had gripped his heart in their icy fingers told him told him why. The ones that compelled him to look away, the ones that now tightened around his throat making it harder to breathe. He did not want to think it possible that Kagome would not be in this world anymore.

 

Every feeling in him revolted against the thought that he wouldn't gaze down upon her sweet face as she slept in the open forest. His heart beat in furious anxiety imagining that there was a possibility that he wouldn't be able to look into those midnight blue eyes filled with any mixture of stormy emotions any more. It broke with the knowledge that there was a possibility that unique blend of milk and honey that hung about when she was near would no longer catch on some distant breeze and lead him to her.

 

His mind's eye barraged by the anxiety within his heart brought forth an image of Kagome lying still on the ground. The epitome of beauty as she lay there unmoving, her skin unmarred, her eyes shut as if she were in a peaceful breathless sleep. There was no movement to her form at all, she lay there lifeless in some imaginary field and every feeling he had cried out in agony at the sight.

 

The sword at his side pulsed then. It drew from his soul the sorrow, the despair, the compassion and most importantly his need for her to live that the vision had conjured. Sesshomaru didn't notice though, for once he was overwhelmed, consumed even, by the emotions stirred within him. It had been so long since he had felt such powerful emotions, since he had experienced anything like that.

 

His thoughts of her leaving to the future forever never stirred such feelings within him. There had always been the comfort of knowing that she would be in the distant future somewhere, and he knew he would find her again. But now….He pushed those thoughts from his mind. Sesshomaru would not allow himself to dwell on such things. Kagome would not die. He would not allow it.

 

A thought occurred to him then, he knew he was grasping at anything that would give him hope. But he had to. He didn't want to think why he had to hope he just knew he did.

 

“Youkai merge souls all the time. Some weaker youkai than Kagome are able without any harm, if she is strong enough I don't think why it should be any different for her.” This argument sounded weak even to his prejudiced ears. He knew even weaker youkai were born immortal, only an outside force could take their lives. Sesshomaru was only too aware that humans were not. But he had to believe in something.

 

“I have yet to meet a human with that much power. It would take a miko who could defeat a great taiyoukai like you or me to survive such a release of energy.” Hikari said calmly, keeping his confusion in check. He did not miss the change in Sesshomaru while discussing the miko, nor did he miss the surge of power in the tensaiga when Sesshomaru had been silent. The urgency with which he spoke was not typical.

 

This part of their meeting Lord Hikari did not foresee when he had sat there with his thoughts. Initially he thought nothing of the miko, but now he had seen much to interest his curiosity. Sesshomaru did not have such strong feelings running through him when they spoke of Inuyasha. His guilt lay deep, and he wanted to protect his brother out of obligation and guilt. But the miko, just the thought of her demise stirred his emotions enough to give the tensaiga power. There could only be one explanation for this, Sesshomaru must have fallen in love with the miko. Of this Hikari was certain, but he doubted Sesshomaru even recognized the feeling for what it was. It had been too long since he had known it.

 

“What if the soul she possesses now is just a partial soul as well? Would that not lessen the blow?” Sesshomaru's question pulled Hikari back from his thoughts.

 

“That would keep the souls from merging, there would be no blow. But with that much force the final piece of the partial soul would be summoned. It would take strong will and powers to prevent its coming as well.”

 

“So there is hope then.” Sesshomaru muttered to himself. He would have to keep her from possessing all of Kikyo's soul. Surely he had the strength enough to do this. He would be sure to keep an eye out for Inuyasha's dead lover. He only hoped Kagome wouldn't need the whole of that soul to summon the jewel.

 

She was strong now, and getting stronger with her training. They would simply have to train more often. He would push her as harder than before, stretch her to the very limits of her endurance. He would delay her meeting with Naraku as long as he could. Destiny would have to be postponed for a while longer. This could very well mean life or death for Kagome. Sesshomaru knew he would do everything in his power to make sure she survived. There was hope for the world as long as she remained in it. The tensaiga pulsed again. There was hope for him.

 

Lord Hikari hoped for Sesshomaru's sake that this miko was as powerful as she needed to be to survive. He would like to meet her one day. To impress Sesshomaru was a feat indeed, many had tried and failed. To be able to bring about that tender look of caring that softened that demon's face was thought to have been impossible. The miko who had undoubtedly inspired it had to be very special indeed. No human, or demon for that matter had ever caused such a reaction in Sesshomaru, and Hikari Mamaru had known him since his birth. “Well, we have much to do before the miko returns. I will be on my way, I too have my concessions that I must make. I wish you luck with your miko.” Hikari bowed and Sesshomaru returned it. Then without another word the ice demon quit the room.

 

Sesshomaru stared after him. “…with your miko.” The words echoed in his mind and settled in the recesses of his secret heart. Maybe, one day that would be true, but right now he could not be distracted by such thoughts.

 

Everything had to be settled before Kagome returned. He did not want to have other matters weighing on his mind taking away from her training. He should have taken her to the castle. He shouldn't have allowed her to return to her time. Those were all days he could have used to train her. The taiyoukai shook the regrets away. They would do him no good. The past was unchangeable, he had to look to the future and do what he could.

 

With that final though he summoned Ah Un and took off to the Eastern Lands. He would meet with the Nekos first.

 

 

 

 

Revised, edited, reposted 10/12/04

 

Author's Notes: Currently I am in the process of revising, editing and reposting this fic.  If you find any errors (ie. spelling, word misuse, plot gaps, etc.) please let me know either by email (which can be found in my bio) or by leaving a review.  All comments and help are greatly appreciated.  Special thanks to thebigW for pointing many of these out to me.