InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Difference Between Time and Distance: A Sesshoumaru Tale ❯ Second Sighting ( Chapter 9 )

The Difference between Time and Distance

By: emeraldoni

 

 

Chapter 9

Second Sighting

 

 

 

Sesshoumaru grimaced as he felt another tug on the back of his hakama. In the past couple of days, particularly this certain day, Rin had decided she wanted him to be involved in all of her games. And when she said all, she meant all.

 

At the moment, she had rushed him into a game of tag, a game that Sesshoumaru found quite degrading. The field in which they were crossing through didn't seem to stem Rin's enthusiasm either, if anything, it magnified the headache the TaiYoukai felt coming on.

 

The smell of the flowers was strong, almost devastating to his senses, and Rin's constant attempts at weaving them through his hair… well, it didn't help.

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama! Look! Isn't this one pretty? It's got two colors in it!”

 

In order to appease the girl, though Sesshoumaru found the small weed disdainful, he nodded, “Yes, Rin.”

 

Rin grinned and circled the demon to entangle it in his hair, along with collection of other dirty plants she kept hidden there. Sesshoumaru grimaced once again at the thought of having to clean that out, it would not be easy. The last flower hadn't even been picked correctly. The young girl had tugged out the roots and all, along with all the dirt the flower had been living in. in fact, it was more like a dirt clod with a leaf sticking out than an actual flower. And it was going to be in his hair.

 

Rin giggled and ran to Sesshoumaru's side, her hands and face dirty, but a beaming smile covering her delicate features.

 

Sesshoumaru wished Jaken were there. Unfortunately the little imp had been left behind some time ago and still hadn't caught up with them yet. The toad was probably taking his time so he wouldn't have to face Rin's wrath.

 

That's correct; Rin's wrath. Earlier that day the young girl had explained how Sesshoumaru-sama hadn't been around much, and she was lonely without him. Actually, she had more like whined the thought, than calmly explained it, and Sesshoumaru had acquiesced to her self-proclaimed misery.

 

What Sesshoumaru had not realized, was that many children were exceptionally good at `guilt trips', and Rin was an expert. In fact, the demon wondered how menacing the girl could be when she grew up, if she could already get her to spend time with her easily.

 

` I let a weak human goad me into doing this.'

 

The demon felt no real disgust though, and watched the young `menace' hum while picking more flowers to braid into his long mane. He noticed her flush cheeks and decided it was time for them to rest. The day was warm, a little oppressive actually, especially for a human.

 

“Rin, we will stop here.”

 

Rin nodded and grinned, going about her business, not pausing in her ministrations of a flowery crown she had been concentrating on. Sesshoumaru turned and found a tree near the edge of the forest. His leg drawn up, arm resting on his knees, Sesshoumaru allowed him self a moment to relax.

 

At least until his guarded peace was squashed like a flame in a rainstorm.

 

“Sit!”

 

Today was going to be a long day.

 

OoooOOOooooOOOooooO

 

“I can't believe you would do that, InuYasha!” shouted the enraged girl, “You are so insensative!”

 

“What?” replied the hanyou defensively, “I only said the truth! She could pass for a guy! She's tall, her hair was tied back, and she's wearing men's clothing! Look at her!”

 

“You idiot! Have you even looked at her face? Look! Does that look like a guy to you InuYasha? Does it?”

 

InuYasha had peeled himself off the ground in time to face the raging miko. His eyes never even strayed to the third figure accompanying them.

 

In fact, Ayame kept herself as inconspicuous as possible. InuYasha had thrown a fit when he realized she would be coming, and Kagome had been the only one able to calm him down. Some well placed `sits' and a few cups of ramen, and he had grudgingly accepted. He was still against it though, and Ayame did everything she could to make sure he wouldn't take her back.

 

She really wanted to explore. The fact that she was already tired didn't seem to help. Maybe bringing her stuff from home wasn't the best idea, she was sure she could have left them. For some reason though, Ayame had wanted to bring it. Her lacrosse stick strapped across her back with some leather, and bag hung across her shoulders, Ayame had been ecstatic at the thought of leaving.

 

Along the way, Kagome had been the main one making conversation, the walk peaceful and Ayame content.

 

At least until the argument started. It was simple enough.

 

“You had better be careful, Ayame.” Commented Kagome, “Some of the men… well, they aren't very nice. They might, I dunno, try to take advantage of you. Like Miroku, but worse.”

 

Ayame took the advice, though thinking it hadn't needed to be said. Eyes would be caught on the young miko, not her. She was tall, bulky, clumsy, especially compared to the Kagome. Apparently the same thought had crossed InuYasha's mind.

 

“What are you talking about, wench, she'll be fine.”

 

“Your wrong InuYasha! She needs to know the dangers! I don't want her to get hurt!”

 

“It doesn't matter, she looks to much like a man anyway.”

 

Ayame stared into the forest, as the screaming seemed to be getting even louder. By now, she was used to it, and it wasn't as amusing.

 

“She's wearing baggy clothes, you idiot! So she's hidden! She obviously has curves!”

 

at this turn in the conversation Ayame started tog et a bit uncomfortable. Arguing about her was one thing, arguing about her body was something else. She shifted, cheeks red.

 

“I know that, wench! That's what I meant! Don't change my words!”

 

“You're the one who said it InuYasha! I can't believe you! Does that mean I look like a guy too?”

 

“Feh! I never said that either! Stop putting words in my mouth wench!”

 

By now the group had stopped. Hanyou and miko faced each other directly, only inches away, while Ayame kept her distance at a few feet. She was wondering whether she could sit down yet or not.

 

“Sit, InuYasha!”

 

The hanyou slammed into the ground, though his face popped up quickly enough, “Who said your pretty? You're not pretty at all!”

 

Kagome's face bloomed a bright pink, and her eyes snapped with rage. With a garbled cry, and a quick scream, she issued her twenty commands, “InuYasha! Sit! Sit! Sit! Sit! Sit!”

 

Ayame stared in awe at the destruction, never having seen such massive rage in Kagome's subduing spell. Kagome, oblivious, shouted down at the pit.

 

“You idiot! You moron! You—”

 

her head shot up as she stared strait into the trees. InuYasha, followed, jumping up and drawing his fang. Tetsuaiga glittered dangerously as Ayame found herself staring hypnotized at the grandness of the sword once again. InuYasha's growl broke through her thoughts.

 

“Sesshoumaru!”

 

Sesshoumaru.

 

InuYasha's brother. The one he had been fighting…

 

In a daze, Ayame stared at the deity-like being that stepped out of the trees.

 

OoooOOoooOOOooooO

 

At first his eyes settled on the fighting couple. For a moment, the youkai cursed himself for even making an appearance. Of course they had stopped fighting, only to take up defensive positions against him. One figure, the odd one out in the group, didn't even twitch.

 

Without a word to his fuming half-brother, Sesshoumaru turned his attention on the girl. Why did she hold him so? It must be her odd, demonic looks, contrasting her humanity. Or maybe it was her expression, one of wonder, holding nervousness, but no fear.

 

She looked much healthier this time, her cheeks pinked slightly, her face a little less sallow. The bags under her eyes betrayed her fatigue though, and underneath the clean smell, Sesshoumaru smelled something…different. Something was…wrong with her body.

 

This was barely noticed though, as the demon's eyes roamed over the strange equipment the girl was wearing. Some type of metal and string basket was attached to her back, and a black bag adorned her hip.

 

A high growl interrupted Sesshoumaru's study of the girl, and drew his attention back to the hanyou who he had no wish to see.

 

`I shouldn't have come.'

 

“InuYasha.”

 

“Sesshoumaru! You bastard! What the hell are you doing here?”

 

“No need to worry. I did not come to kill you, yet. I was disturbed by all the racket you were making.”

 

Kagome had the decency to blush. InuYasha just fumed. Sometimes Sesshoumaru had to wonder if there was something wrong with him. He took a little too much pleasure in the torturing of hid younger brother. At the moment though, he wasn't in the mood to fight, especially after leaving Rin alone. Sesshoumaru could sense her, and would know if something was coming, but he did not like the thought that she might be scared or worried without him. That though brought on a surge of disgust within himself, that he, the Lord of the Western lands, should lower himself to associate with a mere human. Rin's accepting smile flashed though his mind, though, and that disgust turned into a hidden fondness for the young girl.

 

“Shut the fuck up and get ready to fight! It's about time I took you down! Especially after running away from out last battle!”

 

“I did not come to fight, InuYasha. Any other day I would be more than willing to put you in your place, but today I have plans.”

 

“Yeah right, you—”

 

Sesshoumaru tuned him out, glancing once more at the girl instead. She stared at him, eyes wide, but with a steady gaze. For a minute, there was contact, something odd and insightful and all to uncomfortable. She held his gaze like Rin's smile, which never faltered. Then, in a fit of nervousness, she looked away.

 

Sesshoumaru, turned the eye contact into a disdainful look, then tore his eyes away from her, back to InuYasha.

 

“Farewell, little brother, I will kill you soon.”

 

“What? You fucking bastard! I'll kill you!”

 

But he was already gone.

 

OooooOOooooOOOoooO

 

 

Ayame sighed as she stared into the fire. Her mind was preoccupied with the events from earlier in the day. As the cold of night fell upon them, Ayame huddled into the warmth of the cheerful and comforting blaze, her eyes staring at something the others could not see.

 

The girl had the feeling that she was experiencing something akin to culture shock, though obviously it was more of a `time shock'.

 

InuYasha's brother—Sesshoumaru—seemed to exhibit every thing that Ayame was unused to. He wore odd clothes and had a strait-forward, if a bit closed off demeanor. He would—from the impression she got—kill anything that got in his way. If that didn't seal the deal, then the demon's looks would really take the cake.

 

His appearance was truly amazing. Ayame couldn't help but think of him as beautiful, while other girls would probably describe him as `hott'. She couldn't see him it that light though, his pose almost demanded respect. Squealing fan-girls would not be tolerated.

 

The demon lord held a certain elegance, one which Ayame couldn't seem to put her finger on. The man—no, demon—emanated a type of poise which made one want to gasp in awe. Maybe it was the way his chin was set high in the air, of his shoulders set strait—no, it was something more. It had something to do with his aura.

 

Ayame snorted to herself `Where do I even get these ideas? I don't even know how to sense an aura, if I even could.'

 

She scooted away from the fire, tenderly touching her face. Though the day hadn't been overly warm, the sun still shone, and Ayame's pale skin couldn't seem to withstand its ultraviolet rays. Her skin was a slight red, burnt from overexposure. Luckily they had been in the umbrage of the forest for most of the day, Ayame feared what her skin would be like of they hadn't.

 

“We should reach the village tomorrow, probably sometime midmorning.”

 

Ayame glanced up at Kagome who was kneeling beside her, the friendly smile plastered onto her face once again. Ayame returned the smile, answeering in return.

 

“Oh, great.” She started to fumble with her fingers, her sleeves, “I wanted to thank you again, Kagome, I really—”

 

“Don't worry about it,” Kagome interrupted, “It's good for you to get out. And the demons coming around aren't that dangerous, as you probably noticed.”

 

The young woman was referring to the attack they had faced earlier. A few newt youkai had popped out at them, and InuYasha had quickly dispatched them with a hurried slash of his fang. It hadn't affected Ayame as much as she thought it had would. Maybe it was because she was prepared, Kagome had certainly warned Ayame enough. Another demon, much more intimidating than the minute lizards, cam to mind.

 

Ayame couldn't help herself, she had to ask, “Um, what is up with Sesshoumaru.”

 

Kagome's eyebrows rose slightly, then she allowed a little laugh, glancing up at InuYasha who was residing in a nearby tree, foot hanging lazily form his branch of the moment.

 

Assured that the irate hanyou was not paying attention—for he was still upset by the appearance of his brothers—Kagome turned back to Ayame with a conspiratorial glint in her eyes.

 

“Well, those two have always `hated' each other—at least, that's what they have said. Sesshoumaru had come after InuYasha a lot during my time here, trying to `kill' him. Both of them have had chances to kill each other, though, yet neither of them has actually gone through with it. Both of them would probably murder me if they heard this, but I think they would miss each other if something happened to one of them.”

 

Kagome nodded proudly, happy with her proclamation.

 

Ayame was silent for a moment, “Oh, okay.”

 

What an odd relationship. It was a sibling rivalry to the extremes.

 

It was kind of cute.

 

Ayame shook the little giggle bubbling up, distracting herself while getting ready to go to sleep. Kagome followed suit, looking like a little roly poly in her cocoon-like sleeping bag.

 

Ayame had decided to bring with her a horse blanket instead, since it was lighter and took up less room.

 

Wrapped in her scratchy cover, Ayame lied in the most comfortable position that she could find. Unused to the ground, Ayame let her mind wander, sleep eluding her at the time.

 

OooOOOooOOOooOOoooO

 

“He's traveling aimlessly at the moment. He doesn't seem to be heading back to his home, just wandering around his brother.”

 

A youkai, one with feathery, short, green hair and eyes so dark and liquid like—the whites barely apparent arouns the edges—raised his lip in disgust.

 

“Damned dog, he does not deserve to be TaiYoukai.”

 

The other youkai in the darkened room—filled with odd knickknacks, the walls draped with tapestries, and pillows tossed about without pattern—bowed low in reverence to his superior. His dusty brown hair shimmered slightly in the candlelight, and his moss green eyes twitched nervously, “ Yes, Shinji-sama. You should be the rightful leader of the west.”

 

Shinji smirked slightly, then waved his hand in dismissal of the fluttery slave, “You may leave now, make sure to report in by the new moon.”

 

“Hai, my lord.” He left.

 

Shinji reclined in a mound of blankets, staring blankly at the ceiling.

 

`I hate them!' A vicious snarl reverberated throughout the dim room, the flame filled scones flickered with the intensity of it, `'They do no even deserve to die!'

 

The youkai's fingers combed over the furs, ripping them in ragged shreds. His dark eyes flashed a silver, a light that only resides in the darkest of stones, then went back to their colorless nature. His unmarred face was laced with pain and hurt and the thirst of revenge.

 

`I will make them suffer.'

 

The snarl slowly merged into a smirk, evil in nature, and Shinji relaxed his fingers.

 

`You wait Sesshoumaru. Your day will come.'

 

 

A/N: I'm sorry this took a while to get out. I want to thank everyone who reviewed this (almost all were on FF.net) and I really appreciate your support. I think I have had more success over there than on MM.org. I'll try to get the next one out soon, but work is a bitch, especially in hundred-degree weather. I hope I don't pass out, that would suck, and I would never live it down (I've done it before, three friggen times; home stupid is that?).

 

Enjoy your summer.

 

PS I started karate! Isn't that just so cool? I hope it will help me with writing fight scenes, because I'm not very good with those.

`Till next time,

 

~emeraldoni

 

PPS Check out my Quizilla.com account under the same name. It's my very first fics (pretty scary, horrifying, and downright bad) but it would still be nice for you to read them.