InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Trust ❯ Chapter 11
Chapter 11
The village children had already been put to bed after a story from Miroku (Conn stayed with him to make sure the story remained age appropriate). People performed last duties in the waning light before going turning in. Some were caring for their weapons, other checked the horses and supplies and still others cared for wounds sustained in the earlier fight.
"What did I tell you? I don't like the looks on their faces." Miroku nudged Inu Yasha upon seeing the women return.
"Shut up." Inu Yasha said absently. Although to be honest, he was uneasy as well. He hadn't liked the feeling of despair that had reached him from Kagome earlier. She was obviously unhurt, but he could feel her mind churning over something. He sighed.
"You cannot tell me that doesn't make you nervous. They don't look nice and relaxed the way you should after a hot spring. They are plotting against us." Miroku nodded to himself. "You had better be nice to your woman and try to defuse whatever she has planned."
Watching Nzinga stalk across the clearing, he winced and shook his head. "I do not envy your brother right now."
Sesshomaru watched her from the position in front of one of the huts. He was cleaning his blade, Toukijin. He did not move, but his eyes followed her as she made her way to the hut in which she had placed her belongings.
"Nzinga," he sent. "You have first watch on the prisoners this evening."
"Fine." She replied curtly.
He sighed to himself. She had withdrawn again. This was certainly not going to be easy. As she had stated earlier, Sesshomaru had never had to pursue a woman. He never had the need to prove himself to any woman, as his rank and reputation spoke for him.
He was apparently not to be allowed the luxury with this woman. She wanted him to prove himself to her…but that wasn't all of it. She also wanted to know how much effort he was willing to put forward to have her.
So…she wants confirmation of what she means to me, he mused. He began to grow irritated. He chose her, didn't he? Wasn't that proof enough?
He suddenly realized that his inattention was causing him to clean his blade somewhat obsessively, and he cursed.
Some of his companions looked over at him curiously, only to avert their eyes again at the stony look on his face.
Not noticing, Sesshomaru continued to brood. "I will allow no woman to toy with me. I am no pet, to be brought to heel!" He seethed inwardly, unconsciously echoing the Kushite's earlier thoughts on him.
He looked over at her, she having taken her place outside the makeshift prison. Her sword was sheathed across her back, and her morningstar was at her side. Her face was impassive, but he had the feeling she was in a bad mood. Did she regret what they had shared?
A shout from inside the jail hut caught his attention. Nzinga stood and walked in to see what they wanted.
The prisoners were apparently thirsty, wanting water and not bothering to be polite about it. Nzinga smiled to herself. The gods couldn't have sent her a better way to work out her anger.
"Is that the best you can do? I don't have to bring you anything." She faced the man calmly.
The man sneered at her from a filthy face. From the smell of him, the condition was habitual, rather than forced on him by circumstances. She wrinkled her sensitive nose.
"Well, excuse me, your majesty. Would you consider lowering yourself to bringing this unworthy being some water before he dies of thirst?"
She eyed him. "You may think I'm here to guard against you, but I'm really here to keep you from getting killed. How long do you think Naraku will let you live once he hears of this?"
The man paled, and his fellow prisoners shuffled uneasily. He recovered quickly. "Just get me some fucking water, bitch! I don't know why they sent you to guard us anyway, like you could be effective in a real fight." He laughed, an ugly, hard sound. "And after you get my water, you can keep me company over here for the rest of the night." His companions, apparently just as intelligent as he, raised their voices in agreement.
Nzinga replaced her morningstar at her hip from where she had drawn it upon entry. Concentrating, she caused moisture from the surrounding area to gather near the ceiling. The nearby hotspring was more than adequate for her purposes. Outside, both shifters and non-shifters could feel a force gathering.
As the prisoners watched in horror, a wind whipped around inside the hut. A cloud was beginning to form over the huddled men. As she sliced her hand sharply down through the air, the cloud opened and a torrent rained down. Smiling, she walked back out to her guard post.
"You fucking bitch-" The man began a tirade which Nzinga proceeded to ignore. The rain would eventually shut him up.
Once back at her post, she found a group of her fellow fighters staring in amazement at both her and the localized downpour drenching the prisoners inside.
Sesshomaru stood near the front, a pained look on his face.
"Prisoners requested water, pack leader." She stated matter of factly, directly meeting his gaze.
He eyed her narrowly, then turned to the others. "Have none of you ever seen rain? Return to your duties, then turn in. We march tomorrow." The crowd broke up, leaving the two alone.
"So you control water." He stated.
"Of the five elements, I have the least control over air and water. That was a beginner's trick. Fire and earth come more easily to me."
"And spirit?"
"Somewhere in the middle. I think Kagome may have that gift, though. I doubt she knows." Nzinga responded.
"That would explain the Bond forming on first sight." Sesshomaru agreed. "You should talk to her about it when we return to the Pass."
"I will." She gave him a small smile.
"How long will that last?" The silver haired man motioned to the tiny cloud.
"It's small…maybe 30 minutes total until the water within gradually gives out."
He looked at her, and she could feel his inquisitive probing at her mind. She sighed.
"Why don't you just ask me?"
He had the grace to look slightly ashamed. "You seemed upset earlier."
She smiled. "I think I have worked through any lingering frustration."
He nodded, still keeping his gaze on hers.
Apparently satisfied whatever he saw in her eyes, Sesshomaru walked off to take his place at sentry duty. Nzinga watched him for a moment, then peered inside the hut at the rapidly depleting cloud. It would run out of water soon, and maybe she would have some peace for the rest of her watch.
After she returned from the hot spring, Sango was also lost in thought. She knew she would eventually need to make a decision about Miroku. After talking with her friends, she knew she had to admit her feelings for the monk, if only to herself. She certainly was not ready to speak to him about it…and she didn't want to just be a conquest. She was not the type to enter into trivial relationships.
She made her way to her things, setting her weapon against the hut wall. The day's light was almost gone, so she supposed she might as well turn in. She was sharing the hut with Nzinga, but she had been called to guard the prisoners. She lit a fire in the center hearth of the one room hut for light and comfort. She was just about to change for bed, when she heard Miroku's voice.
"Sango? Are you still awake?"
She gave herself a mental shake, reminding herself of her new resolution. "Yes, I'm up."
"May I speak to you for a moment?"
She blinked, surprised, and walked to the hut door. He stood outside, violet eyes smiling as he regarded her.
"I won't keep you…I know we all need to rest for tomorrow." He seemed hesitant. "I was hoping the hot springs would serve to relax you, but you looked troubled when you returned. Is everything alright?"
Sango could only look at him for a moment, before breaking into a blinding smile. "Yes, I just had some matters on my mind. But I think everything will work out."
Miroku blinked; mind momentarily turned to mush at the rare gift of her true smile. She was so reserved, and lately so troubled, that he didn't get to see it as often as he would like.
He smiled back. "Being graced with your smile is enough to put me at ease." He took her hand and placed it on his cheek, looking at her intently. Feeling bold, Sango stroked her thumb lightly on his face, before reclaiming her hand and stepping back, blushing furiously.
"Good night," she said softly before going into the hut.
"Sleep well, my Sango," he said softly, before walking off, mind still on the tentative caress she had given him. He walked off, satisfied that he was on the way to winning her trust, and with it, her heart. It was ironic that a man known for groping could be so affected by such a simple touch. To him, it was simply one more indication that he belonged with her.
Sango quickly dressed for bed, and went to sleep, warm in the memory of his last words--which unknown to him, had been just loud enough to be heard inside the hut.
After separating from her friends, Kagome looked around for Inu Yasha. She saw him with Miroku, looking irritated at whatever the monk was saying to him. His cousin finally gave up and walked off in the direction of Sango and Nzinga's hut.
She walked over to her mate. "What's wrong?" He asked bluntly.
"What do you mean?" she asked, taken aback.
He sighed. "I felt you get upset while you were gone. If it's one of those stupid girl things, just tell me so you can get over it and we can go back to normal."
She looked at him incredulously, then exploded. "Stupid girl things?!? Inu Yasha, you asshole!" She punched him in the chest.
He blinked at her in astonishment. "What the fuck was that for? I asked what was wrong!"
"Inu Yasha," she said between clenched teeth. "If you really felt me get upset earlier, you should know how much this is hurting me. And if you know how much it hurts, you wouldn't dare belittle me by calling the reason a stupid girl thing!" She hit him again.
"But…" he started.
"I don't want to hear it. I can't believe how insensitive you are." Tears sprang to her eyes. "Do you even care about me at all, or are you just asking so the Bond won't bother you?" she said softly, through the lump in her throat.
"How…" he started again as she turned and walked off. He watched her in bemusement as she gathered her sleeping roll and took it over to Sango's hut. She paused outside for a moment, then went in.
Leaving a stunned and confused mate behind her on the ground.
"What the fuck just happened?" he asked out loud. He had just been trying to make her feel better. Didn't bitches feel better by blabbing about their problems?
He sighed. He could feel her crying. He went to bed, knowing he would get little sleep that night.
An hour later found him still awake. With a sigh, he got up, figuring that he might as well help patrol if he couldn't sleep. Figuring his brother was the only one who would keep him company without trying to draw him into unwanted conversation, he checked for his scent. Locating him on the village perimeter, he made his way there.
His brother's only reaction to his arrival was a raised eyebrow.
His muttered, "Can't sleep," seemed to satisfy him and the two resumed patrol.
Anyone watching the two could be forgiven for pausing for a second look. The two men, one in red, the other in white, both tall and leanly muscular, ran silently on watch, their long silver hair streaming behind them in the night wind. They were quite an impressive sight.
Not that it crossed either of their minds. Both of their thoughts were divided between the task at hand and the woman each had left in the village. Something else nagged at Inu Yasha. He wasn't sure, but for a split second, in between the shouting and the tears, had Kagome started to…glow?
Shortly after sunrise, the village started to stir. They had learned that the prisoners were all that was left of Naraku's men in that area. It had been decided that most of the fighters would stay to guard the prisoners and the survivors, while the rest would continue on to search for other survivors. Ran, the first village to be attacked, was 2 days travel from here, and their last chance of finding any survivors.
If the advance party did not return in five days, the others were to take the prisoners and survivors back to Kieran's Pass.
Sesshomaru was leading the advance party, which consisted of his brother and his mate, her foster sister, the monk and Nzinga. Conn was left in charge of the group in the village.
They left about two hours past dawn. Sango was understandably tense, but unlike the last time, the presence of her friends brought her more comfort. She knew that they would help her get through whatever came.
The first day's travel was uneventful, the smaller group able to travel more quickly than before. The three humans had horses once again, while the shifters ran along side. The land was becoming more familiar to Sango with every step, memories of home seeming to spring from every copse, road or waterway.
At one rest stop to water the horses, Miroku came over to lay a comforting hand on her shoulder. As she smiled in thanks, and turned back to her horse, she felt the same hand make it way down her back…
He walked off with a red handprint on his face, but they both knew her heart hadn't really been in the strike.
Neither slept well that night.
Kagome was still not speaking to Inu Yasha any more than was strictly necessary. He resolved to get things back to normal as soon as this was all over.
The next day, everyone rose early. Supplies were packed up quickly, and the only conversation was related to the coming mission. As Sango pulled Hiraikotsu over her back, she steeled herself for what the coming day might bring. The horses were left tethered where they camped, as the village wasn't that far and they wanted to be as quiet as possible.
It took about two hours to make it to Ran. It looked like it had been a normal, prosperous village at one point. Now, many of the central buildings had been destroyed, and it looked more or less deserted. Sango choked back a sob of despair at the sight.
Nzinga grabbed her sleeve, eyes intent. She pointed to one of the buildings. In her grief, Sango didn't understand what the other woman was trying to tell her. Nzinga's eyes sharpened and she gave her friend a quick shake.
This startled Sango enough to look more closely at the building. It had been damaged, but it looked as if someone had attempted to repair it. There were new building materials stacked next to it. And it was not the only one.
New thatch was evident on another building, while a kiln showed that clay bricks were in production.
Apparently, there were survivors. Naraku's men had shown no sign of caring enough to rebuild the villages they took over, so it must be the original inhabitants.
"Sess, did you notice?" Zi sent.
He nodded. "Let's move forward. Have Sango come in front with me so any villagers will know we are not enemies."
She motioned to Sango, who nodded, and moved to the front. They all walked into the village, on alert, but hopeful their deductions had been correct.
Sango made her way to her parents' home. In order to reach it they had to cross the village proper to a larger house a few hundred yards outside. Sango put on a burst of speed; desperate to make sure her loved ones were safe. Miroku, seeing that she was heedless of her own safety, ran to watch her back. The rest of the group followed.
Sango banged on the front door. "Mother? Father? Kohaku? Anyone, please!" She then rushed in without waiting for a response. Miroku followed, staff at the ready.
Sango ran through the front room, past the fireplace, to her parents' room in back. Before she reached their door, it flung open, and an older woman shot out, sword in hand, hair flying. She stopped suddenly.
"S-Sango? My child…" she whispered brokenly. Sango flew into her arms, sobbing.
Miroku sighed in relief, still keeping an eye out for any danger.
"Kohaku!" The older woman called. "It's alright, honey. It's your sister." Another door off the kitchen opened and a young boy peered out, brandishing his own weapon. He dropped it upon seeing Sango, and ran over to embrace her.
By this point, the others had arrived, but hung back in respect for the reunion. Kagome looked on with tears of joy in her eyes. Sango's family was like family to her as well.
Sango's mother finally released her death grip on her eldest and turned to the other people in her house. "Welcome to our home…you must all be Sango's friends."
Sango straightened. "Yes, they all left the fort with me to go after Naraku's men." Wiping her eyes, she looked around for Kagome, who then came forward to be enfolded in another warm embrace.
"Kagome! It's so good to see you safe." Sango's mother gave the dark haired girl a fierce hug.
Miroku noticed that during the tearful exchanges, the older woman had managed to keep hold of her wicked looking blade. He smiled to himself. This was definitely Sango's mother.
"Mother, I'd like to introduce you to my friends. This is Sesshomaru, Inu Yasha, and Nzinga. Miroku is the one who came in with me. Everyone, this is my mother, Leilani, and my brother, Kohaku."
Miroku stepped forward and bowed. "It is an honor to meet you. It is obvious where Sango gets her beauty and spirit."
Leilani gave him an amused smile. "A monk? Sango, the most unusual boys follow you home." Everyone suppressed smiles.
"Mother? Where's Father?" Sango suddenly realized.
Leilani rushed to reassure her daughter. "Your father and some others went to the fort to warn the Commander. Although, it looks like he found out anyway."
"Mother, how many are left here?" Sango asked urgently.
"About a score and five."
Sesshomaru spoke for the first time. "We must get you all to the fort. These advance attacks were only the beginning. Naraku will soon throw his whole strength at the Pass."
His even voice was more convincing than any amount of impassioned words could have been. Sango's mother nodded. "We thought it might come to this, and we've been prepared. Kohaku and I can be ready in an hour, but others may need more time."
"Who was left behind? Children, wounded?" Inu Yasha asked suddenly.
"No, they left at the same time as my husband's group. Those left here are those both able to fight and help rebuild." Leilani replied.
"Then we will be able to move more quickly than I had hoped." Miroku said in a satisfied tone.
"Mother, we've got to gather everyone. Where are they?"
"Kohaku can show you. I'll gather our things. Have any of you eaten?" Seeing the negative responses, she continued, "Then I will make us something to eat. We have a hard march ahead." She motioned them out of the kitchen into the front room. "Make yourselves at home."
Nzinga approached Sango's mother deferentially. "Excuse me. What sort of game do you have in this area?" she asked.
"We have deer, and boar, mainly. There is also good fishing in the river you passed to get here. Why?"
"Well, I haven't felt well the past few days," Sesshomaru's head whipped around at that, "and I think I need some fresh meat."
"Oh. Do you need any medicine? I have plenty of dried herbs in my pantry." Leilani offered.
Nzinga smiled. "Thank you. I'll take you up on that when I get back." She turned to leave.
"You didn't tell me you were sick." Sesshomaru's mental voice was accusing.
"I'm just run down. It was a hard heat, and I'll start to bleed in a day or so. I'll need protein to rebuild my strength. Eating grains and fruit like we have been can't sustain me for long in this condition." She responded. "Besides, you have a mission to lead."
"I'll come with you." He said out loud. Kagome, Inu Yasha and Miroku were gathering supplies under Leilani's direction. They wouldn't miss them.
They waited until they were out of sight of the village to shift, hiding their clothes up a convenient tree. Sesshomaru's dog form had pure white fur, while his piercing eyes remained the same.
They scented the air for game.
"What do you prefer?" He asked, ever the gentleman.
"Pork." The thought dripped with anticipation.
They both remained silent for a while, running and searching for the scent of boar.
"I suppose it is for the best that we did not rut. I would not want you in the midst of our battle if you were breeding." He said suddenly.
Nzinga sighed to herself. She was quickly re-learning that Sesshomaru's taciturn nature hid the fact that he could be just as tactless as his younger brother.
"I have not accepted your claim, so I would not have become pregnant in any case."
He thought about her response for a moment. "Is the thought of bearing my child that distasteful to you?" He finally asked.
She was surprised to hear a note of pain in his thought. The answering pang in her own heart surprised her even more.
"I would never let you touch me if it was. I haven't made my decision on your claim…don't take my deliberation for distaste." She sent gently.
"Why was your heat difficult this time? Even for a shifter heat it seemed unusually…severe." He inquired.
She was silent for a moment. "The need grows the longer you go without."
"So for you it had been quite some time." It was not a question, so she saw no need to respond. She was not in any hurry to tell him that she had in fact never actually mated during her heat. It had also been years since she had chosen to have any sex at all.
Catching a scent, she stated, "Boar. This way."
The silver-white dog and tawny panther made short work of the boar, once they caught up. It was fast, but it was not used to being hunted by such an effective team.
The two decided to partially butcher it in the woods, leaving the innards for any scavengers that happened by. Nzinga refused to behead it with her claws in any form, and so they took it back to Sango's where she hoped a sharp axe was available.
After stopping at the river to rinse themselves and the boar carcass, they made it back to Sango's, which was a flurry of activity. Nzinga found an axe, beheading the pig. She then used her claws to skin and butcher it. (Separating the meat into ribs, chops, etc.)
She marinated the meat while she readied a fire outside. Spitting the chops, she placed them over the flames once they were ready. Kagome joined her outside while she was tending the meat.
"It smells delicious. What did you use?" She asked.
" Salt, pepper, garlic, olive oil, rosemary and cayenne. Leilani must do a lot of trading for such a wide variety of herbs and spices. I even saw some from home."
She sniffed the meat. She bet it would really be good glazed in honey. But she couldn't leave… "Sess?" she sent hopefully.
"Why do I not trust that tone?" he grumbled in response.
"Do you remember that beehive we passed?" Silence. "Can you get me some honey for the meat? I can't leave it."
More silence. "Sesshomaruuuuuuuuu…" she wheedled.
He still didn't answer. Oh, well, she shrugged, giving up on the honey. It wasn't that important. She hadn't really expected him to, anyway.
She and Kagome sat companionably by the fire monitoring the meat. A few minutes later, a shadow fell over her, and a stack of broken honeycomb was held out. Startled, both women looked up to see Sesshomaru with an irritated look on his face.
He dropped it into her outstretched hands, and without a word, turned and stalked off.
"Thank you." Zi said, stunned. She was surprisingly touched by the small act. She looked at Kagome, who had a similar look of shock on her face. "Can you get me a bowl for this?"
"Sure." Her friend jumped up and went into the house, quickly returning with an earthenware bowl.
Zi thanked her, and the two women went about draining the honey into the bowl. Zi suddenly felt tired. She had not been exaggerating when she told Sesshomaru she was drained. The men had brought their horses and supplies back from last night's camp, so her bedroll was easily accessible. She yawned and stretched.
"I need to take a nap." She announced.
"Are you feeling alright?" Kagome asked her friend.
"Just a bit worn out. I think I'll be alright with some meat in my belly and a little sleep." She yawned again. "I'll just set up my bedroll near the meat. I'll smell when it is done."
"I'll stay with you until someone needs me." Kagome told her.
Nzinga nodded as she made her way to her belongings, digging through for her bedroll. Spreading it out near the fire, she stretched out on top, and was soon fast asleep.
"Is she sick?" Inu Yasha asked tentatively, his first attempt at conversation since their fight.
"She says she's just drained and needs meat and a nap. She wasn't very specific." Kagome responded.
After a pause, he sent back, "Well let me know if she needs anything. Or if you do."
Kagome ignored the tightness in her throat. "Thank you."
She sighed, pulling her knees up to her chest, black hair falling in a curtain between her and the world. She had been able to feel his frustration ever since their fight. What was really breaking her down was the confusion and hurt emanating from him as well.
She didn't know how to broach the situation…it seemed like every way she thought of had the potential to make it worse. She sighed. She would have to at least try to make him see. He did ask about her, after all, so he must care for her.
Still, she couldn't help the doubts plaguing her. Not to mention that being separated from her mate was a constant drain on her emotionally.
She continued to monitor the meat over the fire, as her friend slumbered next to her. She would just have to find a way to fix things between herself and Inu Yasha.
About an hour before midday, Nzinga woke up. The chops had been over the fire for close to an hour, and were almost done. Taking the bowl of honey, she spooned it over the meat. As the excess dripped onto the flames, the fat and honey combined to make the food smell even more tempting than before.
"Where did you learn that recipe?" Kagome asked.
"I don't know," Her friend replied. "I've always liked cooking, and enjoy experimenting." She shrugged. "I just had an idea and it seemed like the ingredients would work well together, that's all."
"It smells really good."
"I know." The two women eyed the fire hungrily. "It should be done soon."
Nzinga looked up and saw Miroku and Inu Yasha looking over at the fire expectantly, attempting not to be noticed.
"It figures." She smiled. She turned to them. "I think it will be done in another 15 minutes or so."
"We wouldn't want to impose…" Miroku began. The cousins walked over and seated themselves at the fire.
"Keh!" Inu Yasha interrupted. "She was gonna give us some, right?" His eyes shone with expectation.
Nzinga opened her mouth to give a sarcastic retort, when she saw the look on Inu Yasha's face. It was rare that he looked so much like the boy she left all those years ago, so open and unguarded. She couldn't bring herself to spoil his mood. Not when he was so seldom without a scowl on his face nowadays.
She grinned and reached out to scratch behind one of his ears instead. "I would never let my Pup go hungry…even though it means feeding him every hour."
"Keh!" He huffed, twisting his head away, but it lacked any real bite.
"What about me?" Miroku turned pleading violet eyes on the brown-skinned woman.
"Ehh…I know I can't feed one of you without the other tagging along." Nzinga said dismissively.
Kagome burst into laughter, her first in a while. Inu Yasha could not help the leap his heart made at the sound.
"Do we have any bread? I seem to be hungrier than I thought." Zi asked.
As the meat was taken off the fire, her friends found that Leilani had put out bread, cheese and water to go with it. They all made their way into Sango's home to eat, spreading the food on the table. The friends gathered around, arguing good-naturedly over the food like children. Looking around, Sango relished the easy camaraderie, knowing the trip back would be difficult. They all knew to relax for as long as they could, while they could.
Kagome was seated on the floor, playing with Sango's cat, Kirara. Kagome had squealed in delight upon sight of the tiny feline, and Nzinga laughed at the pained looks on Inu Yasha and Sesshomaru's faces. "They're such babies," she thought. "She's not that loud."
Suddenly, Inu Yasha and Miroku simultaneously reached for the last piece of pork. Conversation halted as everyone watched to see how it would play out. Each man tried his most ferocious faces on the other to get him to yield.
Miroku was expounding on the blessings Inu Yasha would receive for helping to feed a man of the cloth, when the matter was settled. Sesshomaru calmly walked over, sat down, and speared the last piece of meat, setting it on his own plate.
"Leilani and the other villagers are nearly ready to move. We will leave as soon as we finish here." He said calmly, ignoring the surly looks from the other two men.
Nzinga sliced a piece off her own chop, offering it to Kirara. The small cat mewed in thanks.
"You are very welcome, cousin." Nzinga replied.
Miroku gave her a curious look. "Are you two related?"
She laughed. "No, it's just a courtesy. She does have shifter blood, though."
"How is that possible?" Kagome asked.
"It usually happens when a shifter mates while in animal form. It happens often enough." Inu Yasha responded. He then turned on Zi. "Why does she get some, and you won't even give any to your own brother?"
"You've had more than enough for someone who didn't even make the kill. I don't mind spoiling you a little, but even you know pack rules." She replied absently, licking the juice off her fingers. She then began to eye Sesshomaru's plate, as he had the last of the meat, untouched, on his plate. Her craving had not yet abated for the succulent chops.
Inu Yasha stood, sighing. "Come on, dirty monk. We still need to get our things together."
Sango stood as well. "Kagome, can you help me with the dishes?" At her friend's nod, they quickly cleared the table. They walked outside where a large washing tub sat, already filled with water by a considerate Kohaku.
Zi looked at the pack leader. To most he would seem to be his normal composed self, but she knew him better.
"Any word from the others?" she asked.
He nodded. "Kouga's group had some losses, and have headed back already with what survivors they could find. Shaya and Sasha have not seen any, but we think it's because the men in that area joined those that went against Kouga." He paused. "I have not yet heard from Jaken."
"He may be out of range." She offered.
"True." He stared at his plate, still not having touched his food.
She got up and moved around the table to sit next to him. "If you didn't want it, why did you take it? I saw you eat earlier."
His expression did not change, but she could tell he was amused.
"You just wanted to see the expression on their faces when you took it, didn't you?" She asked. Sesshomaru continued to regard her evenly.
She sighed. "Men never grow up." But she couldn't hide her smile. Reaching over, she shifted slightly, growing razor sharp claws to slice the meat on his plate to strips. Shifting back to normal fingers, she picked one up, and began eating.
"You eat like you're expecting pups." Her companion stated. "Has our diet been that much of a strain on you?"
"Shut up," she replied, chewing blissfully. Nzinga was something of a gourmet, and she hadn't been able to cook in weeks. She was not a fan of trail food, and had been close to going insane. She planned on enjoying as much of this food as she could while she could.
Licking her fingers, she picked up another slice and held it to his mouth. Looking surprised at first, he opened his mouth as she placed the juicy sliver of pork between his lips. Holding her gaze, he sucked her finger into his mouth along with the food, running his tongue along it before letting her pull it back.
"You can have the rest," she grinned. Popping another piece in her own mouth, she stood and walked outside. "I'll make you more later. If you're good."
Outside, everyone was gathering. Sango's mother had gathered the villagers in the village center, and they were just about ready to leave. Sango secured the house, putting away the last dishes with Kagome's help.
At the door, she took one last look around her home. Kagome squeezed her friend's shoulder in silent sympathy.
"We'll win." She said firmly. "We'll win, and your family can come back here and you can know that they are all safe. But first, we have to get all these people back to the fort."
Sango nodded. "I know." And turning, she walked out of her childhood home.
All assembled, the group began the trip to the first village; another two days march from Ran.