Hi everyone!

I know that I have gone missing for a long while... and people want to see me continuing write Ten Thousand Cranes but Im afraid that's highly unlikely. The idea/plot that I had in my head was just too big a behemoth for me to be patient, tackle it, and slowly transform it into words. Also, looking back at my old style, I felt that my writing was really childish... So I would first like to apologize for this.

The inspiration for this fic came about because I have been watching too many 'traditional' films and animes. Japanese and Chinese mainly. And also because I have been itching to write for a long time but couldn't produce any decent thing. Real life is no fun at all.

Some words you need to know:

Taishou - it just means 'general'. Not the name of Inuyasha's and Sesshoumaru's father.

Shogun- General too. Well, google/wiki it up.

Shoji - Japanese paper doors

Kohaku tried not to breathe too loudly as he tried to keep up with his master while they walked down the polished wooden corridors. How his master could walk at that pace steadily in socks without slipping or creating those irksome footfalls would always remain a mystery to him. Ever since he was old enough to hold a bowl and chopsticks properly, he had been rigorously trained to be his master's servant and Kohaku was proud of it. To be part of this eminent clan, to follow behind the Shogun's eldest son, to be even able to stand guard outside his sleeping chamber was a glorious task to him that he took it very personally and importantly. It was not far-fetched to even say that the young boy viewed it as his mandate; to protect his master at all costs even though he knew that his master was a formidable swordsman and excellent strategist who would most probably save his life in dangerous encounters instead. But Kohaku did not want to remain as a manservant only; he wanted to be someone whom his master could rely and depend on when in times of need. Which was the reason why he had been training very hard with his weapon during his free-time. That was how single-minded Kohaku was; to protect and even lay down his life for his master if required.

"Kohaku."

The young boy nearly fell headlong into his master's back as he braked, "Yes Sesshoumaru-sama!"

"Do not lose yourself in thoughts so often, you need to be more alert to your surroundings," the aristocrat straightened his kimono without even turning his head around.

Kohaku stiffly bowed his head in shame, "Yes Sesshoumaru-sama!"

"Go back to your room until I call for you," the eldest son of Inutaishou frowned a little and slid open the shoji doors.

Kohaku gave another bow before quickly departing for his room, he knew that he could not stay outside lest he overhears the conversation between father and son. There had been rumours that the neighbouring state was preparing for a war but no one knew who the war would be waged against with. The Higurashi clan had been growing by leaps and bounds during these decades and Inutaishou was not feeling particularly good about his seat and power as the current Shogun. Although none in the clan had said anything, if one was observant enough, the telling signs of fatigue and worry were revealed on the Shogun's face. And this was no difficulty at all for Kohaku since his observing skills had been honed through the years with his master. Even though the other servants and outside folk were rather timidly-adverse to his intimidating and seemingly-arrogant presence, Kohaku felt that they were quite wrong. His master had shown him kindness in ways that he would never be able to explain and his coldness was just a part of him; like how some women could talk all day long without feeling tired. But Kohaku never once felt that he knew his master well enough to guess his inner thoughts accurately, and this was what really impressed him. For what pride would there be if another could see you through and through? In fact, to be very honest, Kohaku idolized his master to such an extent that his loyalty was with him, and not the Shogun. He knew that his guts would be spilled if others knew but he was not afraid and neither did he care.

"Kohaku-san!"

Kohaku stopped in his tracks and blushed; he recognized that voice very well.

"Kohaku-san, here are some sweetcakes for you," the younger maidservant rushed over in her dull-green kimono, panted a little and kept her head low as she offered the wooden plate to him with both hands.

He tried to look at her pretty egg-shaped face by tilting his head slightly to one side without looking too obvious. But the smart girl seemed to have sense it and kept her head lower still. Kohaku had no choice but to take the plate with both hands, "Th-thank you, Rin."

She giggled a little at the sound of her name and quickly turned around to leave when Kohaku called out to her again.

"Wait! Er, Rin... we are of the same rank... so please drop the formality. I would much prefer if you call me by my name only," he scratched the back of his head and looked away.

Rin blushed fiercely and pinched her underarm to refrain from smiling like an idiot. She turned around as gracefully as she could (since she had been secretly observing the noble ladies' behavior), gave a deep bow and let out a gentle yet bright smile which made his heart skip a beat, "I will try... Kohaku."

Before he could say anything (even though all the words were clogged up in his throat and he had no idea what he had wanted to say to her), Rin had left for the kitchen and all he could do was to watch her small backview disappearing round the corner. He looked at the delicious-looking sweetcakes on the plate and knew that she must have made them herself. Kohaku quickly ran to his little room, shut the door, placed the plate on the floor and sat on his knees. He looked at the sweetcakes for a long while, not wanting to eat them since they were personally made by Rin and thought how they resembled her. Small, dainty and pretty. So fragile too.

The delicate sweet aroma of the sweetcakes made his mouth water and he nibbled a small portion off one of the white sweetcake. It tasted absolutely heavenly; soft, sweet and light. These sensations warmed his heart greatly and he closed his eyes and smiled happily. If only he could always eat her sweetcakes! He was sure he would die without no regrets. Rin was the next dearest person to Kohaku other than his master, since he had no remembrance of his family at all and they literally grew up together. Even though he did not have a very clear idea whether Rin was like a sister or someone more important to him, he dared not explored their relationship further. He was raised in the Inu clan for a single purpose and he did not intend to deviate from it. But he admitted to himself that Rin made him felt like no one else and he wasn't sure that was because they were both orphans or they liked each other. Kohaku was very fond of her, and would always try to steal glances at her whenever she was around but such occasions were rare and far apart. He was always in his master's shadow and she worked all day long in the kitchen and laundry-yard. The only thing he could do was to find excuses to go to the kitchen but even then, there were only so many he could come up with. Despite he being only sixteen, he was keenly aware that the Inu clan was not as peaceful and united as outsiders had thought and any rumours could result in one's head chopped. The two wives of Inutaishou were constantly scheming against each other and the household had literally divided into two halves; one supporting his master's mother and another backing the second wife. Therefore he restrained himself as much as possible since he did not want to risk his or her life, although he was finding it more and more difficult to do so.

"Still..." Kohaku popped the rest of the white dessert into his mouth and happily chomped on it, savouring each and every flavour around his tongue as long as possible. Rin's sweetcakes are a luxury, he thought to himself and soon finished the rest of the three sweetcakes in no time. He was almost falling asleep when sharp knocks on his door woke him up abruptly.

"Sesshoumaru-sama asks for you!" Another boy shouted.

Without another word, Kohaku sprang up, took his sickle-chain, kept the plate under his pillow and dashed out of his room.

"Sesshoumaru-sama," Kohaku took a deep bow and stood by the closed door.

"Come, sit here," Sesshoumaru gestured to the opposite black cushion without looking at him. Kohaku was a little surprised and stunned since his master had never before told him to sit together with him like equals. He was still deliberating over his decision when Sesshoumaru spoke again, this time more firmly, "Sit."

The young guard instantly obeyed and tried to keep his back as straight as possible, his face tilted downwards (for he was taught never to look into the nobles' eyes, at least not directly) and placed his hands on his laps. For a long while, both master and guard sat quietly in companionable silence and Kohaku tried hard not to shift in his position.

"Kohaku," the eldest son of the Shogun sounded tired.

"Yes Sesshoumaru-sama?" Kohaku gave another small bow and wondered what had troubled his master's mind.

Sesshoumaru poured tea into two porcelain cups and pushed one across the low wooden table, "Drink."

The young boy dared not disobey even though he was trembling inside; had something bad happened? Was it regarding the Higurashi clan and the rumours? He stilled his hand as much as he could and lifted the small cup to his lips, the hot tea down his throat made him felt a little better.

But Sesshoumaru did not drink; instead, he knocked over the small cup gracefully with his right hand and the tea spilled onto the table. Kohaku's eyes widened; he knew that his master had did that deliberately and was trying to convey some message to him.

"You see Kohaku, once the tea is spilled, I cannot gather it back," his master's deep voice sounded quiet.

Kohaku nodded his head while his brain was working fast and hard to decipher his master's message, "And so is blood, Sesshoumaru-sama."

The aristocrat's closed his eyes, "You are a smart boy."

Kohaku bowed again, "I dare not receive such compliments Sesshoumaru-sama."

Sesshoumaru opened his eyes and frowned a little, "What do you know about the Higurashi clan?"

"I have only heard some rumours Sesshoumaru-sama," he replied.

"There is no smoke without fire, the rumours are true," Sesshoumaru paused for a while, poured himself a cup of green tea and downed the contents in one go. Kohaku could see that his master was not feeling too happy from his conversation with the Inutaishou. "The Shogun has decided that we would initiate the war with the Higurashi instead of waiting after being repeatedly advised from that Naraku."

On hearing that name, Kohaku's faced turned grim. He knew that his master did not like Naraku and had often insinuated that his father was getting senile under the dubious influence of his advisor. He personally did not like Naraku but that man was greatly valued by the Shogun for the past wars the Inu clan had won under him. Even though Naraku was a silver-tongued man, the Shogun was no amateur and always consulted his sons, to Sesshoumaru's relief and vexation since it was obvious to everyone that Sesshoumaru did not like Inuyasha at all.

"When would that be, may this lowly servant boldly ask?" Kohaku felt both touched and privileged that his master had chosen to tell him such important matters. Although it was not spoken, he knew that his master had trusted him a great deal more than what other masters would have and he was determined to keep his mouth sealed no matter what might happen.

"As soon as the Shogun tells that imbecile," his master said coldly.

Kohaku nodded again, waiting for his master to continue while he tried to sort out his haphazard thoughts. Was his master in favour of the war or not? Would Inuyasha-sama fight too? He had never really taken part in a war before and he was a little afraid at the impending crisis that the household would face. Would Rin be alright? Her bright face surfaced before his mind for an instant and he thought his heart felt odd.

"The Higurashi clan is no common enemy. Information gathered from reliable sources states that they are well-versed in occult arts. They are a shinobi clan."

Kohaku instantly looked up and gasped, "Shinobi?"

Sesshoumaru arched an eyebrow at his shocked face, "Is that very shocking?"

Realizing that he had looked into his master's eyes, Kohaku apologized and bowed again, "This lowly servant did not know that shinobi and their practices still exist in this day and time, Sesshoumaru-sama."

He let out a silent sigh and nodded his head, "Ah, that was what this Sesshoumaru had initially thought so too. I was so sure they were eliminated by our clan centuries ago... as the saying goes, one must pull out the weed with the roots. I suppose some must have gotten away during those turbulent times..."

"Yet they are back again, today, and more powerful than before. The spies that we'd sent out earlier were all killed, and bodies were either never found or badly mutilated beyond recognition. This will not be an easy or short war," Sesshoumaru got to his feet and Kohaku instantly followed suit.

"The Inu clan is strong, and very powerful. But that is because we have youkai blood flowing in our bodies. The Higurashis, despite being human, are not open and above and the shinobi arts is another dimension that most youkai nowadays do not have experience with. Do you understand what I am saying, Kohaku?" Sesshoumaru turned around and looked at his charge.

Kohaku bowed, "Yes Sesshoumaru-sama."

"You are human, therefore you will not be forced to participate in this war," the inuyoukai continued. He knew that Kohaku was fiercely loyal to him and would probably volunteer to go to the frontline if he had even hinted so but that was not his plan for the young boy. Sesshoumaru was aware that Kohaku fancied a certain maidservant and he did not want him to become embroiled in this messy matter, although he also believed that was not up for him to decide, but the Heavens above.

"We have samurai working for us, and they are loyal and capable. If you do not wish to, you may stay and protect the household," Sesshoumaru continued.

Kohaku was aghast at what his master had just said to him; was he telling him to be a coward and stay at home? He dropped to his knees at that moment and touched his forehead to the ground which was just inches away from his master's feet. "Never Sesshoumaru-sama! This lowly servant may not be good enough to kill a thousand enemies for you, but I can at least kill a hundred. My greatest wish is to stay by my lord's side for as long as you please!"

Sesshoumaru closed his eyes and mentally sighed; he knew that Kohaku would react in such a manner but he still had to give the boy a chance to decide. The boy was as obstinate as a bull yet as tender as a young lamb. He did not think that it was good to bring him to the battleground due to Kohaku's background, but there was no point in explaining since he could not turn back Time. Besides, he himself could not fault the Inu clan since he might have done such a thing if he were in his father's position then.

"Then follow me, all the way, and do not look back."

"Kagome-sama," a lithely-shaped young lady dressed in all black landed behind her and knelt on one knee, "Taisho calls for you."

"I know," Kagome closed the thin book and got to her feet while she brushed the stray leaves and grass off her kimono. Sango discreetly plucked off a fallen leave from her hair and remained behind her mistress, "Kagome-sama, this is not within the guarded confines so please be more careful."

Kagome turned around and smiled, "I've already sensed your presence before you were a hundred metres near me you know."

Sango bowed her head and blushed slightly, "Yes Kagome-sama."

"I know you're worried... but don't be," Kagome slid the book into her obi and headed back towards the main house. "Is it regarding the war with those inuyoukai?"

Sango dutifully followed behind while keeping an eye on their surroundings; it looked normal and peaceful enough, "I am not sure, but this seems to be the case."

Kagome kept silent for a while as she followed the meandering path, river and around walls, "Are you worried then?"

The shinobi let out a slight-cruel smile, "Those inuyoukai are no match for us at all Kagome-sama. They thought that they'd exterminated us and look down on our arts. We are no longer as before and would not be under their regime like back then. Taishou would lead us in this war to victory, and we will eliminate all of them!"

Kagome frowned a little at Sango's convinced and set tone; she was not sure whether a war was more crucial or peace more vital. "I wonder whether he is still alive..."

Sango's eyes dropped a little; she had no answer to her mistress' question. It had been over a decade since their little master had been abducted into the lands that the Inu clan occupied and there were no news of him since then. To be truthful, she was not sure whether after all these years, they would be able to recognize him even if he was alive and well. And if he wasn't...

"Kagome-sama, I am sure that Kohaku-sama would be fine and well. We would find him as soon as we win this war."

Kagome smiled sadly; she knew that the chances were not high and even if he was alive, would he still remember her and family? He was only three when they lost him, and she doubted the memory of a young child. If only she had not been so playful and daring then, Kohaku would not have been taken away. She knew that it was of no use blaming herself now that the milk has been spilt, but every time she recalled how she had not protected him and fled by herself, shame and guilt would burn deeper and deeper into her heart. Somehow, she had known that the monster-looking strangers were after her and not Kohaku. Yet she was so terrified that the only thought that came to her mind was to run and hide. Kohaku being a toddler then had no sense of fear nor danger and Kagome knew that her chances of escape would be minimal if she had to carry him. What was worst was when she had finally found her way back to familiar lands and home, she had lied about the whole incident to her parents and no one knew that Kohaku was captured due to her negligence and selfishness.

Her father no longer held any notion that his son might be alive, but Kagome, out of remorse and longing for her little brother, had never stopped reproaching herself nor gave into the idea that he would be killed. Somewhere in her heart remained a sliver of hope; that tiny fragment which her mother held on tightly till her very last breath and instructed Kagome to never give up on finding him. And so, Kagome believed in her mother and herself; the connection to Kohaku was in their blood and it would never be lost, as long as he was alive.

"Yes Sango, we will wipe them out and get Kohaku back," Kagome balled her fists and leaped over the jagged gorge.

Reviews would be a great boost. :D