Disclaimer: I own nothing… nothing you hear? Well… maybe a plot or two but the rest belongs to Rumiko Takahashi. Ahh… how cruel is life?
Chapter 1: Fated Allies
The gentle breeze that blew into the village, stirred the makeshift curtains over the small windows as it passed through the bustling streets. It continued through the stalls erected in the town square and kept its steady path towards the open fields, where it danced in merry circles around the few huts that dotted the peaceful countryside. It played particular havoc with the cloaks of the two girls who walked down the long dirt track, toward the busy marketplace. They giggled as they tried to hold the billowing folds in place, only to have the next gust of wind pull them free from their grasps. Finally giving up, they allowed the heavy material to dance behind them on the tail of the happy wind.
"Most blessed are we, on this beautiful morn." Closing her eyes and breathing deeply, Kagome smiled as she enjoyed the cooling sensation of the gusty breeze against her warm cheeks.
She heard a sigh from the small girl beside her. "Aye, tis quite a perfect day."
Kagome placed her arm over her cousin's shoulders and gave her an affectionate squeeze. "Mayhap a sign cousin, of better things to come cousin."
"Oh Kagome" Saraiya looked up at the older girl hopefully. "I wish it were true. We have much, I know, for which to be grateful but I sometimes cannot help wishing that an end would come to these senseless wars and attacks."
"I know Saraiya. Tis not wrong for ye to feel as ye do. We all want the same." She gave the girl's shoulder another encouraging squeeze then dropped her arm to grab her hand as she quickened their pace. "Come, a beautiful morn is ours to enjoy. On such a day, let us not feel bad but smile and enjoy our gift."
Her cousin nodded and smiled happily as they entered the bustling crowds of the town square. They walked among the people, smiling and waving at those they knew. Occasionally, they stopped to converse with an acquaintance before pursuing their purchases. An hour later, they stood beside a silk stall, fawning over the delicate cloths of various shades. They stared in awe as they watched the light shimmering across a certain purple fabric and gasped as it turned a brilliant shade of pink under the sun's bright rays. The stall owner smiled at the wonder on their faces, having seen this reaction many times already. The fabric was a new creation that only arrived this morning and so far, its popularity was astounding. He stepped forward ready to comment when a sudden noise in the distance drew his attention.
Kagome frowned as her senses flared. She turned her head and scanned the surrounding area, searching for something she knew was not there. It was still far away but approached at great speed. With a rising sense of urgency, she turned to the small girl beside, grabbing her shoulders as she stared at her intensely.
"Saraiya, tis of great importance that ye listen carefully, understand?"
Saraiya felt fear creep into her as she nodded, concerned by her cousin's serious tone and expression. As Kagome opened her mouth to speak, a loud gong rang in the distance, sending everyone around in the marketplace into frantic activity. Kagome's eyes never left the little girl's.
"Saraiya, ye must run home quickly. Do ye hear me? Do not to stop or look back. Understand? Tis important for ye to do exactly as I tell ye."
Saraiya nodded her head silently, her eyes wide with fear. She didn't want to leave her cousin behind to face the monsters alone but knew that she would only be a hindrance if she stayed.
Sensing her thoughts, Kagome smiled at her reassuringly before pulling her into an embrace. She ignored the people rushing about in panic, occasionally bumping them, and concentrated on her cousin.
"Do not fear for me Saraiya. Very soon, the others will arrive but ye must be safe or I cannot keep my mind on the task." She smiled as her cousin nodded again. "Good, now go and remember, do not look back."
Her heart tugged as she watched a tear run down the child's smooth cheek. She bent her head to kiss Saraiya's forehead before stepping back and sending her a firm look.
"Go!"
With that, the frightened young girl took off at full speed. Kagome stood in the middle of the frantic crowd, ignoring their shoves and bumps as her eyes locked on the running figure until it disappeared out of sight. Satisfied, she released a sigh and turned as the first monster flew over the rooftops nearby. In a movement so fast that it was barely discernable to the eye, she dropped her black cloak and pulled a large golden bow from her back. In the same blurring speed, she nocked it and sent it flying into the demon before it had a chance to hit the ground.
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Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed as he watched his youkai swarming the streets of the village. In no time at all, they filled the entire square, wreaking havoc in their wake. His cold face displayed nothing of his thoughts as hatred boiled in his veins. 'Finally, I will be rid of these damned creatures.' He watched the carnage spreading its bloody mess into the tiny streets and pathways. Huts flared as fire attacks rained upon them. A cruel smirk graced his lips as he felt a deepening sense of satisfaction to finally see revenge brought to his enemies. 'Yes… today their deeds are paid in full.'
Suddenly, a movement in the distance caught his eye. The cold smirk left his face, quickly replaced by look of pure hatred. A hiss escaped his lips as his eyes locked on a small figure across the other side of the square. The gold bow in her hands and the clothing she wore told him she was one of them, the ones who murdered his family in cold blood. A ferocious roar filled the air as he raced across the square towards her, watching as she sent another of his youkai to oblivion. As he neared, he was surprised to see her run with inhuman speed across the open area and disappeared before his very eyes. He stopped dead in the middle of his race and growled angrily. 'Damned creatures and their tricks.' As his eyes scanned the surrounding buildings and found not a trace or scent of her, his anger grew increasingly until something caught his attention. His cold smirk returned as he watched a group of girls racing with the same rapid speed, along a dirt road towards the burning town. 'Never mind' he told himself as his eyes took in the large gold bows in their hands. 'They will do just fine.' Growling deeply, he raced across the distance that separated them.
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Kagome came from her transfer and rolled on the ground before coming to a stop, feet planted in a battle stance as her gaze swept the area. She went straight into action, firing at the rampaging beasts with incredible speed and precision. They howled and glowed with a strange light before bursting into dust. As the particles drifted to the ground, she swung instantly and sent another arrow at a youkai attacking some children. Her anger rose, intensifying the power of the strike. As the arrow hit its mark, the following explosion spanned out to wipe out the beasts beside it. She gasped and spun suddenly, feeling a presence close behind her. Her hand drew the blade from her belt in one swift motion and sent the creature to oblivion. She slung her bow over her shoulder and placed the dagger back in its sheath. Her hand went instantly to the small sword at her side. She removed it in time to ward off the next beast that attacked her.
Several more minutes passed of frantic battling. Kagome looked around her in despair at the carnage wreaked by the creatures. Her heart ached as she stared at the dead and broken bodies that littered the ground, oozing their red liquid onto the surface of the cobbled paths. A sudden painful sensation racked her body and she gasped in shock as she fell to her knees. 'Margarai!' A tear welled in Kagome's eye as she felt the life of her sister fade away. With a wild scream, she ran in the direction of her fallen comrade. Her actions uncalculated, she slashed angrily at anything that stood in her path, making short work of a number of savage youkai. As she rounded the corner, her eyes widened at the sight that met them. In the middle of the square, stood the most awesome demon she had ever laid eyes on. His power was so great that it suffocated her from the great distance between them. Her eyes moved to the figures lined before him. Her four sisters all knelt beside the dead body of Margarai, snared in the power of the beast that held them captive. The silver haired demon lifted his hand and raised Gaia in the air. Kagome watched in horror as the girl grabbed her throat in a struggle for breath. A wave of pure anger swept through her as she lifted her bow from her back swiftly, having it nocked and lined for the shot in no time.
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A sudden chill of apprehension raced up Sesshoumaru's spine. He stilled and turned his head, his eyes widening as he saw the large gold bow pointed his way. Just as the hand released, a blur of white smashed into the side of the girl holding the bow. A second later, the gold arrow flew by, grazing Sesshoumaru's cheek. He released the breath he unconsciously held and quickly searched around for the troublesome girl. He growled in irritation as he realised that she'd managed to slip away again. 'Damn her!' he snarled as he turned back to the four women before him. He had been savouring the pleasure of slowly ending their lives, feeding off the fear he sensed from each of them. Now, he would end it quickly with no more play. He'd had enough. 'And when I am done here, I will find her and make her sorry.' He turned his cold hard stare back to the women before him and smirked as their eyes widened. They knew their time had come and once again he savoured their fear. Lifting his hand, he extended his claws and rushed forward, finishing the job with efficient speed.
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Kagome struggled under the heavy weight of the youkai that lay dead on top of her. She grunted as she gave him one last shove and slid out from beneath him. She looked around the half burned hut that they landed in, gagging on the thick smoke that filled the air. She tried to move toward the window and stopped as a sudden pain shot through her side. A hiss escaped her as she lifted her hand to gingerly feel the spot that the youkai had smashed into. Taking a deep breath she braced herself as she turned to leave from the back door, with the intention of sneaking around the side for a surprise attack. As she slid along the back wall, an overwhelming pain and emotion hit her, bringing her to her knees once more. A mournful cry escaped her lips as tears of sadness ran down her face.
"No!"
Kagome dropped her face to the ground, her fists pounding the dirt angrily. All her sisters were gone, all of them. She released another scream that was half anger and half despair as she raised herself to her feet, hatred coursing through her veins.
"It is time for ye to die, monster!" she swore angry vengeance on the one who took their lives as she nocked her bow once more.
"I doubt it."
Kagome froze as hot breath swept along her neck, sending goose bumps over her skin. A trickle of fear raced up her spine as she felt the heat of his body close behind hers. Before she had a chance to react, his arm snaked out and grabbed her waist, pinning her to his chest. She tried to raise her power level in a desperate attempt for freedom but found his overwhelming energy suppressing it.
Sesshoumaru's grin was pure evil as he tightened his grip on the tiny waist, anchoring her body more securely to his. He had to be careful with this one; she was much quicker than the others. He would enjoy killing her for she had wasted many of his demons. He would torment her first then satisfy his bloodlust. He brought his face close to her, nuzzling her neck in an intimidating manner as he spoke in a low menacing voice.
"Now you will suffer for what you and your kind have done."
He tried hard to ignore the fact that her scent pleased his senses. He focused instead on the foul deeds of her people, bringing his anger into play.
"We have done naught but defend ourselves!"
His rage was fast taking control and his grip on her waist became merciless. "How dare you lie to me, vile wench? I witnessed with my very eyes, the cruel deaths my family suffered and you would stand here denying this?"
Kagome's own temper rose at the accusation. No matter how her people tried to make the youkai understand, they still wouldn't listen to reason.
"Then kill me and be done. Tis what ye desire, after all."
A sudden shift in the earth had them struggling to stay on their feet and Sesshoumaru's grip on Kagome slackened, allowing her to slip from his grasp. He growled and tried to grab her again, feeling frustrated as she suddenly disappeared. He cursed the creature and her tricks, darting of in the direction of her scent when the earth finally settled.
Kagome breathed slowly, masking her presence as she hid from her enemy. She watched him race down the street and stop in the centre of the burnt huts. As he looked around in search of her, she silently lifted her bow and aimed.
Sesshoumaru heard a whistling sound and only just jumped back in time to avoid the glowing arrow. He sprang instantly in the direction it came from and seconds later Kagome came flying through the air to land heavily on the dirt. He was surprised to find her on her feet when he raced after her, with barely a sign of discomfort from his harsh treatment. Her sword swiped at him, slashing open the front of his shirt. He growled as he faked a lunge to the left and quickly turned back with his demonic speed, crashing into her side so her body flew a couple of feet before hitting the dirt again. He was on top of her instantly, surprised to find her feet against his chest, sending him flying through the air. He crashed with a large thump and before he could recover, her sword thrust into his shoulder.
Kagome almost jumped at the massive howl he released but her fears were soothed by the fact that she knew he couldn't move. She had him pinned with the powers in her sword. She didn't know why she didn't just kill him with the first thrust. If she had applied enough of her power, she could have done so despite his obvious strength. Never had she seen a demon able to contain five of her people at one time. She reached to her belt for the little dagger, avoiding the eyes of the creature before her. As much as she felt hatred towards him, she still hated having to kill him. Killing always left her with a bad taste in her mouth. However, she knew it was necessary and most important that she do so. This demon was easily the most dangerous she had ever come across and it was imperative that he not be allowed to wreak more havoc on the earth. She released the dagger and lifted it slowly.
Sesshoumaru watched her carefully, his face carefully hiding the shock he felt. He, Sesshoumaru was about to die at the hands of this despicable thing, a thing that he had no name for. What was she? He cursed inwardly, not allowing her one sign of his frustrations. He would not give her the satisfaction. As she lifted her hand with the deadly little dagger, he held his breath, waiting helplessly for the final blow.
Kagome gathered her energy as her right hand brought the dagger into position. She steadied herself by holding the embedded sword with left hand as she prepared to strike. Suddenly, the earth shifted with a tremor of greater force than previously. It threw her a couple of feet back, taking the sword from the youkai's shoulder. Her eyes never left him as she flew a few feet away and landed heavily on her back. 'If I survive this, I will be so bruised that I will not be able to sit or lie down for a week.' She lay on the ground for several moments, unable to move due to the force of the tremor. She noticed that the youkai was in the same dilemma.
Sesshoumaru kneeled on the ground, trying to stop his body toppling forward further. The violent shaking and the pain in his right shoulder made this quite a feat. He cursed the woman more. She was much more troublesome than he had expected. 'As soon as I am free to move, this ends.' Several minutes later, the shaking subsided. With a satisfied smirk, he lifted himself from the ground, stopping suddenly and blinking as she suddenly vanished. His growl filled the air as he ran down the street, pursuing her scent.
She lured him, smiling as she hid inside the debris of a half burnt house and waited. She watched him appear, carefully lowering her heart rate and masking her presence. She could see him looking around warily and sniffing at the air. She held herself still, waiting patiently as he slowly drew near, his eyes darting around searching. As he approached the window nearest her, she stepped back in line with its opening, dropping into attack stance. Kagome waited til he stood, outlined in the centre of the half burnt frame before launching herself with great speed at his large form.
Sesshoumaru had little time to react before the small, lithe frame collided with his. The breath left him as he crashed to the ground, her body covering his instantly and her legs tightly straddling his hips. He looked up at her as he felt the tip of her knife puncture the skin on his throat. The anger in her eyes caused his breath to catch. Her face lowered until it was mere inches from his and her mouth opened to speak… when suddenly she froze. He too felt the eerie creep of sensations brushing over his skin. The sounds of battle that raged in the distance came to an abrupt end, leaving an eerie silence in its wake. It was as if all of nature feared for its existence.
Kagome lifted her head, keeping the knife firmly in place as she looked around. Her skin came alive, instantly sensitive to all around her as her senses stretched out to see what was beyond. An eerie feeling took hold of her, causing a gasp to escape her lips. Without realising, she slackened her grip on the knife, allowing the youkai beneath her some movement. She found herself falling backwards as he shifted position and quickly sat up. She dropped her knife to grab at both his shoulders, surprised to feel his arms about her waist, bringing her up to his chest.
Sesshoumaru didn't even realise that he held the girl close against him. He was too busy focusing on the disturbance in the distance. Whatever it was, its force was unimaginable and it swept towards them at an incredible pace. After a moment, his brain registered the body that shook slightly against his own. He became aware of the legs that clutched tightly around his waist and her deadly grip on his shoulders.
"What is it?" The whispered voice blew against his cheek, revealing fear in its tone.
His head turned slightly towards her, his golden eyes locking with her fearful gaze. "I have no idea."
His solemn voice ended as screams filled the air a short distance away, getting louder with the quick approach of the deadly force. The incredible wave of power swept towards them with increasing speed that that left little time to react. Without realising, Kagome wrapped her arms around the demon's neck as she watched a murky wall coming towards them like a giant tidal wave. Sesshoumaru barely noticed this, sitting frozen as fear overwhelmed his senses. They watched in horror as it destroyed everything it touched, hearing the agonised screams of those that fried beneath its blazing intensity. Kagome gasped and buried her face in the youkai's neck, pressing as close to him as she could while her heart pounded heavily with fear. Sesshoumaru tightened his arms around her, his own heart filling with trepidation. 'I am to die within the arms of my mortal enemy' he thought as he buried his face in her shoulder. He was surprised to find that his anxieties were somewhat comforted by the close contact and the scent that rose from her body. His arms tightened, drawing her more firmly against him as he waited for the searing pain strike. Kagome tensed as she felt a swirling power envelope them. Her heart pounded crazily, causing physical pain in her chest. She mewed in fright when she felt the energy intensify, preparing herself for agony.
After a moment or so, Sesshoumaru opened his eyes, blinking slightly at the glowing energy surrounding them. Slowly lifting his head from the soft curtain of hair, he looked around at the deep purple wall, wondering if they were in the plains of death. If so, why had they not experienced the intense pain that caused the others to cry out? Or had they? All he had felt was the charge of energy surrounding them. Suddenly another thought came to mind. 'If we are indeed perished, why am I still holding her? She feels so warm and real.'
As his thoughts circled, Kagome slowly lifted her head, not knowing what to expect. She was surprised to find the dark purple barrier, thinking how pretty the murky grey energy looked from inside. The warm body beneath her shifted slightly bringing her from her musings. She turned her head and looked at the demon who was but a breath away from her face. She was surprised at how real he felt and wondered if they were somehow caught in void together. 'Great, that's all I need, to traverse the wastelands of nothing with my worst enemy forever. Is this our punishment?'
Sesshoumaru turned his face and found his nose against hers. He pulled back and looked into her eyes, checking for signs of shock. She appeared mildly dazed but aside from that seemed quite normal. He frowned, wondering why he was bothering. 'She is after all, your enemy.'
"Where are we?"
The softly whispered words caused her breath to dance against his lips. He turned his head away from the strange sensation and glanced again at the purple shield, wondering why he wasted his time like this instead of ending her miserable life. Her shocked and distracted stated provided the perfect opportunity. However, despite this thought, he found himself incapable of movement. Perhaps it was shock that rendered him motionless, he had not idea but for some reason, he couldn't do what his mind screamed for him to do. He couldn't kill her. To his surprise he found himself answering her question.
"We seem to be inside some sort of energy shield. Aside from that, I have no idea."
"What do ye think is the fate of the others?"
The fear in her voice tugged at his heart, causing a surge of irritation to rise within him. "I can't sense anything past the barrier."
His heart lurched as she buried her head against his neck and shivered. He was amazed at her reaction, remembering how bravely she faced him and his youkai in battle. Even at the moment when death was upon her, she still did not display any fear seeming instead to calculate her situation. Now, she sat shaking in his arms, totally giving in to her emotions. He wondered why before acknowledging the fact that he too, was not behaving as he normally would.
The silence stretched for a moment then they both stiffened as the barrier suddenly disappeared. A gasp of horror escaped their lips at the sight that greeted them. They sat in the middle of nothing. All that was left of the land and people on it was a black charred surface that stretched as far as the eye could see, accompanied by the most horrendous smell of cindered corpses and wood.
Sesshoumaru gagged as the smell hit his nose. He grabbed the girl closer to him, burying his nose in her hair once more. He pressed more firmly into her as the smell continued to permeate his senses. His mind reeled at what he saw.
Kagome didn't register the youkai pressing into her neck or his deathly hold on her body. In fact, it probably leant her comfort as the shocking sight left her completely dazed. 'Gone… everything is… gone.' Her eyes slowly scanned for remains. 'Not even that, no remains, just ashes.'
"We have to leave."
Sesshoumaru mumbled the words against her neck, convincing himself that the only reason he took her with him was to act as a buffer against the thick, foul stench. He felt her nod and instantly lifted himself from the ground, easily bringing her with him as he stood to his feet. He waited for her to remove her arms and legs from around him but she stayed still, continuing to stare with glazed eyes at the emptiness around them. He struggled with indecision then finally a sigh, realising that she wasn't going to move. 'I need her close' he reasoned as he barely suppressed a wave of nausea and dizziness that threatened to overwhelm him. He quickly summoned his energy to form a cloud beneath his feet and they floated into the air. He kept his nose buried deeply in her hair as they sailed through the sky. 'At least her scent will keep the stench at bay.' Shrugging off the thought, he concentrated his energy into speeding up their flight. The sooner they were out of the burnt desert the better.
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Two hours later, they finally sailed towards a line of trees and shrubbery. Sesshoumaru sighed with relief as he lifted his head and breathed freely for the first time since taking flight. The devastation and the length of its span astounded him. The destructive energy had carried its fury for thousands and thousands of miles. He had spent the last couple of hours, stretching his senses far and wide to discover if any other sign of life existed but… there was none. With a heavy heart, Sesshoumaru realised that there was nothing left of the Lands Of West. He was pretty certain that the forests below were that of the Lands Of East. He flew on, looking for an appropriate place to land. So far the only thing he saw was a thick unwelcoming jungle and he had no wish to seek rest there.
Sesshoumaru shifted in his sitting position and adjusted the girl in his lap. Standing had become impossible as soon as she fell asleep so he had opted to sit in a cross-legged position, holding her sleeping form against his chest. Her legs remained locked around his waist as did her arms, about his neck. He now uncrossed his legs in an attempt to ease his stiff joints. A little moan of protest escaped her lips as her comfortable position was disturbed. Sesshoumaru shifted her around until she settled against him with a sigh, wondering again why he was bothering with her. She had caused him nothing but trouble this day plus the fact that she was his enemy should have been enough to have him tossing her from his cloud to her death. 'Why don't you just throw her now and be done with it?'
Hard as he tried, he couldn't find an answer to his question or the will to do as his mind suggested. Again, he blamed the shock of the destruction to his home, ignoring the strange comfort that came for her presence. Eventually he gave up trying to figure it out, deciding instead to study her while she slept. He wondered again, what kind of creature she was. Her scent told him that she wasn't human, nor was she any demon he knew of. Her race was a mystery that had baffled the youkai of their lands to no end. None knew who her people were, just what they were capable of and even that he realised, was highly understated. The skills she displayed during combat were awesome and he was now surprised that he had caught the others so easily. He studied her face carefully, noting the ethereal beauty of her perfect features. The others too, had held such beauty and he'd sensed their awesome powers. He could only put it down to the speed of his attack, which must have caught them off guard, allowing him to imprison them by containing their energy.
He sighed and shifted his gaze from her face, noting in surprise that the landscape below was changing. The dark, uninviting woods gave way to a more picturesque forest, with several clearings dotted here and there. Sesshoumaru's eyes passed over them, searching for something in particular. As inviting as those grassy patches looked, he knew these lands were very dangerous and he wouldn't take the risk of exposing them to anything unnecessary. He needed to rest too. His body was worn and his head grew heavier by the second. With a sigh of relief, he lowered the cloud towards a set of caves he spotted in the distance. He stretched his senses out, feeling for any possible danger, grateful to find that everything was peaceful. He traversed the large stone surfaces, searching for best place to rest. Finally spotting an opening, high above the others, he sailed into its entrance and lowered the cloud to the floor. He looked at the girl in his arms again then brought his legs beneath him, in an attempt to rise to his feet. The movement seemed to rouse her and she went into immediate action.
Kagome raised her head, slightly disorientated and stilled as she saw the silver tresses not far from her nose. She swung her head round and looked into an intense golden gaze. Her senses raced as his demonic aura penetrated her sleep-hazed mind and she pushed against his chest, rolling backwards out of his arms. She rolled over completely until she stopped, crouched on the floor before him. Her hand went instantly to her blade and she lunged at him, swiping close to his throat.
With a growl of irritation, Sesshoumaru rolled to the side and onto his feet in one graceful movement. No sooner had his feet touched the floor, she was on him with her blade held ready. He thanked his stars for her sleep-laden efforts because he didn't have the strength to put up a serious fight. He had to finish this quickly before either of them ended up hurt. Again, his mind questioned his actions but he had not time to ponder it he braced himself for the next strike. He warded off her quick jab at his chest, thrusting a foot behind her own as he shoved her backwards. He didn't give her a chance to recover, falling straight down with her and pinning her body beneath his. He grabbed her wrists and held them above her head as he glared angrily into her eyes.
"What the hell is wrong with you?"
The harshly spoken words broke through the haze that clouded Kagome's mind and she stilled beneath him. Her memories suddenly returned and she gasped as the carnage played back in her mind. 'Gone, everything and everyone, gone.'
Sesshoumaru relaxed slightly now that her movements ceased. He watched her face as the memory of their experience came back to her. The look of hopeless despair returned and she stared into nothing. With a sigh, he rolled off her and sat up, noting that she continued to stare unseeingly at the grey stone above.
"We should get some sleep. I have no idea what we will face tomorrow. We're now in the Lands Of East." He paused as he heard her shocked gasp and looked at her gravely when her question reached his ears.
"Why? Why are we here?" The look he gave her sent a chill up her spine and she drew a shaky breath as she waited for his reply.
His voice was hoarse as he spoke. "The Lands Of West no longer exist."
An eerie silence filled the cave; the only thing heard was the shallow breathing of its two occupants. Sesshoumaru could sense her rising distress and wanted no part of it. He rose and walked outside, jumping the huge distance to the ground in search of firewood.
Left alone, Kagome gave in to the despair that filled her soul. She turned to the side and curled herself into a tight ball as the tears flowed down her face. She had nothing. Everyone was ripped from her life in one single instant, her family, her friends and her home. All she had left was a youkai whose sole purpose in life was to destroy her. Her body shook more violently as the hot tears slid down her face. 'Saraiya…'
Sesshoumaru entered the cave and was assailed with the heavy scent of tears. He looked at the girl's tightly curled body as it shook violently, omitting no sound despite the agony of despair that racked her small frame. He turned away, depositing the pile of wood he gathered before grabbing a couple. He arranged them inside a circle of rocks that he laid on the stone surface. As hard as he tried, he couldn't shut out the waves of misery that poured from the girl behind him and he took a deep breath, attempting to focus his thoughts on the fire he was making. Night would come soon and the temperature would drop. He'd need to have this going or they would spend many uncomfortable hours inside the cold, dark space. Five minutes later, he settled back on his heals and stared at the roaring flames, glad of the warmth that permeated the chill air around him. He turned to the girl, finding her still in her curled position on the floor. Her tears had not relented but continued at the same steady pace. He sat there a moment, intent on ignoring her distress but he found this impossible as a lump rose in his throat. The tiny noises she made tugged at his heart and he longed to make her stop crying. His own loss suddenly hit him and a feeling of emptiness settled in his heart. He wasn't sure if that was the reason but he found himself struggling against his earlier resolve.
After staring at her a moment more, he finally shuffled his way across the short distance that separated them, pausing beside her with a look of uncertainty. After a second more, he reached out and gathered her into his arms, unsure of why he was doing so. At first she resisted then finally relaxed into him, her arms encircling his waist as she buried her face in his neck. He wrapped both arms around her firmly as he leaned back into a half reclining position against a large rock, cradling her in a comforting embrace. He tried to rationalise his actions as his hand gently stroked her hair. Had he himself, not tried to do exactly what the murky vapour had done? His sole intent today was to wipe out her entire village and yet… here he sat, comforting her as she cried over her loss. Her sobs grew louder as she lost herself to grief and despair. His heart squeezed painfully and a hot tear slid down his cheek. In surprise, he lifted his finger and touched the wet drop, staring at it in wonder. He had never shed a tear in his life and often thought he was incapable of it. His arm dropped back around her and he squeezed her body closer, burying his face in her hair. He held her shaking body as more tears rolled silently down his cheeks.
AN: Hey guys, I know a lot of you are probably wondering what the hell I'm doing, starting another story when I'm so slow in updating the current ones. (sighs) Well, truth is I just couldn't contain this one. Usually, I'd push the idea aside for later and just keep notes but this story really bugged me. It nagged at me all day until I had no choice but to write it. Well, I hope you all forgive me and that you all like it. And don't worry cause I'm already halfway through the third chapter of When Two Paths Entwine. So, in another day or so that should be up. Well folks, I'll see you all next chapter
Babs