To Stargaze
A lone demon gazed at the stars as they shone in the night sky, standing on the edge of a cliff. The trees behind him swayed with the wind, the forest below him was peaceful.
Bushes rustled, and a small cat demon emerged, jumping on Sesshomaru's shoulder. She mewed once, and he nodded once, allowing her to remain.
Together they looked in silence, staring at the twinkling stars, taking pleasure in each other's company.
Father…
I now have someone to protect, I have a sword of my own and I have surpassed you in strength. All these events you set in motion with your death, all these challenges… I have proven myself, and I understand your actions. But that does not stop wishing, though in vain, that you were here to congratulate me… and yet, the last time I saw you I hated you. I doubted you, even challenged you, for loving a human and going to you doom because of her. Was it because of my mother and others like her that I think this way? Did you know that so many would turn against me, as I had turned against you? Did you think that I would be alone, as you were?
The Lord of the West blinked, startled by something rubbing against his cheek and purring. He was silently gratified for Kirara's support.
Perhaps she understood how protecting a human – no, humans – set him apart from the rest of the demon population, no matter that he was the Lord of the West?
Ah, Midoriko, I remember your words clearly…
'I am sorry, Kirara, for this may be the final battle. I am afraid that I sense my doom is near. You may survive, but I believe I have given you poor payment for your loyalty to me. I am a human, and therefore demons, even of your own kind, shun you. I have deprived you of finding a demon who can understand you… one who will keep you company when I am gone…'
And with those words, they had gone to their last battle, where the Jewel had been created and her mistress had lost her life…
Kirara stopped her purring, mewing unhappily at those words. She had Shippo and Ah-Un, but they did not really understand her feelings…
She started as she felt a clawed hand stroke her fur, calming her. Maybe there wasanother who could console her?
Both demons turned, and headed back to the village, where the humans that they loved and protected were sleeping.
I suppose I'm not alone…
Father…
Mistress…