Disclaimer: "If we shadows have offended, think but this and all is mended,

That you did but slumber'd here while these visions did appear.

And this weak and idle theme is no more yielding then a dream."

Midsummer's Night Dream

Phantom Pains

By: Lady Erised

Phantom Pains- Pain appearing to come from where an amputated limb use to be, ranging from a minor annoyance, to an almost unbearable sensation. Appears in eighty percents of all cases.

Prologue: The Ache of Old Wounds

The sun had settled itself into the sky earlier; and seemed to linger there without much attention or care to anyone or anything caught in its scope. It was not an unpleasant sight but after the bitter winter skies, and a thick howling wind that was deadest on continuing despite the sun's interference; the day was one old warriors preferred to stay inactive and inside. The chill and changing of the seasons made old bones ache, and the scar tissue around them swell or tighten. It made for a dull flow of pain that came in waves of sharpness and cut through the fibers of muscles like ice. While it was not altogether disabling, the waves had a nasty habit of flaring, ebbing, and returning with twice the strength; making it a continual onslaught. Most warriors, wise and bitten as they were, would take the day with a blessing and retire to their homes with warm soup and warmer women.

Sesshoumaru didn't have that luxury and it was not for lack of opportunity. He had beauty and grace enough to seduce any who caught his attention, and influence and authority enough to quarter any home he desired. But he ignored both options, choosing instead to continue walking in his dogged pursuit of Naraku. Hate steeled his in resolve, and was almost enough to block out the pain in his arm.

Almost.

He had made a good effort to block out the pain, but its constant assault had begun to wear on Sesshoumaru's patience. He was walking now, a little ahead of his entourage, with his good hand bracing the muscles of his left upper arm, right above where his arm had been severed. The muscles were burning and with every flare, Sesshoumaru flexed his fingers slightly, willing the pain to stop. He hated reacting to the pain; even more so then experiencing it for he knew two pair of eyes were forever watching his movements. For them, he had to appear invincible.

It gnawed at him to be bested by his own infirmity.

He heard a small forced sigh behind him. Rin's sigh. A moment later he expected to hear Jaken's angry ribbing and was surprised when no recourse was taken. It was enough to make Sesshoumaru stop, and turn, right in sync with another feigned sigh from his human ward.

Rin was sitting atop Ah-Un giving him a thoughtful, questioning look. As she noticed he was watching her, she put a small arm around her stomach and sighed again. Despite the quiet, all-knowing looks he had come to expect from her, Sesshoumaru could sense this was unnatural. It didn't help that Jaken, who stood right below the dragon with his hand about the creature's leash, was making no effort to silence Rin.

The pain is his limb flared again, making Sesshoumaru understand. They wanted him to rest, to give him the chance to warm and recoup. The only way they knew how to succeed in this without insulting him (or his ego) was to pin the respite on Rin and her human frailties.

There was something unnerving at how Rin always seemed to take care of him.

"Rin." He began, keeping his voice cool, knowing they'll pick up on the fact he knew what they were up to. "Are you fatigued already?"

Rin inhaled, and forced a sigh again. "Ah-huh! It's too cold for me, my Lord. Can't we please find somewhere to avoid the wind for a short time? Please!"

Jaken bowed deeply, "I have heard of a citadel a few steps up the road, sire. It is commanded by a powerful youkai regent. He will not deny the Lord of the Western Lands accommodations."

Sesshoumaru turned away from them, to see where Jaken had pointed. The scent on the air was familiar to him, stirring memory. He could even smell the smoke from the citadel's kitchens before they were wrapped by the wind. It was true, he knew the Regent personally, and there was no doubt the Youkai would open his arms and doors wide to Sesshoumaru, despite the years that had passed between them. That's not what made him hesitate.

He turned back and stared at Rin. She was watching him hopefully, silently begging for him to rest. She hated the idea he was in pain, even this small amount; she always had.

Sesshoumaru wanted to sigh but stopped himself. He did, however keep his eyes always on the both of them, letting them know he wasn't being fooled. He merely chose to go along with the plan.

"Jaken." He ordered. "Go ahead of us, and tell Regent Tama that Sesshoumaru of the Western Lands asks for lodging."

Rin's face blossomed into a smile as she laughed, happily. Then, remember she was supposed to be sick and miserable; she pouted and slumped against the dragon's back. Jaken was ahead of him, speeding towards the Regent's palace before Sesshoumaru could shake his head in annoyance. So he didn't. He merely waited for the dragon to come to him, and took the reigns before continuing his trek.

In his mind, a new pain was forming, the idea of dread matching with a certain anxiety about seeing Tama again. Tama would be thrilled to see his old comrade; the Youkai was renowned for his nostalgia. He would come to greet them fully expecting to see the fearsome Taiyoukai who had bested countless enemies in battle, and left armies of dead in his wake. He would come expecting to see a warlord.

He would find a cripple, leading a mortal girl.

The pain in Sesshoumaru's arm flared.