Chapter Two
"Mother? Who is this?"
Lenezma's gasp rang loudly at the young girl's words. Still in shock over Sesshomaru's presence, running into him so unexpectedly like this, she'd nearly forgotten about her friend and the two children. And when one called her mother, it brought her back to reality in an agonizing second – as much as Sesshomaru did not wish to hear such words, she did not wish for them to be spoken in front of him.
She had witnessed a moment's shock in his facial expression and then he looked to her; his eyes desperately searched hers for the truth, an unspoken answer, any sign at all.
Len turned her head away, unable to meet his gaze... but then forced herself to look back again, stronger, glaring defiantly.
Slowly, Sesshomaru's eyes wandered back to the boy and girl, just barely visible behind Len and her friend. But as he eyed them studiously, returning his gaze back to Lenezma, the familiarity he had sensed in them seemed all too clear now… and beneath his shell, his heart shattered.
Had she really done it? Had she really betrayed him?
His fists tightened as he struggled to speak, taking great effort just to attempt to speak normally: "They're… yours?"
His stomach twisted in knots just for asking.
She met his gaze almost challengingly, daring him to say anything to contest her. The faintest of nods followed.
He could feel the building torment within his dying heart intensify. He did not understand: she appeared so fragile a moment ago, just as shocked at running into him as he was in finding her, shocked again when the little girl called her mother, and yet when he questioned it, she suddenly turned defensive. She was defiant: she was claiming these children and she did not care what he thought on the matter.
Len's hand remained tightly clamped over her heart, but she did not move or turn away from the white demon before her, a man whom she had spent nearly every day with for several months and yet had not laid eyes on for over six years. And now, lost in the depths of his golden gaze, try as hard as she might, she could not read his eyes.
She once prided herself in being the only person alive who could possibly read his emotions, and yet here he was, showing nothing but a cold stone face that only deepened her pain. Sesshomaru…
Lenezma turned her eyes away, but her glare remained.
Sesshomaru exhaled softly as he too averted his eyes, too hurt to keep looking upon her. These past six years had been excruciating, and to find her so suddenly again had brought a glimmering ray of hope back to his tortured soul… only to be crushed back down, bruised and beaten by the revelation that Lenezma had not only deserted him, but she now had two children.
The white feathered eagle - Koyuki was her name - glanced between them curiously, unable to understand the seriousness of the situation, but worried for her friend just the same.
Behind her, the twins continued to stare at the white demon just as confused as ever. Who was he? Why was everyone so still and quiet?
And at Sesshomaru's feet, the wolf remained seated, who, despite everything else, stared up at him with loving affection as her tongue rolled, her fluffy tail sweeping the dirt as it wagged joyously.
Lenezma… What have you done… Why have you…?
Sesshomaru forced his eyes to close, fighting back the pain that doubled within his stomach with every passing second, pushing him to the point of throwing up. Hidden beneath his long sleeves, his fists tightened, his knuckles turning white; his teeth clenched, his mouth was parched, his mind reeled as his eyes and chest burned horrendously, almost unbearably. Lenezma!
And then, after a few harsh seconds, in what seemed like an effortless movement, Sesshomaru turned his back on Lenezma.
She winced, staring at his back in dismay.
Lenezma knew she should've known better, that she should have expected this, but still she had dreaded this moment since the day she discovered she was pregnant.
Every limb and joint ached, her mouth opening wide in order to call to him, a hand reaching out desperately, the desire to call to him overwhelmingly strong… and yet nothing came. She wanted to call him back, to explain, to see those golden eyes of his upon her once more, but… she couldn't do it… she just couldn't do it…
The hand at her kimono seemed to tighten even more, feeling the pain rack up unbearably, the memory of his smooth turn around replaying in her mind like a vicious disease, condemning her to suffer.
But just as it had pained her, Sesshomaru was in no better predicament. He had waited six years for this day - that turn was twice as hard for him. So many questions filled his head, so many plausible answers, so many possibilities that he wanted nothing more than to rip that damned heart of his out of his chest just to end his suffering. And no matter how many thoughts swept through that head of his, he was constantly left to wonder: How could she…? Why this?!
And for a split second, his facial expression, against all wishes, reacted to his grief. Knowing and feeling the change as it took place made the pain double terribly.
With what willpower he had left, he forced it back and made his feet move forward, to lead him back the way he had come, to return to the mansion… away from Lenezma…
Another searing pain shot through his body, just as devastating as the rest.
He didn't want to, he waited so long for this moment, to see her once again; a part of him did not want to leave her, but at the same time he couldn't bear to stay near her, her and her children.
So he walked away, not even waiting for an explanation, not wanting to know any more than he already did.
In her own fit of will, Lenezma managed to take several steps forward, hoping to go after him, to stop him and force him to face her… but a few steps was all she could manage before the fear returned. Her eyes wavered, watching the great demon walk away from her, slipping into the shadows without so much as a glance back.
She never knew it would hurt this much.
As the demon disappeared, Lenezma's knees nearly gave out, the feline fumbling in her attempts to stay standing; she was panting, sucking in air like she'd forgotten to breath for the past three minutes.
"Lenezma!" Koyuki called out, hastily going to her side. She carefully placed gentle hands on Len's shoulders, hoping to allow some form of comfort for her, steadying her on her feet. "Are you all right?"
Koyuki knew of Sesshomaru, had met him once before several years ago and was nearly killed by him. She knew that the dog demon had taken Lenezma and her sister in, had trained Lenezma, but never knew or fully understood the relationship they had shared at one point.
The eagle's eyes shifted to look upon Aras, Lenezma's wolf creature, who seemed to finally be reacting to the situation, but still not as expected: she was whining loudly, her ears perked as she stood dancing on all four, staring intently down the path Sesshomaru had taken to leave them.
Her ears twitched and her paws danced anxiously, inching her forward, her whine constant and high pitched. Her yellow eyes flashed back at them, almost as if seeking permission, not even taking notice of Len's pitiful state before turning back.
Koyuki's eyes narrowed curiously before calling to her, hoping to bring her back to her master: "Aras!"
At her beckon, Aras went incredibly silent and ceased her fidgeting, standing tall and still, but she did look back at her caller. In the next instant, she took off, racing through the trees, following Sesshomaru's path without so much as a glance back. Koyuki tried calling again, but to no avail.
Koyuki sighed agitatedly, shaking her head roughly before gently turning back to her dejected friend. "Lenezma? Are you okay?"
Len had calmed considerably, breathing normally again now that the shock had passed. "I'll be fine," she replied, some of her old spirit showing through in the strength of her voice, standing at full height, a couple of inches taller than Koyuki excluding the wings.
"What happened back there?" the eagle asked tentatively, still unable to understand the depth of Lenezma's pain.
"I'm sorry, it's just… It's been so long… I haven't seen him in so many years, and to suddenly run into him like that, I just… I wasn't prepared at all! I… I never wanted him to find out this way…" she faded miserably, feeling the effects return to her as the look on his face flashed before her eyes, the shock of hearing that those children were her own flesh and blood.
As both women stood, Koyuki, still sympathetic, gave her a curious look: "But… why does that matter?"
Len's eyes opened slowly: "Because of who he is… he deserved a better introduction than that."
After another moment of silence, Koyuki suddenly glanced back, realizing there was an unusual silence where more questions should have been popping up. Her eyes enlarged as she frantically looked all around: "Uh, Lenezma… Where are the kids?!"
-/\-\/-/\-
A heavy burden was placed upon the wounded soul of Sesshomaru as he was forced to attempt to block out what he'd just endured.
His path was still covered in shrubs and vines, but the way was clear in his mind. As he moved in silence, he used nearly all of his willpower to forget, even if only temporarily.
But it would have to wait.
Sesshomaru stopped in the middle of the path, hearing the rustle of leaves right as a young boy jumped out into the path, staring at him through his firm turquoise eyes, his white and red bangs dangling ominously in front of them.
Shortly after, another figure burst through the bushes, this time behind him as the girl blocked the easy escape – not that he would need it. His temper flared quicker than usual, his only desire to return home; he had the right of way and was not afraid to demand it, even if they were Lenezma's children.
Another searing pain coursed through him.
The boy glared at him wickedly, though a touch of curiosity twinkled in the corner of his cat slit eyes.
"How did you do it?"
Sesshomaru simply stared back at the boy, unmoving.
"How did you manage to break both Koyuki and Mother down when you did nothing but stand there?"
The immense silence did not last as his golden eyes narrowed slightly; "Mother!"
His knuckles began to whiten once more. "Move."
"How do you know her?" the girl asked suddenly, more curious than demanding. "It's obvious you know each other, but from where? She's never mentioned anyone like you…"
Her voice wasn't as cold as the boy's, but he could feel her eyes - both were staring at him with looks he was quickly beginning to despise.
His eyes closed painfully for a moment; "…She's never mentioned anyone like you…"
So that's how it is… he thought bitterly.
The boy crouched slightly, sensing Sesshomaru preparing to move. Sesshomaru continued to stare, unmoving, watching the boy ready himself for a fight. This was ridiculous.
Sesshomaru began walking forward once more. If the boy would not move, he would walk over him.
As he drew closer, the boy took a hesitant step back. Sesshomaru stopped.
"Do you intend to attack me or flee?" he asked coldly, glaring down at the boy. His step had indicated hesitation, but it also put him in stance for a quick dash forward.
"I want answers!" he growled. With the tips of his bangs dangling at the tops of his eyes, it gave the boy a wicked look; it would be quite effective when he were older. But for now, against Sesshomaru, it made little difference.
"Ask your mother," he practically spit, an incredible pain scorching through his body as he said it.
A small silence followed as the boy exposed his fangs. Suddenly he lunged at him, ready to strike even though his claws could only hope to strike Sesshomaru's waist or lower.
The great demon lord turned easily to the side, his claws swiping right past with no effect.
In the next instant, the girl's gasp rang in Sesshomaru's ears as he swiftly grabbed her brother's neck and held him up almost six feet in the air.
Sesshomaru glared into the boy's eyes, who, despite his current predicament, showed little concern and continued to glare right back. It was true Sesshomaru did not squeeze on the boy's thin neck, but held him tightly none-the-less.
His tiny hands grabbed at the demon's wrist, sinking his small claws in, but the demon failed to even flinch. Instead, the hand tightened.
For an instant, Sesshomaru's chest began to swell as he gazed into the boy's defiant eyes… That glare…
The entire situation was incredibly familiar, and this realization hit him hard.
"Stop it! Let him go!" the girl suddenly shouted.
His golden eyes fell upon her as she waved her arms peculiarly. Once again, the great demon refused to flinch as flames burst from her hands, rushing straight for him, the fires dancing magnificently in his eyes.
From out of nowhere, the familiar gray and white wolf suddenly leapt onto the scene, diving between Sesshomaru and the eruption of flames. Her paws barely landed before a wall of fire formed in front of her and Sesshomaru, protecting him while absorbing the flames effortlessly.
The girl gasped as her attack faded to nothing, staring at the wolf in astonishment: "Aras?"
But just as quickly as the wolf had protected him, she turned on Sesshomaru, growling at him viciously while constantly glancing at his hand as it continued to grip the young boy.
Now I remember, Sesshomaru thought idly, not at all threatened by any of this. Aras was the name of Lenezma's fire wolf. That would explain her ability to absorb the flames, but what happened to it? Her creations were nothing more than bodies of lava back then, and yet this wolf has a very real coat of fur…
"Nisshou!"
His eyes flicked up to find Lenezma and her eagle companion rushing towards them; he could see the absolute horror in her eyes.
His chest tightened.
Sesshomaru's hand opened easily and the boy dropped to the ground with a thud, his hands moving to his throat as he coughed faintly while attempting to crawl away.
As Lenezma continued to run towards him, he could only watch as her horror transformed into anger. "Get away from them!"
A huge wall of fire burst from her body, flaring straight at Sesshomaru with much greater power than the girl could ever muster. Any other day he might have been impressed by her strength, but today…
Ready to dodge her assault, he quickly found he had no reason to.
All stared in shock as Aras yet again came to his rescue with a protective barrier around him. She struggled however, for Lenezma's wall was far stronger than the little girl's, forcing her to work harder in order to deflect the attack.
Sesshomaru simply stared at the wolf when she finally managed to dissipate Lenezma's attack, the animal temporarily weakened by the effort, before his eyes wandered up to Lenezma, who continued to stare in awe.
It quickly faded, however, as she rushed to the boy's side, his cough non-existent at this point. Koyuki walked gently towards the girl, kneeling beside her to make sure she was also all right.
"How dare you!" Len quickly glared back at Sesshomaru. She stood swiftly, her claws twitching, well ready to attack him. "Don't you ever think about hurting them!" she screeched.
Her threat hit him square in the chest; it hurt, at least, he knew it should have, but his mind and body were growing number by the minute, leaving him an empty shell that had only resentment to hang on to. "I didn't."
Lenezma's rage flared as she continued to stare at him, sickened by the thought he would actually attempt to harm her children!
"Mother!" the boy spoke up quickly, barely even touching his throat anymore as he gazed up at his protector. "He didn't do anything! He barely had a grip at all…"
Len glanced down at him softly for a moment before turning back to Sesshomaru, discontent still easily visible in her icy blue eyes. It was then that they dropped to gaze worriedly upon her creation, the fiery beast that was born of her own soul.
Her back was to Sesshomaru, and her eyes were on Lenezma in defiance.
"Aras," she called, but the wolf merely lowered its head even more, her ears down, back arched. She did not growl, but her appearance and attitude towards Lenezma was unpleasant just the same. When she tried to call her name again, Aras' head shook slightly as she took a step backwards, closer to Sesshomaru.
The hurt Len received by this action was obvious. Sesshomaru did not understand why this wolf continued to assist him, but it pained Lenezma when she refused to obey her.
He remembered commenting once on how she had little control over her beasts. She said that they had a mind of their own. What this wolf had on its mind, however, he could not even begin to fathom.
Her eyes closed slowly as she exhaled deeply, calming herself as best as possible before gazing upon Sesshomaru yet again, the look in her eyes revealing sorrow and helplessness among other things, but she was still glaring: "I think you'd better leave now."
Both children and Koyuki watched them intently, waiting to see what he might say or do, ready for anything.
His eyes closed and he turned his back on her once again, walking away.
Aras turned quickly and watched as he did so, her ears perked as she began whining, calling to him pleadingly… but he kept walking.
Lenezma's eyes closed tightly, feeling her heart cringe as he turned away from her once again. The fact that she had asked him to leave changed nothing – deep down it still hurt.
They all watched in revered silence as the white demon disappeared into the shadows of the trees, slipping away and back into his home territory…
"Lenezma?" Koyuki called gently, the feline still staring into the shadows where he disappeared. Even the kids remained staring, while Aras did not move an inch, her whines soft but still there, almost like a hum.
Len's head dropped slightly before turning to Koyuki, a look in her eyes that the eagle demon could not quite determine. The only emotion she thought she recognized was that of disappointment, and it worried her.
"Come on, let's get the kids someplace safe."
Len watched as Nisshou stood and joined Koyuki and his sister, Kyokkou, in leaving the path. Her eyes gazed back at the shadows, searching, but she could no longer sense his presence, the only thing left of the great Sesshomaru was the horrible memory of his back and his scent that lingered painfully.
Lenezma sighed as she looked upon her wolf once more. "Aras?"
The wolf looked back at her innocently as she sat down on her hind legs, still whining over the disappearance of the canine demon.
"Come on, Aras…" she called faintly, feeling just as miserable, a variety of different feelings all mixed in to one terrible stew. But Aras did not move, glancing back in Sesshomaru's direction quickly before whining at Len. "No, Aras, we have to go."
The wolf jumped back up to her feet, facing Lenezma wildly, glancing between her and Sesshomaru's path with a loud whine, her growls mixing in with an occasional bark as well, her paws dancing beneath her.
"Aras, please!" Len pleaded, her voice beginning to crack. "Don't make this any harder for me… please!"
But the wolf would not listen. Aras barked hysterically, still wishing to follow the demon but her master was not allowing it.
Unable to take it any longer, Aras turned quickly and dashed through the trees, not following Sesshomaru, but away from Len just the same.
"Aras!" Lenezma called desperately, but the wolf did not return.
-/\-\/-/\-
Back within the confines of his own territory, Sesshomaru walked aimlessly through the trees, staring ahead but noticing nothing. Several times did branches scratch along his face and clothing, but he could not sense them.
He was numb throughout his entire body, and the only two parts of his entire being that did continue to work accordingly (besides his moving feet) were the two parts that he wished most of all to fade away.
His chest could only throb in horrible anguish as his mind did nothing but remind him of everything that just happened, that he just witnessed.
He'd found her… he'd finally found Lenezma.
He had searched for her countless times after their separation, but never fully succeeded in laying his eyes upon her, speaking with her, anything…
Lenezma's younger sister, Kikka, he had managed to locate only a few weeks after they disappeared. He'd spoken to her and may have revealed several things of which he would normally have never done, but…
His teeth clenched in response to the pain his chest gave off.
He hadn't seen her in over six years. For six years she vanished from his life after he'd been changed so drastically, all because of one woman's presence. And now here she was, just outside his borders with her children at her side…!
Sesshomaru stopped as his claws attempted to grip at his chest, his armor protecting him from harming himself. He'd done so much for her, and this is how she repaid him?
No! No… he thought grudgingly, forcing himself to calm. I refuse to let myself give in to these damned condemnations. I know what happened in the past and if… if this is how things were meant to be, then I cannot judge her… he concluded miserably, denying his anger, but unable to dismiss the agony so easily.
It was then that his eyes glanced down at his hand, releasing his chest a moment in order to examine his wrist.
Marks were easily visible from the boy's hands where his claws had nearly penetrated the skin and the deformation his powers had caused against his wrist; the boy had attempted to melt Sesshomaru's skin, using the power of fire, no doubt, but his strength was pitiable. He was still just a child, after all, what could he hope to accomplish against the great canine lord?
Though his wrist did not ache, the mere memory certainly brought on more anguish: again, he was reminded of the past, of the time that he had grabbed Lenezma by the neck just as he'd done to the boy, how she had punctured his wrists with her claws, burning his flesh, the way she glared at him… that glare…
He dropped his arm with a dejected sigh. Forcing himself to relax, he continued to walk on, deciding to retire early for the evening. He wanted nothing more than to return home and distract his mind from everything; his reasoning was not faring well against his usual instincts…
-/\-\/-/\-
Aras was lying on her belly peacefully at the edge of a tall hill, a perfect placement of trees allowing her to oversee a nearby forest that reached vast spaces, filled with clearings and fields for animals to roam, and plenty of streams and ponds to play in. She sighed, rubbing her cheek into her paw casually, ready to fall asleep…
She ignored the rustling grass behind her, having sensed his presence for some time now. Eventually a tawny buck appeared behind her, his movements graceful and majestic.
Fawn walked to her side, but still Aras did not move. His head reached down, nuzzling her ear, but little reaction.
Carefully, Fawn set his fore knees on the ground before settling down beside her, staring out over the Western Plains.
It was a miracle of nature to see a full grown buck and wolf lying beside each other in such a way, surrounded in tranquility as they stared off.
Aras whined gently, still unmoving.
Fawn looked down at her curiously, tilting his head; another faint whine whistled from her nostrils. He stared down at the grass beneath him, blinking softly, before nuzzling Aras on the cheek.
Her head perked up and she exchanged glances with him, her eyes expressing a form of sadness, a desperate longing. Her ears went back as her gaze dropped, perking back up only slightly when she returned her golden eyes to the great forest.
Fawn followed her gaze and both stared silently at the treetops, also finding the occasional clearing here and there. His ears folded back as he moved to nuzzle her cheek and jaw, much more affectionately this time, before bringing himself to a stand.
He blinked gently down at her, his own golden eyes gleaming peacefully in the light as he called tenderly to his companion.
Aras blinked once more at the vast forest, one last whistle escaping from her throat before her ears pinned back and she closed her eyes. She slowly pushed herself to a stand, forcing herself from looking out once more.
Fawn gave a short whine before picking his head up tall, still eyeing her compassionately. As he began to turn, she followed his movements and turned her back on the view, padding away with eyes half-closed, shoulders sagging.
Fawn glanced out once more at the lush forest, blinking indifferently before walking back down the hill lightly.
Aras, on the other hand, could not help herself and looked back once more, trying to force back her creeping whine, but it escaped her none-the-less. A sigh pursued and she turned to follow Fawn down the mountain, returning with him to their master, who surely would not be pleased with her. But she just… Aras just had to go and see the land where she was born, where she once roamed, and, if it were somehow possible, look upon the canine which ruled that very same land… Sesshomaru…
As in "Two Demons" I am going to post name meanings at the bottom of chapters because... well, I don't know why, really. Tradition I guess. But just a reminder, I do not speak Japanese, I took these from an online English-Japanese dictionary, so if they are wrong in any way, I apologize, I'm just working with what I've got.
Koyuki = light snow
Nisshou = sunlight
Kyokkou = rays of the rising sun
Thank you to any returning readers that are giving me a second chance, and thank you to any newcomers - you are all my inspiration to stay focused!
See you next chapter!