Chapter 3

Sumiko held up the little piece of electronics again and pushed the button to light it up. She was nervous at how close the intimidating male was, but she knew there was no way she could explain and him not want to be close enough to see what she meant. She held it up so he could see better and tried to explain better than she had before. "This is powered by a… oh… I call it a battery."

The look he gave her at that was less harsh than she had expected. She realized it was because he was curious when he spoke again. "What is a battery? Is that the source of your magic?"

She took a deep breath before she could respond without saying something that would get her in trouble. "I don't have magic. It is something that stores electricity."

His brows drew down slightly. "What is electricity? That is another unfamiliar word."

She suddenly realized that it might be more difficult than she expected to try and explain everything. The thought had her shaking slightly. The last thing she wanted was to make the powerful male angry. Her voice trembled slightly when she answered. "Electricity is like… I suppose the closest thing you could compare it to would be lightning."

His eyes widened slightly. "You have the power to harness the forces of nature?"

She panicked slightly at the sight of the glint of interest in his eyes. She shook her head quickly. "No, it isn't like that. It isn't that it's harnessed from nature at all. Man figured out how to produce it and then they figured out how to store it."

His eyes narrowed at that. "Most men don't even have the knowledge to read and those that do are only interested in warfare. How could any man do something that even youkai cannot?"

She was shocked at his obvious distaste for mankind. He practically wore a sneer when he dismissed the possibility completely. She wasn't sure how she was going to convince him that she was indeed telling the truth. Youkai didn't even exist in her time, and she was at a loss as to how to explain that fact. She suddenly remembered that she had something else that might help in her explanation. "Where I'm from, most people can read at the very least. There are people that specialize in different things, so not everyone has the knowledge to make things like this work, but they at least know the basics of how to use it. I have something else that might be able to help me show you."

She paused and pulled her bag up so she could pull out her broken phone. He didn't even try to hide his interest in her things as she pushed them around. She sighed in frustration at the fact that the one thing she was looking for seemed to have made its way to the bottom of her bag, even in the short amount of time it had been in there. She hissed when her hand finally brushed against the broken screen and she felt a sharp prick. She instantly pulled that hand out and inspected it to see if any glass had stuck. When she saw nothing but blood, she grimaced and reached back in with her other hand, more carefully that time. She grabbed the phone and pulled it out.

She tried to juggle it awkwardly in her uninjured hand to keep from getting blood everywhere. She must have done more than prick it as the blood had started to drip. She grimaced and tried to find something she wouldn't mind getting stained to clean it up with. She froze when she heard Sesshomaru growl. Her eyes shot up and he was giving her an irritated look. She could hear it in his voice as well.

"Give this Sesshomaru your hand." She was confused at first, until he growled slightly again at her delay. She nearly jumped before she held up her empty hand. Her confusion didn't clear at first, until he brought her hand up to his mouth. When he licked the blood off and then licked the cut once more, she couldn't hold back her gasp. Her brain felt like it short circuited at his actions. It was made worse when his grasp tightened slightly. His eyes had widened before they narrowed, and the look he gave her was just shy of a glare. "You are a miko."

Her brain was still not functioning properly, so it took her longer than normal to translate what he had said. His glare deepened and she jerked slightly when his grip tightened further, but she still started talking. "Until I ended up here, I never thought mikos were anything other than the maidens that helped kannushi in the temples. Kagome-san seems to believe that I am though."

His eyes narrowed further, and he growled slightly before he spoke. "Are you telling this Sesshomaru that you do not believe you are a miko? You did not know your own heritage?

She felt her self trembling under his harsh gaze, but she managed to find her voice. "Where I'm from, youkai don't even exist. Why would I know something obscure like that about my family history?"

Sesshomaru stilled at her words. The look he gave her was unreadable and she saw him sniff before his eyes widened again. "This Sesshomaru can scent no lie. Where could you be from that there are no youkai?"

She was shocked slightly that he had believed her so easily. It took her a moment to realize it was because he said he couldn't smell her lying. Her mind reeled again at the thought that she had no idea what he was capable of, or what he really was to begin with. She knew enough from her grandmother's stories to realize the male in front of her would be what her grandmother called a mononoke, a demon that could take the shape of a human, but that meant she also knew that he had another shape and there was no telling what that would be. She knew it was an animal of some sort, if his brother's ears were anything to go by, but that still left many options.

She realized she had been staring at him and not answering when he glared at her and pulled her hand, making her step closer. He leaned down and put his face close to hers. When he spoke, there was a growling undertone. "This Sesshomaru has been patient with you so far, miko. Do not think that this one will hesitate to kill you if you continue to waste this one's time."

Sumiko froze under his glare and at his proximity, but she was saved from trying to answer when she heard the voice of Sango. The male that was still holding onto her, turned his glare to the people that had entered the clearing. Inuyasha was standing at the edge of the clearing with Kagome, and Sango had walked past them and bowed before she spoke. "Excuse us for interrupting Sesshomaru-sama, but we have given Sumiko-san sanctuary. If there is something wrong, please allow us the opportunity to help."

Sumiko had hoped the girl's words would at least prompt him to let her go, but instead he pulled her to his side and kept an iron grip on her wrist. "The only thing this Sesshomaru requires is for the miko to quit hesitating and answer this one's questions."

Sango's eyes widened at his words and Sumiko saw the girl frown, but her voice was still polite when she spoke. "Please forgive her if she seems hesitant. She has only just arrived and is unused to things here. I'm sure you have already noted that Japanese is not her first language as well. I am certain that any hesitation she has shown is not purposeful."

At that point Kagome walked forward and joined Sango. She also bowed but her voice was not nearly as polite. "I have already told her she would be protected if she stayed in this village. I would appreciate it if you let her go. I'm sure she would be willing to answer your questions much quicker if she weren't frightened out of her wits."

Sesshomaru frowned at her tone and Inuyasha immediately moved in front of her. He gave Kagome a glare before he spoke. "You're wasting your breath trying to talk to that stubborn dog." He then turned to his brother. "You know, it's been awhile since I got to fight you. I'd be happy to give you a closer look at Tessaiga again if you want."

Sesshomaru sneered at Inuyasha before he spoke. "Quiet mutt. You are already aware that this one no longer desires father's legacy. This Sesshomaru has already created one." He finally turned to Sumiko. "Miko, know that any vow you make to this one is not made lightly. You will finish or die. Do you still wish to try to leave?"

Sumiko suddenly understood that he looked upon her agreement as a vow. She knew he would have no qualms in killing her if he felt she was not upholding her end. That was the whole reason she had been terrified. She also understood that he was more curious than angry. In a flash of realization, she grasped onto he fact that as long as she kept his curiosity sated, she would be fine. It had been her fear and hesitation that caused his continued anger. She almost smiled as she finally relaxed, at least enough that she could speak clearly. There was no way she could be that close to him and lose all her fear. She bowed her head like she had seen the others do before she spoke. "I would never go back on a vow. I will stay and answer your questions."

She then turned to the others and hoped they would understand the words she wasn't saying. "Thank you all for coming here to help. But I did agree to speak with Sesshomaru. I will not go back on my word."

Kagome looked worried and Inuyasha gave her a look of disgust, but Sango put her hand on Kagome's arm before the girl could speak again. She then stepped forward and spoke. "We understand. We will wait for you to finish then."

Sumiko watched as Sango then pulled Kagome back to the edge of the clearing. The girl stopped them before they were back on the trail and she could see that Kagome was not happy, but she couldn't hear what was said. Apparently Sesshomaru could though, as he sneered at them before he turned back to Sumiko with a curious look. His next question was completely unexpected. "Why are you no longer afraid of this one?"

Her shock was clear on her face until she realized it must have been because he could no longer smell her fear. She still quickly tried to answer to keep him from getting angry again. "It isn't that I don't know you are capable of harming me, but I realized that we did make an agreement. As long as I stick to my end of it, you will uphold yours as well."

His face became a blank mask and he made a noncommittal noise before he turned them both. When they got to the well, he pointed at the ground. "Sit."

She didn't hesitate to do as instructed but she was surprised when he joined her. Her surprise turned to nervousness when he spoke. "Now, you will tell this one where you are from to not have youkai, along with what role this well plays in your story. I can scent my brother's pack all over it along with yours."

She knew she would have to tell him the truth, no matter how strange it sounded, as he would be able to smell a lie. Before she could start her explanation, she gasped. She had suddenly come to a realization. This male was a dog demon. She should have realized when the two brothers were talking to each other, but it really clicked when he mentioned 'his brother's pack'. She pushed the thought back for the moment. It wasn't that important. For the moment, keeping him appeased and her alive was her first priority.

"I am uncertain if you know of Kagome's origins, and if you don't then this will not make sense, but we both come from the future. Kagome said it was about 500 years. I don't know the exact time here, so it's hard for me to say. The reason you smell us around the well, is because that is how we got here. According to her, she used to be able to use it at will before the Shikon no Tama was destroyed. It was just happenstance that it activated while I was there. It's not working now though. I tried."

She had looked away from him at that last part to keep him from seeing the tears that had started to fill her eyes. The last thing she wanted was for him to see her crying. She had a feeling he wouldn't appreciate it much. She blinked several times to keep them in, but one fell anyway. She didn't have a chance to worry about it as it wasn't long until he spoke. "This one can smell no lie, but your story takes much to believe."

She turned to look at him after wiping her face and found that he was staring at the well. She barely heard him when he spoke again. "It could explain the many strange things my brother's woman has said and done, not to mention her odd clothing." He looked back to her with a hard look. "You will tell this one about your time, but not now."

At that he stood and turned to walk back toward the edge of the clearing. "You will be back here tomorrow at sunrise. Rin will accompany you."

Sumiko had already gotten to her feet, but she was shocked by his words. She realized that he expected their conversation to be a long one, but she had no idea why he was letting her rest. Not that she wasn't thankful. When he paused at the edge of the woods, she knew it was so she could give her confirmation. She scrambled to bow, even though she wasn't sure if he would see it, before she spoke. "Of course. Thank you for letting me rest tonight."

"Hn." That was the last thing she heard before he disappeared into the woods. Once he was gone, Sumiko turned slowly back to the trail that led back to the village. Her head was so full of what she had just gone through that she was having a tough time digesting it all. It had only been that morning that she was on a train in Tokyo. It seemed impossible that it wasn't a lifetime ago.

She hadn't made it very far down the trail when she was intercepted by Inuyasha with a frowning Kagome on his back. The girl quickly scrambled down and came to her. Her voice held a tone of worry. "Are you alright? How did you convince him to let you go?"

Sumiko suddenly found that she could no longer hold back the tears she had been fighting. She still tried to speak, though her voice was rough. "I'm so sorry that I caused you problems again. I know you said to stay close to the village, but I didn't realize-"

Kagome cut her off with a hug. "It's alright. I know this has got to be hard for you. Don't worry about it. I'm just glad you got away from Sesshomaru. He can be such a pushy jerk."

Sumiko giggled despite her tears. When she pulled back, she gave Kagome a smile and wiped her face before she spoke. "Thank you. I really am sorry that I keep causing issues, but I'm glad you're here."

Kagome gave her a bright smile and pulled her around to face a scowling Inuyasha. He obviously had something he wanted to say, but he only grunted before he turned to walk them back to the village. Kagome pulled her to follow him before she started speaking again. "So, how did you manage to get away from Lord Pushy pants?

Sumiko tried to hold back her laughter so she could answer. "Actually, he let me go. He told me to be back at the well at sunrise with Rin."

Kagome paused at that and Inuyasha turned with a glare. The looks they were giving her had the hair on the back of her neck raising. "What? Does that mean something bad?"

Kagome chuckled awkwardly and waved away the panicked note in her voice. "It's nothing to worry about. I'm sure it's no big deal."

Once again, Inuyasha gave her a glare and she knew the girl was only trying to make her feel better. She didn't push though. In the end, she was sure the truth would come out. She doubted much could be done either way. At least she felt heartened that he had given her a break.

Once they got to the village, Kagome left Sumiko at Kaede's house and went to presumably find one of the others. They made it just in time for Sumiko to assist Rin with preparing the vegetables for their dinner. Rin kept up a mostly one-sided conversation while they worked. Sumiko was too worried to do more than listen mostly, although she did pay attention when the girl took the time to show her how to peel the roots more effectively with the large knife.

Just before the meal was finished Kagome and Sango came back. Sumiko was glad that neither of them looked nervous, but that only lasted until they all sat down, and Sango spoke up. "Sumiko-san, what exactly did Sesshomaru-sama tell you when he left?"

Sumiko swallowed the food she had in her mouth before she answered. "He told me he wanted to know everything about where I am from, but not today. He told me to meet him back in the clearing at sunrise and that Rin would accompany me."

A flash of worry crossed Sango's face, but it was cleared when Rin spoke up. "Sesshomaru-sama asked to have Rin come as well? Will we be going with him?"

Kagome gave the girl a smile, but Sumiko could see it was strained slightly, even though she couldn't hear it when she spoke. "As much as I know you would love to travel with him again, I'm sure he just wants to see you again before he leaves." She then turned to Sumiko. "Don't worry about it. Inuyasha told me what happened. I'm sure he is just curious as he has never seen any electronics before. From what I've learned, his desire for new knowledge is part of what keeps him wandering. Once you've satisfied his curiosity, I'm sure he'll move on." Neither of the girls looked very happy at her words, and she chuckled nervously again. She ignored the sadness on Rin's face and quickly changed the subject.

Once dinner was finished, they helped Kaede put everything away and then sat for a little bit to chat again. Sumiko didn't pay much attention to the conversation, as it was mostly still catching up and their plans for the future. At the mention of the future, Sumiko could feel her eyes filling again, but she managed to keep the tears from spilling over. Even if she had no idea what would end up happening to her, she was already a burden on Kagome and the rest. She didn't want to add to it.

It wasn't too long before Rin started yawning. Once Kagome caught sight of it, she gave the girl a smile. "Looks like it's time for bed."

Rin looked like she wanted to stay up longer, but her eyes were already drooping. Even Sumiko smiled at the sight as she helped Kagome pull out a couple of futons. Kagome gave her an apologetic smile. "I know there isn't much room here, but we'll figure out something else tomorrow. I'm going to stay with Sango and Miroku tonight."

Sumiko gave her a curious look at that, since she was sure Kagome and Inuyasha were together. It only took her a moment to remember where, or rather when, they were. It was likely that they were not married yet and as such it would be frowned upon if they stayed together until they were. She knew it was none of her business though, so she only gave the girl a nod as they finished laying out the bedding. She helped Rin into one of them and curled up behind her. Since there were only two futons it was the best option. As much as she had on her mind, it didn't take long for her exhaustion to win out.

The next morning, Sumiko was awoken by the sound of someone moving around nearby. She opened her eyes to see Rin had curled up to her sometime in the night. She gave the sleeping girl a smile before she looked up to Kaede taking care of the morning chores. When the woman saw her watching she spoke up. "Tis nearly dawn. The Western Lord would not want to be made to wait."

Sumiko frowned a little at the woman's words. She hadn't realized that he was some sort of youkai royalty, given what she had seen of him and his family, but his attitude made much more sense after learning that. She shook those thoughts off though. If was nearly dawn, they needed to get going. She gave Rin a little shake to wake her up and smiled when the girl gave her a sleepy grin. It didn't take them long to get everything put away.

Rin had already headed out, but Sumiko lagged behind for a moment. "I wanted to thank you for helping me."

Kaede gave her a soft smile. "There is no need for thanks child. Ye are welcome here."

Sumiko smiled and gave her a nod. She had many other things that she wanted to ask as well, but she knew now wasn't the time. When she ducked out, she was surprised to see Kagome and the others waiting with Rin. She gave them a curious look, but didn't have the chance to speak before Inuyasha started. "There is no telling what that bastard's up to. Besides, it ain't safe to have the two of you walk through the woods alone."

Sumiko gave him a smile. "Thank you." Her smile turned to a grin when he looked at her uncomfortably and turned to lead them back to the clearing. The walk back was nearly silent. The only sound was a quietly humming Rin. It was obvious that the girl was excited to see Sesshomaru. Sumiko couldn't understand why, but she wasn't going to ask either.

By the time they made it, the sun was just starting to rise over the woods. Sumiko gasped and panicked slightly when she saw that Sesshomaru was already there. He was sitting against a tree on the far side of the clearing with an arm propped on one knee. She could already feel her stomach roiling at the thought that he had been waiting. That thought was paused when she heard Rin cry out and start running. "Sesshomaru-sama!"

He had started to stand as soon as they cleared the edge of the woods, so when she reached him, he put a hand on her head. Sumiko could hardly believe how much softer his features were when he looked down to the girl. He didn't say anything though as the rest of them had finally reached him. He ignored all of them except for Sumiko. His voice was cold when he spoke. "We are leaving."

That was all he said before he turned, and a grinning Rin started following him. Sumiko was at a complete loss until she heard Kagome mumbling angrily. "I knew it!"

Sumiko didn't have to wonder what it was about for long. Kagome immediately called out. "Hey, Sesshomaru! You know not everybody has to do what you say."

The youkai paused but didn't turn around immediately. Sango quickly moved to hush Kagome and spoke in her stead. "We apologize Sesshomaru-sama. We understand that there is business between you and Sumiko-san, but please remember that she is an untrained miko. It would not be good if she were to be around other youkai and accidentally do harm."

At that, he finally turned with a frown. "Taijiya, are you questioning this one's ability to handle those in his care?"

Sango wasn't fazed by his anger as she continued. "Of course not. I would never question you, it is only that it would be best if she were trained at least enough to be able to control her powers if she is to go with you. I would not want her to burden you either."

There was complete silence at that as he considered her request. When he finally spoke, there were several released breaths. "This Sesshomaru will allow six months. She will come with this one at that time. This one will also check on her progress."

He ignored their responses as he started to turn. His gaze landed on the downturned head of Rin, and most barely heard when he spoke to her. "Rin." She looked up and gave him a smile that everyone could see was strained. "You may travel with this one until the next time I return."

Sumiko was at a complete loss for words when the girl smiled so wide, she thought her face would split. Nothing else was said until the two of them disappeared into the woods. Once they were gone, Sango turned to them with a worried look. "At least that gives us some time."

Sumiko wasn't sure what the woman meant by that, but her mind was still whirling too fast to care. She had barely been there a day, and already things were spinning out of control. There wasn't anything she could do about it though, so she followed the others back to the village with the hope that she would be able to find answers soon.