Chapter 4

As Sesshoumaru awoke it was once again to blackness; but this time it was not the blackness of the barrier between life and death – he screamed but no sound issued from his lips.

It was not the comforting feeling of completeness that had overcome him before his wish had been made flesh, instead he felt as though he were falling slowly.

Abruptly he felt himself jerk to a stop even though his feet had never left the ground, looking up he saw a pair of bright green eyes glowing in the darkness – he couldn't see the figure but he got the distinct impression that it was smiling at him, mocking him.

Sesshoumaru growled deep in his throat.

"Who are you?"

If he was surprised that his voice actually had sound now he gave no indication, instead his face slipped into the mask of neutrality that used to be so familiar to him.

"I am who I am and can be no other."

The voice was mocking and full of barely concealed laughter.

"Your name, child?"

"Jakeata."

"What are you doing here?"

"Talking to you."

Once again Sesshoumaru's low growl sounded dangerously into the obsidian blackness; this thing was trying what little patience remained.

"Why am I here? Where is here?"

Suddenly the thing's demeanour shifted, he was no longer mocking and carefree; a fire seemed to light his eyes from within as he alighted next to Sesshoumaru – at one strange word of command a light blazed brighter than the sun before fading to reveal the two were stood in a small stone chamber.

In the middle of the room was a wooden table marked by many spills of food, wine and candle wax; on the table was laid a single loaf of bread and a pitcher of red wine – the two chairs were little more than stools.

Sesshoumaru looked at the thing in front of him with cold curiosity; what he saw looked like a young mortal boy but something seemed wrong, instead of having solid edges where the skin ended this boy seemed merely to fade until the edges were no more.

His hair was brown and curled tightly, it fell to just below his ears in a disorganised jumble; his eyes were green and full of a power that unnerved even the great youkai lord. He was much shorted than Sesshoumaru and very lanky in frame; his clothes were that of a peasant and he wore a short sword buckled loosely to his belt.

Noticing him looking Jakeata smiled and in a flash was changed; even Sesshoumaru could not hide his surprise when he saw a mirror image of himself staring back at him, another flash followed and the mortal boy was back.

"Come sit." Following his own advice Jakeata sat upon one of the stools and broke the bread, noticing Sesshoumaru had made no effort to move he smiled kindly and beckoned to the Great Demon Lord.

Warily Sesshoumaru approached the table and gracefully, throwing the stool a look of disdain, he sat cross-legged on the floor.

"I have brought you here for a reason; this land is in more danger than you can ever comprehend – and it is your fault."

(Meanwhile)

Inuyasha ran blindly, the tears of fear ran down his face so fast and hard all he could see were vague blurs of the trees around him; he was navigating by scent alone – he didn't want to leave Sesshoumaru but his puppy mind was telling him to get help.

His keen nose picked up the unmistakable scent of humans; hoping they were of a kindly disposition to demons he ran towards them, as he burst out of the trees almost at their feet he realised he had made a big mistake.

A/N:- Thanks to all of you for reviewing; also thanks to a friend of mine called Jonathan for his contribution of the character Jakeata.