Chapter 3

A Helpful Talk

Sesshomaru drove in silence. He didn't even say where we were going or even try to have a conversation with me. The radio wasn't even on. The only noises were the car and our breathing. It was pretty calming for an odd reason. I had been worried about his silence but I sensed no ill intent.

I'm not sure when, but I ended up falling asleep. All the crying had drained my energy and the car's noise was soothing to me. I had no idea how long I was asleep but before I knew it, I was being shaken.

"Wake up, silly girl." An amused voice from my side said as I was shook. I opened my eyes and looked at who was shaking me. Of course it was Sesshomaru and he was smirking at me.

"Oh gosh." I sat up fast. "I can't believe I fell asleep." I hid my face in my hands. I was so embarrassed.

"It's fine." Sesshomaru took my hands in his and moved them from my face. "Let's get going okay?" He asked yet still had ahold of my hands. I blushed and looked at our hands. I was so nervous that I didn't trust my words, so in response, I just nodded my head at him. He smiled at me, it was hardly noticeable, but it was a real smile nonetheless. Once we both stopped staring at each other, we let go of each other's hands and got out of the car. Once I was out of the car, I looked around. I was standing in the driveway in front of a huge beautiful mansion. Sesshomaru noticed my shock and inwardly smiled a smug smile.

"Come on." Sesshomaru said motioning for me to start walking. I snapped out of my daze and started walking, him right next to me.

"Where have you brought me?" I asked curiously as he opened the front door.

"My home."

"Why?"

"There is someone here who might want to talk with you."

"Who?"

"You'll see." Sesshomaru said as he began leading me down a long hallway. The hallway was filled with pictures. I walked slowly and looked at each of them, until I came across one. I stopped in front of a picture of Kieto, his wife and the twins. It was from before I was adopted. I smiled at it, it was nice seeing Kieto so happy with his family. "Come on girl" Sesshomaru ordered before knocking on a large wooden door. I assume he heard the okay to enter because he began opening the door. Once it was open, I was stunned again. The room was huge. It was full of shelves of books and had a desk in the center. At the desk sat a man… well demon who looked a lot like Sesshomaru, but a little different.

"Ah, Sesshomaru. Aren't you supposed to be at school?" The man asked as he stood from the desk.

"Yes, but I have someone you'll want to meet."

"Oh?" The man looked from Sesshomaru to me, who was half hiding behind Sesshomaru. "Well come in both of you."

Sesshomaru walked into the room, me right behind him. We sat in chairs in front of the desk. I looked at the floor, not sure of what to say or do at the moment.

"A young but powerful miko-youkai? Where on earth did you find this girl?"

"At school, with the Higurashi twins." Sesshomaru responded, as if the mention of the twins was important.

"What is she doing with them?"

"She says Kieto adopted her."

"Is that so?" The man looked at me. "Look at me girl" I slowly lifted my head and met his gaze. "So, you are who he was talking about."

"What do you mean?" I asked, very curious.

"Before Kieto was killed, he told me about a special girl he was protecting."

"Protecting from what?"

"I'd assume he was protecting you from whoever killed him to try to get to you."

That hit me hard. I always knew people had murdered him, but I had no idea that I was being protected or that I could be the reason to why he is dead now. As I thought about this, I could feel myself begin to slowly freak out.

"What?" I stood up and stared wide-eyed at the demon in front of me. "Are…are you seriously saying he is dead…because of me?" I could feel my anger and sadness start to affect me, like it did just a bit ago with Kikyou.

"Calm down girl." Sesshomaru said warningly. I could tell that he could feel my power because when he reached out for me, he had to quickly pull back.

"What is your name, young miko-youkai?"

"Sierra." I said to the man whose name I still did not know. When I looked into his eyes, I could feel myself calm down. After I was calm enough to speak, I looked at Sesshomaru. "I thought you said I was never mentioned by Kieto."

"I thought you weren't." Sesshomaru turned to the demon. "Father, what were you saying again?"

"Sit down Sierra and I will answer any questions you two have." Sesshomaru's father said to me kindly. For some reason, he calmed me, like Kieto did. I nodded my head and sat down. I looked from him to Sesshomaru, and then back to him.

"Who are you?" I asked Sesshomaru's father after a few seconds of calming down completely.

"I am Inutaisho, the lord of the western lands."

"Oh…well, that is not what I expected at all…" I mumbled under my breath. Inutaisho laughed and grinned at me. "What did Kieto tell you about me?"

"He told me that he had adopted a powerful miko-youkai. So powerful that when she comes of age, she will be just as powerful as a demon lord, like myself. Kieto told me that he had to protect her or else someone could corrupt her and use her for evil purposes."

"Was he killed because of me?"

"I am not sure, but I would assume so." His eyes met mine, and I could see the regret in them for having to say that. I couldn't stand it, so I looked back at the floor.

"What's going to happen to me now? What will you do with me?"

"You and my son will go back to school. He will protect you if you need protecting. I'm sure my other son and their closest friends would be happy to help as well."

"But…" I looked up at him, confused and shocked.

"I will find out all I can about those who might be after you. Don't worry; you and your adopted family will be just fine." The demon lord smiled at me.

"Why are you being so nice to me? So willing to help me?"

"Kieto was one of my closest friends, much like a brother to me. You were like a daughter to him. So you are family as well and I always am nice and protect my family."

"Thank you." I smiled at him, tears forming in my eyes. He just smiled at me. I could see he really did care. For the first time since Kieto's death, I felt loved and cared for, and especially, I felt safe. 'Maybe, just maybe I'll be okay now. Maybe my sadness and loneliness can go.' I told myself as I smiled at the demons I was sitting with.