Disclaimer: Yeah, yeah I know….sigh…. but why oh why can't I at least own Sesshoumaru! break out in tears but the plot is mine! wink

Genre: Romance and others

A/N: Sorry for the long hiatus, but I couldn't help it, explanation at the end of the chapter but for now enjoy!


A Perfect Vision

Chapter Four: A Name to Die For


Humans were very interesting creatures. True, they were weak, but they never seemed to give up. Their determination was something to be admired even by the superior youkai race.

That was what Aki had learned from years with his last lord's human mate. And as he watched the female human from a safe distance in the shadows, Aki found that the theory was most true. And she was most intriguing. The blind girl stumbled along the shoji walls trying her best not to fall. Though she failed miserable, the girl nevertheless pulled herself up time after time. Her sheer determination made Aki's respect for her augmented, and the new assignment seemed much more appealing now. Aki wondered how getting along with the human girl would be like. If the girl was anything like his last lady, Aki would gladly serve her.

Suddenly the girl stopped in her tracks, and a big frustrated hiss escaped her lips. Slowly balancing one hand on the shoji walls, the girl turned around and stopped to face in his direction as if she knew he was there. Aki wandered at this strange action, but all thoughts were cut short when the girl spoke out.

"You know, I may be blind now, but I can still sense you. So either stop following behind me like a stalker and help me find some food because I am still starving, or just go and leave me alone! I don't like being a burden, especially to more arrogant youkais!" the girl snapped.

Scratch that earlier thought; the girl seemed much more volatile and feistier than Izayoi-sama ever was. However, Aki decided against any further conclusions, so after a short second he replied with a bow, "Apologies, my lady."

The voice had a calming effect on the very frustrated girl, calm enough to fully grasp what she had just said and to feel guilty at her words. Letting out an exhausted sigh, the blind girl began to apologize.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to take it out on you, but it's been a very long day. So let's start over ne?" A smile lit up on her face, "Hi! Nice to meet you, I'm Kagome, just Kagome! I'm grateful to be under your care, please take care of me!" Kagome ended with a bow towards his direction. However being her clumsy and now blind self, her bow ended with her in a heap on the ground. "Ita-ta-tai…"

Aki couldn't help but smiled at her antics as he moved forward to gently help the girl up. "Are you alright, my lady?"

The girl gave a little laugh and a nod as she stabilized herself against the shoji walls. "Yup, I think…. Anyways, I'm sorry but I don't think I've caught your name the first time."

Aki still smiling gave another little bow as he introduced himself, "I am called Aki, my lady. And it is my pleasure to serve you."

"Aki, hmm…. Can I call you A-kun? And you can just call me Kagome, no need for formality." Kagome was now wearing a ridiculously joyful smile on her face, glad that she had finally got the chance to befriend someone other than the stiff Kyuu. Not that Kyuu was bad, of course, but she didn't think he would appreciate her calling him by a pet name.

"If it pleases you, my lady, you can call me whatever you like. However, I am afraid that it is not my place to address you as such. Lady Kagome, you must forgive this lowly servant for denying your request." Aki bowed his head in apology, though it was very unlikely that Kagome ever notice any of these little polities while being blind and all.

"Oh, fine then," Kagome huffed, but after a stomach growl later she added, "Now, how about some food?"

Aki chuckled softly under his breath at the silly human who was now in his care. "This way my lady," Aki said as he took her arm, "let's head back to your quarters. I will have the food brought to you there."

Kagome gave a soft laugh, "That sounds good A-kun! I don't think I really like walking around in this condition much anyways!"

As Aki lead Kagome back to her quarters with slow steps, making sure that his pace was not too fast for the visually impaired human, Aki took in the girl's presence for the first time being at such a close range to her. The girl was barely up to his shoulders it would seem, and she was also quite a fragile and petite looking thing at such a close proximity. From the ruffled appearance of her hair and outfit, it was also apparent that the girl had gone through a lot, maybe from falling so much? Also, her attires became extraordinarily revealing as Aki's eyes moved downwards, but of course he quickly adverted his eyes upward once again, quite embarrassed now.

Aki took in the girl's scent. A warm feeling slowly embraced him and left his mind oddly calm and content, and that glow of warmth softly laid down upon him as if a second skin. It felt as if one was basking in the sun on a warm beautiful day. Aki couldn't quite explain what the girl's fragrance consisted of, the exact smell at least, but all he could tell was that is was a very unique and pure and left him in a state of peace. He couldn't remember the last time he had ever come across such a scent, and especially not from humans. The humans he knew of were quite retched beings living in poverty, thus their scent were always of sweat, grim and death. The only other human he came into contact with that lived well off was his master's mate, Lady Izayoi. But even her scent was not as soothing as this, though much better than normal humans.

Quite intrigued with Kagome now, Aki decided to take another step farther into the mystery of the girl. He slowly and slightly began to prod Kagome's aura.

Said girl who was all very oblivious to Aki's actions until now became alert at the prodding of her aura. A tingling sensation pricked at her gently meaning no harm to her. As if her miko counterpart knew that this prodding was much lesser of harm than Hisa's previous one, it laid dormant for the time being. Kagome, though now aware of the youkai's prodding, became quite interested in what A-kun was looking for; however, she decided to let him finish before asking him.

Aki felt a warm blue aura around the girl, and the tinge of power that went with it. It would seem that Kagome was more than she appeared, Aki thought. However when Aki wanted to go farther into her aura, he was met with a warning resistance. Not wanting to offend or intrude Aki decided that it was best to back off, thus ended the examination.

"So, A-kun, found anything interesting?"

Startled, Aki quickly stopped in his track, but of course this was a bad idea because it led to the erupted fall of Kagome. Alarm by this toppling Aki quickly moved to catch the girl before her face hit the bamboo floor.

Steadying the girl up and holding her in place, Aki made rushed apologies. "Forgive me, Lady Kagome. I am sorry. Are you injured? I did not mean to-"

However Aki's words were cut off by Kagome's laughter that vibrantly filled the hall.

Slowly dying out her laugher, Kagome said, "Oh A-kun! It's okay! I'm perfectly fine. It's my fault actually for startling you! I didn't mean to embarrass you, though it's rather funny, but I was just wondering what you were looking for. I'm totally okay with it. But if you want to know something please just ask."

"You are too kind, my lady." But thinking about her permission, Aki asked, "Are you a miko, my lady?"

"Oh I'm sorry. Am I making you uncomfortable? I'm sorry, yes, I'm a miko. I'm sorry I didn't realize that my being miko is making you uncomfortable. You see I'm always been around youkai so I guess I got used to it. I'm-"

"No, my lady, I am not uncomfortable about the fact or being around you. I was merely surprise that was all."

"Oh okay then: anything else?"

Smiling at her carefree spirit and leading her towards the quarters again, Aki asked, "I was just wondering why it is that you called the Young Shukun, Kyuu?"

Kagome laughed, "Well, you see, your arrogant Shukun finds it above himself to reveal his identity to me, so I just kind of came up with that name for him. Though if you want to tell me, A-kun, you are welcome to!"

Aki gave a soft chuckle, "If the Young Shukun decides against revealing his identity then I'm sorry my lady, but it is not my place to do such things."

Kagome gave a pout. "Fine, fine, be that way. Anyways, how about we tell each other a little about ourselves because it seems like we're doing that already? Since we are on the topic of me, I'll begin. My name is Kagome Higurashi. I have a mother, a brother and a grandfather, and I don't really live around here. I am also now currently blind and can't seem to remember much of what had happened to me…. Now, it's your turn, A-kun!" Kagome flashed a big smile in Aki's way.

Chuckling softly Aki decided to reveal a bit to the girl also, "I am known as Aki. My family and I have served the Young Shukun's line for many generations now. I am the youngest in my family. I was last bodyguard to the Young Shukun's sire. However, ever since the Young Shukun came into power after his father passed away, he felt no need for a bodyguard. But now I am once again of use, and I find great pleasure in having this opportunity to accompany you, Lady Kagome. I also have two older brothers and one older sister. They are also in service to the Young Shukun right now and have been in the service of this family way longer than I have. As for my parents, they are retired now happily residing on the land that was granted to them by the ancestors of the Young Shukun."

"How old are you Aki, if you don't mind me asking?"

Aki chuckled, "Well, my lady, if I remember correctly I am only about 700 years old in human years." Seeing Kagome's jaw dropped, Aki went on explaining, "But by youkai standards I am in my mid 20's, for youkai age much differently than humans. I believe I am really only a bit older than the Young Shukun myself, if I remember correctly."

"Wow, really? Then how old is Kyuu?"

Outright chuckling at the name that Kagome used, Aki replied, "I believe the Young Shukun is about 600 years old, but of course I could well be wrong. I think it's best that you address that question personally to him."

"HA! You're crazy, A-kun! Ask that uptight youkai such a question? I will be surprised if he even response! You know as well as I do that he would probably down right pretend that I had never asked in the first place!"

A funny image of the girl fuming and his Lord ignoring her entered Aki's mind. "Hmmm, I do believe you have a point on that matter, my lady."

"Hahaha, see! Finally, someone who's siding with me!" This brought a smile to Aki's lips.

He brought her to a gentle stop as he realized that in the mist of their little chat Kagome's room had sneaked up in front of them, if that was possible. "Ah, it seems like we're here."

Too caught up enjoying the little chat, Kagome let out an "Oh!" and allowed him to guide her into her quarters and set her onto what felt like a comfy cushion.

"I must ask you to stay here for a bit, as I have to go get your meal, I promise to be back soon. Would you be alright alone Lady Kagome?"

"Oh, okay. Yes, I'll be fine, A-kun. But maybe not soon if I don't get food." She laughed.

Shaking his head at her antics he got up and walked to the shoji doors.

"Oh A-kun, wait!"

He stopped in his track. "Yes, my lady?"

"I was wondering…what kind of youkai are you?"

Smiling, Aki replied, "I am a panther youkai, my lady," and he exited her quarters with the gentle slid of the shoji doors and went off to fetch his Lady Kagome a meal. "His Lady Kagome", how strangely pleasant that sounded, Aki thought.

Panther youkai? Kagome wondered now left alone. Suddenly an image of the aura of a gorgeous black panther entered her mind's eye. Could that have been his youkai form? Wow, I wish I could see…Kagome stopped herself. Don't go there. Self-pity never helped anybody. Hmmm… an image of Hisa's old brown dog aura entered Kagome's mind. Does that mean that Hisa's an inu-youkai? Then…Kagome's mind wandered until she came across the aura of the magnificent white dog. Wow, Kyuu's gorgeous. I want to actually see - Don't go there!

Kagome hands moved in front of her until it came across the surface of low table that was customarily there. Bracing her arms down on the table, Kagome leaned forward and rested her head down her arms. Stupid gorgeous Kyuu! Why does he have to be so damn uptight and arrogant! Stupid arrogant inu-youkai!

Inu-youkai…hmm, Inu-youkai… why does that sound so familiar…? An image flashed into her mind's eye again except this time the image consisted of the angry inu bearing its teeth at her with poisonous claws gripping the grounds.

Sessh…-? Her mind blanked, she couldn't seem to finish the name. Sessh…she tried again. Nothing came.

"Sessh…" this time she tried it out loud, yet nothing again.

It seemed as if something was blocking her thoughts, and she couldn't bring herself to stop her mind from going blank.

"SESSH- SHH-SHH…!" she said it louder this time, but was only met by blank resistance.

I should know this! I know I know this name! What is this name! I know this! I know this! Sessh… Sessh… Sessh – SESSH – SESSH – "ARRGGHH!"

Kagome's mind was going crazy, and her head was pulsating with numbing pain again. She grabbed her head with her hands. Piercing pain hammered at her head and surged through her mind. The pain became unbearable, and Kagome began beating her head while crying out in pain.

Sessh…Sessh…Sessh… Her mind blanked a final time and Kagome draped over lifelessly with it.


Aki left the kitchen quite pleased that the kitchen staff was cooperate enough to his request for the delivery of Lady Kagome's meal and her future regular meals to her quarters.

While Aki was heading back in a quick pace, he took in the beautiful day. It would not be such a bad idea to bring Lady Kagome out after her meal and let her enjoy the day and the warmth of the sun, Aki thought. To Aki, Lady Kagome did not seem to be the type that liked to stay cooped up in her quarters.

Aki froze in mid-step as the sudden feeling of foreboding came crashing down on him. Youkai's were very primitive creatures, and they never doubt their instinct. Being a feline youkai, his instincts were almost never wrong, and now they were blazing with alert. Something was wrong and there was no doubt in his mind that it had something to do with his Lady Kagome.

Aki quickened his pace into that of a blur, while his senses came on high alert, and his ears picked at every possible sound. This sense of panic made all the memories of the days with Lady Izayoi come rushing back at him.

His last charge, Lady Izayoi the second mate of his last Lord, was a human. Often Aki's instinct would go off because of her clumsiness, but other times it was not. Being a human in a youkai's society was a very dangerous thing. Youkai were not always the kindest creatures and especially not to humans. Most youkai regarded humans as inferior and thus not worthy of living. Aki remembered the countless times that Lady Izayoi's life was close to death's hand because of certain youkai's attacks. He was often also at the receiving ends of those attacks.

Now Aki worried about the possibility to why his instincts were going off. One, Kagome could have gotten simply hurt, but if that was the case his instinct would not be blaring right now; two, Kagome could very well be a repeat of Izayoi's youkai's attacks, this worried Aki plenty however this possibility was quite unlikely being that they were in the palace and nobody, youkai or not, would dare try anything in the palace. The last and third option was that some other unknown reason could be the cause and knowing now that this charge had all kinds of knacks for getting in trouble; it would not surprise him if this was the case.

As Aki neared her quarters, the deafening silence crawled through his brains and wrecked havoc with his worries.

Aki stopped in front of the entrance and stood there stiff. No sound came out of the girl's room. He strained his ears for any audible indicating sound of her heartbeat. Aki couldn't take it anymore. He slammed open the shoji doors.

The image that met his eyes was that of an unconscious Kagome lying awkwardly on the cushion mats with her face turned down. It took the beat of a heart for Aki to have Kagome cradled in his lap while he checked her pulse and any possible damages. Luckily he found no harm done to her, but her nonexistent pulse pierced his heart.

Desperately shaking her frail form, Aki called to her awake, "My lady, wake up! Lady Kagome," no response came.

Aki tried shaking her harder, "Lady Kagome, please wake up. Lady Kagome! Kagome, wake up please! You can't be dead! Please wake up!"

"Aki," the room fell into a chilling silence as Aki froze.

Too bad this was not the voice that Aki wanted to hear as he turned straight into amber orbs while still clinging protectively onto the girl in his arms.

There at the entrance of the shoji doors stood his Young Shukun, and boy did he not look pleased.


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A/N: Okay so I had this chapter typed for a while now, but then it nagged at me to make it better or change it a bit because it was kind of awkward, and such. So after doing that on and off I got really frustrated and then caught up in life. So then after some months, I went back and read it again and edited it, and now things didn't seem so bad and I'm as satisfied as I could be with it, I guess. So now you're probably really mad that I just left you with such a bad cliff hanger? Well, I am sorry to say this but I'm going to be going on another hiatus. Before you run me through with a knife, I would like the chance to explain. First yes I do have a life and it's getting really difficult at the moment. Second I would like to hold on until I am ahead with writing this fan fiction by at least 5 chapters. I find this fair because with 5 chapters ahead I could then easily update for you faster and more regularly. I am sorry but I need to really just sit down and write to get all these ideas running in my head out, and it just won't work if I only write and publish one chapter at a time, because ideas are easily lost sometimes. So gomen, but that's my decision. I hope to see you soon, and I promise that the next time I see you I will be out with 2 chapters as a treat and then go into regular weekly updates. Once again GOMEN.

-Ja ne, Miharu

P.S please review even if I know you are a bit mad at me, because it would really get me through some tough times if I can just hear how my story is doing for you.