Aishiteru-I Love You
Chapter 4
A strong arm wrapped around Kiku's waist and she felt herself slow down. Before she knew it she was on the ground again and looking up to see the Lord Sesshomaru holding her. She was shocked as she stared up at him. A feeling of familiarity washed over her as she remained still, cradled in his arm.
"Are you alright?" He started to set her down. Her shoulder was almost unbearable and the second she put weight on her right ankle she winced in pain. "Your ankle." He quickly supported her and walked her to a nearby boulder. He noticed the tear in her kimono on her left shoulder and the large gash and strange way her arm was bent. The scent of her blood reached his nose and he was almost taken back. 'This scent, Rin's blood was just like this.'
"I hit it during the fall." She sat down slowly as he bent down to check her foot. "Thank you," she whispered.
"No need, I can't have a human body floating up river, the villagers would think I killed you." He allowed a smirk to occupy his expression. She smiled at him as he continued to look at her ankle. "It is sprained but your shoulder has been broken, you will need help back to the village." Her shoulder was bleeding fairly badly and he tore a piece of cloth from his sleeve to wrap her arm. She was embarrassed that he was going through so much trouble for her.
"I do not wish to be a burden, my Lord." She spoke as he finished wrapping her shoulder. He stood up and before she could protest he had picked her up again only using his right arm. That was when she noticed that he had no left arm. "Your arm?" she questioned.
"Was lost a long time ago in a needless battle." He finished her sentence. He could remember the last person who asked about his arm was Rin. She had actually asked him in the same way. He decided to change the subject. "So your parents must be wondering where you are?"
"I have no parents." She looked down to her hands. "I only have Sumiko-chan. She found me ten years ago when I washed upstream. I have no memories so she gave me my name, Kiku."
"Ten years ago?" Sesshomaru stared at the woman in his arms. 'Her scent, her blood, even her appearance reminds me of Rin.' He began to realize who he was holding in his arms. Ten years had passed and indeed, Rin had become a beautiful maiden.
"Aye, ten years," she smiled up at him and realized they were getting closer to the village. "Our home is on the outskirts of the village just ahead of us. The small hut on the right." She pointed him to the hut where she had grown up.
He nodded and walked to the hut. Sumiko was standing outside pacing. She caught sight of Kiku being carried by a man and quickly ran to her surrogate daughter.
"Kiku!" She shouted out. "I have been worrying about you." She looked up at the man. She immediately saw his markings and his pointed ears. She had seen the Lord Sesshomaru once before and immediately recognized him. "My Lord Sesshomaru, I thank you for bringing my Kiku back to me."
"It is not a problem." He followed Sumiko into her hut and set Kiku down on a bed mat. "She slipped over the edge of the cliff and broke her shoulder. Her ankle is also sprained and she should not walk on it for some time. I did what I could but she should have a healer look at it. I am to understand that you are Sumiko?"
"Aye, my Lord." She nodded.
"I wish to speak with you in private." He watched as she nodded and led him back outside the hut. "I will be right back." Kiku understood and watched the two of them leave but listened carefully to try to hear what they had to say.
"Forgive me if I am too forthcoming. I wish to bring Kiku back with me to my castle on the Western Lands…"
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Bum, Bum, Bum, hey you know the drill. Let me know what you think and if you are enjoying the story. :) Thanks a bunch to all my reviewers, you guys are wonderful and make it worthwhile to keep writing. Please Review!!
Lady Elanya
