***I do not own InuYasha or any affiliated character***
Chapter 12
~*Dancing with Devils*~
…Persia…
***In 1935 Persia officially became Iran***
It was already warm. It was so early that the sun had yet to rise above the horizon, and Katrina dreaded what that meant, in regard to the heat level for the rest of the day. Tsukiko was asleep by her side breathing softly while Shippou sat not far away with a small piece of wood that he had been carving for the last few days. Ichirou was gone again, he was constantly leaving their group at random and returning without an explanation or even a word. But no one seemed to think his behavior odd and so she tried not to think about it much.
Not far away with his back to her Sesshomaru watched the horizon as though waiting for the sun's arrival. Tilting her head slightly she considered him. He was not overly tall and yet he seemed to tower above all around him. His hair was very long and shimmered with a slivery sheen that made her think of the full moon. She smiled remembering her hands tangled in it. As she watched him he tuned ever so slightly and glanced at her with one golden eye making a warm blush rise to her cheek.
Careful not to wake her aunt she stood and walked to his side "Do you always watch the sun rise?" she asked sitting beside him. Seeking his hand, he let her take it and she leaned into his shoulder. Today he walked un disguised from the world. He seemed to only hide when others outside of their little group were around.
He sat silent for so long that she wondered if he was ignoring her but just as she considered giving up he turned to her "Always is far too much for anyone to watch the sun rise"
"Oh…well I haven't watched very many" she said not sure what he meant.
"One is much like another" he said his eyes on the horizon
A crease appeared on her brow as she turned back to the horizon as well. He was so annoying sometimes! When she expected him to say something profound and deep he would say something like that….
As the first rays of the morning sun escaped the distant hills and splashed a pale array of color over the few clouds she smiled. The color was beautiful to her, how could anyone think that they are all alike?
"Why do you smile?" he asked startling her
"Oh um…. It's just that it is so pretty, like someone is up there painting the sky just for me this morning. And it keeps changing as the sun rises so, for only a moment I see it and then it is different you know what I mean?" she asked looking up at him
His face looked the way it always did but his eyes looked at her with an intensity that made her wish suddenly that she could hear his thoughts.
"I find enjoyment in many things. But as for the sunrise…" he said turning from her again "I have seen far too many to consider them with such joy as you do."
"It must be sad" She smiled again and looked up at him to find him looking at her, now it was his brow that creased. "What?" she asked suddenly nervous under his gaze. He didn't answer her but the crease slowly disappeared. "I just think that it would be sad if something as wonderful as the sunrise would stop being beautiful."
"You misunderstand me" He began shifting as though uncomfortable ""To you everything is new. For one who has walked this world as long as I, very little is new to me" he said his hand moving to brush her hair from her cheek to tuck it behind her ear.
Behind them Katrina heard Shippou snort a short laugh. She turned to stick her tongue out at him, he only smiled broader as he stood.
"Where are you going? she asked
"I'm gona get breakfast" he stood and tucked his knife and the piece of wood he had been working into his pocket.
"What are you going to get?" She asked curious.
"I was thinking of fish" Shippou said as he began to descend the hill heading toward the river.
"You don't have a fishing pole"
"Don't need one kid" he laughed
"How?" She was curious now.
"Come along and I will show you" he offered
Looking back at Sesshomaru as though to ask permission, though she did not know why, he nodded and stood.
"Race you!" Shippou said and then he took of faster than Katrina could ever dream of running.
But she only giggled and tried her best to follow "Coming Sesshomaru?" she called behind her not really sure if he heard her or if he even wanted to.
As she dodged between the trees her heart raced, her breath coming fast as she ran. It was exhilarating. She smiled hugely as she skidded to a stop on the gravely bank of the river. Shippou sat at ease on a stone a smile on his face as well.
"Took you long enough" he laughed
Katrina gasped as she tried to regain her breath "I could….never run that fast….and you know it…show off" she said sitting down and beginning to take off her shoes, tying up her skirt above the knee.
He walked into the water almost up to his hips "You ever fished before?" he asked
"Never have, but you can show me right?"
"Just stand in the water, hold very still until one comes close enough for you to catch" he said smiling as she made her first attempt.
In the shade of a nearby tree Sesshomaru watched. It was oddly nostalgic, like he had so many times before, he watched her fish. Like before he said nothing as he enjoy the sight, though in place of Shippou Jaken would be standing.
When they had four fish and the sun was climbing toward noon they sat and Shippou showed her how to clean the fish.
"Ewwww" Katrina said as he cleaned the first "That is just yucky"
"Would you want to eat that part?" he asked
"Well no I guess but still…" she said
He shrugged "Next we will want that stick and we will put them on it for the walk back"
As he finished the job Katrina watched Sesshomaru out of the corner of her eye, he was watching the distant shore of the river. He looked so serious and intent that she wondered what could be there. But to her human eyes she saw nothing.
She turned to Shippou, to see if he could see anything and was surprised to see that he too, was watching the same spot.
Gulping she whispered "What is it?" Sesshomaru looked at her and then Shippou. No one said anything but Shippou nodded and faster than she could follow he disappeared beneath the trees.
"What…" But faster than Shippou, Sesshomaru's clawed hand was over her mouth.
His face was close to her ear and he quietly whispered "Remain silent"
She nodded and swallowed as fear washed over her like a wave as she recalled that day in Greece. His hand left her mouth and she tried to breathe quietly.
Sesshomaru stood behind her so close that she could feel the warmth from his body standing as still as a statue his eyes distant as he searched for any danger. The sounds of the forest suddenly too loud for Katrina as she tried to listen to whatever it was that they seemed to fear.
With a suddenness that took her breath away Sesshomaru wrapped one arm around her and moved to the side. An arrow was deeply imbedded in the tree where they stood and the sound of a curse came from across the river.
Looking she saw a cloaked figure come from the trees and let another arrow fly at them. This time Sesshomaru flicked his wrist and from his hand a whip like light snapped the arrow in two before it reached them.
Placing Katrina behind him "Stay" He said drawing his sword while he destroyed two more arrows the person shot at them. Katrina heard the person yell and then Sesshomaru growled deeply. She peeked around his shoulder to see not one, but seven people across the river. They stood like horrible sentinels robed and cloaked each holding a bow in hand.
As one they drew their bows tight and let the volley of razor sharp arrows fly. Several missed them completely and the few that came close were quickly destroyed by Sesshomaru.
From seemingly nowhere Tsukiko and Shippou were on either side of them. "Are you alright Katrina?" asked Tsukiko a glare on her face.
"Yes" She said
"Ichirou?" Sesshomaru demanded
"He has not returned yet, I don't know where he went." Tsukiko said
"Well….shall we fight them or fly?" Asked Shippou
"Not with Rin" Tsukiko said her voice low.
"Guard her" Sesshomau said and charged across the river. Tsukiko cursed but stood in front of her as arrows flew at them again, bouncing off the shield she created.
"Alright then" Shippou said as he launched a stream of blue fire at the attackers.
The flames blocked her view for a moment. Over Tsukiko's shoulder Katrina watched as Sesshomaru and Shippou landed among the cloaked people.
Shippou was mostly fighting with his blue fire but Sesshomaru was using his sword and his claws that glowed with an eerie green. She watched entranced as he managed to dodge every arrow that was shot at him and still cut down his enemies.
'You have never seen him threatened' echoed in her mind. Oh, lord he WAS dangerous...
"Katrina here" Tsukiko turned and handed her the sword.
"Wha...?"
"It will shield you, just hold it" and with that she went to join them.
Katrina clutched the sword tightly, suddenly feeling very vulnerable, as she watched them kill the small group of humans in an amazingly small amount of time. And then they seemed to be checking the corpses. Discussing something between them.
She did not hear the man, she most likely would have ended up a prisoner or dead if she had not been holding the sword. Still, the squeak of surprise she emitted as she felt the shield shift under the attack was small. The man glared at her clearly confused but did not stop the advance. She swung the sword clumsily, backing away, yelling for help. The man, while holding out a paper sutra clearly intent on breaking the shield, was suddenly slammed into from the side by a flash of white and silver.
Stumbling on the gravel she hit her backside. It all happened so fast that Katrina had to blink away the panicked tears of relief at Sesshomaru's rescue of her. Once her eyes cleared however she was surprised when the face of her protector was not her love but was in fact Ichirou. He flicked the blood from his clawed hand. "Are you damaged?" he asked while looking down at her as though he was simply picking flowers.
"um..yes.. I mean no I am fine, thank you"
He nodded as the rest of the group joined them. Sesshomaru taking her hand and removing the sword from her hand to returned it to Tsukiko.
"Where have you been?" demanded Tsukiko
"I have found a few answers as well as a safe haven come" He said "I see that the group I was tracking found you. Are any alive to question?"
"They are all dead, but that can be remedied" Shippou laughed.
"What do you mean?" Katrina asked, though no one seemed to notice her, no reply was given.
"What about this one, he looked more important, kinda dressed better" Offered Tsukiko.
Sesshomaru let her hand go "Return to camp, gather our things we will be leaving" He said as he reached to draw his sword. It was the old rusted one. The one that made her feel weak and strong at the same time. The sword she was sure should have a name...
"Come on" Tsukiko said pulling her away.
As they walked back she couldn't help looking behind her, she wanted to know what was happening... No, she needed to know! "What is he doing?" she asked.
"My fathers sword had a, rather Unique use" When Katrina stopped and would walk no farther Tsukiko demanded "What are you stoping for?"
Katrina did not answer. She stared frozen and watched as a wave of deja vu hit her. Sesshomaru stared at the man for a moment and then swung the sword. Her heart sped up and her mouth went dry as she felt suddenly very cold.
"Are you okay?"
"I, um yes" she said turning away as the man shuddered and coughed clearly coming back to the land of the living. Katrina hurried away having seen enough.
"Are you sure you are okay? You seemed kinda upset by that display. Did he never tell you about the swords?" Tsukiko said as they gathered their belongings together.
Katrina shook her head "He never says much about his life, past or really anything" she mumbled.
"Well what did you think?"
"About what?"
Tsukiko laughed "Well its not every day you see someone die and then be brought back to life."
"Oh, well to tell you the truth it made me feel uncomfortable"
"What do you mean?" Tsukiko sounded concerned but Katrina's mind was wandering. He was far more powerful than she had at first thought. So he could fly, change his shape, was poisonous and could apparently bring people back to life. It was a lot to think about..
"We need to depart" she jumped at Ichirous announcement.
"Did he have any useful information?" Tsukiko asked
"Very little" Sesshomaru said holding out a hand to her. "We need to move quickly"
Ichirou was already running ahead of them, Shippou offered a hand to Tsukiko and they too left.
Without really waiting for her to accept his hand Sesshomaru wrapped his arm around her middle and began to run after the others, soon catching up.
…0…
It was almost two hours later when they finally landed outside a cave entrance. No one had spoken on the trip and Tsukiko had told her to be quiet when she did talk. The trip of silence had only made her very keenly aware of Sesshomaru standing near her on his shimmering cloud. It was impressive to think of the many powers he had at his disposal. She was very curious about the whip thing he had used and she wanted to know how he had known the arrow was going to hit before it did. But instead of answers she got silence.
The trip had let her examine his swords closely and she was sure that one was ancient though it wasn't particularly impressive looking. In fact the other that had a very interesting geometric looking pattern on it and a wonderfully detailed scabbard. Everything about his swords made her think of pure power.
"What is this place Ichirou?" asked Aunt Tsukiko she still remained on Shippou's back. Katrina smiled at the small and subtle change between the two, he used to make her angry.
"I found a group of Djinn who have been hiding from the Guild for some time. This place is heavily warded against humans and our kind as well. I told them of our journey and they offered a safe place for the evening."
"We could be long gone from here in no time" Shippou said
Ichirou glared at him "They may also have information I think father would wish to hear" he said as he turned to the cave "Wait here and I will tell them we have arrived"
He disappeared into the cave and for several moments he was gone. When he returned a very tall man followed him. He had a pair of wings on his back and long silken black hair that was thickly braided. Except the wings he almost looked like a human to her. But as he looked over their group his eyes stopped on her she almost fell over with fright. They were completely black!
"She is human" he said, an unspoken accusation in his voice
"She is under my protection" Sesshomaru said his hand resting on her shoulder.
While she was nervous of the strange man his hand on her shoulder made her feel safe. The tall man and Sesshomaru looked at each other for several moments and then he nodded.
"You are welcome for the night" he said as he turned back and entered the cave.
As they followed Sesshomaru's hand remained on her shoulder. She was a little surprised that it was warm and not heavy. He always looked so distant and cold that to be near him always surprised her how warm he was. The tunnel was dark but just as she wondered if she would see light again suddenly the cave opened before her and the sunlight blinded her for a few moments.
Before her a shallow valley that was completely surrounded by the mountains making her think of an old volcano. Several building stood in a small cluster around a cobbled courtyard that had a large fire pit in the center. There were several well tended fields and a large garden as well as what seemed to be an orchard. The sounds of a happy community could be heard as several children chased each other in a game of tag. Several women sat together chatting as they wove baskets but when they caught sight of the group stopped and watched with wary eyes.
They followed their guide to a smaller building with a low roof "You may rest here for this night" he said standing to the side of the door "This evening we eat together at the fire pit" As he turned to leave his black eyes regarded Katrina and a chill ran down her spine "You are all welcome to share in our meal" and then he was gone.
.0.
In the quiet shade of the room a fan tuned slowly keeping the temperature down a bit. Sesshomaru sat eyes closed as he leaned against the wall. Ichirou had disappeared again while Tsukiko and Shippou played an odd game of tiles. Katrina looked out on the strange little hidden town of DJinn.
"What are they?" she whispered.
"They are known as Djinn. Very ancient beings" Sesshomaru said
"Are they like you?"
"They are not unlike Yokai" he shrugged.
Katrina watched him, he was so calm, unmoving and powerful. He practically radiated power like the sun in the sky and now that she had seen him fight? She tilted her head slightly as she pondered her feelings. Was it fear she now felt at his clear display of strength and ability?
She looked out the small window, watching them going about their lives like so many humans did. It was kind of odd, mothers doing chores while watching the children the men working the fields and probably hunting.
She sighed dramatically wiping away the sweat that had gathered on her forehead. "What is it Katrina?" asked her aunt looking up from the game she was playing with Shippou.
"It's so hot I wish there was a river I could cool off in." she said
"There isn't I'm sorry." Tsukiko said
"Don't worry about it the sun will set soon and then there will be a feast tonight for us" Shippou said smiling at her sympathetically
"Try and take a nap then you could stay up later to enjoy the cool night air." Tsukiko suggested
She was sure that there were more things to do besides sleep but she wasn't about to wonder around alone so she lay down on one of the beds under the slow moving fan and slowly drifted to sleep.
…0…
"If this is such a dangerous land why do you continue to live on their doorstep?" Ichirou asked the leader of the village.
The black eyes man looked at Ichirou with amusement on his face "It is our home" was all he said in response
"What do you know of their structure" asked Sesshomaru "who leads this apparent crusade against us?"
"We know the name Zarak, and we know they are heavily concentrated in India" said the man.
Sesshomaru nodded "We have heard the same" So Shippou was right about that.
"Do you know Zarak? Why it is that they hunt us?" Asked Ichirou
The man's black eyes regarded him with curiosity "From what we have learned they are a zealot group of demon hunters with sects in almost every country and have nearly wiped out our kind. They are trained in many ancient forms of holy magic."
"How have you managed to remain hidden from them?" Ichirou asked
"A last gift from our goddess" he said indicating a small glowing lantern carved completely of a strange stone. "It guards our small valley, none can find it, or enter without guide"
"Last?" Sesshomaru wondered, his choice of words intriguing.
"She has left, we know not where" The DJinn said "It matters not, tonight you shall remain safe, tomorrow you must be on your way." turning his eyes of coal to the sunset "I am sorry we cannot be of more help, we wish you luck in destroying this threat, but now is the time for rest." He said standing and leading the way down the small hill towards the gathering.
Just as the last light of day disappeared a bell could be heard ringing and soon the many inhabitants of the village came together around the now large bonfire in the courtyard.
Sesshomaru watched the gathering and saw that Shippou and Tsukiko were there but he couldn't see Katrina. Going strait to his daughters side he took her arm, pulling her attention to him. "Where is Katrina?" he asked
She smiled at him "Don't worry father she is just sleeping, she took a nap earlier and didn't wake up, so I decided to let her sleep"
He nodded and she went back to chatting but as the darkness became thicker he slowly wandered toward the home where he knew she was sleeping.
In the shadowy twilight he saw her form on the bed, her hair loose and fanning out as she slept fitfully a few mumbled words escaping her lips as she turned.
Sesshomaru glared at the sight of her discomfort. He came to sit next to her on the bed his hand lightly brushing her hair. "Rin, wake up" he said quietly not wanting to frighten her. Her brow came together in a worried frown but she did not wake.
"Katrina wake up" he said a little louder
She made a small whimper her fist clenching tightly "No…please don't kill me Sesshomaru…." She said her voice strained.
Sesshomaru started sure he had heard wrong, concerned at her words. Was he what she had nightmares about? A strong impulse to forcibly wake her came over him but he pushed it down. If it was he that she feared then being rudely awoken by him would help nothing. Instead he took her hand in his. His touch as soft and light as he could manage and with the other he stroked her hair "I would never harm you."
She stirred a bit at his words the frown still there but her face relaxed a bit "I will always protect you" he whispered in her ear. The closeness overwhelming his senses with her smell, he breathed deeply closing his eyes, his mind wondered the long path of memories in his mind. As images of her past self became clear in his mind the pain of her death long ago haunted him once again.
"Beware her memories…Her mind is tangled…" the words of the fate's echo in his mind. Watching her sleep so fitfully he tried to unravel the words and understand the warning.
…0…
A faceless person is chasing her…
A wicked looking weapon in hand…
Evil is taking her away from safety…
She closes her eyes blocking out the fear…
"Rin wake up" a voice says…
It echo's in her mind...
"NO…" please don't make me look…
His eyes are red, his mouth pulled into a wicked grin…
"Please don't kill me Sesshomaru…"
She is cold and afraid as darkness comes to claim her…
"Rin I would never harm you" the voice is soft and gentle…
She looks for the one who spoke…
Searching…
I will always protect you…
Katrina opened her eyes slowly and was surprised at how dark it was. As the faded pieces of her nightmare drift away she looked up at the person sitting on her bed. His hand holding hers, his eyes glimmering slightly in the distant light coming through the window.
"You are awake" he said letting her hand go.
Sitting up she rubbed her eyes "I guess I was more tired than I thought" she said trying to smile at him and push away the fear that her nightmares always left in their wake.
"Do you wish to eat?" he asked standing and indicating the distant light. At this distance the bon fire like a bright beacon in the night. The sound of laughter and a gentle drum beat can be heard soon a few more instruments join in followed by clapping.
Nodding she stood, indeed hungry but it is the music and sounds of happiness that are luring her to the gathering. Standing by the door Sesshomaru offered his arm, the low red light casting odd shadows on his features making him look fierce. His smile is kind and the worry caused by her nightmares drifted away as together they walked toward the sound of music. Soon the smells of food could be detected on the air as well.
As they came closer Katrina spotted Ichirou standing alone at the edge of the light cast by the fire. His face drawn into an angry looking scowl as he watched several people dance to the fast paced music. Sesshomaru suddenly stopped, his eyes watching the dancing as well. Following his gaze Katrina smiled brightly as she watched the dance wondering why both Ichirou and Sesshomaru look so annoyed.
While many are dancing one couple stood out above and beyond the rest. With fire red hair and a huge grin that makes his emerald eyes almost shine Shippou is holding close a black haired woman. He twirled her around the fire in a dance that Katrina has never seen before.
The woman smiled too though not as largely as he. She was keeping up with Shippou's quick moves, holding his hand and shoulder to keep pace, as well as balance. The face is so familiar that Katrina is sure she knows her…
With a sudden realization that feels like a brick in the face Katrina watched as Shippou and Aunt Tsukiko dance closely and wildly around the fire.
"Her face and eyes…" Katrina said her own eyes wide as she looked up at Sesshomaru. His is face stoic but his eyes glimmering "Her hair is not...white anymore"
He looked down at her, for a moment unreadable. Concern flickered on his face and he began to walk again "It is the night of the crescent moon" he said in a very matter of fact way a slight glare on his face.
Looking up she see's that indeed a crescent moon hangs low in the deep blue sky"But...what does that have to do with anything? It was not that color before today" Katrina objected letting his arm go to fold her own and offer him a glare.
Sesshomaru turned to regard her for a moment then shrugged moving on "As a Hanyo she spends one night per moon cycle as a human."
She followed him, stopping at his side, watching the final movements of the many dancers. Ichirou stood on Sesshomaru's other side his face close to livid as he whispered harshly to Sesshomaru too quiet for her to hear.
"She is an adult" he said in response as the two approach.
"Katrina you're awake, are you hungry?" Tsukiko asked Katrina
Nodding is all that she could manage as she reached out to touch her now ebony hair. "Your hair is beautiful"
"Oh..my hair" she said placing a hand on her head a worried look on her face "Well thank you, I must look quite different to you" she smiles looking at her father and then brother the smile fades. "Shippou was just showing me one of the many dances he learned over the years"
With a quiet "Hm" Sesshomaru nodded glaring at the fox.
Shippou cringed slightly under the gaze "You learn a lot over the years if you take the time. Dancing can be a lot of fun" his grin reached from ear to ear.
"That dance was a bit wild for my taste" Sesshomaru said.
"For anyone with taste" Ichirou added staring down at Tsukiko. Katrina repressed a grin, Ichirou was annoyed at the affection that was growing between them!
"Keh…" Shippou said with a shrug "that's what most say when they don't even know how to two step"
Ichirou snorted.
"Shippou!" Tsukiko said angrily her hand coming to her hips.
Katrina looked from one to the other, each face mostly unreadable to her in the red glow of the fire. Sure that Sesshomaru was going to hit Shippou…or maybe Ichirou…or maybe all three of them. But he doesn't look too concerned.
"You hungry kid?" Shippou asks turning to her.
Not far from them the musician's began a new song. Two small drums beginning a beat that is fast and rhythmic. A beat that makes several take to the floor and begin a fast paced dance. Some are in pairs while some dance alone drawing her eyes to the fun. As two violins and a guitar join in her toe taped to the catchy tune. And then a raven haired woman standing above them all on a small crate began a song, the language one Katrina does not know.
The sound of Sesshomaru's swords being removed pulled her attention back. Surprised to see him handing both of them to Ichirou who stands with a look of confusion on his face.
"I said it was wild for my taste…" And to Katrina surprise his pale striped hand is held out to her. "Dance with me?" he asks her.
Smiling brightly, her heart beat racing she nods "I…I don't know how to dance like that" she said looking again at the couples twisting and moving to the music.
"I did not ask if you knew how" is all he said as he took her hand in his and pulled her into the full light of the fire. With a firm hand he twirled her into his grasp, his arm around her waist as he began to move to the beat of the music.
She tried to match his movements but her feet seemed determined not cooperate. Katrina can feel the heat of embarrassment on her cheeks. Looking to him for guidance, her worry clear.
"Relax, follow my lead" he suggested as he let her twist away from his grasp only to pull her back again a grin playing at the corners of his lips. "I will not let you fall."
"But…" she gasped "Everyone is watching" Even knowing it is a silly thing to worry about she can't help think about the many eyes on them.
"It does not matter" he said as he let his grasp around her waist go. The momentum making her spin away from him until their joined hands stop her and in a swift and graceful movement pulls her back again tipping her down in his arms she smiled up at him.
"You are a graceful dancer" he said standing her upright again only to turn her in a fast motion that put her back to his chest her arms crossed in front of her holding his hands.
She laughed "Thank you" she barely managed to say as the joy of it all washed over her. A welcome change from the long journey thus far of quiet and secrets she let it all go as she is being held in his arms.
With a swift turn and a quick untying of their arms she is once again facing him and moving in a dance she did not know, following steps she doesn't know. The thought making her laugh again as she watched the red glow of the flames and the shadows of the dark night play a game of chase across his face.
As the music come to a quick and sudden stop Sesshomaru twirled her one last time and dipped her in his arms. Breathing hard from the fast pace but grinning up at him she laughed again as together they walked back to the others.
Shippou is laughing at some unknown thing while Tsukiko is smiling, a look of something like utter disbelief written clearly on her face.
"That is how I prefer to dance" Sesshomaru said letting her hand go and taking his swords from a glaring Ichirou.
"Yea, I bet" Shippou laughs "you didn't even break a sweat!"
"Father, I didn't know you danced" Tsukiko said
"I do not dance often" he said as he slid his swords into place
"I have never seen you do so before" Ichirou said, his one eye brow higher than the other, clearly amused
"One must have the right companion for such activities" He said as he turned to Katrina "Would you care to eat?"
Taking his hand Katrina only managed to nod slightly 'the right companion' echoed in her mind as they walked away from the others. Behind them she hears Shippou laugh again while Tsukiko sigh's deeply making her look over her shoulder to see tears glistening in her eyes as she watched them walk away.
***Another chapter done. I apologize for the wait but I really wanted this chapter go a very specific way and it kept wandering away from me.***
