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Chapter Twenty-Five: Danger
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The day progressed in the same manner with him and her in polar ends of the earth. They might as well have been travelling on opposite directions for that was what it seemed like. There came no word from the taiyoukai nor did Sango chance to start a conversation with him through the spell. His pace was much quicker than usual. Again, lunch had to be served in the form of granola bars and the humans had to board their demonic steeds just to relieve their aching feet. He was walking as if he were on a mission.
'He's walking faster because he wants to be rid of me as soon as possible.' Sango thought dejectedly. Could she have offended him that much? No one questioned her about what happened in the hut or with Sesshomaru. She figured that her sorrow was clearly evident in her stride as she walked with her head hung low and eyes glazed with tears that were threatening to spill. She wouldn't want to speak with her either. There was no reason for her to feel as guilty as she does. She tried to reason with herself. She ordered her throat to cease closing up and her bottom lip to stiffen. There is no reason for her to feel this way. What ties did she have with Sesshomaru? What claim did he have on her? But as much as Sango tried to justify her actions, she could find no solace in her reasons for it always ends up with the question as to why.
Why did she care? Why does he seem upset? Why did she do it? Why is he acting as if nothing happened?
Why does she want to ask for his forgiveness?
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Why did he bother with her? Why did he think that he could let her in? Why did she do it if she told him that she no longer had feelings for the monk? Why did he care if she did? Why does his chest feel like someone just ripped a hole in it? Why was he no longer angry?
Was he ever angry?
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Was any of it ever real? Was she truly that close to him all those times when she would find him when Miroku would run off with some other woman? Was the moment they shared in the forest a lie?
What is this feeling?
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What is this feeling?
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It hurt. It hurt to have him ignore her as if there was nothing between them. It hurt to have Miroku act as if nothing happened between them. It hurt to know that all those times that she thought that she felt something more for the monk, she was only mistaking it for physical attraction. It hurt to know that she could fall for a man that would tear her heart apart again.
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The sun had set a few hours ago and the group continue to trudge on. Sesshomaru refused to speak to anyone nor did he allow more than a few minutes to rest. When objections were raised, he simply shot the offending person the coldest glare that could freeze any tongue—even Inuyasha kept his complaining to a minimum.
"Inuyasha," Kagome begged, "Please, make him stop for the night."
He scoffed, "Why don't you do it? Did you see the looks at he were giving everyone? Hell no, I'm not about to piss him off."
"When did you ever pick your battles? Come on, Inuyasha, we're all soo tired. And I'm sick of having to run to catch up with everyone when I go to the bathroom."
"Then don't go to the bathroom," he retorted. "Besides, I don't know what is going on around here but I feel like he's about to explode anytime now. The hairs on the back of my neck are fucking standing! You expect me to go head first into that." As much as he did not like to admit it, he was aware of his brother's enormous hidden power and his even more powerful temper that could unleash this beast all over everyone. The taiyoukai had the potential to annihilate every single one of them without even breaking a sweat. Inuyasha knew better than to test his control.
The girl was about to sit him to the center of the earth but stopped when what he said sank in. She took a moment then replied, "You know, come to think of it, Sesshomaru's aura does seem to be stronger than usual."
"Feh," Inuyasha's eyes were darting back and forth as if he were awaiting some kind of dangerous encounter, "Your senses are so weak! You should pay more attention to demonic auras. Otherwise you—"
He was cut off by Kagome's gasp.
"Now you feel it," he said smugly.
She slowly turned her head to face him with shock freezing her mouth in to a small "o". Her heartbeat quickened as the adrenaline rushed through her. Every part of her body screamed that danger is afoot. When she finally regained her composure somewhat she said, "It's so strong…and menacing. How could I have not felt it before? It's like having something pressing hard against your chest."
"I wonder why he's doing this?"
"I don't know but I've never felt an aura more powerful or more ominous."
"Something serious must have happened."
Kagome nodded then looked over at Sango who was trailing behind everyone, then to Miroku who was chatting eagerly with the children. "But I think it's best if we don't interfere with what ever is going on quite so soon."
"Keh, what ever," Inuyasha threw his nose up in the air, "You can deal with that. I don't care how it's done. I just want this tension to stop."
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"Wow, Rin, everyone seems soo edgy lately." Shippou said in a low whisper.
The little girl turned to him, "What do you mean?"
"Don't you feel it?" the kitsune leaned in closer to punctuate the severity of his statement.
She, in turn, backed away, "No."
"Now, Shippou, don't scare the poor girl." Miroku, who was walking along side Au-Un, patted Rin on the head. "Don't worry, Rin. Shippou's just being paranoid."
Sesshomaru was walking only a few paces ahead. The monk's proximity was unsettling him. He had placed himself behind the demon lord and had the audacity to talk to his Rin. The taiyoukai could hear every word, every step, every breath and wanted nothing more than to sink his claws into his face. He wanted to rip that ridiculous smile off and make him eat it!
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Oblivious of the plans of his death brewing in the mind of the man a couple of steps in front, Miroku continued to entertain the children. They had a long day of travel and he felt as if it was his duty to ensure that they were not bored.
"Rin, are you going to come and visit when you don't travel with us anymore?" He heard the kitsune say.
"Of course! I will miss Shippou. I'll try to visit as often as I could." She grinned.
"It's too bad you can't stay with us."
"Actually, Shippou," Miroku butted in, "It would probably be best if she did stay with us. She is a human, after all. It would be best for her not to be raised by demons. Besides, I'm certain that humans would take better care of her."
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He dare have the audacity to say this to Rin within earshot of the taiyoukai! A growl rumbled deep within Sesshomaru's chest and erupted through barred teeth. What is he insinuating? That he does not take good enough care of his ward? In a blur of motion, the taiyoukai turned to face the monk with his eyes bleeding red and another growl that sent chills down everyone's spine. It is as if he means to prove something. That he is challenging the demon lord. No one challenges the Demon Lord of the West and lives! This man has crossed him one too many times. With a sound similar to the unsheathing of a katana, Sesshomaru extended his claws. No need for swords this time, he wanted to feel the life drain away from the monk on his own hands.
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