eee gads what a time i've had...
broken foot is all needed said.
give reviews please as I enter the more deep storyline. hard to believe it's nearly been a year since I got the nerve to post this.
thanks for sticking with me so far!
THE LONG JOURNEY.
Summer was on the edge of ending.
Tips of leaves began to turn shades of orange and red, slowly creeping up until it consumed a leaf here and there all together, making odd bursts of color among the green.
Evenings grew chilly. The winds no longer a welcome reprieve from the summer sun but something to give one the sudden shivers.
Grass now only patched with green, leaving the ground covered with crunchy brownness.
The scent of autumn in the air.
Akane would on most days love this sort of mid season change.
The beauty of it would normally capture her attention whole heartedly as she drowned in it.
But the mood of this dragon girl was far too dark to think of beauty.
Beauty other then of the man she had left behind just a week ago.
All she could focus on was a pare of sunset gold eyes she may never see again, as she stared at one of the many pictures she had taken of him.
In this one, Rin had jumped onto his shoulders, trying to make him smile for the camera, only to result in him looking at her with that classic raised eyebrow and a look of both confusion and annoyance.
It was adorable.
Akane's favorite picture of him.
She did managed to catch him with an actual smile more then once, and even a rare ass laugh had been captured with her phone, but for some odd reason this was her favorite out of them all.
But now all she could do was glare at it as mixed emotions filled her.
Akane had honestly thought that within a few days he would have come for her, either to give her a ride home or to try and see if they could fix his problem together...
Nothing.
Sesshomaru had said he might not come for her out of anger, but until now she had not actually worried.
"What is WRONG with him?!" She said out loud, shaking her phone twice for no reason before putting it back in her pack.
For his jealousy to suddenly spike to a hundred was odd enough, but when she left it was like a part of him didn't even care.
At all.
That she was LEAVING him.
He. Didn't. Care.
And THAT frightened her.
"AAaagh!" Akane roared out, and a blast of lightning shot out from her hand to blast the earth.
... ... Yeah.
Good thing she put her phone away.
In the past few days Akane had so many random fits of hurt and anger it was amazing she hadn't started a forest fire. Again.
There had been one.
The start of one.
A tiny, itty bitty, small one.
But she had put it out.
On top of that, she was lost.
Had went the long way around the valley of lightning dragons in order to stear clear, and got lost.
"This is fucking fang tastic." She mumbled for the tenth time.
No mate, no family, low on food, and lost as all get out.
If she were stupid, she would ask how things could be worse.
"But I'm not stupid."
With a sigh she packed up what little she had used for the night.
A blanket, MP3, and the last of her box of granola bars.
If push came to shove she would hunt for food, knowing how due to her time in Sesshomaru's body.
She just rather not have to.
It had been two days since she had used the last of her water to put out the small fire, and she was feeling like her mouth was full of sand.
But then again, Akane had faught off a low class yokai last night for this soft little nest of thick grass.
That alone made her thirsty, but not at all for water, Akane wanted the ambrosia that was her mate's taste.
Until now, she hadn't known just how much she was addicted to it.
To HIM.
Akane missed his dominating presence, his wild rainstorm smell, the feeling of being safe at all times and the sound of his sexy voice.
She missed his light touch during the day and his passion at night.
The lack of his blood in her was something she could FEEL.
Akane could feel him leaving her veins as the days passed.
She gave it another week and any trace of him in her would be gone.
And that made her want to break down and fall apart...
With a huff, and shake of her head, she put on the backpack to start off again on her long journey.
Going whatever direction she new was at least CLOSE to how to get back to the village.
If she could make it to Chika's, then maybe they would allow her the use of a horse at least. After a rest.
It had been a long while since she had walked so much.
They always altered between flying.
At last allowing herself to focus on something, anything, else other then the thoughts from the morning, Akane forced a smile as her all time favorite season was on the verge of taking form around her.
But the smell of autumn only made her think of the OTHER male she had left behind that day.
When it came to Naraku, she was not sure if she could trust her heart.
He wanted the Jewel.
Wanted her.
Akane was not so stupid as to NOT ponder how he might plan to use one to gain the other.
Her heart wanted to think better of him, that he was not like that.
Anymore at least.
But it was hard to trust him.
A frown creased her face as she though about how he had reacted to what Sesshomaru had done to her.
It SEEMED like he wanted to kill him, yet he swore that he was only going to punish him for her.
A snap to her left suddenly caught her attention. It was followed by another and another.
A group of yokai not far off.
The hint of voices in the air.
Akane tensed, hand to the hilt of her sword, preening for better view.
Still unable to see them, a loud laugh made her pause.
Akane knew that laugh.
Her heart calmed down a degree.
It was Koga's laugh.
Within minutes he and his two pack mates came thru the trees.
"Aha." Koga grinned at her, making her relieved to see a friendly face.
"See? Told you guys that smell in the air was Sparks." He added with a smug smile to his friends.
Akane beamed at the name he had given her after their first meeting.
She had been on her way to meet up with Sesshy, and had mistaken the wolf for a human eating yokai.
A small fight followed, and she had knocked the wolf on his ass with her zappy hands. He had been so amused by it that the fight came to a stop as he laughed.
He had called her Sparks ever since, and had been 'cool' with Sesshomaru when he realized she was with him.
Now Koga stood before her, his grin slowly disappearing as he took in her torn clothes and still puffy eyes.
"Hey, where's the older mutt? Not like him to leave you alone."
"Not that him not being here is a bad thing." Ginta whispered.
Hakaku nodded silently.
Akane snorted.
She remembered the first time those two had met her mate.
Trying to keep him and Koga from meeting each other had turned out to be rather comical.
Needless to say, her mate was all but the boogyman to these two.
"SHUT IT!" Koga snarled at them.
"It's okay," She reasured them all.
"Sesshomaru isn't anywhere close."
The two let out a held breath as Koga frowned at her words.
"Why not? You two have a fight or somethin? Not that ya have to tell me of course." He blushed a bit and ran a hand thru his bangs.
Akane glanced away.
Koga was a decent friend.
She oddly felt more at ease with him then even Inuyasha, despite the few times they had chatted...
It would be nice to ask someone elses opinion on the matter.
Suddenly, Koga was right up in her personal space, staring and sniffing.
Akane blinked and backed up.
"WHAT are you doing?" She said, not hiding her surprise.
Koga stared, clearly puzzled.
"I take it back." He stated, giving a concerned frown.
"Huh?" Akane blinked.
Crossing his arms over his chest, he plopped to the ground and stared up at her with a stern look.
"I take it back. You do have to tell me what happened. The mutt's scent is hardly on ya, so it's been days since you were near him. Not to mention it's OBVIOUS you were just recently crying..."
Akane glanced to the others for help but before they could say a word, Koga barked out orders to go find food and look for a close water source of some kind if possible.
Reluctant to go, both gave looks of sympathy as they left.
"Why did you do that?" She asked.
He scoffed at her like she was stupid or something.
"Clearly you need food and water. You look like a lost pup. That and thought you might speak easier with less ears to hear. I'll tell em later if it's okay with you."
"I could kiss you." Akane said with a sigh at the thought of food.
Koga laughed deep, but then once more got serious with his stare.
"What. Did. He. DO."
Akane was shocked at the ferocity of his tone. Like an older brother.
It warmed her heart thru and thru.
Unable to stand keeping it all in, and wanting desperately to have a second opinion on if she had done the right thing after all, Akane spilled out her story.
Hakaku and Ginta returned very soon actually, but she stoped Koga from making them go.
The men were sweet enough to cook the creatures they killed as she continued on with her tale.
She told of his snappiness in the valley of dragons, which actually might not have had to due with the storm after all.
And how shortly after he seemed to both not care, yet be utterly furious about her friendship with this 'guy' that she was wise enough not to name but made clear it was a sort of enemy of Sesshy's.
Koga and the others listened in silence, eating their portion of the meat, and when her tale was told she was handed hers, fully cooked.
"That is a bit odd, don't you think so?" Ginta mused with thought.
"Well yeah, given how the two of them are mated, it makes no sense whatsoever." Hakaku added.
Koga nodded, deep in thought.
"What do you mean?" Akane said before a mouthful.
She had no clue what it was, but it was heaven sent at the moment.
Her stomach growled in pleasure.
"A wolf mates for life," Koga started after a moment of silence.
"I would assume the dogs would be the same, from what I've seen anyways. And once mated it's pretty much impossible to hate your mate, and hurting them just isn't heard of. We CAN'T, it's simply not a thought to form once mated. Anger, sure, but never lasts. That's why it's called MATING. We only mate when we know it's right."
Akane just blinked as she chewed.
He could see her question in her eyes and answered before she could even swallow and ask it.
"He can have sex with many and never mate with them. Hence why the mutt's Pop could mate with the human woman, because he actually wasn't mated to the female dog."
"So what is the difference between having sex and mated sex?" She could not help but blurt out.
Was it possible that Sesshomaru hadn't actually mated with her?
Had he lied to make her feel good?
To keep her as his human toy?
Koga blushed a deep red, looking like it was an odd subject, yet the flash of her eyes made him answer.
"Ahumm...well." He glanced to the other two, who didn't meet his eyes and was twice as red as he was.
He opened his mouth twice, yet nothing came out, like it was beyond taboo to tell another, or at least, to tell a human.
"Koga, please. I just..." Akane let out a shaky breath.
"I need to know if he mated me."
He blinked, swallowed, but only blushed more then before.
"Trust me Sparks. Your scent is that of a mated female."
She felt herself flush at his words.
Sesshomaru had said others would be able to tell, but still.
"I still want to KNOW." She begged.
With one finale pleading look to his pack mates, once again ignored, Koga let out a deep breath.
"Was there ever a time when... Ack. A time when the two of you were drinking from each other at the SAME time and also... came, at the very same time you were drinking?"
Now it was her turn to be red.
A time when they both came together, as in hit their climax, while still drinking?
Yes.
Fuck yes.
So many times yes.
It was the best feeling ever.
With a swallow, she nodded, closing her legs together at the thought.
Koga, after a brief look of shock, cleared his throat.
"Yup. That be it then." He coughed.
There was a long awkward silence that Akane had to fill.
"So then, you're saying he should not have hurt me?"
All three violently nodded their heads with wide eyes.
"I'm sayin he should not have been ABLE to hurt you. Once mated the very beast inside us has one thought, to protect. So the fact he did that and seemed to LIKE it is what worries me. Not natural."
"Sounds like some kind of spell."
They all looked to Hikaku, making him glance away.
"Well, if not a spell, what?" He added with crossed arms.
"That or a curse." Ginta nodded.
"Well whatever it is, sounds like the mutt is fighting it." Koga looked her in the eyes, again that sterness.
"You did the right thing. If seeing you or this guy is the trigger, it's best to keep away."
"How CAN I after hearing this?!"
Akane flexed her sparking fingers and took a breath to calm herself.
"Naraku is most likely behind it. If we can kill him, your mate would be cured of whatever this is."
Akane flinched at Koga's words.
Recalling how she too, thought the same thing. But a flash of those hurt maroon eyes, the truth in his tone at not being the one...
"And if he isn't the one? How do I fix my man?" She said in fear.
Koga sadly was at a loss.
"Find what IT is. A spell, a curse, whatever. Find the source. Kill it."
He made it sound simple.
"Then I sure as HELL ain't going back home then." She stated.
How could she just leave now, after hearing all this? It sounds like her mate may need her help after all.
"You could travel with us!" Ginta said with a bit of hope.
"You guys chase Naraku, my journey will take me other places. But it's sweet to offer."
The wolf blushed at her words.
"W-well, at least let us take you to Kagome or something." He added.
Again she shook her head.
None could fully understand what was going on if she could not tell the full truth about Naraku.
This she had to do alone.
Koga cleared his throat.
"I'll get you to your first stop at least, faster then YOU walking."
She laughed at his playful insult.
"Very well then. But we rest tonight, okay?" She asked.
"No duh, you look like hell."
"Thanks Koga." Akane rolled her eyes, but any annoyance melted away at that grin of his.
Hakaku raised his hand.
"We found a stream not far away we could go to, unless you have something to put water in."
"No, we'll go there. She needs to wash up and drink up." Koga stated.
It was odd, the connections she often forgot she had with others.
More odd that in a time of yokia and magic she made friends far more easy then in her actual time period.
Being carried to the water was not needed, but that did not stop the wolf from picking her up.
"Eeeep! Put me down!"
This made Koga laugh.
"Stop wiggling already." He ignored her protests as they walked, and her mind drifted once she settled down in his arms.
Akane had only been held like this once, by Naraku. Two strong arms holding her close, bride style.
Something she knew bothered her mate because he could not carry her in such a way...
However, the constant banter between the wolves kept her mind from such thoughts the rest of the night as she had much needed laughter fill her heart.
The next morning, her requested destination baffled them.
They just could not figure how the man she seaked would be of any use to her cause. But Akane knew if anyone was old enough to have a blooming CLUE as to what was up with her man, Totosai was it.
And so, a three week trip for her turned into a three day run for a pack of eager to help wolves.
They dropped her off at the same creepy rundown cave as before, asking if she needed a ride back only for her to send them off.
"I'll be keeping a lookout for your scent from now on, if you don't mind of course." Koga said sweetly.
"Yes, we'll check in next time we catch a whiff of ya." Hakaku added with a beaming smile.
"Need anything, just ask." Ginta finished before they set out.
Akane waved them off, feeling greateful for her friends.
Then she turned.
Unsure how Totosai would react to her sudden arrival.
Akane slowly aproached the cave entrance, hoping he hadn't moved.
But smoke billowed from the top.
A good sign.
"Totosai-sama? You home?"
Peaking inside, it was the same chaotic mess as before, if not a tad bit more chaotic.
Looking around, she could not make out the hermit in the mess.
Bones, blades, hammers, and what the heck was that boiling pot of icky greenish stuff?
"HO!"
Akane jumped ten feet with a yelp.
Turning, claws and sparks ready, she was face to face with a pair of HUGE bug eyes.
She blinked.
They did not.
The man behind the eyes leaned even CLOSER, so close they could be nose to nose in a second.
"Yer more dragon then not now aren't you missy?" Totosai stated.
Akane backed away with a laugh.
"Hello to you too."
"Yes, yes, hello. Now what do you want? A problem with yer sword?"
He moved passed her to go inside, and it was then she seen the snake he was dragging behind him.
A shiver ran down her spine, and she gave a visible shudder.
Do NOT eat what he offers today.
Nope.
Not that hungry.
Nada.
Following in after him, Akane ignored how the snake twitched and he had to bash it with a rock.
"So," He said after a good whack.
"Whatcha need missy?"
Akane didn't know how to say what she needed. How to begin without going into all the details the old man most likely rather not hear.
"Is it about how yer mate has been actin' lately? Congrats by the way, but not sure if that one was a wise choice. Yer too nice for em, too pretty to boot. But hey, nobody ever listens to my opinions..."
Akane blinked and let his rant sink in slowly. And when it did sink in...
"You KNOW?" She blurted.
Utter shock.
Complete bafflment.
"HOW do you know?" She added when his only answer was a grin of missing teeth.
"Yer smart missy. I'm sure you can figure it out." And he gave a hint by holding two fingers close.
Akane felt stupid.
Duh.
"Myoga." She stated.
"Yep. Him and his network of fleas are THE biggest gossip carriers."
Like a network of spies.
Teeny tiny flea spies.
She giggled.
He grinned again.
But then she got serious again.
"How long have you known? What is it anyway? How can I help him? Who do I have to kill? What-"
"Heyheyhey!" Totosai waved his hands to stop her.
"I'll tell ya what I know, just lemme get my dinner started."
Unable to wait, she paced as he began skinning the snake, and she did best to avert her eyes.
"Found out two days ago. Made him swear to keep this little bit to himself. Not sure ya want Inuyasha ta know yer friends with that one."
Akane froze mid-step.
New shivers went down her spine.
"For a pretty thing ya gots odd taste in men. A dog and a spider. That one IS a spider right? Try to stay outa all that stuff but I hear things."
Akane nodded.
Fear and panic creeping in.
Myoga knew about her and Naraku.
How long until she lost her friends?
What would Kagome think?
Would she face Inuyasha's wrath?
Again, the man was suddenly to close for comfort.
"No panic needed. When the flea makes a promise to me he keeps it. Nobody else will hear about this."
Akane believed that eerie stare and relaxed a bit, which made him go back to his snake, now fully skined and on the fire...
Oddly smelled good.
"Anyway, Myoga came and told me everything. Sounds like you have quite the problem."
Akane stood like a statue.
"Do you know why Sesshomaru is suddenly so violent?" She asked.
The old man poked at the snake with a finger, then glanced at her.
"Maybe I do, and maybe I don't."
Akane wilted at his words.
"What do you want me to do so you will tell me?" She pleaded.
"Nonono. Nothing like that." Totosai took the snake off the fire and began chopping it up.
"Just that I don't know for SURE is all, so don't take my word for it."
"Yes?" Akane sat down, waving away his offer of food, making him shrug and start chomping away.
"Mwell," He started, mouth full.
"It sounds pretty much like the work of Ikari Shitto if you ask me."
Akane gave a blank stare.
"Who?"
Totosai cocked his head and scratched at the top, curious.
"Ya ain't ever heard of her? She be a female yokai born from the anger of a princess who had an unfaithful lover a hundred years ago."
Again, she just stared.
Akane might have heard of her at some point, but there were so many yokai in the world...
"What does she have to do with Sesshy and I?" Akane said, trying to get to the point without being rude.
"Odd ya ain't heard of her. She's pretty known for splitting up couples who hold secret jealousy. Sometimes people hire her to tear couples apart-"
"So someone made her set her sights on Sesshomaru and me?"
"Sounds like it. Ikari Shitto sets her mark and feeds off the jealousy of others, increasing it. Causing the one who is being cheated on to hate the other, normaly ending in the death of the cheater. Sometimes the secret lover too."
"But I DIDN'T fucking cheat on Sesshomaru!" Akane snapped.
Her face was flush, blood rushing.
With a deep breath, she calmed herself, knowing he hadn't said it like that. Then she mummbled an apology for her outburst.
Totosai closed his eyes and nodded.
He then sat across from her, and then slowly looked her dead in the eyes, a serious look she never seen.
"It matters not if ya did. A part of Sesshomaru thinks so, and it was enough for this yokai to mark him. Now even if you are innocent of the crime, Ikari Shitto will not leave him alone until you are dead. None have ever escaped her judgement."
Akane swallowed.
If this was the case, then him running away as he had done was indeed all he could do.
"And what of Sesshomaru? When this lady makes him kill me, would she leave him alone?"
Totosai nodded.
"She is a yokai of vengeance, she would be on her way once she thinks her work is done..."
The old man paused when he caught on to what she was saying.
"Ya can't be thinking of letting him actually KILL ya!" He sputtered as he wagged a finger at her.
"Does he HAVE to be the one to do it? Or would just seeing me die be enough for her to leave him?" Akane asked in all seriousness.
For the count of ten, Totosai just sat gaping at her, before he once more caught on to her plan.
"Aaaaah, I get ya. And yes, if she thought you to be dead, she would be on her way right quick."
They sat in silence, Akane staring at her crossed feet, planning and plotting, Totosai staring in awe.
Suddenly, her head jerked up.
"You said you were not sure of this, not sure if she is behind it. Is there a way to make sure that this is the case? I want to be possitive."
He perked up at her words.
"Way ahead of ya missy. Myoga is off to see if Sesshomaru carries the mark. It would be on the back of his neck if he has it. Should be back in another day or so to tell me."
Akane nodded, once more getting lost in thought.
Who?
Who, if not Naraku, had hired this Ikari Shitto woman?
Someone who knew about her and Naraku enough to use it against her.
Kagura?
Akane didn't think the woman would risk hurting Sesshomaru.
Hiring someone to possess him just didn't seem like Kagura's style.
Then WHO?
