Chapter 55:
Not too late, Never too late.
She felt nothing. She saw nothing. She heard nothing. Here she was covered in bruises, cuts, and burns but she couldn't sense anything as she stood in the middle of the vast whiteness that expanded everywhere and nowhere. She had long sense panicked but finally calmed herself down knowing she had no exit.
She didn't know how long she had been standing and walking every so often but it felt good. It wasn't too hot or too cold in the white abyss. She tried speaking but her voice just echoed into the far reaches of the space. She'd look down at her marks and took note that nothing pained her. The smell of smoke that once plagued her nostrils and burned her lungs vanished to be replaced with clean fresh oxygen.
She tried to use some of her energy but nothing happened. It was as if they never were there. She had touched her neck allowing her fingers to trace the small crescent moon lying on her flesh. It didn't tingle the way it should have when she tried to open communication with her mate. Closing her eyes she focused again on calling out to her loved one.
"You did it Simone."
Simone whipped her head around behind her to see Nicholas standing in all his glory covered in ancient markings that glowed wrapped in a white Buddhist cloth with a hood on. He practically blended in perfectly into the scenario around them.
"What? I-I" She gripped her forehead. "I don't understand. I-"
"Did what you were sent to do." He cut in as he walked forward to grip her shoulders. "You needed to thwart many evils to keep Inutashio alive until his final battle."
"Until?" She muttered backing away from him in confusion. Her eyes slanting as his words registered within her mind. She felt tears prickle in her eyes with questions burning on her tongue like lava. Simone frowned. "What kind of question is that?!" She blurted getting frustrated with him while keeping her emotions at bay. Her mind began going over the last few images before she looked up and paced towards him again. "Look, we don't have time. I need to get back and see what has happened!"
"Listen to me. You have done everything possible and then some. Now you can rest and enjoy your life." He said knowing what he would soon say would tear her apart.
Simone didn't know where this was coming from. He saw everything. Didn't he know she was just in the middle of saving lives? "Nicholas I need to go back. Tell me how to get back!"
Nicholas stepped back away from her and shook his head. "You have done what you needed to do. I cannot allow you to pass."
Simone stopped in her tracks with narrowed eyes that would have made Sesshoumaru proud. "What do you mean. I still have much to do!" She countered gritting her teeth.
"You completed your task." Nicholas frowned feeling terrible at the news he would have to deliver to the young one. "Yes, you needed to be strong and move things along in history."
"I don-"
"Think about it. Imagine if you didn't come along, what would have happened?"
Simone thought over quickly everything. "A few bad guys would've gotten an upper hand but so what. My pack members are strong and could've easily handled them."
Nicholas shook his head. "It is more than that! If you wouldn't have come along Kai would've gotten stronger initiating a war with the power of the Shikon Jewel, a relic that shouldn't come into play in history for another one hundred years! The great triumph of Japan over the Huns would have devasted Japan with great loss and despair. But what's most important, is your companionship to the young lord and the safety of the babe that you were so adamant on protecting till the end."
"What does my relationship have to do with anything?" She asked trying desperately now to reach him through the mark but feeling nothing as if it had been cut off.
"Simone, imagine if you hadn't come along and mated the young Lord. Inutashio wouldn't have trained his son so hard in protecting and ruling the Western Lands. If you wouldn't have come along, Inutashio wouldn't have let Sesshoumaru succeed him and he would have stayed ruler. He still would've mated Izayoi and had Inuyasha but she wouldn't have been welcomed here and protected. Izayoi would have died a long time ago. Even if she would've survived, Inuyasha would've died today at the mercy of Takemaru." Nicholas paused watching as she went over everything she'd done. He felt sad for the woman that gave more than she realized.
"Simone, today you saved a boy that would save all of Japan and even the world." Simone looked puzzled but stayed silent for him to finish. "Inuyasha is destined for great things. Your ultimate victory was saving him and giving him a chance at life so that he can grow and do what he was put on this earth to do much like you were. If you hadn't been a friend to Izayoi and protected Inuyahsa so, history would've been altered tremendously affecting many things down the line."
Simone didn't know what to make of everything he was speaking about. She sat down slowly taking it all in. "Master Riku knew all of this, I presume."
Nicholas nodded and leaned on his staff. "He knew a great deal but as time moved on, no more than you did."
Simone sighed heavily. "And-And Inutashio?" She asked afraid to hear the words she knew to be true of his fate.
Nicholas nodded feeling her growing sadness. "He did what he was destined to do, he has moved on."
Giant tears leaked from her eyes then and she closed them to keep more from spilling. He lips slowly quivered and she brought her knees up to her chin. "I failed him." She choked out.
Nicholas dropped his staff and came to his knees in front of the little woman. "No, no my dear! You excelled beyond expectation and have managed to thwart his enemies like no other. Most importantly you protected his sons! You avenged his memory by protecting his offspring, something more powerful than you could have done keeping him alive."
"Sons?" She asked as she looked up "But-But what about Sesshoumaru?"
"You taught Sesshoumaru many lessons. The major one being to accept and protect family above all other things." Nicholas sat up and smiled. "Now, he has to learn a thing or two about humility and compassion but that will be a lesson he learns years in the future thanks to Inuyasha."
Simone swallowed thinking of her next words. She looked around at the white space that stretched on forever. "Now what?"
Nicholas smiled and stood up slowly. He walked over to retrieve his staff. "Well, you must go back to your time." Simone's eyes widened as she stood but he held up his hand. "But, I will allow you to speak to your mate for 24 hours before you must leave." Nicholas saw the sadness grow within her and he sighed with a knowing smile.
"Simone, do not think this is the end." Simone looked up with wide eyes at this statement before standing up slowly. He walked over and gripped her shoulders to shake some happiness into her. "You will be reunited with everyone in the future thanks to the efforts of Inuyasha and his little wishing well friend." Nicholas smile grew as he said his next words. "You and Sesshoumaru are destined to be together again. Just ask him to wait exactly 510 years, 5 months, and 15 days."
Simone gasped and smacked her forehead. "He'll be dead before that happens!"
Nicholas laughed. "My dear, demons especially humanoid looking ones age by century. He's a teenager at this point. When you meet he will be a man in his late 20's."
She thought on this and smiled. She had a chance. "Will I remember him?"
Nicholas looked away and nodded. "Eventually."
She clutched her stomach. Nicholas saw her worry and he quickly spoke. "Your child will be awoken to grow in your womb when you meet and he impregnates you again."
"How-"
"Think of this as your gift for sacrificing so much for the greater good." Nicholas said as he cut in again. "Besides you will have a daughter eventually, tell Sesshoumaru to name her Rin." He then turned away knowing time was ticking. "Now, wake up. You have much to say to your beloved."
"Wake up?" She muttered before her eyes grew wide and she quickly closed them.
Red
Red
All he saw was red. Hatred, pain, and loss surged through him as he stared down at his beloved locked away in his chambers for three days. Rage lavished his skin and bubbled within him. It consumed him and washed over him like the ocean tide. It pulled on his soul and then came back for him with a vengeance. He had been like this since rushing home with his beloved.
The castle now lay in morning at the tragedy that had taken place two weeks ago. They had long since put out the fires and paid tribute to the fallen. He had loss many men including Onso and Darkenstu along with his father. He had tried using his sword to bring them back but only a few returned. His father and the others did not and that cut him deeply in more ways than he would ever mention. A great shrine had been built in honor of their memory but it still wasn't enough to soothe the spirits of his pack and house members. The Western Castle was now plagued with silence that was louder than the battle that raged earlier. But it all paled in comparison to the loss he felt of his own.
All he could do to keep from losing complete control was staying close to his mate who had yet to awaken. He looked down and wrapped a dark curl of hair around his finger watching as it coiled around him and sprung away. She was breathing but she didn't awaken. He had tried to connect with her mind but to no avail. His worst fears were that she was in a coma that she would never wake out of.
Red gleaming eyes looked downward on the futon at his love beneath him. The room was dark for the most part reflecting the insides of his psyche. She looked pale dressed in a simple white kimono underneath the candle glow this midnight hour. Her hair sprawled around her body like a halo. She had been lying like this for two weeks now unmoving and asleep. His physicians had tried everything under his watchful eye. And nothing. She didn't move, she didn't speak, and she didn't even respond to his call through the mark.
He had to leave her a few times to check on everything within his castle and within his home much to his dismay. When he was finished, he'd return quickly to his room and lay next to her hoping she would awaken. Many people tried to come to see her since and help but he wouldn't allow anyone in to touch his beautiful mate except for cleaning purposes. She was strong, she would pull through this. She had to.
His beast mourned to death of his pack member and father. Now it was proving too much with the possible loss of his mate. And it was all that bitch's fault and the half breed. He growled at this. He felt a sense of betrayal. His own pack members were responsible for his heavy loss. If that whore of a woman did not leave the castle with the half breed, everyone would be safe. And those stupid humans letting their petty emotions get the best of them. Once again anger bubbled in him and he quickly lowered his nose to his mate's hair smelling the soft scent of cherries. Relief from his dark thoughts consumed him temporarily. He stuck his nose to her neck and began to nuzzle her again hoping for the hundredth time that would get her to awaken.
"Mmmm"
His eyes opened quickly and he pulled back to look down at her. Her face was now titled to the side and her heartbeat had changed. He slowly lowered his head to her neck again and did the same thing.
"Mmmm" she moaned as a slow smile broke out onto her face. "Sesshoumaru, that tickles." She said hoarsely. He pulled back with relief watching as two brilliant wide light brown eyes peaked behind dark soot lashes to gaze up at him. He watched as she slowly picked up her palm and placed in on his cheek.
"Hey" She said looking at his dark twisted face. His markings were more jagged and his eyes were blood red as they looked down into her own. She rubbed his markings gently to calm him down some. She looked him over noticing how wild he looked. He had taken off his shirt and wore only black hakama's. His face looked hardened and aged somewhat. Slowly she touched her mark and she could feel little by little the feeling return to it. She could feel his rage, hatred, fear, and now relief.
He quickly picked her up into his arms and nuzzled her neck. He couldn't explain all that he felt but he knew he wouldn't allow this to happen again. She wrapped her tiny arms around his neck pulling him to her just as tightly. Her body now reminded her of how sore it was but it did nothing to hold her back from holding him.
He pulled back and gripped her face in his own two hands making much use of the mating mark to communicate with her. She felt everything and small tears rained down her face at his love for her. He quickly began to wipe them away with his thumb before placing her down gently.
"Sesshoumaru" She muttered.
"Be silent." He muttered as he nuzzled her face. "You need to heal."
Chuckling she lifted herself up quickly to kiss him as passionately as she could. She wanted to commit everything she could to memory hoping that when she would see him, she would remember how she felt and the feel of him would jog her mind to know who she belonged to. Her fingers stoked the soft silk of his hair and gripped his scalp while bringing her body closer to his own.
Sesshoumaru kissed her back with equal amount of passion pulling her body into his own. Her heart rate was beating in his ears like an instrument of testimony to her life. It was the most beautiful thing he'd ever heard and he wanted to always hear it this loud for the rest of his existence. Her tiny hands slowly came up to play and settle in his hair. After a moment he pulled away and watched as she lowered herself down to look up at him. Something within him was screaming, it was roaring with caution and alarm to protect her at all cost. He didn't know why but he felt the need to be on guard.
The soft glow lit up her passion filled eyes and danced off the shadows of the contours of her body. Her chest rose heavily pulling in much needed oxygen with her kimono now slipping slowly off of her shoulders. She still looked pale and weak yet strong and brilliant at the same time. Her aura spoke of weariness and he knew she needed rest. She looked beautiful and she responded to him even after life threatening experiences with a need unmatched he imagined by any. She was made perfectly for him.
She bit her lip and looked up at her handsome mate. His face had softened now and the markings were no longer jagged as his beast was soothed of her wellbeing. His eyes now returned to their amber glazed natured. She had to tell him now. Time was not on her side anymore. She was running out of it actually. With a growing heavy heart she looked up at him and spoke. "Sesshoumaru, I- I have something to share with you." She lay back down and motioned for him to lay with her.
Sesshoumaru frowned before bending down and lowering his body lightly onto hers. He laid his head over her heartbeat and closed his eyes waiting for her to share with him whatever she wanted. He could feel her wrap her arms around his neck and the mark opening up to her mind.
"Remember when you found out I wasn't from this time?"
He nodded afraid of where this was going but unwilling to show it. She tightened her hold on him before showing him everything and what is to come.
"Please. Don't hate me."
It was beautiful. Flowers were everywhere. Pinks, blues, whites, yellows, and reds danced around her mingling with smell of pine from the trees and morning dew. The crescent moon hung high in the starry night sky as if it was her boat home. She looked about loving that she was in a place that had been very comforting and memorable in her time here. She was in the garden that overlooked the giant pond nearby. She was in a place she could feel Inutashio's presence and she was blissful at this.
The snow that had once covered the ground was now melted away thanks to the efforts of Dante giving her a last wish. She could still feel winters chill but she didn't care as long as she was surrounded by all of her family and friends. They had all given her a hug and kisses having been told of her departure.
Many sat unbelievingly when she told them what was happening. They cried, they kissed, and some even tried to mark her with family seals so she would be protected wherever she had gone. What really consoled them was her saying she was safe and that she would return to them in the future. Dante and Shugurai knew this day would come and so their acceptance of it was easy. The both hugged her and promised that they would see her again in the future. Master Riku managed to get here as quickly as possible in which she hugged him to her like he was her father. Lady Akimi stood tall in the distance having mourned the death of the father to her child and now to mourn possibly the only human she ever liked. Simone looked out at her and Lady Akimi simply smiled, nodded, and walked away.
They had all backed far away to give her and her mate space as they looked on from a distance. She looked to her right noticing his distant look. When she shared with him the news, he wasn't thrilled but he sensed no lie from her. He simply lay there in silence unmoving and closed off from her. They had lain like that for some time before he spoke and it was the most beautiful thing to her ears she ever heard.
"I will have no other."
She smiled hearing those words play over and over in her head. Without even mentioning him possibly moving on he beat her to the punch. He would have no one else but her. He would wait for her return. Her eyes roamed next to her where he sat tall and regal in true stoic form when she knew he was everything but. He had on his finest white robes with his father's sword at his hip.
She looked around her in the pagoda dressed in the most extravagant kimono she owned. Her hair was left hanging down with her body wrapped in white, silver and blue layers. On the sleeves were red petals flowing towards the center which hung a huge symbol of the western lands. She had decided to keep things simple and not don any jewelry wanting to just be simple and she loved it.
"Do not do anything foolish to yourself until I return." He muttered as he glared down at her.
She entwined his fingers into her own and nodded. "I'll try. But you know me, I just rush into things." And she grinned happily. She opened her mind to him and spoke.
"And please look after your brother ok!" She demanded giving him a glare of her own after he didn't say anything. She gripped his fingers tightly before giving him a tight evil smile. "Do not let my work be in vain."
'Hm' He muttered before looking away. "510 years onna, I'll be waiting. You could at least let me do as I please with the half breed until then."
'Inuyasha, your snootiness.' She corrected. 'And you can do sibling stuff and maybe rough him up a little but do not under any circumstances deathly harm him in anyway. Oh and that goes for being with any other woma-'
Sesshoumaru turned to her so fast and picked her up to him. "There will never be another koi!"
Her heartbeat quickened and she looked down at him with wide eyes noticing his seriousness as he repeated the words for her ears. His eyes slanted gaping into her own with a fierceness. All she could do was nod to him and he slowly loosened his hold on her but not letting go. She looked radiant with the flowers surrounding her and the cool crisp winter air on her flesh. After they had told everyone, it seemed as if the world prepared for her departure. He had made sure to brand her body with his own and even soothe her womb of his impending return many, many, many times during the few hours she had left in his world.
If she was tired from her two week sleep then she was drained surely of his ministrations which caused her lack of strength to walk. He looked down as she sat next to him much like how she should be and would be in the future. He vowed he would sue this time to prepare for her and to become the strongest male he possibly could have so when she returned, nothing and absolutely nothing would rip her away from him again. Not even his children and his children's children would ever feel fear if he could help it.
He thought about earlier when she took out that orange kimono and laid it down on the futon and smiled. 'Rin' He thought. He would get a daughter but the wording made it seem as if she was not of Simone's bearing. He committed her laying out little girl kimono's on the bed to memory knowing it would have to hold him until he could be with her to pup her so many times she'd never know what a menses cycle was ever again.
He leaned down and nuzzled her neck at this and kissed his mark feeling her heat up from just a small kiss. She looked up into the night sky noticing the moon was almost in center alignment. She swallowed thickly knowing time was almost up. She pulled away and looked up at him with wide eyes communicating to him how much she loved him. He gripped her face into his palm and stroked before giving her kiss allowing his hair to shield them from the onlookers that watched at a distance.
She pulled back and smiled up at him. "Don't' forget, when you get close to me that flower that I always kept near me, will let you know how close you are to having me again."
He nodded and placed his forehead onto her own. "And do your best at wooing me. You're not so nice you know at that part!" She said causing him to snicker.
"How about I threaten to kill you and then bring you back with Tenseiga as mine?" He asked playfully.
"That'll do it!" She confirmed. "Life threatening situations are a sure trip to a woman's heart you crazy bastard." She muttered and kissed him lightly.
Suddenly her body began to glow blue. With wide eyes she looked around herself feeling a tingly sensation ignite in her limbs. She stood up slowly and took a few steps back still holding onto his hands. She let loose one to look out at everyone and wave. They all watched transfixed on what was happening as her body began to be consumed by blue light. She looked up into her mates eyes and reached up to touch his lips. "We will be together ok. Just wait for me please." She asked with tears in her eyes.
He nodded and kissed her palm. "No other, onna."
She smiled knowing he would go through much anger and strife before he would simmer down. She just hoped he wouldn't be so bitter after it all when she found him,…or he found her. Slowly she walked up to him and hugged him allowing him to embrace her one last time.
"See you in 510 years." She whispered.
Cherries wafted the area and he looked down to see the ends of her body began to diffuse like tiny blue stars away from her body. He cherished her warmth in the cold night and watched in awe as her body bursts in tiny blue starry lights. The warmth vanished and he let go watching as the blue lights danced around him before flying up into the heavens.
"No other." He muttered before turning around and walking away towards the castle that he now ruled alone.
510 years, 5 months, 15 days Later
She was nervous for some unknown reason. Sure she was about to sign the biggest contract in her career but it shouldn't cause this much hysteria. Simone sighed and pulled off her Chanel shades as she stood outside the intimidating glass building that towered over Japan like the trump tower in New York City. It stood up high and intimidatingly with its architectural ingenuity and cold exterior. She reached up and scratched her neck noticing how itchy it felt as of late since she arrived here.
She looked around at all the foreign faces as some passed her without a second glance and while others looked at her in curiosity. It was hot that day indicating the start to the summer season in Tokyo. She looked down at her black skirt and nice ruffled white blouse with her black pumps that made her feel amazing. In one hand was her purse and in the other her briefcase. Her face held light makeup since it was too hot to put on anything else. She had light eyeliner and simply glossed her lips giving herself a natural look.
What would a foreign company all the way in Japan want with an event planner from the USA? She wondered. Surely her work was famous in her country but she didn't know she was that renowned. She had done a weddings, product launching, and every different event you can think of for high profile clientele but this was her first client in Asia. "Well I'm the best so who else are they going to call?" She prep talked before smiling and placing her shades back on. She flicked her straight hair behind her and squared her shoulders back feeling like a boss as she sauntered up the stairs towards the glass sliding doors.
She walked into the lobby and noticed how extravagant it looked. The furnishings were very well laid out with sofas along the walls and a customer service desk that stretched the length of the wall interior. Glass intermingled with the marble separating areas and incorporated in accent furnishings. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling and lit up the purity in the marble white walls and columns. It looked by like a five star hotel lobby than an office building. The only thing throwing it off was all the high tech technology from the computer monitors, to the TV screens displaying stock market values and news. Everyone had on a badge that they used to swipe into the elevator allowing them entry.
She saw all the many people scurrying across the floor and into the elevators. The place seemed very busy she thought before she walked over to the main desk. Before she got there, the woman spoke in Japanese without looking up. Simone frowned wondering if it wasn't too late to crash course some Japanese phrases in the course of 5 minutes.
Simone frowned before pulling off her shades and tapping on the desk to get the young woman's attention. "Yes, ummmmm konichiwa…"She said lightly before the woman looked up. She had green eyes and clawed fingers that continued to beat the poor keyboard she was assigned to. Must be a demoness.
"Appointment?" She asked again.
"Ah yes –I have a 10 o clock appo-"
"Ms. Valentine!"
Simone turned around to see who called her last name when she saw a young woman walk towards her in a orange suit with a short bob and a wide smile. Simone smiled and bowed politely before sticking her hand out for the woman to shake. "Hi! I know I'm early. I just wanted to-"
"Oh you're fine! And the boss loves promptness!" She said too happily. Simone watched the bubbly woman grab her hand and pull her along to a long hallway. "I'm Rin Takagawa by the way!"
"Ok! So you're Ms. Rin who contacted me." She said as the continued to walk down this white hallway towards a pair of two maple wood double doors.
"Yes that's me! Pardon my giddiness this morning. I've heard so much amazing things about you Ms. Valentine." She said she came to the two doors with an ID scanner. She slid her id through and on the side a box popped open. She slid open the case revealing a number pad. She punched in a code and slid it shut as two doors opened revealing an elevator.
"It's fine. I'm actually very happy that I met someone that speaks English." She said relieved that this wasn't going to be some stuck up meeting.
Rin turned as they got on and she pressed 50 on the dial. "Yeah, I hope your arrival was smooth. Mr. Taishio spared no expense with your arrival." Rin stated with a smile.
Simone nodded remembering her journey to get here. The Tashio Corp took care of everything. She flew first class on a non-commercial flight from Florida straight to Tokyo, Japan. Everything she could ever want was on the flight. When she arrived at the airport there was security there who met her miraculously knowing who she was and having never seen her personally before. They took care of her luggage and a limo came to pick her up dropping her off at a luxury hotel in a five star suite room. She had woken up to have breakfast in bed and a car service ready to take her directly to the facility. Overall she was treated like she was royalty or something close to it.
Simone nodded and smiled brightly. "I have to say, I've never experienced anything like it in one setting before. And I've done an event for the Queen of England and that really says something."
Rin beamed brightly as the elevator continued to move upward. "Well he did say, he would have no other."
Simone smiled feeling really great about herself. It seemed all her hard work, sleepless nights, sucky internships that worked the nails off her nail beds on her fingers had paid off. If she didn't think she had made it before, she had made it now.
"So do you know anything about this huge gala event I'm supposed to be putting together?" She asked out of curiosity.
Rin nodded enthusiastically. "Oh yes! Every five years our company throws an end of the fiscal year celebration for our business. Every important business executive in Japan will attend this event along with their special guests from celebrities, designers, spouses, and mistresses."
Simone and Rin shared a laugh at the last bit. "Anyway, it's really important that we do an amazing bash that really makes us stand out and an event to be remembered. We even get press coverage its that important."
Simone sucked in some air before releasing it feeling a little bit of pressure. Rin saw this and smiled. "Don't worry, you can do it. You've done so much great stuff already." The doors opened up and they stepped through. "Besides, you're so amazing, he really couldn't have any other but you to do the job."
Simone smiled and followed the young woman down the hallway pass glass offices and doors. She passed a pair talking outside the room and they stopped conversation openly gaping at her. It was an odd sight. A man with long silver like hair and golden eyes stared shockingly at her before being hit by a raven haired woman in white scrubs of all things. She rubbed her lips together rethinking her no makeup because of the heat policy.
She continued to hold her head up high and walk forward ignoring some of the looks and focusing on her meeting with the boss of the joint. Rin came to two brown doors and opened them letting her inside. It was a giant size waiting room with beverages and polished dark cherry wood furnishings. On the walls were paintings of giant dogs and people in what looked to be historic Japanese battle armor.
"I'll let him know you're here and you can make yourself cozy on the couch." Rin stated before walking ahead towards the double doors and exiting. Simone took in a nice big fresh breath of air before opening her briefcase and making sure all her materials were inside. She had a portfolio of her work, her contract, her ipad, and paper and pens. She had this!
"Ms. Valentine?"
"Yes?" She asked as her heart began to beat fast in her chest for unknown reasons. Her palms quivered and her neck itched like crazy. Never had she felt this way with any client ever. She was usually very confident and poise but today was something different.
Rin smiled and nodded. "Mr. Taishio will see you now."
OOOOOOO!
