"Stop sneaking around in my room like that, Sesshomaru! I almost passed out", I yelled up at the smug dog demon in front of me. Clutching his robes for balance, I steadied myself. The flu meds were really starting to set it fast. I was practically sleeping standing up.
"Why were you so wary in the first place? Are you expecting someone else to be here besides me?", he asked with a pleased smirk.
"I thought you were Naraku for a second. If you would have made yourself known a little faster I wouldn't have been scared at all", I hissed.
"So, you were frightened then?", he laughed patronizingly down at me.
"Laugh all you want, Jerk. I don't care. I'm going to sleep", I said flopping myself back into bed. The sheets had grown cold from my absence, but I had finally returned to them. My slumber would very soon follow.
"Should I check underneath your bed for monsters? I don't want you to become frightened again", he continued to tease.
"Ugh!", I groaned into my pillow. "Just please go away. If you're going to be an ass, I left the window open for you", I said, motioning to the open exit.
A large weight dipped the mattress underneath me. When I looked up I was stunned to see him sitting on my bed with me. His demeanor was calm but rigid. It appeared he was a little uncomfortable stepping into my intimate space with me.
"If you are truly scared then I will sit with you while you sleep. It would be wrong of me to tease you and then leave you alone to wallow in your fear. Go to sleep", he commanded.
"Tell me something about you", I blurted out. He looked down at me puzzled. It was as if he had never heard someone say such things to him before.
"About myself?", he repeated. "What is it that you wish to know?"
"Really? You'll answer a question? Can it be anything? Like ANYTHING anything?", I asked with audible excitement.
"Hurry with your inquiry before I say no all together, Human. You have one chance, so make it good", he said.
I was finally going to learn more about him. He had always kept me at arm's distance, but now it seemed he was going to open up to me. My spirits immediately lifted and I was wide awake to hear his answer.
"Where are you from?", I asked.
"Such a trivial subject", he abruptly stated. "I will not answer such silly questions. They are of no importance to my overall person."
"Well, it's important to me! Just answer the question", I sputtered at him, sitting up in bed. He ignored me and kept looking off into the bare wall across from us.
"No, ask another one", he dismissed me.
"Okay", I muttered to myself, racking my brain for questions. "Ah, I got one! Did your Dad have any other kids? I obviously know about Inuyahsa, but besides him are there any others?"
"As far as I am aware, no. He did not. I was first born and then centuries later came the half breed", Sesshomaru explained.
"Centuries… like as in hundreds of years?", I asked. I could feel my head tilted to the side inquisitively, but I was too intrigued to stop myself from looking dumb.
"Yes that is correct", he answered lazily with his hand under his chin, elbow resting on his raised knee.
"If Inuyasha was born centuries ago and you're older than he is, how old does that make you? ", I continued. The patience in his brow was wavering with every word that rushed out of my mouth. He was becoming visibly agitated with me, but my curiosity got the best of me.
"You wanted to know something, and now you do. No more questions for tonight. Go to sleep", he demanded.
"Don't do this to me again", I begged. He'd always hushed me before I could really get into my detective mode. This time would not be like the others. I refused!
"I just want to know more about you. Give me a rough estimate! What are you, like, 200 or 300 years old?", I asked.
"500.", he answered.
"Woah! So, you're super old. That would make you over 1,000 years old in my time period", I said with wide eyes.
"I suppose I am old to someone like you who only lives a small portion of that time. This is not even half of my lifespan", he exhaled.
"That's not a bad thing. You've gotten to live a lot of life. Way more than me! Do you know any famous people? Have you ever met Napoleon Bonaparte?", I questioned.
"Never heard of him and that is enough questions for the night. You are beginning to grind on my patience", he admitted.
"Wait, one more question", I begged.
"No", he snarled. Placing a gentle hand on my forehead, he pushed it down and onto my pillow. "Thats enough for now. Ask me another one later. That will give you enough time to think about said question and make sure it is not as ridiculous as the ones you asked today."
"Will you still sleep with me?", I quietly asked. "I mean, not like THAT kind of sleep. Just lay here with and rest with me until I-", I tried to say.
His hand was firmly over my mouth. "If you will be quiet and cease bothering me, yes. I will stay with you while you sleep. I said I would already and will not go against my word", he reassured me.
With my hand, I patted the free side of the bed insinuating for him to lay down next to me. His face was wary at first but eventually he gave in. Whether it was because he wanted to, or the sound of the repeated thumps of my palm against the mattress annoyed him, didn't matter to me. He sat to my right like a stiff board and I could feel a smile coming to my face. This situation made him uncomfortable, but in a way that I appreciated. Sesshomaru was becoming more vulnerable around me and his awkwardness meant I could weave my way into his stone heart.
I sat up and grabbed my pillow from the head of the bed and placed it in his lap. I had once laid his head in my lap while comforting his wounds. Now, it was my turn to get the same in return. Using the sick card to my advantage, I let out a pitiful and completely fake cough to make him feel bad for thinking of pushing me off. I felt his body stiffen under my head. He refused to move for a few moments until I felt him bring the blanket up over my body. Long thick claws laced themselves through my hair and I allowed myself to wander off to sleep. There was nothing that I could dream about now that I wanted more than what was happening in my reality right now. This moment was all of my dreams wrapped up together with a big red bow on top.
When I woke up the next morning, he was gone. I didn't expect anything else. The whole house would be awake and periodically checking in on my health status. He would easily be found and that wasn't productive for anyone. I did wonder where he went all day, though.
I felt worse today than I did yesterday. Mom came in my room with herbal tea and breakfast soon after I woke up. Chocolate chip pancakes with whipped cream, just like I always ate when I was sick. She always said chocolate was good for you when you were under the weather and because she was a nurse I always believed her. My chest ached not from the sickness, but because I knew I would be leaving her again. If Mom knew, she would be sick herself. I understood her and Dad's worry. I was their only child and the thought of losing me because of frivolous family heirloom was ridiculous to them. To me, however, it had become my life. I clutched the jewel around my neck and pondered how I was going to tell them the truth. There was no way I could hide it from them forever. Grandma can only make so many excuses for me. After seeing Dad's excited face this morning when he saw me, I knew it would be impossible to break the news well.
I spent the next two days at home with them. Soaking up all of the time I could before I had to go back to the Feudal era. Sesshomaru would come stay with me every night like clockwork. As soon as the house got quiet, he would appear at the end of my bed and stay until I fell asleep. I would be allowed to ask him one question each time. The first night I asked about his Dad again. I wanted to know how a great dog demon like Inutaisho would be as a father. Sesshomaru explained that Inutaisho, who's real name is actually Touga-ou, was never really a parenting figure to him at all. He saw him as an opponent more than someone with a shared familial bond. Touga-ou raised his son to be his predecessor and nothing more until he met Inuyasha's mother. I tried to ask him to further explain what he meant by that, but he dismissed me.
The second night I asked him why he wanted the Tetsaiga so badly if he had a sword of his own. That question seemed to irritate him a little. Before his father's eventual death, Sesshomaru asked him for his two mighty swords, the Tetsaiga and the So'unga. Touga-ou asked him to answer one question and in return he would give the two blades to his son. But, apparently Sesshomaru failed to answer correctly and was left the Tensaiga instead. I could see the look of hatred in his face when he explained it to me. The burning frustration behind his eyes was almost scary. There was nothing I could do to comfort him either. It pained me not to ask what the question his father had given him was. The twisted expression across his face told me it would be better to leave it alone than to pry any further.
I couldn't imagine what it would be like to grow up with a father like that. Sure, my Dad was successful and all, but not as much as a guy like Touga-ou. He was one of the greatest demons who ever walked the earth. The chances of a kid growing up to be a normal functioning individual when their parent is pushing so hard for them to be perfect, are slim to none. No wonder Sesshomaru is so cold and cut off from everyone. He doesn't know how not to be. Even after eighteen years of growing up in a loving household, I still struggle with harnessing my emotions. I'm surprised he isn't more of a jerk than he already appears to be.
All of the joy left in his warm yellow eyes faded when he spoke of his father. There was still so much about their relationship that I yearned to know. I wanted to comfort him the best way that I knew how, but I honestly had no idea where to start. The cut in his heart was so deep that even my nurturing stitches couldn't close it alone. This was something he had to work out for himself. The only thing I could do was be there for him when the pain was too much to bare.
"Are you daydreaming again", Grandma asked butting into my thoughts.
"Not really. Just thinking", I replied with my head in my hands.
We were in the living room watching a drama together. Some show about a poor girl marrying a rich man, as usual. Mom went out to the store to get groceries and medicine, while Dad went back to work. He seemed to really like this new job, he was there so much that I at least hoped he did.
"Is it about that demon boy from before?", she asked.
"Maybe…", I admitted.
"I guess you will be going back to see him soon. You've been here for a few days now. What are we going to tell Michelle and Victor when you leave?", she questioned, eyes still suctioned to the TV.
"Honestly, I have no clue. Any good ideas?", I beckoned.
"We could tell them you fell in love with a rich man and moved into the city. That would be a good reason for you not to return home for a while. Then, when you come back, just say he broke your heart and I'm sure your parents will let you return", she suggested.
"I said good ideas, Grandma. Not the plot of every drama you watch", I groaned.
"You come up with something better then, huh! If you don't like Grandma's suggestions then stop asking for them", the old woman yelled, throwing a couch pillow at my face.
"Here's an idea", I said with exaggerated hands above my head. "What if we told them the truth? That's probably the best option we have at this point."
"No way", she cut me off. "My son will have my head if he knew I let you go back to the past. Unless you want Grandma to be dead, then that is a terrible plan."
"There's nothing else to do! We can't lie to them forever. They'll eventually figure out that something is up", I exclaimed.
"Yes we can. I have kept many lies from you Grandpa and your Dad and for many years. Adding one more will be no issue", she replied smuggly.
"Grandma! Don't tell me that!", I yelled.
"It's nothing big, just small things! A little white lie every now and then is not bad", she explained.
"This one isn't small. I'm going 500 years in the past to avenge a family curse that I just found out that I have. That's not small", I huffed. "I'll have to go back soon. So, when they get home WE are going to tell them the truth. Got it?"
She mumbled something under her breath and went back to watching her show. The negative energy flowing out of her was making the air around us cold. I got up to get a blanket from my room to find a handsome white haired demon standing in the corner of my dark room.
"You're here early. It's still daylight outside", I said.
"We will need to go soon. Preferably tonight. I have word from Jaken that Totosai has been found and I need him to forge a blade for me quickly. Though I would like to leave now, I will not go without you", he said walking over to me.
"Ah- ha! I finally caught you demon man! You let your guard down too easily. My skill of cloaking my presence is still in perfect condition", Grandma screeched while busting through the door and flipping on the light.
My mouth dropped open at the sight of them staring at one another. While the old woman looked crazed with excitement, Sesshomaru appeared very calm and collected.
"I knew you were there, Old Woman. I doubt you are anything to fear and I am in your home. It would be rude to avoid you forever", he said coyly.
"This is so weird", I exclaimed dragging my hands down my face.
"Miss, I need to take Kimmy back with me. Because you are the highest ranked familial member of her household, I would like your permission to take her with me", he explained.
"Highest ranked", Grandma said with glea, pushing grey strands of hair behind her ears. "Of course you may take her with you, Demon Man. I like him, Kimmy! He has respect for me, unlike you", she excitedly whispered over to me.
"Oh my god", I groaned. My hands furiously rubbed the backs of my ears in frustration. "What about Mom and Dad? What are we going to tell them?"
"Leave it all to me, Kimmy. Grandma will figure it out so you and your handsome man friend can go peacefully", she cooed. She was acting more like a bashful schoolgirl than an eighty two year old woman.
"It's settled then. Back your things, Kimmy. Enough for a few days and I will meet you back at the shrine. Don't use up more valuable time than you have too", he commanded before leaping out of my opened window.
"You heard the man! Pack a bag and get out of here before your parents get home!", she yelled pushing me over to my dresser.
I hastily stuffed some clothes into my backpack along with some medicine and snacks from the kitchen. I changed into fresh clothes before heaving the heavy sack over my shoulders and heading for the front door.
"Do you have everything you need? Food, water, extra clothes? I have some old lingerie in my room that should fit you perfectly. Let me go grab it!", the old woman swooned.
"Thanks, but no thanks, Grandma. That's not what I'm leaving for. This is about completing my family duty, not sleeping with a hot demon", I scolded her.
"He is so hot, huh? How did you manage to reel that big fish in? Such a handsome guy he is", she said touching her blushing cheeks.
"I've got to go now", I grumbled. My eyes wanted to roll at how ridiculous she was acting, but she was only being her usual inappropriate self. The only difference now was that her perverted eyes were set on my life and not someone else's. "Tell Mom and Dad that I love them for me", I said.
"Why don't you tell us yourself", I heard my Dad's voice calls from behind me. When I turned to face him, the expression laid on his usually soft features was stomach turning.
"Where are you going at this time of night, Kimora? You're still sick. Shouldn't you be in bed right now?", he slowly asked. I knew he didn't need me to answer his question. Judging by his stern tone, I could tell he already knew it for himself.
"Victor, she is going to a party in the city and-", Grandma tried to defend me. Her son's sharp hand shot up motioning for her to be quiet.
"No one goes to a party with a backpack full of clothes and food", he sneered.
"Kids these days do things differently than we used to! They like to be prepared at all times for anything, you know. It's pretty smart of them to think ahead", Grandma lied.
"Can it, Mom. I want to hear from my child where she thinks she is going this late. Let's hear it", he demanded.
Mom was behind him with worry lines wrinkling her face. I had never seen such markings on her before. Had my actions made her worry that much? I had no words to respond to him with. Lying to them was too much for me. I had never done it before and refused to make a habit of it now. All I could do was hang my head in guilt. He had caught me red handed on my way out to do something I promised I would never do again.
He reached a hand down the collar of my sweatshirt, pulling out the jewel necklace hidden around my neck. "What the hell is this? I told you two to get rid of this damned thing. Yet, here it is, still around your neck. How dare you go against my wishes, Kimora!"
"Let go, Dad you are going to break it!", I begged him.
"Break it? Good!", he hissed at me. His hand was forcibly pulling my neck towards him. He was trying to rip the jewel from my throat, but it wasn't budging. "Give me the necklace, Kimmy! Right now!"
"No, Dad! You don't understand, I need this with me! It's my destiny to fulfill the family prophecy. It doesn't belong to you, so you'll never know what kind of burden it gives if you don't use it properly. No matter how many times you try and get rid of it, the jewel will always come back", I tried to explain.
"You want to talk about a burden, huh? I had a feeling you had gone back there when Mom said you were at a friend's house. A father's instinct told me the whole thing was a lie. I sat here for days hoping that you'd return to me safely. No phone calls, no texts, no updates. Just a pitiful Dad waiting by the door for his child to come back alive or the phone call telling you that you're dead. How about that for a burden?", he sneered. Tears were brimming in his eyes and I could feel my own beginning to well up.
"I will never allow you to go back to that place as long as I'm alive and breathing. Now take that necklace off before I break the thing from around your neck!", he screamed.
With a sharp jolt, he pulled at the necklace with all of his strength. Before the chain could be broken, a bright light flashed from beneaths Dad's fingers. He let out a wail of pain as the jewel burned the top layer of his skin. He fell to the ground and clutched the singed hand to his chest. Mom went to the ground to help him, but he pushed her away.
"Dad, are you okay? I didn't tell it to do that! I swear", I cried down to him.
Pointing a finger from his healthy hand, he said blankly, "If you ever go back to that place against my permission again, don't come back."
We all stood in the living room in complete silence. I could feel the hot tears pouring down my cheeks. Just looking at him flared both feelings of intense resentment and painful guilt. He was right to worry for me, but I was also right to fulfill my destiny. In this situation, nobody wins. I averted my watery eyes from his and looked at Mom with a sorrowful expression. She knew exactly what it meant and leapt to her feet to stop me.
"Don't", I said with my palm held out to her. "If that's how he feels then, I'm sorry. This is goodbye. I love you both, but this is something I have to do for myself and for everyone around me. This jewel is greater than just my wants and needs. It's part of a bigger picture that, even I, am a tiny part of. This is something I have to do. I really am sorry that it has to be this way."
She let out a sob and fell to her knees. I felt Grandma come up from behind me and give my hand a squeeze. I looked down at her and for the first time ever, there were streak marks along her withered face. She was always so strong that I had never seen her cry before. Not even when Grandpa passed away.
"Then go", Dad said from the ground. He wouldn't even look at me anymore. "You seem to love that place more than us now. If that's true then you don't belong here anymore."
Before I could say anything else to attempt to ease his pain, the front door burst open. A strong wind flew throughout the room and almost knocked everyone off their feet. A hand scooped me up and onto his shoulder. Sesshomaru had come in to relieve me of this terrible moment. I was both angered and thankful for his interruption. In no time we were headed for the exit. I looked up to see my family's stunned faces. I let out one last cry knowing this would be my last memory of them for a while.