Word Count: 715


Chapter 75: Private


Sesshoumaru was stepping out of the bathroom of the guest room he was staying in when he heard a light knock at the door, followed by a male voice. "May I come in, Lord Sesshoumaru?"

"Come in, Yori," he answered, his hair still dripping wet from his earlier shower. "You really do not need to refer to me as 'lord' anymore."

"Force of habit," Yori answered with a grin. "Considering how many centuries I've served under you, this is not something that can be broken overnight."

"Very well," Sesshoumaru conceded, "Do whatever makes you comfortable then."

"You have become very lax, milord," Yori responded, sitting down in a chair by the window. "May I ask how you've been lately?"

"Fine," Sesshoumaru answered curtly, sitting down on his guest bed.

"Is that so?"

"Have I ever been deceitful, Yori?"

"Not to my recollection, but," he paused, frowning, "You did seem particularly distracted earlier this afternoon during your match with Inuyasha."

"We sparred. How was I distracted?"

"Your mind seemed to have been elsewhere. Are you troubled by something, milord?"

Sesshoumaru was quiet, far longer than he would have liked. When he heard the sounds of young feet running down the hallways outside his room and children laughing did he finally break his silence.

"My migraines seem to be getting worse as of late, Yori," he confessed.

"Migraines? Are you ill, Lord Sesshoumaru?" Yori's voice was laced with heavy concern.

"Not exactly," Sesshoumaru murmured quietly. He closed his eyes briefly, and then sighed. "I need to ask you about something."

"If I can be of any help, you know I would gladly assist you, milord."

"Do you remember the battle with the Northern Land centuries ago?"

"The Northern Land?" Yori furrowed his brows, trying to recall the battle in question. After a few minutes of contemplation, he spoke quietly, "It was when you went missing, is it not, Lord Sesshoumaru?"

"So she's said," he murmured in response. Seeing Yori's puzzled expression, Sesshoumaru clarified, "Mother has spoken with me a few months ago. She's mentioned this time period as being when I became…peculiar."

Yori nodded hesitantly, his arms crossed over his chest. "Why are you so curious about this time period?"

"I…" Sesshoumaru paused, feeling unsure, "I do not recall anything from this time frame, including my supposed 'disappearance'."

"Amnesia?" Yori questioned with quiet alarm. "You've changed, albeit quite subtlety, but I've never noticed anything to be of great concern." Seeing Sesshoumaru still silent, Yori asked another question, "Do you think it's related to your migraines?"

"Perhaps," Sesshoumaru murmured, "When my mind travels to certain subjects, I feel migraines of varying severities. It's almost as if…" He paused, shaking his head. He sighed, "No, that seems absurd."

"What does?"

Sesshoumaru looked to his companion. "I almost wondered if perhaps these migraines were trying to keep me away from my so-called forgotten memories."

"That does not seem absurd, milord." Yori lowered his gaze, seemingly contemplating over something. His frown deepened before he asked Sesshoumaru a question, "Lord Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha has mentioned that you are able to meet this mysterious sorceress, correct?"

"Kagome?" Sesshoumaru questioned with a frown. "What of her?"

"I've heard the rumors, but is it true her shop is only visible to people with a great desire?"

"I do not desire anything," Sesshoumaru responded curtly, his expression nearly a scowl.

"Hear me out, milord," Yori interrupted, his tone remaining calm and neutral, "Maybe unconsciously, what you greatly desire is to have your memories back, hence being able to visit this mysterious shop."

Sesshoumaru mulled over Yori's theory. He shook his head. "I do not care about my missing memories." Seeing Yori's doubtful expression, he repeatedly sharply, "I do not care in the slightest, Yori."

Yori started to open his mouth again, but stopped, being interrupted by loud knocking outside Sesshoumaru's room.

"Uncle Sesshou!" Kouji yelled from the other side, "Inu-Pappy said it was time for dinner!"

"Mama made sukiyaki!" Itsuo piped up as well with a boyish giggle.

"I'll be right there, children," Sesshoumaru answered.

The two dog demons rose from their seats, heading for the door. Sesshoumaru's hand gripped the doorknob, and without turning around, he said softly, "I trust that you understand this conversation shall remain private between the two of us."

"Of course, milord."