Chapter Thirty-One
Their odd little group had been walking along a path like any other day, no particular destination in mind that Kagome knew of. She'd been steadily dropping hints of wanting to return home just for a few days- to replenish supplies, among other things. So far Sesshoumaru answered the same way each time; "after you've trained sufficiently."
Kagome's expression darkened. Soon she'd have to put her foot down.
Mid-step, the Daiyoukai halted. Jaken bumped into his pant leg, squeaking and shuffling back.
"Something wrong?" Kagome called from her position further behind.
Sesshoumaru tilted his head back, nostrils flaring, scenting the crisp, clear air. Sharp golden eyes drifted over gathering clouds.
"We leave the road now," he said succinctly, immediately stepping off the dirt path to stride through winding trees, boots crunching on dry leaves.
Sharing a glance with Rin, Kagome quickened her pace as they followed him. Drawing up to his side, lithe fingers curled tight around her bow.
"Danger ahead?" she asked in a hushed tone.
Vigilant attention slanted down to her, "a thunderstorm. We have enough time to find shelter."
Heavy rain began to pour the second they ducked inside a huge, shadowed opening within the side of a rock face. Kagome naturally assumed it to be a deep cave of some sort. Grabbing a torch from her backpack, she looked around within its vast, cavernous space inside, finding smooth walls with the texture of fingernails curving upwards.
"What is this? It doesn't feel like the walls are made of rock," running a palm down, she marvelled at its smooth, glossy surface.
"We stand within an old tortoise shell," Sesshoumaru said, lingering close to the entrance. Rin giggled, making noises and listening as they echoed back, resounding through the cavern.
Blue eyes widened, flitting around, "you're kidding?! It must've been huge! A youkai, I'm guessing."
"Hn."
Noticing his distraction, Kagome lowered her torch. Walking over, she joined him, staring out at the grey downpour.
Thunder rumbled in the distance.
"Stay here with the others."
She looked up at him- hand finding the trailing sleeve of his hankimono. "You're leaving?"
"It is necessary," tension lined his frame. The Daiyoukai held himself with a ridged, expectant stiffness, eyes glowing brightly. "These lands we are currently traversing are mine. It is best to oversee them during lightning storms in order to prevent forest fires."
Kagome's eyes widened slightly, grip tightening a little. "That sounds like you're going to do something dumb, extra, and dangerous."
Huffing quietly, Sesshoumaru glanced at his entourage. Jaken had arranged some firewood they'd gathered along the way- lighting it with his staff. Ah-Un lulled onto their side, warming their tummy.
"Jaken, Rin. Remain inside."
They gave noises of affirmation, setting up camp automatically as Sesshoumaru made to leave.
"Sesshoumaru-" words failed her, rendering Kagome silent. What could she say? In all honesty, she found his conviction admirable. It didn't stop her from worrying though, "please be careful," she settled on.
The Daiyoukai eased closer, eyes falling half-mast. Smirking gently, he tipped his head to one side.
"You doubt my abilities?"
"Of course not. I'm wishing you well, aren't I?" she rolled her eyes, hands resting on her hips, gravitating closer.
"Hn," a hand extended, fingers unfurling. Kagome stilled as they reached into her hair, lightly dragging a dead leaf free from dark strands. "Watch the skies," his voice rumbled like the distant thunder, lapsing into a teasing tone. "Perhaps I will fare better with an audience."
"You'd be fine with or without me watching and you know it," she smiled. As Sesshoumaru stepped out into the pattering raindrops, however, Kagome's shoulders dropped. "... Be safe," she murmured, not knowing if he caught it.
Sesshoumaru kept walking, his pale, solitary figure soon swallowed by hanging mists and pelting, heavy rainfall.
Those left within the youkai shell passed the time by talking around their campfire. Occasionally bright light would flash somewhere beyond the mouth of the exit- thunder grumbling. Kagome had stood, watching stormy skies for a while, but unable to see very much of anything. Trying not to pay it any mind as she now sat with the others, the subject of food came up, Jaken enthusiastically listing recipes his kin adored- the ingredients causing Kagome and Rin to gag.
The two humans cooked edible mushrooms over flickering flames, recounting their own favourite dishes.
"Of course- Mama's cooking is the best out of everything," Kagome gushed, abruptly stopping. Ah, perhaps she shouldn't have said that.
Rin didn't seem to mind though, smiling. "Home-cooked meals are so warm and yummy," she agreed, hand resting on the space over her heart. "...Rin kind of misses them."
Swallowing a mouthful of food, the miko set a hand on her shoulder. "When I go home, I'll be sure to bring back a whole load of dishes for you. Mom always makes too much. And I'll learn how to gather food out here so I can cook for you."
Rin brightened, "really?"
At her nod, the little girl grinned happily to herself. Reaching into the collar of her yukata, she patted around for something. Her body froze.
Jaken and Kagome jolted in sync as she jumped to her feet. "It's not here!" she panicked, hands fumbling around her yukata. "IT'S NOT HERE!"
Ah and Un lifted their heads sleepily, disturbed by the noise while Kagome stood, "Rin, what's wrong?"
Shaking her head, Rin turned and bolted for the exit.
"Rin!"
Running after her, Kagome used longer legs to her advantage, swallowing up the ground between them just as Rin made it outside.
Grabbing small shoulders, Kagome scooped up the struggling girl into her arms. "Rin- please! What is it?"
"My comb!" she sobbed, kicking. "Mama's comb is gone! Rin must've set it down by the river we stopped at! Rin has to- I- I must go get it!"
Grunting, Kagome carried her back inside, soaked to the bone. Setting her down and quickly kneeling, she held her gently, trying to gain eye contact.
"Rin, listen to me. It's pouring out there- and dangerous. As soon as the storm stops, I promise you we can go back for it."
"NO! No! The river might rise and carry it away!" she wailed, hot, thick tears rolling down rosy cheeks. "W-we'll be too late!"
Heart clenching, Kagome held her close, rubbing her back. The feeling of her small body trembling violently coupled with distraught sobbing tore at her conscience.
Gradually, blue eyes slid to the grey landscape outside.
They weren't that far from their last rest stop at the river. Kagome estimated it would take maybe twenty minutes to reach. She had a fairly decent sense of direction, too.
"Come away from there, you two. You'll freeze to death- and then I'll get blamed for it!" Jaken griped, waddling over with a blanket, tossing it about Rin's shoulders.
Kagome closed it around the little girl, bundling her up- declining when the Kappa attempted to wrap it around her too, rising.
Glazed, watery brown eyes blinked up at her questioningly.
"I'll get it."
Her eyes widened.
Kagome gentled, "it's not that far. So you just stay here for me where it's nice and dry, okay Rin?"
"W-what?" rounding her side, Jaken blocked her way, spreading short arms as wide as possible. "Oh no you don't! You heard Lord Sesshoumaru! No one is to leave!"
Ignoring this, she approached her backpack, pulling out a thin red waterproof jacket and yanking it on. She pulled up the zipper, tugging the hood over her head. "I'll be back before the storm is over. He doesn't need to know."
"But this is ludicrous! It's not worth it!"
Kagome paused while holding her bow, slowly lowering it. She couldn't shoot too well in the rain. Her fingers wrapped around her spear, resting it against her shoulder. "Maybe not," she hummed, walking back towards the exit and easily sidestepping him. "Maybe to you, it's just a fancy hunk of bone shaped into a comb."
Glancing at Rin, she smiled slightly. "But us foolish humans, we value attachments. The small stuff is what you miss the most."
A trembling noise escaped Rin's throat, as with that said- Kagome turned and hurried outside. Freezing rain lashed at her jacket, pelting it like icy needles. Breath fanned out, becoming visible in the air. As she drew further away, a distant cry of her name became lost amidst the clap of thunder.