Inner Workings.
IX
The night has gone and with the arrival of morning there was still no hanyou in sight. He could feel the imbecile's aura mingling with the clay pot about a day's trek from the camp. Mentally shaking his head at the lack of care the hanyou had for his pack just added to the hundreds of reasons why he despised the half breed. He couldn't fully blame him with no proper training how was he supposed to know, but to go against instinct – he blamed the human half of him for the lack of common sense.
It had been quiet throughout the night, on the occasion he got bored he simply meditated on the upcoming battle ahead. Golden eyes only occasionally glancing over the Miko who slept soundly next to the children. He understood that she would be needed for the battle, she would decide the fate of the world – this little human. He thought about the dead Miko that walked with half of her soul and wondered when the day would come where she would be united with it. No doubt she did not call it back to her for fear of how the half breed would react, but if they were to win against the spider she would need to be whole to do it.
It was not long before he began to sense the Miko beginning to wake. He remained in his position and decided to wait and listen to what she might do. He didn't need to see to know each step she took was intentional and paced. She did not wish to wake up her comrades just yet. He could feel her aura brushing lightly against his person as her power reach out with warmth. He doubted that she meant to extend her reach so broadly and so she probably wasn't even aware she had intruded into his space.
The smell of burning wood reached his nose along with the scent of lavender to which he was grateful for. A down side to developing keen senses in order to defeat the strongest youkai just so that he could be known as the most powerful.
Unfortunately, that was never going to happen. Just another thing that the hanyou has taken from me.
The Miko hummed as she worked. It was in such a whisper clearly meant for her own ears. The light sound of pottery tapping together, the aroma of herbs hitting the air, it dawned on him what she was preparing.
It's early, I am tired, and I am still going to get through this day and the next. Sometimes mornings like this without Inyuasha, this peace, made it worth it. Yes, our little Inyu-tachi was currently incomplete, but she couldn't say she was upset about its temporary new members. Rin-chan was a nice surprise and Sesshomaru was honorable enough not to simply murder them for being in his presence.
She wasn't sure what tea he would enjoy so she picked out her pack of mixed herbs that her mom made for them for special occasions. She smiled to her self grateful to not have to work under his gaze and give in to her need to make conversation – it would have probably annoyed him.
Take three deep breathes mom used to say. Everything you touch takes a bit of you. We must let even the tiniest of energy be filled with care and love. I have to be in the place that gives me joy.
Let's see, Sesshomaru was the killing perfection so maybe he would enjoy something with a little spice? Just a little clove for the Guricha tea her mom gave her. A little sweet with some warm spice. The two combined kind of reminds me of our personalities.
'ugh, there is no time to entertain a thought like that.'
She let a yawn escape her since no one was watching. No one had gotten up and she managed to finish Sesshomaru's tea and get breakfast together without incident. Looking over to Ah-Un and recalling the promise that she made an idea came to mind as to what they might enjoy.
Taking the tea off the fire carefully she poured three cups on a separate serving board and served five other cups on another serving board. She dished out the potions separately, ninety-nine percent sure Seshomaru would rather eat away from everyone. Rin-chin when she woke would be excited to see him no doubt, and Jaken would obviously fuss over the Daiyoukai, so might as well let them have the morning together.
Carefully and quietly she made her way over to the young lord and held her breath as she set the tray down in front of him. She paused to look over what appeared to be his sleeping form, but she knew better.
'mama, I bet one yen that he is fully aware of his surroundings. I bet if I reached out he'd slice off my wrist.' Shaking away the thought she sighed and made her way over to wake the children as she retrieved her bows and arrows.
"Shippo-kun," she whispered softly into his ear. "Now, I know you can hear me. Breakfast is ready. Be sure to wash and wake everyone up – nicely." She listened for his tired giggle and smiled when she received one. "I'll be right back. I am going to go with Ah-Un and catch breakfast."
"mm-kay," yawned a sleepy kitsune as he rolled over to begin to wipe the sleep from his eyes.
She stood and turned making a be line for Ah-Un. Calling out gently to it she was rewarded when one opened its eyes as the other lifted its head.
"I thought you would like to go fishing for this morning's breakfast," she whispered in excitement like a child about to share a secret.
Watching as the dragon rose to its feet and walked over to her. "Thank you for keeping me company." She felt one head nudge her back to proceed forward and she giggled as they began their brief trip to the river nearby.
They allowed her to rest her hand on their mane as they walked. She was comforted by the contact. Their hair was smooth and their scales not as rough as she imagined it to be. She could feel the pulse of their heartbeat underneath her fingertips. She hadn't realized it but she began to unconsciously run her fingers through their mane as her mind drifted.
What sounded like a purr shook her from her musings realizing they reached their destination.
She looked over to the two headed dragon and eyed the muzzle around its mouth. She brought her lower lip into her mouth to nibble on in thought.
"Ah-Un, would you mind if I removed your muzzle? I figured it would be difficult for you to eat with that on," she teased lightly with a sincere grin.
The pair of head looked at one another first and then settled down by the river shore line bringing their face down to the Miko. They could sense the holy energy around her, but they trusted no harm would come to them. She was surrounded by demons and it did not seem to bother her unlike her other kind – we guess the monk would be another exception.
They felt her fingers make quick work of their mouth piece and they licked the Miko in thanks. Their tongue tingled at the contact. It was not an irritable sensation.
They watched, being sure to stay alert, as she fished. Her odd shoes and foot coverings where left on dry land as she waded into the water up to her knees. She held her bow in hand and an arrow ready to fly. She stood very still allowing the fish to come to her. She was quiet so the tiniest vibration would not scare them away. It took 10 minutes for her to catch three decent sized fish for the dragon.
She cut them up into large sized pieces and waited for them to eat and wash before heading back to camp.
"That was a lovely treat, was it not," she asked the dragon. She received a lick on each cheek in response. "Well, I am happy that you enjoyed it. Maybe we put these back on later once your master is ready to depart?"
Ah-Un nuzzled her cheek enjoying the attention from the Miko and reprieve from the tension of being on duty all the time. They never complained with their master and so they were not going to complain now with the Oona that had taken care of their charge.
"Kagome, You're back." Rin shouted darting to greet the young woman. "The food this morning was very yummy and the tea made me feel all warm. Can Kagome teach Rin so Rin can make it for Lord Sesshomaru?"
Kagome laughed at how much the girl could get out in one breath. Coming down to the Rin's level she looked her into her face sincerely," I would love to help Rin-chan learn how to make this for her and her Sesshomaru-sama."
Arms wrapped around her neck tightly with squeals of delight ringing in her ear she brought her eyes over to golden twin jewels staring intently in her direction. If she didn't know any better she would say there was the faintest smirk on his face. Then again this was Sesshomaru we were talking about.