*peeks outside* HEY EVERYONE! DID YA MISS ME?!?!? *gets hit with rotten
fruit*
*sweatdrops* Well... I guess I wasn't... *wipes juices off face*
Sesshomaru: What? Did you expect them to welcome you with open arms? You haven't updated in like four months! I thought you forgot this story!
I'm sorry!! I had MAJOR writer's block for this story! Hit me with a frying pan, why dontcha!
*frying pan flies across the room and clonks authoress in the head* ACK! @_@
Sesshomaru: *looks around frantically* WHO DID THAT?!?
*jumps up* I'm okay!! *heads bleeding badly* the story must go on!
Sesshomaru: O_O *goes to patch up authoress's head*
Okay, in this chapter you are going to learn a LITTLE bit more on Reiko's power... not a lot just a little. Now you don't have to be confused!! YAY!!! *Dancing happily* you'll learn more about that LATER! YAY!!!
Inuyasha: do you always have to yell like that?
*calmly walks over to Inuyasha and takes hold of his ear* ................YES I DO!!!
Inuyasha: O_O OW!
^_^ Hehe... I crazy!!!
Sesshomaru: that is not hard to figure out.
ENOUGH RANTING! TIME FOR STORY!!! START IT!! NOW!!!
Sesshomaru: Yes ma'am. But first, she doesn't own anyone from Inuyasha and never will. She does own Reiko and Oteck so no stealing!
ON WITH THE FIC!!!
Inuyasha: *in the background rubbing ears* WHAT DID YOU SAY?!?!
*****************************************
Chapter 12
Reiko opened her eyes slowly. After blinking the sleep out she tried to sit up only to be pinned down by two pairs of arms. She gave a sad smile. Sesshomaru and Rin meant so much to her. Rin welcomed her with opened arms and literally claimed her as her new mother. Reiko's smile faltered. She hated to do this to the most important people in her life.
Slowly, as to not wake up the sleeping forms on either side of her, Reiko slithered out of bed. Straightening, she walked over to a walk-in closet and got her cape, pants, vest, and belt with her daggers. After dressing quietly she went to the mahogany desk on the other side of the room and picked up a quill. Tears filled her eyes as she began to write. She really didn't want to end things this way.
Folding the letter, Reiko placed it on the edge of the desk so it couldn't be missed. Turning back to Sesshomaru and Rin, her heart wrenched and she began to cry. Kneeling beside them both she laid a kiss on their heads.
"I love you guys." She whispered and left the room.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sesshomaru stirred on the futon. The morning light shown through the window, hitting the closed eyes of the Western Ruler and made him squint his eyes tighter.
Suddenly his eyes flew open. Something, or someone, was missing from the bed. Looking down he noticed the body of his lover was missing. Rin was still asleep and was curled up into a ball, completely unaware of Reiko's absence.
Sesshomaru sat up and looked around the room. "Reiko?" After receiving no answer, he got out of bed, adjusted his robe and went to the door. He was trying hard not to panic, but he was failing miserably. In a fast walk, Sesshomaru made his way towards the great hall. No sign of Reiko. After he checked some other places in the castle. Still no luck.
He was beginning to become frantic when he felt himself running to Inuyasha's room. When he reached the door, Sesshomaru knocked, or rather pounded, on the door. After about a minute Inuyasha opened the door, Kagome only a few steps behind. "Sesshomaru, do you know..." His question trailed off when he saw the scared look in his brother's eyes.
"Inuyasha, please tell me you have seen Reiko." Sesshomaru's voice was shaky and filled with hope.
Inuyasha shook his head. "Nope. I haven't seen her since last night. Why do you..."
"Oh Kami-sama!" Exclaimed Sesshomaru who took off down the hall. Inuyasha stared at his brother before taking chase, trying to figure out what was going on.
Sesshomaru ran into the garden, checking every part of it. "Reiko?!" he shouted, but never got an answer. With a last shred of hope he checked the secluded garden with the willow trees and swing. His hope was shattered when he found it empty.
Hearing footsteps behind him he quickly turned only to see Inuyasha and Rin. "Are you sure you haven't seen her?" Sesshomaru asked Inuyasha again.
"Sesshomaru-sama?" said Rin in a small voice. Sesshomaru looked at the little girl who was holding a folded piece of paper. In neat handwriting was Sesshomaru's name. "Here. It's for you."
He stared at the note. It was from Reiko, and something inside told him it wasn't a love note. With shaky fingers Sesshomaru opened the note. Eyes filled with tears he read:
My Dearest Sesshomaru,
Words could NEVER explain how sorry I am for doing this to you. However, this is the only way to keep you safe. Ever since I met you, you have filled my life with so much joy that even the angels in heaven would be jealous. Sesshomaru, you have given me a reason to live after all those years of wanting to die.
My love, Oteck has become too great a threat for all of us. He needs to be stopped... and I'm the only one who can do it. His magic is too great for you or anyone alone, except me. You have heard him, we are equals, and he is right.
Please understand this is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I wish it didn't have to happen. I wish we could just have a family and grow old together. Sometimes I wish I never had my powers. I just want to be with you.
But I can't with Oteck only a heartbeat away just waiting to destroy you. I have to stop him once and for all. This is the only way you and I can live in peace, the only way for me to be happy with you. But...I'm not sure if I'll make it back.
I know those aren't the most encouraging words you would like to hear right now. Please... wait for me? I'll try everything to get back to you my love, even if it takes me a thousand years or more I will return to you and Rin. Just wait for me. I'll come back...my stone.
I love you Sesshomaru, my heart and soul.
With all my love,
Reiko
Sesshomaru noticed water stains all over the letter. 'Reiko must have been crying' he thought. He noticed his own tears were falling, blending in with Reiko's already fallen tears. Sitting roughly on the ground, Sesshomaru stared into a small pond, the giant fish gliding under the surface.
Inuyasha knelt next to Sesshomaru and whispered, "Sesshomaru?" He didn't answer, just kept staring at the pond. Inuyasha tried again. "Sesshomaru?"
Sesshomaru couldn't hear him. All he could see was Reiko's face dancing across the water. Her hair flowing about her shoulders, her bright green eyes dancing with love and joy. Then it all disappeared and Oteck's face came into view. He sneered and cackled at Sesshomaru, taunting him and maliciously attacking his soul. With a snarl Sesshomaru's claws swiped at the image, Oteck's face being obscured by the ripples of the water. He disappeared.
Inuyasha looked on in shock until he heard Sesshomaru speak, "She's gone... Reiko has gone to kill Oteck." Inuyasha's eyes widened and Sesshomaru continued, "S-she didn't want us to get hurt."
"Sesshomaru...I..."
Sesshomaru held up a hand, "Inuyasha, you couldn't have done anything so don't say that you would have." Standing up, he wiped away his tears and started towards the castle.
Inuyasha followed suit, jogging to keep up with his brother's strides. "Where are you going?!"
"I'm going to find Reiko, I'm not losing her." Replied Sesshomaru who didn't look at the hanyou.
"Is that wise, Sesshomaru?"
Sesshomaru stopped in his tracks. Inuyasha could see him trembling and took a step back. Sesshomaru turned his head and said through clenched teeth, "Wise or not, I will not lose her. If that means I must die by her side, then so be it." With that said he turned back into the castle and went to get his armor and sword.
Inuyasha stared for a few minutes then ran to his own room, "Then I better go and make sure he doesn't get himself killed."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Oteck paced back and forth in the woods, still trying to decipher how in the world Reiko learned to develop her powers so quickly. He growled and scratched his head, "It just doesn't make any sense! She doesn't even know how powerful her magic is so how did she know she could do that?"
He sat down on the dirt-covered floor and put his head in his hand. Oteck knew some things about her magic. One, it wasn't just normal magic. Two, only a few chosen got it. Three, those how were chosen weren't ordinary humans. And four, that the magic actually belonged to a goddess; The Great Hawk Goddess.
Oteck sighed, "She can't have known her power was given to her by a goddess. Not even her parents knew so how could she know?" He snorted, "Why do I care? She doesn't know how to control all that power, and," he put a finger in the air, "she doesn't know how to use the ultimate attack, so I'm safe."
He clapped his hands and stood up, "I have nothing to fear." As he was about to resume walking, something caught his attention. Sticking his nose up in the air, much like a dog would, he sniffed. He grinned then licked his lips.
Reiko was coming. She was coming to get him, but more importantly... ... ... she was alone. All alone and no dog demon around. 'Oh Reiko you silly girl' he thought. She came to finish him off and he knew it.
"Reiko you are making this way too easy for me!" With a cackle Oteck bounded into the woods. He ran for who knows how long until he came to a large pool of water and waited in a tree.
"Come and meet your maker my bundle of power. Time for you to die."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Reiko moved swiftly through the woods, dodging roots and low branches. She could feel Oteck. His presence was faint, yet enough to help her track him. Deep inside she was still wondering if she did the right thing. She knew how much the others wanted to help her. Yet another part of her told her that they would only be putting their lives in danger.
She stopped walking and looked around. Unconsciously her hand came to rest upon the bite mark that claimed her as Sesshomaru's mate. Reiko closed her eyes as tears threaten to fall. 'Oh my love, I am so sorry about this.'
Reiko took a deep breath and opened her eyes. Time was running out and Oteck could be moving farther and farther from her, stopping her ultimate goal of bringing him down. Making sure she was on the right track, she took off in a run.
"Just wait for me Sesshomaru. Just wait."
She took off further into the woods.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sesshomaru sniffed the air intently, looking for any trace of Reiko's scent. After insisting a hundred times that he should go alone, he and Inuyasha and co. - besides the children who were being watched by the servants – were now tracking down Reiko.
The group had been trekking ever since morning, but they never seemed to get any closer than before.
Sesshomaru stopped. Cautiously he sniffed the air to make sure he had the right scent. It was Reiko's all right, and it was fresh. Looking at the ground he saw her boot footprints, those were also fresh.
Miroku came up behind Sesshomaru, looking at the tracks. "Reiko's?"
Sesshomaru gave a curt nod, "Only a few hours old," he scanned the area, "We're getting closer."
"I see. How much closer?" asked the monk.
Sesshomaru stood up and stared into the woods, "Close enough." Miroku raised an eyebrow, but kept silent. Sesshomaru turned to his brother. "Inuyasha, come with me."
Inuyasha raised an eyebrow. After seeing Kagome shrug he sighed and followed his brother about fifty feet into the woods away from the group. Inuyasha scanned the area. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, and he didn't smell a predator. What was his brother up to?
"Inuyasha," he jumped, startled out of his thoughts, "Do you have idea what direction we are going in?"
Inuyasha gave his brother a skeptical look. his brother didn't know where were they were? No, that wasn't it. Sesshomaru wanted him to notice something familiar about this place. He looked around again. nothing seemed to catch his attention. Just a bunch of trees and bushes, you know, what woods look like.
He looked down at his feet and blinked slowly. Now something had caught his eye. Bending down, he brushed away some dead leaves to reveal three scratch marks in the earth. Sure they could have been made by anything, but Inuyasha knew them well... he made them when Kagome accidentally tripped him one day.
"Well, Inuyasha, have you finally figured out what way we are heading?"
Inuyasha looked up at his brother and said, "Hai, we're heading in the direction of Keade's village." Inuyasha got up and dusted off his haori, "You don't think Reiko would go to the village, do you?"
"Reiko wouldn't," Sesshomaru crossed his arms, "But Oteck would. Keade is still there, and that man likes to use hostages for advantage over his enemies." Sesshomaru's poison claws hissed. The very thought of that ugly spider holding Rin in the air made his blood boil.
"So we are heading towards the village?"
"Not necessarily. She banked a right heading north away from the village, I can smell it in the air. If I'm guessing correctly, she is heading to a small lake about a mile from the village."
"Well he seems just crazy to me. Not very smart in the head is he?" Replied Inuyasha, rapping his knuckles against his head to show his meaning.
"On the contrary, Inuyasha," Sesshomaru looked over, "this man is very cunning. He may seem crazy, but sometimes brilliance comes from insanity."
Inuyasha snorted.
Sesshomaru stared at him, "You don't believe me?"
"It's kind of hard to believe ANYONE could be a genius while being insane. Wouldn't they create chaos?"
Sesshomaru stayed quiet for a moment before answering, "Inuyasha... our father was considered to be insane by many demon lords."
Inuyasha's eyes widened, and Sesshomaru continued, "Some of his ideas were so outrageous many thought he would just crumble and die. Even I thought he was insane at first." He looked in the distance, "Our father proved all of them wrong; proved me wrong. That's how he became the ruler of the Western Realm, with his 'insane ideas'. So you see... insanity can prevail and prosper."
Inuyasha stared at him, a looked of bewilderment on his face. His father was considered insane?! The great ruler of the western realm was labeled a nut ball?! He just couldn't believe it.
Sesshomaru noticed the look on his younger brother's face and smirked, "Yes, little brother, our father was labeled – oh how you say – a mental case, as you would put it. Yet, after he was considered the greatest mind in history. So don't jump to conclusions so quickly."
Inuyasha only dumbly nodded his head and said, "Uh... maybe I should go get the others." Sesshomaru only nodded his head
When Sesshomaru was alone he stared up at the sky, the sun high in the sky and filling his body with warmth.
Noon. The day is almost done.
Sesshomaru closed his eyes and recalled what Oteck said last night. By sunset tonight, Reiko will be gone.
The words stung, like acid running through his veins. He couldn't lose her! He wouldn't! He made a promise to her. He said he would never abandon her that he would always be there! No, he was not going to break that promise in a million years.
He heard noise behind him telling him the group was coming close. Opening his eyes he stared ahead, determination and anxiety (an: interesting combination, ne? ^_^) showing on his face. Without even making sure the group was behind him, he took off into the woods.
"I'm coming Reiko. I'll be there for you."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Oteck hummed a small tune, his arms crossed across his chest and his foot dangling off the branch. Checking the sun he could decipher it was about two hours till sunset. 'Hmmm... only two more hours till she dies, it seems too far away for my liking.' Shrugging his shoulders he went back to singing his little tune.
There was a rustling in the woods. Sitting up like a prairie dog he waited anxiously. His heart pounded with excitement, and his magic stirred in his blood. His breathing became labored as anticipation took hold of his body.
Reiko had finally come.
Slowly, Reiko emerged from the shadows of the woods, her form straight and her chin held high. The wind rustled her hair and cape, her hands fisted at her sides. With narrowed green eyes she stared at the man in the tree, looking even viler than ever.
Oteck smiled, his yellow teeth showing through. "Hello, Reiko. Finally decide it was time to die?"
Reiko didn't respond. She just stood there. She wasn't going to let him taunt her into fear or any other emotion besides determination. She came to defeat him and that's exactly what she was going to do.
Oteck shrugged his shoulders and jumped out of the tree. Landing on his feet he stared at Reiko, his eyes now cool and showing no emotion. It seemed that he had just changed personalities.
Silence.
That's all that could be said about the moment. Nothing stirred. Not even the wind blew, it was as if everything was turned off. Crickets ceased, birds were chirp less, and the leaves stayed silent.
Nothing moved.
Out of nowhere Oteck lunged forward, his magic blazing against his fingers. Reiko immediately went into battle mode, her own magic sizzling around her.
The fight to determine their fates had finally begun.
******************************************
*cackles insanely* WHAT'S THIS?! I FINALLY UPDATE AND I LEAVE YOU WITH A SAD CHAPTER AND A CLIFFHANGER?! WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME?!?! ONLY I KNOW!! I AM HERE TO TORTURE YOU!! BUWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
Sesshomaru: Okay either someone has given her too much sugar or she has really gone insane on us...
*running around* HAHA!!! I AM EVIL!! FEAR MY AWESOME CLIFFHANGER POWER!!!
Inuyasha: I think she has gone insane.
Reiko: I agree!
Sesshomaru: *shrugs* aw well, I'll finish. Chapter 12 is done, hope ya like, R&R please and thank you and stay tuned for another chapter to The Love In One's Heart!
*tackles Inuyasha* IT'S RAINING RUBBER DUCKIES!!!
Inuyasha: O_O GET IT OFF! GET IT OFF!!!!
Reiko: -_-... please tell me I didn't come from her.
Sesshomaru: Unfortunately you did. Ja ne people!
(AN: I'm not really sure if Sesshomaru and Inuyasha's father was considered insane or not... I just put that there to prove a point that sometimes craziness is genius. Just take a look at history! It shows everywhere! Okay I'll shut up now! STAY TUNED!!)
*sweatdrops* Well... I guess I wasn't... *wipes juices off face*
Sesshomaru: What? Did you expect them to welcome you with open arms? You haven't updated in like four months! I thought you forgot this story!
I'm sorry!! I had MAJOR writer's block for this story! Hit me with a frying pan, why dontcha!
*frying pan flies across the room and clonks authoress in the head* ACK! @_@
Sesshomaru: *looks around frantically* WHO DID THAT?!?
*jumps up* I'm okay!! *heads bleeding badly* the story must go on!
Sesshomaru: O_O *goes to patch up authoress's head*
Okay, in this chapter you are going to learn a LITTLE bit more on Reiko's power... not a lot just a little. Now you don't have to be confused!! YAY!!! *Dancing happily* you'll learn more about that LATER! YAY!!!
Inuyasha: do you always have to yell like that?
*calmly walks over to Inuyasha and takes hold of his ear* ................YES I DO!!!
Inuyasha: O_O OW!
^_^ Hehe... I crazy!!!
Sesshomaru: that is not hard to figure out.
ENOUGH RANTING! TIME FOR STORY!!! START IT!! NOW!!!
Sesshomaru: Yes ma'am. But first, she doesn't own anyone from Inuyasha and never will. She does own Reiko and Oteck so no stealing!
ON WITH THE FIC!!!
Inuyasha: *in the background rubbing ears* WHAT DID YOU SAY?!?!
*****************************************
Chapter 12
Reiko opened her eyes slowly. After blinking the sleep out she tried to sit up only to be pinned down by two pairs of arms. She gave a sad smile. Sesshomaru and Rin meant so much to her. Rin welcomed her with opened arms and literally claimed her as her new mother. Reiko's smile faltered. She hated to do this to the most important people in her life.
Slowly, as to not wake up the sleeping forms on either side of her, Reiko slithered out of bed. Straightening, she walked over to a walk-in closet and got her cape, pants, vest, and belt with her daggers. After dressing quietly she went to the mahogany desk on the other side of the room and picked up a quill. Tears filled her eyes as she began to write. She really didn't want to end things this way.
Folding the letter, Reiko placed it on the edge of the desk so it couldn't be missed. Turning back to Sesshomaru and Rin, her heart wrenched and she began to cry. Kneeling beside them both she laid a kiss on their heads.
"I love you guys." She whispered and left the room.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sesshomaru stirred on the futon. The morning light shown through the window, hitting the closed eyes of the Western Ruler and made him squint his eyes tighter.
Suddenly his eyes flew open. Something, or someone, was missing from the bed. Looking down he noticed the body of his lover was missing. Rin was still asleep and was curled up into a ball, completely unaware of Reiko's absence.
Sesshomaru sat up and looked around the room. "Reiko?" After receiving no answer, he got out of bed, adjusted his robe and went to the door. He was trying hard not to panic, but he was failing miserably. In a fast walk, Sesshomaru made his way towards the great hall. No sign of Reiko. After he checked some other places in the castle. Still no luck.
He was beginning to become frantic when he felt himself running to Inuyasha's room. When he reached the door, Sesshomaru knocked, or rather pounded, on the door. After about a minute Inuyasha opened the door, Kagome only a few steps behind. "Sesshomaru, do you know..." His question trailed off when he saw the scared look in his brother's eyes.
"Inuyasha, please tell me you have seen Reiko." Sesshomaru's voice was shaky and filled with hope.
Inuyasha shook his head. "Nope. I haven't seen her since last night. Why do you..."
"Oh Kami-sama!" Exclaimed Sesshomaru who took off down the hall. Inuyasha stared at his brother before taking chase, trying to figure out what was going on.
Sesshomaru ran into the garden, checking every part of it. "Reiko?!" he shouted, but never got an answer. With a last shred of hope he checked the secluded garden with the willow trees and swing. His hope was shattered when he found it empty.
Hearing footsteps behind him he quickly turned only to see Inuyasha and Rin. "Are you sure you haven't seen her?" Sesshomaru asked Inuyasha again.
"Sesshomaru-sama?" said Rin in a small voice. Sesshomaru looked at the little girl who was holding a folded piece of paper. In neat handwriting was Sesshomaru's name. "Here. It's for you."
He stared at the note. It was from Reiko, and something inside told him it wasn't a love note. With shaky fingers Sesshomaru opened the note. Eyes filled with tears he read:
My Dearest Sesshomaru,
Words could NEVER explain how sorry I am for doing this to you. However, this is the only way to keep you safe. Ever since I met you, you have filled my life with so much joy that even the angels in heaven would be jealous. Sesshomaru, you have given me a reason to live after all those years of wanting to die.
My love, Oteck has become too great a threat for all of us. He needs to be stopped... and I'm the only one who can do it. His magic is too great for you or anyone alone, except me. You have heard him, we are equals, and he is right.
Please understand this is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I wish it didn't have to happen. I wish we could just have a family and grow old together. Sometimes I wish I never had my powers. I just want to be with you.
But I can't with Oteck only a heartbeat away just waiting to destroy you. I have to stop him once and for all. This is the only way you and I can live in peace, the only way for me to be happy with you. But...I'm not sure if I'll make it back.
I know those aren't the most encouraging words you would like to hear right now. Please... wait for me? I'll try everything to get back to you my love, even if it takes me a thousand years or more I will return to you and Rin. Just wait for me. I'll come back...my stone.
I love you Sesshomaru, my heart and soul.
With all my love,
Reiko
Sesshomaru noticed water stains all over the letter. 'Reiko must have been crying' he thought. He noticed his own tears were falling, blending in with Reiko's already fallen tears. Sitting roughly on the ground, Sesshomaru stared into a small pond, the giant fish gliding under the surface.
Inuyasha knelt next to Sesshomaru and whispered, "Sesshomaru?" He didn't answer, just kept staring at the pond. Inuyasha tried again. "Sesshomaru?"
Sesshomaru couldn't hear him. All he could see was Reiko's face dancing across the water. Her hair flowing about her shoulders, her bright green eyes dancing with love and joy. Then it all disappeared and Oteck's face came into view. He sneered and cackled at Sesshomaru, taunting him and maliciously attacking his soul. With a snarl Sesshomaru's claws swiped at the image, Oteck's face being obscured by the ripples of the water. He disappeared.
Inuyasha looked on in shock until he heard Sesshomaru speak, "She's gone... Reiko has gone to kill Oteck." Inuyasha's eyes widened and Sesshomaru continued, "S-she didn't want us to get hurt."
"Sesshomaru...I..."
Sesshomaru held up a hand, "Inuyasha, you couldn't have done anything so don't say that you would have." Standing up, he wiped away his tears and started towards the castle.
Inuyasha followed suit, jogging to keep up with his brother's strides. "Where are you going?!"
"I'm going to find Reiko, I'm not losing her." Replied Sesshomaru who didn't look at the hanyou.
"Is that wise, Sesshomaru?"
Sesshomaru stopped in his tracks. Inuyasha could see him trembling and took a step back. Sesshomaru turned his head and said through clenched teeth, "Wise or not, I will not lose her. If that means I must die by her side, then so be it." With that said he turned back into the castle and went to get his armor and sword.
Inuyasha stared for a few minutes then ran to his own room, "Then I better go and make sure he doesn't get himself killed."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Oteck paced back and forth in the woods, still trying to decipher how in the world Reiko learned to develop her powers so quickly. He growled and scratched his head, "It just doesn't make any sense! She doesn't even know how powerful her magic is so how did she know she could do that?"
He sat down on the dirt-covered floor and put his head in his hand. Oteck knew some things about her magic. One, it wasn't just normal magic. Two, only a few chosen got it. Three, those how were chosen weren't ordinary humans. And four, that the magic actually belonged to a goddess; The Great Hawk Goddess.
Oteck sighed, "She can't have known her power was given to her by a goddess. Not even her parents knew so how could she know?" He snorted, "Why do I care? She doesn't know how to control all that power, and," he put a finger in the air, "she doesn't know how to use the ultimate attack, so I'm safe."
He clapped his hands and stood up, "I have nothing to fear." As he was about to resume walking, something caught his attention. Sticking his nose up in the air, much like a dog would, he sniffed. He grinned then licked his lips.
Reiko was coming. She was coming to get him, but more importantly... ... ... she was alone. All alone and no dog demon around. 'Oh Reiko you silly girl' he thought. She came to finish him off and he knew it.
"Reiko you are making this way too easy for me!" With a cackle Oteck bounded into the woods. He ran for who knows how long until he came to a large pool of water and waited in a tree.
"Come and meet your maker my bundle of power. Time for you to die."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Reiko moved swiftly through the woods, dodging roots and low branches. She could feel Oteck. His presence was faint, yet enough to help her track him. Deep inside she was still wondering if she did the right thing. She knew how much the others wanted to help her. Yet another part of her told her that they would only be putting their lives in danger.
She stopped walking and looked around. Unconsciously her hand came to rest upon the bite mark that claimed her as Sesshomaru's mate. Reiko closed her eyes as tears threaten to fall. 'Oh my love, I am so sorry about this.'
Reiko took a deep breath and opened her eyes. Time was running out and Oteck could be moving farther and farther from her, stopping her ultimate goal of bringing him down. Making sure she was on the right track, she took off in a run.
"Just wait for me Sesshomaru. Just wait."
She took off further into the woods.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sesshomaru sniffed the air intently, looking for any trace of Reiko's scent. After insisting a hundred times that he should go alone, he and Inuyasha and co. - besides the children who were being watched by the servants – were now tracking down Reiko.
The group had been trekking ever since morning, but they never seemed to get any closer than before.
Sesshomaru stopped. Cautiously he sniffed the air to make sure he had the right scent. It was Reiko's all right, and it was fresh. Looking at the ground he saw her boot footprints, those were also fresh.
Miroku came up behind Sesshomaru, looking at the tracks. "Reiko's?"
Sesshomaru gave a curt nod, "Only a few hours old," he scanned the area, "We're getting closer."
"I see. How much closer?" asked the monk.
Sesshomaru stood up and stared into the woods, "Close enough." Miroku raised an eyebrow, but kept silent. Sesshomaru turned to his brother. "Inuyasha, come with me."
Inuyasha raised an eyebrow. After seeing Kagome shrug he sighed and followed his brother about fifty feet into the woods away from the group. Inuyasha scanned the area. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, and he didn't smell a predator. What was his brother up to?
"Inuyasha," he jumped, startled out of his thoughts, "Do you have idea what direction we are going in?"
Inuyasha gave his brother a skeptical look. his brother didn't know where were they were? No, that wasn't it. Sesshomaru wanted him to notice something familiar about this place. He looked around again. nothing seemed to catch his attention. Just a bunch of trees and bushes, you know, what woods look like.
He looked down at his feet and blinked slowly. Now something had caught his eye. Bending down, he brushed away some dead leaves to reveal three scratch marks in the earth. Sure they could have been made by anything, but Inuyasha knew them well... he made them when Kagome accidentally tripped him one day.
"Well, Inuyasha, have you finally figured out what way we are heading?"
Inuyasha looked up at his brother and said, "Hai, we're heading in the direction of Keade's village." Inuyasha got up and dusted off his haori, "You don't think Reiko would go to the village, do you?"
"Reiko wouldn't," Sesshomaru crossed his arms, "But Oteck would. Keade is still there, and that man likes to use hostages for advantage over his enemies." Sesshomaru's poison claws hissed. The very thought of that ugly spider holding Rin in the air made his blood boil.
"So we are heading towards the village?"
"Not necessarily. She banked a right heading north away from the village, I can smell it in the air. If I'm guessing correctly, she is heading to a small lake about a mile from the village."
"Well he seems just crazy to me. Not very smart in the head is he?" Replied Inuyasha, rapping his knuckles against his head to show his meaning.
"On the contrary, Inuyasha," Sesshomaru looked over, "this man is very cunning. He may seem crazy, but sometimes brilliance comes from insanity."
Inuyasha snorted.
Sesshomaru stared at him, "You don't believe me?"
"It's kind of hard to believe ANYONE could be a genius while being insane. Wouldn't they create chaos?"
Sesshomaru stayed quiet for a moment before answering, "Inuyasha... our father was considered to be insane by many demon lords."
Inuyasha's eyes widened, and Sesshomaru continued, "Some of his ideas were so outrageous many thought he would just crumble and die. Even I thought he was insane at first." He looked in the distance, "Our father proved all of them wrong; proved me wrong. That's how he became the ruler of the Western Realm, with his 'insane ideas'. So you see... insanity can prevail and prosper."
Inuyasha stared at him, a looked of bewilderment on his face. His father was considered insane?! The great ruler of the western realm was labeled a nut ball?! He just couldn't believe it.
Sesshomaru noticed the look on his younger brother's face and smirked, "Yes, little brother, our father was labeled – oh how you say – a mental case, as you would put it. Yet, after he was considered the greatest mind in history. So don't jump to conclusions so quickly."
Inuyasha only dumbly nodded his head and said, "Uh... maybe I should go get the others." Sesshomaru only nodded his head
When Sesshomaru was alone he stared up at the sky, the sun high in the sky and filling his body with warmth.
Noon. The day is almost done.
Sesshomaru closed his eyes and recalled what Oteck said last night. By sunset tonight, Reiko will be gone.
The words stung, like acid running through his veins. He couldn't lose her! He wouldn't! He made a promise to her. He said he would never abandon her that he would always be there! No, he was not going to break that promise in a million years.
He heard noise behind him telling him the group was coming close. Opening his eyes he stared ahead, determination and anxiety (an: interesting combination, ne? ^_^) showing on his face. Without even making sure the group was behind him, he took off into the woods.
"I'm coming Reiko. I'll be there for you."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Oteck hummed a small tune, his arms crossed across his chest and his foot dangling off the branch. Checking the sun he could decipher it was about two hours till sunset. 'Hmmm... only two more hours till she dies, it seems too far away for my liking.' Shrugging his shoulders he went back to singing his little tune.
There was a rustling in the woods. Sitting up like a prairie dog he waited anxiously. His heart pounded with excitement, and his magic stirred in his blood. His breathing became labored as anticipation took hold of his body.
Reiko had finally come.
Slowly, Reiko emerged from the shadows of the woods, her form straight and her chin held high. The wind rustled her hair and cape, her hands fisted at her sides. With narrowed green eyes she stared at the man in the tree, looking even viler than ever.
Oteck smiled, his yellow teeth showing through. "Hello, Reiko. Finally decide it was time to die?"
Reiko didn't respond. She just stood there. She wasn't going to let him taunt her into fear or any other emotion besides determination. She came to defeat him and that's exactly what she was going to do.
Oteck shrugged his shoulders and jumped out of the tree. Landing on his feet he stared at Reiko, his eyes now cool and showing no emotion. It seemed that he had just changed personalities.
Silence.
That's all that could be said about the moment. Nothing stirred. Not even the wind blew, it was as if everything was turned off. Crickets ceased, birds were chirp less, and the leaves stayed silent.
Nothing moved.
Out of nowhere Oteck lunged forward, his magic blazing against his fingers. Reiko immediately went into battle mode, her own magic sizzling around her.
The fight to determine their fates had finally begun.
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*cackles insanely* WHAT'S THIS?! I FINALLY UPDATE AND I LEAVE YOU WITH A SAD CHAPTER AND A CLIFFHANGER?! WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME?!?! ONLY I KNOW!! I AM HERE TO TORTURE YOU!! BUWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
Sesshomaru: Okay either someone has given her too much sugar or she has really gone insane on us...
*running around* HAHA!!! I AM EVIL!! FEAR MY AWESOME CLIFFHANGER POWER!!!
Inuyasha: I think she has gone insane.
Reiko: I agree!
Sesshomaru: *shrugs* aw well, I'll finish. Chapter 12 is done, hope ya like, R&R please and thank you and stay tuned for another chapter to The Love In One's Heart!
*tackles Inuyasha* IT'S RAINING RUBBER DUCKIES!!!
Inuyasha: O_O GET IT OFF! GET IT OFF!!!!
Reiko: -_-... please tell me I didn't come from her.
Sesshomaru: Unfortunately you did. Ja ne people!
(AN: I'm not really sure if Sesshomaru and Inuyasha's father was considered insane or not... I just put that there to prove a point that sometimes craziness is genius. Just take a look at history! It shows everywhere! Okay I'll shut up now! STAY TUNED!!)
