I'm back and with chapter three! Yay, I'm so happy I got a review! I
wanna thank Ivan's Kitsune for being my first reviewer. I agree with you
that there should be more Sess stories. Thanks for liking my story and for
the advice. I was so happy that I got a review, that it inspired me to
start typin and get this chapter out. So without further delay, here it is!
Disclaimer: *Runs around holding an InuYasha manga over her head* I own InuYasha! I own InuYasha! Well, technically I don't (Rumiko Takahashi owns it *points to the name at the bottom of the cover on the book*), but hey I can dream can't I?
A/N: " " means talking
' ' means thinking
Chapter 3: Goodbyes
Ayame was standing in mid-calf deep water, watching every move of the fish that swam before her. 'Come on just a little closer. There!' With that she thrust her hands into the water and pulled out the fish. Happy with the size of the fish, she headed back to her hut with a smile upon her face. Her smile didn't last for long however, when she was greeted with the cold, angry stare that came from the ocupant of her fouton. 'Uh oh, now whats got him angry?' Slightly smiling at Sesshoumaru she softly inquired, "Is something wrong?" This only caused him to narrow his eyes even farther and to arrogantly reply, "What gave you the right to remove my garments?" This calmed her down some because she felt she had a rather god reason for doing it. "Well, your clothes were soaked in blood and I needed to remove your shirt in order to get good acess to your wound." "That still doesn't explain the removal of my pants." Walking over to a table she placed the fish upon it then washed her hands and turned around to regard him. "Like I said, they were soaked with blood and needed to be cleaned. Relax I didn't see anything, I put the blanket on top of you before removing them."
She then walked over to a shelf on her right and grabbed his pants. Then walking over to him she extended her hand with his pants to him. "Here, I washed them for you. The shirt needs to be sewn though, so I'll fix it for you. I don't have any silk thread though, I'll have to go to a different village to buy it." Sesshoumaru took his pants from her hand and hastily put them on. As he did this, Ayame turned around and went back to the fish that was lying on her table. After preparing and filleting the fish she prepared a fire and started to roast it. After doing this she turned around and regarded Sesshoumaru, who was staring at her. "Can I ask you a question?" A grunt was all that was offered in response. "Okay, I'll take that as a yes. Well.....umm...hmmm... lets see..." "Out with it wench." Scowling at that term that he once again had called her, she finally asked, "How did you get so badly injured? I didn't think anyone could live with an injury like that." Sesshoumaru drew his attention away from her and placed it upon the wall. "That's none of your business." Frowning at his cold response she thought for a moment. 'How to get him to reply. I could threaten him, but with what? Hmmm, actually that's probably not a good idea. Then how can I do it....aha i got it!' Perking up at what she thought up she decided to make a deal with him.
"Okay how about this, you answer my question and then you can ask me one. There has to be something you want to know about me." Sesshoumaru thought this over. There were questions he wanted to ask her, but because of what he would have to say in order to answer her question, it was holding him back. Ayame sat herself onto the floor and sighed. "Alright, how about you can ask me more then one question?" Finally, curiosity overpowering him, Sesshoumaru agreed. "Very well." "Alright, well, start talking!" With his attention still on the wall in front of him, Sesshoumaru began his story and Ayame listened intently. "First I will need to tell you some background information before I can get to the event in which I was injured occured. My half brother, who is a filthy hanyou, aquired my father's fang, Tetsiega, when he died. It is an extremely powerful sword, it can slay 100 demons in one swipe and it should belong to me, but I recieved the Tensiega, a sword that can revive a person who has either died or is on the verge of death. I have been trying to obtain the sword from the hanyou for some time now, but have not been able to. As I said the sword has the ability to eliminate 100 demons in one swipe by using the wind scar. My half brother at first did not know how to use the wind scar. He discovered how to conjure it however and was able to beat me with it before. This leads me to how I became injured. I once again tried to take the sword from him, but was defeated by the wind scar for a second time. (A/N I know the first time he was defeated by it he met Rin right? Well lets assume he tried to take it again and got defeated once more.). That is how I got injured and I was blown away by the force of the wind, and that is how you found me in the forest."
Sesshoumaru focused his attention once again onto Ayame and saw astonishment written all over her face. Meanwhile, Ayame was processing his words in her mind. 'Why does he hate his half brother? Why would he risk his life for a sword, however powerful it may be?' Having more questions that she wanted him to answer pop up in her mind, she took in a deep breath. She was just about to ask him another question when her nose detected the smell of something burning. "Oh no the fish!" Racing over to the fire she picked up the fish that was smoking. "Hehe, oops. Well it's not too burned." Walking back over to Sesshoumaru, she handed him the fish, which he slowly accepted. "So why do you hate your half brother so much and why would you risk everything just for a sword?" "I believe that you said that if I answered your one question that you would answer mine." This caused Ayame to then frown in disappointment, 'Oh yeah, sheesh I was hoping he would have forgotten about that.'
"Fine, what's your question?" Sesshoumaru took a few moments to ponder over what question he wanted her to answer first. "Why exactly do you live so close to a human village? Most demons can't stand the smell of them and would prefer to live long distances away from them. So why do you willingly stay in close proximity?" "I'm obligated to. I protect the village from any harm that might befall onto them by demons." Perplexed at her answer, Sesshoumaru prodded some more. "Why do you protect that filth?" "They aren't filth, and I protect them because most of the people's ancestors that used to live in that village, helped me when I was little." Sesshoumaru noticed that her face once again took on a sad look, but he still had questions he wanted answered, so he kept on asking. "How did they help you?" "Can we please talk about something else? I don't enjoy remembering that time in my past." "We made a deal, you have to answer my questions." "And if I refuse?" "Then the consequences could be great." With a sigh she then began to tell him her story, while he got to sit back, eat, and listen. (A/N Sorry, but I"m not going to put in the story of her past in this chapter. Don't worry though you'll find out sooner or later.)
After hearing her story Sesshoumaru was shocked, even though as usual his stoic mask was in place. 'Could it really be her? But I thought that she...no it can't be, it just must be a coincidence.' (A/N I know I'm evil leaving you hanging ^-^). The sun had now set and the fire was growing fainter, but Sesshoumaru could still see Ayame's face perfectly. Her eyes were glistening with unshed tears and her head was drooping. He felt a pang of guilt for making her remember such a horrible experience. She blinked and the tears that were briming on her eyelashes finally slid down her cheeks. "I'm sorry," she whispered, "I thought that I had gotten over this and I promised myself that I wouldn't cry about it anymore." Sesshoumaru got off of the fouton and moved over towards her. He wiped her tears away with his thumb. Suddenly he wanted to see her smile again, he didn't want to see her crying anymore. 'Why do I care if she is sad or not? I don't really know her all that well, so why do I feel as if I must comfort her?'
Ayame looked up into Sesshoumaru's eyes, confused at his actions. "What are you doing?" "I think it would be obvious that I'm comforting you." "Oh....thank you, but you shouldn't be out of bed though, your wound is not fully healed." Nodding his head, Sesshoumaru walked back to the fouton and sat down. He felt more relieved now that he was away from her. His thoughts and actions were confusing him and being next to her, smelling the sweet scent of lavender that was radiating off of her was driving him crazy. He then watched her stand and tend to the fire. She added a few more logs and the hut then lit up. Ayame walked over to the corner of the hut and spread out an extra fouton and blanket. Crawling under the blanket she layed down and faced away from Sesshoumaru. "Goodnight Sesshoumaru," were her last words that evening.
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*The next morning*
When Sesshoumaru awoke he noticed that Ayame was nowhere to be seen. Her fouton was rolled up in the corner, and there was some food and a note next to his. Picking up the note he read it.
Sesshoumaru,
Went to get some silk thread for your shirt. Be back in a few hours. Make yourself at home.
-Ayame
He picked up the dish of rice next to his fouton and ate it. After finishing he was once again left with his thoughts about what had happened the night before. 'There is something about her that intrigues me. Maybe it's because she shows no fear towards me or because we both share something in common, the fact that we have lost ones that we love. (A/N There is somewhat of a hint for ya, the fact that she has lost someone or someones).' Thinking that since Ayame would not be returning for awhile, he would get up and move about. His wound was healed enough that he could move around and not risk reopening it. Sesshoumaru walked outside into the sunshine and inhaled the fresh air deeply. He lowly growled though when he caught the faint smell of humans within it. Then walking over to the nearby river, he sat down on the ground and stared out over the water, thinking to himself.
He had been sitting there for an hour when he heard a twig snap from behind him. At first he thought it was Ayame, but when he sniffed the air, he found that it did not smell of lavender but of pine. Quickly standing and turning around, he was able to dodge the swipe that came from the attacker that was now behind him. Once again he dodged the swipe, but this time he attacked back and his hit was a success. The attacker hit the ground then stood up and faced Sesshoumaru. It was a male wolf youkai. He had short black hair (A/N About the shortness of Miroku's) that stuck out in spikes for his bangs. He also had brown eyes and a dark green diamond in the middle of his forehead which was accented with green stripes on his cheeks and wrists.
"Who the hell are you and what are you doing around here?" The wolf youkai barked out angrily. "I could ask the same question to you." Replied Sesshoumaru as calmly as ever. "Why you stupid mutt! Why are you at Ayame's hut? Where is she? What have you done with her?" Sesshoumare narrowed his eyes at the wolf, 'How does he know Ayame?' A feeling of protectiveness washed over him at the thought that Ayame might have a relationship with this youkai. 'Wait, why do I care if she is seeing this youkai or not?' He was interrupted form his thoughts, however, when the wolf youkai once again demanded that he know where Ayame was. "Why do you care where she is?" "You bastard what have you done with her!?" With this the wolf youkai was about to rush at Sesshoumaru and attack once more when a voice called out.
"Watari! What do you think you are doing?" Ayame was standing a few feet away from Sesshoumaru and was staring intently at Watari. "Well, what do you think you were doing?" "I...uh...thought that this mutt over here," he pointed to Sesshoumaru who in response growled, "had done something to you. So who is he anyways?" Ayame looked from Sesshoumaru to Watari and noticed that there was blood on Sesshoumaru's claws and that Watari had a cut along his shoulder. "This is Sesshoumaru, I am taking care of him until he is well again, and since he is my guest I would appreciate it if you wouldn't call him names or attack him. He deserves to be treated with respect." Watari stared at Ayame confused, she had never stood up for a demon before. Something was different about her, he could see it in her eyes when she looked at him and this made him angry. She was his and no one would take her away from him."Well what about him, he attacked me also, see." He pointed to the cut on his arm. "Most likely in self defense."
Watari had had enough of this, he turned around and was about to leave when she spoke to him, "Was there something you wanted?" He turned his head and looked over his shoulder at her. Then looking over at Sesshoumaru and narrowing his eyes he replied, "No it's nothing. Bye." With that said he took off into the forest. Ayame only stared at the spot Watari was just at, "Well that was strange." She then drew her attention to Sesshoumaru, "Sorry about that Watari can be a little hot headed sometimes. He didn't hurt you did he?" Sesshoumaru looked over to Ayame and smirked, "Of course not. He is a weak and lowly demon, he had no chance." Ayame rolled her eyes, "Be that as it may, that weak and lowly demon happens to be a friend of mine, so please don't kill him. By the way I got some thread so I should have your shirt fixed in no time." She smiled at him and Sesshoumaru couldn't help but feel a little warm inside. She then went inside of her hut and came back out with his shirt. Then sitting down next to the river she began to sew it back together. Sesshoumaru also sat down and the two spent the rest of the day in one another's company. When night came Sesshoumaru was wearing his newly sewn shirt and Ayame was fixing dinner, with a closer eye this time. They ate and then settled down to sleep. "Goodnight Sesshoumaru," were once again the last words uttered that night.
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*The next morning*
Sesshoumaru once again awoke to an empty hut. There was food by his fouton, but this time there was no note. He ate the bowl of rice, then stood and went outside. He spotted Ayame next to a tree by the river, hanging some sheets and clothes to dry. "It seem that you are an early riser." Ayame turned around and flashed him one of her warming smiles. "Well I have to be in order to be able to protect the village. Which reminds me. I have to patrol the area and take care of a few things in the village today, so you will be here by yourself for most of the day. Also, how is your wound coming along? It should be healed by now." "It is." "Good, then you don't have to stay around here all day, you can walk around, but please refrain from going into the village. I don't want there to be a commotion." She finished hanging the laundry and turned to Sesshoumaru. He nodded his head in compliance which earned him another smile from Ayame. "Thank you. I guess I'll see you later then, bye." That said, she began to walk down the path leading to the village.
It had been a few hours since Sesshoumaru had last talked with Ayame. He had walked for awhile and found a hill that overlooked a pond with a field of flowers next to it. He had been sitting there thinking. 'Since I am now healed I will be leaving. However, I find that when I am not with Ayame, she is constantly on my mind. This could prove to be a prolem with my work. I suppose I will just have to ask her.' While Sesshoumaru was off in dream land, Ayame was busy in the village. She had explained to everyone in the village that the cause of her absense was because she was taking care of an ill friend. Everyone in the village accepted her reason and so she went about the village helping out where she could. At around noon she sensed that a demon was nearby. It wasn't Sesshoumaru or Watari, so she went to go investigate. While heading through the forest towards the demon her thoughts once again strayed to the silver haired demon. She found herself constantly thinking about him and honestly it didn't bother her.
She came upon the demon at a clearing in the forest. It was a snake youkai, a weak one at that. She attacked it and had the upperhand in the fight. With Sesshoumaru on her mind, though, she was not paying close attention and the snake youkai bit her on her shoulder and injected its poison within her. This angered Ayame greatly and she swung her claws at the youkai and cut its neck. It fell to the ground dead with a wet thud. Looking over her arm, she decided that the injury could have been worse and because of her vast knowledge in healing, she could easily make an antidote. She raced off towards her hut trying to keep her heartbeat slow though, so as not to quicken the spread of the poison. Upon arriving she noticed that Sesshoumaru wasn't around. She was slightly disappointed, but went inside and gathered the herbs she needed, a pot for water, and a cloth for cleaning.
Walking over to the river, she filled the pot with water and sat down with her legs out in front of her. She then undid the the ties on her dress (A/N The black form-fitting one) and let it drop down to her waist. (A/N Shes not nude, she has breast wrappings on). She ground the herbs up with water and then dunked the cloth into the water. She was about to wash the wound when she was startled by a familiar voice. "What happened, who hurt you?" It was Sesshoumaru, he had smelled her blood and had gone into his protective mood. "It's nothing, it was just a snake youkai, it's dead though. Besides, the wound isn't that bad. It's just the poison we have to worry about." "It poisoned you?" Ayame nodded her head and quickly added, "It's okay though, I have the antidote, see." She gestured to the herbal paste
Without a word Sesshoumaru took the cloth from Ayame's hand and began to clean her wound. Finding herself once again confused by his actions she asked, "Sesshoumaru, what are you doing?" "You helped me heal, so shall I help you." Ayame smiled at him and nodded her head. "Thank you." As he finished cleaning the wound she handed him the paste and he spread it over the wound. "When will it take affect." "In a few minutes. It has a side- effect though." "And What's that?" "Extreme drowsiness. I should fall asleep soon. It doesn't last long though, at the most ten minutes." He could tell it was already taking affect because her eyelids were drooping and she began to yawn. "I think it's working now, see you in ten minutes." She then gave one last yawn and layed down on the soft grass.
Sesshoumaru took this opportunity to fully admire her beauty. He traced her jaw with a clawed finger, then down her neck and arm. He noticed how the sunlight danced off of her creamy skin and shone brillantly in her hair. 'Truly, if I were stay away from her, I would be driven mad with the thought of her.' He then leaned over and burried his nose in her hair. Inhaling deeply, he reveled in the intoxicating smell. He then raised his head and simply scanned her body with his eyes. He wanted to be the first thing she saw when she awoke. He patiently waited for her to open her crystal blue eyes, to wake from her slumber and was finally granted it when he heard her breathing and heartbeat quicken. Ayame fluttered open her eyes, only to be greeted with a set of amber ones. "Uh....hi....is something wrong?" Shaking his head no, Sesshoumaru moved out the way so she could sit up. 'Well that was odd. Him being that close to me actually made me nervous and my stomch get tied in a knot.'
She sat up and retied her dress. Then standing she stretched. "Nothing like a nap." She turned to Sesshoumaru and smiled. "I have to get back to the village. I'll be back a little before sunsset." He nodded his head and she turned around and headed back to town. 'I'll ask her tonight at the hill I found earlier.' Sunset came around and sure enough Ayame was back. She was very tired, between killing a demon, helping the farmers in the field, and most of all watching over some of the children in the village, it was a wonder she had any strength left. Walking up to her hut she found Sesshoumaru waiting for her outside. "We need to talk," was all he said before he took her arm and lead her towards the hill. "Can't this wait Sesshoumaru? All I want to do right now is sleep." "No it can't wait." Deciding that she was walking too slow, he picked her up bridal style and ran to the hill. He was there within a few minutes and he placed her upon her feet.
Ayame was speechless. It was beautiful. The moon reflected off of the pond's water and there were numerous fireflies flying about the flowers. "Ayame" She was brought out of her stupor by his voice. She turned her attention to Sesshoumaru and waited for him to continue. "As you know I am healed now and I must be leaving." Her face became melancholy and she slightly nodded her head. "I would like you to come with me." She looked up into his eyes and it hurt her to see the hopefullness in them and knowing that she would crush that hope when she answered him. Barely above a whisper she began, "Sesshoumaru, as much as I would love to come with you, you know I can't. I have a duty to protect this village and I can't abandon them. I'm sorry." He knew that she most likely would have refused, but he was still hopeful. He could always force her to come, but then she would resent him and frequently try to escape in order to return. He brought his hand up and lifted her chin so her eyes would meet his. He could see the moisture in them. "If that is your choice, then I will go." He let go of her chin, but placed two fingers at the junction between her neck and shoulder. "Someday." (A/N You know what I'm suggesting by that right?).
He then turned and she watched him as he left. All she could do was watch him go. Her voice was gone and tears silently fell from her eyes. Her knees became weak and she slumped down to the ground. "Sesshoumaru," was all she could choke out before grief overtook her and she sat there with tears overspilling from her eyes.
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*End of flashback*
And now here sat Ayame upon the same hill where she lost him. The same hill, but a different Ayame. Her eyes no longer showed the same warmth within them and she did not smile as much. She stared over the surface of the pond and softly placed her fingers at the exact same spot that he had. 'Someday,' she thought, 'Someday.' The sun started to come up and Ayame then stood and made her way to the village with that word repeating itself over and over in her head, 'Someday.'
Holy cow! I wrote a lot! I wanted to finish the flashback in this chapter, but I guess I didn't realize how much I had to put out in order to finish it. That's ok though, more story for you to read. Watari, you know, the hot headed wolf youkai, he will show up again, along with Inu and the gang. I know that Sesshoumaru leaving Ayame is sad *tear*, but trust me it will get happier again. Well, since your done reading the chapter there's only one thing left to do....review! I'd like to thank Ivan's Kitsune once again for being my first reviewer. Alrighty then until chapter four, see ya!
Disclaimer: *Runs around holding an InuYasha manga over her head* I own InuYasha! I own InuYasha! Well, technically I don't (Rumiko Takahashi owns it *points to the name at the bottom of the cover on the book*), but hey I can dream can't I?
A/N: " " means talking
' ' means thinking
Chapter 3: Goodbyes
Ayame was standing in mid-calf deep water, watching every move of the fish that swam before her. 'Come on just a little closer. There!' With that she thrust her hands into the water and pulled out the fish. Happy with the size of the fish, she headed back to her hut with a smile upon her face. Her smile didn't last for long however, when she was greeted with the cold, angry stare that came from the ocupant of her fouton. 'Uh oh, now whats got him angry?' Slightly smiling at Sesshoumaru she softly inquired, "Is something wrong?" This only caused him to narrow his eyes even farther and to arrogantly reply, "What gave you the right to remove my garments?" This calmed her down some because she felt she had a rather god reason for doing it. "Well, your clothes were soaked in blood and I needed to remove your shirt in order to get good acess to your wound." "That still doesn't explain the removal of my pants." Walking over to a table she placed the fish upon it then washed her hands and turned around to regard him. "Like I said, they were soaked with blood and needed to be cleaned. Relax I didn't see anything, I put the blanket on top of you before removing them."
She then walked over to a shelf on her right and grabbed his pants. Then walking over to him she extended her hand with his pants to him. "Here, I washed them for you. The shirt needs to be sewn though, so I'll fix it for you. I don't have any silk thread though, I'll have to go to a different village to buy it." Sesshoumaru took his pants from her hand and hastily put them on. As he did this, Ayame turned around and went back to the fish that was lying on her table. After preparing and filleting the fish she prepared a fire and started to roast it. After doing this she turned around and regarded Sesshoumaru, who was staring at her. "Can I ask you a question?" A grunt was all that was offered in response. "Okay, I'll take that as a yes. Well.....umm...hmmm... lets see..." "Out with it wench." Scowling at that term that he once again had called her, she finally asked, "How did you get so badly injured? I didn't think anyone could live with an injury like that." Sesshoumaru drew his attention away from her and placed it upon the wall. "That's none of your business." Frowning at his cold response she thought for a moment. 'How to get him to reply. I could threaten him, but with what? Hmmm, actually that's probably not a good idea. Then how can I do it....aha i got it!' Perking up at what she thought up she decided to make a deal with him.
"Okay how about this, you answer my question and then you can ask me one. There has to be something you want to know about me." Sesshoumaru thought this over. There were questions he wanted to ask her, but because of what he would have to say in order to answer her question, it was holding him back. Ayame sat herself onto the floor and sighed. "Alright, how about you can ask me more then one question?" Finally, curiosity overpowering him, Sesshoumaru agreed. "Very well." "Alright, well, start talking!" With his attention still on the wall in front of him, Sesshoumaru began his story and Ayame listened intently. "First I will need to tell you some background information before I can get to the event in which I was injured occured. My half brother, who is a filthy hanyou, aquired my father's fang, Tetsiega, when he died. It is an extremely powerful sword, it can slay 100 demons in one swipe and it should belong to me, but I recieved the Tensiega, a sword that can revive a person who has either died or is on the verge of death. I have been trying to obtain the sword from the hanyou for some time now, but have not been able to. As I said the sword has the ability to eliminate 100 demons in one swipe by using the wind scar. My half brother at first did not know how to use the wind scar. He discovered how to conjure it however and was able to beat me with it before. This leads me to how I became injured. I once again tried to take the sword from him, but was defeated by the wind scar for a second time. (A/N I know the first time he was defeated by it he met Rin right? Well lets assume he tried to take it again and got defeated once more.). That is how I got injured and I was blown away by the force of the wind, and that is how you found me in the forest."
Sesshoumaru focused his attention once again onto Ayame and saw astonishment written all over her face. Meanwhile, Ayame was processing his words in her mind. 'Why does he hate his half brother? Why would he risk his life for a sword, however powerful it may be?' Having more questions that she wanted him to answer pop up in her mind, she took in a deep breath. She was just about to ask him another question when her nose detected the smell of something burning. "Oh no the fish!" Racing over to the fire she picked up the fish that was smoking. "Hehe, oops. Well it's not too burned." Walking back over to Sesshoumaru, she handed him the fish, which he slowly accepted. "So why do you hate your half brother so much and why would you risk everything just for a sword?" "I believe that you said that if I answered your one question that you would answer mine." This caused Ayame to then frown in disappointment, 'Oh yeah, sheesh I was hoping he would have forgotten about that.'
"Fine, what's your question?" Sesshoumaru took a few moments to ponder over what question he wanted her to answer first. "Why exactly do you live so close to a human village? Most demons can't stand the smell of them and would prefer to live long distances away from them. So why do you willingly stay in close proximity?" "I'm obligated to. I protect the village from any harm that might befall onto them by demons." Perplexed at her answer, Sesshoumaru prodded some more. "Why do you protect that filth?" "They aren't filth, and I protect them because most of the people's ancestors that used to live in that village, helped me when I was little." Sesshoumaru noticed that her face once again took on a sad look, but he still had questions he wanted answered, so he kept on asking. "How did they help you?" "Can we please talk about something else? I don't enjoy remembering that time in my past." "We made a deal, you have to answer my questions." "And if I refuse?" "Then the consequences could be great." With a sigh she then began to tell him her story, while he got to sit back, eat, and listen. (A/N Sorry, but I"m not going to put in the story of her past in this chapter. Don't worry though you'll find out sooner or later.)
After hearing her story Sesshoumaru was shocked, even though as usual his stoic mask was in place. 'Could it really be her? But I thought that she...no it can't be, it just must be a coincidence.' (A/N I know I'm evil leaving you hanging ^-^). The sun had now set and the fire was growing fainter, but Sesshoumaru could still see Ayame's face perfectly. Her eyes were glistening with unshed tears and her head was drooping. He felt a pang of guilt for making her remember such a horrible experience. She blinked and the tears that were briming on her eyelashes finally slid down her cheeks. "I'm sorry," she whispered, "I thought that I had gotten over this and I promised myself that I wouldn't cry about it anymore." Sesshoumaru got off of the fouton and moved over towards her. He wiped her tears away with his thumb. Suddenly he wanted to see her smile again, he didn't want to see her crying anymore. 'Why do I care if she is sad or not? I don't really know her all that well, so why do I feel as if I must comfort her?'
Ayame looked up into Sesshoumaru's eyes, confused at his actions. "What are you doing?" "I think it would be obvious that I'm comforting you." "Oh....thank you, but you shouldn't be out of bed though, your wound is not fully healed." Nodding his head, Sesshoumaru walked back to the fouton and sat down. He felt more relieved now that he was away from her. His thoughts and actions were confusing him and being next to her, smelling the sweet scent of lavender that was radiating off of her was driving him crazy. He then watched her stand and tend to the fire. She added a few more logs and the hut then lit up. Ayame walked over to the corner of the hut and spread out an extra fouton and blanket. Crawling under the blanket she layed down and faced away from Sesshoumaru. "Goodnight Sesshoumaru," were her last words that evening.
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*The next morning*
When Sesshoumaru awoke he noticed that Ayame was nowhere to be seen. Her fouton was rolled up in the corner, and there was some food and a note next to his. Picking up the note he read it.
Sesshoumaru,
Went to get some silk thread for your shirt. Be back in a few hours. Make yourself at home.
-Ayame
He picked up the dish of rice next to his fouton and ate it. After finishing he was once again left with his thoughts about what had happened the night before. 'There is something about her that intrigues me. Maybe it's because she shows no fear towards me or because we both share something in common, the fact that we have lost ones that we love. (A/N There is somewhat of a hint for ya, the fact that she has lost someone or someones).' Thinking that since Ayame would not be returning for awhile, he would get up and move about. His wound was healed enough that he could move around and not risk reopening it. Sesshoumaru walked outside into the sunshine and inhaled the fresh air deeply. He lowly growled though when he caught the faint smell of humans within it. Then walking over to the nearby river, he sat down on the ground and stared out over the water, thinking to himself.
He had been sitting there for an hour when he heard a twig snap from behind him. At first he thought it was Ayame, but when he sniffed the air, he found that it did not smell of lavender but of pine. Quickly standing and turning around, he was able to dodge the swipe that came from the attacker that was now behind him. Once again he dodged the swipe, but this time he attacked back and his hit was a success. The attacker hit the ground then stood up and faced Sesshoumaru. It was a male wolf youkai. He had short black hair (A/N About the shortness of Miroku's) that stuck out in spikes for his bangs. He also had brown eyes and a dark green diamond in the middle of his forehead which was accented with green stripes on his cheeks and wrists.
"Who the hell are you and what are you doing around here?" The wolf youkai barked out angrily. "I could ask the same question to you." Replied Sesshoumaru as calmly as ever. "Why you stupid mutt! Why are you at Ayame's hut? Where is she? What have you done with her?" Sesshoumare narrowed his eyes at the wolf, 'How does he know Ayame?' A feeling of protectiveness washed over him at the thought that Ayame might have a relationship with this youkai. 'Wait, why do I care if she is seeing this youkai or not?' He was interrupted form his thoughts, however, when the wolf youkai once again demanded that he know where Ayame was. "Why do you care where she is?" "You bastard what have you done with her!?" With this the wolf youkai was about to rush at Sesshoumaru and attack once more when a voice called out.
"Watari! What do you think you are doing?" Ayame was standing a few feet away from Sesshoumaru and was staring intently at Watari. "Well, what do you think you were doing?" "I...uh...thought that this mutt over here," he pointed to Sesshoumaru who in response growled, "had done something to you. So who is he anyways?" Ayame looked from Sesshoumaru to Watari and noticed that there was blood on Sesshoumaru's claws and that Watari had a cut along his shoulder. "This is Sesshoumaru, I am taking care of him until he is well again, and since he is my guest I would appreciate it if you wouldn't call him names or attack him. He deserves to be treated with respect." Watari stared at Ayame confused, she had never stood up for a demon before. Something was different about her, he could see it in her eyes when she looked at him and this made him angry. She was his and no one would take her away from him."Well what about him, he attacked me also, see." He pointed to the cut on his arm. "Most likely in self defense."
Watari had had enough of this, he turned around and was about to leave when she spoke to him, "Was there something you wanted?" He turned his head and looked over his shoulder at her. Then looking over at Sesshoumaru and narrowing his eyes he replied, "No it's nothing. Bye." With that said he took off into the forest. Ayame only stared at the spot Watari was just at, "Well that was strange." She then drew her attention to Sesshoumaru, "Sorry about that Watari can be a little hot headed sometimes. He didn't hurt you did he?" Sesshoumaru looked over to Ayame and smirked, "Of course not. He is a weak and lowly demon, he had no chance." Ayame rolled her eyes, "Be that as it may, that weak and lowly demon happens to be a friend of mine, so please don't kill him. By the way I got some thread so I should have your shirt fixed in no time." She smiled at him and Sesshoumaru couldn't help but feel a little warm inside. She then went inside of her hut and came back out with his shirt. Then sitting down next to the river she began to sew it back together. Sesshoumaru also sat down and the two spent the rest of the day in one another's company. When night came Sesshoumaru was wearing his newly sewn shirt and Ayame was fixing dinner, with a closer eye this time. They ate and then settled down to sleep. "Goodnight Sesshoumaru," were once again the last words uttered that night.
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*The next morning*
Sesshoumaru once again awoke to an empty hut. There was food by his fouton, but this time there was no note. He ate the bowl of rice, then stood and went outside. He spotted Ayame next to a tree by the river, hanging some sheets and clothes to dry. "It seem that you are an early riser." Ayame turned around and flashed him one of her warming smiles. "Well I have to be in order to be able to protect the village. Which reminds me. I have to patrol the area and take care of a few things in the village today, so you will be here by yourself for most of the day. Also, how is your wound coming along? It should be healed by now." "It is." "Good, then you don't have to stay around here all day, you can walk around, but please refrain from going into the village. I don't want there to be a commotion." She finished hanging the laundry and turned to Sesshoumaru. He nodded his head in compliance which earned him another smile from Ayame. "Thank you. I guess I'll see you later then, bye." That said, she began to walk down the path leading to the village.
It had been a few hours since Sesshoumaru had last talked with Ayame. He had walked for awhile and found a hill that overlooked a pond with a field of flowers next to it. He had been sitting there thinking. 'Since I am now healed I will be leaving. However, I find that when I am not with Ayame, she is constantly on my mind. This could prove to be a prolem with my work. I suppose I will just have to ask her.' While Sesshoumaru was off in dream land, Ayame was busy in the village. She had explained to everyone in the village that the cause of her absense was because she was taking care of an ill friend. Everyone in the village accepted her reason and so she went about the village helping out where she could. At around noon she sensed that a demon was nearby. It wasn't Sesshoumaru or Watari, so she went to go investigate. While heading through the forest towards the demon her thoughts once again strayed to the silver haired demon. She found herself constantly thinking about him and honestly it didn't bother her.
She came upon the demon at a clearing in the forest. It was a snake youkai, a weak one at that. She attacked it and had the upperhand in the fight. With Sesshoumaru on her mind, though, she was not paying close attention and the snake youkai bit her on her shoulder and injected its poison within her. This angered Ayame greatly and she swung her claws at the youkai and cut its neck. It fell to the ground dead with a wet thud. Looking over her arm, she decided that the injury could have been worse and because of her vast knowledge in healing, she could easily make an antidote. She raced off towards her hut trying to keep her heartbeat slow though, so as not to quicken the spread of the poison. Upon arriving she noticed that Sesshoumaru wasn't around. She was slightly disappointed, but went inside and gathered the herbs she needed, a pot for water, and a cloth for cleaning.
Walking over to the river, she filled the pot with water and sat down with her legs out in front of her. She then undid the the ties on her dress (A/N The black form-fitting one) and let it drop down to her waist. (A/N Shes not nude, she has breast wrappings on). She ground the herbs up with water and then dunked the cloth into the water. She was about to wash the wound when she was startled by a familiar voice. "What happened, who hurt you?" It was Sesshoumaru, he had smelled her blood and had gone into his protective mood. "It's nothing, it was just a snake youkai, it's dead though. Besides, the wound isn't that bad. It's just the poison we have to worry about." "It poisoned you?" Ayame nodded her head and quickly added, "It's okay though, I have the antidote, see." She gestured to the herbal paste
Without a word Sesshoumaru took the cloth from Ayame's hand and began to clean her wound. Finding herself once again confused by his actions she asked, "Sesshoumaru, what are you doing?" "You helped me heal, so shall I help you." Ayame smiled at him and nodded her head. "Thank you." As he finished cleaning the wound she handed him the paste and he spread it over the wound. "When will it take affect." "In a few minutes. It has a side- effect though." "And What's that?" "Extreme drowsiness. I should fall asleep soon. It doesn't last long though, at the most ten minutes." He could tell it was already taking affect because her eyelids were drooping and she began to yawn. "I think it's working now, see you in ten minutes." She then gave one last yawn and layed down on the soft grass.
Sesshoumaru took this opportunity to fully admire her beauty. He traced her jaw with a clawed finger, then down her neck and arm. He noticed how the sunlight danced off of her creamy skin and shone brillantly in her hair. 'Truly, if I were stay away from her, I would be driven mad with the thought of her.' He then leaned over and burried his nose in her hair. Inhaling deeply, he reveled in the intoxicating smell. He then raised his head and simply scanned her body with his eyes. He wanted to be the first thing she saw when she awoke. He patiently waited for her to open her crystal blue eyes, to wake from her slumber and was finally granted it when he heard her breathing and heartbeat quicken. Ayame fluttered open her eyes, only to be greeted with a set of amber ones. "Uh....hi....is something wrong?" Shaking his head no, Sesshoumaru moved out the way so she could sit up. 'Well that was odd. Him being that close to me actually made me nervous and my stomch get tied in a knot.'
She sat up and retied her dress. Then standing she stretched. "Nothing like a nap." She turned to Sesshoumaru and smiled. "I have to get back to the village. I'll be back a little before sunsset." He nodded his head and she turned around and headed back to town. 'I'll ask her tonight at the hill I found earlier.' Sunset came around and sure enough Ayame was back. She was very tired, between killing a demon, helping the farmers in the field, and most of all watching over some of the children in the village, it was a wonder she had any strength left. Walking up to her hut she found Sesshoumaru waiting for her outside. "We need to talk," was all he said before he took her arm and lead her towards the hill. "Can't this wait Sesshoumaru? All I want to do right now is sleep." "No it can't wait." Deciding that she was walking too slow, he picked her up bridal style and ran to the hill. He was there within a few minutes and he placed her upon her feet.
Ayame was speechless. It was beautiful. The moon reflected off of the pond's water and there were numerous fireflies flying about the flowers. "Ayame" She was brought out of her stupor by his voice. She turned her attention to Sesshoumaru and waited for him to continue. "As you know I am healed now and I must be leaving." Her face became melancholy and she slightly nodded her head. "I would like you to come with me." She looked up into his eyes and it hurt her to see the hopefullness in them and knowing that she would crush that hope when she answered him. Barely above a whisper she began, "Sesshoumaru, as much as I would love to come with you, you know I can't. I have a duty to protect this village and I can't abandon them. I'm sorry." He knew that she most likely would have refused, but he was still hopeful. He could always force her to come, but then she would resent him and frequently try to escape in order to return. He brought his hand up and lifted her chin so her eyes would meet his. He could see the moisture in them. "If that is your choice, then I will go." He let go of her chin, but placed two fingers at the junction between her neck and shoulder. "Someday." (A/N You know what I'm suggesting by that right?).
He then turned and she watched him as he left. All she could do was watch him go. Her voice was gone and tears silently fell from her eyes. Her knees became weak and she slumped down to the ground. "Sesshoumaru," was all she could choke out before grief overtook her and she sat there with tears overspilling from her eyes.
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*End of flashback*
And now here sat Ayame upon the same hill where she lost him. The same hill, but a different Ayame. Her eyes no longer showed the same warmth within them and she did not smile as much. She stared over the surface of the pond and softly placed her fingers at the exact same spot that he had. 'Someday,' she thought, 'Someday.' The sun started to come up and Ayame then stood and made her way to the village with that word repeating itself over and over in her head, 'Someday.'
Holy cow! I wrote a lot! I wanted to finish the flashback in this chapter, but I guess I didn't realize how much I had to put out in order to finish it. That's ok though, more story for you to read. Watari, you know, the hot headed wolf youkai, he will show up again, along with Inu and the gang. I know that Sesshoumaru leaving Ayame is sad *tear*, but trust me it will get happier again. Well, since your done reading the chapter there's only one thing left to do....review! I'd like to thank Ivan's Kitsune once again for being my first reviewer. Alrighty then until chapter four, see ya!