Here I am with chapter seven! Sorry I haven't been updating as quick
as I usually do, but I was having somewhat of a hard time thinking up how I
wanted to type this chapter out. Ayame and Sesshoumaru will meet up in this
chapter. Yay! I know finally. Sorry to say that Naraku will not be killed
in this chapter, but he will be sooner or later. I did put in some bashing
of him in this chapter though ^-^. Now, on to reviewer responses!
leila: Yay I have a new reviewer! I'm glad that you like my story. Don't worry they will meet up in this chappie. Thank you for the compliment! I hope that you will continue to enjoy reading this story! Thanks again!
Disclaimer: *Aries walks into her room with a glass of water and stops in the doorway when she sees Sesshoumaru typing on her computer* "What do you think you are doing Sesshoumaru?!" "I'm making this story better. Ayame needs to meet up with me already for...reasons that are my own." "You pervert! Get off my computer!" *Sesshoumaru gives her an ice cold glare* "Didn't I already tell you that you don't own me so you can't order me around?" *Aries glares back at him* "But I do own the computer you are using so get off!" "No!" "That's it you asked for it!" *Pours her glass of water on top of Sesshoumaru's head. Then realizes what shes done and runs.* *Sesshoumaru races after.* *Aries runs for her life while screaming, "I don't own InuYasha!"*
Chapter Seven: Crimson Reunion
It had been a month since the fateful day the village had burned down and Ayame had joined InuYasha's group. Since then her heart had begun to heal and she had begun to act almost like her old self. Of course she owed her thanks for this mending of her soul, to her newly acquired friends. They helped her get through that tough time and she was comforted with the fact that together they would destroy Naraku. One thing had not changed, however, and of course that would be her dreams. She still would dream of Sesshoumaru and she would still awake every night with the thought of him. But not being able to go to the place where he left her life, she would just lay back down and stay awake the rest of the night, or go off somewhere and sit by herself until the sun rose.
On one such morning Kagome had found Ayame sitting quietly by a small waterfall. Ayame had her eyes closed and seemed almost as if she were asleep. Not wanting to disturb her, Kagome just gathered some water and was leaving when Ayame spoke to her.
"What awakes you this early in the morning Kagome?" She softly inquired.
Kagome turned around and regarded the demoness who now had her eyes open and was staring unblinkingly at her. "I just thought that I would prepare breakfast before InuYasha wakes up and demands to know why I haven't already fixed it."
Nodding her head in understanding, Ayame closed her eyes once more. Kagome was hesitant about leaving. She knew about how every night Ayame would awake a few hours earlier than everyone else and would go off and find a peaceful place to be by herself. What she wanted to know, was why she would awake every night and go off and seclude herself. Striding over towards Ayame she slowly sat down beside her. Ayame opened one of her eyes and peeked over at Kagome.
"Was there something you wanted Kagome?"
Thinking her words over carefully, Kagome asked what was on her mind. "Ayame, every night you awake a few hours before dawn and find a place to seclude yourself from us. Why is that?"
Opening her other eye and turning her full attention to the miko, Ayame answered her. "I have always been an early riser Kagome. I 'seclude' myself from the group when I awake, as you put it, because I merely do not wish to awaken you." Only half of her response was true. Ayame was an early riser, due to her former duties at the village, but she did not leave just because she didn't want to awaken them. That was part of it, but she mainly left because she needed time to think.
Sensing that Ayame's answer wasn't the whole truth, Kagome probed some more. "You are hiding something aren't you?"
"What makes you think that I would hide something?"
"Well for one thing you answered me way too quickly and I have awoken on some occasions and heard you mumbling in your sleep. What do you dream about that would cause this? Does it have to do with the villagers?"
Noticing the worry that was etched upon Kagome's face, Ayame sighed. 'You knew you couldn't hide this forever. You can trust her, so just tell her.' "No Kagome, I do not dream of the villagers."
"Then what do you dream about?"
"My dreams...contain the memories of a man I love, but who left because I was not able to be with him because I was bound to the village."
Her interest sparking, but not wanting to upset Ayame, Kagome added, "Please, if it does not bother you, I would like to know how you met him."
Laughing to herself at the curiosity that was alight in Kagome's eyes, Ayame decided that it would probably do her some good to get this off of her chest. Nodding her head, she began. "Very well, I will tell you of our meeting."
For the next hour Ayame told her tale to the intently listening Kagome. She left out some key parts though. She didn't say what his name was because in doing so Kagome would tell IuYasha and well, she didn't want to think about what would transpire after that. She also left out the description of him just in case Kagome made the connection that the demon she was talking about was Sesshoumaru. When she had finished her story she smiled. She felt as if now she had someone she could talk to about this whenever she wanted. Ayame looked at Kagome's face and laughed. The way Kagomes facial expressions changed from sadness, to surprise, to disbelief, then anger, was entertaining.
Snapping out of her thoughts by the sound of laughter, Kagome turned to Ayame, "What's so funny. How can you be laughing after telling such a sad story? Don't you even miss him?"
Getting her laughter under control, Ayame smiled and answered Kagome's inquery. "Of course I miss him Kagome. That is clearly proven in the fact that he is constantly on my mind and in my dreams. But I am not sad that he is gone, because I know that after we defeat Naraku and I am able to live my life freely, I will see him again. Even if I have to search for years and trek across the highest mountain, go through the most dangerous forests, or face the toughest demons, I will find him."
Kagome smiled at this. "That's so romantic." Sighing to herself she admitted, "I wish I had someone I could do that for."
"But you do have someone Kagome."
Confused at Ayame's words Kagome just simply replied, "Huh?"
"I said you do have someone. Only you don't have to cross mountains and forests to get to him. You only have to walk a few feet back to camp and you've found him"
Understanding where Ayame was going with this, Kagome almost shouted, "What! You don't mean InuYasha do you? No way! I don't love InuYasha." She denied.
Ayame smirked, "I see the way you look at him Kagome and the way you always relax when he is around. I know you love him and denying it won't make it go away."
Huffing in defeat Kagome agreed, "Alright, so I do feel something for him. It's true that I do feel comforted when he is around and sure sometimes I give him dreamy looks, but they are all in vain." At this Kagome's face became sullen.
Not quite understanding what she meant by that, Ayame implored, "What do you mean?"
"You remember when we were all at your hut and I told you the story of how I broke the Shikon jewel and about how I am the reincarnation of a priestess?" At this Ayame nodded her head. "Well the priestess that I am reincarnated from is Kikyo and she and InuYasha loved one another. She was killed , though, but is unable to find rest, so she has become a walking corpse and she feeds off of the souls of dead maidens in order to remain in this world."
"So because she is still somewhat alive, InuYasha still has some feelings for her?" Asked Ayame.
Kagome nodded her head. Ayame smiled and a puzzled look befell Kagome's face. "Well then, I guess we will just have to make him forget about this, Kikyo, and make him realize how much better you are than a walking corpse." Mused Ayame.
Hearing these words of encouragement, Kagome smiled. They were brought out of their conversation though by the loud hollering of InuYasha demanding to know where breakfast was.
"Speak of the devil." Kagome whispered.
Not knowing what that statement meant, Ayame just brushed it away and stood. "Perhaps we should be heading back before we both get lectured."
Agreeing with her, Kagome stood and they both walked back to camp. Upon arriving they were greeted by an unhappy hanyou. "Just where the hell have you been? Why isn't breakfast ready?"
Ayame and Kagome glanced at each other and shared a smile. "And what the hell are you smiling about?" Demanded InuYasha.
"Oh, nothing. Just glad to be greeted with your happy face this morning InuYasha." Spoke Kagome in an innocent sing-song voice. Ayame started laughing at this, which earned her a glare from InuYasha. Kagome then went about making breakfast and for the rest of the morning they all chatted and ate. After finishing breakfast the group packed up and headed out.
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*One week later*
The group had acquired two more jewel shards and were currently heading in the westward direction, following another one. They had also encountered another one of Naraku's puppets, but made quick work of it. Kagome and Ayame had included Sango in their conversation from a week earlier. Ayame told her about her dreams and the man she loves and they also all talked about how thick-headed InuYasha was for not seeing that Kagome was a much better choice than a soul-stealing corpse.
The group was walking through the forest when both InuYasha and Ayame suddenly halted. Sniffing the air InuYasha growled and unsheathed Tetseiga, but Ayame just stared with wide eyes.
'Sess...Sesshoumaru?!' She sniffed the air again and reveled in the smell, but then noticed how stale it smelt. 'He hasn't been here for at least a week.'
The rest of the group, nervous from the sudden stop and growl from InuYasha, made themselves alert in case of an attack. "What is it InuYasha?" Kagome quietly spoke.
"Sesshoumaru. He was here, maybe about a week ago." Resheathing Tetseiga, InuYasha added, "Hopefully he went back to his lands in the west and we won't have to have an encounter with him." The group began walking again and Ayame followed, caught up in her thoughts.
'So he lives in the west. I'll have to remember that. What exactly did InuYasha mean he returned to his lands in the west? Could it be that he is the western lord? It would make sense, after all he did dress rather exspensively and was arrogant enough to pass for a lord.' She sighed to herself, 'At least now I know where to find him.' Was her last thought before the group settled down and made camp for the night.
The next morning the group awoke, ate, and then once again began following the jewel shard that was heading west. As they were walking, Ayame admired how it was going to be a beautiful day. She drew in a deap breath of air, but then was jolted out of her admiration of the morning by what she smelt.
'Why of all times? At least I have a few hours until..*gulp* I go into heat.'
She silently prayed that they would reach a village soon and she could dismiss herself for a few days. At around noon her prayers were answered and they came upon a village. They all gathered around the entrance and scanned it. Deciding that there were no threats here, they would take a break. They walked over to a riverbank and rested. Kagome began cooking lunch and the rest of the group patiently waited. After eating, Ayame cleared her throat and announced that she would be needing to leave for a few days. InuYasha understood why, he had smelled it when they were gathered at the entrance to the village. The other's however did not understand. Kagome had asked her why she needed to go, but Ayame just said that it would be better if she left so as no harm would come to the group and that they shouldn't worry because she would be back in a few days. After everything had been made clear, Ayame said goodbye and left.
She had been making her way south-west for a few hours now, when she decided to stop and take a break. She stretched and was about to sit down against a tree when she sensed it. The jewel shard that they had been hunting, was making it's way towards her at an alarming pace. Readying herself for battle, she awaited its arrival. It finally came out of the forest and she was overcome with rage. It was another of Naraku's puppets. It was dressed in its usual baboon pelt and there was a soft glowing pink comig from wihin it. The power of this puppet was evenly matched with hers, so she knew that she had a chance to win, even if she was by herself.
"Ku ku ku ku ku," came that hideous laughter, "so you are all alone are you? Well that makes it easier for me."
"What is easier for you?" Barked out Ayame.
"The fact that I will kill you and you will not have any help from your little companions."
After he finished saying that, Naraku lunged at Ayame. She dodged, but was too slow and was struck through her left shoulder by one of Naraku's tentacles. Red now bleeding into her eyes, she turned around and slashed at Naraku. She managed to chop off some tentacles, but because of the jewel shard, they were quickly regenerated. Naraku only laughed at this and Ayame in response became even more overwhelmed by her demon side. Not thinking about what she was doing she attacked Naraku. He was able to dodge because her movements were not smooth and under control, thanks to her rage. She struck at him again and he once again dodged, but then he too attacked and a tentacle pierced her side. Ayame hit the ground, breathing rapidly and blood pouring from her wounds.
'Is this how it will end? Am I also going to die at the hands of the one who murdered the innocent people of my village. No, I will not! I must defeat him. I must live so that I can avenge their deaths. I must live so that I can see Sesshoumaru again.' Her mind was then flooded with the thought that she might not see Sesshoumaru again. She pushed her thoughts away and cleared her mind. She needed to be focused. She shakily stood and glared at Naraku.
'Please, give me strength Sesshoumaru.' In a blur Ayame rushed at Naraku and slashed him down the middle. Naraku was shocked, 'How can she move so fast with injuries such as those?' His thoughts were cut short, however, when the body of the puppet disintegrated and a wooden doll and jewel shard fell to the ground. Bending down and picking up the jewel shard, Ayame purified it, then put it in the small bag at her hip. She then took in the state she was in. Her wounds were bleeding profusly and her vision was becoming blurry. She wanted more than anything, to just fall to the ground and rest, but she knew that in doing so, she would never get back up. She didn't want to die, not like this. She needed to do something and quick. Not thinking clearly, she raced off as fast as her legs would take her.
All thoughts were focused on one thing, Sesshoumaru. She didn't want to die without seeing him once more. She needed to tell him how she felt and that she was sorry. So all she did was run. She had been running west for two days now. Her wounds would stop bleeding and clot, but then reopen because of her strenuous physical activity. She sniffed the air for just the smallest sign of his scent, but had no luck. She didn't care, she knew he lived somewhere in the west, so that's where she ran. On the third day of her never-ending run, she finally picked up his scent. Warm tears stung at her eyes and she was filled with hope. She urged her legs, which now felt like two heavy logs, onward.
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*Within Sesshoumaru's home*
Sesshoumaru was in his library going over some scrolls, when there was a knock at the door.
"Come in." Came his smooth reply.
The door slid open and in walked Rin. "Sesshoumaru-sama, Rin wants to go outside and play and pick flowers, but Jaken won't let Rin."
Sesshoumaru peered over the top of the scoll he was reading and noted Rin's face. She was giving him that look again. That look that he always found himself not being able to resist and the one he would always give in to. Sighing he put down the scroll and stood.
"Very well Rin, I will accompany you outside."
Overcome with joy, Rin ran up and embraced Sesshoumaru's leg. Then looking up at him, she gave him a big toothy smile. Then grabbing his hand, she lead him to the garden. Upon entering the garden, Rin ran off and started picking flowers. Sesshoumaru simply stood and watched over her. They had been out there for a half an hour, when a breeze blew by. Sesshoumaru sniffed the air and picked up the scent of blood making its way towards himself and Rin. Making his way towards Rin, he told her to go inside quickly. Knowing what that tone of voice meant, Rin nodded her head in compliance then ran inside. Sesshoumaru waited. It was getting nearer. He sniffed the air again and found another scent that was being overwhelmed with that of the metalic scent of blood, lavenders. Memories of a year ago popped up into his head and he shook them away.
'It couldn't be her. She is miles away, protecting that damn village full of filthy humans.'
Suddenly a figure flew out of the trees and stopped a few yards away from him. Sesshoumaru, even though he didn't show it, was shocked. It was Ayame and she was injured. She was covered in blood and, he noticed, her wounds were still bleeding. He noticed she was gasping for breath and was swaying on her feet. He was about to ask here what she was doing here when, she suddenly began to fall over. He rushed over to her and caught her. She was shaking from exhaustion.
"Sesshoumaru...I'm sorry...I" She barely got out, before succumbing to the darkness of unconsciousness.
Sesshoumaru picked her up bridal style and rushed into his home. (A/N He has both his arms in my story. The other one grew back on its own). He rushed upstairs, barking orders at servants to get things for him, on his way upstairs. Entering a room and gently laying her down on the fouton, he began to remove her blood stained clothes. He briefly recalled that she had done the same thing when he was injured. After removing her garments, (A/N She's not totally nude, she has breast wrapings on and Sesshoumaru placed a blanket over her, from her waist down.) he noticed just how badly her injuries were. Thinking to himself, he knew that she would need a great amount of care to recover from this and also knew that she would be fighting for her life.
Yay! Well, they're back together although I did warn you it wasn't going to be a heart-warming meeting. Never fear though, with the good care of Sesshoumaru she should be feeling better in no time. Keep in mind that Ayame still has the jewel shard. That will come into play in later chapters, cause Inu and the gang will follow it to Sesshoumaru's lands. Doh! *Smacks forehead* I gave too much away! Oh well. Anywho, it's review time now! I hope you enjoyed reading this chappie and until the next one...see ya!
~Aries
leila: Yay I have a new reviewer! I'm glad that you like my story. Don't worry they will meet up in this chappie. Thank you for the compliment! I hope that you will continue to enjoy reading this story! Thanks again!
Disclaimer: *Aries walks into her room with a glass of water and stops in the doorway when she sees Sesshoumaru typing on her computer* "What do you think you are doing Sesshoumaru?!" "I'm making this story better. Ayame needs to meet up with me already for...reasons that are my own." "You pervert! Get off my computer!" *Sesshoumaru gives her an ice cold glare* "Didn't I already tell you that you don't own me so you can't order me around?" *Aries glares back at him* "But I do own the computer you are using so get off!" "No!" "That's it you asked for it!" *Pours her glass of water on top of Sesshoumaru's head. Then realizes what shes done and runs.* *Sesshoumaru races after.* *Aries runs for her life while screaming, "I don't own InuYasha!"*
Chapter Seven: Crimson Reunion
It had been a month since the fateful day the village had burned down and Ayame had joined InuYasha's group. Since then her heart had begun to heal and she had begun to act almost like her old self. Of course she owed her thanks for this mending of her soul, to her newly acquired friends. They helped her get through that tough time and she was comforted with the fact that together they would destroy Naraku. One thing had not changed, however, and of course that would be her dreams. She still would dream of Sesshoumaru and she would still awake every night with the thought of him. But not being able to go to the place where he left her life, she would just lay back down and stay awake the rest of the night, or go off somewhere and sit by herself until the sun rose.
On one such morning Kagome had found Ayame sitting quietly by a small waterfall. Ayame had her eyes closed and seemed almost as if she were asleep. Not wanting to disturb her, Kagome just gathered some water and was leaving when Ayame spoke to her.
"What awakes you this early in the morning Kagome?" She softly inquired.
Kagome turned around and regarded the demoness who now had her eyes open and was staring unblinkingly at her. "I just thought that I would prepare breakfast before InuYasha wakes up and demands to know why I haven't already fixed it."
Nodding her head in understanding, Ayame closed her eyes once more. Kagome was hesitant about leaving. She knew about how every night Ayame would awake a few hours earlier than everyone else and would go off and find a peaceful place to be by herself. What she wanted to know, was why she would awake every night and go off and seclude herself. Striding over towards Ayame she slowly sat down beside her. Ayame opened one of her eyes and peeked over at Kagome.
"Was there something you wanted Kagome?"
Thinking her words over carefully, Kagome asked what was on her mind. "Ayame, every night you awake a few hours before dawn and find a place to seclude yourself from us. Why is that?"
Opening her other eye and turning her full attention to the miko, Ayame answered her. "I have always been an early riser Kagome. I 'seclude' myself from the group when I awake, as you put it, because I merely do not wish to awaken you." Only half of her response was true. Ayame was an early riser, due to her former duties at the village, but she did not leave just because she didn't want to awaken them. That was part of it, but she mainly left because she needed time to think.
Sensing that Ayame's answer wasn't the whole truth, Kagome probed some more. "You are hiding something aren't you?"
"What makes you think that I would hide something?"
"Well for one thing you answered me way too quickly and I have awoken on some occasions and heard you mumbling in your sleep. What do you dream about that would cause this? Does it have to do with the villagers?"
Noticing the worry that was etched upon Kagome's face, Ayame sighed. 'You knew you couldn't hide this forever. You can trust her, so just tell her.' "No Kagome, I do not dream of the villagers."
"Then what do you dream about?"
"My dreams...contain the memories of a man I love, but who left because I was not able to be with him because I was bound to the village."
Her interest sparking, but not wanting to upset Ayame, Kagome added, "Please, if it does not bother you, I would like to know how you met him."
Laughing to herself at the curiosity that was alight in Kagome's eyes, Ayame decided that it would probably do her some good to get this off of her chest. Nodding her head, she began. "Very well, I will tell you of our meeting."
For the next hour Ayame told her tale to the intently listening Kagome. She left out some key parts though. She didn't say what his name was because in doing so Kagome would tell IuYasha and well, she didn't want to think about what would transpire after that. She also left out the description of him just in case Kagome made the connection that the demon she was talking about was Sesshoumaru. When she had finished her story she smiled. She felt as if now she had someone she could talk to about this whenever she wanted. Ayame looked at Kagome's face and laughed. The way Kagomes facial expressions changed from sadness, to surprise, to disbelief, then anger, was entertaining.
Snapping out of her thoughts by the sound of laughter, Kagome turned to Ayame, "What's so funny. How can you be laughing after telling such a sad story? Don't you even miss him?"
Getting her laughter under control, Ayame smiled and answered Kagome's inquery. "Of course I miss him Kagome. That is clearly proven in the fact that he is constantly on my mind and in my dreams. But I am not sad that he is gone, because I know that after we defeat Naraku and I am able to live my life freely, I will see him again. Even if I have to search for years and trek across the highest mountain, go through the most dangerous forests, or face the toughest demons, I will find him."
Kagome smiled at this. "That's so romantic." Sighing to herself she admitted, "I wish I had someone I could do that for."
"But you do have someone Kagome."
Confused at Ayame's words Kagome just simply replied, "Huh?"
"I said you do have someone. Only you don't have to cross mountains and forests to get to him. You only have to walk a few feet back to camp and you've found him"
Understanding where Ayame was going with this, Kagome almost shouted, "What! You don't mean InuYasha do you? No way! I don't love InuYasha." She denied.
Ayame smirked, "I see the way you look at him Kagome and the way you always relax when he is around. I know you love him and denying it won't make it go away."
Huffing in defeat Kagome agreed, "Alright, so I do feel something for him. It's true that I do feel comforted when he is around and sure sometimes I give him dreamy looks, but they are all in vain." At this Kagome's face became sullen.
Not quite understanding what she meant by that, Ayame implored, "What do you mean?"
"You remember when we were all at your hut and I told you the story of how I broke the Shikon jewel and about how I am the reincarnation of a priestess?" At this Ayame nodded her head. "Well the priestess that I am reincarnated from is Kikyo and she and InuYasha loved one another. She was killed , though, but is unable to find rest, so she has become a walking corpse and she feeds off of the souls of dead maidens in order to remain in this world."
"So because she is still somewhat alive, InuYasha still has some feelings for her?" Asked Ayame.
Kagome nodded her head. Ayame smiled and a puzzled look befell Kagome's face. "Well then, I guess we will just have to make him forget about this, Kikyo, and make him realize how much better you are than a walking corpse." Mused Ayame.
Hearing these words of encouragement, Kagome smiled. They were brought out of their conversation though by the loud hollering of InuYasha demanding to know where breakfast was.
"Speak of the devil." Kagome whispered.
Not knowing what that statement meant, Ayame just brushed it away and stood. "Perhaps we should be heading back before we both get lectured."
Agreeing with her, Kagome stood and they both walked back to camp. Upon arriving they were greeted by an unhappy hanyou. "Just where the hell have you been? Why isn't breakfast ready?"
Ayame and Kagome glanced at each other and shared a smile. "And what the hell are you smiling about?" Demanded InuYasha.
"Oh, nothing. Just glad to be greeted with your happy face this morning InuYasha." Spoke Kagome in an innocent sing-song voice. Ayame started laughing at this, which earned her a glare from InuYasha. Kagome then went about making breakfast and for the rest of the morning they all chatted and ate. After finishing breakfast the group packed up and headed out.
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*One week later*
The group had acquired two more jewel shards and were currently heading in the westward direction, following another one. They had also encountered another one of Naraku's puppets, but made quick work of it. Kagome and Ayame had included Sango in their conversation from a week earlier. Ayame told her about her dreams and the man she loves and they also all talked about how thick-headed InuYasha was for not seeing that Kagome was a much better choice than a soul-stealing corpse.
The group was walking through the forest when both InuYasha and Ayame suddenly halted. Sniffing the air InuYasha growled and unsheathed Tetseiga, but Ayame just stared with wide eyes.
'Sess...Sesshoumaru?!' She sniffed the air again and reveled in the smell, but then noticed how stale it smelt. 'He hasn't been here for at least a week.'
The rest of the group, nervous from the sudden stop and growl from InuYasha, made themselves alert in case of an attack. "What is it InuYasha?" Kagome quietly spoke.
"Sesshoumaru. He was here, maybe about a week ago." Resheathing Tetseiga, InuYasha added, "Hopefully he went back to his lands in the west and we won't have to have an encounter with him." The group began walking again and Ayame followed, caught up in her thoughts.
'So he lives in the west. I'll have to remember that. What exactly did InuYasha mean he returned to his lands in the west? Could it be that he is the western lord? It would make sense, after all he did dress rather exspensively and was arrogant enough to pass for a lord.' She sighed to herself, 'At least now I know where to find him.' Was her last thought before the group settled down and made camp for the night.
The next morning the group awoke, ate, and then once again began following the jewel shard that was heading west. As they were walking, Ayame admired how it was going to be a beautiful day. She drew in a deap breath of air, but then was jolted out of her admiration of the morning by what she smelt.
'Why of all times? At least I have a few hours until..*gulp* I go into heat.'
She silently prayed that they would reach a village soon and she could dismiss herself for a few days. At around noon her prayers were answered and they came upon a village. They all gathered around the entrance and scanned it. Deciding that there were no threats here, they would take a break. They walked over to a riverbank and rested. Kagome began cooking lunch and the rest of the group patiently waited. After eating, Ayame cleared her throat and announced that she would be needing to leave for a few days. InuYasha understood why, he had smelled it when they were gathered at the entrance to the village. The other's however did not understand. Kagome had asked her why she needed to go, but Ayame just said that it would be better if she left so as no harm would come to the group and that they shouldn't worry because she would be back in a few days. After everything had been made clear, Ayame said goodbye and left.
She had been making her way south-west for a few hours now, when she decided to stop and take a break. She stretched and was about to sit down against a tree when she sensed it. The jewel shard that they had been hunting, was making it's way towards her at an alarming pace. Readying herself for battle, she awaited its arrival. It finally came out of the forest and she was overcome with rage. It was another of Naraku's puppets. It was dressed in its usual baboon pelt and there was a soft glowing pink comig from wihin it. The power of this puppet was evenly matched with hers, so she knew that she had a chance to win, even if she was by herself.
"Ku ku ku ku ku," came that hideous laughter, "so you are all alone are you? Well that makes it easier for me."
"What is easier for you?" Barked out Ayame.
"The fact that I will kill you and you will not have any help from your little companions."
After he finished saying that, Naraku lunged at Ayame. She dodged, but was too slow and was struck through her left shoulder by one of Naraku's tentacles. Red now bleeding into her eyes, she turned around and slashed at Naraku. She managed to chop off some tentacles, but because of the jewel shard, they were quickly regenerated. Naraku only laughed at this and Ayame in response became even more overwhelmed by her demon side. Not thinking about what she was doing she attacked Naraku. He was able to dodge because her movements were not smooth and under control, thanks to her rage. She struck at him again and he once again dodged, but then he too attacked and a tentacle pierced her side. Ayame hit the ground, breathing rapidly and blood pouring from her wounds.
'Is this how it will end? Am I also going to die at the hands of the one who murdered the innocent people of my village. No, I will not! I must defeat him. I must live so that I can avenge their deaths. I must live so that I can see Sesshoumaru again.' Her mind was then flooded with the thought that she might not see Sesshoumaru again. She pushed her thoughts away and cleared her mind. She needed to be focused. She shakily stood and glared at Naraku.
'Please, give me strength Sesshoumaru.' In a blur Ayame rushed at Naraku and slashed him down the middle. Naraku was shocked, 'How can she move so fast with injuries such as those?' His thoughts were cut short, however, when the body of the puppet disintegrated and a wooden doll and jewel shard fell to the ground. Bending down and picking up the jewel shard, Ayame purified it, then put it in the small bag at her hip. She then took in the state she was in. Her wounds were bleeding profusly and her vision was becoming blurry. She wanted more than anything, to just fall to the ground and rest, but she knew that in doing so, she would never get back up. She didn't want to die, not like this. She needed to do something and quick. Not thinking clearly, she raced off as fast as her legs would take her.
All thoughts were focused on one thing, Sesshoumaru. She didn't want to die without seeing him once more. She needed to tell him how she felt and that she was sorry. So all she did was run. She had been running west for two days now. Her wounds would stop bleeding and clot, but then reopen because of her strenuous physical activity. She sniffed the air for just the smallest sign of his scent, but had no luck. She didn't care, she knew he lived somewhere in the west, so that's where she ran. On the third day of her never-ending run, she finally picked up his scent. Warm tears stung at her eyes and she was filled with hope. She urged her legs, which now felt like two heavy logs, onward.
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*Within Sesshoumaru's home*
Sesshoumaru was in his library going over some scrolls, when there was a knock at the door.
"Come in." Came his smooth reply.
The door slid open and in walked Rin. "Sesshoumaru-sama, Rin wants to go outside and play and pick flowers, but Jaken won't let Rin."
Sesshoumaru peered over the top of the scoll he was reading and noted Rin's face. She was giving him that look again. That look that he always found himself not being able to resist and the one he would always give in to. Sighing he put down the scroll and stood.
"Very well Rin, I will accompany you outside."
Overcome with joy, Rin ran up and embraced Sesshoumaru's leg. Then looking up at him, she gave him a big toothy smile. Then grabbing his hand, she lead him to the garden. Upon entering the garden, Rin ran off and started picking flowers. Sesshoumaru simply stood and watched over her. They had been out there for a half an hour, when a breeze blew by. Sesshoumaru sniffed the air and picked up the scent of blood making its way towards himself and Rin. Making his way towards Rin, he told her to go inside quickly. Knowing what that tone of voice meant, Rin nodded her head in compliance then ran inside. Sesshoumaru waited. It was getting nearer. He sniffed the air again and found another scent that was being overwhelmed with that of the metalic scent of blood, lavenders. Memories of a year ago popped up into his head and he shook them away.
'It couldn't be her. She is miles away, protecting that damn village full of filthy humans.'
Suddenly a figure flew out of the trees and stopped a few yards away from him. Sesshoumaru, even though he didn't show it, was shocked. It was Ayame and she was injured. She was covered in blood and, he noticed, her wounds were still bleeding. He noticed she was gasping for breath and was swaying on her feet. He was about to ask here what she was doing here when, she suddenly began to fall over. He rushed over to her and caught her. She was shaking from exhaustion.
"Sesshoumaru...I'm sorry...I" She barely got out, before succumbing to the darkness of unconsciousness.
Sesshoumaru picked her up bridal style and rushed into his home. (A/N He has both his arms in my story. The other one grew back on its own). He rushed upstairs, barking orders at servants to get things for him, on his way upstairs. Entering a room and gently laying her down on the fouton, he began to remove her blood stained clothes. He briefly recalled that she had done the same thing when he was injured. After removing her garments, (A/N She's not totally nude, she has breast wrapings on and Sesshoumaru placed a blanket over her, from her waist down.) he noticed just how badly her injuries were. Thinking to himself, he knew that she would need a great amount of care to recover from this and also knew that she would be fighting for her life.
Yay! Well, they're back together although I did warn you it wasn't going to be a heart-warming meeting. Never fear though, with the good care of Sesshoumaru she should be feeling better in no time. Keep in mind that Ayame still has the jewel shard. That will come into play in later chapters, cause Inu and the gang will follow it to Sesshoumaru's lands. Doh! *Smacks forehead* I gave too much away! Oh well. Anywho, it's review time now! I hope you enjoyed reading this chappie and until the next one...see ya!
~Aries