Journey Anew
Chapter 04 : And So The Storm Begins
Author's Note: Hi everyone. Been awhile yes? Well, I've had some things to take care of and… I've been busy. : ) But I'm back for now with this new chapter. I hope everyone enjoys it! And thanks for all the wonderful reviews! And to all of those who asked me not to give up! Thank you so much!
Warnings: Um… nothing… a little fighting and profanity.
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.
page break
"Look at those storm clouds." Kouga pointed to the sky before them. "They're heading right for us."
"It is about to rain." Sesshomaru said.
Kouga glanced at him, "No shi-"
At that moment, the clouds released the downpour of rain. Kouga blinked and closed his mouth, "You didn't say literally."
Sesshomaru sniffed, "Your nose should have told you that."
"So you can smell when its going to rain?" Sango asked and grinned, "That's pretty handy for travelers."
A proud smile crossed Jaken's face, for he had found a opportunity to compliment Lord Sesshomaru, "Ah yes, Sesshomaru-sama is very talented and competent. He always knows when there is a change in the weather."
Rin giggled, "Can we walk for a little longer Sesshomaru-sama? The rains not too bad and I want to play!"
"We will have to, Rin." Sesshomaru informed the child, glancing down at her wide, cheerful eyes. "We'll head to the ravine and search for a cave. The rain will get worse in time." And with that, he began walking once more.
It took them ten minutes to find a suitable cover. Once inside, Sango and Kouga took a seat beside each other, propping their backs against the wall. Sesshomaru sat on a large rock, facing the entrance of the cave. Jaken was berating Rin, as she splashed in the small puddle of water.
"You're getting yourself all muddy and wet, Rin!" Jaken scolded, "We will have to wait and clean your human clothes before continuing on our journey!"
"Speaking of our journey…" Kouga said slowly, "Where is it exactly that we're heading for?"
Sango shrugged and turned her eyes to Sesshomaru's back. Kouga did the same.
Sesshomaru opened his eyes, feeling their stares like needles, "My business is my own."
Kouga continued to stare at Sesshomaru for all of a minute, before placing his cheek in his hand, "That's all your going to tell us? Don't we have a right to know where we're going?"
"I did not ask for your company." Sesshomaru replied, "You are here on your own free will. Leave if you like."
Kouga snorted and crossed his arms and turned to Sango, "You ask him. He might tell you."
Sesshomaru turned slightly and looked directly at them. Sango blinked, "Well. I don't mind not knowing. Its not like I have anywhere else to go or any pressing matter…" She paused and smiled cynically for a moment, then she continued, "So… for now, I am content enough in walking the countryside."
"Well what about revenge Sango?" Kouga asked suddenly, "That bitch Kagura is still alive, I know it."
Rin and Jaken both looked at Kouga. Rin blinked, "You mean that pretty lady with the big feather?"
Kouga snorted, "That's one way to describe that witch." He had refrained from anymore profanities, remembering the moment Rin said something that there was a child in hearing range.
"I wanted Naraku…" Sango said slowly, "And Kagura would be a poor substitute. And… who knows if she even is really still alive… the wounds that appeared on her body… they were terrible… I doubt she survived."
Kouga was silent and then he closed his eyes, "Well I'm taking a nap."
Sango nodded, "Oh. Okay."
Sesshomaru sniffed and looked away from them. So the wolf wanted the sorceress did he? So now he knew a little more. Sesshomaru did not agree with Sango, however. Kagura was still alive. Sesshomaru knew this just as he knew that Inuyasha was still alive or when he had known of his mother's death, though he had been miles away. The explanation was not clear to him why he knew these things, but he had a feeling that it was the connection between himself and his sword, Tenseiga. The sword of life. If he ever wondered about the well-being of another (which he did rarely), he would know instinctively that they were alive somewhere. And he could feel Kagura's life force.
Tenseiga. What a puzzling sword. Why he was its master was even more puzzling, but Sesshomaru had stopped wondering and cursing that and accepted it as fact. Tenseiga, the sword of life, belonged to him. But it was unlike its sister sword. Sometimes it seemed that Tenseiga had its own agenda, one that Sesshomaru was not aware of. Puzzling indeed.
"Sesshomaru-sama?"
Sesshomaru opened his eyes and refrained from blinking, not showing the fact that he had been snuck up on, "What?"
"Although I'm content in just walking," Sango began, "I would like to know if we're going to be heading to a place where combat will be necessary… if so, I'd like to get a weapon… maybe a sword from the next village we pass? I've got money left from that man you… scared and-"
"That will be enough. Yes, you may buy yourself a weapon." Sesshomaru said, cutting her off. "You will mostly likely need it."
"Ah." Sango said, "Inform us when we get closer to danger please… I don't want to be caught off guard…"
"I will do that." Sesshomaru said and then he shut his eyes, "Is that all?"
"Well…" Sango began, "Never mind… yes, that's all."
He ignored her and she walked off and sat down once more. Rin eventually stopped torturing Jaken and curled up to sleep beside Sango and Kouga. Jaken went and stood faithfully beside Sesshomaru, to await the end of the storm.
page break
Severus peered at the cave from atop the opposite cliff side. His long hair billowed in the winds and he placed a westernized hat onto his head, "Looks like my friends don't like getting dirty." He spoke aloud.
He could see Sesshomaru, sitting alone and reminding Severus of a stone statue. It would be pleasant to see Sesshomaru again, although killing him wasn't the best of affairs for a nice reunion. Too bad they had never been able to have one before this mess. But it couldn't be helped. The dog youkai would have to die. And all of those accompanying him too.
"If only you had been reasonable and just done what they wanted…'" Severus berated Sesshomaru, clicking his tongue, "I hate killing people I actually like."
Oh well, it couldn't be helped. Severus's nails extended and slashed through the air, a powerful wave of energy slammed into the cave. That should get his attention, Severus smirked.
And it did. Sesshomaru broke from the rubble, shooting forward like a streak of white. Severus stepped back as the dog landed before him.
"You." Sesshomaru glared, "I knew you would come, but I didn't think it be so early."
"Well, I was pretty ready to get this one done with," Severus smiled calmly and then shrugged, "And I was anxious to see you again Sesshomaru. I must say, you're looking well."
"Stop it. Do not act foolish when you've come here to kill me. I hate nonsense." Sesshomaru spat and then unsheathed tokijin. "Shall I kill you now?"
"Ah, but that's what I should be asking you!" Severus laughed and jumped back once more. He unsheathed his own sword and extended only the nails on his left hand. "You may not believe me Sesshomaru, but I truly dislike the idea of killing you… that's why you should have just done what-"
"I am no one's pawn. I do only what I please." Sesshomaru glared, "I am not apart of your council. My family's dealings ended with my father."
"Well. Seems your mind wont be changed." Severus spoke and then lunged at Sesshomaru, "Be a good one and let me do this quickly. It would be a lot easier on the both of us really and-" He was cut off as he had to dodge Sesshomaru's sword.
Below, in the rubble, Kouga had protected both Sango and Rin, and somehow Jaken had not been harmed… much. The little imp cried pitifully, "Oh, I think my leg is broken! Someone help me get this rock off!"
Kouga came to his rescue, "Here, hold on."
"Not you!" Jaken cried frantically, "You'll probably stand on it and taunt me!"
Kouga moved back in feigned shock, "You dare accuse me of such-"
"Enough games." Sango snapped, removing the rock from the imp's leg, "Sesshomaru's fighting someone. Come on, help me move these boulders so we can see what's going on."
Kouga nodded and went to her side. They cleared a path out and Sango grabbed Rin's hand as they walked out into the ravine, "Up there," Sango indicated. "Who's that man?"
Jaken squinted his eyes, Kouga holding him, "I believe… that's Lord Severus! Scandalous snake! He dare attack Sesshomaru-sama!" The little imp squawked. Kouga frowned.
"Stop moving around or I'll drop you and you can walk by yourself."
"Oh please! Have mercy!" Jaken whined.
"Shut up." Kouga snorted and looked at Sango, "What should we do?"
"Well… I can't imagine Sesshomaru liking the idea of us helping him much… no actually, I think he'd be livid… and probably attack us as well…" Sango paused, "We'll wait and see… if he needs us, then we'll go… but only if he needs us…"
"He's holding up well right now." Kouga pointed out.
"Sesshomaru-sama will win!" Rin grinned.
"How do you know?" Kouga asked her in a teasing voice, "You're so sure."
"Because he always wins!" Rin laughed, "And he can't lose because… well, because we need him."
Sango and Kouga blinked at the girl's smiling face. Neither replied but instead returned their eyes to battle. Sesshomaru and Severus were locked in a sword match, neither gaining on the other.
"Looks like we have an audience!" Severus grinned at Sesshomaru from behind his sword, "Lets greet them!" And with that, he vanished. Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes and shot towards the others.
He got there just as Severus appeared between Kouga and Sango, lifting Rin into his arms. The little girl cried as Severus jumped back, landing onto a fallen boulder above them. He grinned and patted her head, "You're a cute little human."
"Let me go!" Rin cried, "Sesshomaru-sama!" Her voice was cut off as Severus's nails touched her throat.
Sesshomaru clenched his sword tighter, but none noticed his subtle movements. He stared up at Severus and Rin, "So you've stooped to such levels."
"Don't worry Sesshomaru, I wont eat her." Severus said calmly and then grinned, "Yet anyway. Human children are easy to digest though."
Sango moved forward then, "Release her you monster!"
Severus looked at Sango, "You're the taijiya I was informed about? Hmm. I didn't expect such a desirable woman in that trade… well, looks can be deceiving, right?" He looked amused, "Perhaps I should have captured you…"
Sango looked disgusted, "Go to hell! Let Rin go, you coward! Capturing a child!"
"Sickening." Kouga spat.
Severus laughed, "Yes yes, I know, I know." He then composed himself and looked at Sesshomaru, "Hand over the sword, Sesshomaru. And you can have the brat back."
"Sword?" Sango blinked and looked at Sesshomaru.
"Taking the sword would be futile." Sesshomaru replied, "Tenseiga will only obey my spiritual aurora."
"Well. You're not one to lie." Severus frowned, "That poses quite a problem huh? So you're telling me I can't just simply kill you… because the sword will be useless then?"
"That is what I'm telling you." Sesshomaru said, "Return Rin, Severus. She is of no consequence."
"That's not entirely true. Go where you know you must to get her back, Sesshomaru. We'll be waiting." And with that, Severus vanished with Rin in his arms.
Sango clenched her fist, "Why didn't you stop-"
"Had I advanced, he would have killed her." Sesshomaru said, "And then he would have retreated."
"How do you know that?" Sango cried.
"Because I know Severus." Sesshomaru glared at her, "Do not question me girl."
"Don't question you?" Sango growled, "Rin has just be taken by some monster and you're telling me not to question you! I can't believe-"
Sesshomaru shot forward and grabbed Sango by the neck, lifting her off her feet, "That is what I'm telling you! Foolish wench. This Sesshomaru knows what he's doing. I will get Rin back before the week is over. Do you wish to live to see that day?" He glared at her and then shook her once when she didn't reply, "Well, do you?"
"Y-yes…" Sango coughed. Kouga was watching, his entire body tensed to strike at Sesshomaru, if things turned for the worse.
"Then don't question me." He dropped her to the ground, "Lets move. You need weapons and I'm in a foul mood. " Sesshomaru walked ahead of them, Jaken slowly trailing behind him.
Kouga helped Sango to her feet, glaring at the marks forming on her neck and then at the youkai lord's back, "Bastard. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine." Sango snapped and then she looked apologetic, "Sorry… I'm just so… pissed off!"
Kouga cracked a smile, "Me too. But don't worry. We're going to get Rin back."
Sango nodded, although her stomach tightened with worry and fear. Flashes of Kohaku and Miroku filtered through her mind and she shut her eyes. "I hope… you're right…"
page break
Kagura gazed out the window of her room. She had taken to walking around her room as her strength returned. The light shower of rain was nice really. It made everything look foggy and dream-like.
Mayura stepped into the room with Shinto behind her, "Would you like to have supper with us, at the table?" Mayura bowed respectively.
"It would please us both," Shinto added and smiled kindly, "Very much…"
Kagura looked at them and paused. Then she sighed, "What are we having?"
"Oh!" Mayura's face lit up, "My mother's recipe! It's potato soup with cheese and onion. I also baked bread and picked fresh vegetables from the garden! It's a lovely little meal, if I do say so myself!"
Shinto looked at Kagura, "My wife is very proud of her cooking… its one of her hobbies…"
"I know if I wasn't a doctor I'd be a chef," Mayura grinned as the three headed in the direction of the kitchen, "But I believe I've got the best of both really. Taking care of the sick and then feeding them. Its wonderful."
Kagura nodded, "I see…" She inwardly rolled her eyes. Such a thing would only annoy her and she knew it. She believed Mayura knew it, from the knowing smile on the other's woman's face. Shinto took his seat at the head of the small, wooden table.
"Sit, sit," He said, indicating to the seat on his left. Kagura did and then blinked as Mayura began making her plate.
"It smells… good," Kagura answered honestly.
"And I've made sweet tea." Shinto smiled and poured himself a glass.
Kagura smiled then, noticing the flowers set out in the middle of the table in a small glass cup. The home of the two doctors was rather simple, but it was welcoming too. Kagura blinked. She had never experienced such a… calm feeling… Her smile grew and she then chuckled. Mayura and Shinto both looked up.
"Do you like it?" Mayura smiled.
And Kagura replied, "Oh… yes, very much…" Her eyes were bright then and she looked down, "It's the best meal… I've ever had."
page break
Well, that's all for now!
Poor Rin. She got kidnapped. Eek. Well, Severus isn't too violent and he's not a pedophile, so she should be fine… although he does like eating human children. o.O
Actually, he only said that to get a reaction. :laughs: Severus does eat horses and cows though. Hahah.
If you haven't realized yet, he's a snake demon. He looks like a human and has a true demon form like Sesshy… I'm still debating on his eye color, so I wont give a rundown of his appearance until next time. Hehe. He and Sesshomaru know each other and were actually sort of… friends in a strange way. But all that later:grins:
Now! To respond to you wonderful, beautiful, perfect people! (is especially sweet because she takes so long to update). Please forgive my lack of updates. I'm a procrastinator (hey, my Chinese zodiac is the snake, which we snakes, well, we're supposed to be procrastinators!) but I do intend to finish ALL of my stories… I just… take time…
Okay, Now, to respond for real!
MorningsLight - Oooh, I'm on your favorite's author's list! That always makes me happy. Hehe. Of course I replied! I'm going to try and do that as much as I can, especially to frequent reviewers and people with questions. I'm glad to hear that you'll keep checking to see if I've updated. I'm not exactly sure about what you mean when you say 'subtle storylines', so would you please (big, big eyes) elaborate? I'd really appreciate it. I like knowing what people like and dislike about my writing… so, please? Hehe, anyway, Sango rocks! Lol, and she's my fav too. Later.
Sakuryn - :P Thankies. Yes I think Kouga and Sango make an interesting couple. And I can see it being a cutesy type romance. Hehe. Anyway, baka-chan, I hope you stick around to review some more. Tee hee.
Bunny – Oh, well, Miroku died. --;; That's why he's not in it. Sorry to disappoint. But I'm glad you like the story a lot. So Kouga reminds you of Ryoga? That's cool. I've only read the first four graphic novels of Ranma ½ and I own the second movie, but I think its an interesting show and I'm thinking about purchasing it… that's awesome though, because I thought Ryoga was cute. Hehe. Thank you for your words!
Sango fan! – Its not odd to think Kouga and Sango would be a cute couple, tee hee, because I think so too… well, never mind, I am rather odd… anywho, thanks for your words and hope to see you again!
Tylec Asroc – Good to hear that the dynamics are working out, hehe, they do have a destination, they just never thought to ask Sesshomaru… tee hee, anyway, regarding Sango attempting suicide… I wouldn't know if it were her first time or not and I don't think I said it was or wasn't, so… um, I'm not sure why you said that… well anyhow, yeah I think Sesshomaru is apathetic, since he rarely concerns himself with matters other than his own (never wants to help anyone or even bother with them if he has no use for them…) and he acts very distant to even those close to him, so… he definitely seems apathetic, but I will agree that he's not completely apathetic. Whew, there's more… hehe, I'm glad you liked those moments, although I really only added them in as thoughtless things really.. its just how I see his character acting… :shrugs: Finally, thank you very much for your in-depth review and I really appreciate it! Please keep it up! Hehe, anyway, bye bye!
Nightfall2525 – Well, Severus does think that Sango's a 'desirable woman', tee hee. But I don't know about him falling in love with her. That's an interesting idea, but I doubt it will ever get that far… he might hit on her later though, but Severus isn't really looking for a commitment. Hehe. And he's not into humans really… lol, anyway, I can't tell who will end up with Sango, you'll just have to keep reading and find out. Hehe.
AngelTears1328, mz-deep-88, Tauna the tundra wolf, Dragon/FairyGirl, and everyone else who has reviewed and who will review, thank you so much!
Later everyone!
Taijiya