"I am sorry," said Sesshomaru. Near emotion was in his eyes, and Karuku knew him well enough to understand it.
"So am I. We are children without parents."
"Not children," stated Sesshomaru. Karuku smiled.
"You are always someone's child. Where will you go now?"
"I seek the fang my father called Tessaiga. Will you remain here?"
"I must. These people are lost without a leader, and we will be attacked again. But Sesshomaru, although we will not see each other for a long time this is not our last meeting. I wish you luck in your search." Sesshomaru paused, and then did something he had done only once before. He placed his hand on Karuku's shoulder. It was as close to a hug as you could get with him.
"Don't destroy your own village," he said wisely. Karuku laughed at him, a sound she had not heard for days.
"With my mother's bow and my father's sword I could, and even without wisdom it would be a simple feat. Perhaps the combination of the three will keep us from mutiny. Be safe, old friend." He nodded, turned, and left. Karuku sighed and turned back to the village. Her footsteps traced the evidence of the battle. There on the scratched and scorched ground lay pride, innocence, and peace. And soon it would be brushed away.