Sesshoumaru let a small sigh escape as he looked up at the moon in relief. Hitokiri noticed and had to suppress a smile.
"You like the nighttime, don't you?" he asked carefully.
"I like the moon," Sesshoumaru answered. "Not necessarily just nighttime in general."
"Something to guide the weary traveler," Hitokiri agreed. "A way to search out your soul. I know the feeling."
"Never thought of it that way," Sesshoumaru replied. "But I suppose so."
"They're going to come for you pretty soon," Hitokiri said. "You should prepare yourself."
"I know," Sesshoumaru answered, still gazing at the moon. "I expect them to."
"She's alright," Hitokiri whispered, seeing the troubled look on the dog-demon's face.
"I hope so," Sesshoumaru answered, acknowledging his fear.
"I know she is," Hitokiri returned quietly, "because I know where she's at. They hired me to follow you-all those times you looked over your shoulder, every time you glanced to the side-it was me, watching you from the shadows. The fact is, I don't like it when guys go around and have everyone pull together to try and overthrow a lord who isn't doing anything wrong. I was told to watch you, and they wanted to know about the girl, but the never said for me to give away her whereabouts once they cornered you. She's safe now, with a friend of mine. I went back and told her I was your ally-I had to in order for her to trust me-and she's with my companion. He has a place that nobody knows about-not even I can find it without his help-but I can guarantee that she will be protected and looked after. Even if you die here, she will be cared for."
Sesshoumaru turned his golden eyes to the demon as he spoke, and when Hitokiri was finally done, the dog-demon was left speechless. His eyes spoke of his thoughts-at first, suspicion, but gradually acceptance, and then relief. Finally, ever so slowly, Sesshoumaru spoke.
"Thank you," was all he could manage to whisper as he blinked rapidly, holding back his relieved tears. He turned his gaze to the moon again, and he even let a small smile creep along his face as he thought of the girl-she was safe now. He could take comfort in the fact that she would not be harmed-he could die without wondering if she was going to be alright, if it came to that.