Everlasting Love
Chapter Seven
January 6th, 1553
No more sounds could be heard through out the castle, even though just little over an hour ago the whole kingdom had been in an uproar over the two intruders. The guards had returned to their posts, the villagers had been calmed down and told to go back to their homes, and the lord was now peacefully sleeping in his room . . . or at least that is what everyone else thought. The silver dog ears on Inu-Yasha's head twitched softly as he listened in on the conversation that was happening between Sango and Kuranosuke. Even though they were a floor above him he could still hear them perfectly. The demon exterminator had decided to fill in the lord on how the war had started and to confirm or correct the rumors that had spread all across of Japan. Apparently there had been rumors already of the Northern and Eastern dog kingdoms wanting to join with Sesshoumaru . . . but of course these were just rumors of course
Inu-Yasha sighed softly and stared at the futon he was sitting beside with his back against the wall and Tetsusaiga in his lap. It had only been four days, however he missed his mate and pups so much, almost like missing one of his limbs. He had not like the idea of being split up from Kagome and had really wished he had accompanied her to the Northern wolf demon tribes, however Sesshoumaru had disagreed. As far as the pairings went for these little ally seeking adventures they had been thought out pretty well, even if he didn't agree with them. It had been decided that the pairs would be one demon and one human, and then the next step was to decide who would go with whom. 'I suppose Rin could have gone with Sango and I could have gone with Kagome . . . but Sesshoumaru did have the point that I would most likely just piss Kouga off,' thought Inu-Yasha.
His golden eyes glanced over to the open window as a few snowflakes fluttered their way into the room. It was still very dark outside, and they would not be leaving until the morning which would be in another eight hours . . . and he would not sleep at all in that time. Ever since he had left the castle there had been this feeling of . . . wrong . . . as if someone should have stayed behind to watch the pups . . . instead of a weak bunch of soldiers, an old demon and the imp. Shippo of course was with them, but the fox was not much of a fighter . . . yet anyway. He had been giving Shippo a few fencing lessons and the fox had learned a few more tricks with his magic and transformations.
Inu-Yasha's mind started to wander to other things, thinking about the village he had left almost over a month ago. He worried about Kaede and all the rest of the villagers he had left behind. The feeling of homesickness started to take over him, missing the home he had built with his own two hands, the place where the scents of his mate and pups surrounded him; where he felt safe and relaxed.
Wars could last for years . . . even in Kagome's time some had lasted for six years or more. Would he have to wait that long before he would see his home again? He could only hope that Sesshoumaru's plan would work and that that this war would be over soon.
Once again the feeling of wrong started to settle over him. Growling softly Inu-Yasha finally stood, fastening Tetsusaiga to his side he walked out of the untouched room, making his way where Sango and Kuranosuke were. 'I don't like this feeling . . . something is wrong and I need to get back to castle,'
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January 7th, 1553
The soft rays of the sun fell upon Kagome as she slowly started to wake up. Shaking her head softly and rubbing her eyes with her free hand she started to wake to the world. Lifting he head up and taking in her surroundings she could tell that they were close to Kouga's den and would probably reach in within a few hours.
"Have you been running all night?" yawned Kagome, glancing down at Rin since she had been riding the demon since night fall.
"I stopped for an hour to rest up," said Rin, leaping off the ground to cross a small frozen river before running across the snowy ground again, "I can smell the scent of the wolf demons . . . are we getting close Kagome?"
Kagome scanned the area a bit more and recognized the river that would lead to Kouga's den, "Just follow that river, we should reach it in a few hours,"
Rin nodded and tightened her grip on Kagome's legs, "Well, hopefully you can convince Kouga to join up with us,"
"Maybe," whispered Kagome, resting her head back down on Rin's back. It had been now four days since she had last seen Inu-Yasha and her children. Her heart ached slightly, missing the many nights that they slept together as a family. Her mate's arms wrapped around her as the pups snuggled in between them. "So Rin, tell me something,"
"Yes Kagome?"
"Is Sesshoumaru always serious around you, or is he a little romantic sometimes?" asked Kagome. She tried to hold back a chuckle as Rin blushed ten shades red.
"Well he . . . I mean sometimes . . . when we . . . um he isn't always . . ."
"Has he ever told you he loves you?"
Rin started to slow down a bit, her face turning crimson red, "A . . . a few times . . . maybe only twice,"
"And are you okay with that?"
Rin nodded, "Yes . . . I'm okay with it. I mean . . . it's . . . Sesshoumaru just doesn't . . ."
Kagome smiled, "It's okay . . . you don't need to explain,"
Frowning a little Rin picked up the pace again and nothing more was said between the two as they followed the river towards Kouga's den.
After three hours of running down the river, Kagome finally spotted the cave that was home to Kouga and his tribe.
"Are you sure we're not going to get attacked Kagome?" asked Rin, her golden eyes searching for anyone about to attack.
"No . . . we should be okay. Ginta usually guards during the morning, he'll definitely let us in,"
As if on cue Rin spotted a wolf demon dead ahead of them, and she recognized him as one of Kouga's followers when they were hunting down Naraku.
"Kagome!" called Ginta, waving at her.
"Good morning Ginta!" Kagome called back.
Rin stopped a few feet from the wolf demon and kneeled down to let Kagome.
"It's been so long since you and Inu-Yasha last visited us," commented Ginta, giving Kagome a small hug.
"Yes . . . but I mainly blame Inu-Yasha for that," giggled Kagome, returning the hug.
"So who is this?" asked Ginta, his eyes falling on Rin.
"You don't recognize her?" asked Kagome.
Ginta looked Rin up and down, his eyes suddenly widening, "You're . . . . You're that little girl that was always following Sesshoumaru!"
Rin giggled softly, "Yup, that's me,"
Ginta frowned slightly, "How come she's with you and not Inu-Yasha?"
"Oh, well I have some serious talking to do with Kouga, and we figured Inu-Yasha would only make him angry," said Kagome.
"I don't suppose this has anything with the war coming up between the Western and Southern lands?" asked Ginta leadingly.
"Um . . . well actually it does . . . is Kouga around?"
"Actually he and some of the other pack members went hunting earlier this morning. However Ayame is still here, maybe you want to talk with her?"
Kagome nodded, "She'll do for now,"
Ginta smiled and turned, leading the two ladies towards the den as they followed close behind. More wolf demons started to appear as they made their way closer and closer to the cave.
"There are sure a lot more wolf demons then last time I remember," commented Kagome, not recognizing a lot of the wolves that were appearing.
"Ever since the war between the dog demons started, more wolf demons have been showing up from all over Japan," sighed Ginta.
"Really? From everywhere?" asked Rin.
"Correct. Apparently Bunrakuken was starting to kill all sorts of demons in his lands that would appear a threat to him. He killed over twenty of the southern wolf demon tribe members So all of them started heading up here, hoping to get away from him,"
"Well from what I've heard about him from Sesshoumaru, he's a sick bastard," sighed Rin as they entered into the cave. The den was completely full of wolf demons as they walked through. Most of the wolf demons moved aside for them to pass, however a few gave them a brief moment of trouble, but after Ginta told them off they would step back and let them by. Entering the main part of the den Kagome finally spotted Ayame, her arms waving as she tried to catch the female demon's attention, "Ayame! Ayame!"
Ayame looked up from the five wolf demon pups surrounding her, the smile on her lips widening more, "Kagome!"
Kagome ran passed Ginta towards Ayame, opening her arms and greeting the wolf demon princess with a hug.
"It's been so long since I've seen you! How is Natasha doing?" asked Ayame, pulling away from Kagome.
"Very good, and actually we have another pup,"
"Oh really? Boy or girl?"
"Boy, his name is Kenichi. He looks just like his daddy,"
Ayame squealed softly, "A tiny Inu-Yasha, oh I'll have to see him sometime, perhaps after this stupid war is over,"
Kagome sighed softly, "Actually . . . that's the reason that Rin and I have come,"
A soft frown appeared on Ayame's face, "Oh. . . I see . . . so you want to talk to Kouga then?"
Kagome nodded, "Will he be back soon?"
"Pretty soon . . . he went out hunting with the other tribe leaders," said Ayame, "Look, what's going on?"
Kagome glanced over at Rin and cleared her throat, "I think it's best to explain everything once Kouga and the other leaders come here. From what we've heard from Ginta, I think the southern tribe might want to join in this,"
Ayame nodded softly, her attention turning to Ginta, "Can you take the pups?"
Ginta nodded, carrying two of the pups as the other three followed him out of the den, moving to a different part of the cave.
"I take it you'll explain everything once Kouga arrives," said Ayame.
"I think it will make a bit easier," said Rin, her eyes looking around at the other wolf demons.
"Kagome who is this?" asked Ayame.
"Oh, this is Rin. She's Sesshoumaru's mate," informed Kagome.
Afterwards, Ayame gave Kagome and Rin a quick tour of the caves as they waited for Kouga to return.
"So are Miroku and Sango involved in all this?" asked Ayame, bringing them back to main part of the den.
"Yes, however Sesshoumaru has forbidden Sango and I to fight in the war,"
"Oh is that so?"
"Well Sango is five month's pregnant, but I don't see why I can't fight,"
Ayame was about to respond, but a roaring voice echoed through out the cave.
"WE'RE BACK!" came Kouga's booming voice.
Kagome smiled softly as she caught sight of the wolf demon prince, looking the same as he did since the last time she saw him.
"Where's Kagome! I could smell her scent at the entrance," called Kouga, causing most of the wolf demons to part, leaving Rin, Ayame, and Kagome in the center of the den.
"Hello Kouga," said Kagome, bowing to the wolf lord.
"No need to do that Kagome!" smiled Kouga, pulling Kagome into a tight embrace.
'Now I see why Sesshoumaru sent Inu-Yasha off with Sango. That half demon would be flipping out right now' thought Rin.
"Nice to see you too Kouga," smiled Kagome, trying to push herself out of the wolf demon's embrace.
"What brings you out here? And where's dog crap? Usually he doesn't let you out of his sight," said Kouga.
"Um well," sighed Kagome.
"Kouga . . . since when have you let humans into your den?"
Kouga turned around, facing a wolf demon with white long hair, which could have been longer than Sesshoumaru's.
"Take it easy Bakura, this is Kagome. She helped me defeat Naraku,"
"Well what is she doing here?" asked Bakura.
"Well Kagome?"
Kagome sighed and turned to Rin, "Do you remember Rin?"
Kouga was silent for a moment, "Oh yeah! That little human kid that was following Sesshoumaru,"
"Correct,"
"He turned her into a demon?" asked Kouga, taking in her pointed ears, claws and golden eyes.
"Yes, he did. She's now his mate,"
Kouga was once again silent before turning back to Kagome, "I take it you're here because of the war brewing up between the western and southern lands,"
Kagome and Rin took their time explaining everything to Kouga, telling him why the war had started and how Bunrakuken was choosing now to attack since Sesshoumaru's army was so weak in current state.
"So that fucking bastard is trying to take out Sesshoumaru since his army is in bad shape," said Kouga.
Kagome nodded softly.
"In other words you're wondering if I'll join up with him."
"Yes. Sesshoumaru does have a plan, he says it may be fighting dirty, but . . ." said Rin.
"Since Bunrakuken is doing the same thing he feels he should too?"
Rin shook her head, "Not at all . . . it's just that since Bunrakuken isn't fighting fair, Sesshoumaru wants to even the odds,"
Kouga nodded, "Oh I see . . . he plans to . . . shall we say 'fight dirty' only to take out the number of soldiers on Bunrakuken's side so that it will even it out,"
"Correct," said Rin.
Kouga scratched his chin and turned around to two other wolf demons. Kagome had to guess that they were from the west and south since the northern and eastern tribes had joined forces.
"Bakura and Kappei . . . what do you two think about this?" asked Kouga.
"I do owe Sesshoumaru a great depth . . . I think fighting in this war for him should pay it off,"
"And you, Bakura?"
The wolf demon glared at Kouga and then looked over towards Kagome, "Who else is joining up with Sesshoumaru?"
"Well . . . Sesshoumaru has gone to see if the Panther demons will come and side with us since he did save their lives at one point,"
"And who else?" asked Bakura leadingly.
"Sesshoumaru is also trying to get Lord Kuranosuke's army,"
Bakura growled, "Isn't he human?"
Rin sighed, "Yes . . . and if you have a problem with fighting with humans I suggest you put it aside. Bunrakuken's army would destroy them in an instant . . . they are just part of the plan that Sesshoumaru has,"
Bakura stopped growling and turned his eyes over to Kouga, "That bastard Bunrakuken took out twenty of my tribe . . . I will gladly want to pay him back with siding with Sesshoumaru,"
"So what happens if we win this war?" asked Kouga, and Kagome had a feeling he would want something in return for fighting.
"Well one thing you will get out of it is Bunrakuken not taking over your lands and killing you all," commented Rin.
Kouga paled slightly, "Well . . . I guess you do have a point there . . ."
Kagome giggled softly, "Don't worry Kouga, you will be rewarded. Sesshoumaru will explain everything if you come back to the castle,"
Kouga looked back over his shoulder, his eyes scanning over the cave, "Will he have room for about three thousand wolf demons?"
Kagome gasped and Rin thought she was about to swallow her tongue, "Three thousand!" they gasped.
"Like Ginta told you, all the wolf demons from Japan are here. Not that all of them have been staying in this den, but are close by," said Kouga.
"Of . . . of course he does," stammered Rin, trying to hide her smile.
"Sesshoumaru might want to train them if that's okay?" asked Kagome.
"Keh, of course that's okay, as long as we get stronger to defeat this fucking bastard, I think any of us will probably do anything,"
"Then . . . will all of you come to Sesshoumaru's castle?" asked Rin.
Kouga stood and turned to the other wolf demons, "Gather everyone . . . were heading to the western lands,"
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His feet stung against the cold hard ground; however there was no sign of him slowly down. Inu-Yasha kept his eyes straight ahead, never looking back as he made his way back to the Western lands. He had left after quickly talking to Sango before heading off in the middle of the night. The feeling of wrong was growing stronger and stronger inside of him as he ran faster towards Sesshoumaru's castle. 'With the pace I'm running at right now . . . I should be able to reach the Western lands tomorrow night . . . that's a day earlier than Sango's return . . . I just hope . . . that I'm wrong . . .'
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Shippo walked silently down the hall, checking the windows to make sure they were securely shut before making his way over to the next. 'Kagome should now have reached Kouga's den . . . and Sesshoumaru should be pretty close to the Panther demons area . . .' thought the fox as he turned the corner at the end of the hall, making his way down the stairs to the next level. 'Once Inu-Yasha and Sango return in two more nights . . . I think I'll feel a lot better'
The fox walked out onto one of the balconies, shivering softly as the temperature continued to drop. The children had been put to bed hours ago, while Jaken and Jarlarg were making their nightly rounds to make sure the guards were in place. Sighing softly Shippo watched as the snow silently fell from the sky, most snow flakes landing on the ground with a few landing in his chestnut hair. His nose twitched slightly taking in some of the scents in the area. His sense of smell wasn't as acute as Inu-Yasha or Sesshoumaru's . . . but it was still good enough for him. He could tell that Jaken and Jarlarg were near the front gate, his eyes shifting as he watched the two demons walking back towards the castle . . . however there was another scent that tickled at his nose. He had smelled it before ever since Inu-Yasha and the others had left it had become a bit stronger. 'Something's out there . . . I think it smells like dog demon . . . but . . . it's different . . . very different from Sesshoumaru's soldiers . . . could that mean . . . that . . .'
Shippo slowly backed his way off the balcony and back into the hall before sprinting down two more flights of stares, running into Jaken and Jarlarg as they were closing the front door.
"There's someone out there," hissed Shippo.
"What on earth are you talking about young fox?" asked Jarlarg.
"Have you gone completely insane? No one would be able to get passed the guards," squeaked Jaken.
"I smell someone out there, and it's an unfamiliar smell . . . and it's been getting stronger and stronger since Sesshoumaru and the others left,"
"Oh please, if there was someone out there Sesshoumaru would have taken care of it immediately," said Jaken.
"But . . ."
"Stop worrying so much Shippo," said Jarlarg.
Shippo watched with his mouth wide open as Jaken and Jarlarg continued on their business as the disappeared down the hallway.
"Fine! If you idiots want to be killed, that's fine by me!" hissed Shippo, running back up the stairs and towards the pups room, sliding the shoji door open just to make sure they were safe.
'I don't know what I should do . . . it's too late right now to go exploring the castle with all the guards around . . . perhaps . . . I should wait till morning . . .'
Hikozaemon watched silently from his perch in the tree, his ears twitching as he tried to hear what was going on in the castle, but as usually he couldn't. That was one of the impressive things about Sesshoumaru's castle was that the barrier surrounding it prevented anyone outside from hearing anything . . . but like most things it had one fatal flaw. At this particular point, trying to waltz in the castle would be impossible, however during the switching of the guards the barrier was temporarily down which would be the opportunity to enter. He glanced down at his claws and sighed softly. Even though it was against everything he believed in, he would carry out his father's order, however he would make it a quick death instead of slow and painful like his father wanted. Of course, doing this would only make Sesshoumaru angrier.
'Damn it . . . I don't know what I should do . . . killing innocent pups just isn't right . . . but if I don't . . . father would kill me, and then send someone else to do the job . . . but what the fuck am I going to do?' thought Hikozaemon, his eyes darting up to the castle, the soft glow from the pups' room catching his attention.
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January 8th, 1553 (Afternoon)
Miroku gripped his staff and the reins as the two headed dragon dodged another bolt of lightening. They had just arrived in the territory of the Panther demon tribe, and already they were setting off booby traps no matter which way they went.
"This is just ridiculous!" hissed Miroku, watching as Sesshoumaru destroyed another one of their traps.
"Perhaps because of the war, they have increased their defenses," comment Sesshoumaru, not minding the wound on his hand from destroying the trap.
"Are we getting close?"
Sesshoumaru shrugged, "Remember the last time we faced them . . . they had a barrier up to hide their location, so most likely they will have another one up,"
"Oh yeah . . . a pity Inu-Yasha isn't here,"
"True . . . however we've been causing quite a commotion out here . . . someone is bound to come check it out . . ."
Miroku sighed, "I suppose so,"
No more words were spoken between the two as they continued on their way, running into more and more traps. It was times like this that Miroku wished he had his wind tunnel. Even though it had been many years since he had lost it, he still missed it from time to time, but only when it came to battles.
"So why is it that I came along with you? I'm not much use to you and it would have been wise to let someone stay with the children,"
"If I had come alone, they would probably think I was going to attack them, however if I am seen with a human, hopefully they will think differently,"
"We can only hope,"
"Stop!"
Miroku cried out as the two headed dragon suddenly came to a halting stop, almost causing him to be dislodged from the saddle, "Hey! What's going on?" asked the monk, taking the reins and ordering the dragon to fly down to where Sesshoumaru was.
"We can't go any farther," said Sesshoumaru.
"Another trap?"
"No . . . just watch . . ." Sesshoumaru drew is sword Tokijin, thrusting it forward only to be bounced back.
"A barrier," hissed Miroku.
"Correct . . ."
"So what now? Wait for someone to show up?" asked the monk.
Sesshoumaru sniffed the air, "Their are panther demons approaching . . . and I can smell Toran as well,"
(In case some of you have forgotten, Toran is the panther demon that can control ice)
"Are we going to be attacked?" whispered Miroku.
"No . . . they are coming at a slow pace . . ."
Miroku nodded softly, but still gripped his staff tightly in his hands.
The barrier slowly started to dissolve before their eyes, rippling like a stone being thrown into a bound before completely disappearing. Miroku immediately recognized the ice mistress Toran, her eyes shifting between him and Sesshoumaru.
"You were sure making quite the ruckus out here," she said softly, staring at Sesshoumaru, "Why have you come here?"
"Most undoubtedly you have heard of the war brewing between myself and Bunrakuken,"
"Perhaps we have . . . I thought all the traps we've set up were quite obvious of that," said Toran.
"Indeed . . . just like I suspected. This may seem out of character for me . . . but I have come all this way to ask for your help,"
Toran was silent for a moment, glancing down at the panther demons surrounding her, whom were obviously there for protection in case they decided to attack.
"Is your army that weak Sesshoumaru?" teased Toran.
"A couple of years ago there was a traitor in my army and quite a number of followers. They were of course dealt with; either being killed or are now rotting in my dungeons right now,"
"So you are now out numbered by Bunrakuken . . . by how many?"
"Let's just say a number too great to be counted . . ." sighed Sesshoumaru.
"In other words you want my brother, sisters, and our army to fight for you,"
"Yes,"
Toran chuckled softly, "And what would we get in return? Perhaps if Bunrakuken wipes you out, we can claim the Western lands as our own,"
"You can believe that if you want to . . . but Bunrakuken is after all the Western lands . . . so no matter how you look at it, you are involved as well. Once I'm taken out he will go after all of you,"
"And how would you know this Sesshoumaru?"
"I have my ways . . . one is called a spy, the other is that I know Bunrakuken very well and he will not hesitate to wipe you out if you are in his way,"
"You must be pretty desperate if you're coming to us,"
"You, your siblings, and your army are very strong fighters . . . we would benefit greatly if you fought with us,"
"Hmmm . . . I see what you mean . . . but answer me this first . . . who else have you asked to join up with you?"
"I have sent my mate and Kagome to the north to ask the wolf demons for help and I have also sent Inu-Yasha for Kuranosuke's help,"
Toran's eyes narrowed, "You plan on sending a human army into battle? Wouldn't that be considered suicide?"
"No . . . not with the plan that I have come up with . . . if your sister . . . the one who is able to hide scents with any smell she wishes . . . using illusions, I should be able to take out a great number of soldiers on Bunrakuken's side easily,"
Toran nodded slowly, "Ah I see . . . take out a few soldiers to make it an even match,"
"If there's one thing I know about Bunrakuken is that he is a cocky bastard. If he sees a human army, he will attack it without a second thought,"
"Oh I see where your going with this . . . using my sister's illusions you can hide what ever trap you plan to set up, kill perhaps a few thousands soldiers with one swipe . . . and then fight fairly,"
"I do not like the idea of fighting a 'dirty' battle,"
"Even though Bunrakuken is seeing as your army is so feeble. As I recall my knowledge with dog demon battles . . . the number of soldiers must be equal before a battle may begin. I'm surprised the North and East kingdoms haven't protested to this. I'm sure they will lend you a hand,"
"Perhaps they will . . . my general is talking with them now . . . and he won't be returning for another week or more. However I most undoubtedly believe they will not really care. They have lost a lot of respect since my father fell in love with a human, and could care less if the Western lands are taken over or not,"
"So they will most likely say no?"
"They both owe my father a dept from many centuries ago . . . and whether or not they wish to repay it by helping me is up to them. Perhaps they will send a few soldiers or perhaps they will send their whole army . . . I have no idea at this point . . . but I am preparing for the worst,"
Toran smirked, "Hmmm . . . well this does sound interesting . . . and it would give us something to do instead of waiting for Bunrakuken to show up. Alright Sesshoumaru we will help you in this time of war. However what will we get out of it besides keeping our land and our lives?"
Sesshoumaru sighed, "What is it that you want?"
"Perhaps an extension on the western lands that we have claimed so far . . ."
"Is there a particular spot you want?"
"Near the ocean . . ."
"I am not going to ask why you want that land . . . but so be it . . . however, the merpeople will be under your watch. They have been banned from coming on land,"
"Ah yes, I do recall a story when they kidnapped two of your friends, however most of them were wiped out by you and your mate,"
"True, but they can still be quite a bother from time to time,"
"That should easy enough,"
"So in return for fighting with me you will take claim of the Western shores?"
"Sounds like a fair deal to me,"
"Very well then . . . we must head back to my castle as soon as possible,"
"I shall have my siblings and the army ready to leave before night fall,"
Sesshoumaru nodded, watching silently as Toran turned and returned the way she came.
"So . . . that went well," commented Miroku.
"Much better than I expected . . . however if we do win this it will be a weight off my shoulders to deal with the merpeople,"
Miroku chuckled softly, "I just hope that the negotiations went well with the others,"
"We can only hope that they did . . . but we will find out in five more days,"
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Hikozaemon watched careful as the lights in the castle began to dim and from watching the castle for almost two weeks, he knew precisely when the barrier would be down. All the lights would go down first, and then all the guards would take their positions around the castle and then in less then ten seconds the barrier was temporarily down. In those ten seconds he needed to find the nearest open window and get inside . . . otherwise he would be burnt to a crisp. His eyes narrowed, and the smirk on his lips widened as the guards started to appear. They were so naive to his presence. However the fox in the castle seemed to be particularly nervous the other day and there was a slight possibility he had caught onto his scent. Perhaps taking the cape off momentarily once a day had been a mistake . . . but it had been unavoidable. Since the soldiers only came out at night they hadn't caught onto his scent, but the kit was usually outside, so there was a slight possibility he had been caught. But there was little the fox could do, if there was one thing he had observed was that Jaken and Jarlarg were in charge . . . and they believed too much in Sesshoumaru's soldiers and barrier. 'I still could turn around . . . forget about this whole ordeal and just tell father that I couldn't get in . . . however it was too late for that . . . it has already been two weeks . . . and tomorrow his father would send someone . . . so it was either carry out the order . . . or run away . . .
Seeing the last guard appear caught his attention, making his sword was strapped tightly at his side and the cape wouldn't suddenly fly off he bent his knees, preparing to leap into the air. His eyes caught the attention of an open window towards his right, and if he moved fast enough he could reach it in less then ten seconds. He could feel his muscles flexing, preparing to move at any moment . . . his ears twitching controllably, listening carefully for that small sound that would indicate the barrier was down. His eyes widened momentarily as he heard it, springing off the tree branch and heading towards the window, mentally counting to ten. Ripping the shutter open he crawled through the window just in time before the barrier was back up. His eyes scanned the hall he was in thanking god that no one had seen him. Smirking softly, he removed the cloak, placing it near the window and taking a deep sniff into the air, trying to find where the children would be sleeping . . .
TBC . . . .