A1969: *points to gag*
Kagome: fine, fine. *removes gag* Besides, it's the New Year. Happy New Year, everyone!
Inuyasha: what?
Sango: she said, Happy New Year!
Sesshoumaru: …
Miroku: oooh—I get it! The fireworks must have made them deaf.
A1969: you know what? It would be a shame not to take advantage of this golden opportunity.
Inuyasha: who's Trinity?
A1969: mwahahaha! *cough* Anyway, thanks to everyone who read, reviewed, and put this story on their alerts and favorites! As a token of my gratitude, enjoy this lengthy chapter xD
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-Chapter Forty-Seven-
.:Babies and Brats:.
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Clara
I bit back the urge to kick the soldier who gripped me by the arm. His grip was so tight, I was beginning to feel my fingers numbing. I glanced at Kagome, who had given up struggling against her captor's hold. The soldiers surrounded us in a tight ring, with their captain riding several yards ahead of us.
Villagers stopped what they were doing to turn and stare. Some of them threw us odd looks, while others looked warily at me. Women stared at Kagome, eyeing her from head to foot.
Farther up ahead, the castle loomed over the village on its small hill. An ominous wall surrounded the base of the hill. Several guards were stationed at the great oak gates.
"Kagome, we have to do something," I said, in English.
"I know, but what?" she asked. "They took our weapons, remember?"
"Quiet, spies!" The soldier tightened his grip on my arm, and I bit my lip to stop from crying out. Wait a minute…
I knew it sounded so cliché, but if I screamed loud enough for Sesshoumaru to hear…I shook my head. Urgh, it sounded really, really pathetic. But what other option did we have?
We marched into the shadow of the castle, and I glanced up. Tall and imposing, I had no doubt that it intimidated neighboring clans. The lord of this castle was possibly at constant war with other feudal lords, which was probably why they were quick to see spies where there were none.
As I looked up at the castle, I felt that familiar, gentle pull again. The Sacred Jewel was somewhere there. I frowned. If I called for Sesshoumaru's help, I had no doubt his appearance would cause too much of a stir and unnecessary fighting.
The great oak gates slowly swung outward with a loud groan. "Move it!" The soldier nudged me roughly forward.
Jeez.
The hill on which the castle stood was covered with trees. A winding path snaked through the trees, wide enough for a column of soldiers to walk through. For a moment, I considered running into the trees, but the soldiers would most likely shoot me with arrows.
As we ascended up the path towards the castle, I glanced at Kagome. She was looking at me with intense eyes, as though trying to read my mind.
"The shard's up there," I said, switching to English.
"I can sense it. We need to find it."
"I said, quiet!"
The soldier's heavy fist hit my shoulder, and I cried out. "Hey, didn't your mother ever tell you not to hit a girl?!" Kagome snapped.
"Spies aren't girls!" my soldier snarled. "They're wenches! Be quiet before I cut you down!"
"C-Captain!" One of the soldiers suddenly screamed. He pointed upward, his eyes bulging with awe. "Up there!"
I looked up, and my eyes widened with surprise. A familiar orb of light streaked towards the ground. Before the soldiers could even react, it rammed into the ground in front of the captain, sending rubble and dust into the air.
The captain's destrier neighed and rose on its hind legs, threatening to throw him off. He tightened his grip on the reins and swore loudly as the orb of lightly slowly faded away.
"Sesshoumaru!" I said. I couldn't help but smile, both relieved and happy.
"Finally!" Kagome said.
The soldiers surrounding us let out exclamations of surprise. Some of them immediately drew their swords and pointed their spears at Sesshoumaru. The soldier gripping me drew out his sword and tensed, ready to spring.
"A demon! An actual demon!" someone yelled.
I turned to him, surprised. Don't tell me they haven't heard of demons? Remembering the way the captain dismissed the old woman earlier, I couldn't help but think this may be the case.
But, why? In fact, how? Demons were rampant in Feudal Japan. But, come to think of it, I hadn't noticed any minor demons around the area…
"Who the hell are you?" the captain snarled, blade drawn. He glared down at Sesshoumaru.
Sesshoumaru ignored the captain and the throng of soldiers in front of him. Our eyes met and his gaze shifted to the hand gripping my arm.
He frowned as he glared at the soldier. "Let her go. Now," he commanded, his voice cold and deadly.
"How dare you dishonor the Sanada clan!" the captain roared. "Filthy mongrel, die!"
I knew it was pointless to worry, but I couldn't help it. "Watch out!" I screamed as the captain charged towards him, katana flashing in the noon sun.
The captain let out a roar. In one fluid motion, Sesshoumaru sidestepped the destrier, and pulled the captain off the horse. His armor rattled as he fell unceremoniously to the ground at Sesshoumaru's feet.
"Captain!" the soldiers shouted.
"Vile bastard!"
Sesshoumaru almost looked bored as he watched the soldiers rushing towards him. Not even bothering to draw Bakusaiga, he easily dodged their swords, his movements nothing more than a blur.
"He-he really is a demon!" my soldier exclaimed.
Sesshoumaru flicked his wrist, and his whip of light darted towards the soldiers. For a moment, I thought he would kill them, but his whip struck their swords. The soldiers shouted as their blades fell in two to the ground.
The captain got to his feet and pointed his sword at Sesshoumaru. "Fall back, I'll finish him myself!" he ordered.
"Your idiocy is indeed astounding," Sesshoumaru said calmly, glaring at the captain. "It's almost amusing."
"Die, you filthy wretch!" The captain let out a roar as he rushed towards the demon lord, who raised his claws.
"Captain Mori, stand down!"
The captain immediately froze in his tracks, sword poised to strike. Sesshoumaru glanced over his shoulder—he didn't look at all surprised to find a figure emerge from the trees.
I could practically feel the shock and awe from the soldiers. "Lord Sanada!" they exclaimed. They all fell to the ground, pressing their foreheads reverently to the cold earth. The soldiers gripping Kagome and me bent from the waist.
My eyes grew round as I stared the young lord.
He was different. I think he was somewhere around his late teens to early twenties. He was taller than all the soldiers—as tall as Sesshoumaru. His features were more angular than most Japanese. His eyes were neither brown nor black, but an icy blue that reminded me of snow. His nose was long and aquiline, and his waist-length hair was tied up in a high ponytail.
My first thought was that he was a demon. Only demons like Sesshoumaru had such looks—the eye-color, the pale complexion, the angular features. I shook my head. No, he wasn't a demon—he had foreign blood in him.
Strange. I wasn't really the best student in History, so I wasn't sure how foreigners came to Japan. But I don't think a lot of Caucasians have come to Japan as of yet…
"An actual demon." I was snapped out of my musings when the strange lord spoke. He was looking right at Sesshoumaru, neither afraid nor intimidated, but curious.
Sesshoumaru didn't reply. Instead, he turned his back on Sanada, and glanced my way.
"I meant no disrespect," Sanada said. "I have never seen a demon, and thought them merely fiction. It appears I'm quite mistaken." Though the words were Japanese, the way he talked, his accent—they were glaringly different.
And—why hasn't he seen a demon? Why were there no demons in this area?
Sesshoumaru glanced over his shoulder. "I don't heed humans like you," he said coldly, before turning back to me. He took slow, deliberate steps towards me and Kagome, giving the soldiers the option to run or fight.
The soldiers tensed, raising their spears and swords.
"Put down your weapons," Sanada ordered.
"But, my lord!"
"Evidently, the chances of you winning against a creature of legend are slim," Sanada said dryly, crossing his arms. "Lives are not to be wasted over slighted pride."
Okay, he was definitely different.
The soldiers muttered darkly as they lowered their weapons. The soldier gripping my arm promptly let go. Frowning, he pushed me roughly towards Sesshoumaru.
Sesshoumaru caught me in his arms as I stumbled. "Thank you," I said. From the peripheral of my vision, I saw Kagome come up beside me, scowling as she rubbed her elbow.
"Are you injured?" Sesshoumaru asked me.
The spot on my shoulder where the soldier had hit me throbbed, but I shook my head. "I'm fine," I said.
"Have you found the shard?" He raised an eyebrow.
"It's…somewhere in the castle," I said, keeping my voice low.
"Is that so?" he said. "I suppose capture was a good excuse to infiltrate it."
I gave him a dull look—was he teasing or just insulting?
"Wait."
Sesshoumaru and I turned to Sanada. He was looking strangely at me, as though, like with Sesshoumaru, he couldn't quite believe what he was seeing.
"You," he said, taking a step towards us.
I blinked. "Me?" I said.
Sanada's brow furrowed. "You are a foreigner, aren't you?"
Sesshoumaru frowned, shifting closer to me. "I can say the same for you," I said. "You aren't a native yourself."
The human lord's lip twitched as though he wanted to smile. "Quite right," he agreed, amused. He clasped both arms behind his back. "My mother was a foreign woman named Alessandra de Medici."
Kagome and I gaped.
"M-medici?" I stammered, undeniably astonished. Even I knew who they were. "The Medicis? Of Ital—Florence? But…I don't…" I shook my head, quietly wondering how one of them ended up in Japan, of all places. Come to think of it, I never really did ask myself what the exact year was in Feudal Japan—had Magellan gone on his expedition yet?
"You seem to have heard of my mother's family," he said, amused. He paused for a moment, considering. "I would very much like to hear more of what you have to say. If your"—he glanced respectfully towards Sesshoumaru—"companion would let you. I am quite interested in him as well."
"But, my lord!" Captain Mori said, looking up from his bow. "You cannot possibly allow these—"
"Hold your tongue, Captain." Sanada's calm reply made the captain glare at the ground, before he bowed once again.
Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes, and I placed a hand on his arm. "It's all right," I said quietly.
"I do not like him," he said flatly.
"He doesn't seem like a bad person," I replied. "He's a bit interesting, actually."
He glared at me, and I blinked. "Listen, if I tell him what he needs to know, maybe he'll help us find that shard," I whispered. "It is in his castle, after all. And no, Sesshoumaru, I don't want you to raze it to the ground."
He scoffed, and tucked his arms into his sleeves. "I shall stay with you," he said.
I smiled at him. "I'd like that very much," I said. I turned towards Sanada. "We accept."
Sanada tilted his head. "Then, if you and your companions would be so kind as to follow me." He turned and began walking up the path that led to the castle.
"Ah, wait!" I said, turning back to Captain Mori just as he and the rest of the soldiers stood. "I want my sword back."
"And my bow," Kagome added.
Captain Mori glared, and beckoned to two soldiers. Scowling, they flung both sword and bow at us. Sesshoumaru caught them and handed them over to us. Then we followed Sanada towards the castle, where I could sense the faint presence of the Sacred Jewel shard.
. . .
"For as long as I have lived, I have seen neither demon nor foreigner in Japan," Sanada began.
Seated on an opulent cushion beside me, Sesshoumaru was as still as ice, his arms folded as he regarded the human lord with a level stare. Sanada wisely ignored him. He didn't need to—I was confident Sesshoumaru wouldn't do anything, unprovoked.
The human lord eyed Sesshoumaru keenly. Something told me he wasn't one to be intimidated easily. "The only demons I have seen were those depicted in paintings," Sanada went on. "And then, of course, there are old stories handed down from generations long passed."
He smiled as he sipped his tea. "There are many stories," he went on. "The most famous story in this village is that of a great demon who was said to have seduced the human princess of this castle—"
Kagome and I stared at each other, while Sesshoumaru remained silent. His expression was unreadable. Sanada didn't seem to notice.
"—When I was younger I thought such tales were nothing more than excuses for infidelity," Sanada said. "The princess was said to have borne the demon a son. With the ears of a mongrel, and eyes of gold, the people of the village rightly called it, 'the Abomination'."
"Hey!" Kagome snapped, glaring. "That's not being nice at all!" She looked as though she wanted to punch Sanada.
"I quite agreed," Sanada said placidly. "The story goes that the princess's affair with the demon caused the neighboring clan, the Akugawa, to wage war on our clan. The princess was betrothed to their heir, you see.
"This country seems rife with stories of women who are seduced by demons," he said. He sounded both disdainful and amused. "For instance, travelers from neighboring towns brought strange rumors that the fallen princess of the Asano clan was seduced by a demon." He chuckled.
Sesshoumaru stared at him. "Wait—Asano Sara?" Kagome said, gaping at the human lord.
Sanada raised both eyebrows. "Why, yes," he said. "I see you've heard of that rumor."
"Sesshoumaru, isn't she the woman who fell in love with you?" Kagome blurted.
I stared. "Why am I not surprised?" I said lightly. I tried to shove aside the little—okay, maybe not so little—pinpricks of jealousy. After all, this was before I met Sesshoumaru.
Sanada raised his eyebrows at Sesshoumaru, looking thoroughly amused. I take it, he wasn't at all aware how easily Sesshoumaru could slice off his head—or maybe he was, but wasn't really bothered by it.
I could feel Sesshoumaru's eyes on me. I shrugged nonchalantly at him.
"Indeed?" Sanada said. "My, isn't this fascinating? My childhood beliefs all challenged before lunch." His blue eyes glittered with amusement.
"I don't understand," I said. "How can you not have heard of demons? The people of your village believe, but you and your soldiers seem to think of them as a rumor, too."
It was Sesshoumaru who spoke up. "There are no demons in this area," he said quietly.
"I get that," I said, turning to him. "But why?"
"My Father's doing," was all he said.
"Well, that's very helpful," I said flatly.
Sesshoumaru frowned. "He loved her," he said. I take it, he meant Inuyasha's mother—the princess who was seduced by a demon. "He wished to protect her, and so he cast a spell in this area to keep minor demons out. For stronger demons, he had the Tessaiga forged."
"That is fascinating," Sanada said. "My mother would have been most intrigued."
Sesshoumaru threw him a dismissive glance. "You said your mother was a foreigner," I piped up. "You said she was a Medici."
Sanada smiled at me. "Why, yes," he said. "She came from a far off land called Florence. They had heard of Columbus's exploits, and so her family thought they could reach the 'New World', so to speak—"
Well, here's one for the history books.
"—She was sailing with her family, when a terrible storm overtook their ship. Most of the people died, but she, her brother, and her brother's infant daughter lived.
"Their ship was a large vessel, and they could not sail it, not with only two adults, and one of them a woman. They drifted through the seas, and their provisions ran dry. They would have died—indeed, the infant was a breadth away from death, and my mother's brother had died on ship. However, they were discovered off the coast where my father was.
"You could imagine. I do believe they had never seen a woman quite like my mother—hair like fire, and eyes like trees. Despite her emaciation, they thought her a goddess or, like you said, a demon.
"My father took her under his wing. It was difficult, at first, for they did not speak the same tongue. She was an extraordinarily smart woman. She gradually learned, and they fell in love. He wanted to wed her, but people were opposed to it—she was a foreigner, after all, and she had queer traits. She did not believe in demons, and she prayed to an entirely different deity.
"Science was her lover, and rational thinking was her best friend. She scoffed at the thought of the supernatural, and with good reason. She had never seen a demon—indeed, no one had ever seen a demon in this area. Until you came along."
Sesshoumaru returned Sanada's piercing stare with a glare of his own.
"My father ended up marrying her, and she bore me." He smiled. "My mother taught me everything she knew, told me all she could about her homeland—Michaelangelo, Boticelli, Bosch, Bellini. And so much more. It sounded like a land of gods, and I longed to see Florence. However, smart as she was, my mother was not a navigator, and so Florence was lost to her and to me.
"Despite that, I had a greater longing than Florence, and all the knowledge it could give me. I loved a maiden fair with the ocean in her eyes, and the sun in her hair."
His smile was wistful as he stared at me. "The infant my mother brought with her—her niece. She and I grew side by side, and I loved her more than all the knowledge the world had to offer. The tongue of this land came more readily to her than to my mother, and the people seemed to love her as well. She was beautiful, kind, and compassionate. Her voice…" He sounded reminiscent. "When she sang, I do not exaggerate when I say people stopped whatever they were doing to listen.
"I was slated to be betrothed to someone else, but I loved Caterina. She gave me comfort when my mother and father died. Against my council's wishes, I wed her." His smile suddenly grew bitter. "She died in childbirth. But my son still lives, and for that I am grateful."
"We're very sorry to hear that," Kagome said quietly.
"You remind me of her, actually," he told me. I blinked. From the peripheral of my vision, Sesshoumaru's jaw visibly tightened. "Not quite the same, but the eyes—I can almost see her looking back at me."
I didn't really know what to say to that, so I looked down at my lap. At that moment, the loud thud of feet came from the veranda. Sesshoumaru turned to the closed shutters just as they slid open with a bang!
"Inuyasha?!" Kagome exclaimed.
I gaped. For some strange, unknown, probably-Sesshoumaru-related reason, Inuyasha was soaking wet. Water dripped from his head and clothes to the floor, making puddles at his feet. He was breathing heavily, and he looked so angry, I actually expected steam to rise from him.
"Sesshoumaru, you bastard!" Inuyasha snarled, glaring at his elder brother.
Sanada's eyes were round as he regarded Inuyasha. "I don't believe it," he said. He sounded like a scientist on the brink of a breakthrough. "The ears of a mongrel with eyes of gold—you couldn't possibly be the Abomination of legend, are you?"
Inuyasha's eyes snapped to the human lord. "What did you say?!" he growled. He stepped into the room, trailing puddles on the floor, and rounded on Sanada, who didn't flinch.
Admittedly, I wondered whether or not Sanada's instinct for self-preservation was still intact.
Sanada only smiled. "Please sit," he said, gesturing to the spot beside Kagome. "I meant no disrespect. I am merely in awe—after all, you are supposed to be nothing more than legend in these parts."
"Who the hell are you?" Inuyasha asked, his tone menacing. Kagome sighed, prepared to say the word.
Sanada looked thoughtful. "I am the lord of this castle." He paused. "And, I believe, your distant kin."
For a moment, Inuyasha looked as though someone struck him on the head with a boulder. "You are, after all, the son of the princess who was seduced by a demon?" Sanada asked. "She had a brother, did she not?"
"Don't you talk about my mother!" Inuyasha snapped, raising a fist threateningly.
Kagome let out a long breath. "Inuyasha, take it easy," she said gently. She patted the wooden floor next to her. "Sit here, and"—crash!—"Oh no! I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to say it!"
"Well, this is a most strange day," Sanada remarked, watching as Inuyasha glared up at Kagome from the ground. He didn't seem at all flustered about the hole in his floor.
"Clara," Sesshoumaru suddenly said. He sounded impatient.
I nodded at him, and turned to Sanada. "Excuse me, my lord," I said. "I was wondering—have you heard of the legend of the Sacred Jewel?"
He raised both eyebrows. "Of course," he said, as though it were obvious. "It is one of the most common tales in the land."
"Well, it's not just a legend," I said. I couldn't help but grin at the astonishment on his face.
"Of course not," Sanada said. "My belief in my mother's science has already been repeatedly battered. One more blow couldn't possibly hurt."
I deliberated, wondering how much information I should tell him. "Well, we're—"
The door to the room suddenly slid open to reveal a maid kneeling on the floor. "My lord, I beg your pardon for the intrusion," she said. "But Captain Mori requests your presence, if you will allow it. He says it is a most urgent matter."
Sanada frowned. He dropped his air of curiosity, and gave the maid a stern glare. "I told him I was not be disturbed," he said, his tone harsh.
"He says it is of the utmost importance," she said, flinching.
Sanada sighed. "Very well, then." He gave us an apologetic smile. "Excuse me. I shall return in a while." He turned to the maid. "Ensure that my guests are well provided for." So saying, he stood and turned towards the door, closing it softly behind him.
"Can someone tell me what's happening?" Inuyasha asked, the moment the doors closed.
As Kagome quietly explained what had happened earlier, I turned to Sesshoumaru. He was staring levelly at me, in a way that made me think he was not the least bit happy.
"What?" I said.
"Shall I wait until you find the shard, or need I hunt for it myself?" he asked.
I blinked, a bit surprised at the surly tone in his voice. "I was going to ask Sanada if he would help us find it," I said.
"Can you not sense it?" Cold. Cold as snow.
I paused. "Why are you angry?"
He gave me a chilling stare. "Don't be ridiculous."
Inuyasha and Kagome stopped talking as they stared at us. I sighed. Maybe Sesshoumaru was just on edge—the shard was so close by, after all.
I stood up and approached the open shutters. "Where are you going?" Sesshoumaru's voice stopped me in my tracks.
I glanced over my shoulder, and smiled reassuringly at him. "I'm going to find the shard—it's somewhere around here."
"I'll come with you," Kagome said quickly. She made a move to stand, but I shook my head.
"I'll be fine," I said. "Besides—someone has to keep those two apart." I rolled my eyes at Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru, before I turned and left.
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Kagome
Sesshoumaru watched as Clara left. I think he wanted to go after her, but, stubborn as he was, he didn't budge. I sighed. Jeez—he and Inuyasha really were brothers.
"You know, you could just tell her you didn't like the way Sanada kept staring at her," I said dully.
The look Sesshoumaru gave me was so menacing, I inched slowly towards Inuyasha. "I mean," I went on, gripping Inuyasha's hand—just in case. "You didn't see her throwing a hissy fit when you were betrothed to Momitsumi or when I mentioned Asano Sara."
Sesshoumaru glared, and I flinched. Beside me, Inuyasha tensed, ready to toss me behind him should Sesshoumaru lash out.
Okay, Kagome, just…stop talking already.
The demon lord suddenly stood. Without another word, he strode towards the shutters, and stepped out onto the veranda.
"Do you think we should go after him?" I asked, as Sesshoumaru's hair whipped out of sight. "I mean, the soldiers around the castle will probably be worried about a demon."
"That guy can handle himself," Inuyasha scoffed as the door opened and several maids walked in, bearing trays of food.
"It's not Sesshoumaru I'm worried about," I said.
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Clara
I peeked around the corner, watching as two soldiers walked along the covered veranda. I didn't think they would do anything to people under their lord's protection, but I didn't want to take chances, either.
As the soldiers rounded a corner, I stepped out. The veranda opened out to a beautiful garden filled with ponds. Bridges spanned the length of the ponds, and sunlight sparkled on the water. At the far end of the garden, several noble children were running around. They were kicking a ball, while their mothers watched.
From the far end of the veranda, I could sense the faint presence of the Sacred Jewel shard. I tried to look nonchalant as I walked. I could feel the noblewomen watching me from afar, but I didn't think they would raise any alarms.
I rounded another corner. The covered walkway opened to a serene stone garden. Thankfully, it was empty. I turned to the shutters—beyond them, I could sense the shard.
I paused, listening. There didn't seem to be any sound coming from inside. I quietly slid the shutters open—empty.
At first glance, the room appeared deserted, but, on the floor, was a small shoji screen, no taller than my knee. The gentle pull of the jewel shard drew me closer.
My eyes widened in shock.
There, sleeping on a small futon and swaddled in silk, was a baby boy. Chubby, and pinkish, his golden hair glinted from the sunlight spilling through the closed shutters. His tiny fist rested beneath his chin, and his eyes were closed—sleeping.
Cute—the kind of cute that made you want to squeal.
I shook my head. Get a grip, Clara.
I knelt quietly beside him. Through the folds of his tiny silken kimono, I could see the Sacred Jewel shard hanging from a delicate chain around his neck. I frowned.
Why was a baby wearing a shard of the Sacred Jewel?
Pushing the question out of my mind, I brushed a finger against the baby's cheek. His skin was smooth, delicate. I fought down the urge to carry him. He was just so adorable!
I shook my head again.
I placed a finger on the shard. I had to take it, but...Why did the baby have the shard in the first place? Where did it come from? Ayame said she had tossed the shards into the river. How did one of them end up here?
The quiet thud of feet on the veranda made me freeze.
I looked towards the shutters just as they opened, and it felt as though an ice cube fell into my stomach.
"You." For a moment, Sanada looked completely taken aback as he stared at me. My eyes lingered on the sword at his hip. There was no doubt in my mind that this baby was his heir—and I was the sneaky foreign priestess intruding on his privacy. I felt my muscles tense, ready to spring in case he drew the sword.
To my surprise, he smiled at me.
I blinked, thoroughly taken aback. He wasn't going to run me through?
"I see you've met my son," he said as he stepped into the room. Not bothering to close the shutters, he knelt beside me, his eyes fixed reverently on the sleeping baby.
"He's…adorable," I said. Did he know what the shard around the baby's neck was?
"He takes after his mother," he said, a hint of pride in his voice. "He has my Caterina's eyes. Quite like yours, in all honesty."
I didn't know what to say to that, but the way he was staring felt strange. I hastily looked down at the baby. At that moment, I felt so sorry for Sanada. What was it like to lose someone you loved? Someone who meant the world to you, your other half? If I were to lose Sesshoumaru…Just the very thought made my stomach tighten unpleasantly.
"I'm sorry," I said.
"One must learn to move on eventually," he said, his eyes still on the baby. "I, however, am still learning."
I hesitated. What did I know about this man? That he had foreign blood, loved a foreign woman, and was distantly related to Inuyasha. Despite that, I asked, "When did she…die?"
He looked up at me, surprised that I would ask. I inwardly cringed, but he didn't seem to mind the question. "Towards the end of summer," he said.
I stared. So recently.
"I do not mope about in view of my men," he went on. "It is difficult enough being the head of the clan with my foreign blood. If my father had had a child by a concubine, a child born of this land, untainted by foreign blood, I am quite certain he would rule in my stead."
At that moment, the baby's fist twitched. A second later, his eyes opened—they were a deep shade of blue. His tiny face twisted, and, a moment later, he let out a loud, piercing cry.
"Ah!" I quickly picked the baby up as his wails grew louder. I gently rocked him in my arms, crooning softly until his cries grew less shrill. He whimpered, and looked up at me with wide, curious eyes.
"It seems that Kenji has taken to you," Sanada said.
Kenji—what a strange name for a baby who looked more European than Asian. But, then again, maybe Sanada chose the name to lessen his foreign appeal.
Reaching up, Kenji tugged a fistful of my hair in his pudgy fist. "Ow!" I said, as he let out a happy coo. At that moment, despite the persistent tug of the shard around his neck, a very strange thought flashed through my head…
I want a baby.
I gave myself a mental kick. Well, I was pretty sure all girls thought that when they saw an adorable baby. No big deal.
"He has a strong grip," I remarked, as he tugged forcefully on my hair again.
"I thank you for the compliment." There was no mistaking the pride in Sanada's voice. I turned to him. He was staring at the baby in my arms. There was nothing but warmth in his eyes, not even the pain when he mentioned his wife. I couldn't help but smile, glad that, at least, he found happiness in his child.
"Especially," Sanada went on, "since he was such a sickly babe—always crying. Whenever he bled, it was a while before it stopped."
I stared at him, suspicion nagging at the edge of my mind. "His wet nurse claims it has to do with the stone she found by the river's edge."
My eyes grew round.
"I was more inclined to believe that the herbal remedies my physicians ministered were finally doing their job," he said. "That is, of course, until I met you and your companions. Who knows? Maybe it is a magical rock, maybe it isn't."
"You mean…this stone around his neck, right?" I asked.
"Why, yes," he said. "It seems more like a shard of a diamond than a stone, however."
He suddenly looked up. Following his gaze, I was stunned to see Sesshoumaru standing on the veranda. I wasn't doing anything wrong, but the way he was staring at me made me think I was.
I handed Kenji to Sanada. "Excuse me," I said as I stood. Sesshoumaru kept his eyes on me as I drew closer. With each step I took, his expression grew colder and colder—I was surprised snow wasn't falling from the sky yet.
I ignored the cold glare he was giving me. "I need to talk to you about the shard," I said quietly.
He glanced around, frowning. Without saying a word, he lifted me into his arms. "Hey!" I said, surprised, as he leapt over the wall that surrounded the garden. I wrapped my arms around his neck as he landed gracefully on the opposite side of the wall, amidst the trees that surrounded the castle.
"You have got to stop doing that," I said as he set me on my feet.
He glared.
I blinked. "Why are you upset this time?" I asked, sighing. "I found the shard, and…" I broke off as a recent memory came to mind—Inuyasha's fist crashing down on Kouga's head. Oh.
"Wait, are you…jealous?" I asked, raising my eyebrows.
"What did you wish to tell me regarding the shard?" he said.
"Answer the question," I said, exasperated.
"The shard takes precedence," he replied.
"Well, I can't focus on the shard with you glaring at me all the time," I pointed out. "Talk to me?"
"…Hn."
I take that as a 'yes'. I stared at him. "Why?" I shook my head. Sesshoumaru wasn't the most vocal of people, and I knew it would be a good while before he could really talk about his feelings.
I reached up, and kissed him on the cheek. "I'm sorry," I said. "I didn't mean to make you feel jealous—it's just that I felt so sorry for Sanada. He lost his wife last summer, and he still misses her. I can't imagine what kind of pain he must be going through."
Sesshoumaru sighed, and drew me close. I blinked as his arms tightened around me. "Your heart is far too gentle," he said, resting his chin on my head.
I blushed. "Is that a bad thing?" I asked.
He pulled away, and took one of my hands in his own. He stroked the skin of my palm, which was roughened due to Shinsei. There was a thoughtful look in Sesshoumaru's eyes.
"These hands were never meant for a sword," he said quietly.
"You don't mean that," I chided him. "You taught me to use Shinsei properly, after all. And I've gotten better at holding a sword, if I do say so myself."
He gave me a level stare. Something told me that there was something else on his mind, and not just Sanada. I reached up, and cupped his face in my hands.
"Hey, I'll be all right," I said, smiling reassuringly at him. "When we go back, I'll talk to Sanada about the shard, and then we can go find the other one. Everything will turn out fine, you'll see! So stop worrying so much!"
He stared at me for a while, before turning his head to kiss my palm. I blushed as he kissed the rough skin of my hand. I stroked his other cheek with my thumb, and smiled.
"You don't have to worry about me all the time, Sesshoumaru," I murmured.
He looked up, his golden eyes piercing. "Oh?" he said, somewhat snidely. "I cannot help myself."
He suddenly leaned down, and pressed his lips to my neck. I blushed, feeling butterflies fluttering madly in my stomach as he placed his hand on the small of my back, drawing me closer to him.
"Perhaps, you underestimate the depth of my feelings," he said quietly. He kissed the skin beneath my ear, and I reached up, burying my hands in his mane of silky hair. "Of course not," I breathed. My cheeks burned as his lips trailed almost lazily along my jawline.
"I am a demon," he said softly, as he nuzzled my neck. "Words of affection do not come readily to me."
I gently pulled away from him. "I know that," I said. I smiled. "And I don't mind at all. I love everything about you, you know."
I reached up and ran a finger lightly along his lips. He gripped my wrists, and my eyes met his. I blinked at the intensity in his eyes. "Words are not my forte," he murmured. He took a step towards me, and I felt the hard wood of a tree's trunk behind my back as I stepped back. "I cannot tell you, but I can show you."
And then he leaned down to kiss me. The intensity of his kiss took me by surprise, and I gasped. There was something in this kiss, words he could not convey—anxiety. He placed his hands on either side of my head, and I moaned as his lips moved down my neck. I closed my eyes, my hands fisting in his hair as I pressed his head closer to me.
Sesshoumaru murmured something I couldn't hear. He placed his hands on my waist as his lips found mine again. "Sesshoumaru," I breathed. I closed my eyes, feeling heat pooling in the pit of my belly. This feeling was new, but I wasn't ignorant enough that I wouldn't know it for what it was—desire, want...lust.
Gasping, I pulled away from him. I leaned my forehead against his chin. I felt lightheaded and dizzy. He wrapped his arms around my shoulders, holding me against his fluffy pelt.
I smiled. "Well, actions are definitely better than words," I said, blushing.
He smirked as he kissed me lightly. "Now, what did you wish to say regarding the shard?"
"Hm?" I asked, leaning my head against his fluffy pelt. I never really thought about it, but, despite the armor, Sesshoumaru was very, very huggable.
He pulled away gently, and placed a hand on my shoulders. "The shard," he repeated. I could see a hint of amusement in his cold eyes.
Oh. I quickly looked down, the warmth immediately evaporating. I had a sneaking suspicion he wouldn't be happy about the shard.
"It's…it's with the baby," I said quietly. I looked up at him. All traces of amusement were gone from Sesshoumaru's eyes. "Sanada said his child was sickly. I'm not exactly sure how the shard wound up with the baby, but I think it has something to do with his wet nurse."
Sesshoumaru crossed his arms. He appeared to be thinking, deliberating. "Did the infant die?"
I frowned. "Sanada just said that when Kenji bled, it took a while to stop," I said. "However, I don't think he actually died…" I cringed at the thought.
Sesshoumaru nodded. "That will suffice," he said.
"You aren't thinking of pulling the shard from him, are you?" I asked anxiously.
He didn't answer. Instead, he drew the Tenseiga from its sheath and my eyes widened in realization. "The Tenseiga cannot bring back those who have been resurrected by a shard of the Sacred Jewel," he said quietly, seeing my expression.
"You're going to heal him," I said, awe in my voice. He'd been jealous of Sanada, but he was still going to help the baby. I couldn't help it—I threw myself into his arms.
"Thank you!" I said happily. See, Inuyasha? Sesshoumaru was a kind person.
Sesshoumaru suddenly stiffened. A second later, he lifted me into his arms, and leapt into the air. "Sesshoumaru, what—"
And then the screaming started.
He cleared the wall in one effortless leap. On the opposite side of the wall, soldiers were running. Some of them were escorting the noblewomen out of the garden, while others ran towards the veranda—towards the room Kenji was in.
Sesshoumaru didn't even bother setting me down. He rushed through the soldiers, and leapt onto the veranda. He set me on my feet.
It felt as though my heart stopped.
The shutters had been completely torn away, baring the room. Sanada was sprawled on the tatami, his eyes staring blankly at the ceiling. He was clutching his sword in one hand. Oh, no—was he dead?
Standing in the middle of the room, holding the baby and a mirror in her arms, was a little girl, pale, with white hair, and hauntingly black eyes. Her white kimono nearly matched her skin tone.
"Kanna," Sesshoumaru said. I blinked—wasn't she one of Naraku's incarnations?
"Our lord!" The soldiers shouted, as they came up behind us.
Sesshoumaru glanced over his shoulder, glaring so menacingly at the soldiers, they stepped away. "Don't interfere."
"And who are to you order us, you wretch of a demon?" one of them snapped, sword aimed at Sesshoumaru. I felt like kicking him in the gut.
"Get out of here!"
Inuyasha suddenly landed in the middle of the soldiers, carrying Kagome on his back. The soldiers scrambled as Inuyasha hit the ground.
"You heard him," Inuyasha snapped. "Unless you idiots want to die, then get out, and get out now." He unsheathed Tessaiga, and pointed it menacingly at them. "Or am I gonna have to cut you stubborn bastards down to size?!"
That sent them running. Beside me, Sesshoumaru drew the Bakusaiga, and pointed it Kanna.
She stared at him with dark, empty eyes.
"Kanna!" Inuyasha shouted, as he and Kagome came up behind us.
"That baby has the Sacred Jewel shard!" Kagome exclaimed, nocking an arrow to her bow.
Kenji suddenly let out a loud, shrill wail. "Don't harm him!" I shouted as Kanna stared blankly at us.
"It's no use reasoning with her," Inuyasha huffed. "She can't feel."
"No," Kagome said, shaking her head. "Kanna, please—he's just an infant."
Kanna looked down at the baby. She stroked his cheek with a pale finger, and he looked up at her. He cried even louder.
"It knows nothing, it thinks nothing," Kanna said. Despite the softness of her voice, it carried perfectly across the room.
I drew Shinsei as Kenji's cries grew louder. "Please, take the shard, but give me the baby," I said. I could feel Sesshoumaru's eyes on me, but I ignored him.
"It has no knowledge except of nothingness." Kanna looked up at me. "Why save it?"
Sesshoumaru suddenly rushed towards Kanna, Bakusaiga aimed at her. "Sesshoumaru, no!" I shrieked.
Sesshoumaru thrust Bakusaiga towards Kanna, and stopped just as a barrier materialized around her. "Shit!" Inuyasha said. He quickly sheathed the Tessaiga and grabbed me and Kagome by the waist. He quickly leapt backwards, just as the ceiling collapsed.
"Sesshoumaru!" I shouted. I felt a horrible knot forming in my stomach as dust billowed from the room.
Inuyasha landed in the stone garden and set us down. He glared upwards. "Hakudoshi, you bastard!"
Hakudoshi hovered high above us astride Entei. Wrapped in his own barrier, he looked down at us with an expression of sadistic smugness.
"Funny place for the shard to be in, don't you agree?" he asked, smirking.
At that moment, a loud crashing noise came from the collapsed room as the barrier surrounding Kanna and Kenji rose into the air to hover beside Hakudoshi. Inuyasha swore loudly.
A blur of white suddenly burst from the room. "Sesshoumaru!" I said, relieved. To my surprise, he wasn't alone—Sanada's limp body hung over his fluffy pelt. Sesshoumaru dropped him unceremoniously to the ground, his armor clattering as he fell.
"Thank goodness you're all right!" I said as I stood beside him. He regarded me for a moment, before I turned my attention to Sanada. Kneeling beside him, I felt for a pulse at his neck. It was strong and steady.
"His soul is trapped within the mirror," Sesshoumaru said. I looked up at him. He was looking at the mirror Kanna held in her arms alongside the baby. There was a cold, analytic look in his eyes.
He turned abruptly to Kagome. "I believe you possess something that will work to our advantage," he said coldly.
Kagome blinked, and then her eyes widened in realization. Slipping a hand into her skirt pocket, she drew out a familiar, round mirror…
Midoriko's mirror.
"You ain't such a stupid jackass, after all." Inuyasha smirked up at Hakudoshi as adamant immediately covered the Tessaiga.
"I'd like to see you try!" Hakudoshi snarled as Entei rushed towards Inuyasha. Entei neighed, fire spurting from his mouth.
Kagome held the mirror in front of her. Light glowed from the glass as a white barrier materialized around her and Inuyasha. Entei's flames licked the barrier, before dissipating into smoke.
At that moment, I felt something slam hard against my shoulders. I felt the wind knocked out of me as my back hit the ground with a dull thud.
I found myself staring up into Sanada's blank eyes. The cold blade of a knife pressed against my throat, and my eyes widened when I felt a trickle of blood slide down my neck.
"Dammit, Kanna!" Inuyasha roared.
I heard Hakudoshi chuckle. "I'll be taking Midoriko's mirror as well, Kagome," he taunted. "Toss the mirror to me. I don't think I need to tell you what will happen to Midoriko's reincarnation otherwise."
Blood trickled down my neck as Sanada nicked my skin deeper. My heart hammered. "Don't give it to him!" I shouted. Beside us, I could feel Sesshoumaru's demonic aura rising—would he risk pulling Sanada off me?
"I'm waiting!" Hakudoshi snapped.
Sanada pressed the knife just a little deeper, and I bit my lip to keep from crying out. I looked into his eyes—blank, empty, like Kanna's…
For a moment, Sanada's voice echoed through my mind. "I loved a maiden fair with the ocean in her eyes, and the sun in her hair."
The sadness in his eyes when he spoke of her…
No. Not like Kanna.
From the peripheral of my vision, I saw Sesshoumaru step closer, Bakusaiga in hand. "No!" I said. "Sesshoumaru, no."
"Don't be a fool."
Ignoring him, I reached up, placing my hands lightly on either side of Sanada's face. I must be an idiot for doing this, but whether it was instinct or something else entirely…
"Kenji's waiting for you," I murmured. As he stared into my eyes, I saw something flicker in his gaze. "Don't let him wait…Don't let Caterina wait."
.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.
Kagome
I gripped the mirror tightly as I stared up at Hakudoshi. "Idiot!" he crowed, glancing mockingly at Clara. "Do you think he will hear your words when his very soul is gone? Human foolery never ceases to amaze me."
I clenched the mirror as I frowned. "That's always been your problem, Hakudoshi!" I snapped. "You toy with people's emotions, you manipulate without remorse. You don't care how many people you hurt just as long as you get what you want!"
Hakudoshi laughed. "Your point?" He smiled greedily at me as he stared at the mirror in my hands. "Now, hand over the mirror or Midoriko bleeds to death." He glanced towards Sesshoumaru. "Tenseiga cannot save her, isn't that right, Lord Sesshoumaru?"
Sesshoumaru ignored him. He was staring at Clara and Sanada, Bakusaiga clutched tightly in his hand. I couldn't read his expression.
"Caterina."
Hakudoshi's eyes widened as he glanced towards Sanada. A moment later, silver flashed through the air and struck his barrier. The knife fell to the ground with a clatter.
"What?!" Hakudoshi snarled.
Sanada was looking up at him, an arm raised. His eyes were still blank, but I could see conviction slowly starting to stir.
"Well, whaddya you know?" Inuyasha taunted. "Kanna's puppet wants to cut his strings."
Hakudoshi turned to Kanna. Her mirror was rattling. "It wants to get out," Kanna said softly. Beside the mirror, the baby cried even louder. His cries seemed to reach Sanada, who stood away from Clara.
"Give…give me my son!" Sanada cried.
Sesshoumaru swiftly pulled Clara to her feet. He turned to me. "Miko, the infant," he said as he raised Bakusaiga. Black light immediately covered the blade.
"Right!" Midoriko's mirror glowed in my hands as I willed Midoriko's barrier around the baby.
"Meidou Zangetsuha!"
Sesshoumaru's meido rushed towards Kanna and Hakudoshi. In a burst of flame, Entei veered away from the meido, leaving Kanna behind him.
"Now, Kagome!" Inuyasha shouted.
Midoriko's barrier easily broke through Kanna's, shattering it like glass. I could hear the rush of wind in my ears as Sesshoumaru's meido drew Kanna in.
"My son!" Sanada cried out.
The meido vanished to reveal Midoriko's barrier hovering high above us. I felt relief coursing through me. It looked as though Sesshoumaru knew what he was doing. Good thing, too, because I didn't think it would work.
The barrier around the baby suddenly vanished, and I blinked as I clutched Midoriko's mirror. Oops.
"Kagome!" Clara shouted.
The baby's wails grew louder as he hurtled toward the ground. I fumbled with the mirror. Don't panic, don't panic, don't panic!
A white blur suddenly streaked through the air. A moment later, Sesshoumaru landed gracefully on the ground, the baby cradled in his arms.
.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.
Clara
"Is he all right?" I asked as I ran towards Sesshoumaru.
Kenji had stopped crying. He was looking up at Sesshoumaru's stern face with wide, curious eyes. Sesshoumaru looked down at him. His expression was impassive, but his eyes were intent.
Kenji suddenly reached up, and grabbed a fistful of Sesshoumaru's hair. He gave a happy coo as he tugged, his pudgy legs flailing.
It was a sight that made me want to squeal.
"You know, it's pretty scary the way kids warm up to you so quickly," I remarked. I grinned at him. "I think you'd make a great father!" I said, without thinking.
He arched an elegant eyebrow at me. Realizing what I said, I blushed. Oh god, I must sound like an overly attached girlfriend, or something. "N-not that I meant anything by it," I said hastily. I looked away, my face burning. "It was just a compliment."
At that moment, Sanada came over to us. He looked exhausted. I carefully took Kenji from Sesshoumaru. The baby gave one more tug on Sesshoumaru's hair, before reaching towards his father.
A smile broke out on Sanada's face as he held his son. "Caterina, our son is safe," he murmured, brushing his lips against the baby's forehead. He looked up at us. "How can I every repay you?"
"If you don't mind," Kagome said as she and Inuyasha came over. "We just want the jewel shard around his neck."
Sanada looked down at the baby. I suddenly remembered what he had said, that Kenji had been a sickly baby. My eyes met Sesshoumaru's and he nodded imperceptibly.
Sanada seemed to hesitate. He sighed. Gently, he removed the necklace from Kenji, and dropped it onto my palm. Kenji's face immediately twisted, and he let out a loud, guttural cry. His rosy complexion faded to a dull, pale hue.
Sanada looked pained as he watched the baby. "A small price to pay for my son's life," he said. He kissed Kenji's forehead, and he cried even louder.
"Set him down."
Inuyasha looked towards Sesshoumaru, astonished. "What?" Sanada asked, looking at Sesshoumaru.
Sesshoumaru unsheathed the Tenseiga. "I said, set him down," he said tersely.
"What are you doing?" Sanada clutched Kenji tighter, eyeing the Tenseiga with apprehension.
I placed a hand on his arm, and smiled reassuringly at him. "It'll be all right," I said. "Sesshoumaru won't harm Kenji."
He must have seen the sincerity in my eyes, because he sighed. Kneeling, he laid Kenji gently on the ground. The baby's strangled cries was enough to make me ache. His arms flailed as he looked up at his father, as though begging to be picked up.
Inuyasha moved behind Sanada. He placed a hand on Sanada's shoulder—restraining him, I realized.
Sesshoumaru held the Tenseiga over the baby, and Sanada tensed. With a sure stroke, Sesshoumaru brought the sword down on Kenji.
Sanada cried out, and made a move to shove Sesshoumaru away, but Inuyasha held him back. "What are you—!"
At that moment, Kenji stopped crying. His pasty skin slowly returned to its rosy hue. A second later, he opened his eyes and held out his hands towards his father. Sanada let out a cry of joy as he picked Kenji from the ground and drew him close.
I smiled. I turned to Sesshoumaru. On an impulse, I reached up and kissed his cheek. "Thank you," I said quietly.
"Yuck," Inuyasha scoffed.
. . .
"It was really nice of Sanada to acknowledge you as a member of their clan, Inuyasha," Kagome remarked as we left the village.
It was late afternoon now, and the clouds glowed a gentle orange. We were headed back to the river to find the last shard of the Sacred Jewel. I fingered the bandage around my neck. The last shard...
"Keh!" Inuyasha huffed. "Like I wanted to be 'acknowledged', anyway."
Inuyasha and Kagome were walking ahead of us. She held on to his arm. "Don't be like that!" she said. I could practically hear the smile in her voice. "You may be way older than them, but they're still your family, if they're descended from your mother's brother."
"Bah!"
I smiled. I could feel the shard pressed against the skin beneath my haori. I traced its delicate chain lightly. Just one more shard and, hopefully, Kohaku's, too.
When the jewel was finally complete, what then?
"What are you thinking?"
I turned to Sesshoumaru. "Just what happens after the jewel is complete," I said. I tucked my hands into my sleeve to keep them warm.
"Your scarf is gone," Sesshoumaru observed.
I blinked. "Eh, must have dropped it when Kagome was putting the bandage on me," I said.
"Humans." Sesshoumaru draped an arm across my shoulders, and drew me flush against his fluffy pelt. I blushed as I felt its warmth. I laced my fingers through his. Walking with him like this—it felt nice. More than nice, even.
"As to your question," he went on as we walked. "I suppose you and I will find out."
Though not a definitive answer, the way he said 'you and I' made me smile. I leaned my head against his fluffy pelt. "Then I can't wait to find out."
. . .
"Clara, Inuyasha and I are off to find fruit," Kagome said later that night.
I looked up from the notebook I was writing on. "Now? Isn't it a bit too dark?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
Kagome waved a flashlight at me. "Don't worry, we've got this," she said, grinning. "Besides…It's not healthy to eat ramen and nothing else every night. Fruit would be good."
"What's wrong with ninja food?" Inuyasha muttered, crossing his arms.
"I told you, Inuyasha, it's not always healthy," Kagome said, sighing. "It's got too many preservatives and sodium. Good for you, you're a half-demon. What if our kidneys fail?"
"It's not my fault you humans are so frail," Inuyasha said, rolling his eyes.
Kagome sighed as she grabbed his arm. "You're just crabby because you're hungry," she said indulgently, as though she were talking to a child. "C'mon, let's go find something to eat. Will you be all right, Clara?"
I jabbed my pencil in Ah-Un's direction. "I've got Ah-Un with me, I'll be fine," I said. Ah-Un snorted. I don't think he was pleased about being left behind the entire day.
"We'll be back real quick!" Kagome called out as she dragged Inuyasha off.
I watched them go. As Inuyasha's complaints faded away, I couldn't help but smile—he may act so rough, but it didn't take a genius to see how much he cared about Kagome.
I looked back towards my notebook. I was half-way through composing one song for Eri's play. Sesshoumaru had left earlier, where, he didn't really say, but I think he went off to 'scan the perimeter'.
I stared into the fire. Now that I think about, it had been such a long day. I sighed, and my breath rose in a fog in front of my eyes. I looked up, almost expecting to see snow falling, but only stars twinkled above me.
I turned my attention back to my notebook. Flipping to the last page, I found the peony Sesshoumaru had given me last night. I'd pressed it between the pages, but it was still a bit moist.
Something light suddenly fell across my shoulders. Gasping, I spun around, pencil raised in hand. Sesshoumaru was standing behind me.
"Sesshoumaru!" I said, dropping my pencil. "What was that for?"
He raised an eyebrow as he sat behind me, keeping me between his legs. I realized that he'd draped something across my shoulders—a cloak made out of heavy silk.
"Humans are too prone to cold," he said as he adjusted the cloak around my shoulders.
I blushed. Had he left to get this? The thought made me smile. "Thank you," I said quietly.
"Hn." He wrapped his arms around my waist, and drew me closer, mindful of the spikes on his armor. I waited for him to say something, but he didn't, so I turned back to my notebook. Admittedly, with his arms around me, it was a bit difficult thinking of which note to put down.
He leaned his chin against my shoulder. "Music?" he asked. He sounded interested.
"Yup!" I said. "It's for Eri's play."
"These symbols are similar to what you studied."
I think he was referring to the time I was composing a song for him. I'd told him I was studying. Well…I could afford to be honest now, I guess…
My face felt hot. "I wasn't actually studying then. I was composing a song—for you."
His arms tightened around my waist. "Since when have I warranted your attention?" he asked tersely.
I didn't dare turn my head to look at him. This was silly—we'd admitted our feelings for each other, I shouldn't be so shy anymore. But—I blushed.
"You mean…since when have I…started…feeling…?" My face grew even hotter as he waited patiently for an answer. "Is that really important now?"
"Clara."
I drew swirls at the edge of my notebook. "A long while."
"Be specific."
I resisted the temptation to chew on my pencil eraser, a habit I had when faced with a difficult question. "Do you remember Shougkyo?" I asked.
"The old human woman," he said. His breath was warm against my cheek.
"Yeah—during then." I bit my lower lip. I paused. "What about you?"
"Mt. Tenku," he said, without hesitation.
That was…a long while back, too. I turned to him, surprised. He was close. I could feel his breath against my lips. Wrapping his arms around my shoulders, he leaned in and kissed me.
I closed my eyes and brushed the back of my hand against his cheek. He deepened his kiss, and I sighed against his lips. I pulled away, and leaned my forehead against his chin.
"I love you," I said quietly. I don't think I'd ever get tired of saying it.
He kissed my forehead, and I smiled. I didn't think he would say those words back to me, but I could have cared less.
. . .
I clutched my cloak tighter around me as Ah-Un flew through the air. I held his reins tightly. The cold wind stung my eyes, and I had to blink repeatedly. Sesshoumaru flew beside us, silver hair fanning out behind him. He turned to me, and I hastily looked down.
Beneath us, the waters of the river were still, calm. The morning sun was hidden behind a blanket of gray clouds, and the water below reflected the steely sky above.
"Sense anything yet?" Inuyasha asked. He was running below, on the riverbank, with Kagome on his back.
"Nothing!" Kagome called out.
I sighed. The shard was somewhere around here, I could feel it. We just needed to find it.
"Do you sense nothing as well?" Sesshoumaru suddenly asked me.
I shook my head, and the wind whipped my hair back. "Noth—"
"Stop!"
At the sound of Kagome's voice, Sesshoumaru immediately froze. I pulled back on Ah-Un's reins and the dragon followed as Sesshoumaru descended. He landed beside Kagome and Inuyasha.
"Where?" he demanded as I dismounted.
I felt it then. The shard's soft, gentle pull, coming from...I spun towards the river, my eyes scanning the surface of the water. Coming from...
I slowly walked towards the water's edge. "Clara," Sesshoumaru said.
Coming from...
I frowned as I looked down into the water. I didn't understand. It was coming from...
"Everywhere," I breathed. I turned to Kagome—she looked just as bewildered as I did. I glanced back at the water. "Everywhere in the water."
"What?" Inuyasha said, disbelief in his voice. "What do you mean everywhere? Are you two broken or something?"
We glared at him.
I felt Sesshoumaru come up behind me. "What do you mean?" he asked.
I frowned as I continued scanning the water. Some parts of the river were shallow enough that I could see the smooth, round stones beneath the surface. Other parts were so deep, the water appeared darker.
"It's…it's as if the shard is everywhere at the same time, like there's more than one," I said.
I glanced at Sesshoumaru behind me. He was frowning, his cold eyes fixed intently on the serene water. "Do you think a demon…?" I asked.
"There are no minor demons in this area," Sesshoumaru reminded me.
"But, if there aren't, then—"
Sesshoumaru suddenly seized me by the arm. He pushed me behind him and drew Bakusaiga in one fluid motion, his cold eyes narrowed as he stared at the river.
Inuyasha and Kagome exclaimed in surprise. I peeked around Sesshoumaru, and felt my eyes growing wide.
Standing on the river was a young girl, probably the same age as Rin. Her skin was pale, and her eyes were a shimmering silver. Her dark hair was held up in twin ponytails on either side of her head, and the blue kimono she wore was richly embroidered with red lycoris flowers.
A demon…?
No—my holy powers may have been weakened, but I could sense the young girl standing stock still on the water's surface was no demon.
"You are?" Sesshoumaru asked, cold voice cutting through the surprised silence.
The girl smiled. It was a playful smile, almost energetic.
"You're looking for it, aren't you?" she asked, amused. She reached into her sleeve and drew out the Sacred Jewel shard.
"The shard!" Kagome exclaimed.
The little girl held it out towards Sesshoumaru. "This one, right?" she asked. "This pretty little stone I found in the water. I heard you looking for it since early this morning."
"Can we please have it?" I asked hesitantly.
The little girl laughed as she twirled on the water, her arms held out on either side of her. As she spun around, tendrils of water rose from the river to trail along her outstretched fingers. She stopped her pirouette, but the water continued to whirl around her. She smiled at us.
"Play with me first," she said, smiling. Her smile was both innocent and mischievous.
"We don't have time to play with brats," Inuyasha snapped. "Hand over the shard, kid."
The little girl's eyes shifted to him. She suddenly vanished, and the whirling water fell with a splash to the river. A moment later, she reappeared in front of Inuyasha.
Inuyasha swore and took a step back. "Hey," the little girl said. She no longer sounded playful—she sounded menacing. "You called me a brat."
"Well, that's we refer to stubborn kids who don't know what's good for them!" Inuyasha snapped.
The girl's expression darkened. "Do you know who I am, half-demon?" she asked. She tossed her head back, her hair swaying gently in the breeze as she smiled. "I am the goddess of water, the Grand Sorceress among the gods—my name is Anru!"
She spread her arms wide. She looked as though she expected us to gape in astonishment.
"Nope, never heard of you," Inuyasha said.
Anru blinked, thoroughly taken aback. "That's impossible, you must have!" she huffed.
Inuyasha pretended to think. "Nope."
Anru blushed in embarrassment. She was about to retort when Sesshoumaru spoke up.
"Enough," he said.
Anru turned to him, outrage written all over her face. "Don't you dare interrupt me when I—!" She blinked rapidly. The next moment she was gone.
"Where did she go?" I said.
A second later she reappeared in front of me and Sesshoumaru. She looked up at Sesshoumaru, silver eyes raking him from head to foot.
"Huh," she said. She crossed her arms. "Looking closer, I think I like you."
I gaped.
Sesshoumaru remained impassive. "Hand over the shard," he ordered.
"Oooh!" Anru suddenly hugged herself, giggling. "Such a manly voice! I can tell you like being the powerful alpha male, huh? It actually sends chills up my spine!"
I felt my jaw slackening. This was so disturbing, there wasn't even any room for me to be jealous.
"Cut the crap, kid!" Inuyasha huffed.
"Be quiet!" Anru snapped, glaring over her shoulder. She turned back to Sesshoumaru. "I haven't felt this way since I first saw Susanoo bathing."
Definitely disturbing and downright creepy. She was a kid.
Sesshoumaru appeared to be at the end of his patience. "The shard, girl," he repeated. His voice grew colder—definitely at the end of his patience.
Anru huffed. "You're underestimating me!" she said dramatically. "I'm not a kid, okay? I'm ten thousand years older than you!"
Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow. "Your point?"
"Say you like me, too!"
No words can describe the absurdity of this moment.
Inuyasha's jaw practically fell to the ground, while Kagome looked as though someone had hit her on the head with a mallet. I smiled at the little girl, and I had a sneaking suspicion it was the kind of smile a felon wore. Deep breaths, Clara. She's just a kid…who happened to be ten thousand years older than he was.
Sesshoumaru looked as though he wanted to swat her, but held back. "Not interested."
Anru blushed, mortified. "You-you…!" She puffed out her chest. "How dare you break a girl's heart?!"
Someone had issues.
"Oh?"
Anru was about to retort when she stopped herself. A lazy, mischievous smile suddenly spread through her face. She held out her hand, and the sacred jewel shard materialized on her palm.
"You want this right, Lord Sesshoumaru?" she said. "I'd be glad to give it to you—eight thousand years from now, when you're an old, impotent man!" She laughed, closing her fist around the shard.
Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes as he slowly raised Bakusaiga. Anru immediately stopped laughing when he pointed the sword at her throat.
I gently tugged on Sesshoumaru's sleeve. "Hey, just ignore her," I murmured. I think the word 'impotent' really got under his skin in a way no other insult could. In all honesty it was a bit funny, and I had to squash the temptation to even smirk.
Anru's eyes widened in shock as she slowly looked down at the Bakusaiga. For a moment, she looked like a vulnerable little girl. Then she glared at Sesshoumaru.
Quick as a flash, she leapt into the air, her arms held out to the side. She glared down at Sesshoumaru. "You crass dog!" she snapped. "I tell you I like you, and you shove your sword down my throat!"
I flinched. That sounded so wrong on so many levels, and it sounds as though she did it on purpose. It suddenly occurred to me that—being ten thousand years old—Anru may have had the body of a child, but the mindset of a promiscuous woman.
"Meido Zangetsuha!"
Anru's eyes widened as she dropped to the ground to avoid the meido. She laughed. "You know, I can go in and out of hell anytime I want," she said, smug.
I grabbed Sesshoumaru's sword arm. "Please," I said, eyes locking on Anru's. "We just need the jewel shard you have."
Anru raised her dainty eyebrows at me. "Why should I give it to you? You're just a human, and"—she squinted at me—"looks like you don't have a lot of time left, do you?"
I froze.
I felt Sesshoumaru's arm vanishing from my grip as he rushed towards Anru, who quickly leapt back. A little too late. Her silver eyes widened in shock as a small, thin gash appeared on her cheek.
Anru landed gracefully on her feet. Her eyes were wide with shock as she tentatively touched her cheek with her fingertips. Even as I watched, the gash on her cheek knitted over, until not even a scar remained.
She glared at Sesshoumaru. "Y-you…look what you did to my face!" She pointed at her healed cheek.
Inuyasha slapped a hand to his forehead.
"The shard, or it will be more than your face," Sesshoumaru threatened.
The wind suddenly blew hard, and I wrapped my cloak tightly around me. Overhead, lightning crackled in the sky. "Is she doing this?" Kagome asked, nocking an arrow to her bow.
Anru rose slowly into the air, looking down at Sesshoumaru with a pout. "You can forget about us, I'm not forgiving you!" she snapped.
I blinked. Seriously, this kid had issues.
Thunder rumbled through the air. Sesshoumaru continued to stare as Anru's holy aura rose. He didn't look the least bit impressed.
I drew Shinsei, and stood beside Sesshoumaru. "Get back," he ordered.
"What? I'm going to help you," I said.
"No." He glanced sideways at me. "She is dangerous."
My eyes widened in surprise as I turned to stare at Anru. For Sesshoumaru to say something like that…
Anru suddenly pointed a finger at me. "She's the reason you don't like me!" she huffed. Her eyes narrowed dangerously at me. She suddenly smirked. "Well, let's see how much of your arrogance is left once I'm through with you!"
Anru raised both her hands in the air and lightning flashed through the sky. I heard a deep rumble behind me. "Watch out!" Kagome shouted.
Sesshoumaru suddenly shoved me away from him. I gasped as I felt myself hit the ground just as a thick column of water streaked from the river towards Sesshoumaru.
"Sesshoumaru!" I shouted as he vanished amidst a rush of water.
Fog rose in the air, obscuring my vision. Grasping Shinsei tightly, I stood up. I focused, trying to find Sesshoumaru's demonic aura. Anru's shrill, mocking laughter echoed around me.
"That'll teach you to break the heart of a Grand Sorceress!" Anru's voice seemed to come from the very fog itself. The presence of the Sacred Jewel shard abruptly vanished, and I knew she was gone.
"Clara, where are you?" Kagome called out, her voice echoing through the fog.
"Over here!" I called out. I glanced around me. I tried to find Sesshoumaru's demonic aura, but with my spiritual energy weakened, it was nearly impossible.
Something suddenly gripped my arm, and I screamed. I spun around, and slashed Shinsei through the air. "Whoa, calm down!" Inuyasha said, ducking. "You idiot, it's us!"
"Are you all right?" Kagome asked.
"I'm fine." I sheathed Shinsei. "We have to find Sesshoumaru—I can't sense him." I looked around the thick fog. "Sesshoumaru!"
I felt my stomach clench with worry as I recalled the rush of water that had slammed into him. Surely, he was fine? It was just water, after all…But Anru was a goddess—Sesshoumaru himself had said she was dangerous.
"Sesshoumaru!" Please, please let him be all right.
Inuyasha's nostrils flared. "Follow me, I can smell him."
He led the way. Kagome held onto my hand as we followed. The thick fog hovering around us slowly started to dissipate.
Inuyasha suddenly stopped. "Inuyasha," Kagome said. "What—"
He was looking down at his feet. Heart in my throat, I pushed past him.
I stopped.
On the ground were articles of white clothing lying against Sesshoumaru's spiked armor. Tenseiga and Bakusaiga were scattered on the ground. I blinked. What…I don't…
My eyes followed the small trail of discarded clothing. I froze, my mouth hanging open in astonishment.
An angelic little boy of five or six was sitting on the ground, dressed in a red and white haori much too big for him. What…the…
I came closer, and he looked up at me with curious, golden eyes. My gaze lingered on the familiar crescent moon on his forehead, to the double stripes on his cheeks…No. Way.
"Sesshoumaru?!" I shrieked.
.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.
A1969: that's all folks!
Inuyasha: why would you want to croak?
Kagome: I'm sorry, Inuyasha, I should've given you earmuffs.
Inuyasha: mushrooms? What for?
A1969: speaking of give—what happened to the gift giving?
Sango: it fell through, because someone *glares at Miroku* couldn't keep his mouth shut.
Miroku: I am sorry, Sango, but I'll make it up to you this Valentine's day—just you and me *wink*
Sango: *slap!*
Sesshoumaru: …
A1969: hey guys, watch this. Sesshoumaru has performance issues!
Sesshoumaru: …
A1969: this is fun!
Kagome: real mature. Anyway, don't forget to review, please!
Happy New Year!