Chapter 13: Hard to Swallow
~Sesshomaru~
Sesshomaru wanted so badly in that moment to resort to his old ways and cut down anyone who dared harm his pride. He could relate to the grief Kohaku was experiencing though, and they had both blamed the same person for what had happened to Rin. Sesshomaru. How could he possibly raise his sword or claw against the one person who was willing to say it? He didn't deserve to have it given to him lightly, and Kohaku had served the words right to his very soul, raw words that he had thought himself. The pain in Kohaku's eyes had been the one thing that had saved the man from Sesshomaru's wrath. It was Sesshomaru's fault that the pain existed.
However, Sesshomaru could not and would not listen to Kohaku's accusations concerning Ameki's safety. Things would be different this time, Sesshomaru was sure of it. He could protect her, and would continue to do so until her time came at a ripe and old age. It's what he felt was right. It was his form of penance. Or was it? Would he really consider Ameki's presence as a form of discipline because of his shortcomings? It almost felt wrong to think of such things. It was Sesshomaru who owed her, it wasn't a penance, it was a debt. He owed her a life, one that far surpassed the mediocre mess he had left for Rin. He owed Ameki a mother, something he couldn't give back to her. He owed Rin, and that was something he could do. Rin's final wish was not a penance.
Kohaku's figure disappeared as he rounded a corner, the image of his slumped shoulders etched themselves into Sesshomaru's vision. He heard the light foot falls approach him. From his peripheral he saw Ameki's hand rise toward his arm but she stopped. Her hand lingered, contemplating whether or not to make contact. She had decided against it, and instead let her hand fall. Her soft voice seemingly caressed the wound that Kohaku's words had prodded.
"Lord Sesshomaru…" There was a slight hitch in her breathing that signaled the impending tears. She was crying. The scent of salt was present, and brought Sesshomaru back from his inner turmoil. She was hurting once more. Hurting just as he was. He hated it. The constant feelings, the insecurities and the way Ameki's apparent pain always made him feel. This is what it meant to be involved with humans. This is what his father had succumb to. He had probably felt just as small as Sesshomaru did in that instant. He was a power to be reckoned with, but felt so helpless when it came to quelling this mortal's fear and sorrow, but damn it he would try and would continue to. This was a new challenge for him but he had never shied away from one of those. He would prove the odds against them, and overturn the outcome.
He shifted his weight slightly, gaining a better view of Ameki's tear filled eyes. Eyes that reflected pain. Not for herself, but for him. The pulling sensation within his chest arose once more. Her eyes always tugged at something deep within him, but the tears only amplified the affect. He would rectify his shortcomings. Even if it was just for her alone. She kept his gaze as if she were trying to speak without her voice.
The footsteps and scent Sesshomaru registered next only darkened his mood further. The young farm boy rounded the corner where Kohaku had disappeared. He glanced back from the direction he had come before turning back to face them.
"Uhm, is that man okay?" He stopped, taking in Ameki's appearance, and then slowly shifted his eyes toward Sesshomaru. His eyebrow raised a bit in concern.
"Am I interrupting something?" Sesshomaru wanted nothing more than to say yes. Maybe even shout the answer, but to his surprise he didn't have to.
"Yuuto, now is probably not the best time…" Ameki's voice was swollen with the tears she fought to hold back. Yuuto's brow continued to climb in height at the confirmation of his intrusion. .
"Forgive me Ameki… Lord Sesshomaru. I didn't mean to interrupt." His tone had changed upon mentioning Sesshomaru's name. Sesshomaru had picked up on it easily.
"Come by my house later if you aren't too busy. Mother would really like to see you." Yuuto's words were meant for Ameki.
Out of Sesshomaru's peripheral he caught the slight nod of her head. Her acknowledgment to the farm boys request. Sesshomaru did not speak, or even care that Yuuto's cheeks had gained a few shades of color at her response. He was obviously smitten with Ameki, but Sesshomaru didn't get the same sense from Ameki. She had a friendly nature like her mother and saw his invitation as innocent. Sesshomaru did not. However, there was nothing he could do. It was her life to live. He would simply ensure that the boy did not make any unwanted advances on her. If he did, Sesshomaru would end him. It was as simple as that.
"I'll make the travel preparations. Spend the rest of the day as you wish." With those words Sesshomaru turned and began walking toward the arch.
He had caught sight of the sprouted questioning gaze Yuuto had gained before he had left. Ameki would no doubt spend most of the evening hours preparing to leave and giving farewells to the people of the village. That meant less time at Yuuto's house. The thought would have normally caused Sesshomaru's muscles to form a smirk, but his mind was elsewhere. He needed to find a way to remedy the obvious bad blood that was now between him and Kohaku. Sesshomaru knew very little about resolving differences. Especially when it involved mortals. He needed Kohaku's help, it was vital to the success of their journey. He couldn't let his pride get in the way of this. Not this. He would seek out Inu Yasha. He knew exactly where to find him.
InuYasha feigned ignorance as Sesshomaru ascended the steps to the shrine. He knew very well that InuYasha had been spying on them from up on the hill top. Every word said below the shrine was no doubt intercepted by InuYasha's sensitive hearing. Even if he was just a half-demon, the quality of the demon blood that ran through his veins was pure before the human demon conjoining. His sight, smell, hearing and even taste was all very sensitive.
InuYasha's back was turned as he knelt on his haunches like a dog. His attention was on the two graves that occupied the ground in front of the erected shrine. One belonged to Kaede. Kaede was the old Miko that Sesshomaru had entrusted Rin's well being to. He had left Rin in the village with the Miko so that she could become more accustomed to a normal mortal life. Also because he knew that she would be safe there. The other grave belonged to a woman that he had only met a few times, Kikyo. Kikyo was Kaede's older sister, InuYasha's former love and a very strong Miko.
Fifty years before Sesshomaru had ever known of Naraku's existence, InuYasha had fallen in love with a mortal woman. Half-demons did not fit in well in either worlds, the demon world or the mortal world. They were outcasts among both sides. This human Miko however, became very fond of InuYasha and he her. Kikyo and InuYasha had crossed paths a few times before their bond was forged. Kikyo had been assigned the duty to protect the Shikon No Tama, or Sacred Jewel. She was the only mortal known to be able to purify the malice and evil that was contained within the jewel. Many demons sought the jewel to increase their powers beyond comprehension.
Sesshomaru had never been one to seek power where he could not increase it in his own doing. However, InuYasha had sought after the jewel in hopes of becoming a full fledged demon. This led to InuYasha and Kikyo's fateful meeting. InuYasha continuously tried to gain access to the jewel, but Kikyo never allowed it. She would always finish off other demons that sought the jewel, but she would simply halt InuYasha's pursuit and leave him with warnings. InuYasha and Kikyo eventually formed a bond, one that would transcend death and even time. Kikyo, the woman that wanted nothing more than to live a normal life and InuYasha, the Half-demon that did not fit into either world.
Kikyo had inquired InuYasha's need for the jewel, and once their relationship had progressed she had given him an alternative. She would use the jewel to help him become human. This meant he would have given up his demon blood had it worked. She wanted to live a normal life with him, and InuYasha had even agreed. However, neither of them were aware of the darker forces that had been spying on them and scheming from the start. Naraku, a coalition of demons that was formed when the human bandit Onigumo agreed to exchange his vessel for mobility and strength after his body was rendered useless.
Kikyo had harbored the broken and burned fugitive and cared for him inside of a cave that she visited daily. She pitied the man that would never move from that spot ever again. It was only shortly after she met InuYasha that Onigumo's body had disappeared. He had become infatuated with the young miko. Obsessed by her beauty and compassion, and wanted nothing more than to be able to move from that spot and claim her as his. His dark desires had lured the many demons that sought the sacred jewel that Kikyo protected. In exchange for his soul and body, they promised him the mobility and strength he desired. However, once the merging of their beings was complete, Onigumo did not receive what he had bargained for. Instead, the demons that he had made the agreement with wanted nothing more than to kill the very woman he had exchanged his soul for.
Those dark forces worked behind the scene as Naraku. He sought to teach InuYasha and Kikyo the lesson that all others had been taught when dealing with the power of the sacred jewel. They were going to use it out of greed. Kikyo wanted a normal life and InuYasha had desired to be with Kikyo as a human. Naraku ultimately set the betrayal into motion. The betrayal that would ultimately claim kikyo's life and cause a much darker emotion to form between Kikyo and InuYasha. The jewel would become darker with Kikyo's feelings of hate.
On the day that Kikyo was to meet InuYasha with the jewel, Naraku had disguised himself as InuYasha, and mortally wounded Kikyo. He had taken the sacred jewel, and could have made off with it in that instant, but he simply wanted the malice within the jewel to grow. Placing the jewel back within the village, he appeared to InuYasha disguised as Kikyo, and had attempted to kill him. This began the chain of events that would eventually lead to InuYasha's fifty year slumber. InuYasha, in his rage and feelings of betrayal rushed to the village and took the sacred jewel. Kikyo however, in her final moments of life, pursued him. She sealed him to the tree of ages, in the forest that became known as the forest of InuYasha. Her last request before death claimed her, was for the Shikon No Tama to be burned with her body. Naraku had not anticipated that the jewel would disappear from this world.
Fifty years after that event, a young woman appeared within this world from within the Bone-Eaters well. A well that was said to be able to transcend this realm and maybe even time. Many people discarded the remains of slain demons within the well, because the bodies would simply disappear. That woman, was Kagome. Kagome was later discovered to be the reincarnation of Kikyo, and she had brought the sacred jewel back to this time from within her body. Sesshomaru had only ever been able to meet Kikyo because of dark sorcery that was performed by a demon known as Urasue. She had attempted to bring Kikyo back from the dead using the bone and graveyard soil that was exhumed from Kikyo's resting place at the shrine. She had intended to use Kikyo to regain all of the Shards of the Shikon jewel that Kagome had previously shattered with an arrow.
After using Kagome's soul to reanimate Kikyo's clay body that Urasue had made in her demon kiln, Kikyo killed Urasue and then quickly turned on InuYasha. Kagome called her soul back to her body, forcing Kikyo to distance herself before she died once more with unfinished business. Hence the beginning of the tragic priestess Kikyo, but was later returned to the afterlife by Naraku.
InuYasha often still visited the grave site. He had loved Kikyo, and in a way she was still with him. Kagome was her reincarnation. InuYasha had loved them both individually though.
Sesshomaru recalled the many stories Rin would impart to him when he would visit her. She loved to tell stories, and Sesshomaru couldn't escape her need to share the local gossip, and give him details of his brother's tragic love life. Sesshomaru didn't mind at the time. He had simply enjoyed seeing her well, and happy within the village. He was content that she was getting involved with things that normal mortals tend to do.
Sesshomaru felt a slight tug in his chest as he approached his brother. His brother that was all too familiar with the mourning process.
"If you've come to me about Kohaku, I don't think I can help." InuYasha glanced backward toward Sesshomaru who halted at his words. InuYasha's eyes didn't give off the usual cocky gleam he was used to. Instead they were replaced by understanding, maybe even sympathy.
"Who will be able to resolve this then?" Sesshomaru voiced. InuYasha sighed as he stood from his crouching position, allowing both graves to come into Sesshomaru's view. Fresh flowers had been placed upon both graves. Extremely fresh flowers. The stems had not even began to bruise or wither from tear.
"You have to. He's just wrapped up in his feelings right now. I'm sure he will come around, but you getting all huffy with him won't change things." InuYasha said matter of factly.
"I don't have time to play the wait game any longer." Sesshomaru spoke.
"Then make him see reason. You are trying to do what he doubts you can do." InuYasha shrugged.
"You have to talk to him. Convince him this is the only way you can protect the girl. Surely he will have to understand that." InuYasha slightly scoffed.
"You're gonna have to step out of your comfort zone for a bit and enter the real world. I can't talk to him for you, I'm just setting you on the path to what has to be done."
InuYasha glanced back once more toward the shrine and then made his way toward the steps. Sesshomaru stood still as InuYasha past him. Sesshomaru understood what InuYasha was telling him. It just wasn't something that Sesshomaru was going to be, for the lack of a better word, comfortable with. He found himself becoming more social with humans than he ever thought possible. He had probably spoke to more humans as of late than he had in his entire life. The social scene had never been his calling, not even with demons. However, now his duties required him to cozy up to humans. He inwardly sighed. He was not the dote his brother expected him to be, but he would attempt to make Kohaku see reason. He had to.
Sesshomaru had always been a fighter with his weapons and claws. Now he would have to use his words. All of this was becoming extremely hard for him to swallow.
~Ameki~
Ameki walked slowly with Yuuto. She knew the questions were coming, she just didn't know how she would be able to answer them. One question would lead to another, and she wasn't in the mood to explore uncomfortable territory that would no doubt lead to confrontation. Taking a lengthy leave of absence with Lord Sesshomaru would no doubt upset and worry Yuuto. She was well aware of his feelings toward the Great Dog Demon, and she didn't want to hear it, or chance him trying to convince her to stay. The only way she would be able to make him understand her reason for leaving, would be to impart all aspects of her situation involving Yakunan.
The back of her neck tingled as the demon's name crossed her mind. She would never get used to the sensitive feeling that would come and go. Sometimes it was triggered, other times it was random. At night though after waking from her dreams, it lingered.
"You're going with him this time?" Ameki inwardly rolled her eyes. She was too exhausted from witnessing the distress between Kohaku and Sesshomaru to get into detail in that moment.
"Yes, but I'll return. Kohaku and Hotaru are coming along as well." Yuuto slightly frowned, but Ameki noticed a bit of the tension leave Yuuto's frame.
"Those are the demon slayer's right? Sango's brother and son?" Yuuto questioned. Ameki felt a bit relieved that his questions pertained to the other men.
"Yes. We'll be visiting a far northern region." Ameki replied.
"How far north? Like a region or two?" Ameki inwardly chastised herself for adding the "far" descriptive in her answer.
"It could take a while, I… have business to attend to." Yuuto frowned slightly.
"Hmm… and you require an escort of a demon and two demon slayers?" Ameki slightly narrowed her eyes, but was quickly caught off guard by the small smile that krept over Yuuto's lips. He slightly nudged her arm as they continued their slow pace.
"Chill, I'm only teasing. I won't pry into your personal life. I only wanted to get an idea of when you would return. I know my mother enjoys your company. She'll surely miss you… and the help you give her around the house." Yuuto smiled to himself as he glanced off in the distance toward his home.
"She really does appreciated the help you give her with the launder and cooking." He slightly blushed.
"I really appreciate it too. I know the reprieve you give her helps her joints and bones." Ameki gave Yuuto a smile as he turned his attention back toward her.
"It's my pleasure. It's nice knowing I can help those in need." Yuuto beamed a wide smile toward Ameki.
"You really do have the kindest heart Ameki." Ameki felt a slight tinge of heat enter her cheeks at his compliment.
"I try to do what's right." Yuuto kept his smile as he added to her last statement.
"I assume that's why you'll be heading out with Sesshomaru this time? You have to do what's right somewhere?" She should have known he wouldn't let it go. She didn't want to get into specifics, but she didn't want to be as vague with Yuuto as she had been before. He was nothing but nice to her, and she absolutely adored his mother. It just didn't sit well knowing that he would constantly be wondering what she was up to her entire absence.
"I'm accompanying Lord Sesshomaru, Kohaku and Hotaru to Echigo." Yuuto's eyes widened a bit at the mention of the far Northern Region.
"That's quite the journey Ameki." Yuuto's shoulder's slightly slumped.
"It really shouldn't take long considering we will have Ah-Un." Yuuto raised his brow at the mention of Ah-Un.
"You mean that dragon you visit? The one that flies?" Ameki nodded.
"How is everyone going to ride on that demon? Granted he's pretty big, but It's gonna be a bit cramped don't you think?" Ameki gave a slight giggle at his response.
"No, I'll ride on Ah-Un with Kohaku and Hotaru, maybe Jaken." Ameki imagined Jaken's reaction to having to ride on the already crowded Ah-Un with three humans.
"Or maybe Lord Sesshomaru will let Jaken tag along with him." Ameki added. Yuuto creased his brow.
"The little green toad guy is Jaken right?" Ameki nodded at Yuuto's inquiry.
"So, Sesshomaru will carry him while he what? Runs?"
Ameki paused to think about how to answer his question. She just assumed that Yuuto would know that Sesshomaru himself could fly, but… then again Yuuto didn't know much at all about Sesshomaru. Their first meeting had proven that much. Some time had passed since then, but Ameki often avoided the topic that was Lord Sesshomaru. She had been afraid that Yuuto would overstep his bounds once again, and Ameki would have no other choice but to defend Sesshomaru. She didn't want to chance hurting her friendship with Yuuto. Especially since it was one of the first, outside of the people that knew her mother, she had formed.
"Well, Sesshomaru is really fast you know. He has some otherworld qualities." Ameki couldn't ponder any other response.
"I guess that makes sense. InuYasha is really fast and he's only a half demon. I can only imagine how fast a full demon must be." Yuuto shrugged, accepting her answer. Thankfully.
"Before you leave though, come by the house. You can say by to my mom, and…" Yuuto trailed off as they came close to a group of people in the nearing market district. His footsteps almost halting. Ameki paused her own travel, curious as to where his mind had taken him as his words had dissipated.
"I wanna give you something." He turned his body toward Ameki, but averted his gaze. The heat was now apparent in his cheeks once more, and had began accumulating as his silence had taken hold.
"Oh?" Ameki inquired.
"Well, what do you want to give me?" She asked. Yuuto looked back up catching her eyes with a playful grin.
"It's a surprise. I used a bit of my money I made chopping up wood to get it. I think it really suits you." Ameki grinned.
"Now you really have me curious Yuuto. You didn't have to though. I'll pay you back for whatever it is." Yuuto just shook his head and cleared his throat.
"Now my lady… It wouldn't be a gift if you paid me back for it." Ameki playfully patted his arm.
"I know, but I also know you work hard for your money. You could be spending it on something for your mom or yourself." She smiled.
"Oh, I buy mom plenty of things. I didn't come up short this season. I actually had a surplus of coin to save up for the winter, and a little extra to get you a gift." He raised his arm and ran his hand through his hair.
"I was gonna wait for the perfect time to give it to you, but since you are gonna be gone a while I might as well give it to you this evening." He smiled and started walking once again.
"Now I'm really curious as to what it is. Was this your plan Yuuto? Draw me in with curiosity so I won't forget to visit?" Ameki asked in jest.
"Oh no, you caught me Ameki. I guess that still means I won't tell you. You'll just have to come and see." He smiled patting her on the shoulder.
Ameki soon broke off from Yuuto after exiting the market district. She made a note of all of the people she would have to give her farewell to. She wouldn't be gone forever, but she didn't want anyone to think she just disappeared without thinking of them. There was one matter that was pressing her conscience dominantly. Kohaku. The man had looked terribly defeated. It was her first time meeting him, and she wanted to rectify the situation. She didn't want that to be the first impression she gave to him. She had instantly jumped to Lord Sesshomaru's defense. Kohaku was simply having trouble processing what had happened, and she couldn't blame him.
She had no idea what kind of relationship Kohaku and her mother had in the past, but it was clear that they were probably good friends. Or at least had been. She did know that they traveled a while with Lord Sesshomaru together as kids, but nothing about them ever came up where village life was concerned. Ameki didn't care to pry into personal matters. All she knew was the man was distraught with the news, and she could sympathize. However, Sesshomaru was not to blame in any form or fashion. She wanted him to understand that.
Ameki approached Sango's home. Hotaru was outside talking with Miroku. Miroku and Hotaru both seemed to be catching up. Smiles were apparent on both of their faces, and laughter echoed off of the closer huts to their own. Ameki's approach brought their attention from something they had been discussing.
"Hello Ameki!" Miroku greeted her. She smiled in return and slightly bowed.
"Miroku, Hotaru hello to you both!" She replied in kind. Hotaru sent a slight nod in her direction. His eyes were clearly guarded, and had become so upon noticing her approach.
"To what do we owe this pleasure Ameki?" Miroku stood from his cross legged position on the ground and approached her motioning her forward. He clasped her hand and smiled down at her with his genuinely happy grin. He really was kind to the eyes for an older gentlemen. He had never been Lecherous toward her thankfully, but she had a sneaking suspicion that Lord Sesshomaru had swayed his decision making there.
Ameki cleared her throat and spoke, taking on a much more hushed tone than she had in greeting.
"I was actually hoping that I could talk to Kohaku. That is if you know where he is." Miroku's smile became more serene.
"He's in the house with Sango at the moment. I think maybe talking to you will help him." Miroku stepped back slightly, releasing Ameki's hand.
"I think he feels regretful for how the two of you met. His remorse is clear in more than one area that's for sure." Ameki slightly frowned.
"I may have become a little hostile toward him, and I for one regret that. I want to make amends, and maybe set things straight so we can get off on the right foot this time?" Ameki felt her eyebrows raise as she inquired Miroku's thoughts. She wanted his opinion on the situation before heading in.
"He's already apologized to Sango a million times for the way he acted in front of you. She's been trying to convince him that you are an understanding person. I think it would help to hear it from you though." He smiled down at her and she returned it.
Miroku turned and began walking toward the the house. Upon opening the straw curtain he announced their presence.
"Kohaku, you have a visitor." He motioned for Ameki to step inside and so she did. Kohaku was perched against the wall with one leg stretched outward, and the other drawn in with his arm resting on it. Sango was positioned across the hearth refilling a few cups of tea with the fresh pot that she had seemingly taken from over the fire. Kohaku's hooded eyes found her, and his posture slightly straightened.
"Hello Ameki!" Sango greeted her. Her cheerful voice was like music to Ameki's ears. Ameki had half expected to walk into the atmosphere of a wake. Kohaku on the other hand looked as if he had simply been brooding. He had clearly gathered himself from the broken man she had witnessed him to be during his confrontation with Sesshomaru. Ameki exhaled the breath she hadn't realized she had been withholding.
"Hello Sango. I really hope I'm not intruding?" Ameki asked. Sango shook her head and smiled as she finished filling the last cup.
"No of course not. We were actually just talking about you. You're ears must have been burning." She playfully chided.
"Ah, no… but I was getting an ear full. Yuuto escorted me back to the village. I wanted to come by and reintroduce myself to Kohaku." Ameki sent a small smile his way, and in return he nodded straightening his frame even more. He stood.
He made his way toward her and slightly bowed.
"I'm sorry for my earlier actions princess. I should have acted more professional in your presence..." Ameki could tell that he wasn't finished with his thoughts, rather he was forming a way to finish.
"I said some things that could have been taken the wrong way, as an insult even. I can assure you that anything that was directed toward you was not meant as so. I spoke out of emotion, and was clearly not thinking straight. I can only hope that you will forgive me?" He slightly looked up and the plea in his eyes was apparent.
Ameki almost felt sick imagining the amount of nerves it must have taken to muster that sort of apology. It was her mother after all that had found the ill fated end that had bothered Kohaku so.
"There is nothing to apologize for Kohaku. We all deal with grief differently. I knew where your emotions were leading you. Grief is a road well traveled in these times. I just wish we all weren't so well acquainted with it." Ameki gave a forlorn smile, but Kohaku seemingly relaxed.
"Thank you Ameki. That was spoken like a true Princess." He gave her a relieved smile and then bowed.
"I'm no longer a princess Kohaku, so the formalities aren't needed. They always made me kind of uncomfortable anyways." Ameki slightly giggled and gave her own curt nod in his direction.
"Understood." He stated as he reclaimed his former standing position.
Ameki caught sight of Sango who was absolutely beaming.
"Come join us Ameki! I'll get you a cup as well. Its fresh." Sango stood and walked to the other side of the room. Ameki found herself a comfortable position on the tatami mat and decided to dive into conversation, hoping to avoid awkward silence.
"So Kohaku…" She began as he too found a position by the fire.
"If it's not too forward of me, and you are comfortable talking about it, I'd like to know more about you and my mother." Ameki gave a reassuring smile, hoping to let him know that it was okay to talk about it but it was also okay to decline. Kohaku slowly nodded his head, and slightly smiled.
"Rin…" He stated. The look in his eyes changed from uncertainty to something completely different. Almost the same emotion that she had glanced in Sesshomaru's eyes when speaking of her mother. Though, there was a different sparkle as well.
"In my line of work, you grow accustomed to the idea that things always happen for a reason, even the smaller things can be building blocks for much larger things. It's all tied together somehow." He sighed.
"However, I could never clarify to myself where Rin stood in my life. If I'm going to be honest with you, I cared for her greatly. She was my best friend." Kohaku's smile deepened as his memories seemingly traveled back. The fondness was apparent. They were indeed close it seemed.
"Rin for the most part was a wild child. She was always more of a risk taker than other kids her age, and even people that were closer to my age. So you can only imagine how often I found myself keeping her out of trouble." Everyone in the room chuckled at Kohaku's musings. It was nice for Ameki to connect with her mother more and now she could understand where her own adventurous and sometimes mischievous nature as a child had come from.
"You could certainly tell that her previous guardian had been a demon. She spent a lot of time correcting some of the other village kids who would whisper rumors about demons and what not. She had a very high opinion, one that couldn't be shook. As she grew older it made her seem a bit of an outcast. Some kids thought her weird. Her stories of her travels with Lord Sesshomaru." Kohaku sighed.
"I sort of took her under my wing at that point. I spent most of my days trying to fit in as well. I trained, took on a few slayer jobs and done what I could in the village. See, most kids didn't believe her stories of Sesshomaru, but I knew they were true. I didn't mind talking to her about them either. It's what made her comfortable. Knowing that she hadn't imagined him and that he would come back." His mood slightly darkened.
"That is until he stopped coming around." Ameki's features mirrored Kohaku's as a frown and pinched brow arose.
"I knew about Kaede's talk with Sesshomaru. At first he had seemed irritated, but she convinced him it would be safer that way. She even threw in a few "think about your image" lines to sweeten the pot for him. It wouldn't look right if he continued to visit a young mortal woman. It would also potentially put her in danger." Kohaku glance toward Ameki for a moment, but returned his gaze toward the fire.
"It didn't stop him of course. He would come check on the village and linger on the outskirts for days at a time. He would never come in to see Rin though because of the agreement. He was loyal, I'll give him that much. He didn't see the way it affected her though." Kohaku sighed.
"I think that may be part of the reason I was so hostile toward him. I feel terrible the more I talk about it. I'm kind of starting to realize it must have affected him greatly too." Kohaku shifted his weight letting his legs glide from beneath him in a more stretched out position.
"That's beside the point now though. That's for another time." He surmised.
"Rin, was a one of a kind beauty. I'm not afraid to admit that. I too was awestruck by the young, beautiful, caring and wild woman she became. I had never imagined seeing myself feel that way about her, but it happened. It happened all at the wrong time." Kohaku chuckled.
"This is where my "everything happens for a reason" philosophy comes in." Kohaku wiped his brow and smoothed the facial hair that had become dampened with a bit of sweat from being so close to the fire.
"I found myself completely taken with her. As did many other young men from the village. I however, felt privileged when it came to Rin. Most of those little weasels had made fun of her when they had been kids. I was the one comforting her when they would make her cry. I became quite the jealous man when they seemingly all of a sudden deemed her worthy of their attention. It was wrong of me, and I knew she could take care of herself. I also knew she had no intention of courting any of them, but that still didn't quell my competitive nature." He chuckled once more.
Ameki hadn't realized that her composure had leaned in to listen more intently. Her face was now moderately burning due to her closeness to the fire.
"I tried to cut them down at every turn. I wanted to impress her, show her that they were half wits simply trying to help reside the effects that their hormonal bodies presented them with. I wanted her to know that none of them would care for her the way I did. However in the process, I pushed her away." Sango slightly cleared her throat. She knew this would be difficult for her brother.
"I realized too late that I had isolated her again. In my attempt to make sure she didn't get hurt again, I had made it to where no one even attempted to court her. They were intimidated, because of me. I was a demon slayer after all. Soon after that, I found my first good bit of work. I knew it would take a while to complete. I also knew I was ready. I made the decision to leave the first time without telling Rin. I knew she was upset with me. From there we kind of drifted apart. Most was my doing, work kept me away." Kohaku stretched and took the first sip of his tea.
"I received word that Rin was going to be married. I Didn't attend the wedding, however, a few years later I did receive work from the young Lord she had married. I even had the chance to see her again, in her new home. I always knew she was meant for greater things, but I had never imagined she would be the lady of a castle." Kohaku smiled toward Ameki.
"She had a beautiful daughter too, and it seems that you were raised well enough. You seem very respectable. These things happen for a reason you see?" Ameki slightly nodded and smiled.
" Yes, otherwise I might have been your daughter." Ameki playfully teased, causing Kohaku to slightly choke on the sip of tea he had prepared to drink. His face took on a Mix of emotions before returning to a humorous nature.
"Yea, having kids in my profession is out of the question I suppose. Not everyone can be a multitask guru like Sango over there." Sango chuckled at her brother's joke.
"And to think only one of my children decided to carry on my legacy. We truly are a dying breed." Sango sighed and smiled into her cup.
Ameki slowly nodded. She had heard the stories of how her and Kohaku's village had been destroyed when they were young. Even younger than Ameki was now. The Terrible demon Naraku had been behind it. Another tragic story, of how the both of them lost their family and friends, and almost each other. Ameki felt the urge to cringe at the stories she had been told by Sango, Kagome and even InuYasha. The demon Naraku had sounded like a formidable foe, and the world was clearly better without him. A feeling of dread krept over her as well. Now the world faced a new threat. Yakunan, and somehow she was right in the middle of it all.
Kohaku's attention was drawn toward the door, along with Sango's almost instantaneously. Miroku opened the curtain soon after, and motioned toward Kohaku.
"Looks like our house is popular today. We have another visitor." Ameki peered around the corner, and caught Sesshomaru's gaze. He didn't seem the least surprised that she was there. It didn't surprise her either considering she knew he was able to sniff her out. However, she was curious, and a little uneasy on the fact that Miroku had motioned for Kohaku to come instead of her. Sesshomaru had intended to talk to him… and this made Ameki nervous.
Sesshomaru stayed put, clearly not wanting to come inside. It was rare that he ever went into a human accomodation. He seemed to prefer the outdoors much better. The human incense and many other odors, such as food and what not, was very strong to his senses. Ameki often wondered if his senses ever went into overload. She recalled a few times that InuYasha had complained of certain odors, or too many in one place which usually made him grumpy.
Kohaku made his way toward the door, straightening his previously relaxed shoulders, he stood tall. After Kohaku disappeared through the doorway all that was left to Ameki's view was a swinging straw curtain. She quickly glanced over toward Sango, who's brow was now creased mirroring her own.
"Do you think they'll settle their differences?" Ameki asked quietly. She knew if Sesshomaru truly wanted to, he could pick up any sound he had wanted from within the otherwise silent hut. She simply didn't see the point in both of the quarreling men to hear her inquiry. Ameki felt that it could do no good and possibly put more pressure on the situation.
Sango sighed.
"I really do hope they can. Kohaku already feels terrible for the way he acted. He's just afraid that Sesshomaru won't understand why he acted that way." Sango motioned for Ameki to lean in, and as she did Sango brought her mouth very near Ameki's ear.
"I'm not even sure if Sesshomaru is aware of the close relationship that Rin and Kohaku used to have. It really only began after Sesshomaru took his permanent leave." The words were almost so low that Ameki couldn't hear them, and she hoped that maybe Sesshomaru's mind was occupied at the moment.
Ameki was relieved as soon as Miroku stepped inside. Neither Kohaku nor Sesshomaru were standing outside any longer.
"Maybe those two will sort things out on their walk." Miroku chimed with a bit of forced cheer.
"They better. I haven't seen action in years, and it's been even longer since I've gone up against Sesshomaru. I don't think my joints would hold out for very long." Sango's words caused Ameki to stiffen. Sango's smile led her to believe it was simply a joke, but it didn't mean Ameki was comfortable with the joke. If a fight broke out amongst the village, or even near by involving Sesshomaru and the people here in the village that she cared about, Ameki would simply be torn between the two.
Ameki suddenly felt feverish. Her head began to spin a bit, causing her to place her cup of tea down rather quickly, and quite noisily. She clenched her eyes shut for a moment, and when she opened them Sango was infront of her.
"It was only a joke Ameki, I don't think Kohaku would ever draw his weapon against Sesshomaru. Can't say the same for Sesshomaru but…" Ameki's hiss caused Sango to slightly move away. Ameki pressed her hand to the back of her neck, where the pain began to center. The dizziness she had previously felt faded, but the pain intensified in that one area.
"It's burning…" Ameki voiced through gritted teeth. Her eyes were now clenched again as she envisioned the heat of a flame licking at her skin. Ameki felt Miroku's hand, considering Sango had instantly rushed across the room, remove her hand from the back of her neck. Her hair was seemingly stuck to her skin around the burning area where sweat had accumulated.
"I don't see anything, but…" Miroku's voice quieted, and his weight shifted.
"Do you feel that Sango?" He spoke. Sango came back with a wet cloth, and slightly dabbed the area of discomfort.
"I can sense something, but I'm not really sure what it is." She replied. The feeling of the cloth against Ameki's skin almost felt like ice, causing her to wince with each touch.
"Has this happened before Ameki?" Sango asked.
"I know I've seen the area cause discomfort before, but this seems more serious…" Sango's voice was laced with worry.
"It's been intense before, but I don't recall it ever being this painful." Ameki felt a tear slide down her cheek as the wincing caused her to jolt away from the cool compress. The fire almost instantly dissipated from the back of her neck, but reemerged in the center of her hand causing her to let out a piercing wail that she could not muffle.
