While Yuuki was forced to resign herself to the situation, she was desperately preparing herself for what was to come.
The flight on Kagura's feather was a sweet relief to her body. After using her Spirit's Rage to destroy Kagura and Utsugi's barriers she felt considerably weaker. I suppose this is the drawback. It was stupid of me to think I could it continuously. She needed rest- she needed sleep. She tried to keep her breathing controlled while they flew at too high of an altitude for a human. Thankfully Kagura wasn't one for talking, or checking on her. She would have to play as Utsugi until she found a way out of this situation.
Yuuki's stomach dropped as Kagura suddenly took them on a nose dive. They broke through the clouds and were racing towards what looked like an empty cliff. Until they were suddenly consumed by a thick dark fog. Yuuki winced as they flew through a pushing force, her hair whipping behind her furiously. What is this? A barrier? It was different from the ones she had encountered before.
Once they successfully passed through, Yuuki was hit by the demonic energy. She found herself shaking, wanting to run and hide. She dug her nails in her palms to keep herself grounded. How the hell is all of this negative energy being suppressed by a mere barrier!? Within the barrier they entered the sky was tinted dark, on the cliff was a single level castle that had been invisible before, and any greenery was dead.
"Home sweet home," Kagura murmured sarcastically. Once they were low enough to the ground she cancelled her spell, leaving Yuuki to land on her feet without warning. The feather twirled to its original size and Kagura caught it, sticking it back in her hair. Glancing back at Yuuki she said, "Come on," and headed for the castle.
Fists tight at her sides, Yuuki followed while keeping her expression as even as possible. For how weak she was, she felt as if Naraku's demonic energy would crush her. The air was stagnant, making it even harder to catch a breath.
While they walked through the empty halls of the castle, Kagura looked back at her and asked, "You had a hard time, didn't you? You seem more sulky than usual."
Avoiding eye contact with her Yuuki replied, "I underestimated them."
With a sigh Kagura turned back around, tapping her fan on her shoulder. "Oh well. The wolf demon's aren't that big of a deal. I just thought I'd make it easier for myself by tricking them into fighting Inuyasha and his pathetic group, then I'd take care of the rest myself." Smirking back at her she added, "However you still took care of a score of them. That wolf Koga was hopping mad wouldn't you say?"
She continued to avoid Kagura's eyes. "I don't care. I simply want the girl."
Kagura frowned before turning back around. "Always one for conversation, aren't you." She then stopped suddenly, "Hold on." Yuuki's heart was lodged in her throat when she turned around and looked her up and down, inspecting her too thoroughly for Yuuki's liking. "You're absolutely filthy." Yuuki looked down at herself. She was covered in mud head to toe, whatever slight differences she and Utsugi had would have been covered up by it. Oh thank god. Her heart lowered back to her chest. Gesturing to the room beside them with her fan she said, "Go make yourself decent. I'm going ahead to speak to Naraku, stay put until I return."
Kagura then walked away and Yuuki hurried in, sliding the door closed behind her. Once she felt safe enough she completely collapsed. I'm safe. I'm okay. It's okay. She let herself lay on the floor for a moment to gather herself. She calmed herself down and caught her breath, but from the stress and fatigue tears were prickling her eyes. I'm trapped. I'm trapped in Naraku's lair.
Slowly did she force herself up, resting on her legs as she looked around the room. Is this Utsugi's room? Though her legs were still protesting, she forced herself back to her feet. There was a futon on the floor that hardly looked touched, and a wardrobe. Aside from that the room was barren. She walked up to the wardrobe and opened it up, finding a couple spares of Utsugi's clothing. Pushing the robes aside, hanging on the back of the dresser was the same oni mask with the giant straw wig. She was overcome with relief, oddly enough. I hate that mask, but it'll help conceal me. Hopefully her smell will smother out my own.
Continuing to explore, she found that the room was connected to a small washroom. However there was only a bucket of cold water. Seems I have no choice. Yuuki stripped herself of the muddy priestess clothing and use the cold water to wash away any mud still clinging to her skin as well as cleaning her rosary. She couldn't do much for her hair, but she did what she could. Having so much hair is more trouble than it's worth in this Era. Deciding to take care of it another time, she hugged her naked shivering body as she hurried back to the wardrobe, quickly putting Utsugi's clothes on. After tightening on the obi, she checked herself and found hidden pockets inside the sleeves. She hid her talisman and rosary within them, and then turned to the mask.
"Why anyone would wear such an ugly thing is beyond me," she murmured to herself as she took it. Moving the large straw wig around to conceal her hair, she attached the mask to her face. Aside from hiding her face it wasn't very convenient since the eye holes were too small for proper vision. She had to turn her head fully to look around. However I supposed it's better than Naraku figuring out he successfully captured me.
Kagura had told her to stay put, however Yuuki was too jittery. Her palms had a permanent sheen of sweat from her nervousness, and the mask was making it hard to breathe for her, the inside heating up quickly from her breath. She couldn't stay, she needed to move. Perhaps if I'm lucky I'll happen upon a way out of here. Opening the door again, she poked her head out and looked up and down the hall. Well, there was no sign of Kagura at least.
She had to walk the hall calmly as she made her way back to the courtyard just in case someone spotted her. When she came to the porch out front, she stopped short in surprise. Kohaku! The boy in his demon slayer garb was standing at the railing staring out at the grey and barren landscape. She swallowed nervously and approached.
When she came closer to him she narrowed her eyes, getting a better look at his face. He was standing eerily still as his eyes were glazed over like before. The mask hid her sad look. Oh, Kohaku... She could hear the soft pats of footsteps and she looked back, seeing Kagura approach. "Don't waste your time with Kohaku," she said and Yuuki turned to her, seeing her stare down at Kohaku bored. "He's Naraku's puppet. He never speaks without a will of his own." She then gestured down the hall, "Naraku wishes to see you. I suggest you don't keep him waiting."
She looked past Kagura to see the open doors further down. Her heart was hammering again, but she walked without a fuss. What do I do? Will he see through my act? She forced herself to keep her hands calm at her sides, back straight and head high. Slowly as she neared Naraku's room she could feel the demonic energy washing over her wave after wave. It made her bones tremble. Well, worse come to worse, I can try to bargain again.
She entered the room and stopped, staring at Naraku who stared back. He was lounging in bed, robes open to show his chest and- thank goodness his blanket was over his waist, hair more disheveled than before. What did I walk into? He smiled at her, though any smile he had wasn't friendly. "Utsugi, Kagura told me what happened in the woods with the wolf demons. I can't believe you had such a hard time with Inuyasha."
He's patronizing me."Not him," she corrected, keeping her voice devoid of emotion. "The girl was strong."
That made him chuckle. "Yes, she's full of surprises. She can break any barrier now, can't she?" His eyes turned sharp as he watched her. "I don't believe even you can do that."
Utsugi can't break barriers? Yuuki kept herself steady as her mind raced, her hopes rising. Perhaps I could bargain with him again. Keeping that in mind, she knew Naraku was testing Utsugi's patience. Utsugi would possibly fight tooth and nail to have me. She narrowed her eyes slightly, "An impressive feat, but it can only go so far. My powers are more fully developed than hers."
Naraku chuckled again, but he seemed to ease up. "So quick to be on the defensive. Not to worry, I'm still interested in our deal." Yuuki nodded. Though I wish you'd tell me what it was."Anyways, the reason I called for you. I have a task for you. I need you to find a girl named Rin and bring her to me." Yuuki stared at him. A girl? She had never heard the name before. "Kagura," he called and sure enough Yuuki felt her presence walk up beside her. "Take Utsugi to the mountain valley east of here. That's where Rin will be."
"Fine," Kagura replied, obviously annoyed. "Come, Utsugi," she said and walked off.
Yuuki turned and followed her obediently without a word. They're letting me out of the castle! This will be my only chance to escape. They walked passed Kohaku who didn't even register that they were there. Though it hurt, she couldn't do anything for the boy now. Once they were out in the courtyard Kagura plucked out a feather and tossed it up, transforming it. She and Yuuki got on and then flew off out of the barrier. Once they passed the smoke again Yuuki looked back, not seeing a trace of the castle. There must be a source to that barrier inside. Perhaps a crystal. If I could somehow break that then the barrier will fall. She tried to memorize the location before they flew into the clouds and out of the castle's sight.
After a while Kagura decided to speak up, "It's very curious that you would team up with Naraku."
The higher they flew the harder it became to breathe again. Still there was a pause and Yuuki needed to say something. "It's very curious how resentful you are towards Naraku." She noticed that Kagura tensed up for a moment.
"So… You noticed," she said and Yuuki refused to say anything. Kagura looked back at her over her shoulder and smirked at her. "Trust me, you'll see why soon enough."
When she turned back around, Yuuki decided to take a gamble. "Perhaps you and I could team up."
Kagura whipped her head back around to stare at her in shock. Yuuki's heart lodged in her throat and she broke out into an all body sweat. Shit, I didn't expect such a reaction! Kagura blinked, but then laughed. Yuuki nearly collapsed off the feather in relief. "I didn't think you had a sense of humor."
"Who said I was joking?" Yuuki questioned. I'm toeing a dangerous line here. Kagura looked back at her with a more curious expression. Yuuki's eyes widened behind the mask. She's considering it? "You're his incarnation. You seem to have more of a will than that boy. I assume you'd rather not follow his orders."
Kagura frowned, "Don't talk so loud about it, even if we're alone." She turned back around and added quietly, "There's no point. You and I are both better off not defying him. You're just a doll; he's more clever than you."
A doll...? While Yuuki tucked that information away, she felt elated that there was a weakness in Naraku's defenses. If she could convince Kagura to betray Naraku then they could have someone on the inside. For now Yuuki decided to drop the subject. I need to escape and get back to my friends. I need them to help me with this plan.
Yuuki couldn't guess how far they flew with how high they were. Once they began descending she almost sighed in relief, her lungs filling up fully as they approached the ground. They broke out of the clouds and Yuuki stared down at the vast, colorful fields. This is certainly a ways away from the wolf demon forest. Once they were close enough to the ground she jumped off with Kagura just as the feather transformed again, fitting into her hand. "The girl, Rin, should be around here somewhere," Kagura said in disinterest, looking around lazily.
Yuuki looked over at her. "You're bored."
Kagura looked back at her and asked, "What was your first clue." She looked away and glared out at the distance. "Naraku's always ordering me around to do tedious tasks such as this. These underhanded methods don't satisfy me; I'd rather use my own raw power."
Though her face was hidden, Yuuki resisted a smile. I'm learning an awful lot about you, Kagura. Thankfully she was a chatterbox. She turned away from her and said, "Do as you like. Naraku instructed me to complete this task; I'm capable on my own."
Kagura looked over at her surprised. She then smirked, "If you insist. I'll be back sometime later to check your progress, though don't expect me to rush." The wind whipped up as she transformed her feather again and flew off.
Yuuki stared up at her and watched as she disappeared into the clouds. Once she was gone Yuuki ripped off the mask and fell back into the flowers and lush grass. She nearly cried in relief. "I did it... I survived..." So tired, so, so tired. Yuuki laid there for a while, soaking up the sun and allowing herself a break as her exhaustion hit her with full force. With the adrenaline subsiding she doubted she could stand ever again. Staring up at the clouds, she wondered how far away she was from her friends. I'll need to get my bearings... Find a village nearby... Her eyes were slowly closing on her. Maybe I can rest for a bit first...
...
...
...
"Hello?"
Yuuki jolted, her eyes snapping open and her heart racing again. She blinked, seeing a girl standing over her, blocking out the sky. She hand long black hair with a small pigtail, and blinked back at her with brown eyes. She smiled, "Oh, you're awake!" I was just about to sleep... Seeing it was just a girl Yuuki was able to calm down. With a grunt and some effort she pushed herself up and the girl sat back on her legs. She tilted her head and asked, "Are you hurt?"
"No, I'm all right." Yuuki looked the girl up and down again, she wore an orange checkered kosode, but it was worn and the colors were faded. Is this the girl Naraku wanted? She seems like a normal human girl. She's no acquaintance of my friends either. "What's your name?"
"I'm Rin," she replied. "Are you a priestess? You're dressed like one."
"Uh- yes, I am," she nodded. Looking around she asked, "Where did you come from? I didn't see any villages around."
"I could ask you the same thing," Rin smiled. Yuuki looked at her surprised, but then smiled back. "I'll tell you anyways, though, cause I can tell you're nice. I've been at this valley for a few days now, I don't live in a village. Actually, I travel a lot, but you're the first human I've seen in a really long time." Yuuki opened her mouth, but Rin continued, "So what's your name? Did you come from a village? Are you traveling as well? What do you travel for?"
She blinked at the girl. She then smiled, "I see... you don't have very many people to talk to, do you?"
Rin shook her head. "No, I don't have very many people to talk to, and I get told I talk too much."
"Well that's all right, I'm happy to talk to you. My name is Fujiwara Yuuki, and where I come from is a rather long story. I'm traveling to get back home."
"Ooh," Rin perked up, intrigued by her answers. She then tilted her head at her, "Have you been traveling a lot? You look tired, you have bags under your eyes."
Yuuki deflated a little, "Yes, I am a bit tired. I've been traveling for a while now."
Then Rin deflated a little as well. "Oh, well, I can let you go back to sleep then. Sorry for disturbing you."
Yuuki watched her face for a moment. She seems lonely. She didn't know Rin's whole story, but she felt it better not to ask anything too personal. However a child left by themselves for so long isn't good for them. "No, it's all right. I shouldn't be sleeping like this anyways." She's cute, and I can't very well leave her alone. Especially with Kagura flying around.
Rin perked up, "Really? Are you sure? You look bad."
Yuuki laughed a little at that. "I'm sure I've looked worse." With a bit more effort she pushed herself to her feet, staggering a little. I can't get far like this. Rin hopped up to her bare feet as well and Yuuki asked, "So, what are you doing out here?"
"Right now I'm picking flowers!" She replied happily. "I'm trying to get a bunch of different flowers to make a bouquet! Do you wanna help me? It's fun and it doesn't use up a lot of energy."
Yuuki smiled, her courtesy was adorable. "I would love to help." I haven't taken a break since coming to this Era. I am going to pick some flowers.
Rin cheered and ran off, suddenly animated while Yuuki followed after her calmly. Rin was a chatterbox, talking about how much she loved flowers, which were her favorite, talking aloud to figure out the names of certain ones. Yuuki merely smiled and let her talk, prompting her to continue when she stopped. "Flowers seem to be your hobby," she commented and Rin blinked at her.
"Hobby?"
She nodded. "A hobby is something you like to do in your free time."
"Oh, then I guess so!" Rin smiled down at her bouquet. She then turned to Yuuki and asked, "What's your hobby?"
"My hobby is acrobatics." Rin stared at her. She laughed a little, "Acrobatics is..." She hesitated, how was she going to explain this so this girl could understand. "Is... a performance."
"A performance?" Rin seemed intrigued and leaned towards her.
Yuuki nodded, "It's a performance of extraordinary human feats of balance, agility, and coordination."
"Oh."
Yuuki deadpanned, seeing Rin wasn't impressed. "W-well, I'm sure it doesn't sound as fun as picking flowers, but watch." Feeling the need to impress and show off her hobby, Yuuki took a breath and tried to find her energy. She didn't stretch, because she was too tired to put the effort in, and she really should have a spotter to do this, but oh well. She resigned herself to potentially getting hurt and put her right foot forward.
Arms up and falling forward, Rin watched in amazement as she stood on her hands and began walking around. "Wow, that's cool!"
And strenuous, her forehead started sweating from effort. After a few steps she stepped back onto her feet, and then walked forward into a cartwheel. Rin was astounded as Yuuki went to hand spring a couple times before flipping over, landing on her feet.
Rin had set her flowers down to applaud. "That was amazing, Miss Yuuki! Could you teach me!?"
Yuuki had her back to the girl- a panting and sweating mess. She tried to keep composure for the girl's sake. Acrobatics is an important club! Perhaps if I teach people in this Era it will become more popular later. After a deep breath and wiping her brow, she turned back around and made a smile. "Maybe not all of that, but I can at least teach you cart wheeling."
"The one where you rolled around!?"
Yuuki stared at Rin's animated expression, her eyes sparkling. Despite her exhaustion, she grinned at the girl. Her enthusiasm was infectious.
Yuuki went and taught Rin how to do a cart wheel, spending a good couple hours on mastering how to get to her hands first. In about four hours Rin was able to master it an was cart wheeling with Yuuki across the plains. Yuuki hadn't had this much fun in a while.
They came across a wild batch of sunflowers and Rin had to stop to find a perfect sunflower, falling in love with the tall sun-like plants. "Miss Yuuki!" Yuuki was in the thicket of the flowers and looked around, trying to spot the girl from the sound of rustling leaves. "Miss Yuuki!" Her little head popped out between some flowers and showed her a dwarfed sunflower. "Look! I found the perfect one!"
"That's wonderful!" Yuuki smiled and hurried out of the batch after her. After scooping up the remaining flowers, Rin continued to run off and Yuuki had to jog to keep up. "What are you going to do with your bouquet now?"
"I'm going to put them around the fire and show Lord Sesshomaru!" Yuuki stumbled to a stop. Rin eventually felt the lack of presence and slowed to a stop, looking back at Yuuki confused. "Miss Yuuki? What's wrong?"
Yuuki stared passed Rin, going into her mind. "Sesshomaru...?" Naraku sent her to capture Rin to get at Sesshomaru? He was after Naraku as well, but we didn't know why.
"Miss Yuuki?" Yuuki quickly blinked into focus and realized Rin was right in front of her looking concerned. "Are you all right? Do you know of Lord Sesshomaru?"
"Ah, yes," Yuuki made a smile for her. "I've met him once before. I'm sure he'll appreciate the flowers." A made-up lie, however she needed to deter Rin's concerns.
It seemed to work as Rin brightened up again. "I hope so!" As she walked on again, Yuuki didn't know what else to do but follow.
She frowned at the little girl as she went into thought. Kagome said some dark things about Sesshomaru. He was supposed to hate humans. "Rin, do you travel with Sesshomaru?"
"Yes I do! With Master Jaken and Ah-Un," she replied, and Yuuki only felt confused. Something wasn't adding up. "We haven't been traveling a lot recently, though. We've been camped out in this valley for a few days now."
"I see... and how did you meet Sesshomaru?"
"He saved my life." Yuuki frowned to herself. Now this makes less sense. Rin slowed down to walk beside her and she watched the girl as she stared at the flowers, reminiscing. "I used to live at a village with humans, but they didn't like me. My mother and father died when I was young, I didn't know them. Wolf demons attacked me and I thought they got me, but I remember waking up to see Lord Sesshomaru, and Master Jaken told me he saved me." Yuuki's brows twitched together slightly. Wolf demons? Would they be affiliated with Koga and Ginta? Rin looked up at her. "I found him in the forest when I was looking for food. He was hurt really bad- his arm was missing and there was lots of blood. I tried helping him, but he didn't seem to need it."
"I see... So after he healed you were attacked by wolves?" Rin nodded. "And you've been with him ever since?"
"Yup!" She smiled, "Lord Sesshomaru makes sure to protect me, I'm safe with him. He's the greatest!"
"Ah..." Yuuki smiled at her in earnest. "Well I'm glad." What was Sesshomaru's purpose in having a human girl with him? Rin description of him conflicts with Kagome's entirely. Inuyasha might have hated him, but Kagome wasn't one to lie or embellish.
"How did you meet Lord Sesshomaru?" Rin asked.
Looking ahead she replied, "Well, he saved my life as well." Though it wasn't intentional. Or was it? "I was in a tight spot and I was worried I was going to die. He flew in and cut down the enemies with ease, however. He seemed like a white blur to me until he was standing right in front of me."
Rin was animated. "Lord Sesshomaru is really powerful and amazing!"
She smiled back down at her, "Well I have to agree to the powerful part."
They stopped at the top of a hill and Rin pointed down below. There was a large boulder and a tree a short ways from the river that cut through the valley. Yuuki could see the fire pit and the small imp under the tree, however she couldn't see anyone that would be Ah-Un. "That's where we're staying! Master Jaken!" She called and raced down the hill, Yuuki calmly following. "Master Jaken, I'm back!"
"Noisy girl, I was sleeping!" Jaken was standing and dusting himself off, yawning loudly and slowly waking up while Yuuki approached.
"I picked a bunch of flowers for Lord Sesshomaru!" Rin was saying excitedly, trying to catch his attention. "And I learned how to cart wheel, I can show you!"
"Meh, a what?" He looked at the bouquet unimpressed. "A wheel of a cart?"
"A cart wheel! Miss Yuuki showed me!"
"Just Yuuki is fine, Rin," she assured.
"Eh?" Jaken looked up at the woman and blinked. "AH!" Nearly jumping out of his skin, he pointed at her accusingly. "W-when did you get here!? How!? Is Inuyasha around!?"
Rin frowned as Jaken was looking around furiously on a borderline panic. "Inuyasha?" She looked back at Yuuki and asked, "Do you know Kagome and her friends?"
"Yes, they're my friends," she nodded and frowned back. "Do you know them, Rin?"
"Not really," she replied. "Master Jaken told me about them, I haven't met them yet, though."
So they have no idea Sesshomaru has a human companion. "Well, they're nice people," she assured with a smile.
"You!" They both turned back to Jaken who was sweating bullets. "I don't know how you got here, but Lord Sesshomaru will return at any moment!"
"Relax, Inuyasha isn't around," she said to try and calm him down. "None of them are. I was separated from them." He seemed to calm down with her explanation.
Then there was a deep groan and heavy movement. Yuuki looked back over her shoulder- and then jumped wide eyed, fully facing the two-headed dragon that was getting up by the boulder. "What is that?" She asked in alarm, readying her arms defensively.
"Oh, that's just Ah-Un," Rin replied casually.
"Ah-Un," she repeated, looking the dragon over carefully. The beast had intelligent eyes like Kirara had, and she knew that the dragon would understand her if she spoke. It's can't hurt me, right? It has muzzles on. It wasn't exactly a guard dragon considering it didn't attack her when she came into the camp.
The dragon moved closer and she stiffened, her nerves going on end. She hadn't dealt with a smart creature like this and it made her nervous. Jaken outright laughed, "You're quivering in fear! Relax, girl, he only eats plants."
Hearing it was a herbivore she was able to loosen up, allowing the dragon to approach and both heads sniffing at her through the muzzles. Glaring sideways at Jaken peeved her cheeks turned pink. "I wasn't quivering."
Rin was surprised, "I haven't seen Ah-Un that interested in anyone before."
Both heads were invading her personal space, bumping her arms to lift them for a thorough sniff-down. Yuuki furrowed her brows up, "Perhaps he likes me?"
"Well unfortunately for you, you smell of flowers," Jaken explained, watching as well. "Either he thinks you have something to eat, or you are something to eat."
Yuuki was suddenly nervous again. "H-hey, Ah-Un," she backed up, but was pinned against the tree. "Easy, boy, I don't have anything." Both Rin and Jaken laughed as she struggled to push the dragon away. "He can't break out of the muzzles, right?" She asked nervously, trying to shove one of his heads away.
"Ah-Un, leave her be." The familiar voice caught the dragon's attention and on command he turned away, going back to his spot by the boulder.
"Lord Sesshomaru!" Both Jaken and Rin cheered, running over to him.
Rin held up her flowers, "Look at what I picked, Lord Sesshomaru! Yuuki helped me get them! And I can do a cart wheel!"
"My apologies, Lord Sesshomaru!" Yuuki watched from a distance the night and day difference between them. Rin was happy while Jaken was now a nervous wreck. "I don't know how the girl got here. She's alone, but I can make her go away if you wish!"
Sesshomaru looked between the two of them, and then looked up at Yuuki, seeing her watching them. So I was correct. He had caught the scent of Naraku around the edge of the valley, however stronger still were the wisteria flowers. On a hunch he hurried back to the camp. "You're alone." He would've lost the scent of Naraku for now.
She nodded back. "I didn't mean to intrude."
"Do as you will," he replied as he approached. Yuuki was surprised and tried to hide that fact. Rin and Jaken rushed around the fire bickering quietly to each other about who bothered Lord Sesshomaru more. Once Sesshomaru was near Yuuki she suddenly tensed, unsure if he was as friendly as Rin made him out to be or as dangerous as Kagome said he was. I supposed it's possible that it's both. "How are you alone?"
"I was separated from my friends is all," she glanced away from him, watching the dragon instead. "I'll find my way back to them eventually." I'm worried to let him know Naraku was involved at all. Who knows how he'll react.
Sesshomaru watched her carefully. She's hiding something."Lord Sesshomaru!" They both looked over to Jaken as Rin was spreading the flowers around the fire pit. "Were you able to track Naraku's scent around the valley?"
Yuuki nearly bristled, however she did her best to hide her nerves. Sesshomaru glanced at her and she looked further away. "The scent was faint and disappeared in the wind." Turning to her he added, "Your scent replaced it instead."
She glanced up at him. "R-replaced it?" At this rate he'll find out anyways! "I'm sorry..." She then frowned, "Is my scent that strong?"
"Ah-Un liked it!" Rin said from the fire pit.
"What are you doing, Rin?" Jaken questioned, looking around at the splay of flowers. "Do something useful and gather wood for a fire!"
"Okay!" Hopping up to her feet she asked, "Yuuki, do you wanna help me?"
"Of course," she took the opportunity to dip out away from Sesshomaru's looming figure. Being so close to him had started making her claustrophobic.
Sesshomaru kept his eye on her as she hurried off with Rin. Jaken looked up at his lord and asked, "Lord Sesshomaru? Is something wrong?"
"No." He took a seat underneath the tree and closed his eyes, focusing on the scents floating around. What he thought was Naraku's scent was completely gone, and Yuuki's scent threatened to smother everything else out. Why? Why is that woman's scent so strong?
Once Rin and Yuuki were on their way back, he could hear Rin asking, "Are you all right? You look even worse now."
"I'm fine, just a little tired." Sesshomaru opened his eyes and watched as they piled the sticks into the pit. Her skin was more pale than before, and the bags under her eyes were pronounced. She rested on her knees and let out a breath. "All right, do you know how to start a fire?"
"Of course!" Jaken replied as he strut up. "Step aside!" Yuuki watched and Rin stepped away as Jaken readied his staff. "Witness the power of the Staff of Two Heads!" Fire shot out and set the sticks aflame.
Yuuki stared at the flames. Couldn't we have Shippo light the fires with his fox fire? She then looked up and smiled at Rin as she ran around the fire. "Look, Lord Sesshomaru! Don't the flowers look pretty in the light? Do you like them?"
Yuuki looked over to see Sesshomaru eyeing the flowers on the ground. Looking up at Rin he asked, "Rin, do you like flowers?" Yuuki's eyes widened slightly. He's learning about her.
"Yes!" She grinned at her lord. "Because I find them so beautiful!"
"Beautiful..." He looked to the flowers again, and then made eye contact with Yuuki. She felt caught suddenly. His eyes are so piercing. Feeling her face heating up she had to look away and scooted back from the fire- and from him.
"They're just flowers," Jaken mumbled from the side, not understanding the infatuation with them.
Rin went back over to Yuuki and dropped to her knees, inspecting her long hair. "You have so much hair!"
Yuuki smiled at that, "Yes, it's actually been a hassle. I've been debating on cutting it before I got back home, but I don't want to alarm my parents." Of course that would be the least of my worries, wouldn't it.
"I bet it's really pretty when there isn't so much mud. I know!" Perking up, Rin ran over to Ah-Un and rummaged through the pockets of the saddle and retrieved an old hand-made wooden comb. Running back to Yuuki, she plopped down behind her and began working on her mass of hair.
Yuuki was suddenly very tired and found her eyes closing, the brushing of her hair relaxing her. Rin suddenly spoke up again, "I know, if you need help getting back home, we can take you there! Right, Lord Sesshomaru?"
"We can't," he replied simply.
Yuuki opened her eyes as she felt Rin turn dejected behind her. "Why not?"
"Because, Rin," Jaken replied from the other side of the fire. "She's not from our time."
Rin was quiet for a moment- possibly processing as Yuuki stared into the flames. "You mean like Kagome? You can go through a water well?"
She laughed a little at that. "Not quite like Kagome. I was brought here by some magic Naraku used." She sighed heavily suddenly. "It's not easy for me to get back home."
"Oh, I'm sorry." Rin resumed brushing her hair. "Well, Lord Sesshomaru is after Naraku as well, he could help you get home still!"
Closing her eyes again Yuuki smiled to herself. "Yes, maybe, if your lord is as wonderful as you say he is."
"Oh he is!" She assured earnestly. Sesshomaru watched Yuuki as she chuckled. "What's your home like?"
Keeping her eyes closed, she remembered how her home looked like. She tried explaining the shrine in front of the house, the vast courtyard and Rin's favorite part; the wisteria tree. "It's massive tree created of condensed wisteria vines, the purple flowers hanging all around. I'm not sure how it was created, but its famous for its everlasting flowers. It won't wilt even in the winter."
"Wow!" Rin's eyes were sparkling. "That sounds like magic! I wanna see it!"
"Perhaps you will," she replied. "The tree has been standing tall for as long as my family can remember, recordings going back many years. Perhaps its sapling is around here somewhere."
"I hope so!"
Silence followed as Rin ran out of topics, focusing on Yuuki's mass of hair. Jaken was watching the fire for a while before he realized, it's oddly quiet. He looked up and blinked, seeing Yuuki's slack expression. "Is she asleep?"
"Huh?" Rin poked around her and blinked at Yuuki's face. "Yuuki?" She poked her cheek. She didn't respond. "She is!"
"It's for the best," Jaken said, looking back to the fire. "She was an exhausted looking mess. Rest will do her good."
"Rin," she perked up and looked over at her lord. "You need to find yourself food before it gets dark."
"Right!" Getting to her feet she ran off. "Come on, Master Jaken! You wanna eat too!"
Jaken grumbled, but he got up and hurried after her. "I want red meat this time!"
After they left, Sesshomaru kept his eyes trained on Yuuki's face. Was she really asleep? Her body is too still. Her body slumped and was falling to the side. In an instant Sesshomaru was kneeling beside her, holding her upright. He ignored the actions his body made on its own and gently laid her down on her back. She looks like death. If it weren't for her slow shallow breathing he would have had Tenseiga check her. He forced one of her eyes open and witnessed the lifelessness of them. "Astral projection," he realized.
Closing her eye he then checked the other one. How was she able to leave her body so easily? He continued to use two fingers to check the temperature of her forehead, then the pulse on her neck. Sesshomaru knew astral projection was a great and strenuous feat. Accomplishing it was difficult enough alone, however to maintain separation for an extended period of time wasn't only more difficult, but it was dangerous as well.
Perhaps another force, he mused to himself. The spiritual strength he sensed from her wouldn't be nearly powerful enough. Another one of Naraku's tricks? He had no way of tracing the soul, but at the least he could watch the body.
Ah-Un was dozing soundly to the side while Sesshomaru scooped her body up with his arm and mokomoko assisting him. Taking her closer to the tree, he laid her a safe distance from the fire before sitting back against the tree again. Perhaps Naraku will come for her. When Rin and Jaken returned with some game, they were so excited for their success and food that they didn't fully notice Yuuki's body closer to his.
Not again... Yuuki's eyes slowly opened. Her body felt like lead again, telling her she wasn't meditating enough to have complete control.
She was lying on the tatami floor again beside the balcony. Looking over, she could see the cherry tree nearly bare of blossoms. "So, you've returned." Looking the other way, she was surprised to see Kinya sitting upright.
"Kinya..." She still appeared sickly, however she wasn't nearly as bad before. Yuuki slowly forced her spirit to get up and turned to her.
"Let me guess... You're not closer to getting home."
Yuuki shook her head. Guilt weighed on her as she watched Kinya's distant expression. "I'm sorry..." She bent forward and bowed to her. "I'm so sorry, Lady Kinya... I didn't mean for this to happen to you. It's my fault."
Kinya's chuckle made her lift her head looking confused. She had a sad smile. "I don't blame you. This is Naraku's doing."
"You didn't have to help us," Yuuki said, a bit forcefully.
She looked at her. "And allowed Naraku to capture you? That would have been far worse. This state of mine is inevitable, if he had his hands on your soul as well it would mean the end for the Dai Saishi no Tama." She lifted her hand and touched said jewel that laid beneath her haori.
"If you die then doesn't that mean the same thing?" She questioned.
"With your soul here, no. You would be the successor to the keeper of the jewel."
That only made Yuuki nervous. "I can't do that."
"I agree."
Yuuki deflated and looked to the floor. She didn't have control of her spirit this time, she was too weak. "I don't know anything about the Dai Saishi no Tama. I know a bit about the Shikon no Tama, though. Are they similar?"
"In a way," Kinya nodded. Looking away towards the sliding door she explained, "The Shikon no Tama contains immense power. Within the jewel is an everlasting battle between Midoriko, a warrior priestess from long ago, and an army of demons she fell with. Midoriko contained the four souls within her: Aramitama, Nigimitama, Kushimitama, and Sakimitama. With this balance her soul within the jewel can be used for either good or evil. Many feats can be accomplished with the jewel depending on the users wish." Looking back to Yuuki she said, "The Dai Saishi no Tama is a cursed jewel, bound to those who possess the soul of the High Priestess Manami. This jewel contains the essence of Manami, and if it fell into the hands of evil, such as Naraku, they would control the will of Manami as well gain her power and knowledge."
"A cursed jewel...?" Yuuki was trying to process the information. She didn't know either of the priestess' she mentioned. "So that's the catch when having the jewel, that they're cursed? What's the curse?"
Kinya smiled sadly to herself. "You cannot fall in love, or you will perish."
Yuuki stared at her. "You can't... What do you mean?"
"Midoriko possessed a balance within her soul, however Manami did not. Both priestess were powerful in different periods of time. However while Midoriko's downfall was in battle, Manami's was from her heart." She eyed Yuuki. "Manami fell in love, however that love was betrayed. Her heart and soul were both drowned with sorrow and that caused the end of her life. You and I possess the same soul as her; her reincarnations. With this jewel our duty is sworn to the jewel and our priestesshood. If we divert from that path following our hearts then that will be the end of our lives."
Yuuki stared at her with an expression akin to fear. "If we fall in love we die...?" She couldn't have the jewel. Not now. Staring at the floor she couldn't help but think of Inuyasha. If Kinya dies and I get the jewel before I'm home... I could die by a curse.
Kinya watched her spirit carefully. "Have you already fallen in love?"
"I-I don't know," she replied quietly. "It's complicated."
"Hm. If it's complicated then it's not love."
Yuuki lifted her head to see Kinya staring at the door again. "What about you? Are you saying that your sick like this because of the jewel, too?"
She didn't look back at her, quiet for a moment. "It's difficult. To deny your heart for so long." She then smiled back at her. "I'm merely a woman under these robes. It's tragic. Love cannot be denied."
"So, what, Manami's soul is forever cursed to die prematurely?" Yuuki questioned, beginning to panic. "Has anyone been able to live a full life!?"
"I'm afraid I have not read nor heard of a recording as such." There was an emptiness to her that made Yuuki only more worried for herself. "I will hold out for as long as I can while you figure out your way home. We can't afford to continue disrupting the current of time."
"Even if I get back home, I'll eventually come across the jewel, won't I?" Kinya nodded. "I don't... I don't want that!"
Her silver eyes narrowed. "Hm... I had sensed that you were far more detached from your heart before."
"I've never cared about love before, but that doesn't mean I want to die over it! I..." She thought back to how protective Inuyasha was of Kagome, even if it pained her. She thought about how Miroku and Sango act towards each other, that bond and connection they held. I want that... I want someone to care for my well being, to protect me, to look at me! "I don't want the jewel!"
"You say that as if you have a choice." Kinya looked back towards the door again. "You were born with Manami's soul. You will be burdened like the rest of your predecessors. You're still young, I suggest closing your heart while you can if your will to live is so strong."
Yuuki finally snapped from her frustrations and shouted, "Why do you keep looking at the door!?"
"You've been here for too long," she replied, and she slowly started to get up. "Naraku is trying to find you with his Shikon shards."
"W-what?" Looking around, she tried to sense whatever Kinya was sensing, but to no avail. Looking up again, she went wide eyed as a mass of miasma suddenly appeared in the room. Kinya look out a talisman and chanted into it, creating a barrier around herself that deflected the tendrils of fog that went at her.
"Leave!" She commanded.
Yuuki was at a loss. "I can't! I don't have control!"
The tendrils weaved around Kinya and went for her. She panicked and tossed her arms up, but she had no spiritual abilities in her ghost state. Kinya spun around in alarm, "No!" throwing the talisman at her, the slip of paper disrupted most of the purple fog, however one slipped through and caught Yuuki in the gut, sending her flying out of the open balcony.
Yuuki whimpered and Sesshomaru opened his eyes.
So, she's finally returned. He watched her face as it scrunched up while she stirred. Her soul had been gone for several hours, Rin and Jaken were long asleep and the moon was high. She moaned, and then rolled over to vomit blood. The scent assaulted Sesshomaru's nose and his eyes widened slightly. Yuuki struggled to push herself up, "Water... wa-" more blood spewed onto the dirt.
My insides... they're burning... Yuuki couldn't see straight. Blood filled her mouth and her body was sweating yet cold. Am I dying...? Suddenly she was lifted and she somewhat came to her senses. "Sesshomaru..." He had scooped her up with his arm and mokomoko supporting her. He took to the air briefly, flying her down to the river that cut through the valley. Once he landed on the bank, he set her down to the water's edge. Hearing the water, Yuuki frantically dragged herself across the mud to shove her face in. She took large gulps in with hopes of putting out the flames in her gut. Eventually she had to pull herself out and breathe. She had enough strength to push herself upright, sitting back on her legs. "Thank you... thank you..."
Sesshomaru stood to the side, watching her gasp for air with a hanging head. By the looks of her, I'd say she doesn't have long to live. "Your soul was missing for several hours. It's the dead of night."
Her eyes snapped to his in shock. "Wh-what!?" Looking to the sky, she fully realized the time. "So long..." It was longer this time, she realized. Her body wasn't able to take anymore. She was only with Kinya for a few moments it felt like. After Naraku's attack... I'm too weak to recover now...
Sesshomaru watched curiously as she smiled. With a chuckle she lowered her head again. "It's pointless. It's pointless for me..." Her struggle to return home, Utsugi and Naraku, her fate as the Dai Saishin no Tama possessor... None of it mattered because she would die soon anyways, her insides were still burning and twisting, as if they were melting.
"You sound as if you've given up."
Yuuki lifted her head to see him staring down at her with golden eyes that seemed to illuminate in the moonlight. "Sesshomaru... Intentional or not you saved my life. Either way it was a waste of your time." Her throat closed up. To her surprise she found herself choking back a sob. Lowering her head again she watched as droplets fell from her face. Everything felt suddenly hopeless. It all felt hopeless and it made her angry, but she had no energy to fuel it. She could only fist the ground beneath her and tremble as she cried.
She managed whisper out, "Please, go back to Rin and Jaken. I'll be fine on my own."
Sesshomaru watched her closely. She looked to be a beaten, defeated, weak human. He didn't like it. Her scent was tarnished with the blood she spat out and her image was crumbling. He had seen her as a woman of determination to take what she wanted by any means necessary. Rarely was there a human capable of strength.
"Look at me, woman." She didn't at first. He stared her down regardless and willed her to. Eventually she lifted her head and he was able to see her dull eyes. "If it's your wish to die, then I shall leave you be. However, if you intend to keep the deal you made with me, then I will help you."
Life sparked in her eyes. "My deal...?" She was astounded. He'll help me? Looking at him, he was cold and dangerous. Anyone could sense his power and as he stood tall over her she truly felt small and weak. A human that could die easily. Is he not as bad as Kagome said? Or is Rin simply clouded with childish naivety?
"Well? Do you wish to die here alone?"
If I had his help... If he's willing to help me... Tears welled in her eyes again. She had some hope. She shook her head, "No, I... I don't want to die. Not like this."
"Very well."
Sesshomaru approached her and again picked her up in his arm. It was so effortless for him, her body felt like lead. She would've liked to help him, but she had no strength. Sesshomaru took to the air again and she watched as the ground became further away. She stared on sadly. For someone who's rumored to hate humans, he's been helping me a lot. If it weren't for the deal I made with him, he probably would have left me by the river. She was worried she was overstaying her welcome with him. He may not help me again if I need it. I wouldn't blame him. Her eyesight was becoming hazy and she rolled her head to the side, nuzzling her face into his mokomoko. It's so soft... Wonder if it's his tail...
Sesshomaru looked down at her face and tightened his grip. "Stay awake. Fall asleep and you risk your soul leaving again." Hearing his words she made an effort to open her eyes. This is the first time a boy's held me like this... She hadn't the energy to blush or think anything of it. I might become delusional in a moment...
Her eyes were slowly closing again. Sesshomaru dug his claws into her arm just enough to spark her awake again. "Thank you."
"We're here." Yuuki looked over and noticed a light in the mountainside. Sesshomaru flew to the lit cave and landed on the steep cliff in front of the entrance. He looked down at her, "Can you stand?" She nodded and he set her on her feet, however her knees buckled and she held on to his kimono.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the great dog demon Lord Sesshomaru back with another human girl." Yuuki looked up and was surprised as a small old woman came walking out of the cave, dressed in fiber clothes and grass. She looks older than Kaede, and she looks human!
"S-Sorry for the intrusion..." She looked between the woman and Sesshomaru. He didn't seem bothered by her tone. Was he used to it? "I'm Fujiwara Yuuki. And you...?"
"Oh, he didn't tell you? Hrumph." Her nostrils flared, obviously unhappy. It was the middle of the night. "You may call me Baba-sama. Priestess retired. Full time hermit." She came closer and inspected Yuuki up and down, coming up to about her waist. "Now, what's wrong with this one? Looks like a foot in the grave."
Yuuki blinked down at her. So blunt. She looked up at Sesshomaru even more surprised when he responded, "She came to me weary. Her soul slipped into astral projection of its free will, and when she came to she made sick with blood."
"Yes, I see." Baba sniffed at her. She then faced her small, wrinkly palm at her and closed her eyes, feeling her energy. "Accidental astral projection is quite dangerous. Yes, you are disconnected from your spirit. What's this?" Looking up at her she frowned. "Your spirit has been marked with a wicked energy. The poison is already spreading through your body and soul. Come," Baba led the way into her hermit hole. "Lay her over here, demon."
Sesshomaru easily hefted Yuuki up and laid her closer to the fire on a bed of moss and leaves. He backed well enough away to the cave entrance, yet watched from the corner of his eye as Baba worked a mortar and pestle, grinding down various herbs she had strung up to dry around the cave. Yuuki took the time to try and take in her surroundings. Turning to head to look at Baba she asked, "Excuse me... Baba-sama?"
She grunted. "Weak girls shouldn't talk. Save your strength."
"I'm sorry, I'm just confused about something." Baba glanced at her. "You said you were a priestess... you're human, am I correct?"
Baba had stopped her work to glare at her. "You saying I look like a demon, girl? I can kill you just as well as save you, you know. I grow nightshade here."
Yuuki wasn't bothered by her impulsive threat. Traveling with Inuyasha she was used to it. "I was wondering how you knew Sesshomaru then. I've heard he isn't very fond of humans?"
"Wha?" She acted as if she said something strange. Looking back at Sesshomaru, he avoided her beady black eyes gaze to stare out at the night. What's become of this demon as of late? "You telling me you don't know about him? And he hasn't spoken of me!?" Yuuki shook her head. "Feh! Figures, mangy mongrel!" Focusing back on the task of blending herbs, she began her tale. "I first met Sesshomaru when I was in the prime of my youth. I was strong, beautiful, powerful, tall as well!"
Baba stood in the middle of a battle field. The trees were cut down, the vegetation burned away by fire. Carrying on the wind was smoke and the smell of burning, rotting flesh. She stared out at the hills littered with bodies. The aftermath of another skirmish.
"I was a priestess, a neutral party in war. I had a charge of shrine maidens that followed me, and we healed the injured and sick on both sides of a battle. Our duty was to save as many lives as we could, otherwise we would bless the dead and pray that they found peace in the afterlife."
"Lady Baba!" She looked over as two women of her charged carried a limp and wounded man. "This one is still breathing."
"His colors are of Hoshin's army. Take him there, I shall tend to the other side and lend aid to their men."
"Yes, Lady Baba." As the ladies hurried off Baba walked across the path of corpses to the defending castle.
"I had sent my maidens to the base of the attacking army. They were on lower ground. I alone went to the castle above, knowing they had fewer to tend to. I would have never imagined that a demon lord would come passing through and slaughter everyone there."
That very night Baba stood on the castle wall, watching with horror as an enormous dog demon appeared on the battlefield. Acid rained from its mouth, its massive paws sweeping scores of humans away as if they were mere ants. She trembled, watching as both armies came together to fight the great foe. The weight of death was heavy in the air. Baba fled from the castle before she was crushed along with it.
"I was the only survivor." Baba stopped her crafting to stare with a sad expression. "I hung up my haori the next day. After witnessing such strength I knew all efforts to quell evil spirits were futile." She then glared back at Sesshomaru with a hateful look. "After I aged and shrunk in size I came across this demon again and tried to kill him on impulse. He had a human girl with him at the time and he merely bat me aside as if I were a pesky bug. He threw my back out the vile creature."
"I see."
"Oh you see!?" She yelled and spit flew at Yuuki, making her blink. "You know nothing of the demon that brought you here and after a story like that all you say is that you see!?"
Yuuki thought it over. "I supposed I should ask... if that was your encounter with him, then why are you helping him heal me?"
Baba spat on the ground. "I'm not helping that three legged mutt. I'm helping you, a young human girl in need."
She smiled at her response. "You must really hate him, don't you. Didn't you mention I was another human girl he brought? Did he bring the young girl Rin as well?"
"Yes, he did. Poor girl had a fever, she had to stay with me for a day." Despite the sympathetic moment, she glared at Sesshomaru again over her shoulder. "I'm surprised he hasn't eaten her by now."
Yuuki laughed, as much as she could anyways. Sesshomaru glanced back at her to see her smiling at Baba. "If Sesshomaru was going to eat anything I'm fairly certain it wouldn't be human of all things. It would be like eating bugs or vermin wouldn't it?"
Baba stopped her work again to look over the girl curiously. "What spell has that demon put over you. You seem to neither fear nor despise him even though he is a demon lord. Just because he has brought you and one other to me for healing does not wash away the blood of thousands he's slain. Are you not a priestess?"
"Yes, you could say I am. However I don't think demons are that much different from humans to be honest." She turned her head to stare at the cave ceiling. "Humans are just as guilty of demonic impurities as full blooded demons are. These warring times are a perfect example. Stealing from one another, murdering each other, raping and some are even cannibals. You could argue that not all humans are evil, but in my experience the same can be said for demons." Taking a breath she closed her eyes, feeling tired. Her voice became weak, "I'm sure if humans could trade their souls to have the power that Sesshomaru has then they would do it in a heartbeat. Those warlords would destroy scores of humans just as Sesshomaru did. I don't think killing for no reason is any worse than killing for a reason. Taking a life is taking a life..."
Baba watched as she went silent. "That is a pessimistic view on life for a priestess, girl."
"I consider myself a realist... Nn," she groaned scrunched her face, her body squirming in pain.
Baba was quick to gather the powders in her hand. "What did I say, weak girls shouldn't speak. Talking as much as you did used up too much energy." She tossed some powers at Yuuki, and when they touched her skin they sizzled.
"Ah!" She flinched away and managed to glare at her. "Did you throw the fire's embers at me?"
"Stupid girl. The evil taking over your body is reacting to the powder." Grabbing a sprig with a talisman tied to it, she stood over Yuuki and waved it around, chanting a spell. Yuuki gnashed her teeth and struggled, sweating as the words filled her ears. Sesshomaru watched from a distance as she squirmed, Baba dashing the powder over her body, waving a branch around.
He soon realized a dark light was coming from her stomach. The louder Baba's chant the more the dark light was reluctantly drawn out. With a final shout, Yuuki cried out as the dark force was pushed out. Sesshomaru's eyes widened, the scent of Naraku assaulted his nose and all at once vanished with the black light after Baba purified it. So this was Naraku's doing. He attacked her soul while it was missing. Where did she go?
"Stay awake, girl, we're not finished yet." Yuuki's breathing was labored while Baba scurried about, creating another concoction. She was even more pale than before. "You hear me, girl?" Baba grabbed the sprig and whacked her on the arm. She groaned in response. After creating a green liquid, she shuffled over and lifted Yuuki's head. "Drink this, it's not very tasty, but it will revitalize you." Yuuki didn't respond at first, but Baba whacked her again and she stirred. With Baba's help she was able to drink up the bowl. Baba set the bowl aside and rubbed her throat to help with swallowing. "There."
Sesshomaru turned to them, watching as Yuuki's breathing slowed, her face relaxing. As Baba scurried about to clean up he asked, "Are you finished?"
"That's as much as I can do for her," she replied. Looking over the girl she said, "I've set a spell to help her soul stay in her body. It's not permanent however. She can only mend that herself through meditation. The evil has been banished and her body will recover after a good night's rest." She glared at him, "Don't eat her."
"Foolish hag." Sesshomaru went to Yuuki and picked her up. She appeared sleeping already.
Baba frowned, watching suspiciously as he looked Yuuki over. "Don't ruin her either. I know demons get a kick out of tarnishing young shrine maiden's purities. Vile creatures."
Sesshomaru looked back at her. "If you weren't so useful I would have killed you for your impudence."
"I'll take that as a thank you, you three legged mongrel."
Sesshomaru left her to clean and flew out of the cave, making his way to the valley again. Looking down at Yuuki's face, he was surprised to see her yes opening. "The witch said you only need rest."
"Heh, 'witch'..." she smiled, closing her eyes again and nuzzling her face into his pelt. "Tell me, Sesshomaru... Do you truly despise humans?"
He didn't answer right away. He looked at her face and then ahead thinking of Rin. Did he still despise humans...? Yes. There are only few exceptions that he would not admit. "Humans are nothing more than insects that serve no purpose. They are weak and ugly creatures with short insignificant lives. Truly pointless."
"I see..." He glanced down at her again, and was surprised to see her still smiling. "I'm glad then... that you believe me to be useful... thank you..."
She's thanking me? Her face went slack. She was finally sleeping. Reaching the campsite again, he walked over to the tree. He stood there for a moment. She was happy with only the thought that he believed her to be useful. She even thanked him for it. An odd one to be sure.
Sitting beneath the tree, he continued to hold her. Her hand wouldn't release from his mokomoko anyways. Looking up at the sky, the moon was still in view. He could afford to spare her a few hours of resting like this. If she was to be useful to him, she would need her strength.