A/N: Sorry, I had to be 'that' asshole - but I just wasn't into the overarching feel of the story as part two had left it. I'd added a lot of extraneous...fuck it yes, garbage, during editing and I just couldn't build around it all. So, as you see, I deleted it, tweaked some things, and have re-uploaded. I recommend at least a re-skim, if not a full re-read, my apologies in advance for taking your time. I did add one or two little somethings that I think will be very fun to play with later, though...
I think I'm just going to let this be the semi-self-indulgent thing that it is, but I'm learning and taking notes, and will apply them to future stories (such as the upcoming mirror-story Rift: Light (Memories) which I'm very excited for, despite the fact that it'll still be weeks to months until I even start editing the currently written content).
There's still an alternating POV going on, but I've been doing better with five to seven thousand word chapters; it would be another week if I tried to edit through the over ten thousand that Mr. DemonLord's POV adds...
I might also offshoot a similar, but different enough, story from this seed one day - one that does more of what I'd tried to mold the original into. For today, I'm going to again blame a lonely shower for starting the idea in the first place, and let it be what it is that it is and wants to be (save for this damn site not allowing strikethrough; managed to work around it fairly well though, I think).
In either case...
- Shekhinah senses something... -
He was close by, the demon who was not my Sephiroth, yet so resembled him in looks and manner. For five years now, I'd lived in this warped caricature of a country I'd helped to destroy, and the one in white was not the first of demons I'd encountered. He was certainly the least...demonic of them, though, as if truly an aristocrat. I didn't know what to make of this Sesshōmaru who called himself a lord, nor was I convinced that demons even had a sense of government or social structure, at least not in any way I might recognize or have obligation to accommodate.
The locals mostly called them yōkai, also the translation in Wutai, and I found this to be a much more fitting term; that word left a sense of elegance on the tongue, I think. Or, perhaps this difference was my own connotation for the foreign label, and how they'd used it in their propaganda describing Sephiroth and I during the war. In either case, the one called Sesshōmaru was undoubtedly a demon of a different sort, compared both to the creatures here and the ones I knew from home.
But, what reason does he have to follow me? I am nothing and no one to the people here.
I did not wish to fight the yōkai sword-to-sword; it would be too much a reminder of old, unpleasant things. Looking down, I tsk'd internally, pulling my hand back from the scar over what might've been my heart's location - back when I'd possessed one. Metaphorically, of course.
No injury, no matter how severe or painful, had ever managed scarring; none but that - of course Sephiroth would find a way to break the norm. I wondered if the demon sought to try his luck as well, or if we might have a chance at civil conversation.
To look closely, I would know the match was not exact, but still there were the most uncanny of reminders. This one's hair was close to silver, but more white and less metallic, and the demon's voice was low and smooth; the comparison makes no sense, but where my angel spoke cognac in the candlelight, the yōkai hummed like antique velvet, hidden in the shadows but never growing dusty.
Oh please! Grow up, laughing at such silliness, I wondered if my own sanity was finally cracking, next you'll be quoting Loveless and sporting too much red; such imagery is for those who have a soul. My lack of normal sanity aside, the white one had been something to behold, and I would not mind a pleasant thing to rest my eyes upon. Haha, I would have given nearly anything to have PHS or other way to take his picture, Just imagine, showing such a thing to Sephiroth..haha...
Above the rest, what had made me fully stop before, that had been this demon's eyes - they were different also, but things revealed by them were much the same...they weren't afraid or too disgusted to meet my own. *sigh* For all that I enjoy my solitude, the total isolation of late had begun to take a toll, I think, and would send my thoughts to the strangest places if I was not careful.
The mako with that golden glow, might they make an emerald green together? Of course, I knew things did not work like that, and also that such thoughts were dangerous. Stop, Shekhinah, it is one thing to be lonely, it is another to be stupid.
Yes, I decided that it would be best if I did not think of either man at all. Nothing good could come of either demons or the past, and my logical self knew that the resemblance was only superficial and coincidence. Besides, what of a heart I did possess belonged to Sephiroth, and his to me; to think of any other would break my most important promise, the only that remained unbroken
But how to not think, when I could feel the yōkai lurking in the trees behind!? It seemed, to my intuition at least, that the regal demon might not wish to fight at all. It also sounded like he'd stopped, perhaps wishing to observe instead.
Stalk and gather intel first, then decide on strategy...a standard, well-proven approach.
Almost, I could smile - rationality was another trait they might've shared, and it had been some time since I last conversed with any one or thing. Loneliness was nothing like a new companion, but it was one whose sting never seemed to fade with time. As such, the prospect of intelligent discussion was lifting my mood quickly, even if such prospects were accompanied by danger.
And, in truth, our brief encounter was to closest thing to conversation I'd experienced since parting with the one who'd helped get my bearings in this world, and who swore, with the most honest hazel eyes, that I was not dead and in the afterlife.
Of course I was and am not dead - this is certainly no land of promise, save the promise to avenge Lord Kagewaki and pay penance for drawing such an enemy to his house. I had not known...
Anyway, the short rendezvous with Sesshōmaru - and even the little one's chipper goading - had not been wholly unpleasant, as such interactions go, especially when it comes to yōkai. I was not unused to cold, aloof, or even arrogant and grating - in fact this almost let me feel a comfort or maybe sense of normal...and a sense of twisting in my chest; I missed my home and angel.
No, in truth I only miss my friend, and could do without the rest.
Hmm... I (let? No, I) forced my mind to other topics, pondering the child - for all the white one had meant to appear without concern, he had come to save the girl. Had the scene not played out right there, I'd never have believed a demon might be so protective of a human, especially one so young; I imagined he was like a father to the girl.
That is good for her, yes, and must mean the white one is not so bad...yes? For now, I will stay and see. Distraction might be nice, and speaking might be healthy, but I must not forget myself or my mission to return. I did not allow intrusion from the other thought - how petty, even, to imagine being jealous of a child. I did not need a family!
Also, I did not need a second one to hunt me, and if the white one came so far already, there must be something of a reason. Perhaps if not, I might convince this demon to leave me to my sorrow - do they not enjoy when (peop-) things suffer? Or was that only stories from my home? For many of the species, I have observed such misfortune as their goal, but I did not believe Sesshōmaru so simple as most others of his kind.
Speaking of...
Yes, perhaps there was an upside - a chance for learning why certain yōkai took such...interest in me. The purple one was not the only to show odd symptoms of a strange obsession, but since he remained hidden like a coward, he was the first I could not deal with quickly. The lesser ones attacked or fled on instinct, and what I might call the aristocratic demons saw me as a thing to conquer or collect, I think. Words like 'take' and 'mine' were common to their frenzies, but I have no wish to be possessed.
But at least they help ensure my fighting skills stay sharp, I chuckled not-so-sadly to myself.
The white one, he would be one of the first who thought, not mindlessly reacting to whatever ingrained sense it was I triggered in the demon-kind. This self restraint I found refreshing, if not somewhat confusing. Here, unlike in my home, I was nothing special and should not have garnered much attention.
*sigh*
There is too much anger, too much self control. He means to hide something, but what? I'd left myself open for that second, when I thought him someone else...stupid girl! I should not have let him see me! Oh Gaia, what had I let slip?
Of course, I did not let my posture show these thoughts and revelations. I was still a first class SOLDIER, after all, and we have our reputations. Even if I wasn't, as if such a thing were possible, never had I been allowed to feel too freely. To be honest, it was frightening sometimes, not knowing what I was supposed to be or emulate.
BAH! I hate this place and what it does to me! Fright is not a thing I know!
Ever since arriving, even after adjustments to the lack of mako - save for what my body naturally produced - I'd felt something gnawing at my mind. I was cracking, slipping slowly into madness; deteriorating in a way that had me envious of Genesis and how easily he'd died...
No. Gen was weak and incomplete; I am not! I cannot be...even if Sephiroth has grown to hate, I will still forgive him. I would still give up my soul to any torment, if it might save him from that twisted version of himself...haha perhaps already I have done that and truly am in Hell?
No, I could feel the truth, screaming in my every cell - the planet of my 'birth' still suffered...my angel still fought the evil force that wished to take his mind. But it was not the time for darkened thinking, regret cannot change the past; it was the time for my attentions to be focused on the haughty demon, and what he might be wanting.
Civilized or not, the white one was of yōkai, and their nature is nearly dangerous as mine. And of course there was the question - just how different could he truly be, and why did such a high and mighty thing spend the effort to track me over such a distance?
In any case this might be something nice, I think, to speak with someone who is not myself. We will do this thing, but...carefully.
I held no high hopes our meeting would be pleasant, but to think on the possibility of nice was a welcome change. Any deviation might have been pleasant at this point, if it could take my mind away from things I didn't yet know how to fix.
And any is more than none...Gaia have I truly grown so lonely? I have never needed others...just one... But a chat in passing, or a simple curiosity, that is nothing like a need; I only wish to end the chase and get back to my search for some way home with sanity intact, and distraction helps keep sanity. Yes.
Having switched my song to a softer hum when first sensing Sesshōmaru's approach, I shifted down and into silent thoughts of melody; this would indicate my choice to interact, but not to bow or cow as I thought he might expect. I dislike the thing I am, but so long as I am, I would maintain a certain...control over my life. Never would I be a slave again - that idea is what tore away my Sephiroth, but I knew he would regret more if I had bowed to the Jenova thing.
ShinRa controlled us both for far too long, and I will not allow any puppetry again, even in simple interactions. I hope you understand, my angel, why I could not bow to you, even if that had been truly you.
The demon stopped, not far away, but also did not speak or indicate a wish for me to do so. Instead, the white one took a survey, looking almost curious in what little was betrayed by the blank expression, one he might've though I could not read. I had many years of practice, though, and it would not take long learn his subtle cues and what they gave away. I watched the yōkai watching, learned his tells and saw that some of mine were just as clear to him, as if in trade.
No, I do not require fire for either warmth or vision. Yes, I had no plan to camp here following our meeting. *sigh* Sesshōmaru also caught that I was lonely - an outcast to both worlds - but I could not gauge whether he believed this could be exploited. But that notice I should not forget, just in case. Yes.
It had stung, that almost-pity in the lord of demons' eyes. Thankfully, the look dissolved quickly, and with time I might convince myself I hadn't seen it.
When the hidden offered nothing more, I caught myself staring at his facial markings - stripes were not uncommon that I'd seen, but the crescent moon...no, I do not believe in signs, and certainly not in serendipity or fate. No, I thought nothing of the mark, outside of appreciation for aesthetics; most yōkai of what I believed to be high rank were also stunning in their looks. That he could be a priceless statue meant... I knew the thing it meant was nothing, but a sudden vision disagreed, and I could not cast it from my mind - a woman who was a statue, because she wished to die, but couldn't. I had read her notes and journals.
Crescent...Lucretia? She had carried Sephiroth, so then did I have - no, it does not matter! She was nothing like a mother to him anyway, just a coward and a tool. My own as well, if she exists!
By now Sesshōmaru had closed the distance, and stood before me staring - perhaps looming might have been the better word - close, but not enough to cause discomfort. Minutes passed, and still the stubborn demon made no sounds while I sat, trying to not think or near-hallucinate again. Since he did not speak, and perhaps because I had embraced the vision's anger and am not exactly pliant, I did not look up or make a sound myself. But, to be polite, gave a nod of acknowledgement and hello in Sesshōmaru's direction. After this, finally, things began to happen.
At long last, he did begin to question, looming with a harsh expression over the spot in which I sat; the yōkai was not near as subtle now as his silence had been before. I did recognize the simple strategy of intimidation, but between the war and labs, I'd lost the ability to fear others long ago.
Among other feelings...haha ha ha... I allowed the smile, wry and awkward as it was, to add flair to the image I thought best for this confrontation. I had decided to be honest, and to show the lord Sesshōmaru that I was not a threat, and likely nothing worth his precious time.
My own tactics were more delicate, I think, but should keep the power balanced without offense enough to make the white one feel defensive of his pride. I missed these games; I missed playing them with Sephiroth.
"What tricks do you attempt to play, onna? I would know how one who reeks of ningen carries such a weapon, then dares threaten this Sesshōmaru with it." The white one did not yell, but was sure to emphasize any words he thought important. "Do not presume I ask for any reason other than to ascertain how much trouble you might cause me later, should I decide to let you live." Sesshōmaru's hand, sharply clawed and slender, rested lightly on the pommel of his sword.
He expects me to be frightened, perhaps to beg and babble? Oh, high demon Sesshō-maru, you are better than to judge so poorly, are you not?
A cocky one, this yōkai was; not that my angel hadn't been as well, but he'd been far less vocal on the subject, letting actions and his reputation do the heavy work. Almost, the resemblance was changing from a painful reminder to something that amused me, and to not offend I masked the smile with a sigh. "Threaten? No, there must be a miss of understanding," the words might sound coy at first, but my tone was not. I was, at this point, only stating facts and truth...and perhaps playing up my foreign cadence to add an air of innocence to the misinterpretation. Truly, I would not enjoy a fight with him.
That said, there would be nothing close to innocence if the demon forced me to remember or relive the fight with Sephiroth, so I attempted something like a smile and tried to speak with reason.
"It is as I said, white one, I have no fight with you and do not wish to find one. It was your decision to stand there in my path, blocking my ability to move on in peace, just as you chose to follow me to here." I suppose his curiosity was the reason, and saw no need to speculate aloud on motivations he may not wish to share.
To answer the demon's other question would not prove so simple; I thought it rude, though, to not offer something of a try. "Hmm..the sword?" My best and kindest smile followed, as it often did when I thought of Sephiroth, "It seems to have chosen me, I think, and not the other way around. How else would I call it from the air, if it did not wish to come?"
The white one did not like my smile, nor the explanation, but kept his temper hidden; I believe the demon did not think me capable of challenging his skills, just as many others hadn't. If there was one technique in which I'd always surpassed Sephiroth, it was swallowing my pride when needed, knowing it would be an advantage in the end. This self-proclaimed lord was arrogant and spoiled; I would try humility and verbal tact, then, if it meant I might not need to injure him or worse.
Even looks alone...it would be too much like the last time I saw Sephiroth. It was the only way to save his soul...I'm so sorry...
Pushing down the pain of memory, and looking up into the demon's eyes, I let authentic softness touch my voice and features. "I only wish to continue searching for some way home, far from these lands you claim, in peace. My concerns, I do not think, are anything that might conflict with yours, and soon there will be violence enough despite." This was not a warning or a threat, and the yōkai saw and understood this, head tilting to the side as if to question my last words. "As you saw before, I am hunted, and no I am not certain why. The purple one has chased me for years, growing especially relentless these past few weeks. Already more of his minions approach to try and die again. You can sense them, yes?"
It would be a shame to stain such a lovely garment for no good reason, I thought, but only to myself as I know the thought was strange and sideways from our topic, watching Sesshōmaru consider my ask and explanation. The yōkai was immaculate, surprisingly so for how little of hygiene or technology was known here, and certainly for one who wore the colour white.
What I would give to for a hot shower or my radio, those I missed as well, of course, but not as badly as my angel.
"Hng." Demon-lord Sesshōmaru did not offer many words, but he did not have to; I could read the eyes and posture clearly. The yōkai was inspecting yet again, to see if I spoke truth - I did, he knew, but still he wore a look of bothered that flared the thing I call his aura with new levels of intensity. I watched the demon sniff the air, a question - and apparently its answer - flicked across those golden eyes, of course without affecting any other feature, followed by what I interpreted as confidence in calculation. It was here the yōkai's expression chose to stay.
Enemy of my enemy perhaps? Or does he see me as something to be used as bait, maybe he will try to befriend and then betray?
In truth I believed it was the latter, and so Sesshōmaru's sudden tension, and the indignation when he spoke again, caught me by surprise; there was no ruse or strategy when, with widened eyes, I took a small step back, concerned.
What have I done to so offend? Perhaps just that I exist? Such a fucking monster even demons cannot stand to be around me...
Thankfully, in some way, the hurt that followed also calmed; such feeling I knew well and could contain. There is nothing like the sting of sharpened fingernails against the palm to restore order to one's thoughts, this lesson I'd learned both young and quickly. No matter the external pain, if you control the smallest portion, in a sense, you control it's whole effect and can turn it on the inner kind.
Now if my brain could just separate the truth from memory, I could avoid such trouble all together. You are better than this, Shekhi! You are better, and this is not your friend. Who cares if he is angry? Friends are not for what you are.
The demon noticed that I'd slipped, eyes lingering near my method of recovery, but did not acknowledge either thing outright. He was busy nursing that unnecessary anger, I think, but finally did reveal its source. "That is my fight, you...you meddlesome fool! Perhaps I do not wish you to sully my prey," the white one paused, appraising me again, before dropping to sit next to me on the water's shore. Every move was grace, just as I'd expected, but the choice to sit - now of all times - was not something I'd foreseen. We had some time still, before I would need to deal with the approaching threat, but...
But this is why you seethe and fight that wish to rub your temples? Trust I would rather not be pestered, either, and were it possible would gladly leave the purple one to you.
It was not a good time for questioning reactions, not so directly, so I kept silent and waited for Sesshōmaru to settle or continue. I assumed this would be when he was finished pouting, or if true luck struck, when the level of ridiculous finally hit. It's not as if I could apologize that the enemy found my life more worth taking; the spoiled must-be-aristocrat might find some transgression in even an attempt - and I doubted I could make such an attempt without thickly layered sarcasm, anyway.
At least, partially, some of his effect on me and memory was lessened by this immaturity, but stupidly I stayed. Something in the white one's posture kept me sitting on the bank instead of leaving to deal with my attackers.
I remained in place, and could feel the demon's stare, boring into me as if the look alone might alter the reality of my being hunted. The yōkai's breath had slowed to normal, so I chanced a flash of eye contact to try to judge his mood in and state. Again, the demon did not turn immediately away, as others often tend to, and so I chose to hold the look in place, secretly pleased to be allowed. A part of me was curious as well, wondering on the white one's wonderings, as it seemed he'd calmed himself already.
"Why does Naraku pursue you so relentlessly, woman?" Sesshōmaru meant 'how useful might you be as bait' if my reading was correct, but such goes without saying when it comes to demons. Not much of a surprising thing, in truth, though I'd sworn that after ShinRa and Jenova, I would never be used as another's tool.
And just as well...
It was my turn to tilt my head in question, for in truth, I had no idea why. Perhaps answers might be found, though, in conversation with this other yōkai - one who might know more of how the species thinks?
"Na-ra-ku?" Such strange syllables for names, even with my basis for comparison, that they still gave my tongue some trouble. "Hmm, I do not know with any certainty what his interest is, but assume he seeks the angel's sword. What other reason could there be?" Humbling my voice again, I cast the line, "Your insight, lord Sesshō-maru, would not be unwelcome. I am not wholly familiar with your kind or their motivations."
How am I of any interest? I thought about that, but did not specify, as I was beginning to have questions in my own mind. For the first few years, I had avoided the attentions of all but weaker demons, it would seem. The last few I'd encountered, at least those with any power worth a notice, had shown far too much attention in my mind. This was an interesting pattern, but not one that I wished discussing in depth just yet, not when danger was so close.
Rising, as the minions were closing in and I did not wish to sully the clearing with their bodies, I added with a sigh, "But, this thing is not for him to have, nor is any other thing the coward wants from me." It was time to walk away, and so that is what I did - much to Sesshōmaru's displeasure, I believe. This did not stop me from remembering and needing to correct the white one's words before I left, "And as I said before, I am not of humans. So your other question..." I could only grin a small amount, waiting for the demon to respond - I did not wish to show bad manners, after all.
But that pause was short, as I also wished to greet my foes without letting them too close; I enjoyed killing, I was a monster on my own and I believe Sesshōmaru still did not understand this truth. Any grief I felt was only for the one life I had lost, not the many I had taken, and if one thing offered a respite from sadness, it was the act of taking and destroying more. This trait was nothing close to human.
Hearing no reply was a disappointment in some ways, for I was not against continued company once the scum had been removed. Sesshōmaru did glance up as I turned to leave, but did not otherwise react..at least I'd thought, until again I found an armoured chest mere inches from my face. Perhaps it was the white one's station that prevented such a simple thing as 'wait a moment, please.' I might even have accepted sans the please, had the demon tried this method.
He is so fast, even with my sight enhancements...I would like to see this one in Midgar, I was imagining a very amusing scene, almost wishing the white one could understand the humor or technology. I wonder how long he would last, before attempting to stand before a moving truck? Hmmm...actually I wonder if he might have the strength and sturdiness to stop it...
Cross, but less irate than earlier, Sesshōmaru cut my daydream short. "That answer was not useful, onna. You reek of human, what else would you be?" It would seem this Sesshōmaru did not cope well with mystery or lack of knowledge; and were I not the target of this search, I might agree at least with the sentiment, obstinacy aside.
In either case, now was not ideal, and the sideways glance and hesitation meant the demon would add another question.
Patience, Shekhi. Few things make me truly angry, I'd been trained to be above such distractions, but I cannot stand corpses when left to rot somewhere I consider clean or peaceful. Not after what the things we did in Wutai, anyway. That said, there was still some time for speaking before I would have to leave, to meet the pursuers somewhere that was not this pleasant lakeside clearing.
Sesshōmaru might be lucky I found his voice to be a thing of calm and soothing just the same; LTG Shekhinah is not one to take orders, but he did not know this and I did not wish prolonging my delay. "Even if the weapon is Naraku's goal, there must be good reason. You shall explain its appeal and secrets, and how it is you hide your scent and aura, or..." Like the question on my apparent scent and aura, the demon's pause was unexpected. One such as him, I imagined, was likely to be skilled when it came to making threats.
I suppose he caught my agitation and adjusted the approach, this I had not expected either. "If my enemy seeks a certain power, I would know the consequences of his attaining it, not that there is any need to explain myself to you." I did not disbelieve the irritated demon, but also thought him capable of reason. Now was not the time for stories, but I might be willing to discuss the topic further.
And I thought for a moment he might've lost some of the cockiness...yōkai men are something else.
"Yes, I will do this thing," I answered, waving a hand and showing I could also act a-cock, even if I might be lacking in equipment; perhaps I wished to tease the gods of death again. I only know that approaching battle did strange things to me, sometimes.
To balance such a gamble, I bowed slightly, also outlining the things to happen next. "...but only after the approaching enemy has been given my most proper of the greetings and goodbyes," the anticipatory grin, which I knew did not look sane as I chose to wear it, was a weapon on its own; coupled with my unnatural eyes, my look gave demon-lord Sesshōmaru a moment of the pause. Well, that and how I'd dared give him and order back, which was something he had not expected. This only made me smile more, given the thrill for death tingling through my every nerve, though in truth I still did not wish specifically to harm this demon.
But you must move, white one, for I strongly wish to cause harm...in ways even you might lack the capacity to understand.
To force the thought of such potential challenge, of what it might be like to dance with the lord yōkai and swords...to push this errant thought very far away was not the easiest of tasks just then, but as a task it was accomplished. I did not trust what such a fight would do to me later, even with the pleasant detachment from emotion peaking now. "This is the direction I must travel now," adding for something of a reason, "I do not wish their corpses to ruin such a peaceful clearing."
Agreeing with my statement, I assume, the demon acquiesced without a word. He seemed as much intrigued as he was disturbed, still visually touched by that look I knew I wore so well. I appreciated how Sesshōmaru held his mask in place, and felt a surge of pride for the minute crack that I had caused to show. A similar victory, against my angel Sephiroth, had earned my first true kiss at seventeen, and revealed I had a biting fetish; two years later he drove Masamune through my heart, smiling just as I did now, even as I grabbed the blade and flung us both into the Lifestream.
This is what I am, you see now? I love it, cannot live without it, and am unable to even properly hate myself for these things - all because this power feels so natural! I hate myself for being unable to truly hate what it is I am; for understanding that there is no golden god or template against which I do or don't compare. Gaia, it's all so ruthlessly ambiguous! I could...
Control! Shekhinah, stop! I did not wish to let my...emotions did not seem the proper word, but it did not matter - I could not afford to fall completely to the rush, and cleared my mind of nonsense, focus shifting to the enemies and their locations.
That I hated the idea of my true nature did not mean I could not accept its usefulness when unleashed, or at least only lightly chained. That release was...it was just as much necessity as food or drink for normal human things. I know it makes little sense, but this dichotomy of hatred and indulgence allowed me to keep going, free from the same craze that had overcome my Sephiroth. At least, this was my working theory; in truth I did not know much about myself at all, especially the parts marred by ShinRa and Jenova.
And on that infuriating note, it is time to go release this tension, yes. No more stopping to be derailed by trains of thought!
Blocking me again, but with a very different bearing and demeanor, a curt nod and strange look were all the yōkai offered before leaning down and very close, to...to sniff at me? Because the strangeness finished quickly, and since my path was cleared more quickly than my thoughts, I chose to give the unusual action something of a pass. I chose as well, to pretend I did not hear the low rumbling, trapped within the demon's throat; already it would be difficult enough to dismiss the feel of warm skin and breath along my collar, among some other things I had not felt in quite a while.
This one either very much hates, or very much enjoys something he detected; in either case I must be wary. Keep your distance, Shekhi.
Other things were more important at the moment, though, and I stowed the thought away before entering the treeline with senses sharp and open. The enemy was very close and closing in; it was time to relieve some stress.
I felt the demon follow, but knew he had no intent to assist or join my fight. Sesshōmaru wished to watch, remaining spotless, I think, though I'd no ideas as to why one such as I might be worth the bother or risk of stains to view. His kind were strange, indeed.
But now, at least, you will see how human I am not, immaculate one...
"No, assuredly not human, then...but what? Not just what...how?" I heard the quiet words, spoken as if in answer to my thoughts, but could not ascertain their tone; other things required my attentions at the moment and I wished full devotion to my task.
- Oh no, she's not completely without Jenova's 'gift' at all. -