A/N: Hello, dear readers. This Sesshoumaru fanfiction has three parts. This is the second and I'll probably post the last one some time next week. Please drop me a review! I really want to know what you guys think. ^_^ Thank you!

II. The Confession

Every demon was talking about the Sacred Jewel, about how powerful and great it was, about how they were going to steal it and become invincible. What was this Sacred Jewel? Wakayo had no idea but she was determined to find out everything about it. With this in mind, she had begun her journey towards the village of the priestess who was in charge of its protection.

She put her flute aside and made herself comfortable on the grass. The sky was depressing, too black and dreary. Without stars, it was despicable. It always caused her nightmares. And always on the same theme: Sesshoumaru. It all went back to that fateful night on which she met his mother and then, a decade later—the night which changed her life completely.

She had felt unbelievable pain and pleasure. But they had both been so different from the ones she had previously known, so different and so much stronger that she had been overwhelmed. She could only submit to Sesshoumaru's general prowess—as he had apparently been aware of everything that had been going on. And the after-shock of it had been doubled—if not tripled—by Sesshoumaru's running away in the morning.

Wakayo had sought help in her mother's life experience and wisdom. There had been quite a long while during which she had reflected upon the event and, making use of all her memories, she had concluded that it had been perfectly normal and common. Even more so, if their journey together had continued and Sesshoumaru hadn't reacted in any way, then he couldn't have been considered a man.

Sighing, a more mature and less oblivious Wakayo sat up and continued on her way. She wasn't so afraid of the dark since she had started to explore her demonic abilities. Now, besides her hand-fan and tachi sword, Wakayo was also carrying a set of long needles which she used as flying weapons. They didn't kill the enemy, they just knocked it out long enough for Wakayo to escape. She had also tamed her strength and gained quicker reflexes. She hadn't spent time at her mother's in vain.

Speaking of the devil, Wakayo had received more than life lessons from her mother: she had also found out that Sesshoumaru had been indisposed because of his father. Inutaisho had fallen in love with a human and died protecting their half-breed child. It had become one of Wakayo's objectives as well, to find this half-demon and study him, or her.

As she advanced, the sky didn't seem to be so black any more. Wakayo's attention was focused all of a sudden on the bright horizon line she hadn't observed. "Oh, that's a performance. To walk a whole night and not feel exhausted," she thought out loud, yawning and stretching her arms.

Admiring her surroundings, she spotted the peaceful village that lay at her feet. Although the sun was barely rising, she could see people wandering about. Wakayo descended cautiously as she was sure she wouldn't be received well by the humans. There was one larger cottage guarded by armed villagers which she suspected to be where the Jewel was held. She managed to sneak in unnoticed and was actually pleased by the sight and atmosphere that greeted her. It was fascinating how an object so small could give off such power. Power was an understatement. It was life essence, pure and undiluted, innocent and marvelous, concentrated souls.

Wakayo stepped closer hesitantly, attempting to grasp this immeasurable treasure. She froze on her tracks, though, as the door opened, revealing the priestess protector of the Jewel.

"Who are you?" she called in a composed voice. Wakayo retreated her hand and walked away, gulping. The priestess was holding a bow and its arrow was directed towards the innocent demon.

"I do not wish to steal this, I swear! I am here to merely…observe it," Wakayo defended herself quickly. She knew how lethal purification could be for a demon. "I…" Finding herself at a loss, she tried to befriend the priestess. "I am called Wakayo of the Sunrise, or simply Wakayo-chan." She smiled sweetly. "I hear your name is Kikyo. It's truly an honour to come across you!" she added with a respectful bow. Kikyo lowered her arrow and commanded Wakayo to step closer. The demon obeyed but did not raise her head.

"What is it that you want, demon?" she inquired calmly.

"I'm barely…researching."

"And what, more exactly, does 'researching' mean?"

"Well, you know, this Jewel of the Four Souls has become extremely popular. I am just feeding my curiosity, as I always am."

"Curiosity? Does not this curiosity actually mean your desire for strength?"

"Oh, Miss, I have no such desires. The only thing I wish for is knowledge and health of both mind and heart. I have denied my demonic origins a century and a half ago when I was educated and heavily influenced by a human monk. And since I was very young and clueless back then, I've grown into a weak, useless creature, which cannot be called a demon or a human."

Kikyo was almost convinced by Wakayo's words but she was still wary of the unexpected instinctual behaviour this devil gone good could manifest. "Come," she ordered, "You shall prove yourself."

Wakayo followed happily and later fulfilled all her assignments with delight. The humans in the village were scared of her at first but, strangely, the elder people enjoyed her help. She was very gentle, patient and capable. Her strength came in handy when carrying heavier barrels and she never asked for anything in return. Sometimes, at the end of a long, tiring day, she would sit in the middle of a road and start singing. The villagers were quite pleased by this, for they didn't mind some entertainment after working so much.

She was especially preferred by the children. Wakayo could cook and they liked her food, much to her satisfaction. Even Kaede, Kikyo's little sister who had charged herself with keeping an eye on the demon, couldn't resist Wakayo's charm and the two of them becoming friends was just a matter of time. Wakayo was helping out a lot and not only by mundane activities, like gardening or washing, but also by fighting off demons. At night, after everyone went to sleep, Wakayo would wander around the village to make sure no evil entity endangered the safety and peace of the people.

Kikyo was amazed by the compassion of this impure being and soon considered her trustworthy, allowing Wakayo to accompany her even outside the village. Wakayo was very excited about following Kikyo around. She was determined to do everything in her power to protect the priestess and help her as much as she could. She even started tending Onigumo, the injured thief, as soon as she sensed the odd feeling he gave off whenever Kikyo was close to him. Her sixth sense—it had never weakened, quite the contrary.

There was one thing, though, that surpassed Wakayo's capacity of comprehension. Kikyo killed every demon who attacked her but one: a white haired creature—which didn't feel like demon nor like a man—, with dog ears and incredibly familiar golden eyes, named Inuyasha, that had tried more than once to steal the Jewel. Kikyo, although fighting him off, never put an end to it. Wakayo was even more surprised when Kikyo started to spend a lot of time with him and came back home in a better state of mind. To top it all off, Kikyo never said a word. And Wakayo's curiosity was furiously boiling.

One night, having grown irritated because of the fog surrounding Kikyo's and Inuyasha's relationship, Wakayo left the village and tracked Inuyasha down. She found him sitting on a large tree branch, contemplating his future. "Inuyasha!" Wakayo yelled. He looked down at her indifferently.

"Yeah?"

"What are you?" she bluntly asked. Inuyasha pointedly ignored her. Wakayo's determination was unwavering. He felt her piercing eyes on him. It was quite uncomfortable so he decided to retaliate with a witty remark.

"Hasn't Kikyo told you? I've seen you two waste a lot of time together," he spat sarcastically and with a slight tint of jealousy.

"Well, that has changed somewhat since you entered her life." He turned his head around, breath hitching in the back of his throat. "What are you, demon?" Wakayo continued. Inuyasha wondered whether to answer her question or not.

"Thing is, I'm not a demon." He was scared to tell her the whole truth. He lingered amongst humans because of it—humans did not have a sixth sense.

"Then a bewitched human?" Wakayo insisted. She was confused by his uneasiness. "Why is it that you refuse to tell me? Have a little faith in me. Kikyo has." These words appeared to have triggered a change of his heart. "Are you a bewitched human?"

"Nay. I'm a half-demon." Wakayo blinked bewildered.

"As in, half human, half dog demon?" Old memories mingled in her head. Could it possibly be…

"Does your father happen to be…the Great Dog Demon?" Inuyasha stared at her in disbelief and jumped on the ground.

"Yeah…why do you ask?" She gasped. It couldn't be. It just couldn't be. Buried reminiscences suddenly resurfaced. Wakayo smiled sympathetically.

"I've met him." Inuyasha was thrown off for a few seconds but he recovered with a cheerful grin.

"Really? Tell me about him! What was he like?" he burst with enthusiasm. She hesitated. She had asked herself that same question whenever she thought about Inutaisho.

Wakayo had never met her father—who could be safe and sound as well as long dead. She hadn't even cared about him before her mother mentioned him while they were discussing about Inutaisho's death. "He was a great man," she answered shortly.

Inuyasha's joy faltered slightly because of Wakayo's strange reaction. "What's wrong?" He wasn't exactly concerned about her personally but more about what his father might have done in the past—he feared it was something bad.

"Oh, nothing! Worry not, I truly meant it when I said he was a great man. He saved my life and since he and my mother were close acquaintances, I…have this from him." She held up her sword. Inutaisho was indeed responsible for the tachi sword—he had had it forged especially for Wakayo by the same blacksmith who had made Tenseiga and his other sword.

Inuyasha admired the blade for a few seconds before handing it back to her. "My brother owns a sword with a similar scent." Wakayo gulped, sinking back in her melancholy.

"Your…brother?"

"Yeah…what's with him?" Wakayo waved her hand dismissively.

"It's nothing!" she cried, stepping away. She left him hanging as she vanished in the darkness. Kikyo was unable to get Wakayo out of the bed the following morning. The sensitive demon shed tears for the second time in her life—the first time having been at the grave of her mentor.

Little Kaede was the only one to talk to Wakayo that day. And since Kikyo was absent for the most part, the first topic they approached was the priestess' unusual relationship with the half-demon. "My sister has been behaving suspiciously lately," Kaede began.

"Mhm, suspiciously is the word," Wakayo muttered while gulping down some herbal tea.

"There is an explanation, though," the girl continued. Wakayo raised her brows.

"Is there, really?" Kaede nodded.

"I think they are in love," she responded with a pretty little smile.

"Love? How could a priestess love such…an impure creature? Especially Kikyo! She hasn't be chosen the Guardian of the Sacred Jewel in vain—she is the purest priestess alive." Wakayo was outraged. "It does not make any sense," she concluded.

"Oh, but you're unfair. Inuyasha is only half demon. While you, a full-fledged one, live amongst us. Kikyo was gracious enough to spare your life." Wakayo pouted. It was the truth. Kikyo could have killed her. "Besides, love has no boundaries and no requirements. The mind cannot control the soul."

The demon hugged her knees and remained quiet. Maybe she did not quite grasp the concept of love. She knew it was a feeling that supposedly made you happy. She has encountered many cases in which love caused sadness, though. And even Kikyo, she wasn't very happy either. "Maybe the great responsibility of protecting the Jewel has affected her…Maybe—" Wakayo was thinking aloud. This tangled web of feelings intrigued her as her line of reasoning was altered by many faults she found in her theories. Theories that did not suit facts. "Kaede-chan, do you love?" she inquired out of the blue.

The girl fidgeted a bit. "I don't. At least…not yet. Well, you could say I love my sister."

"No, no. I wish to know if you love someone the way Kikyo loves Inuyasha." Kaede shook her head.

"Wha-what's with those questions?" Kaede was confused. She couldn't understand the expression on Wakayo's face. It looked as if the demon was processing something, something difficult.

"It doesn't matter," Wakayo finally replied and cuddled under her warm blanket. She gave up trying to understand and decided to support Kikyo from then on by offering her sensible opinions every now and then. She figured it would be an effective means to anchor the astral priestess to reality.

And although Wakayo's intentions were entirely good-natured, Kikyo refused to listen to her. She never denied being in love with Inuyasha; nor did she ever admit it. Wakayo was quite frustrated, or rather—irritated. She disliked being ignored and treated coldly. Kikyo could at least appreciate her worries.

But the priestess never did. She planned out her future happiness alongside Inuyasha. They thought to use the Jewel for good purposes and banish forever. It would have worked, even, had it not been for an enormous mistake: Inuyasha turned against his lover and stole the Jewel.

Wakayo heard the panic on that fateful day, saw Inuyasha jump over houses and try to run away. She found it strange that he took the Jewel from the cottage where it was usually held—she had seen Kikyo leave the village with it in her hand in the morning. She hadn't returned ever since. The facts did not match, it was difficult for Wakayo to form a plausible and credible theory.

"Kaede!" she yelled, looking around for Kikyo's little sister, in hopes that she would know what was happening. "Kaede!" The girl was nowhere to be found. Wakayo followed Inuyasha and witnessed the most unexpected end of the romance she had been studying for a couple of weeks: an injured Kikyo shot a sealing arrow towards the half-demon, pinning him to a large tree. She then fell to the ground and reached out for the Jewel that had fallen from Inuyasha's hand. Wakayo was petrified. Who had wounded Kikyo? Why did the priestess suddenly hate her lover? She couldn't understand. She didn't want to understand.

Kaede informed her demon friend about her sister's last wishes. The following day, Kikyo's body was burnt along with the Jewel. Wakayo tried to comfort poor Kaede but she was unable to. She wondered every minute of her time why? Simply why it had happened. The two lovers seemed to do just fine. They had accepted each other's flaws and had even been able to relate to one another because of them. Kikyo had even been happier lately.

Wakayo spent days and nights at the base of the tree on which Inuyasha was sealed. She played many mournful songs and even prayed for his soul. He was not dead, she knew he wasn't. But only Kikyo could revive him—by pulling out the sacred arrow—and she was dead. It was a very regrettable loss. Both the Jewel and its Guardian had left the world of the living and it would probably take centuries for something—or someone—half as great to replace them.

"Such a waste," Wakayo muttered to herself while looking at Inuyasha's body. He was peacefully sleeping forever.

"Woman, get out of my way!" a scrawny voice called from behind her. She looked over her shoulder but didn't see anyone. "Get out of my way, I tell you!" She turned around and crouched, having noticed the source of the sound was at her feet.

"Well, hello there!" she greeted with a smile. A small, green monster, wearing a brown kimono and carrying an odd shaped stick was frowning angrily at her. He was so small that the stick was double his height. Wakayo took him in her hands and stood up. "Who are you?"

"I'm Jaken! Put me down, otherwise you'll have to endure the wrath of my master!"

"Ooh, and who is this master of yours?" she asked, cooing. Jaken had cocked his head to the side to take a better look at the tree behind this infuriating woman.

"Inuyasha!" he gasped, staring in shock at the unconscious half-demon.

"Eh? Inuyasha is your master?" Wakayo took the small demon's cry as an answer to her question.

"No, you stupid woman! My master is Lord Sesshoumaru, I have come looking for his younger brother." She tightened her grip on the little creature unwillingly.

"Sesshoumaru is…?" she managed to utter in disbelief. She beamed brightly, whirling around with the little demon in her hands. "Take me to him and I will tell you what had happened to Inuyasha in exchange," she offered.

Jaken wasn't quite satisfied with her decision but didn't have any other choice: although Wakayo had put him down, she was holding the top of his stick and stepping on his shadow. She wasn't going to let him trick her. It was her first chance in five decades to meet Sesshoumaru once again and she wouldn't miss it. Something stirred inside of her with every step forward she took. Were they emotions of the past, emotions of the present or disappointment that it happened right after such big of a tragedy—she couldn't tell. She just felt.

"The sun is setting, demon," Wakayo warned, impatient, "you had better not try to fool me."

"No, no. We're almost there," Jaken assured her while they were walking through a forest. "At the end of this forest—there, see the light?—we'll find my master. And are you sure there's nothing that can be done to awaken Inuyasha?" Wakayo shook her head.

"I wish there was. But there is not. Only the one who sealed him can free him. I told you she is dead." Jaken muttered something under his breath along the lines of 'Lord Sesshoumaru is not going to be pleased' but didn't complain aloud.

At the sight of him, she froze, letting go of Jaken's stick. He took advantage of it and dashed towards his master, "Lord Sesshoumaru, I bring terrible news!" he whined, falling on his knees in front of Sesshoumaru. Many other weaker demons were gathered there. Wakayo didn't give herself away and stayed hidden among the trees.

"What is it?" Sesshoumaru spoke in his usual voice. Her heartbeat sped up only at the sound of it.

"Forgive me," the submissive Jaken began, "but I had to go on my own and went to fetch Inuyasha. He may be a half-demon but he's still your father's son!"

"I see. Where is he? What, is he too cowardly to show himself or did he simply refuse to come to his brother's aid?" Sesshoumaru didn't seem the least affected.

"Neither. I'm afraid that he's been placed under a spell."

"A spell?" Sesshoumaru whispered, a little surprised.

"Indeed. He lost his heart to a mortal priestess and fell prey to her sacred powers," Jaken explained.

"How foolish of him," Sesshoumaru observed disdainfully.

"Yes. Who are those demons?" Jaken changed the topic, looking at the crowd of devils. Sesshoumaru mentioned something about his father having saved them in a war. Jaken was relieved to see allies and admitted he had been previously concerned. He never mentioned his encounter with Wakayo, though. Sesshoumaru didn't spare him another look and walked away, even stepping on the little demon.

The Demon Lord was as impassive as always and was heading straight towards Wakayo. Had he sensed her? Did he want to talk to her? Well, even if he didn't, she did. So while he approached her, she built up her courage and just as he passed by her, she told him loud and clear: "I could help you." He halted and watched her from the corner of his eye before turning around to face her. In that instant, it felt like her heart gained wings and flew out of her chest.

"What could you possibly do? You would get yourself killed without having actually fought."

"Fight? So you are indeed starting a war?" Wakayo wished she had misunderstood.

"Not me. Them." Sesshoumaru continued on his way without giving her any more details.

"Wait, please!" she cried, running after him. "I…will not hinder you, I swear. I will help! Listen to me for a moment!" she insisted, grabbing his hand. He stopped. "I've changed. I've changed so much," she whispered. He didn't look convinced. But he didn't snatch his hand out of hers, either. The warmth felt good. It reminded him of better times spent with her. For a moment, he considered having her back.

"What is it that you want from me, Wakayo?" he questioned. "Why have you come all the way here, while knowing who you would have to deal with? What am I to you?" His last words were murmured in her face, his hot breath washing over her cheeks. She held his hand tighter.

"I…I have grown. I have improved. And I am willing to show you a more different side of me you have not seen before." Her voice was barely audible. Her free hand grabbed the collar of his kimono, pulling him even closer until their mouths met.

He was taken aback by her boldness. He did not reject her, though. She released his hand to bring hers to the back of his neck. He tried to be implacable but he could not ignore his instincts. His body was even more demanding than before, in expectation of the magnificent thrill it had already experienced. He pulled apart for a minute, analysing her countenance. She cupped his face and silently begged him not to leave her again. "I do not want to continue all by myself. I will fight in the war if I have to but…stay with me." She resumed her kissing and dared to go further.

And, much to Wakayo's amazement, he did stay. His eyes were the first thing she saw when she awoke hours later. She smiled widely, feeling his hand tangled in her hair. She cuddled even closer at his chest. "Thank you," she murmured shyly.

Sesshoumaru made her look at him again, locking gazes with her. "Why?" he asked, examining every movement of her muscles. "What am I to you?"

Wakayo hesitated. She was unsure of her own feelings. An image of Kikyo and Inuyasha flashed before her eyes. "I…I think I am…I think I might—" She couldn't utter the word, simply because she wasn't certain about it.

Her fingers caressed his pectorals gently as she searched her mind for an answer. Unable to wait patiently, Sesshoumaru kissed her with fierce passion while holding her in a tender embrace. His longing hadn't faded and he had learnt how to handle her in order to bring forth her inner fire. But he had an army to lead and a war to win. He broke away and stood up, gathering his clothes.

"I meant it," Wakayo said as she sat up, shielding her body with her kimono, "I will fight alongside you. If you let me," she added with a hint of hesitation. She feared he might turn her down coldly.

"Very well," he replied. He left before giving her any other details.

Wakayo prepared herself quickly. She didn't want to let him down. She didn't want be a burden. She wanted to help. With this in mind, she looked for Jaken and asked for directions. She immediately rushed to the battlefield but he wasn't there. The other demons, that Jaken had called allies, were attacked by a lot of panther demons. It seemed to Wakayo that they were overwhelmed and losing. She didn't waver when she entered the battle.

Unfortunately, her intervention hadn't been enough. This war ended with the retreat of the 'allies', leaving behind a deadly wounded Wakayo. Sesshoumaru caught the heavy scent of her blood and found her lying unconscious in the dirt. The sight was infuriating, unexpectedly so. He had no means to save her although he wished for it—more or less at least. For the first time in many decades, he bothered to pay a visit to his mother. It didn't last long, just enough for him to drop Wakayo at the Demon Lady's feet. He then vanished in the distance, the wind carrying these last words: "We should not cross paths ever again."