Hello everyone! I know that I haven't been updating in a while really and I feel really bad for it because it means that I'm not doing my job right. Damn it all! RAWR!
Thank you all to those who have read and reviewed so far. It makes me really happy that people are nice enough to wait around for me to update. Thank you! I appreciate it. :3
Please enjoy!
A Promise
His mother might have disapproved of his friendship with his small half bred friend, but that wasn't about to stop him. He was the son of the western lord; he feared nothing… nothing except one thing. He feared losing that small friend.
His golden orbs watched her play with the fallen fall leaves. Fall had come so seemingly fast. He couldn't help but wonder on why. Was it because of his new found friendship that the enjoyable moments went by so fast?
"Don't you want to play Sesshoumaru?" Nina asked with a wide grin on her face.
"It's alright Nina, you keep playing," he smiled at her.
"If you say so," she shrugged before throwing more leaves around.
She had them in a large pile and was throwing herself into it. He couldn't help but laugh.
He would do anything for her, he knew he would. If she asked him to throw her into that pile of leaves then he would because she wanted it. She never asked for anything though. Even if she wanted it, he knew she would never ask. That was one thing about her that he didn't approve of. Ever child had things that they wanted… even he did. Why wouldn't she talk about it then?
"Do you want me to come play?" he found himself asking.
"If you want to," she told him, throwing more leaves into the air.
Getting to his feet, he went over to her and picked her up into his arms. Placing a gentle kiss onto her forehead, he tossed her into the large pile of leaves.
Orange and red and yellow and light brown went up into the air around both of them. The forest silence was broken through with laughter. She was laughing when she popped her head out of the top of the pile.
"That was fun," she laughed, falling back onto her back.
He smiled slightly before running over to her and scooping her back up into his arms. They spun around easily since she was so light.
Being with her made him feel so light on the inside… he was happy when he was with her. He could let down his guard with no fear of being betrayed. A young child wouldn't be able to pull betrayal. She was his everything… he hoped that he was her everything as well.
He fell backward and they landed in the pile of leaves. A pleasant smile graced his lips when he heard her giggling and laughter. It was one of his favorite sounds.
"I knew you wanted to play," she laughed; giving him a hug from on top of his chest.
His arms instinctively pulled her close to him.
"Yeah," he assured her, "I always want to play with you."
"Yay!" she cried, hugging him tighter.
He found himself laughing slightly. She could make him do anything.
- - - -
Seems somebody put out the moon
Now the road is a minefield
I can't follow the way she moves
I can't see past the shadows
You make the darkness disappear
I feel found when you stay near
I know where I am when you are here
My way becomes so clear
- - - -
His fingers tickled her sides and she squealed while kicking her feet.
"N-no Sesshoumaru, stop!" the girl pleaded with laughter, "That tickles!"
"That's the point," he told her, continuing.
Her laughter continued… at least until his fingers were forced to stop.
There had been a sound close by; feet on the dead leaves. At first he couldn't think of why someone would come out here at all. Why would anyone disturb the lord's son outside of the castle? Where would the point be? Then he realized what was with him; the half breed.
"What's wrong?" Nina asked with confusion.
She had been having fun.
"Stay in the leaves Nina," he told her with a stern tone as he sat up.
"Why?"
"Because I said so," he told her coldly.
He was on his feet and looking around the area with his golden orbs. He was angry that his mother would send guards to follow after him. She did not trust his judgment.
His feet did not wander from his half bred friend though. He didn't dare to leave her in the hands of death. Nina would not die while he was there to keep her safe.
"I'm sorry master Sesshoumaru," an older male's voice stated through the trees, "but I have my orders."
"I expect you to leave," he told the guard coldly, "I am not harming anything. Nor is anyone else."
"My apologies."
The guard made an appearance and he growled hatefully towards the demon. If he wouldn't let her go… then death was the only option.
The guard dared to try to go past; their guard completely down. He cracked his claws before grabbing the guard's shoulder tightly.
"Master Sesshoumaru, what are you doing?" the guard asked with protest.
"None shall harm that child," he growled.
His claws dug into the guards shoulder before he drove his free claw through the back. A cry of pain filled the air as his arm came out through the guard's stomach.
"W-why master Sesshoumaru?" the guard choked out, "W-why?"
"This child is dear to me," he growled almost hatefully, "Take her away and you shall pay with your life."
It only took a moment, but the guard was dead once he pulled his arm out and the blood disintegrated. It only took a moment to take a life.
He turned back toward Nina who was watching through the pile of leaves; blue eyes wide with fright. Of course such a sight would have frightened her… It would have frightened any child.
"Nina, I'm sorry," he apologized, "but I'll have to cut our day short today."
"Why?" she asked; snapping out of her daze, "I don't want you to go."
"I know," he murmured, "but I have to. There are people expecting me back home and if I don't go back then someone will plan to hurt you."
"…Hurt me?"
"I can't let that happen," he assured her.
"I don't care," she grumbled, "I don't want you to go."
He couldn't stop the agonized expression from reaching his eyes. She was almost begging him not to leave… it was tearing him apart inside. If it wasn't to keep her safe… then he would have stayed to keep her happy. He would have done anything to keep her happy.
"I'll come get you tonight," he promised, "Meet me outside your hut when the sun goes down. We'll spend the night outside."
Nina thought about it for a moment before a big grin appeared on her face.
"Okay!"
His golden orbs followed her as she ran into his arms. He picked her up and pulled her tightly to him. He would risk everything to make sure that she was smiling and happy. There was not a thing that he would not do.
"I'll see you tonight," he promised with a small smile, "Keep safe till then."
"I can do that," Nina said happily, "I'll see you later."
With a nod, he let her go before turning to go back to the castle.
Even a distance away, he could hear her laughing and throwing leaves around again. It wasn't hard to keep her entertained.
Returning to the castle, he stared coldly at the closed gates. His mother might have ordered the guards to follow him… but his father would have the ability to command them to stop. His father's word was stronger than his mother's.
He opened the gates and walked past the guards and servants. He would talk to his father. He did not appreciate his mother's mistrust.
"W-welcome back master Sesshoumaru," a servant greeted.
Pushing the doors open, he walked into the study to see his father gazing into text.
His father's head looked up to see him and looked rather surprised to see the expression on his face.
"Sesshoumaru, what is troubling you?"
"Mother is troubling me," he growled, "I do not wish to have guards following my every move on the outside."
"What do you mean?" his father asked with furrowed brows.
The guards would not do anything unless they were asked to. It was no wonder that his father would be confused.
"She has guards tracking where I go," he hissed; fists clenched slightly, "She does not trust my judgment and I wish for it to cease."
His father was in thought about his words.
"Why would she do such a thing?"
"She lacks trust in my judgment," he stated with furrowed brows, "I am no longer a child and can make my own decisions."
"If you wish to be left alone, then so shall it be, my son," his father assured him, "Your mother will not be told."
"Thank you father," he bowed before turning to leave.
"Be aware Sesshoumaru that your actions now might effect how you will rule these lands later."
"I know, father," he assured his demon father, "I know exactly how I plan to rule when I am lord."
"Very well Sesshoumaru."
He left the room and went to his own chamber. Servants greeted him but he said nothing; not even casting them a glance. His mind was set on other things; better things.
Nina was usually the only one on his mind. If she was still there when he was lord, then he would not care if he had any other followers. She alone would be good enough to have by his side.
When that small girl was with him… his path was set and his future was bright. His before plans for being a ruler seemed so empty now. A future without Nina would be dull and… empty. It would be so numb.
- - - -
When you're gone
Will I lose control?
You're the only road I know
You show me where to go
Who will drive my soul?
- - - -
He never wished to feel that way again. If it were to happen then he knew that he would fall into his cold feelings. He didn't want for that light feeling to disappear… He didn't want to know what the future would be like without her by his side.
"Please Nina… stay safe," he murmured, sitting against the wall in his chamber.
He would wait there until night… He would wait impatiently to see her again.
Footsteps walked through the dim light of night. Stars were shining overhead on the night of the new moon. It was only one set going through the dead leaves. He was close… he knew he was. His golden orbs could see easily through the night; much unlike a human's would have.
"Nina," he quietly called from the back of the old hut.
"…Sesshoumaru?" her quiet voice called back.
"Come on Nina," he told her with a small smile on his face, "We're going to a very special place."
The small girl came around the corner with a grin and took his hand.
"Okay," she agreed.
On days when he had nothing to do and Nina's mother needed her, he got to search the area a bit more. He committed most of it to memory… and he remembered an open area with no trees to block the sky. A nearby river ran quietly, making it a peaceful area. It was a private place – undisturbed – away from other creatures.
That was where he was taking her. Together they would stare at the night sky and fall asleep… They wouldn't return until the morning.
When they got there he heard Nina gasp slightly. The stars lit up the area and gave a dull light to the blades of grass and trees. It was a wonderful sight, even at night.
"Sesshoumaru, this place is so pretty!" she exclaimed, pulling his arm in excitement.
"I know," he chuckled slightly, "This is our place; just yours and mine."
"…R-really?" Nina asked; blue eyes lit up with excitement.
"No one else comes here, so it's just you and me."
"Yay!" she cried out happily, wrapping her arms around his waist.
That feeling… he was so used to it now. He welcomed it without a thought. He was wanted here… welcome here… There were no servants to fear him and squeal with glee when he actually asked for something. All there was was a child's laughter and smile… small hands to hold his and guide the way to being lost. She was home… She was his future.
- - - -
Seems somebody burned out the signs
I can't expect the hard curves
There's no borders
There are no lines
How can I know where to turn?
You make the street lights reappear
I feel bright when you stand near
I know what I am when you are here
My place becomes so clear
- - - -
His arms wrapped around her small back before he picked her up into his arms.
"So what are we going to do?" he asked; golden orbs locking with blue ones.
"What do you want to do?" Nina asked with a curious face.
"Whatever you would like," he assured her.
"You want to stare at the stars?" she asked.
Of course… she wouldn't pick something she would want.
"That sounds like a good idea," he agreed with a nod.
They went to the center of the small meadow. He knelt down to set her on her feet before lying straight down on his back. He turned his head and watched as Nina sat down next to him before leaning back. She was propped up on her elbows and looked up. He loved to be with her like this… just the two of them on their own. She meant so much to him… he knew that if he had to, he would die for her. He would do it all for her.
"Sesshoumaru?" her voice broke through the silence.
"…Hmm?" he replied, breaking out of thought and looking at her.
"What do you really want the most?" she asked curiously, "Besides beating your father one day?"
His golden orbs widened slightly at the question. She had never asked him such a question… not really anyway.
He now knew that he wanted and what he hated. He wished that she wouldn't rush into a fight… that she wouldn't have to get hurt anymore. He hated seeing it happen… hated seeing her get hurt in any way. It happened too many times already. Too many creatures wished for a half breed's death.
"What I really desire… is to be able to spend more time with you within each day," he murmured as he looked at her slightly smiling face.
"That would be nice," she agreed with a smile.
"What about you Nina?" he questioned.
She seemed to grin at the question. He didn't really know why she had. Sometimes… she made him wonder.
"I want to see the ocean," she admitted rather quietly, "I bet it's really pretty there."
"It probably smells bad," he murmured.
He was sure that he wouldn't enjoy the smell of salt burning his nose.
"Maybe," she laughed quietly, "You never know."
Nina's voice sounded almost sad with those words and he had caught it all. It was what she wanted – the only thing she had ever told him willingly – and he had scoffed at the idea… basically said that he wouldn't go there with her. That thought stung a little. He had made a wrong choice of words and regretted it greatly… what kind of power did this small girl hold over him? Did he have the same power over her?
His brows furrowed slightly with anguish. He needed to fix his mistake.
"How about we go together Nina?" he asked with a light tone.
He needed her to be happy. He wouldn't stand for her being upset.
"Would you want that?" he continued curiously.
He had drawn her attention with surprise in her eyes. Those blue eyes… they stood out in the night. She was seemingly delighted.
"I wouldn't want to go anywhere without you beside me," she agreed with a wide grin.
He watched her fall onto her back. Her small fingers took a gentle grasp on a small lock of his silver hair.
"I think it would just like you," she whispered with a thoughtful tone, "the ocean…"
Her blue eyes stared up into the endless night sky. They didn't wide with surprise as he took a hold of her hand. He did it often as of late. He knew why… He did it to keep her close to him.
He then pulled her soft skin to his lips before gently kissing the top of her wrist.
"One day Nina," he promised, "One day."
"I can't wait Sesshoumaru," she whispered, "I'm really curious to see if something else is like you."
"I highly doubt that there is," he chuckled slightly.
- - - -
When you're gone
Will I lose control?
You're the only road I know
You show me where to go
Who will drive my soul?
Will I lose control?
You're the only road that I know
You show me where to go
Who will drive my soul?
Drive my soul
- - - -
He loved how light she made him feel inside. He loved her laugh… her smile… her touch… He loved her. It wasn't a brotherly love; he knew that it wasn't. A brother only had the desire to protect his sister… He didn't just want to protect her though. He longed to kiss her and keep her smiling… She was just a child but he couldn't help but want her.
He had told himself that the day for that would come at some point in his life. He was the only demon or human that had actually accepted who she was; accepted what she was. Another male would not consider taking his place, not even if they had been able to steal her heart.
"One day," he murmured again.
She continued to grin with his promise. It must have brought a lot of her dreams come true.
There were many dreams in life that wouldn't come true or were hidden away in the subconscious mind. Nina was a person that kept wants to her self. He knew that her family was poor… that her parents were peasants. There was not a lot that her parents could give her so she did not ask. He knew that better than anyone now… but he wanted to give her everything.
Nina rolled onto her side and her blue eyes watched him as he smiled.
"Sesshoumaru, I'm happy that you're my friend," she told him before pulling his silver hair gently.
She pulled herself over and placed her child kiss onto his cheek. He cocked a brow with some confusion at her actions… but he smiled slightly nonetheless. Parents and siblings could exchange a bedtime kiss before sleep.
"Goodnight Nina," he whispered before placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.
"Good night Sesshoumaru."
When he opened his eyes in the morning, the sun had barely risen over the trees. The low, orange light was enough to wake him for the day.
His golden orbs broke through the morning sight and saw Nina sleeping peacefully right next to him. She had her knees curled up slight with her small hand closed near her face.
"Hey you," he whispered with a small smile.
- - - -
When you're gone
Will I lose control?
You're the only road I know
You show me where to go
When you're gone
Will I lose control?
You're the only road I know
You show me where to go
Who will drive my soul?
- - - -
It felt so… right to wake up with her there. It was the moments like this that made him wonder what he would do if she was gone. How would he be able to live without that precious light in his life?
End of Chapter 4
So was that good? Did you all like that? I did. xD I love that chapter. I've been waiting to write that for so long. Well that song was Drive my Soul. I'm not sure who it's by but if someone's able to let me know then please tell me. Thank you. :3
Thank you for reading! Please R&R and I'll try to update soon. :3 :D