"Talking"

Thinking

'Singing'

'Dreams'

----------- Scene change

I am SO sorry that this took way longer than need be. I have no excuses except lack of creativity on my part.

I do not own Inuyasha or Josh Groban's song Lullaby.

Sleep to dream

'Sun obscured by the heavy droplets falling rhythmically to the earth, a happy pair strolls through it, unaffected by its gloomy nature.

"Mommy, look! There's an even BIGGER puddle over here!" happily a child younger than five tromps merrily from the protective covering only to be engulfed in the resulting tidal wave of her 'Bigger' splash.

An older woman stands nearby, giggling at the sight, before calling her back to the decidedly 'drier' shelter of her umbrella.'

------------------

"Oh Wow, look at this one mommy! Isn't he ADORABLE! Look at his tail, it's so curly!" a girl of about ten stops abruptly to ogle the storefronts, stopping at a pet shop.

"Mm hm. He sure does. I remember having one much like him when I was a little girl. He was so cute…"

"Really! Can I have one? Please?" puppy dog eyes well in place, the girl clasps her hands together and bows respectively.

Laughing "Mm we'll see." She says, before they continue walking.

-------------------

Staring blankly ahead of her, a girl of eleven can find no words to confirm what she is seeing. In front of her a woman much resembling her mother, wearing her mother's clothes, and laying in her mother's bed is unmoving and unnaturally pale.

This 'woman' however is just that, she bears no relation to herself; she cannot possibly. No, this is not her mother. This cold, unfeeling, unseeing 'thing' is not 'hers'. Her mother is warm and caring and most definitely not dead.

Not knowing what else to do, she simply stares; stares and waits for 'her' mother to get rid of this imposter living within her skin.

---------------------------

A lissome tune fills the remaining moments before the sound of birds' cheerily peeps and the first morning rays filter into the girl's recovering consciousness. Blinking her eyes, she slowly sits up, stirring her bell from its stationary position with a clink.

Not remembering where she fell asleep (or even falling asleep) she is startled when Rin suddenly appears by her side.

"Taki, where did you go so suddenly? Why are you laying over here? Are you ok?" again with the multitude of questions.

"Ah, no Rin, I'm fine. No worries, ne?" a huge fake smile plastered firmly in place, she waves off her feelings like a bothersome gnat.

"So Rin, its morning. What do you wish to do to… a gurgling sound erupts from the bowels of Taki's highly ignored stomach, interrupting her thought and causing a light blush to spread over her face. Rin upon hearing her pleading gut, smiles broadly before grabbing the older girl's hand and running off to a nearby spring.

----------------

"Humph, now where did those two pests run off to?" a grumbling Jaken makes his way through the woods, passing well under sharp looking branches and towering old trees. Finally he comes upon the two 'meddling wretches' as he is so fond of calling them now a days; though once he sees what they are doing he nearly wishes he hadn't.

"Taki, you're not good at this."

So stating, the girl, mostly submerged in water, is in a highly unappealing, unflattering, and very much undignified position, with one arm slung over her head and the other jammed into the rocky bank below; both legs are at odd angles, one pointed up showing off more body than she would wish to be shown.

"Really?" is all she can manage before submerging herself fully into the shallow water with a splash.

--------------------

Heading back to camp with a meager amount of fish and a haul of miscellaneous berries and fruits to last a year, the three are met with the steady golden eyes of their Lord.

An eyebrow quirks finely in regard of the girl's drenched appearance, but nothing is said. Making a small fire, Rin takes to the task of cooking their food, all be it a little too thoroughly.

Staring almost disdainfully at the tiny 'blackened' fish in hand, Taki summons her courage to her, taking a nibble of the poor remnants of the once swimming creature. Swallowing with a visible grimace, she glances to Rin who is happily gulping down her equally burnt breakfast.

I guess it's an acquired taste.

Sighing, Taki is conscious of the set of golden orbs upon her person; though unknowing of the cause.

Steeling her nerves she meets his gaze only to realize he's not staring at her face but at a deeper gash on her arm from her 'fishing trial'. Blushing lightly, the girl's musings wander a more romanticized path; that is until those luminous eyes search hers, narrowing ever so slightly as they do.

Eeping and darkening a shade more, she is saved when Rin states they are going to pick flowers and abruptly grabs her arm in an attempt to pull her along. Meal forgotten, the pair ventures out; though never so far away that they cannot be found by the Dog Lord.

----------------------

Picking yet another hapless flower from its home, Rin now has her tiny hand full with a bouquet of various flowers of all shapes and sizes; the girl does not discriminate it would seem. Prancing as she does so, she decapitates yet another victim in her enthusiasm, while the older girl sits nearby; wreathe of vegetation already draped over her.

Thinking back to earlier Taki pays little attention to the rampage going on nearby. Why had he looked at her arm like that, for what reason? Was that concern in his ever gold eyes or was she simply seeing things that weren't real?

It had been a month and a day, now, since coming here to this world so vastly different yet astoundingly endearing and still she finds she knows just as little about her 'Lord' as she did when first they 'met'. True the girl now knew how calm and serene he could appear, even in a time when chaos and destruction were running rampant. She knew him to be of high class; and that naturally, he should demand and be given respect. However, she also knew how surprising and gentle he could be, especially when Rin was present. The fact that he was powerful, breathtakingly attractive and a demon also did not go by unnoticed. But even to that end she did not even know what kind of a demon he was; in fact in all this time she never once thought to ask.

Maybe I could ask Jaken about that later she thinks before a rustling in the bushes close by startles her and the flower fairy now clinging to her arm.

Rin toddling behind, Taki takes a few careful steps forward until there are only inches betwixt her and the bushes.

Stopping she thinks vaguely and this is the part where the random chick gets killed for checking out the 'suspicious' noise. Seriously, isn't this like a movie rule?

Shaking her head to rid useless thoughts and stifling her nervousness, the girl shakily reaches for the bushes just before a loud scream ensues.

-----------------

The Demon Lord casually leaning against a tree was content to just sit in silence. However one noisy little toad was making that a rather difficult task.

Honestly, ever since the girl came to be with them, whether near or far, he would curse her constantly, questioning his Lord's reasons for keeping her alive. With Rin it was much the same but now with the two of them, that nuisance was doubled; especially when together.

Currently he was in a tirade, mumbling to himself, questioning his Lord's sanity. One would think the ugly wretch would be accustomed to it by now; after all she is merely one girl.

Resisting the urge to sigh (which would be uncharacteristic for our Lord) he instead hurls a well placed rock, hitting its desired mark on the toad's misshaped head silencing his annoying chatter.

Just before he is able to resume his peaceful state, a shrill scream pierces his stillness and instantly he is gone, leaving a pitiful Jaken behind.

-------------------

"Oh my god… A PUPPY! He's so ADORABLE!" reaching down to pet it, a low voice is heard directly behind her.

"Hn. This was the reasoning for your awful screeching." Turning slowly she sees her Lord, clearly not amused as indicated by his dangerously pointed eyes.

"Uh yes… see isn't he sweet?" trying to diffuse the situation, yet failing miserably. Looking to the pup she finds it too is afraid of the towering Taiyoukai, backing away from him timidly.

Bowing low to him the girl finds her words. "I am sorry, Sesshoumaru-sama, I had thought the pup was something else entirely and therefore I screamed. I know it was uncalled for because there is no danger present. Please forgive me in my error." Seeming like a pro at this sort of thing, she keeps her head down, waiting for some sort of acknowledgment.

An 'hn' is heard, then footfalls. He's walking away…

"Ah, wait… Sesshoumaru-sama!" Scooping up the dog, she catches up to him, somewhat surprised when he stops.

"Sesshoumaru-sama, wou-wo-would it be…okay?" shyly she looks to him only to see his back still turned, but eyes glued to her, narrowed.

"Uh… Can he stay…?" Uncertainty clear in her eyes, she is certain he can hear her heart thud painfully.

"Rin, come" is all he utters. He didn't even acknowledge her.

Anger suddenly flaring for the first time since coming here, she yells "Why? What did it do to you? Why do you always have to be so… "Stopping short her outburst, she notes he's right in front of her, a growl tearing from his throat. Rin is gone.

Two things enter her mind: where is Rin, and, crap.

Nervously clearing her throat, she tries again a little more rationally; eyes never leaving his.

"Sesshoumaru-sama I'm sorry for yelling at you, but please, just listen to what I have to say. This puppy is all alone and obviously cannot survive out here, so…"

"This Sesshoumaru cares not for the whelp, if it dies then it dies." "But…" Cutting her off again he continues, a bit harsher.

"Also this Sesshoumaru should kill you where you stand for such disrespect to his person."

Tears creeping into the girl's eyes, she tries to keep her wits about her; her life could very well depend on it.

"I understand… Sesshoumaru…sama" voice betraying her, she wavers "I'm sorry pup, there's just… no place for you…." Placing it down, she pets it gingerly one last time, before standing up, sluggishly wiping some rogue tears from her face.

Facing Sesshoumaru again, she meets his gaze firmly, awaiting her fate.

Looking at the scrap of a girl before him, he can feel little fear from her; mostly he can smell the salt from her tears. Moisture still remains in them, yet she still holds his gaze.

Hn, even now she defies me.

Many humans in her place would be begging him, groveling at his feet, pleading for mercy; which he would not grant them. Actually, most creatures would as well, if any of them had sense.

However looking at the girl made him think of another who fearlessly approached him, even after he had made it perfectly clear he wished to remain alone. At the time he had thought her particularly senseless. And now that girl follows him loyally.

Wishing to growl once more at his train of thought, he notices the pup still at the girl's ankles. It has stayed by her even in his presence.

Staring at the girl again, Sesshoumaru gives a final displeased growl and then turns on his heels and walks away.

Confusion written on her face, Taki stares after him wondering briefly "Did I just win…?"

A soft pulling at her yukata confirms her suspicion when she sees the puppy hopefully looking up at her.

Picking it up she runs after her Lord and back to camp, more tears falling but this time out of joy.

------------------------

Rin has fallen asleep near the dragon Ah-Un and appears happy in slumber. Jaken much the same is resting against a log snores emitting from his open mouth. Sesshoumaru is in his normal pose, leaned against a tree appearing to be at rest, though undoubtedly he is alert to his surroundings and his companions.

Taki however is wide awake with a playful puppy sprawled on her lap, delicately chewing and nipping her hand. Sitting right across the Taiyoukai, she is silently coming up with names for the pup.

Tail wagging enthusiastically its tiny canines chomp her little pinky. Truth be told she had always wanted a dog, but her father would never allow it; he thought them dirty and destructive.

Just then, she remembers the dream she had had and the song she had always loved to hear.

'Hush now baby don't you cry

Rest your wings my butterfly.

Peace will come to you in time

And I will sing this lullaby.'

'Know though I must leave my child,

That I would stay here by your side.

And if you wake before I'm gone

Remember this sweet lullaby.'

As soon as that melodic sound left her lips, Sesshoumaru's bright gold eyes opened as he studied her carefully. Her voice, though laden with sadness was so delicate and the words exquisite. Even the pup had stopped gnawing her saliva covered fingers.

'And, oh love, through darkness

Don't you ever stop believing,

With love alone, with love you'll find your way

My love.'

'The world has turned the day to dark,

I leave this night with heavy heart.

When I return to dry your eyes,

I will sing this lullaby.

Yes, I will sing this lullaby.'

Her soft voice fading, small tears trail her oval face. The pup confused whimpers as she sniffles, trying to dry them. Sesshoumaru's eyes still search her, trying to find any clues to solve the mystery that is the child before him.

--------------------------------------------

Sorry, sorry, sorry! I apologize profusely for not coming out with this chapter sooner. Seriously, it's been over a month, a month! Gosh, I'm turning into those authors I didn't want to be who don't update for two months.

Oh well, I did finally get it done and it turned out way longer than I had originally thought it would be. Hopefully this will please those of you who decided to read my little tale. And with any luck the next chapter will be out, sooner than this one was.

I hope you enjoy and please Review! I enjoy those.