Their moment didn't last long as Shiloh got back on washing the clothes she had to. But her hands were covered by InuYasha's. He couldn't even look at her but wanted to help in any way.
-I can do this myself,you can just sit and tell me interesting things that happened in your journey. How you sliced demons and met your friends.
-Hmpfh…well…she kinda broke Kikyo's spell she put on me 50 years ago when she sealed me to a tree. A demon centipede was crushing her around me and in order to kill it I asked her if she can pull out the arrow from my chest. As she released me I slayed it and went for the Secret Jewel,when I got it,Kikyo's sister,old Kaede had put this beans necklace around my neck and told Kagome to say a word in order to stop me,and now she uses it everytime I do or say something she doesn't like or is annoyed by me.
-Something like a trigger word? What is it?
-Sit…
-Si- InuYasha started moving his arms like crazy to stop Shiloh from saying that word. He was afraid it might work. What?
-Don't say it,it hurts me when she shouts "sit",and if it works for you too I will make a hole in the ground.
-Oh…I see. Well your father was a dog demon so you are also a dog let's say so that word is used in quite a correct way. I think your brother could need a necklace like yours,just in case he's misbehaving.
-It's no way you could put this around his neck and if you could,the jerk would just rip it off and kill you.
-Such a pathetic necklace is not suitable for this Sesshomaru. Shiloh tried to do an impression of the demon,making InuYasha laugh. Don't laugh,little brother,I,Sesshomaru,will not spare your life.
-He's awful,I don't understand who would ever have feelings for him. He is heartless and narcissistic,he cares only for himself,and that servant of his,Jaken,tried ot steal my Tetsusaiga.
-Sesshomaru can't handle Tetsusaiga without getting his hand burned.
-Say…I don't want to be rude or something but I sense his scent all over you.
-Oh great now I smell like a selfish dog,no offence.
-None taken.
-I'm not going to lie to you,InuYasha,so I will tell you the truth. I travel with him.
InuYasha's facial expression changed to a blanc one. He was not expecting to hear such a thing.
-And you will be surprised but he is not as heartless as you think he is.
-There is nothing you can tell me that will make me change my opinion about him.
-Do you know that little girl that is with him? Rin is her name,and he brought her back to life with Tenseiga.
He pricked his ears when she told him that. His brother,Sesshomaru,to care enough to use the sword in order to bring life back into a mortal body? No,it couldn't be HIS brother Shiloh was just talking about. Sesshomaru that he knows would kill any human in his way with only one sword swing. He would take their lives not give it back.
-No no no,you're mistaking,my brother would never do such a thing. He's too stupid,he doesn't know how to use that sword,he hates it,he tried to take Tetsusaiga just because he is frustrated and blinded by jealousy that father left him Tenseiga and not Tetsusaiga. He tried to kill me because of his foolishness! And he calls me an idiot,like he's smarter or something…
-InuYasha! Her slaying tone scared the boy who turned pale.
-Y-yes?
-Don't talk like that about him. He is afterall your brother and believe it or not,he does care about you. I don't want to change anything between you and him by saying this but he saved your life. You don't remember it because he made sure you will forget that night,and I will not get into details by saying when and how and why. All it matters is that,even if he acts cold he does have feelings for you and wouldn't want you to be killed,he can't risk letting you die,he already lost his father. He fights you because he is testing you,to see how strong you are,and maybe because of his obsession with "I'm bigger,I'm better". He will say something like "if you're going to die,it will be because of my hands" but deep down inside he knows that loosing you would be too much. He is not a bad person,I'm saying this because I can see through his heart and what's in it,well,sometimes.
She was speaking of him with kindness and warm in her voice. Her respect and admiration for Sesshomaru has no bounderies,even though she sometimes hates him but that did not changed her way of seeing him.
-Believe it or not,he lost interest in Tetsusaiga. He understood his father's will and stopped wanting it,but he will not stop teasing you. Now all I want from you is to forget we had this conversation next time you'll meet him and be yourself. I know you have quite the big mouth.
The boy couldn't think for a second how true these words are but he believed Shiloh without doubting her. He trusted her more than anyone else,he never saw her but knew her from the beginning,she was present,there,behind him,since he was born.
He regretted now,thinking that he had cut off his brother's arm but at the same time tried to not bother too much. It was in the past.
-You can go sit with your friends if you want.
-Nah,I'm good,they can wait. Hey…about the little girl,how is Sesshomaru behaving?
-Very well,he keeps her away from danger,she never saw "Lord Sesshomaru" transforming,barely saw him fight. She is aware of his power but what surprises me is that she is not afraid of him. That child does not know what fear is. I was not there when he brought her back to life,he only related to me what happened. He actually got her a new kimono and this two headed dragon demon who carries her on its back. When I first met her she refused to talk. The poor child,she watched as her parents and brother got killed,kids from the village kept beating her and called her names. After that incident between you and Sesshomaru,Sesshomaru found his rest in a forest and tried to regain his powers,she saw him and brought him food and water. She trusted him,she did not fear him,more,she smiled at him. Sesshomaru is the one who taught her how to talk again,how to trust someone once more. I too talked to her everyday and tried to get close to her but there was no place for me into her world,yet,as I saw her looking for your brother everytime she was in my company.
InuYasha couldn't stop Shiloh from talking,he did not want to. The way she was relating everything was like a bedtime story but Sesshomaru she was talking about was not the one he knows and it was hard for him to imagine such a brother.
-The girl has an amount of respect for the one that brought her back to life. And to be honest,for an 8 year old is pretty strong,travelling with two daiyōkai and getting her own food and putting up with Jaken every day.
-I know that Sesshomaru sometimes leaves-
-Yes,he leaves with either Jaken,alone or with me. I usually preffer to stay with Rin,I raise her like my own,you can't imagine what a joy she is. Sometimes Sesshomaru leaves and I get to stay with Rin and Jaken,and I swear,that green thing doesn't know when to shut up and brags about his lord as if he's the only one on this earth and keeps on saying these flattering things how perfect and ravishing and handsome your brother is and how good he is willing his swords and how kind he is for accepting him on his journey and how devoted he is to Sesshomaru and so on. Thinking about it I start to think Jaken developed a crush on your brother. But if I'm looking better at what's going on,Jaken really takes a lot from Sesshomaru,he is annoying but he would give his life for him. As if it counts…Shiloh let out a sarcastic cough. He's alright but makes me want to punch him or set him on fire. Little do I need to say that Sesshomaru punches him really bad.
-Hah! I too have an annoying little brat on my back who gets all my punches!
-Really?
-Yes. Oi! Shippo! InuYasha turned to his friends shouting after the young fox.
-What?!
-You're a pain in the ass and the next demon we'll fight,I'm gonna give you to him so he'll can eat you! We don't need weak links in our crew!
-You will not! Kagome will protect me!
-InuYasha… Kagome knew what was about to come and tried to keep her calm.
-He's just showing off,Kagome,don't bother. Miroku moved his hand up and down trying to make the girl understand that it's useless to get angry.
InuYasha walked up the hill where his friends were and punched Shippo in the head,making him get a lump which hurt the little demon.
-As I was saying-
-Why do you always have to punch me? Do you have anger issues?! You've got problems! And again,Shippo got another lump on his head. His crying made Kagome get up and shout the words InuYasha feared the most.
-InuYasha,sit!
His fall was so hard,his body made a hole in the ground and shaked it at the same time,making Shiloh raise her eyebrows in surprise while watching them,but then again thinking she really needs that necklace for Sesshomaru.
-The beautiful ones are always the crazy ones… She said to herself minding her business.
An argument started and shots were fired as InuYasha and Kagome shouted at each other as their friends watched not knowing if they should interfere or not.
-Miroku should we –
-No,Sango,it would be too soon. Let's wait.
The monk had no intention into stopping them,it was too entertaining,scary but entertaining.
-SIT! Again the word made InuYasha kiss the ground,and this time it hurt even those around. You are so stubborn! Agh InuYasha why do I even bother with you?
-I told you to stop saying that word! It hurts,my organs are crushes and my bones are on the verge of breaking. Stop! Using! That! WORD! The hanyou kept raising his tone.
«Why am I a part of this…?» Shiloh thought as she tried to not pay much attention to what was happening behind her. «He indeed has a big mouth but to treat him like that…» After she was done with washing all the kimonos,she stood up from the river side and headed towards the group,holding the basket.
-Excuse me but can I talk to you? The fox pointed with her sight to the school girl.
-M-me?
-Yes,you,in private. And she left,walking before her.
Kagome had no other choice but to follow the demoness with fear pumping inside her chest. The look she gave her was too cold and that ment that something seriously bothered Shiloh.
-Tell me,Kagome,what is the deal between you and InuYasha?
-I…erm…you see,me and InuYasha –
-Speak faster,young girl. As Shiloh turned her head in an angry manner,her fangs were clearly seen by the teen.
«She's scary.» Kagome's mind thought,and indeed,she was scary,it made her blood turn into ice. She fought and faced many demons in this journey but never had she felt like Shiloh made her. This daiyōkai had something evil within her,in her heart,in her eyes,in her smile and in her aura. She was more terrifying than Sesshomaru.
-I see,you can't find your words,fine then. But I should let you know that I will never tolerate someone to talk to InuYasha like that,not to say with that tone.
-But I –
-Silence. I know he is stubborn but you have to be grateful you're not traveling with his brother,like I do. That one is much more than InuYasha. My suggestion is to not give him any attention and let him do his actions.
-He never understands…
-And you do,human? This short question almost cut through Kagome's skin like a knife.
The girl gasped and looked petrified at the woman before her. As friendly and human she perceived her at first,she turned out to be nothing as such. In her eyes,Shiloh began to transform into Sesshomaru's female version: cold,bitter and stinging with every word.
-Never mind. It seems I can't get a word out of you. Read my lips: you come from a different world than this one,you have no knowledge of the things that happen here,you are in no form what so ever to talk to him like that. I raised him,and when you shouted at him,I will not lie,I wanted to rip your heart out. He is like my son. You are lucky you're his friend and that he has feelings for you,otherwise…things would've not looked too pretty for you,my dear.
Iceberg. That was what Kagome transformed into once she heared those shredding words. At that moment she did not know wether to reply or to just keep her mouth shut,or better,run back to the guys.
-So,where can I find a necklace like the one InuYasha wears? His brother needs one too.
«Whaaat?! Is she kidding me right now? How can she go from an extreme to the other one? A second ago she was ready to cut my head off and now she's asking me about InuYasha's beads? What is this? Some kind of sick jokes? Am I on hidden camera?...oh my God what shall I say?» As Kagome's mind was spinning like a tornado trying to understand Shilo's mood wings,how she changed from a death stare to an innocent smile,at the same time,she did not have an answer.
-You see…Shiloh,those beads InuYasha has are somewhat of a spell,they were put around his neck by old priestes Kaede,maybe she can help you.
-That means I have to drag the dog with me. By the way,what is with that monk? He's starring since he saw me.
-That's Miroku's way of admiring. She tried her best to cover her confussion with a wide smile thinking if Shiloh was actually crazy.
-I am not crazy,my girl.
-Wha-what? «Did she just read my mind?»
-Yes I did,and I'm still doing it.
-You're still doing what? «Just what the Hell is going on? Kagome stop thinking!»
The fox daiyōkai let out a disappointed sigh and them giggled.
-You humans are so easy.
-DEMON!
A sharp scream came from the village announcing the presence of a demon who rushed to destroy everything in its way. All the people started running,saving theirselves,women taking their children away with them as men remained to fight.
-I knew the air changed its smell. Shiloh said on a bored tone. Oh well…
-Kaze no Ki –
-InuYasha! Her voice stopped the hanyou in the middle of his act as she dragged out Muramasa from its shield and in a blink of an eye,as the blade sent a pulsation,with a swing of the hand,the demon has became nothing but a rain of body parts and blood. The calm she spread around her was nothing but the beginning of a storm.
They all looked at her with admiration but terrified at the same time. The sword's aura was as black as the abyss and it's blade red as her flaming hair.
-Is she…possessed? The monk asked while she was standing there doing nothing,the evil wind moving her hairs from back to front.
-It's possible for the sword to have possessed her – But shortly the ground started moving violently before Sango could've finished her sentence. What is happening?!
Knowing what was about to come,more,knowing Rin was feet away from her,Shiloh thrusted her sword in the ground,right away another pulsation,this time stronger and maleficent,pierced through the soil and from underneath it,like an earthquake,a number of demons raised in pieces. As their fell like rocks,the last one,the powerful one came to life.
-The sacred jewel shard! Kagome shouted as she senced and saw the piece shining.
-I see it! InuYasha rushed to be the hero.
He ran and jumped pointing his mighty sword into the demon's direction invoking Tetsusaiga's power. Shiloh this time did nothing,just took her sword and ran to the village to leave the basket,which surprisingly was intact and the clothes had no blood stains on,and to take Rin away. The little girl finished her bath and lunch minutes before the creatures appeared.
-Shiloh-sama! Rin screamed in her arms hiding her face inside her chest.
She was scared and Shiloh knew it. The terror in those big brown eyes were like a stab to her,so she rushed her way out of the village,behind her living a barrier which proctected the humans hiding in the forest from any harm.
Now InuYasha and his friends were left to take care of the demon. Struggling not for too long,they put an end to it,taking the shard out of its body.
-I got it. The teenega girl said excited as she put the piece in the small jar the carries.
-…yeah…
The silver haired boy looked behind him with wondering eyes,asking where did his angel went and if he will ever see her again. Saving Rin was her main goal,killing the first demon and showing the others was just something that she choose to do to get some time to reach the human girl. The wind started moving everything in its way,the sky turned grey. Soon rain drops started falling heavily on the stained ground,the villagers returning to their homes and the others rushing to find a shelter. Only InuYasha remained,nature soaking his clothes with her tears.
Between the trees,Shiloh walked,covering the child from any drop of water.
-You smell so good,I could eat you up.
-Thank you! The little ray of sun smiled warmly to the demon. I saved you,Lord Sesshomaru and Jaken some food but –
-Oh child,don't worry,you are more important. She placed a soft kiss on Rin's forehead and then looked back how the village was nowhere to be seen.
«We will meet again,my love.» Shiloh softly said inside her mind,slightly curving her lips upwards.
On another road,far away,Sesshomaru was resting under a tree which's mighty branches kept away the rain from pouring over him as it became heavier and heavier,as if it was a waterfall.
-Sesshomaru-sama! Jaken's voice cracked the silence of the forest.
-What is it? He asked calmly,turning to his servant.
-Would've been better if we had told lady Shiloh where we headed?
-She can find her own way to us. Sesshomaru rested his head against the tree and closed his eyes.
Jaken had always wondered what was this mighty demon he was seving thinking about. How he will build his empire or how he will conquer all the west,or probably how charming he is? Actually none of that. His mind was set on the woman that had been his companion for years. The woman who placed a fire inside his heart which now did not let him be in peace,the one who made him desire,lust for something his hand could touch. He wanted to feel that soft skin melting over his,to make her short of breath,to hurt her in a way that would make their blood rush through their veins as they wanted more. Sesshomaru craved in silence for that body of hers,his mind never letting him settle. Why? How? How can a woman distract one's mind? What was he truly feeling? Just a need to satisfy a pleasure or was it love? The wish of having her by his side forever? To forge an empire where she would rule next to him as queen and beare his heir. Unlike Shiloh,he lacks in the desire of consuming himself in a mating ritual but always had be drawn by how familiar she was with carnal delight,surprising being for him the fact that she never became a mother.
As much control as he always had over his body,the erotic beauty and grace of the fox daiyōkai caused his animalic instincts to come out. Their physical fights that occured before and after Jaken's service were mostly driven by their opposite characters,their need of making theirselves clear who is more dominant,but mostly,his aggressiveness came from his desire of pinning her down letting her know his weight,behind this,sex being the main motive.
When Shiloh used to live with him at his mother's palace,as kids,the queen often asked her son if he has any interest in the girl. The emperess,as Inu no Taisho,loved her dearly,she in fact considered her as the daughter she never had and teached her many things that would later help Shiloh in life. Like she did with Sesshomaru,she asked Shiloh too if she has feeling regarding the prince but the answer showed she was just interested in him as a friend and that she would never see herself beside him for her entire life due to his coldness and lack of comunication,always being an arrogant loner. Of course the mother laughed being entertained by the child's answer but she knew that one day they will not bare to be kept appart. Even the great general thought the same and secretly planned a wedding for his stubborn son and adopted daughter. They were a match made in Hell since they saw each other for the first time. Their elements,fire and ice,clashed together ready to bring chaos,never finding their rest. Shiloh brought the best out of Sesshomaru,always challenging him physically and intelectual.
«Why can't I reach out to her? Why is not my body reacting to what my mind wants?»
He looked so calm on the surface but inside he was drowning in thoughts,blaming himself for being so distant and cold all these centuries. How could he show her that indeed he felt for her when he had no idea how to open up. His mother and father were nothing like him. He shut himself emotionally since the first day,not accepting love or pity from anyone. His parents had a rough time raising him and his silence was one of the biggest misteries they encountered.
Those cold soul eating eyes of his never showed emotion,grief or pain. His conversations consisted in short or vague sentences,those to whom he had addressed them had to figure the answer himself.
Those times he laughed,as a child,were the most precious ones his parents ever took part of. The sound of pure love and happiness which now has faded away as if it died and he buried it.
«How I wish he would talk more. This silence treatment is killing me! If I could read his mind to know what he's thinking about…» Jaken let out a sad sigh moving his tiny feet. «I'm bored but because of this rain I can't do anything.» He realized that everytime he was left alone with Rin,that little girl,as annoying he thought she is,filled his time,not letting him get bored. He forgot how spending time with his lord was. The monotony was making him sigh at every couple of breaths.
-Jaken. Sesshomaru said shortly.
-Huh? Yes,milord! The green demon stood up ready to serve his master.
-Stop with the sighs. You're annoying.
-Y-yes milord. My apologies… «I don't understand him. He's so irritated lately,what's bothering him?»