EIGHTH BLOOD

Chapter 6: Runaways

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Kagome peered into the darkness of the well. She traced the edges with her fingertips and smiled wistfully. "Wow. I haven't been here in forever. I stopped coming after the well-house was finished. Seeing it was too hard."

"Is that why you wanted to build this place?" Octavia asked. "To hide it?"

She shook her head. "No. I wanted to protect it. If anything happens to it between now and five hundred years in the future, the timeline will be rewritten and I . . . I wouldn't have met Inuyasha. None of this would have happened if the well no longer existed in my time."

Octavia moved closer and peeked over the lip of the well.

The echo was silent.

"How does it work?"

"All I had to do was jump. It was as easy as getting on a train. When it closed, I was actually trapped on the other side for a few years. I broke my leg trying to get back. Stupid, I know."

"But you're here now. How did you get it to open for one more trip?"

Kagome smiled. "I thought about Inuyasha."

Octavia gnawed on her thumb.

"Are you sure about this?" Kagome asked. "If it works, you might not be able to come back. You'll struggle to find a teacher in the future. Magic is basically non-existent there."

An excellent point. Plus, what if she managed to get back but could only speak in Japanese? How would she explain that? She'd have to stay with the Higurashis until she figured out how to switch back to English, if switching back was even possible. It could very well be permanent.

Then again, anything was better than dying at the hands of Sesshoumaru.

"I'll be fine. There must be some left somewhere."

Kagome nodded sadly. "Okay. Good luck."

Octavia climbed over the edge and used the ivy to hang onto the wall. "Tell Rin I enjoyed our time together," she said. "I hope she won't be too angry with me for not saying goodbye."

"She'll understand. Don't worry, I'll tell her."

"Thanks."

Octavia began the climb. When she was about halfway down, she heard Kagome shout, "Octavia-chan!" She tipped her head back and looked up at her expectantly. Kagome had tears in her eyes. "Tell Mama, Sota and Grandpa that I love them. Not a day goes by where I don't think of them."

Octavia smiled at her. "I will."

She took a deep breath and tried to think of home. The only problem was, she didn't have one. She had her flat, but it was more of a gilded cage than it was a home. She'd tried to fill it with things that she liked. Fluffy rugs, fancy plates, poetry books, velvet cushions with elephants stitched onto them. Unfortunately, none of it did anything to hide the fact that it was all a facade. Because underneath the gold paint, it was just old, cheap metal. It wasn't real. Nothing about her life was. She was – and always had been – a fraud.

She waited for the echo, only for it to never come. Closing her eyes, she loosened her hold on the ivy and tumbled to the bottom.

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"You're lucky you only twisted your ankle."

Octavia winced as Rin wound a strip of scented cloth around her foot.

"That well is ridiculously deep," she said, pulling the cloth tighter. "What were you thinking?"

"I had to try and get back," muttered Octavia.

"Back where? Underground? Honestly, Octavia-san. I'd understand if you were a mole, but you're a human." She finished fastening the knot and sighed. "You could've really hurt yourself."

"I know. I'm sorry."

Kaede leaned over Rin's shoulder and admired her handiwork. "I see ye remembered most of what I taught ye. Well done, child. I still think ye ought to train to become a healer."

"Sesshoumaru-sama says I should be a lady."

"Is that what ye want?"

Rin shrugged. "I won't know until I try."

Kagome wandered in through the flap. "Is it bad?" she asked, noticing the wrappings around Octavia's foot.

"Just a sprained ankle," Octavia answered. "I'm housebound until further notice."

The woman called Sango appeared in the doorway behind Kagome, holding a basket that was filled to the brim with peaches. "We picked these for you," she said. "They're in season. I thought they might cheer you up a bit."

Octavia's heart warmed. "That's so thoughtful." She picked one from the basket and cradled it in her hand. "I've never tried a Japanese peach before. Thank you so much."

Kagome and Sango swapped places with Rin and Kaede, who left to pick herbs in the forest. As they ate the peaches and drank sencha tea, the trio exchanged stories. Octavia listened intently as Kagome recounted the tale of how she'd been dragged down the Bone-Eater's Well by a monster, and accidentally shattered the legendary Shikon no Tama. Apparently, the night she and Inuyasha had first met, he'd tried to kill her. It must be a youkai thing, Octavia determined as Kagome explained the purpose of the enchanted prayer beads her husband wore.

Octavia told them about her mysterious childhood, and how she couldn't remember a thing about it. They agreed it was suspicious, especially considering the fact that her parents had practically vanished without a trace, but Sango pointed out that she herself remembered very little from the first few years of her own life, and so maybe it wasn't that peculiar.

She also told them about the trip to see Totosai.

"So, your magic is the same as the kind that created the jewel?" Kagome asked.

She nodded.

"That explains the dark aura from before," said Sango. "The demon's youki must have had a negative effect on you."

Kagome strummed her bottom lip. "It's possible that a pure source of energy might have a positive effect. Like my reiki, for example. The Shikon no Tama was influenced by the ones who possessed it. In the wrong hands, it was incredibly dangerous."

Octavia hesitated. "Do you think I'm dangerous?"

"No," Kagome replied instantly. "Everyone has the potential for evil, but the majority of people choose not to act on those dark urges. I don't know you all that well yet, but I think you have a good heart. I doubt you'd try and hurt someone, Octavia-chan. Not without a reason."

"I did hurt someone, though. It was an accident, but it still happened."

"Who was it?" Sango asked.

"Sesshoumaru."

Their jaws slackened.

"Sesshoumaru?" repeated Kagome. "How the heck did you manage to do that?"

She told them about the eight-pointed star.

"That's honestly kind of impressive," chuckled Sango. "I'm amazed he let you live."

Octavia's mouth curved into a slight frown. "Who exactly is he?"

"He's Inuyasha's full-demon brother. Their father supposedly ruled over all the youkai in the western region of Nihon. After he was killed in battle, the title was passed to Sesshoumaru. He blames Inuyasha for their father's death."

"He's a demon?" That made more sense than him being an angel. "What's with all the fur?"

"Sesshoumaru is a dog youkai," Sango stated. "The form you've seen him in isn't his true one. Like most other Daiyoukai, he wears a glamour to blend in."

"A dog!" Octavia almost spat out her tea. "No way. You guys are having me on."

"We're not," Kagome insisted.

"But he can fly! Dogs can't fly . . . As far as I'm aware." She imagined a hyper-active little Staffie zipping through the air, raining drool everywhere. "That would be so cute," she muttered to herself. "Gross, but cute. Hey, we should make him wear a lead so we can carry him around like a balloon. It might teach him not to be a dick."

Kagome nearly choked on her peach.

As she was coughing, Inuyasha strolled into the hut alongside a monk. Their expressions were strained, and they were biting their tongues, trying not to laugh.

Sango's eyes brightened. "Houshi-sama," she greeted eagerly. "I didn't know you'd returned."

The monk smiled at her. "I came straight here, my darling Sango. Did you miss me?"

"Of course I did, idiot. Now, come and kiss your wife."

Inuyasha made a barfing sound. "Save it for the bedroom, you freaks."

The monk finished embracing Sango and introduced himself to Octavia. He seems nice, she thought, until she noticed his hand inching towards Sango's backside. Kagome and Inuyasha winced as Sango caught her husband by the ear and pulled. "Argh!" he yelped. "Alas, it was only a joke."

"You're not funny, you know."

"You wound me, dearest."

"Believe it or not, that was my intention."

Miroku chuckled before saying to Octavia, "Sesshoumaru is outside, by the way. He wants to speak to you. He didn't look very happy. Or maybe he did. He's a difficult man to read."

"He probably heard her calling him a dick," Inuyasha snorted.

"Good," said Octavia. "I meant what I said."

"Regardless, he requested that I send you out immediately."

She hauled herself up and held onto the wall for support. "In that case, his wish is my command. It's not like I'm injured or anything."

Kagome dug out one of Kaede's walking canes and handed it to Octavia. Elevating her bad foot, she leaned on the cane and slowly hopped towards the doorway. "Be careful, Octavia-chan," Kagome whispered. "Try not to antagonise him."

Octavia smirked. "What's he gonna do?" she asked dryly. "Bite me?"

Inuyasha laughed. "I like this girl."

She pushed the straw flap out of her way and exited the hut. Sesshoumaru was standing about a metre away from her, glaring daggers. She batted her eyelashes. "You wanted to see me?"

"You are easily the most disrespectful lowlife I have ever met," he growled. "You have the audacity to make fun of me? The most powerful being alive? You are both brave and stupid. More so the latter."

"And you're a pretentious snob," she countered. "Your imp said you hate it here. Clearly, you don't. Did you seriously come all this way just to tell me how pathetic I am?"

"I came to have the mark removed."

She glanced at the star-shaped burn on his wrist. "Yeah . . . I don't really know how to do that. Sorry. It looks like it's fading, anyway. Just give it a few days and I'm sure it'll—"

"I grow tired of your mindless prattle. Remove the mark and I shall disregard your previous shortcomings."

"And I'm telling you, I don't know how—"

"You must—"

"Can you stop fucking interrupting me?"

She could have sworn that she saw his left eye twitch.

Scowling, she limped closer and said angrily, "I can't believe you tried to kill me."

"Your powers are unnatural," he said.

"You're unnatural."

His frown deepened. "How childish. Tell me, human, when are you going to grow up—"

"Sesshoumaru-sama!"

Their heads turned in unison towards the two approaching figures. Rin and Kaede had a basket each, both of which were filled to the brim with medicinal plants. The old priestess bowed to Sesshoumaru as she passed and entered her house, whilst Rin balanced her basket on her hip and smiled at him. Octavia peeked at Sesshoumaru and saw that his frown was no more. In its place was his usual vacant expression. She fought the urge to smile knowingly.

"Why are you on your feet?" Rin asked her sharply.

"This one couldn't bring himself to go in a human's house. Blame him, not me."

Sesshoumaru's eyes slid down to hers and darkened.

If Rin saw, she didn't comment on it. "He must have wanted you to get some fresh air," she said. "Anyway, I have good news. I spoke to Jaken-sama before we went to gather herbs and he mentioned that Sesshoumaru-sama knows a warlock. If Kagome-sama can't help you, I'm sure he could. Apparently, he lives at the castle."

"What castle?"

"The Western Stronghold," Sesshoumaru answered. "It became mine after my father's passing."

Octavia's head swam. "You have a castle? What are you, king of the dogs?"

"I am a warlord. We tend to own castles."

Rin sighed dreamily. "I bet it's beautiful. Jaken-sama told me that the gardens have magic flowers growing in them. When are we going to visit your home, my lord?"

"Never."

Her lips parted in surprise. "Oh. Why is that?"

"It is no place for humans."

She looked disappointed, but simply nodded and said, "I see."

Octavia narrowed her eyes. "Can't you bring the warlock here, then?"

"No," he answered curtly. "He has more important things to do than teaching you how to control your temper." He turned and spoke to Rin just as Octavia was contemplating whacking him with the cane. "We leave in three days," he told her. "I will come for you at sunset."

Rin nodded. "Until then, Sesshoumaru-sama."

He walked away wordlessly.

"Prick," Octavia muttered under her breath.

"Don't give up, Octavia-san."

"What?"

Rin winked. "I have three days to think of an excuse to take you with us."

Octavia grimaced. "I think I'd rather stay here."

"You don't mean that."

Yes, I do. She thought about arguing with her, but Rin's eyes were full of determination.

Octavia had a feeling that this girl was used to getting her way. When Sesshoumaru was absent, she was the one calling the shots, not Jaken, and she was painfully aware of it. Based on what Octavia had seen of their group's dynamic, if Rin wanted something badly enough, Sesshoumaru would likely cave and give it to her. Only in this instance, the 'it' was Octavia.

Rin tried herding her back inside, but she wouldn't budge, insisting on a short walk first. It was far too hot to be trapped indoors. Rin reluctantly agreed. They came across Jaken and Ah-Un entertaining a small group of children by the riverbank. Jaken was telling them about one of his adventures, although Octavia had a feeling that he was exaggerating certain details.

"Did you really take on all those demon fish by yourself?" a little girl asked.

"I most certainly did!" boasted Jaken, puffing out his chest. "I roasted them all with the fire of the Nintoujou! And then I proceeded to defeat a terrifying youkai known as the hosogyo. A hosogyo has the body of a shrimp and the head of an orangutan. Killing one is no easy feat!"

"Wow. You're amazing, Jaken-dono!" said a boy, whose eyes were sparkling.

"Thank you, human, but I care more about the lives of those I save than the praise I receive doing so. A true warrior must be humble as well as brave."

Ah-Un snorted softly.

Rin crossed her arms. "Way to fail step one."

Jaken noticed them standing there and paled. "What do you want!" he snapped. "Can't you see I'm busy? Go on, scram!"

"Rin-san!" one of the children shrieked joyously. As if on cue, the entire group leapt to their feet and ran over to her and Octavia. Rin doted on them like an older sister. She mussed a little boy's hair and asked if they'd all been behaving whilst she'd been away. They told her they had.

Octavia headed over to Jaken, who was sulking on top of a rock, and said, "Tell me about this warlock Sesshoumaru knows."

He blinked in surprise. "How do you know about . . . Wait. Never mind."

"Is he talented?"

"Oh, yes. If he wasn't, Sesshoumaru-sama would have no need for his services. Why do you ask?"

"I think Rin might be trying to kidnap me."

"Ah. So that's why she asked about him. It's no use, you know. No human has ever set foot within the stronghold's walls. Besides, milord avoids the place like a sickness."

That perked Octavia's interest. "How come?"

He shrugged. "Who knows? I assumed we'd return after Naraku was defeated, but it never happened. Our visits were few and far between before that, but now . . . I'd give anything to see it one more time."

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That night, Octavia dreamed that she was inside a hollow tree. In the dream, her ankle didn't hurt, so she was free to explore the tree as much as she liked.

An owl woke her up. She stirred in her futon and opened her eyes to see Rin and Kaede sleeping soundly. She rubbed her eyes and sat up, wondering what the hell the owl's problem was. Folding back the covers, she climbed out of the futon and snuck outside, where the hoots were at their loudest. She spied the offender perched in a tree behind the hut. "Can you keep it down over there?" she huffed. "Some of us are trying to sleep."

The owl hooted and flew down from the tree. It landed on a straw bundle several feet in front of her and hooted again. Octavia approached the owl apprehensively. When she got within reach, it opened its wings and took flight. Intrigued, she followed it to the edge of the forest. Bizarrely, her ankle hadn't bothered her once – in fact, she was walking normally.

She paused before the treeline as the owl flew into the forest. There was a path marked by glowing blue toadstools, which illuminated the way. She moved to touch one, but before her finger could make contact with the toadstool, the light dimmed and disappeared.

The path brought her to a glade with a small waterfall and a pool. The night sky was reflected in the water, creating the illusion that stars were spilling down the cliff. Sesshoumaru was sitting by the edge of the pool with his eyes closed. She marched closer and stood at the opposite end of the pool. "Haven't you had enough for one day, human?" he asked.

She went straight to the meat of the matter. "Why don't you want to go home?"

He opened his eyes and looked at her from across the water.

"There must be a reason."

"There isn't."

She sat cross-legged on the grass. "When I was little, I never told anyone how I was really feeling. I didn't want them to think I couldn't handle it, so I pretended I didn't care. I must've been pretty convincing, because eventually, people stopped asking me if I was okay or not." She stared at her reflection and tried not to grimace. Her face was gaunt and papery, making her look more like a hag than a maiden. Dipping her fingers into the water, she stirred it around as she spoke. "I never said it out loud, but I was lonely. Most of the time, when you chase people away, they don't come back. I wanted someone to come back . . . But they didn't. And it was all my fault."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because I think that's you." She lifted her gaze. "I think you're lonely."

"What a ridiculous claim."

"That's why you need them. Rin, Jaken and Ah-Un, I mean. They keep you tethered. Without them, you'd drift away. But there are other ways to keep yourself on the ground."

"Such as?"

"Facing your fears."

"I am not afraid of the stronghold."

"Then what are you afraid of?"

He tore his eyes away from hers. "We are not having this conversation. I fear nothing—"

"You wanna know what I'm scared of?"

"No, but I'm sure you will tell me, anyway."

"I'm scared that I'm losing myself. I don't feel like me anymore. I don't even sound like me. I just wish I knew how to switch back to speaking in English."

"I know English."

She shot him a dubious look. "Do you?"

"It was one of the ten languages my father made me learn before my coming-of-age ceremony," he answered. In English, she realised afterwards.

Her eyes widened. She could understand him. She hadn't forgotten it, then.

"I can't do it," she whispered. "When I speak, the words automatically come out in Japanese."

"Perhaps it is because you spout so much nonsense."

"I don't!"

"Say something that matters to you."

He was looking at her again. She chewed a fingernail and tried to think of what to say. To her dismay, she ended up suddenly uttering, "Daddy or chips?" Sesshoumaru arched an eyebrow as she slapped a hand over her mouth and blushed. "It was an advert," she stammered wildly. "It used to be on TV all the time when I lived at the second—no, third care home. We all thought it was hilarious. We used to say it to the care workers all the time to annoy them. It was the first time I felt like I was part of something. It sounds stupid now."

"It was important to you," said Sesshoumaru. "That's what matters. In any case, it worked."

"It did?" She gasped. "It did!"

Now that she'd done it, switching between the two languages was easy. It was like a section of her brain had been unlocked. And it was because of Sesshoumaru.

"Thank you," she said in English. "I feel more like me now."

"Hn. Fortunately, this you is mildly less irritating."

She smiled. "Is that so?"

His eyes slid closed. "It is a low bar to clear."

Her smile instantly faded.

"That was your cue to leave," he said coldly.

"All right, I'm going!" She stood and stomped towards the nearest glowing toadstool. Balling her fists, she spun around and said, "You can't hide forever. You know that, right?"

"I don't recall asking for your opinion, human."

Her eyes blazed. "Fine. Be lonely, then. See if I care."

She left him to bask in her words. Now alone, he found himself thinking of his home – the stronghold. Funnily enough, it had always felt more like a jail than a home. He'd never told anyone that, though. You can't hide forever. He wasn't hiding. He was actively running.

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Author's Corner

Does anyone else remember that weird McCain advert?

Nihon = Japan