Dear Sesshoumaru

by LadyDaniTar

While left to care for Rin in Sesshomaru's absence during the coming war, Kagome struggles with the feelings she is beginning to develop. What began as simple letters to keep his lordship updated on the well-being of his ward slowly began to shift into something more. Bringing both parties to cling to each other's words while

36. Reunion

Crimson droplets trickled down from Sesshoumaru's wounded palm onto the pristine white snow beneath his feet. His hand clenched tightly around the missive, drenched in his blood, as he stood motionless at the border dividing the Southern and Western territories. Gazing down at the frigid valley below, the demon lord struggled with conflicting thoughts and emotions. The urge to move forward and abandon his duty warred with his instincts, leaving him rooted in place on the icy hilltop. The stillness around him was broken only by the soft dripple of bloodstained snowflakes landing on the ground.

The billowing smoke alerted the lieutenant and the kit, but they were too late to prevent the flames from consuming everything in their path. Amidst the chaos, the priestess quickly took action, using her spiritual powers to create a holy barrier around her room where Rin was sleeping. She held that barrier throughout the night, enduring the intense heat and smoke until the first rays of dawn finally appeared. Once the fire had receded enough, the males were able to enter, and they were relieved to find that the priestess had managed to protect herself and Rin from harm. It was yet another stunning display of Kagome's extraordinary courage and motherly instincts.

But he had not been there for them. Had not protected his pack. Even now Sesshoumaru knew he could not go to them as his beast howled and whimpered in its cage. Knowing the young lieutenant had taken the females to the Western Shiro did nothing to reassure him. Rin would be fine, but what about Kagome?

The cold air was filled with the sound of rapid footsteps that echoed through the snowy landscape. Disturbed by the noise, Sesshoumaru turned his head to see who dared to approach him. As the figure drew closer, he could see that it was one of his Western soldiers. The soldier fell to his knees in a deep bow before his lord.

"I was sent by General Katsu, my lord, to inform you that your half-brother has been found and is waiting for you in your tent." The young male kept his head bowed low while awaiting his next order.

Now, this could work in his favor. Torturing the half-breed might make a good outlet for his beast and calm the hellhound. Without gestures or words of acknowledgment, Sesshoumaru strode past the kneeling soldier. As he made his way back to the camp, his face remained stoic and unreadable. It was clear that he had a purpose, and that purpose was to maim his half-brother.

Inuyasha sat hunched over while he was chained down to the floor. Blood dripped from his broken nose and one of his eyes was so swollen he couldn't see through it. He felt one of his captors kneel in front of him to make sure his restraints were secure. It resulted in the half-demon spitting in the scout's face, which in turn earned him another punch to his jaw. Drooping dog ears listened as the demons left the room, leaving him alone for the first time since he was ambushed a fortnight ago.

The captive half-demon felt helpless as he scanned the interior of the large tent in search of clues that could reveal the identity of his abductor. His sense of smell was compromised, and this made the task even more daunting. Frustrated and agitated, Inuyasha let out a low growl until he noticed something peculiar. On a small wooden table beside a raised bed, he saw something that looked familiar. It was a portrait, or at least that's what he thought it was. Kagome had shown him a device called a 'camera' that could capture images in time, and this thing on the table looked like a photo of Kagome. Squinting his good eye to get a better look, Inuyasha started to turn pale as he realized who's clothing Kagome was wearing in the picture.

An oppressive demonic aura abruptly slammed down on him. Inuyasha's heart pounded against his chest, as beads of sweat trickled down his forehead, and his eyes darted around, searching for a way out of the looming danger. Suddenly, a voice pierced through the silence from behind, "Hello, little brother." The voice was menacing, deep, and infused with a sense of wickedness that sent shivers down Inuyasha's spine. Even without turning around, he knew all too well who the voice belonged to.