Chapter 29 - Nebulous

The moonless sky remained beautiful, but haunting. As if a great darkness was just beyond the horizon. How could do great a demonic aura have formed without his knowledge? Sesshomaru had no idea. The only possibility was that the demon was using a barrier to hide himself, from discovery by foes who could challenge him while he gathered strength. The idea was deeply concerning. There were few yokai strong enough to defeat such a force. Sesshomaru was the top contender.

Does Naraku hide himself from me? Is Kagura correct, that I'm the only one who could beat such a foe?

Then there was InuYasha, who he now assumed was hunting Naraku. Given Sesshomaru's brief interactions with the dark haired demon, he assumed that Naraku and InuYasha's hatred of each other, was mutual.

But for what purpose? What wrong has Naraku committed against my brother?

Then there were the nebulous "others" that Kagura had referenced. Naraku certainly had gathered many enemies in his stint, thus far. It never boded well to have one person gather so many others, in hatred. It was highly likely that Sesshomaru would have to step in and take care of the nuisance, and all his unknown crimes.

They traveled for a time in silence, Sesshomaru lost in thought, Rin walked beside him. Jaken trailed behind, dragging A-un, who was more interested in nibbling on grass than walking any further. The imp grumbled to his companion about being able to eat anytime he wanted to.

It was a gasp of excitement from Rin at his side that finally drew Sesshomaru from his dark thoughts.

"Lord Sesshomaru! Look! Wild Strawberries!" Rin pointed excitedly to the bushes that lined the path and entwined with the bushes. "May I get some?" She'd hardly asked her question, before she'd skipped over to the fruit and begin to pick them and pop them in her mouth. "Mmm… they're so sweet!" She exclaimed around a mouthful of berry.

Unwilling to deny Rin the delight, Sesshomaru stopped on the pathway, watching her in silence. A moment later, Jaken squealed and dropped A-un's reins as he raced over to join Rin.

"Ooo my Lord! Look! They're so perfectly ripe!" Jaken exclaimed, stuffing his face while simultaneously staining his hands red.

The yokai turned to look at A-un, who walked up beside his master, reins dragging on the ground.

I suppose that will be dinner, then.

"Here, Lord Sesshomaru!"

Looking down, Sesshomaru saw Rin smiling up at him, offering him a handful of fresh berries. Her hands and lips were stained red from consuming the sweet treat. Giving in, he held out his hand to her, she placed three of the most aesthetically perfect strawberries in his palm. Then she watched eagerly until he took a bite of one of them.

"They are, very sweet."

Pleased with herself, Rin giggled and skipped back to the bushes. Thoughtful, he watched her and Jaken as they enjoyed and overindulged on the berries. Jaken had always behaved juvenile, but now with Rin's presence, he seemed almost like a child himself. Decidedly, Rin seemed more mature than the imp.

"Hm." Sesshomaru leaned back against a tree along the path, waiting for the duo to finish their gleeful gorge. He lifted the two berries left in his hand, they were quite nice. Point of fact, he hadn't had any strawberries that were quite this juicy before. Interesting how wild things tended to be more robust and happier, than those cultured behind fences. He brought the second berry to his mouth, deciding to enjoy the simple treat.

Rin seemed to be teaching him far more, than he was giving back. Gifts, treats, sweet things. None had been part of his world in his youth. The entirety of his focus had been on training, learning and becoming strong.

The path of supreme conquest.

Every time he thought of it, his mother's face rose to mind. She was the one who had drilled it into his brain so deeply, that there was nothing in life worth having except for the path of becoming the strongest demon in the world. Having fun, giving treats… or even sentiments of love, to her son was never part of Inkimi's mothering process. Unwilling to think on some of the harsher torments his mother put him to, for the sake of training - he pushed such thoughts aside.

It wasn't long until Jaken and Rin were more than stuffed, and ready for a long nap. Sesshomaru guided them through the thick trees to a shaded spot, although not visible, the sound of a river was nearby. The girl and the imp sleepily waddled after him, Jaken complaining about being too full every single step. In a grassy spot, Sesshomaru stopped, and pulled Rin's blanket free, Rin took it with a sleepy smile. Jaken had already curled up under a tree, she walked over to him and put the blanket over them both before curling up next to the imp.

After multiple days of traveling without stopping, perhaps it was acceptable to give them a break. Sesshomaru turned to A-un, who was nestling down in a bed of grass and leaves too. Walking to the beast, he removed the clasps of their reins, and saddle, letting them drop to the ground.

Revitalized by the sweet treat Rin had given him, Sesshomaru was loathe to rest. He was in no mood to tempt fate and see his father, through the Tenseiga. Or view the memories stored there. They would be waiting, for whenever Sesshomaru decided he was ready to see them.

Turning, he walked toward the river. The rushing sound became louder as he neared the riverbank. It wasn't far, the water flowed strong and loudly over huge boulders all along the shore. The moonless night's stars sparkled brightly in the leaping sprays of river water. He stood in silence for a time, eyes lost to the waves that lapped the shore. It was soothing, in its own way. The sound prevented any depth of thought or memory.