Chapter 20: Everything.

Sesshomaru

My eyes fluttered open. She was already awake and watching me, my hair between her fingers, twirling it. She smiled, nd I resisted the urge to smile. I did not know why. Her energy was infectious. It always had been. It was something I enjoyed about her.

"Good morning. You've been asleep for quite some time," she said.

"Hn."

I heard her words but was lost in thought. I found myself studying her face. I took her in. Her eyes, her smile. Every hair that stryaed. The depth of her eyes. I had gotten lost in them, lost in her. I could see the slight confusion on her face. No doubt she wondered about my staring and my silence. Unconsciously, I reached out and brushed the stray hairs out of her face, tucking them behind her ear. Her eyes widened slightly. Were my actions that surprising? My fingers lingered by her ear. The warm touch of her skin... That is when it dawned on me.

I loved her.

I love her.

When had it happened? How is it that I suddenly found myself in this position? I long considered myself to be incapable of romantic love. Yet, here I was. In bed with the woman... I love. I felt at peace in her presence. My mind wandered to her when she was not around. I cared for her more than I did anyone. It was not a question of how or when it had happened but a matter of having failed to realize it. I had loved her all this time.

What a fool I had been.

"Sesshomaru... why are you looking at me like that?" She asked quietly.

I could hear her hold her breath, waiting for my answer. Her nervousness trickled over into the mark. I knew how she felt. I knew. I always knew. She showed it in more ways than one. She did not need to say the words.

However, I did. I have kept her waiting long enough.

I opened my mouth to speak. "I-"

Before the words had a chance to leave my mouth, there was a knock on the wall. I could feel the guard's urgency from here. Moments later, a piece of paper was slipped under the door. I had informed the guards and the maids not to disturb us in the mornings. Not unless it was necessary. I quickly slipped out of bed and went over to the door. I plucked the note from the floor. It was from one of the spies I'd dispatched months ago. My eyes went wide as I read the few words.

Akio was coming for her. I would not let that happen.

I dressed quickly, going into the hall and sliding the door shut behind me.

I turned to Botan. "Under no circumstances is she allowed to leave this room. Do you understand me?"

He bowed. "Yes, my lord. I will watch over our Lady."

"Where is Rin?"

"The moment I read the note, I had the young lady sent to her room. She protested; however, I did not give her much of a choice. Six guards are stationed outside her rooms. I appointed guards to the perimeter of the palace. The rest wait for you in the war room, my Lord."

"Very well. I will return."

I hurried off down the hall. As I did, I could hear her pleading with Botan.

I must keep her safe at all costs.

The sun had long set. I had spent hours with the troops in the war room, dispatching them in droves. All across the West. While still leaving enough troops behind to defend the palace. He was coming for Kagome. I would stop him at all costs. I should have killed him that night. Taking only his hands was too great a kindness. I would not make the same mistake a second time. The carrier pigeon came in through the window. It landed on its perch. A note was attached to its leg. I pulled the paper, reading it. The scouts on the perimeter had yet to find anything. Perhaps there was still time. Time to get her far enough away from this place. A place where not even Akio could reach her. Only a single place such as that existed. Her time... would be the safest place for her. I could not guarantee her safety this time. There were too many variables. The battle with Naraku was different. She had fought him for years. She was familiar with him and could predict his movements. This enemy was new, Older, and had a much stronger military force. She would not go without a fight. Kagome would ask questions. She would demand to stay and fight by my side. I would not allow it. I would make her go, and I would do so with a heavy heart. I shot up from my seat, my teeth clenched. I made my way back to our bedroom. Botan was by the door as he promised he would be. I stopped in front of him.

"How is she?" I asked him.

"Restless," he replied.

I nodded. "You are dismissed. Stay alert."

He bowed. "My Lord," he said before walking away.

I stepped inside and slid the door shut behind me. She shot up off the bed and made her way over to me. Her uneasiness was even more overwhelming now that I stood in front of her.

She folded her arms. "Care to explain why you've kept me in here like some prisoner? I thought those days were over. Sesshomaru, you can't just-"

"Pack your things," I said, cutting her off.

I could hear her heart racing from where I stood. The look of pain in her eyes. It was as if I had been stabbed. I was causing her pain. Her arms dropped to her sides. She took a step toward me. I glared at her, stopping her immediately. Even though my entire being screamed for me not to.

I sounded cold. I had to. For her sake.

"What did you say?" She whispered.

"You need to pack your things. You can no longer stay here. I no longer want you here."

The words burned in my throat as they left my mouth. I could feel her heart breaking. She would never forgive me for this... I would never forgive myself.

She shook her head.

"What? No. I'm not leaving until you tell me what's-"

"Now. "I said, cutting her off once more.

"Sesshomaru, wait. I don't understand what's going on. Why are you saying these things?"

"I no longer have any need for you. Pack your things and leave. I will not repeat myself."

It was the first time the mark had burned so immensely. My soul screamed for me to comfort her. Alas, I held back.

"No. Why are you acting like this? What's happened? What's changed? Talk to me, please!" She begged.

I hated to hear her beg. The whine in her voice cut through me. She took another step towards me, and I stepped away. If she touched me. . . I would falter. I would let her stay, and she would be in danger. "You have served your purpose, Miko. I found a mate, as they asked. I have met their requirements. I am free to do as I please. Now, you are as well. Be free. You are no longer trapped."

"Is this because of what I said that night? I don't feel trapped anymore. I thought we got past that."

She was coming apart at the seams, and I felt it all. She was shaking. My fingers twitched at my side. I kept my arms tight to my sides. In fear that I might reach out to her. She came to me quickly. She did not hug me. Nor did she cling to me. Instead, she banged and shoved against my chest. She shoved me once again. This time, she added a small amount of holy energy into the palms of her hands and pushed me back slightly. Even now, she did not wish to hurt me. Yet, here I was, saying these unforgivable things.

"NO! I do not accept this! The way you looked at me earlier today... Tell me what is happening. I need an explanation. You are me that much! Something has changed. Why are you doing this? Everything was fine last night. We were fine."

I owe you so much more... we were more than simply fine.

The faint smell of saltwater touched my nose... tears. I clenched my teeth.

Tears.

"I owe you nothing. I have done enough for you. I have protected you. I have housed you and saved you when I did not have to. There is nothing more that you can offer me. You have served your purpose."

She was crying now. She violently rubbed hers, trying to wipe the tears away. Still, they are flawed. I could not stand the sight of it, but I could not stop here. I watched her pack her belongings and change her clothes. She left behind the things she'd received from me. She slung her pack over her shoulder. Then she froze- and dropped her pack to the floor. She turned to me with an angry expression on her face.

"That is what you're supposed to do! Your duty, remember!? You know what, it's fine. If I ever see you again, and I hope I never do. But if I do, I want you to know this. The next time you see me, I won't love you. I won't fight for you. Not then, and not ever again. You've kept me in this gray area, and it's not worth it anymore. You've won- I'm walking away. I will go."

I could smell it... She was lying. We both were. I said nothing. I swallowed the apology that sat at the back of my throat. I simply slid the balcony door open. I went back to her, taking her by the arm. I pulled her to the balcony and leaped off, floating into the night sky. She snatched her arm from me and put distance between us. I already missed the feel of her skin. I rubbed my fingers together, trying to savor the last feel of her. I glanced at her from time to time. She did not look at me. I did not expect her to. I could feel her experiencing so many emotions. I lowered us down to the bone eaters well. She jumped off before we could fully land. I could see the confusion in her eyes. No doubt she assumed I'd be returning her to the village. She tried to run, but I stepped in her way.

"Leave." I'd said.

"Or what?" She snapped.

I drew my sword, pointing it at her. The moment I had, I wanted to turn it on myself, but there was no turning back now. She stumbled backward and fell. She quickly stood and brushed herself off.

"I hate you." She said, teary-eyed.

"Good. Hate me."

So long as you are alive to do so.

I gripped the hilt of my sword. I began to walk towards her. She backed away as I did. She was pressed against the wall. I could see the anger. I could feel it. A burning white hot rage. The pain in her eyes. She glared at me. My grip tightened on the hilt until my knuckles turned white. I had not expected it. She had caught me off guard. In a flash, a barrier surrounded me. She wasted no time running in the opposite direction. I grit my teeth. I banged against the barrier over and over. I had to catch up to her. I had to get to her before Akio did. She was powerful, more powerful than I expected. She was able to contain me for this long. I had been at this for too long. One final hit and the barrier broke. I took off after her. In a few minutes, I had found her. She was in my sights. She was in a full sprint towards the village. She tripped, and I leaped, landing behind her. Before I could reach out to her, I dodged a large weapon that landed where I once stood. It was the slayer. She came running up and pulled her weapon from the ground.

"Are you okay, Kagome?" She called over he shoulder.

"Yes." She huffed out of breath.

The slayer turned to me. "I don't know what's going on here. It's clear Kagome does not want to go with you, Sesshomaru. Turn back now."

"Stay out of our affair, slayer."

"I will do no such thing. If you take another step, I will strike you down," she said.

"I could easily snatch her from you."

"Not without a fight," she threatened.

The slayer did not fear me. She knew she could not win a fight against me, but she would fight me. I would not harm her friend.

My eyes went past her and landed on Kagome. I could see the monk coming up behind the pair of them. His staff is in hand, ready to strike.

"Lord Sesshomaru, we do not wish to fight you, but we will if we must. I do not understand what has happened, but please. Leave Lady Kagome be, at least for now."

"Because if you drag her away, she will hate you." The slayer chimed in.

I took one last look at him. She could be safe with them... but not forever.

"I will be back." I'd said.

I turned on my heel and took off. There was no telling how long this war would last. Still, I planned to be on the winning side. She might be safe for the night, but I could not let her be. I will do anything to keep her safe. Even if it made her hate me in the process.

Since arriving back at the palace. I had not slept. I had not eaten. I sat in the war room, creating contingency plan after contingency plan. I could not rest. Not while that snake still breathed. I stayed in continuous contact with the troops. Yet, there was no word about Akio, nor his army.

There had been no word, no sightings. What was going on? Had the information been wrong? No, something was going on. I could feel it, but what? I gripped the table, it cracking under the pressure.

Botan came rushing in. "MY Lord!"

The smell of blood flooded my nose. He came to me and handed me the blood-stained piece of paper. I snatched it from him, opening it. It held only two words.

The village.

I dropped the paper and rushed out of the nearest window. I landed on the ground, the rocks crushing under my feet. I sped off Botan's calls for me. I could not stop. I would not stop. I had been a fool! All this time, I have been watching and waiting. It had never occurred to me that he was doing the same. That conniving snake! I leaped across a cavern. Flipping into my orb. I sped off once more. Fire burned in my veins.

Kagome. . .

Kagome. . .

Kagome, wait for me!

PLEASE!

Each moment that passed was agonizing. I did not know if she was all right. Or, if he already had her in his clutches. I had become familiar with an emotion I had not faced before. Fear. For her safety.

Seconds later, I was above the village. I dropped to the ground. A crater formed around me, rock debris falling from the sky. The village was aflame. Soldiers of the East slaughtered the village people. The bodies of men, women, and children were strewn about on the ground. Every step I took left behind a bloodied footprint. A permanent knot had taken root in my stomach. Was I too late? I stopped trying to sense her, but I heard their footsteps approaching. The soldiers said nothing. They only slowly surrounded me. The green slits in their eyes locking onto me. The reflections of the flames bounced off their scaled skin. I elongated my claws, dropping my poison whip from them. I slowly turned, making note of them all. I took a single step and cracked my whip in a circular motion. Staying still as they fell one by one. Their bodies split in two, from the waist down. I dissolved my whip, setting my focus on Kagome once again.

There! It was faint, but I could feel her.

I took off running, following the torches placed along the dirt road. I quickly scanned through the darkness. I could hear something up ahead. I drew my sword, ready to cut down whatever enemy lurked in the darkness. Coming into the light was the slayer. She, too, had her weapon in hand. She was covered in demon blood and looked worse for wear. She was nearing her limit. She was as shocked to see me as I was her. She pulled her mask down.

"Why are you here, Sesshomaru!? What are all these demon soldiers doing here!?" she breathed heavily.

"Where is she?!"

Her eyes widened. "Is this why you sent her away?"

"WHERE IS SHE!?"

She flinched at my yelling but answered my question. She pointed in the direction I'd felt Kagome.

"She is in the hunt the furthest from the village. The flames have not reached there yet. There should be no soldiers. Go to her and keep her safe! I need to find the others!" She said, running off into the darkness. I took off for the hut in a matter of seconds. It was a hard night. I could sense no one else around. Only a single heartbeat from the hut in front of me. With each step I took, her scent became stronger. I rushed inside. A weight lifted off my shoulders. As I saw her sleeping peacefully. I sheathed my sword. I grabbed her pack and threw it over my shoulder. I gently shook her by the shoulders, waking her.

"Sesshomaru?" She asked, groggy and confused.

I wasted no time. I threw her over my shoulder next and dashed out of the hut. Heading in the direction of the bone eaters, she thrashed and screamed.

"Put me down! What is going on!?"

We'd made it into the part of the forest that had been set aflame, and I could hear her beginning to cough. I moved her from my shoulder and cradled her against my chest. I tried my best to shield her from the smoke and immense flames. She moved wildly in my arms. Demanding that I put her down. I ignored her protests and held her tighter. Until we made it out of the burning brush. The well was just up ahead. A final leap and we were there. I set her on her feet, placing her pack on her shoulder. She was covered in ash, and her eyes were filled with tears. Whether it be because of the smoke or because of me. I had no time to ask. No, I had no right to ask her anything. Not anymore. She looked up at me through teary eyes. The eyes I loved so much. Now looked at me with such disdain.

It had to be this way. A least for now. Goodbye, Kagome.

I pushed her with just enough force to slightly knock her backward. Gravity did the rest as she fell backward. Not breaking eye contact with me once. A pink light enveloped her. Then, she was gone. I could not feel her anymore. It was as if she had passed on. She was beyond my reach. That meant she was beyond Akio's reach as well. That meant... she was safe. At least for the next five hundred years. I gripped the edge of the well, splinters dug into my skin. For a single moment, I wished for her to come back - no, she needed to be gone for her protection. I began to pull the boards from the well. With each board I pulled, the heavier my heart became. I gritted my teeth and continued. Filling it with each piece I'd torn off. I went on like that until there was nothing left. I looked at the tree to my left. I pulled it from its roots, shoving it into what was left of the well's opening. Ensuring that she would never be able to come back here. I turned my back on the well and headed for my main goal.

I ran back into the village. Most of the fires had fizzled out. The huts had been reduced to ash. The smell of charred bodies assaulted my senses. I continued, hearing something off in the distance. I followed the trail of dead East soldiers. The trail ended. It was silent. That is when my eyes landed on her. They widened, the slayer... Sango. She was dead. Her lifeless body was held up by a single spear that had impaled her. Countless dead Eastern soldiers were scattered around her. I went to her. Her empty eyes stared up at the moon. I closed them. Her death was nothing to rejoice. Part of me was relieved that Kagome was not here to witness the devastation of the people she cared about.

"You've done well, Sango. Kagome is safe. You may rest now." I said quietly.

I looked off to the right. Only a few feet away from her lay the monk's body. He was in a pool of his blood. His head had been split in two. His staff is still tightly gripped in his hand. A small familiar bushy orange tail was attached to a charred body.

The fox...

I scanned the rest of the bodies. Inuyasha did not seem to be among the dead. He should have survived, wearing the robe of the fire-rat. I heard the sound of swords clashing in the distance.

I would recognize the Sound of the blade of that sword anywhere. I hurried off in the direction of the scuffle. It was Inuyasha. He was in a heated battle with the East's soldiers. A battle he was losing. I unsheathed my sword quickly, slaying the enemy. He dropped to his knee. He was covered in cuts and out of breath. His shoulder was bleeding profusely.

I managed to save someone else. I had not completely failed.

I helped him to his feet.

"The others... they're dead. Kagome?"

"She is safe. You must leave this place."

"But-"

"Now, Inuyasha," I said sternly.

He limped off into what was left of the forest, taking one last look at me before he disappeared into the dark. I watched him leave, making sure he'd made it away safely. That is when I heard it. Slithering through the dirt. I turned around to see him there. A twisted grin on his lips. I looked up at him. He had doubled in size. The moonlight bounced off his scales.

"Ahh, Lord Sesshomaru. It is lovely to see you again. It has been quite some time, hasn't it?"

I glanced at his tail. It held the spear that had impaled Sango. His scales hissed from the friction as he slowly circled me.

"She was a fearsome fighter, that woman. The best I've ever seen. A pity I had to kill her. I would have loved to savor her in my bed. I suppose I will have to settle for Lady Kagome. I better option I must admit."

I raised my sword to him. "Watch your tongue."

He cackled. "Why? Would you remove that, too? Taking my hands was your first mistake."

We circled each other.

"My only mistake was not removing your head that night."

He grinned, baring his fangs.

"Indeed. Now, I will take everything that You hold near and dear. Your precious mate will be the start. Next, your lands. Then, your title. Everything about the West will cease to exist once I am through."

I continued to circle him, looking for an opening. He flicked his forked tongue.

He hissed. "I am salivating at the thought of what I plan to do to her. Tell me, where have you hidden her? I wish to know where you hid my prize."

"My mate is in a place far out of your reach."

"It seems I was too late. It matters not. I will find her, and when I do, I will make sure to mark every inch of her perfect skin."

He was trying to taunt me, and it was working.

He looked me in the eyes.

"To fill her with my children."

That had struck a nerve in me. I charged at him, and he took off into the half-burnt brush. I chased after him, breaking the branches in my way. He slapped his tail in my direction. The spear headed straight for me.

I countered with a crack of my poison whip, slaaping the spear from his tail's grip. He laughed, and it echoed through the trees. I burned with rage. I wanted to sever his head with my bare hands and mount it for all to see. I was fast, but the snake was faster. He was putting distance between us, and I could not let that happen. If I let him escape, all this would have been for nothing. I took Tokijin from my side and launched it. It pierced him through his back. I quickly grabbed Tensaiga, lacing it with poison, throwing it, spearing him through his neck. He faltered, and I saw my chance. I leaped into the air, kicking him into the ground. I sharpened my claws, driving them downward, aiming for his heart. He managed to move at the last second. My claws pierced his shoulder. He grabbed my wrist, keeping me in place.

"You only managed to save one of them," he said with a blood-filled smile.

I drove my hand forward.

"What did you say!?"

Was this some sort of ploy?

His grin grew. "Perhaps I am wrong. Maybe she still lives. If you leave now, you could make it in time to save her... the small human you looked after. To think you would so easily abandon the West for one woman."

"Rin, "I whispered, eyes wide.

I had lost focus, and he had used that to his advantage. He released me and twisted free, quickly slithering away. I had two choices. I could chase after him or return and try to save Rin. I looked down at the sword left behind. I looked up and watched him fade out of view.

Kagome, forgive me. I'm coming, Rin!

I rushed into the courtyard. Dead soldiers from both East and West were piled atop each other. The palace had sustained minimal damage. My eyes frantically searched for Rin. Her body was not among the dead soldiers. Was she safe? Was she hiding somewhere? I continued hurrying through the courtyard, my heart raced with each passing second I did not find her. A group of guards stood in the courtyard where Rin's flowers once sat. I moved to them slowly, confusion flooding my senses. Botan stood in the middle of the group. His back was turned to me. All the guards turned to me but Botan. They bowed deeply.

"FORGIVE US, MY LORD!" they yelled in unison.

Their voices rang out through the courtyard. Those around us stopped and watched the scene before them. They straightened up, their faces filled with sorrow. I looked back at Botan. That is when I noticed it. The small body in his arms... a familiar green dress. The one Rin so often wore because it was her favorite. It felt as though my heart had stopped. Botan turned to me, a lifeless Rin in his arms. The pain and anguish on his face rivaled my own.

What did they have to feel sad about? Rin... my Rin... my child. She was gone.

I had lost...

Everything.