Falling Stars

Chapter 3: Useless

Sesshomaru ran a two mile diameter around the campsite continuously throughout the night, pausing only to draw his sword so that he could complete his patterns at the same time. No matter the effort he put into perfecting his deadly dance, the blade could not keep his mind occupied. Constantly his vision swam, bringing him images of a young girl in a checkered kimono smiling up at him while he pretended not to be interested. Yet despite his coldness towards her, young Rin never ceased to show him her affection and obvious adoration. Finally Sesshomaru acknowledged the fact that she may not live to grace him with her gap toothed smile, and if she did, she may not have the will to ever smile again. Everything would be decided by Naraku’s treatment of her, if she was still alive, and how long it took for him to retrieve her. Growling, Sesshomaru sped his pace up. He held no interest in how much sleep the humans needed get on with their day, only that his ward was found alive and unharmed.

The forest was silent as he raced back to the small camp his half brother and his band of followers had created for the previous night, various colors flashing in his eyes as he flew by trees and flowers growing in his path. Everything around him was vividly alive, his superior vision brining the forest to life in the corner of his eyes, yet he cared not the beauty surrounding him, but for the wonderful child awaiting his saving. Slowing his speed as he neared his destination, Sesshomaru checked his features, assuring himself that his appearance was calm, collected, and most of all void.

“Inuyasha, awaken your comrades, we set out in ten minutes.” As quickly as he’d reached his destination, he turned and left it, silver hair dancing behind his form as he flew from the area. Deciding to scout ahead for any dangers he could eliminate now instead of wasting time on later. Unfortunately, doing so was more of a need than a want, for if Sesshomaru did not get his anger under control soon, he could easily lose himself. Although he didn’t care for humans or his half brother, he would not kill without reason, especially when those he would kill were unable to defend themselves against him. He would only dishonor himself. He did however, hope that Inuyasha had chosen the wise decision and complied with his demands because otherwise, the half breed would understand the meaning of the word pain as he never has before.

Unable to decide if livelihood was not prominent in this area or if its inhabitants were just smart enough to keep hidden while in his presence, the stoic demon lord slowed his run to a halt and merely surveyed his surroundings. The day held a slight chill, and this part was surprisingly windy for this time of year. He stood there contemplating his course of action for the day ahead of him, staring into the sky above him. “Where are you Rin?” He whispered upon the breeze, narrowing his golden pools as no answer was received. Sesshomaru scoffed at his own foolishness and turned heel, headed towards his temporary traveling party.

~

Kagome groaned as she rolled over in her sleeping bag. Having just woken up as Sesshomaru made his announcement to Inuyasha, she knew she didn’t have long to get prepared and unfortunately, everyone else would have even less time. ‘I wonder why he’s become so demanding all of a sudden, not that he wasn’t before.’ Kagome’s thoughts trailed off as she worked to get into a sitting position. The morning air was chilly, and a glance at the watch she’d decided to start carrying told her it was just after six am. Sighing, she jumped out of her warm bedding and immediately began rolling it up before she roused her sleeping friends.

“Sango, wake up Sango!” Kagome whispered loudly, hoping to wake her friend but not to frighten her. Said female cleared her throat before cracking an eyelid open. Kagome smiled largely at the half irritated half confused look adorning the slayer’s face. “Sesshomaru wants an early start today, we don’t have much time.” Sango scowled and sat up looking around for the demon lord and meeting Kagome’s eyes when she couldn’t find him. “Where is he Kagome?” The younger girl shrugged her shoulders and hid a giggle at Sango’s irritation with the demon lord.

“I do know that he’ll be back soon and expect us ready. I’ll wake Miroku.” Kagome stood up and walked the short distance to where Miroku laid his bedding out. The ever observant monk snored lightly through Kagome’s approach and was startled awake by her light shaking of his shoulders. “Sorry Miroku, Sesshomaru wants to get going.” The monk yawned and raised both of his arms above his head, waiting patiently for Kagome to stand and turn around before ever so gently latching his palm to her rear. Kagome rounded on him in milliseconds, shooting him the most frightening glare he’d ever received. “Sorry Lady Kagome, I’m still half asleep you see?” he yawned for emphasis, a silly smile adorning his features as Kagome’s fist made impact with his head before he heard Inuyasha’s voice approach.

“Hands off monk, or you might just lose em!” Miroku chuckled and began cleaning up when his stomach growled loudly. “I don’t suppose we’ll have time for a meal before we begin our journey?” Kagome shook her head silently, a frown marring her pretty face as she wracked her brain for ideas. Opening her pack, she sorted through it, grabbing a set of clothes along with a tank top and light jacket. Digging a little deeper, she managed to snag a small box near the bottom of the bag.

“These are the best I have, if you’re willing to try something new.” Walking towards Miroku, she pulled out a plastic wrapped piece of food. “It’s called a protein bar, they’re healthy for you,” she added handing it to him, then grabbed another and held it out to Sango before taking one herself. “I don’t suppose you’d care to try one Inuyasha?” The half demon grunted a no and jumped into the tree he’d been perched in all night to relax before they started their journey.

He was unfazed by the fact that Sesshomaru wanted to leave earlier than the group was used to since he didn’t need near as much sleep and had around four times as much energy than they had even after sleeping all night. In fact, he felt refreshed, getting started first thing felt pretty good to Inuyasha, unless you added in the fact that Sesshomaru was still with them. ‘Not for much longer.’ More than anything else he wanted his half brother gone from their group. Inuyasha couldn’t stand the sight of him; not only did Sesshomaru apparently resemble the father Inuyasha never knew, but he was everything the half demon was not. He would never in his life admit that he was jealous of his full demon half brother, the cold heartless lord of the western lands. He could admit, however, that Sesshomaru was lucky to have spent so much time with their father, and that he fit into the world of fear, strength, and power; the demon world.

Scenting the air, Inuyasha caught Sesshomaru’s scent and he was nearing quickly. “Hey, hurry up you guys lord Frosty will be here any second.” Just missing Kagome’s glare as his line of sight traveled to where Sesshomaru’s form broke through the forest, Inuyasha leapt from the tree he occupied to land in front of the demon lord. “Can’t keep your own deadline Sesshomaru? You’re late.” He watched as Sesshomaru’s eyes narrowed and began to fill in with a barely noticeable red tint before clearing up.

Sesshomaru calmed himself quickly before taking control of the situation. “I assumed the humans would require nourishment before our departure. Are we ready to begin half breed?” It was Inuyasha’s turn to glare as Sesshomaru carelessly told him off before walking around him. “Let us go.” Short and simple, Sesshomaru directed the humans and the seething half demon from the campsite and into the forest. “Ah-Un awaits us ahead. Slayer, can your fire cat carry you for a long distance?” Sango looked down towards her feet at the small cat like demon walking besides her. Kilala mewed and nodded her compliance.

“Yes Lord Sesshomaru, she can carry Miroku as well as me.” He nodded then and contemplated his next statement. “Priestess, you will ride upon Ah-Un so that the half breed and myself can make haste.” As he finished his sentence they came upon the small clearing that temporarily housed the large two headed dragon demon. Kagome approached hesitantly, holding her hand out to the beast and watched in fascination as it licked her palm a few times before nuzzling her hand, urging her to pet him. Startled for only a moment, Kagome quickly changed her tune towards the animal and laughed as she walked closer to it, petting both heads equally all the while being assaulted by their tongues.

“I carry Kagome.” Inuyasha took that moment to speak up, squaring his shoulders as he stepped up to face the older demon. He heard Kilala transform nearby and cursed Sesshomaru for taking control of his group, his friends. For now, he could handle all that, but he would not take control of his woman. No one would tell Kagome where to ride! The poor girl gasped as she turned her head towards Inuyasha, warmth filling her from the inside out as color rose to her cheeks. ‘He wants me with him.’ Just as she was about to turn and walk towards Inuyasha, Sesshomaru spoke up again.

“Do you think that wise, half breed? If we are to encounter danger, you and I should be the first in the line of attack. Do you wish to have her at your side in battle or would you prefer her moved to safety?” Sesshomaru narrowed his golden eyes, challenging Inuyasha to retaliate, but he did not. Sesshomaru was right, Kagome’s safety came first. “Get on the dragon Kagome.” She nodded meekly at Inuyasha, saddened by his hurt look. Kagome knew it was hard to have Sesshomaru around, especially since he had apparently decided on his own that he would be calling the shots, but she couldn’t help but think this was a good thing. ‘Sesshomaru is stronger than us all, if we have him with us for the final confrontation, there’s no way we’ll lose.’ Kagome believed with all her heart that everything would be okay in the end, and she would not stop hoping.

Kagome gently swung her leg over Ah-Un’s back and pulled herself up, sliding into the saddle as she did so, “I’m ready.” Sesshomaru glanced at her before reminding her to hold the reins and taking the lead once again. This time, however, he stopped once the area was empty of the normal canopy of trees above, and signaled for everyone to stay back. Kagome, who was closest to the demon lord, watched in awe from the dragon’s back as some sort of substance seemed to gather beneath Sesshomaru’s feet. Watching closely, she noticed that the white fluffiness looked cloud like in a way, and when it rose carrying Sesshomaru into the sky along with it, she was sure that was what it was. Her mount followed as Sesshomaru was lifted towards the sky, and once above the forest, Kagome saw the true potential of the cloud as Sesshomaru’s form already seemed as if it was a hundred yards away. “That’s amazing!” She called back, turning around to see Kilala; Sango and Miroku on her back. Before she could protest the movement, the two headed dragon speedily took off after Sesshomaru, leaving poor Kagome to hang on for dear life as she was thrown to the back of the saddle.


~

It took two hours before they had covered as much ground as they had on foot the previous day. Sesshomaru was glad he’d made the decision to fly rather than walk at the measly pace of the humans. He’d found a lead last night, a few miles south of the humans’ camp ground, and he’d be damned if he was going to miss out on a chance meeting with a certain wind sorceress because his pace couldn’t be matched. Sesshomaru glanced to his left and watched in disdain as the priestess sat upon his dragon demon, relaxed and unafraid. ‘Their guard should not be let down, especially that of this female.’ Inuyasha, he knew, had not let his guard down for even a second in the presence of his older brother, nor had the slayer. The monk, well, Sesshomaru wasn’t quite sure about the monk. Miroku was always cool and collected no matter the situation, and his spiritual powers allowed for his aura to radiate calmness. He was a monk though, which meant that the calmness came no matter the state of mind, and he was harder to read than most. Sesshomaru held no doubt that the monk studied him and his actions, and that his guard was still firmly intact, but the priestess, she just didn’t seem to care.

He studied her as she watched the ground pass beneath them, fascinated, just as Rin was on her first ride, only she kept to herself whereas his ward seemed to enjoy prattling on about everything she saw. It was that moment that Sesshomaru truly realized how much he missed his ward, as he compared her traits to those of the older girl. This female trusted easily in Sesshomaru’s honor, believing that he could not hurt her, that his dragon demon would not drop her, and her group followed him blindly in search of Naraku. ‘Foolish humans, their trusting nature will be their downfall.’ Sesshomaru gave a delicate sniff of the air, aware that they were close to his destination. ‘Nothing.’ Inwardly, Sesshomaru was enraged. If the demons that had provided him the information had lied to him, they would forfeit their lives to him upon his return to the area.

A loud curse was heard below him, and he didn’t even need to glance down to know that it was Inuyasha causing the ruckus. The half demon had chosen to run through the land below them, claiming that Sesshomaru could miss something on the ground if he was too high. The demon lord scoffed at this, but allowed Inuyasha to do as he pleased if it meant he wouldn’t have to see him. Just as his thoughts began to return to Rin, Sesshomaru’s nose picked up the slightest trace of the scent he’d been searching for. Excitement made his blood boil as the thought of ripping the perpetrator to shreds raced through his head. Quickening his speed, Sesshomaru made sure that the woman had no chance to run from him, and that the humans along with his worthless half brother would not be quick enough to hear his news.

He landed silently, cloud dissipating as it made contact with the earth. His aura and scent had been masked since his dissent from the sky, and using this to his advantage, Sesshomaru crept towards the oblivious woman, stopping a mere five feet behind her. “Kagura.” He watched as she stilled, tensing her body in anticipation as she quickly turned around, leaping backwards to put some distance between herself and whomever was behind her. She landed defensively, then relaxed her posture just slightly when she saw just who it was that had come after her.

“Well well, what can I do for you Lord Sesshomaru?” She asked with a seductive lure in her gaze. “I didn’t expect to see you here.” True, they were not in his lands, but if Naraku had Rin, Kagura would most definitely expect to see Sesshomaru. His thoughts raced a million miles per hour as he thought over his plan of action. Maybe Naraku didn’t tell Kagura about his plan? This made sense since the wind witch was rather fond of the demon lord and rather unfaithful to her master. Inwardly groaning at his luck, Sesshomaru proceeded with caution. If Kagura didn’t know his ward was missing, she didn’t need to.

“This Sesshomaru has heard some rather unsettling rumors. I wish to know their relevance to Naraku.” Kagura smiled sinisterly; finally Sesshomaru was coming to her! He wanted her help to catch Naraku and set her free, her plan was coming along nicely. Of course Kagura had given up her lust for Sesshomaru, but only because she assumed he’d never have her. Now, however, he was right in front of her, asking her for help, and she’d make sure he knew where this was going, just not yet. Not until she was positive she could have him, and have him she would.

He waited as she seemingly thought over any news she thought would interest him. Yet she had not offered any kind of truce as of yet, and this worried Sesshomaru. Usually it was she that came to him with offers of aide in return for setting her free, but Sesshomaru never had any interest in Naraku until now. Funny that now when he’d be willing to sacrifice a debt to Kagura for her assistance, she had no news to give him.

“Naraku is resting. He encountered a demon named Kagai and lost the battle. He is regenerating so that he can hunt him down and kill him.” Sesshomaru’s eyes narrowed dangerously, the bitch had to be lying to him yet deceit was not evident in her scent. How badly his hands wanted to reach out and take hold of her fragile neck. It would take but an ounce of strength break her, to kill her where she stood, but then he’d be left with nothing. He sensed her confusion and held himself back from transformation, he was reaching his limit, and once there, even he couldn’t stop himself.

Sesshomaru took a deep breath and centered himself, he needed more information from Kagura. “Tell me about this Kagai.” Kagura smirked, this was exactly what she had hoped for. She had him within her grasp, now all she had left to do was offer a trade for her information and they would both be one step closer to attaining their desires, not that she knew what Sesshomaru was after, but it had to do with Naraku and quite possibly Kagai, and only she could serve as the informant.

“It looks to me as if we need to come to an agreement, my lord. You want words that only I can provide, and I want a service that I can only trust you to carry out.” Sesshomaru growled, watching as Kagura took a small step backwards, narrowing her eyes at him yet still holding her ground. His fists clenched to his side as he calmed his features. He would not give her the satisfaction of his emotions, which as of late were getting out of control. “Relax, Sesshomaru, all I ask, for now, is your camaraderie against Naraku, something you have yet to agree upon.” He said nothing, and she took that as a sign to continue. “I wish my freedom, Sesshomaru. I will give you the information you seek, but only at that price.”

Sesshomaru continued to clench his fists, the only outward sign that he had even heard the words she’d spoken moments before. If he didn’t agree to this, he needed to have another source of information available. Otherwise, if Kagura truly was the only one who could help him, he would be further endangering Rin for not taking the chance. But if Naraku didn’t have Rin, he didn’t know who did, and although the witch had news of a possible opponent, Rin came first. He would find her whereabouts, rescue her, then deal with the new threat, if it even concerned him. “Kagura, I will take my leave.” He watched as her eyes turned hateful, narrowing into an ugly glare as she ripped the feather from her fair and sped off in the opposite direction from where he had come.

~


Sesshomaru summoned his cloud once again and took to the skies, headed towards Inuyasha and the rest. He found them on a hilltop less than a mile away and briefly wondered why Inuyasha hadn’t followed or even seemed to pick up Kagura’s scent. Then he smelt it, the putrid human blood running through his veins was overpowering that of his demon heritage. “You will lose your powers this night.” Sesshomaru took this information into account, the night of the full moon was the night Inuyasha’s demon powers disappeared. He was not unjust, and Sesshomaru would not attack Inuyasha on a night such as this now or any time in the future. His honor would be tarnished forever.

Inuyasha walked towards Sesshomaru, intent on fighting him when the demon lord spoke again. “This Sesshomaru takes leave of your group Inuyasha, the half breed does not possess what I am searching for.” Stunned into silence, Inuyasha stopped following his half brother. It was Miroku who spoke up to the retreating figure. “Lord Sesshomaru, if you don’t mind my asking, how is it that you are certain Naraku does not hold your possession. Pausing mid step, Sesshomaru turned to face the monk.

“I have spoken with Kagura,” Sesshomaru paused, uncertain if he should relay or withhold the information he was given pertaining to Naraku. Deciding to satisfy the monk’s curiosity, he indulged him with just a small fact from his earlier conversation. “Naraku regenerates now as a result of a lost battle with one called Kagai.” All eyes turned towards Sesshomaru at this, and he mentally rolled his eyes. Turning on his heels once more, “That is all the news I have.” He called over his shoulder, hoping Inuyasha would be satisfied enough with that to not hunt him down. Sesshomaru could not deal with his annoyance any longer. “Ah,-Un, come.” The dragon stood at Sesshomaru’s command and followed the demon lord from the grassy hill and took to the skies after its master, disappearing alongside him into the midday sun.

“That bastard!” Inuyasha’s fist flew straight down, impacting violently with the earth below him. “We should never have let him come in the first place! It’s gonna be days till we get back to where we were!” Inuyasha continued to rant under his breath as he plopped down into a sitting position. Kagome walked over and sat next to him, hugging her knees in front of her as she gazed up at the clouds in the sky. Her yellow bag sat next to her, and while she sat she thought of Shippo and how she hadn’t had time to take out his treats before she left him with Kaede. Sadness came and went as she told herself to be strong for her little fox. “Would you like some pocky Inuyasha?” She reached into the bag and pulled out a box of strawberry pocky, holding one out to Inuyasha, who grabbed it from her hand, stood up, and walked away. Sighing, she held the box out to her two friends, who accepted with a thank you and sat down alongside her.

“What do you think Sesshomaru is looking for?” Sango asked the question that had Kagome occupied for so long. Miroku shrugged his shoulders, uncaring, while the other girl simply closed her eyes and pondered over the question. Neither Jaken nor Rin accompanied him these past three days, so maybe it was one of them? That didn’t make sense though. No one could take one of those two fro Sesshomaru and get away with it. Well, for sure not Rin at least. Kagome giggled aloud, ignoring the confused glances from her friends as she attempted to enjoy what little peace she had left before Inuyasha’s return.


~

Sesshomaru flew quickly towards his castle in the western lands, seething as he raced to get there as fast as possible. He would search out every one of his enemies, those left alive, at least, and kill every last one of them until he found her. Three days were wasted with his half brother and three worthless humans! Three days he could have been searching out Rin on his own! What had he done? The useless half breed had wasted much of his time. He was enraged, red bleeding into his irises as he fought for control of his mind and body. He couldn’t bring himself to imagine the possibilities of what was happening to her knowing that it was his fault. He had allowed her to be taken from him, and as soon as he got her back he would never make any mistake of the sort again, and when he finds the one who took her away, vengeance will not be near enough to satiate the anger he’ll have.

Hiya! I wanted to take a moment to say hello and thank any readers as well as reviewers I may have! So, thank you all =] Next Chapter we’ll get a bit of an insight as to what Rin is going through, and maybe a look through the eyes of her captor!