AUTHOR's NOTE: I am so so sorry for the late update. I know it's been months, but there were really school stuffs then. And now, it's sem break. Again, I am talking nonsense here, because the update is more important to you. So... Here is a new chapter! Enjoy and leave reviews! PS. Arata and Soujiro are my created oppas and I love writing them. But, Sesshomaru is clearly the main oppa here. Happy reading!

CHAPTER 13: Home

He had observed and had seen little details.

She was a being with unearthly beauty, with uncommon smooth alabaster skin and deep cocoa eyes – ones which were lost, hollow, and empty; just like his. She had raven hair, quite opposite to what he had – deep and silky, not the kind of jet black hair that Rin had. She had beautiful and perfect tresses that made his fingers itch to weave through and feel the strands in between. Oh, he loves perfection and she – he would be damned and be dead than to admit – was perfect. He had sought for flaws, many times, and found nothing other than she was a human and a miko.

He had observed. Right then, on that moment, he watched.

The miko released the power that she had kept inside her unknowingly. The ground shook beneath. The wind blew strongly and unnaturally, creating a storm of pink petals from the shedding sakura trees around. His silver tresses waved wildly behind him. However, his eyes were on other's.

He watched the white ribbon slid off her smooth strands. Her raven locks falling behind her as the piece of fabric completely slid away with the wind towards his direction. By calculated speed, he caught the material with his hand, his eyes not leaving the figure of the annoying perfect human.

There was something in the sight of her hair being down that was miraculously catching his attention and curiosity.

The miko, the human – yes, the same cursed woman – was beautiful. The weather, the atmosphere and the fact that it was raining cherry blossoms was just adding to the unearthly beauty before him. And –

Damn. Sesshomaru hated it, admitting (even to himself alone) that the miko Kikyou was damn right beautiful.

She was shaking from head to toe. Right down below her was the sight of the ruins she had just caused. Power. She had never thought that she had the capability to release such power, to cause such destruction.

Kikyou wasn't sure if she would be relieved or scared. Well, based on the wild beating of her heart, she was more scared than relieved.

"Miko…" The voice startled her a little bit though it wasn't enough to pull her out of stupor. She was tragically glued on her spot. Sesshomaru continued, "This is lone limited as a surprise attack. The enemy will further have a defense the second time you attempt. Therefore, it is utmost necessary to be successful at your first shot."

Kikyou could well get the sense out of his words. Right, Karasuma would certainly have a counterattack for that. The shot was not meant to do repetitively.

'Wait…' Kikyou thought for a moment, 'Is Karasuma that strong to deflect such power?'

Without voicing out the words, Sesshomaru answered, "Yes." That horrified her more than anything. It only meant that Karasuma was way stronger than her, way scarier than her, could cause more destruction than her. Could they defeat such powerful youkai? Yes, unless they had someone on their side that had equal power and abilities or more. 'Wait – '

Sesshomaru. Kikyou was suddenly reminded of the words that the ox-youkai clan leader had said, "…he is exceptionally strong."

Kikyou turned to her left to face the daiyoukai, but found no one. She turned around and finally saw him standing meters away from her beside the gigantic ancient tree, looking at her with cold indifferent eyes.

"Sesshomaru – " She was cut by his emotionless voice, "You might as well want to move."

She was incredibly puzzled and lost at this. She couldn't do anything but narrow her eyes in question. However, Sesshomaru was blatantly silent in return. She received the answer when the ground below her shook shortly and promptly collapsed afterward. Pieces of earth fell to the depths beneath. Surprised and completely frozen, Kikyou helplessly followed and fell along the crumbling earth.

Knowing the high altitude, Kikyou shut her eyes. And then… "Idiot."

That was when she felt and realized the same strong arms wrapped around her being, carrying her in midair the same way she had been carried before.

The powerful daiyoukai had saved her life.

"Idiot," Sesshomaru repeated, obviously irritated. At this, Kikyou opened her eyes and looked up. She was greeted by his intense stare, those stunning golden orbs looking down on her.

The sound of the falling earth on the background, the scent of the cherry blossoms, the view of the dimming sky behind, the feeling of being carried in midair, and the sight of the daiyoukai before her (the one she had recently despised) were all making the miko speechless. Somehow, she realized, the hate she had felt lately had already disappeared without her knowing. Sesshomaru had made her rage to the fullest and also, had made her calm, free, and protected.

Kikyou was utterly confused. She had never felt so confused about her feelings before. She was always in control, certain, and calculated, but with Sesshomaru, she was always clueless and lost in a tangled mess.

"How?" she voiced out, while looking through his eyes as if searching for answer.

This time, the daiyoukai had seemingly failed to read out her thoughts. She watched as his brows knitted for a second. He dismissed her question and asked solidly, "Are you that helpless to not take care of yourself and be able to save your life?"

"Huhh?" Kikyou was taken aback.

He growled back, being extensively impatient. Even so, he stated, "You didn't do anything to save yourself."

Oh. Why didn't she? Then she answered, as if a realization itself, "I know you'll save me anyway."

Sesshomaru's expression changed for a second. His eyes widened a fraction. He was certainly surprised, Kikyou could tell. He was surprised just as how she was to her words and boldness as well. She mentally slapped her forehead for that slip. Then, drawing back his usual expression, which was cold and plain, Sesshomaru uttered an "Tch."

Kikyou raised an eyebrow at this and thought, 'That's it?'

She was about to say a word but right then, they had already landed back on the ground, on the remaining stable earth of the cliff. There, he released her. Just like before, gracefully, Kikyou landed back on her feet. She stood up before him with poise as if the slip of words was not a thing to be worried about and cared at all. Well, she meant what she had said anyway. She was valuable enough to be saved, was she? He was there, and he would never let her die, would he?

'Would you?' she tried on mentally passing the message and then, to her surprise, he sneered; eyes narrowed in despise and accusation, "Humans…" Afterwards, he swiftly pivoted and turned to the opposite direction, about to leave the place. As usual, he walked with ease, grace, and regality.

Seeing the daiyoukai depart, Kikyou turned up and breathed out deeply; releasing all tensions and frustrations she had seemly kept inside. Then, she turned to the departing figure of the daiyoukai and watched him walk out of the sakura forest. There she realized, her training for the day was done and it was a success. That made her feel light somehow, that she had successfully passed a difficult task.

What more was there to come? Kikyou didn't want to think for the moment. For the mean time, she wanted rest. The shot she had released had taken up all her energy. She needed to regain that back, and maybe eventually, she would have enough strength to master her power. There was enough time left, it seemed – to practice and to set her mind and will.

Things were settling back to their rightful places. Without the whole Army knowing, the chances of them winning had increased. And, it was all because of the daiyoukai. His ways were hard, rude, cruel and demeaning, though at the same time, undoubtedly effective.

Sesshomaru was a great leader, the sole hope of the human side.

Kikyou's lips curved up to a peaceful smile, watching Sesshomaru's figure disappear with the upcoming night's shadows. At the last sight of the daiyoukai, she whispered through the air, "Arigatou."

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Then, the night fell and the day ended.

Days had passed. Only a week was left before Tenchu. For the past few days, there was… quietude.

"Nee-chan, gomen ne."

"I told you not to go to the woods."

"Gomen. Are you mad?"

"You followed me and you were almost killed."

"Gomen. I just want to be like you, nee-chan."

Snap!

"You don't have to be like me! You will never ever want to be like me!"

"Gom – "

"STOP SAYING SORRY!"

Tears…

"Do you hate me, nee-chan?"

Kikyou opened up her eyes. Wooden ceiling and the sound of the afternoon ambiance greeted her. She had overslept, it seemed.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

With sweat on her forehead and ragged breathe, Kikyou sat down, clutching her heaving chest. That feeling once more, which had started when she had released her power at the cliff – heavy, throbbing, and disturbing as hell, as if there was something inside her screaming and insisting to get out.

"Do you hate me, nee-chan?"…those memories. Those memories kept on coming back.

Kikyou dug the heels of her hands to her eyes, begging for those unwanted memories to get back to the hollow part of her mind. She didn't need those things to remember, especially not in the war they were in. She needed to focus, and a distraction was obviously not needed.

Kikyou deeply sighed to collect herself. To her relief, the disturbing pulse subsided. She brought down her hands back to her sides. Taking another deep breathe, she stood up.

The miko muttered, "I need a walk…"

The cemetery at the near end of the Taijiya village was surrounded by tall and ancient woods, moss-covered rocks, and uneven stone pavement. The sun was positioned high above the clear sky, being filtered by the thick crowns of the woods. Aside from the surrounding natural sound, there was only silence.

Before three grave stones with smoking incenses was a middle-aged woman. The passing miko stopped on her tracks, seeing the lone figure standing in the middle of the cemetery. She acknowledged and bowed, "Sango-sama."

From her still position, the Chief of the Taijiya Village, turned to the immortal miko, Guardian of Shikon no Tama. Sango greeted back, "Miko." There was a gigantic pause until she smiled and asked, "You visited Kaede?"

Kikyou replied back shortly, "Yes, I did."

Sango nodded. The miko stepped and stood closer to her. After a moment, together, they stared at the well-carved low gravestones before them. There was another silence then, Sango said, "When the Bone Eater's well was shut down and this village was reborn, Kaede and the rest of her people transferred and lived here. We lived peacefully with them. This village became their home… our home.

"Through the years after then, we endured a lot of pain and deaths done by epidemical diseases…" she paused as a painful memory came across her facial expression, staring at the grave stones of her cremated children. She gulped and continued, "…and endless wars. Together, we built, endured, fought, and mourned."

Sango turned her head up to face Kikyou. The miko looked at her evenly. "I'll be honest with you," Sango continued, tone even and serious, "I don't like you. Your presence makes me uncomfortable." She deeply sighed and then, "But, you decided to fight for us, for these people, for Kohaku and Rin."

Sango lifted a hand to take the miko's. If Kikyou was surprised, she expressed so little of it. She let the chief hold her hand. Sango went on, "That makes you one of us, one of these villagers, one of my people, and that's enough for me to accept you to my home, just like what I did to Kaede and the rest.

"I don't know what power and abilities you have. Those are the things I cannot and do not want to fathom. But, I ask you," Sango's grip tightened round Kikyou's hand. Her eyes were expressing serious pleading. "Please do your best to protect us and fulfill your promise."

Kikyou thought for a moment. 'To try' was not the best answer for the chief. Sango was beseechingly looking for answer from her, searching for an assurance that yes, she could and would end the war with all of what she had. And so, wholeheartedly, Kikyou vowed, "I will."

Hearing that, Sango was palpably relieved. She expressed another smile and said, "I know this isn't much but," she looked at the miko with kind eyes, "This village will always be open for you. We will always welcome you home, Kikyou."

Home. There was something about the word that made everything stop for a moment – at least, for Kikyou. She had thought, for over the years, she would be alone – people changing, passing, leaving. There would be no constant people, no constant place, and no wide open arms to accept and welcome her home. 'I wander and wonder. Where will I go? I am an unfortunate human being.'

The wind rustled the leaves around them, making the dried ones fall and land right on the old patterned pavement below.

Thump. Thump. Thump. Throbbing inside her chest, she could feel it once more – an undetermined pain, screaming to be released.

"Are you okay, Kikyou?" For that instance, the pounding pain receded.

Relieved, Kikyou looked at the waiting kind-hearted Chief of the Taijiya Village. She said gratefully, "Arigatou gozaimasu."

The grand living area had a friendly and relaxing night ambience. All shojis were opened to welcome the view of the surrounding garden, which was now filled with roaming fireflies. The lamps were glowing brightly inside the living area. The leaders and guests were in a circle before the grand low table.

There was no meeting at all but another talking and getting-to-know session – as for the request of the ever-convincing and persuading leader of the ox-youkai clan, Kentamaru.

Hiroshi, the sole original resident of the mansion, offered teas to the youkai leaders and generals in the room. The cups were placed in front of each leader. There was comfortable silence until Hiroshi and his servants bowed and left.

After taking a sip, Miroku decided to ask, continuing the conversation, "You hate Rikuto, why is that?"

Hearing the question, Isamu (the youkai in question) punched the table and yelled, "DON'T BRING UP THAT NAME, HOUSHI!" Miroku suddenly was taken aback. The cups, which were resting on the table innocently, were shaken. Some of them were spilled.

"Aiissh!" scolded Kouga who glared up at the lion-youkai. "We're having decent conversation here!"

Isamu just growled in return. Kentamaru was about to pick up his spared cup to take a sip when Isamu once again punched the wooden table and completely spilled his tea. "Arrghh! Oh, com'on!" the ox-youkai leader exclaimed and released an exasperated sigh.

"Can you all calm down?" It was Arata's turn to intervene, massaging the bridge of his nose. He was clearly the youngest, yet he was the only one acting matured. "We are clearly wasting Hiroshi-san's tea, and Isamu-san," he pointed at the lion-youkai, "that temper of yours can clearly rival Takeo-san's. It was just a question. If you don't want to answer, then don't."

Mamoru, on the young general's right side, laughed freely and naively which made Isamu angrier and made Arata sigh wearily in return.

"Okay," Kouga clapped in a decisive manner, "I'll answer for him."

"You can't do that, Kouga-san," was the immediate response of the flower-youkai Umeko.

"Why not?"

A slap on the forearm – Ayame explained, "Because, it is his business, not yours." Her husband pouted in silence.

"Is there anything to hide?" asked Nobuyuki with a smile plastered on his face.

Kouga was encouraged and pointed, "Right!"

Soon, the table was filled with yelling and ranting – "KOUGA!" "HEY!" "GENTLEMEN!"

"ALL RIGHT, I'LL SAY IT NOW! DAMMIT!" Isamu, for the third time, punched the table with his fists, toppling off all the cups from the table and causing the other people in deep awkward silence.

The general in bright yellow garments, Tomohiro of the West Village, was the one who spoke up, "Okay, I guess that's good news."

The leaders and generals waited, and then finally, Isamu stated in a plain defeated tone, "The lion clan was once the royalty of the Eastern Lands, until the Tiger clan took it by ambush."

The room was ruled over by deafening silence. No one had a word to say for such depressing tale. It was like that until the youkai leader Yamori of the Lizard Clan from Isamu's left side, added, "It wasn't a fair victory. It was an inside job. They cheated."

"How?" Arata asked. It was the sole question of all human generals before the table that know only a few things about youkai traditions. Realizing that it was a sensitive topic, he utterly added, "I'm sorry. You don't have to answer that if you don't want to."

All heads turned to the youkai in question. With a deep growl, Isamu answered, "It is said that in order to challenge a daimyo, by law, the battle should only be done in Tenchu." The lion-youkai's eyes suddenly flared with deep rage, glaring at the poor wood furniture. "Rikuto, however, ambushed an attack during the preparation. With the help of his spies, he won. His victory was technically unofficial. Nevertheless, he had already caused great damages and so I was forced to turn down the position…"

"…and you're here to take it back," Miroku pointed, nodding.

"Yes, for my pride and my clan."

It was Kentamaru's turn to ask, "Was that supposed to be your first battle in Tenchu?"

"Yes," Isamu nodded. "The Guardians will introduce the place to the daimyo on the eve of the day before the actual first battle. The clan was attacked before it happened and so I wasn't informed."

"I see." They all nodded in understanding.

Tired and weary. Something was definitely wrong with her. Whatever it was, it was getting worse, every day and hour. It must be the hard practice she was putting herself into. Drained – maybe a rest would suffice.

Done with her self-training for the day and had decided to take rest for the night, Kikyou walked down the quiet hallway to her quarters. Passing the hallway towards the fireflies-lit garden, she caught sight of the open grand living area. There, she saw the generals and leaders laughing to a story with teacups in their hands. Kikyou stopped for a moment. She couldn't help but smile at the sight.

The miko was about to go on her way, when someone called her, "Miko-sama." Kikyou turned to the two figures standing at one of the open shojis of the living area beside her. One was a human. The other one was the flower-youkai.

Kikyou bowed at the sight of the leader. In return, the man and the flower-youkai bowed awkwardly. Then, after a few moments, the man in armor introduced, "Soujiro, the Overall Commissioner of Equipment and Weaponries. It is an honor to finally meet you." Kikyou had nothing to reply to that, literally.

Then, the flower youkai spoke after, smiling with full kindness, "Momoko of the flower-youkai clan, Miko-san."

Confused at the name, Kikyou slightly tilted her head in question. Momoko, on the other hand, clarified right away, "Twin sister of the leader of the clan, Umeko-dono."

"You can stay," Soujiro offered. "This is intentionally an open conversation." Hearing that, Kikyou looked around and saw Hiroshi entering once more, offering more teas (or, was that rice wine?). Other sub-leaders were standing at the opposite side of the room, listening and laughing out loud.

"YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!" Kouga stood up and pointed accusingly at Arata. "YOURE ONLY TWENTY-TWO?!" The general was way too young.

"Am I supposed to be insulted?" Kentamaru gaped.

Arata laughed and poured more sake to his cup, "You won, didn't you?"

Near Kikyou, Soujiro commented more to himself, "I am twenty-five and a bugyo. He's a general and twenty-two. Wow!"

It was a happy environment and a happy sight, and so Kikyou let a small smile came out from her lips for the second time. But then, all of a sudden, the familiar throbbing occurred once more. This time, it was stronger and more painful.

Clutching her chest, she excused herself as she struggled to get a grip, "I think I'll take the rest for the night…"

Thump! Thump! Thump!

The pain stung at its peak. As the unbearable pain heightened, Kikyou's knees went weak. Then right away, she found herself falling to the ground. It was then two arms from nowhere caught her and said, "Yes, you better rest if you don't want to cause chaos in here."

Masayume – Kikyou recognized the voice, but this time, her tone sounded alarmed than ever.

Weak, Kikyou lifted her head and saw the attention she had caused. Everyone in the room was looking at her with such intensity, fear, and anxiousness. Some of them were even holding their katanas and weapons as if readying themselves for a fight. This made Kikyou feel confuse. What the hell was happening?!

"We gotta go," she heard Masayume mutter, pulling her up to stand for her to leave the space immediately. "YOU!" the old youkai pointed at the bugyo, "You know, right?"

Soujiro looked dumfounded for a moment, and then as if realizing something, he vigorously nodded.

"Right. Good. Help me."

Hurriedly, the two of them dragged the priestess out of the residence.

Kuwa, a trusted friend and resident of the village, graced them with a shelter. They took her in a shack at the outskirt of the village, where humans and youkais would hardly reach her.

"You're out of control," spoke Masayume after feeding the miko with a calming agent.

"I am what?" asked Kikyou from her position on the futon.

"Your power is getting out of your grip." The seer turned to the curtain door, calling out the bugyo who was standing outside. "You kid, get in and tell her."

Soujiro entered with a bowed head. Then, he leaned on the door's opening and shrugged, "Uhm, I am plain human and I can feel it."

Agreeing, Masayume turned to the priestess and sat up straight, making a point, "If we didn't take you out of the residence and calm you down, a fight would have probably started. Youkais and men with supernatural abilities are all triggered by auras and yokis. I think you know that already. You must not challenge instincts." Kikyou remained quiet. The seer continued, "That power release must have made your control unstable. You are very much unfamiliar of the power you have. You must control it, unless you want the whole Army treat you as a threat and turn against you…"

"…or want Karasuma know your presence before you shoot the arrow at Tenchu," intervened Soujiro, eyes on the wooden floor, muttering more to himself. Realizing what he had just said, he looked up and saw the questioning glare of the miko. With an apologetic smile, he cleared out, "Sesshomaru-taisho instructed me to escort and guard you to the cliff at the battlefield."

Kikyou's brows knitted together in question "You…?"

"You must be wondering why me of all people," Soujiro laughed. "To be honest, I really don't know."

Kikyou's face was straight at that and commented, "I am as clueless as you about his choice of people." Turning to the seer, she asked, "Is there a way to control this energy, or hide my aura at least?"

"Practice," Masayume smiled flatly, "Years of practice."

"You know that we don't have much time."

"Yes, I know." Masayume deeply sighed and said halfheartedly. "Well, there is another way. There is a certain lake in the Western Land that helps young youkais gain control over their power through a ritual."

The bugyo and the miko repositioned themselves and leaned in to listen. Kikyou queried, "Can a human go through that ritual?"

"Possible. But two things are necessary. Someone should hold and perform the ritual and he must be stronger than the person in need of control."

"Well, that's not hard to find," Soujiro's brows arched confidently. "Sesshomaru-sama is a person who can rival her power."

"Yes…" Masayume was plainly smiling but her eyes were speaking differently.

Sensing the odd expression of the Western Healer, Soujiro asked, "Then what troubles you?"

Masayume clicked her tongue, and spoke warningly at the priestess, "You are still a miko and... you possess strong purification energy. If things get out of hand there…"

Sesshomaru might die. "Oh." Realizing this, Soujiro went silent. Kikyou turned to ceiling and thought deeply.

"Ask him." Masayume's eyes were solemn.

Kikyou muttered, almost quietly, "As if we have any other choice."

Kikyou decided to go back to the residence at midafternoon the next day, relieved and feeling more at peace for the mean time. She knew it would be temporary. Any moment from then, she would have another breakdown. She had to be certain. She had to ask.

She walked down the inner courtyard towards the war room to ask Sesshomaru. Oddly, he wasn't in the room. Luckily for her, she took sight of Hiroshi walking down the opposite engawa. She asked courtly. The head resident answered with an honest smile, "The Sotaisho retires to the rear garden every afternoon and comes back at two."

Kikyou mentally arched an eyebrow at that, 'Retires every afternoon?' For all she knew, he was a dayoukai who never tires out. He had said and had claimed it himself. But maybe, it was the reason why she hadn't felt his tiredness for the past few days. Dismissing her thoughts, she bowed and thanked Hiroshi. Afterwards, she retreated to the rear garden.

The residence's rear garden was the largest among all the other gardens surrounding the place. It had various woods and greens that made up the most magnificent designed landscape she had taken her eyes upon. There was a large pond in the middle with decorative rocks beneath and at the mouth. The clear water was glistening with the afternoon sun. The environment was overall quiet despite of the clear distinct sound of the shishiodoshi beside the pond.

Kikyou was forced to stop admiring the place when she heard of a cheerful cry of a child, "CHOU! CHOU! SEE, CHOU! THIS IS A CHOU!" Quickly, she recognized it as Eiji's voice. Walking further to the open corridor, she searched for the kid and saw him running around the landscape, jumping and chasing the butterflies around. Kikyou halted and smiled at the sight. Eiji was undoubtedly a wonderful boy.

And then, she heard, "Hm, chou." Deep and short, she knew that voice – well enough to know that it was Sesshomaru's.

Turning slightly to her left, Kikyou saw the daiyoukai paces away from her, sitting nobly at the edge of the wooden corridor and looking at the kid… with a small smile on his lips.

A smile. A genuine smile on his lips.

Kikyou was completely taken aback. Sesshomaru was different, very different with a smile gracing on his lips. And then, she was reminded of her past thoughts – 'Yes, this… I can watch this all day.'

Monogatari…

"Masayume…"

"Hmm?"

"Is there any chance that our minds are linked?"

"There is."

NOTES:

Tomohiro - west village

Yamori - gecko

Kuwa - mullberry tree