After the Mask (Secret of the cursed mask game sequel)

Part 8

The next morning I say my goodbyes to grandma Kaede, Shippo and Inuyasha. It is time for us to get moving again. No one quite knows where to, not even Sesshomaru it seems. Maybe we just move around because it's impossible for him to stay put. It makes me wonder what his goal in life is now that Naraku is gone.

Speaking of Sesshomaru, he's been awfully kind to me since I got here. He wasn't unkind the first time I guess, just a bit cold. But now he really seems to have fully accepted me and treats me like, well, I don't know really. I have nothing to compare it with.

He's so different from what people told me before I met him, so I guess he must treat others very differently. It makes me wonder what it is about me that makes him treat me with kindness. Could it be that, dare I say it, that he somewhat cares for me? Or would that be taking it too far? Maybe it's just mutual respect?

In any case, I have no way to be certain. Sesshomaru is about as open as locked and buried treasure chest buried six feet deep and with the key thrown far into the sea. However the case may be, I can't say I don't feel glad to be treated kindly for his standards. It makes me feel rather special.

...........

It's been some days since we left the village and we are in a meadow full of flowers. I just finished teaching Rin about the growth of flowers with the use of a drawing I made and she stares at a small flower in her hand with amazement. "They look even more beautiful now." she sighs dreamily.

I smile at her as I stand up, popping my neck. I'm stiff all over from yesterdays training. Today I have a day off though. "Amazing." mutters Jaken. "It sounds almost like witchcraft."

I turn to him, "I assure you it's not. This knowledge is just the result of progress in science over the years. New things are discovered every day." I explain.

Jaken looks thoughtful, "Interesting."

I sigh, "Somehow I find it saddening though." I say sadly.

"What do you mean?" asks Sesshomaru from his spot, leaning against a nearby tree.

I blink in his direction a bit surprised at his curiosity. "Well, if you know how everything works, what is there left to fantasize about? I think it's nice to have some room left in the mind to make up your own theories and beliefs. That's how folklore and myths come to be."

"Hm." he simply hums.

"Progress isn't always bad though. If it wasn't for that I wouldn't be alive right now." I then state, patting dirt of my pants.

"Really? How come?" asks Rin interested.

I sit down next to her again. "I was causing my mother a lot of trouble while still in her womb. She got sick and she and I would have both died if it wasn't for the medication that made her give birth early. After my birth they could safely treat her without putting my life in danger. Luckily I was just strong enough to survive being born so early." I explain.

"Wow." Rin whispers. "I'm glad it worked out. If it hadn't we would have never met you." she continues. I nod in confirmation.

"You don't have any siblings right Kaname?" asks Rin.

I shake my head. "No, my parents didn't want to risk it again."

Rin looks to be in thought for a moment before saying, "I don't have any real siblings either, but you are like a sister to me. Would you mind if I called you my sister?" she asks sweetly.

I smile at her happily. I feel honored. "Of course not Rin. I consider you like my little sister too." I tell her as I pull her in a hug. She giggles at this.

Jaken scoffs, "It's too bad you two don't have siblings, single children grow up to be spoiled."

I snort at him, "What are you saying? That we are spoiled?"

"You heard me girl!" he shouts.

"It seems someone didn't get enough attention from their parents as a child." I mock him, but think for a moment, putting my hand to my cheek as I stare up to the cloudless sky. "It's so hard to think of you as a child, I find it troubling to believe you ever were one." I say. Rin giggles.

"You ignorant girl, of course I've been a child!" I can't help but laugh at how easily he gets riled up, but my laugh is cut short as what seems like an explosion is heard, following by a tremor of the earth.

"What was that?" Rin asks alarmed as we rise to our feet. Sesshomaru soon stands next to us as a cloud of smoke and dust rises from the valley below.

"Should we go take a look?" I ask him. He nods and walks forward, the rest of us following suit.

He stops and turns though, "Jaken, stay here with Rin and Ah-Un." he orders.

"B-b-but lord Sesshomaru..." Jaken shuts up though as a glare is directed his way. "Yes m'lord." I look at Sesshomaru questionably as he turns his back, setting off. He just signals me to follow and I do so. He's just protecting Rin in case it's something dangerous.

When we almost reach the spot where the blast came from there is another one who makes me rock on my feet. Seconds later sand rains down and some rocks. Sesshomaru swats the rocks away that get too close.

We step out from behind the trees to see something I didn't quite expect. It doesn't seem like it's anything dangerous, just construction. They are busy blasting away rocks to create a new road it seems; one that will be suitable for ox carts and such. Large men clear away the builders before another man steps up. He's tall and buff with short spiky black hair that holds a red hue. He's dressed in a black Chinese style shirt and pants with a red sash. When he turns to us, his bright red eyes sparkle as well as his fangs that show as he smiles at us.

"Who do we have here?! Long time no see Sesshomaru." he greets as he strides up to us.

Sesshomaru nods at him, "Keita." I raise a brow at this jolly giant. Man, I can't get over how tall he is. He's about five inches taller than Sesshomaru. Anyway, whoever this guy is, Sesshomaru knows him somehow.

He looks down at me when he stops in front of us. "Who's your cute lady friend? She your sweetheart?" he asks bluntly. Sesshomaru's eye twitches barely while I blush at the thought.

"No. You are being too familiar Keita, you aren't a lord yourself yet." Sesshomaru snaps.

Keita waves it off. "Yeah yeah. Anyway, what's your name lady?"

I feel myself grow shy. He has a really outspoken aura and it's a bit intimidating. "Kaname Kururugi. Nice to meet you." I say bowing politely.

"Very nice indeed. Keita Kotome is the name. What's a girl like you doing with such a sour face as Sesshomaru huh? You'd probably have more fun with a crowd like this, ain't that right?" he says the last bit over his shoulder at one of the men walking by. "Yes sir." Sesshomaru's annoyance gets to him as he growls lightly.

I swallow hard. This guy is playing with his life, but doesn't even see it, or cares. "I'm fine, thanks." I say to cut the tension.

"I know sweetheart." he says and winks. "He's not a bad bloke."

He turns back to Sesshomaru, "Say, I'll be home in four days. Why not come over and bring your lady friend. We should talk business."

Sesshomaru turns around and starts walking off. "I'll think about it."

I give one last bow and follow as Keita grins at Sesshomaru's answer. "See you there!"

I look over my shoulder one last time, my eyes widening as Keita turns back to his work and sends off a large dark blast from his hand, making more rocks explode. Goosebumps rise as I sense his power. I wouldn't want to upset this guy, who knows what he can do.