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

Part 12

Sesshomaru got us both to his home as quick as he could considering we were both still a bit drug induced. When we arrived late into the night, we got caught up in quite a hassle. Jaken, Suki, Rin and others were worried about the state we were in, but eventually it wasn't that bad. I only had a broken finger and Sesshomaru had some minor cuts and bruises that were already beginning to heal. We both stayed silent as we were looked over, disappointed by the turn of events. We have some serious business on our hands now.

The next morning, after having a troubled sleep, I find myself in the stables observing the demon horses. I've never seen such creatures before. They look a lot like normal horses, but instead they have red eyes and a more rugged look. I pet the black one's snout calmly. He seems relaxed until snorting and turning away. Looking behind me I see Sesshomaru approaching. I thought I could sense him coming as I'm getting better at that.

"How are you feeling?" he asks.

"I'm fine." I say as normally as possible, but I can't take the solemn look of my face.

"Don't lie." he berates, seeing through me easily.

I feel myself falter and sigh. "Maybe I just need to let the idea settle, you know, about Naraku having a son."

"Hm, don't get too comfortable with the idea. He won't be around for much longer." Sesshomaru states as a matter of fact.

I perk up at this. "Are we going to fight him?"

"No." he states, making me look up at him questioningly. "You aren't going to do anything. I'm taking you home."

I falter, "H-home? You mean my time?" He nods. "Can you do that? And why would you do that? I can help here and fight." I argue, not wanting to go.

But Sesshomaru's eyes keep their stern gaze in them. "You are not fighting. He is after you and I don't believe you are strong enough. You will only be in the way." I look at him, surprised by his harsh tone.

"But we defeated Naraku..." I try.

"If it's true that his son is worse, you won't stand a chance. This is not a point up for discussion, I'm taking you back." he states coolly. With that he turns around. "Go say your goodbyes." are his last words before he disappears out of sight. I clench my fists at this, peeved at him. But at the same time I know I have no say. He will drag me back if he has to and I can't fight him.

After saying goodbye to everyone and leaving a promise that I will be back, which Sesshomaru wasn't too happy about, we set off. It takes a full day in which I try numerous times to change his mind, but he just won't have it. I even got yelled at as I got on his nerves when I mentioned asking Inuyasha for help.

That shocked me a bit, but I'm not ready to give up yet. Though it eventually ends when we arrive back in the clearing where I came from. I look around for a moment sensing the familiarity of it all. The sun shines lightly through the opening between the tree branches.

"It's time." says Sesshomaru.

I look at him sadly, trying one last time, "Is there anything I can say that will make you change your mind?" His look softens for a moment before frowning, deep in his eyes there is pain shining through. Suddenly his hand shoots out, pushing me back. I fall over screaming in shock and am soon engulfed by water.

When I emerge I half expect to see my home, but I look on confused as I see Sesshomaru staring at me with equal confusion. I frown at him, "How could you do that?" I scold. He sighs and turns his back on me. I hoist myself back on dry ground, dripping wet from head to toe. "Sesshomaru...?"

"You are better off somewhere where he or anyone else after you can't reach you." I look at his back, my eyes softening. He only wants to protect me. I sigh, "But it didn't work. Look, I can train harder." I argue.

He growls softly in frustration when suddenly a tiny voice rings out, "I think I know why it didn't work." I look hard at where the voice came from and spot a tiny flea demon on the ground. "

Myoga?" I question.

"What do you mean?" asks Sesshomaru interested.

"Well you see, when Kaname came here, you were the one to pull her out weren't you? Maybe it won't work now, because she's doing it alone or maybe it requires certain strength to go through. It could be either way." the flee explains.

"I see.", muses Sesshomaru thoughtfully. Great, thanks Myoga. You've brought ideas to his head, I think irritatably.

My thoughts are cut short when I'm lifted off the ground. I look to see Sesshomaru holding me, a determined look in his eyes. "What are you doing?!" I ask scared. He says nothing and without warning jumps into the pond with me still in his arms. I grab onto his haori tightly and close my eyes as a weird sensation fills me.

Many sounds fill my ears, but one sticks out enough to make me open my eyes again, "Kaname?" I turn my head around to see my dad staring down at me in shock.

"Uh.." I glance back to a dripping wet Sesshomaru, back at dad and to Sesshomaru before realizing what happened. "Oh my Kami." I whisper.