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

Part 17

Turns out it was Inuyasha and the gang plus Jaken who joined us on the mountain. Somehow this scared Akuhei off. Could it be that he couldn't handle the number of all of us? Or maybe I did some damage after all? I'll probably never know. Inuyasha was pretty bummed out for missing the fight though.

We gathered ourselves at the bottom of the mountain in a clearing as it got dark quickly. I was staring in the fire as Kagome treated my cuts despite my protesting. I took the chance to explain to everyone what Akuhei's plans were leaving them all shocked.

"Going to the celestial plains? Can one do that, if it exists that is...?" asks Sango.

A tiny voice answers her question, "It does exist, believe me. There are great forces beyond this world. And to answer your first question, I'm not sure. I guess it's not impossible, but not anyone can just go there." says Myoga.

"But you think Kaname can go there?" asks Miroku. "I can't say for sure. But there must be a reason why Akuhei thinks she can." he muses. "What could that reason be?", ask Kagome. Myoga looks to be deep in thought. "I have no idea. But I could go look into it." he says nodding to himself.

I turn to the little flea demon. "If one were able to go there, how would they do that?" He looks at me questionably. "Are you thinking about trying?" I shrug. "Maybe, if it helps in some way." I mutter.

"Yeah, how can she do that? It's not like she'll sprout wings and fly off." Inuyasha butts in. "Of course not!" Myoga says annoyed before sighing. "That is a difficult question. I'll have to get back to you on that." He decides that he has enough to do now and takes off to find answers.

Everyone else settles down to sleep but Sesshomaru and myself. My head still full of thoughts. Sesshomaru gets up and walks off at some point. I watch him go before looking around. Everyone is fast asleep, so I silently creep off as well.

I find Sesshomaru at a stream, looking up at the starry sky. "Sesshomaru?" I ask, gaining his attention. "Hm?" "I just wanted to thank you for putting so much faith in me during the fight... And I'm sorry as well, for not making up to your expectations." I tell him, looking shamefully to my feet.

"Hn. Don't babble nonsense girl." he says turning to me. I look up at him in surprise. "You proved yourself enough already. You are fighting battles not meant for humans." I look back at the ground, not knowing what to say.

After a moment I sigh and turn my eyes to the sky. Sesshomaru follows my motion. "What do I have to do with the heavenly deities? I'm just a shrine maiden, a human one at that..."

Sesshomaru blinks, following the constellations with his eyes. "Strange things happen with you around." I smile lightly, "I do hope that's a good thing." "It keeps me occupied." he replies bluntly. I can't help but smile at this. He has a dry sense of humor.

I look at him as he approaches me before taking something from his neck. He holds it out to me and I take it from him to see my ring. "You kept it." I state. "I promised." I nod, "Thank you." I say putting it back on.

I look up at him and barely keep myself from blushing. "Sesshomaru, why are you so kind to me?" I ask before I can stop myself. He stares at me making me feel self-conscious once again. It takes him some time as he doesn't seem to know himself. I'm about to give up on it when he answers.

"You're different." This confuses me. "Different?" I whisper. 'In what way?' I shake my head as I try to wrap my brain on the meaning. He looks amused before asking the same question, effectively putting me on the spot.

I blush heavily. I know the real and obvious reason, but I can't just say that can I? "Because you're different." I throw back at him. 'Hah! Two can play that game.'

He quirks an eyebrow amused. He attempts to stare me down and damnit, I don't like this game he's playing. He's confusing the hell out of me and enjoys doing it! I turn around with a huff.

"I'm going to try it." I say changing the subject once again. "What?" he asks. "Going to the celestial plains." I say sitting down by the stream. "Let's see, how do I do this?" I hum.

"Why would you try?" he asks, confusion lining his voice. "To warn them of course." I tell him. "And say if you do manage to reach it, how do you return?" he question validly. "Uh, I'm sure they have a way of kicking me out." I answer unsurely. I really hope so at least.

Sesshomaru looks at me skeptically as I try to concentrate. Soon the wind picks up as my power physically surrounds my body. Droplets of water splash on me as the stream's water starts to slosh onto the shore from the wind. Sweat forms on my forehead as it starts to take more effort to keep the power flowing. To heighten my chances I start to chant to the Gods for access in their sanctuary. Every second seems to last twice as long as every fiber in my body in strained under the pressure.

Suddenly my eyes shoot open as the world starts swimming and turning. A dizzy spell breaks me out of the trance making me fall over very ungraciously. As I try to catch my breath, a familiar face enters my vision.

"That wasn't the right way." I croak. "It seems that way, doesn't it?" Sesshomaru replies dully.

I squint my eyes in annoyance as my head starts to pound. Rolling over onto my side I softly speak, "I'll just... close my eyes for a moment." Sesshomaru sits down next to me, looking out to the stream. "Go to sleep." he orders. He didn't need to tell me twice as I was already out by the end of his sentence.