Somewhere in Time

The Great Perhaps

He knew nothing of the emotions that now constantly plagued him. They scratched at the barriers he had built around his frozen heart, causing tiny holes and crevices for them to claw their way through. Ever since he allowed himself to satisfy his curiosity regarding the miko, he found his thoughts always drifting to her and her perplexities.

Why? Why does a little human miko hold so much interest to this Sesshomaru?

It was utterly frustrating. True, the human child Rin had amused him on many occasions, but that was because he enjoyed her innocent company, even if he did not admit it out loud. But in the case of the miko... he craved her presence. It was as if his youki was addicted to the gentle brushes of her reiki, two powerful forces swirling in perfect harmony and connection.

He stopped abruptly and went still as the sudden realization hit him in full force.

I must confirm it, he told himself quietly as his yellow-gold eyes strayed towards the path where his pack and the miko's company awaited. There was still a few miles between here and there, but he could already feel the faint thrum of the miko's spiritual energy. It tugged at his youki, as if silently beckoning him to come closer, to hurry back to her side. What was surprising was how natural it felt to him. Her spiritual power glowed like a beacon in his world that only knew darkness.

Father... must it be so?

He started running again, faster this time, the trees speeding past him in a steady blur.

Rin greeted him warmly when he arrived at the camp. Jaken was tending to Ah-Un at the edge of the clearing. The moment Sesshomaru appeared, the imp flung his little self at the daiyoukai's feet, crying about how the human child had nearly caused his death by making him eat a live tarantula. He brushed this off and located the miko chatting happily with the kitsune. The sight of her brought him deep relief and pleasure, but at the same time, a sense of reluctance.

For the first time in his life, Sesshomaru felt fear reign in his instincts. He had so many questions and he was afraid of the answers.

Suddenly, the miko looked up from the kitsune and met his probing gaze. She smiled at him softly, her brown eyes reflecting the flames of the camp fire. He looked away before any emotion could show on his impassive face.

Instead, he turned his attention to his retainer who was still wailing at his feet. "Jaken, prepare Ah-Un. We are leaving."

Almost instantly, the miko's reiki reached out to him in mute inquiry. He felt obliged to answer but it would only raise suspicion since she did not ask the question out loud. He turned around to leave, knowing his pack would follow, but he paused for a short moment to direct his youki towards the priestess and let it collide against her spiritual power in a swirling dance of silver and pink waves.

He heard her gasp. She must have felt their auras' connection too. Before she could say anything, however, he began to walk away and disappear into the darkness of the forest.