I See You [Sesshomaru]

Chapter 2

        The next morning Akiko slowly made her way downstairs, smelling the breakfast that had been prepared. "Good morning!" Sota greeted.
        "Good morning," she spoke up. "It smells great."
        "What are you doing today?"
        Sitting down, the boy passed over a plate full of food. "I was thinking maybe you could show me around Tokyo if you'd like?"
        His eyes lit up with excitement. "Yeah-!"
        "Oh dear," came a voice from the other room.
        Their bodies leaned to the side in the direction of the doorway leading into the kitchen. "Is something wrong, Auntie?"
        "Kagome forgot her medical kit. It's very important for her to have..."
        "Send Akiko," their grandpa interjected.
        "But I thought the well only worked for Kagome," Sota spoke up.
        His shoulders shrugged. "Couldn't hurt to try since we already know it won't work for the three of us. Besides, have a little adventure!" he then exclaimed. "It's summer and you deserve a break like Kagome for working so hard."
        Akiko grinned. "Well, when you put it that way..." Her head turned in the boy's direction. "Sorry, Sota, I'll have to take a rain check."
        "That's alright. Besides, you may be back sooner than you think."
        "That's right," her aunt added, entering the room. "There's no telling if this will actually work." She held out the box. "But thank you for trying." Taking the item in hand Tobi led his master towards the door by pressing his side against her leg. "Won't you need Tobi's harness?"
        "No, I think I'll be fine."
        "But how will you get around?"
        "I can ride on his back." She easily pat his head without having to bend down. Being part wolf, Tobi was larger than most dogs, his shoulder just reaching the waist. It was because of his size that he could easily carry her weight. "We do it from time to time and he doesn't mind." The dog yipped in agreement. "Where's the well?"
        The woman led the two towards the shrine, opening the door and showing them down the stairs. "I hope this works."
        "So do I." Climbing onto the animal's back she nudged Tobi forward and he leapt into the well. She waited for his paws to hit the ground below but when a steady breeze brushed past her face the young woman was startled when they landed rather softly. "Auntie?" she called up. There was no answer causing Tobi to whine. Another call and there was no answer. "I guess it worked after all." Climbing off Akiko felt along the wall coming across a set of vines that were sturdy enough to hold her weight. "I can climb, but what about you?" The dog nuzzled his master forward and the young woman began her ascent. Pacing below, Tobi then began to climb the wall using the out of place stones and overgrowth of vines to claw his way out. Nuzzling her palm, the girl smile. "Good boy."
        They grew silent at the young woman listened to her surroundings. She bent down and felt the lush grass that covered the field, feeling the sun against her face. And the city sounds were nowhere to be found. "We're not in Tokyo anymore," she breathed. Situating herself on Tobi's back again she said, "Find Kagome, and fast. I don't want to stay here longer than we have to. We could upset the balance." He raced off across the flat area and down a hill. There were voices that came to her attention the longer they traveled and the animal slowed to a walk. It sounded like they were in a village or maybe a marketplace.
        There were many people around her who whispered among themselves, but of course she heard everything they said.
        "Who is she?"
        "What is she doing?"
        "On an animal's back nonetheless?"
        "What strange clothing."
        "It almost resembles what that priestess wears."
        "What was her name...? Ah yes, Kagome it was."
        "Kagome?" Akiko asked. Tobi moved towards the old man who sat outside his hut.
        "Do you know her, young lady?"
        "We're cousins, and I need to find her. It's important."
        "You can find her in the hut on the far side of the village with the priestess, Kaede."
        "How far?"
        "An easy walk. At this time of day one can usually see smoke coming from the pit inside." Tobi's head picked up, sniffing the air before turning in the direction of the grey clouds.
        "Thank you."
        It didn't take long for the dog to come to a wooden doorframe, stopping and giving a short yip to say they had arrived. "Is this Kaede's hut?" Akiko called out.
        There was movement inside as an older woman came to the door. "Yes, who are you?"
        "I'm looking for Kagome."
        Noticing the young woman's odd clothing, the occupant nodded. "Kagome, you have a visitor," she called inside.
        It didn't take long for the teen to join them, "Akiko, what are you doing here?"
        Climbing off the animal's back she held out the item tucked under an arm. "You left your kit at home and Auntie asked me to try and bring it to you."
        The kit was taken from her hands. "How did you pass through?"
        "Your guess is as good as mine. I'm not staying long though-"
        "Who is it, Kagome?" a voice called from inside.
        The girl sighed. "Might as well come in now," she said. "Inuyasha couldn't stop bragging about the fact that he got to meet you."
        Akiko smirked. "Didn't know you talked about me so much."
        "What? I was excited you were coming," Kagome muttered, causing her cousin to laugh.
        Tobi didn't hesitate to lead his master inside. "Hello," three different voices greeted them.
        "I'd like for you to meet my cousin, Akiko, and her Seeing Eye dog, Tobi."
        "What's that?" the boy in the room asked.
        "A dog that is my eyes since I'm blind," the young woman answered.
        "Tobi's been trained so he can see and notice everything Akiko cannot. Akiko, this is Miroku, a monk, Sango, a demon slayer, and Shippo, a fox demon. And over there is Kirara, Sango's fighting companion."
        "You mean the cat Tobi's sniffing?" The creature hissed when the dog accidentally stepped on her tail.
        "Yes," Sango answered. "She's a two-tail cat demon."
        There was movement outside as her head turned slightly towards the door. "You have a visitor."
        Seconds later the flap opened, "There- Akiko's here?"
        "Hey, Inuyaha."
        "How did you do that?" Shippo asked in awe. "You're not a demon so how did you hear him?"
        "Because I can't see my remaining senses are better than others. Especially hearing." Something brushed up against her leg and the young woman bent down lifting Kirara into her arms. "She's beautiful," she stated, running a hand over her smooth coat and head.
        "You should see her when she transforms," Shippo grinned, only to rethink what he just said, muttering, "Sorry."
        Her head shook. "Don't worry, it doesn't bother me." The small cat climbed into a shoulder and began nuzzling its face against her own. "And I can see, just not the same way you can."
        "How?" Sango asked.
        "Touch." Knowing Kagome was standing beside her and hand raised, the teen taking the palm and placing it on her cheek. "By touching I can sculpt out a face in my mind. That's how I knew Inuyasha was a half-demon."
        "Can you see me?" Shippo asked, popping up on Kagome's shoulder. Akiko grinned.
        "Of course." Her hand traced his face feeling the pointed ears and his short hair. And then there was a tail, surprising the cousin when it twitched. "How odd..." Inuyasha snickered. "You're a child. And very small to be perched on my cousin's shoulder."
        "A good observation," Miroku stated.
        Sango then allowed Akiko to touch her face as well and then Miroku, whose hand reached up only for the demon slayer's large boomerang that had been leaning against the wall to come crashing down on his head. The young woman blinked. "What just happened?"
        "He was being a perverted monk," Sango muttered under her breath.
        Akiko smirked. "I guess I better head out then. It was nice meeting you. Hey, Inuyasha can you walk me back?" There was no answer, drawing their attention in his direction. "Inuyasha..." She then felt his presence near the door and air growing tense. "Something's coming."
        "Yeah, and I know who," he answered. "It's my bastard for a half-brother, Sesshomaru." Immediately there was movement as the group made their way outside, Akiko slowly following when Kagome held her back.
        "Stay here, he's dangerous."
        "But-" The teen was gone before she could protest further. Shifting on her feet Tobi whined, pressing his nose against her hand. "You're worried too, huh?"
        The old woman by the fire glanced over at both of them as they continued to face the doorway. "Is something bothering you, child?" Kaede asked, placing a pot on the fire.
        "Something bad is going to happen."
        "How do you know that?"
        Akiko's shoulders shrugged. "It's just a feeling, but I have yet to be wrong."
        There was a rattling noise coming from the back of the hut drawing their attention. The old woman's brows furrowed standing and shuffling behind another curtain. Akiko waited patiently for her to return moments later with a long, thin box that was trembling in her hands. Placing it on the ground Tobi sniffed at the object before yipping as if in excitement. "What is it?"
        Kaede watched the animal's odd behavior and noticing how excited he was acting. As if knowing exactly was before them. His front half crouched low to the ground staring at her with pleading eyes while his tail swished back and forth. Opening the top it produced a blue light, blinding Kaede and the dog from the brightness. "The sword... it's calling its master," the woman whispered in shock.
        "A sword?"
        "This is the blade of the Ice Queen who lived in the Northern Mountains centuries ago. It was passed down for generations to priestesses for safe keeping when the empire fell. Her castle became deserted, and became lost."
        "How large was it? The empire?" She had never come across this tale in her classes before.
        "It stretched a great distance into the East and West, but she claimed the North as her own." The sword continued to rattle now trying to lift itself off cloth it was settled on. Following the direction the item attempted to move in the old woman's eyes widened. "It can't be..."
        "What?" Tobi was anxiously wagging his tail staring between his owner and the weapon intently.
        "Hold out your hand." Hesitantly, Akiko did as she was told and when the dog did not object she relaxed a bit more. Lifting the box again Kaede held it out in her direction allowing the hilt to touch the young woman's fingers. It seemed to jerk into her grasp, surprising them both. The sheath shot off crashing against the opposite wall as the smooth metal transformed, encasing in ice before the hilt seemed to grow as well shielding the back of the wielder's hand. "The blade has chosen you," she whispered.
        "I don't understand."
        "Nor do I."
        There was an explosion from outside causing them to whirl around. "Kagome..."
        "I advise you to not go outside in your condition." The older woman had yet to remove her eyes from the weapon. "This is no normal opponent."
        "But my cousin..." Teeth gritting for the first time in a long while Akiko felt useless, unable to help. Tobi began pressing at her legs, moving the young woman towards the doorway. "Tobi, stop it." Kaede then began to watch their interaction as the animal continued to try and push her out. The animal was rather large then the dogs that move about the village and it made the priestess begin to question many things. "Tobi, enough, there's nothing I can do, so stop it!" She had a hunch, wishing to test the theory.
        The animal yipped as if in encouragement, looking at the weapon. "He seems to disagree," Kaede spoke up. Shuffling around the room to pick up the discarded sheath she tied the item to Akiko's belt. "Take this," she instructed.
        "Why are you giving this to me?"
        "You wish to check your cousin's well being. While I do not approve of you leaving for your safety your friend here seems to think you can be of help."
        "I'm not one to usually play this card, but I'm blind. How can I help if this opponent is dangerous? And I don't know the first thing about using this."
        "Neither did Kagome, but she learned. I know they are struggling and you're worried. If you truly trust your friend Tobi here, I would follow his lead." The animal looked to the older woman. He had intelligence, she realized. This was no normal mutt. "Better to go outside armed for anything than be exposed to danger. And the sword is worthless to me. It only follows one master."
        "The Ice Queen, but-"
        "It seems I was wrong. We all were. Yes, it belonged to the Queen... But maybe it was also meant for the one who is meant to follow in her footsteps."
        Akiko went to protest one more as another loud noise came from outside. There was no more time to ask questions though, fearful for her cousin's life and climbed onto Tobi's back no matter how much this situation scared her. "Go!"
        People were screaming all around as they ran away into the safety of their homes as the fight raged on just outside the village. "Tobi, fi-!" She was cut off as the animal made a sharp turn, the young woman feeling a strong gust of wind whip by that would have surely thrown them back. Rushing faster across the field Tobi came to an abrupt halt beside someone.
        "Akiko?"
        "Inuyasha, what was that?"
        "My wind attack, what are you doing outside the hut?" he shouted.
        "Where's my cousin?" But there was no time to answer as a presence suddenly appeared behind them, Tobi barking in warning as Akiko whipped around without hesitation with the sword still in hand to clash with another.
        "Hiding behind a pathetic human, Inuyasha?" a monotone voice questioned.
        "Who are you?" she questioned back.
        "Sesshomaru, leave her out of this!" Inuyasha snapped. Surprisingly the young woman managed to push back the man as the half-demon stood protectively in front of her. "Go to Kagome, now!" Tobi raced off in the group's direction.
        "Akiko! I told you to stay inside, it's dangerous out here!" the teen shouted when they approached.
        "Yes, but-!" Her head whipped back towards the fight. "To your right, Inuyasha!" The half-demon followed her warning, blocking the oncoming blade. Due to the warning all eyes were on Akiko in wonder as to how she exactly knew.
        "While I understand you have better senses, how could you anticipate his attack?" Kagome asked.
        "Call it a hunch," the cousin answered honestly.
        As the battle continued between the half-brothers they grew increasingly worried, staying back at a distance. There was no way they would be of help to their friend, only get in the way. If something did happen though they were ready to defend Inuyasha. Sesshomaru's attack barreled in the half-demon's direction as he lunged out of the way only to stare in horror as it continued towards,
        "Kagome!"
        "Move!" Akiko shouted, lunging off of Tobi and tackling the teen to the ground. It missed them by inches. The dog yelped rushing forward and sniffing his owner to be sure she was alright.
        "I said to leave them out of this!" he snapped.
        "Inuyasha, you keep lowering yourself every time you protect that human of yours," Sesshomaru stated unemotionally.
        "Hey! What's wrong with humans?" Akiko shouted as the two pushed to their feet.
        "They are weak."
        "And how so?"
        "Humans cannot protect themselves against demons. They are the lowest part of the chain of life. Half-demons could be classified in that same social standing. In fact, they are lower than that. They are trash."
        Inuyasha gritted his teeth in anger. "Humans may be weak, but not all the time," Akiko protested. "We can defend ourselves if we so choose. And the same goes for half-demons!" She pulled the blade up with seconds to spare as it clashed against Sesshomaru's attack.
        "Humans who have mouths like that should learn to curb their tongues."
        Her eyes narrowed as they stared each other down. "Make me."
        It was then Sesshomaru noticed her eyes that were not quite looking at him and the thin grey film over pupils saturating the color. She was blind, yet managed to somehow read his attacks. There was something about her that was unsettling.
       "Sesshomaru!" In an instant he was gone as Inuyasha attacked pushing back the enemy. Suddenly an arrow pierced his armor.
       "You mess with one of us you mess with all of us!" Kagome shouted, taking aim once more.
        They all took on Sesshomaru no longer holding back. But the half-brother easily disposed of them throwing the four around the field until they could barely move. He then turned on Kagome, who refused to back down. "Now, onna, you're mine." He rushed the teen and she fired an arrow, missing as he moved out of the way. He was about the strike when Tobi cut the enemy off, Akiko swinging around the blade and deflecting the blow. He was surprised when a cut appeared on his cheek, but refused to show it as he stood at a distance to observe his opponent.
        Akiko was growing nervous. With their fighters down they were exposed against a powerful enemy. Her cousin was in danger and even without sight the young woman was nervous. Not being able to see the opponent and what she was up against. This was a new world and not everyone was human and clearly this wasn't a normal man. She wasn't thinking straight and before Akiko could stop herself she shouted, "You want a fight, come and get me!" Nudging Tobi forward they took off towards the forest.
        "Akiko, no!" Kagome shouted watching as Sesshomaru followed.
        "Help Inuyasha!"
        Panicking, the teen rushed to the half-demon trying to sit him up. "Sesshomaru's after Akiko!"
        "What?" he exclaimed, finding newfound strength and stumbling to stand.
        "They ran off into the forest trying to buy us time! Please, you have to help her!"
        "Check the others!" He then ran off into the trees.
        Akiko rushed through the forest hearing her pursuer not far behind. "You can't escape me," his stated. Her head tilted, trying to guess when he would make his move. She urged Tobi faster but it was too late. He attacked from the right, a foot making contact with the young woman's side and throwing her to the ground. The brutal kick rendered her unconscious as Tobi rushed to his master's side, whined and nuzzled her face. When she didn't wake the animal turned on Sesshomaru growling and not backing down as the enemy approached. "Move, dog." He settled against her side, head resting her lap. His lips curled back exposing the sharp teeth threateningly as Sesshomaru's hand began to glow green releasing poison. But Tobi refused to leave her side. Jumping down from the branches Inuyasha cut off his half-brother, glaring.
        "What the hell did you do to her?"
        "None of your business."
        The half-breed attacked. "Our fight does not concern her!"
        "She made herself involved by protect you and your worthless friends. If she wishes to die so quickly then who am I to deny her that." Sesshomaru pushed his half-brother away.
        "Tobi, grab Akiko and run back to the village-!" he was cut off when a sword came inches from his face before embedding in the enemy's chest inches from his heart.
        Turning, Akiko had herself half supported on Tobi, arm outstretched. How she managed to throw so accurately they did not know as she collapsed onto the animals back. Not wasting any time the dog rushed off back the way they came. Removing the weapon Sesshomaru threw it into a tree. "Onna!" he snarled. His eyes tinted red in rage, preparing to chase after his target when Inuyasha stepped in his path.
        "Wind Scar!" The attack hit him head on forcing a retreat. Sighing in relief the half-demon removed the sword stuck in a tree. The ice disappeared from the surface, the detail along the hilt pulling back. Staring at the item in confusion he flicked the blade in a few directions without results. It looked no more than a flimsy weapon. Shrugging, the young man made his way back towards the village. Upon entering Kaede's hut his friends were being treated for their injuries and they looked up when he entered.
        "Where's Akiko?" Kagome asked.
        His brows furrowed. "She's not here?"
        "No, she was supposed to be with you!"
        "She stabbed that bastard and then blacked out on Tobi before he ran off. They were heading in this direction."
        "And you don't-? I have an idea, come with me." They both ran out of the hut, climbing the hill on the far side of the village. "If Tobi wanted Akiko safe he probably took her back to the well." The wooden structure came into sight noticing two figures in the distance. Tobi sat up against the side, his head lying on her chest. His eyes flickered up noticing their approach, whining. "It's all right, boy," Kagome reassured. "She's going to be just fine." Inuyasha lifted the young woman onto his back as they made their way back to Kaede's.
        "Are you sure?" Sango questioned the old woman when they entered.
        Their eyes turned on them, the two pausing before settling Akiko on a mat. "What?" Inuyasha asked.
        Kaede sighed. "That blade you have there, Inuyasha has chosen Akiko."
        "What of it?"
        "That is no normal weapon. It belonged to the Ice Queen of the North." Their brows furrowed in confusion. "The land is now ruled by a Lord and Lady in her place when the empire fell. They've only been stewards to the throne."
        "She died a long time ago," Miroku stated.
        "Yes, and it was believed that the weapon would never belong to another. We were very wrong. It reacted to her presence when near and activated at her touch."
        "How is that even possible?" Inuyasha asked. "We just met her!"
        "She is a reincarnation just like Kagome." Their eyes widened. "Her passing through was no coincidence. She was meant to come here all along."
        "It was foolish of her to take on Sesshomaru though," Sango stated. "She could've been killed."
        "But she wasn't," the half-demon protested. "She stabbed Sesshomaru by throwing the sword through the air. It was on point and nearly killed him, just barely missing me. And with Tobi guiding her..." They turned towards the large animal that was curled up beside the young woman. "He's protective and fast."
        "Akiko has been taking lessons in fighting since I can remember," Kagome spoke up. "Maybe not with a sword from this era, but karate and self-defense. Tobi might know some fast maneuvering as well, I wouldn't doubt it."
        "She knows a great deal about our era so that helps. Almost knows what to expect."
        "Akiko can't stay," Kagome stated after a moment of silence. "I won't put her life in danger. She was about to go home before Sesshomaru arrived. History is her passion, she wouldn't want to tamper with it."
        "It already has been," Kaede stated. "People will come to discover that the blade has re-entered the world and there will be talks of another Ice Queen rising to power. They have been waiting for her return in the north and there will be those who try to stop it. She's in danger and returning to your world will only place her in even more danger."
        "There are no demons there."
        "They will hunt her and try to pass through the well further tampering with the timeline in place."
        "Why would they hunt her?" Sango asked. "Who was the original?"
        "There are many tales and rumors since it was so long ago, but the person being against the rise to power would be the rogue demons that have come to reside there since her absence. Along with Naraku, since he has been trying to take control over that domain for some time without success. He needs the shards to do that."
        "This wasn't supposed to happen!" Kagome shouted. "If I hadn't forgotten the medical kit Akiko would've never come here in the first place!"
        "You could not have prevented this... It was only a matter of time..."
        The teen sighed. "Let's say she does come with us... then what?"
        "Is there any reason you would not want her to join our search?" Miroku asked.
        "I'm afraid she'll get hurt, or worse..."
        "We'll just have to train her then," Inuyasha stated. "We did the same with you. It's the only thing we can do right now until we sort things out."
        Kagome stared at the priestess. "My cousin cannot stay here. She has a life back in Tokyo now. She's been through a lot in the past and was finally getting things sorted. The Feudal Era is no place for her."
        "It is too late," the old woman stated.
        She ran a hand through her hair in frustration, realizing there was no alternative. "Tobi's been trained to protect Akiko if anything should go wrong in our world. Here, I'm not sure how useful that training will be." Their eyes trailed towards the dog now curled into her side.
        "How can you know for sure it's her?" Inuyasha asked.
        "As I said it's the blade," Kaede answered. The old woman reached for it only for the weapon to vanish and appear in the sheath still attached to the young woman's waist. "It only chooses its master, the Ice Queen."
        There was a groan as they watched Akiko's body shifted, struggling to sit up. "You shouldn't move," Kagome advised.
        "Where am I?" she asked.
        "Back in the hut."
        "How are you feeling?" Sango questioned.
        "My side smarts... Did he kick me?"
        "Kick you?" Kagome's brows furrowed.
        "Attacked from the right and sent me flying off Tobi. I lost the sword though, I'm sorry, Kaede."
        "No need for apologies," the old woman reassured, "The blade always returns to the one who wields it." Hand feeling for the sheath the fingers found the hilt.
        "You nearly hit me with it," Inuyasha stated. "Still, for a blind girl not bad aim."
        The young woman smirked, leaning against Tobi's side as the dog nuzzled a cheek. "What happened to Sesshomaru?" she asked.
        "He's gone, for now. Something tells me he'll be back though."
        "Then I should get going," Akiko stated. "I've been here long enough."
        "We need to discuss this matter," the priestess stated. Akiko listened to everyone's arguments on the issue regarding the blade along with the reason returning to her era at the moment would not be a wise idea. And she didn't interrupt them as they voiced their concerns and opinions on the fact that she would need to travel with them for the time being.
        "You've been very quiet," the old woman, observed when all was said. "It appears you are taking this well. I must commend you, not many would."
        "I promised I would not upset the balance... but it seems it's too late for that..." She made her decision. "I'll travel with you for as long as I can until things are worked out. But I cannot just abandon my life in the future. I will be returning when the school year begins to continue my degree."
        "Understandable. I believe we can work with that." The others nodded.
        "Akiko..." Kagome spoke up. "If this becomes too hard for you, if you think you can't do this before that time comes please do not think you have to stay. We'll figure something out so you can leave."
        The young woman smiled kindly. "Thank you."
        "You should all get some rest," Kaede said. No one objected, turning in for the evening.