I See You [Sesshomaru]

Chapter 36

        Two days had passed since Akiko and the pack left for their meeting with the Tanukis Clan and the demon lord couldn't help but wonder how things were progressing. Even now his thoughts drifted towards the young woman as he stared at the scroll in his hand but wasn't actually reading it any longer. The Cat Clan was becoming a thorn in his side for various reasons. Not just because their races didn't naturally mingle with each other, but because Ralin's father was rather pushy. It was an annoyance and the demon lord didn't have time for his pointless rambling. Though they had not met face to face since the ball, thank goodness for that, Lord Inaba was becoming rather insistent to visit the Western Lands. Not because he was in any danger and was requesting assistance, but purely for leisure. Most likely Ralin was behind all of this and in response the lord either ignored the scrolls brought before him, offered an excuse, or opted to travel the lands for weeks on end to avoid them. Just in case Lord Inaba came snooping around looking. Some of his maids did make him aware that a messenger had come to the gates requesting an audience months ago, but he had been off looking for Naraku.

        Hearing Rin run through the halls with a shout, Jaken wasn't far behind, the child proclaiming, "Come on, Master Jaken! They're back!"

        Inhaling deeply Sesshomaru could smell the scent of Akiko and the wolves as they entered the grounds, placing the parchment on his desk and walking towards the window. Sure enough they were walking across the open stretch of land towards the front entrance when Rin burst through it. Akiko grinned widely at the sight of the child, bending down with open arms before scooping her off the ground and twirling them around in a few circles. "Rin," Jaken gasped out. But he was too out of breath to continue his scolding.

        "I missed you," the little girl proclaimed when they had stopped.

        "I was only gone a few days," Akiko laughed.

        "Don't care. I still missed you."

        "As did I." The young woman then set her on Tatara's back to ride alongside. As the two continued to talk, Sesshomaru turned back to the matters at hand regarding his land scattered about the desk. For the next few hours the demon was left alone to do as he liked and not once did Akiko come to mind now that she was back within the walls. Everything appeared to have gone well if she wasn't requesting an audience with him to discuss a failure to ally with Lord Kira and Lady Hirata. Or she could just be hiding it well and not wishing to dampen Rin's mood. Whatever was decided though would need to be discussed later as Sesshomaru removed himself from the study to move about the castle. Servants bowed as he passed or moved out of his way till he was finally outside. Strolling around the grounds and past the gardens he could hear Rin up ahead, smelling the wolves in her presence. Walking by an archway he meant to continue on his way towards the forest when Sesshomaru paused before backtracking and looking to the courtyard once more. It wasn't just the pack in attendance alongside his ward, Akiko standing in the center with Tobi circling her form widely. But the young woman wasn't facing the half-demon, slowly turning as if listening for something. That was when he caught a glimpse of her face. Akiko's eyes had been covered with a black sash so she was completely blind to the world and forced to rely on her other senses. Like when the mortal first entered their era. But unlike before where the reincarnation swung around wildly without a clear attack in mind this time her movements were less frantic and in control.

        Akiko didn't hold the Ice Blade, but a wooden training sword from his armory. Still, the young woman treated the item as if she held the real weapon, moving with caution and grace. She swung around and lunged forward, causing Tobi to swiftly step aside to avoid the attack. Though the reincarnation heard the movement and turning on the ball of her foot followed after till the wood made contact with the half-demon's right shoulder, halting the match.