I See You [Sesshomaru]

Chapter 37

        Sesshomaru only saw Akiko in passing over the next few days. She had made Rin aware the next morning that she would need to travel home soon and the child made sure nearly all of their time was spent together during the day. The few times when the two weren't together she was either training with Tobi or discussing diplomatic matters with Aisu. There were few times when their paths crossed and their conversation was limited since their meeting in the study. Which is why when the demon lord found her wandering the grounds alone the day before they were to leave it made him pause and watch the reincarnation. Realizing that she was being watched, Akiko paused and glanced across the training grounds and noticed Sesshomaru giving him a small smile in greeting.

        He should've just been on his way after the interaction, left without a word and moved on to patrol the grounds and possibly beyond if a demon slipped into the land that wasn't welcomed. But the lord stood rooted in place as Akiko approached and noticed the training sword situated on a hip. "Out for a walk?" she questioned. "You've been holed up in your study a lot lately."

        "I have matters to attend to," he merely answered.

        "I know." His brow cocked. "The maids talk. A lot." And how exactly would they know of his endeavors? His eyes narrowed. "It's not exactly a secret you know. With the seals on the scrolls that come through your doors. They can fit the pieces together and come up with their reasoning for being there. Just leave them be." Because the young woman knew that he would seek them out so to be sure they never spoke or stuck their noses in his business again. "Where are you going?"

        "Nowhere." And Sesshomaru then began walking, Akiko following at his side.

        "Have you ever spared without one of your senses?" The question caused the demon to glance down at her and didn't offer a reply. "How about sight?" Of course not, it was pointless. "Would you like the try?"

        "I'm busy," he stated.

        The young woman cocked a brow up at him. "Really? With what? You said you had nowhere to go." The demon didn't answer and began to walk away at a quicker pace when her hand grasped his wrist. The contact caused Sesshomaru to halt abruptly and glance down at the mortal's grip with narrowed brows. But Akiko didn't let go, still giving him a disbelieving look and not backing away. "At least indulge me. I need to train anyway and need a partner."

        "Find someone in the pack."

        "Those that aren't off in the forest are with Rin, and I'd rather not bother them in the garden since we leave tomorrow. Unless you're afraid." This time she was given a glare to tread carefully with her next words. But Akiko wasn't worried. The demon didn't even hear a shift in her heartbeat. Though the young woman knew she had taken a jab at his pride. Still, she pulled him back to the training grounds. "If you can learn how to adapt to fighting with one arm, you can learn how to fight blind. Besides your senses are more heightened then mine probably." Letting go she took one of the black strips of cloth wrapped around the hilt off. The other was for herself, realizing that seeking him out had been the reincarnation's plan all along. Grasping it in both hands she waited till Sesshomaru finally caved in and bent slightly. Reaching forward, Akiko wrapped the item around the back of the head and tied it securely in place leaving the demon lord in darkness. "Is it disorienting?" A bit, but he didn't voice it while standing when her hands pulled away. "I always lived in darkness but for those who lose their sight it can be jarring. Just like when I regained it for the first time."

        Without his eyes, it seemed that his ears and nose heightened trying to compensate for it. The young woman watched him, taking a few silent steps back and blindfolding herself as well before feeding off his now calm demonic aura to pinpoint where he was. And she began circling him at a distance.