I See You [Sesshomaru]

Chapter 46

        Of course it was no surprise later that evening that Akiko could not find sleep so easily. Sure, earlier that day she had felt some fatigue, but after filling her stomach with food and wandering about the estate she had come to find her second wind. After being bedridden and in a comatose state for so long lying down made her a bit restless. Much to Tobi's disagreement he had returned to the boarders with the rest of the pack instead of staying by the young woman's side. In Aisu's words not seeing the Beta present could mean that he was guarding their leader dead or alive and they did not want Naraku suspecting his lack of involvement was a warning sign that he had not succeeded. Ripping apart the horde could show his need for revenge to further convince the enemy. But she wasn't alone with Rin sleeping beside her, since the child did not wish to be parted, and Jaken. The toad had finally made his presence known at dinner and squawked about how Akiko should not be up and walking around yet. The comment caused the young woman to cock a brow at his semi concern for her wellbeing, but shrugged it off when Rin distracted him. He had been ordered to guard the reincarnation in the packs' absence, yet one glance towards the area he had taken guard and it was obvious he had fallen asleep in the chair. Smirking at his light snores that would come and go Akiko moved towards the edge of the bed and silently stood with some difficulty. Her legs, though walking, were still stiff as boards if sitting or lying down for too long and hobbled towards the door trying not to wake either of them.

        Once in the hall she slipped on her shoes and moved through the silent household. All of the maids were finally in bed after completing their chores, the lords and lady having retired hours ago. Drifting down the stairs she came to the ground level making her way towards the exit that would lead her to the gardens. She had to get outside, even for a few moments. If she were to be confined to this estate so to trick Naraku that meant no traveling through the surrounding forest leisurely. Even if she stuck close and within seeing distance of the household. The gardens would have to do since they were closed off from visitors and the floral life growing around her was so tall Akiko could only see the moon and stars high above. It blocked her from any wandering eyes, slowly walking through the grass.

        "The boarder is holding," a voice suddenly spoke up ahead. It slightly startled the young woman, thinking she was alone and paused for a brief moment. "There were five more attacks and no deaths were sustained on our side. We are not expecting another attack in the coming hours after the numbers of them that slaughtered–"

        "That gives no reason to let down your guard." The second voice Akiko immediately recognized as Sesshomaru, the sound nearly sending a chill up her spine. "Lord Seiichi and his forces will leave in the morning. You are to pull back our forces to the household in turn without breaking rank."

        "Sir." The young woman was certain a bow followed hearing the fighter move away in the opposite direction. Trying to not appear that she was eavesdropping and that it was merely a coincidence being there Akiko continued walking forward down the path. Finally turning at the end a section opened up to the right of her, giving way to a sitting area and revealing the demon lord still standing there. And he was staring right at her when she turned to face him. There was a long pause between them, the reincarnation not know what to say at first, but was sure the lord would not be the one to break the silence first.

        "I never got to say this earlier," she started. Though how could she have voiced anything before after his sudden actions? "But I'm glad that you weren't injured during all of this for my sake. And thank you... for saving my life."

        He stared at her a beat longer in silence before asking, "Shouldn't you be resting?"

        "I needed some air. After lying down for so long it's a bit uncomfortable at the moment."