Sesshomaru looked at the moon, his normally cold expression filled with pain and regret. Why did he continue? Jaken and Rin were asleep, giving the Lord of the Western Lands time to his thoughts. He regarded the human child and frowned. Yes, she was a human; He had chosen to protect her. Why? He despised all humans, yet there had been a time in his long life that he had not.
'Rin.' The child showed him no fear. It almost appeared to the Western Lord that she loved him. He had been harsh at times, but Rin never seemed to notice. This one little girl; she had given him a new reason to live, to continue to hope.
He had thought of returning Rin to a human village, but Sesshomaru immediately dismissed the idea. Her heart and mind were too innocent and trusting, qualities that would be ripped out of the loving child by other mortals. Rin would become heartless and uncaring, the very thing he despised about the human race. Sesshomaru snarled in a hateful fury, the color of his eyes a fiery red. Humans! They had murdered his father and his mate. He would never forgive them. Never!
Sesshomaru would forever hate them, more than the monsters that had destroyed his family and home. "Damn them all! 500 years I've waited, yet she still has not returned! Tranquility, why do you not heed my call? You protected these pitiful humans; and they repay your kindness by stealing you and my child! Damn you, Tranquility!"
The rage was allowed to explode unchecked, nor did Sesshomaru care that he had dropped his emotionless mask. He couldn't hold it back, the pain, and the loneliness that were always a constant reminder of what he had once possessed. InuYasha would never understand, nor could Sesshomaru fully help feel the deep resentment towards his younger brother's human blood.
He no longer wanted to stop, to keep from destroying the very people that had stolen his soul mate. "Oh, Sesshomaru. Please, will you not wait a while longer? She's so close, within your grasp." The Western Lord growled, his claws fully extended. His eyes searched the darkness, suddenly spotting the ghost he thought to never see again.
"Why do you come here?" He demanded.
The ethereal woman gave a sad smile, knowing his pain and understanding. Sesshomaru turned his head, unable to hold her gaze. Of all the people he had declared an enemy, the Queen of Lunaria had not been one of them. Her silver eyes softened, approaching the demon lord without fear nor hesitation. Selinity knew his quick temper, but she had also known the softer side that had finally captured Tranquility's heart.
"Sesshomaru, I know your pain, and I know your hatred. The humans have taken everything, Lunaria, Tranquility and my youngest daughter Serenity. They never had a chance to meet, nor did I tell Serenity about her older sister. I couldn't bare to see the sorrow that I so plainly felt in all those closest to Tran!" Angry tears spilled down the Queen's ageless face, startling Sesshomaru out of his killing rage.
Never, and considering he was close to five thousand years old, had he seen her cry. Selinity was always so strong and patient, that he had never really paid attention to the internal pain she hid from her friends and enemies. For this reason, Sesshomaru gave the former Queen of Lunaria a chance to speak, to deliver her message. "You say she is near. Why have I not felt her?"
"Even now, Tranquility loves these humans. She will never stop protecting them, despite the isolation they cause her. However, there is still hope among a minor few. The last couple of years, I have witnessed true courage and loyalty in the girl, Kagome. She is accepting of the demons around her. Kagome is your connection, the path towards Tranquility."
"My half-brother's wench?"
"Of another time and place, she will be your guide. Be patient with her, as you were in the past. Tranquility has no knowledge of the events that led to her death, nor will it be easy for her to accept you back into her life. Her mind may choose to forget, but her heart will never be able to fully suppress what was taken from her."
"I don't need a stupid human. If she's here, I will find her."
"Kagome is your only way, Sesshomaru. Will you wait yet another 500 years? Follow the scent of Kagome. Before I part, I grant you a gift." He almost told her to leave him be, but the tingling sensation in his right arm robbed him of his speech and thought. Shocked, he watched in fascination as his arm was completely restored.
Sesshomaru stared at the empty grass, no longer feeling or sensing the Lunarian's presence. Did he go to Kagome? Did he dare to hope that Tranquility was so close? Sesshomaru snorted in amusement. InuYasha would attempt to keep Kagome from him, but Sesshomaru smiled. It was a smile of menace, a smile of death for any that tried to stop him.
Assuring himself that Rin and Jaken were asleep and safe, Sesshomaru left and made his way towards the village that sheltered the Miko Priestess. Her scent was unmistakable, human, yet different from those of this era. His eyes glowed in the darkness, and with three powerful strides, Sesshomaru was racing towards Kagome in his demon form. Kagome would determine the fate of human kind; will she bring him to Tranquility, or see him destroy the very villagers she had sworn to protect?
Kagome smiled, happy that she was home. It was rare, and often a much wanted break from the stress of hunting for the jewel shards. InuYasha had chosen to stay in the village, allowing Kagome the time and rest that she needed. In three days, unable to give her more time, InuYasha would return and take her back to Feudal Japan.
To her pleasant surprise, her cousin had decided to visit, bringing along their childhood friend. Rei seemed calmer, more at ease, as she spoke of the four new friends she had made in the past two years. The shrine priestess laughed more and she didn't seem to mind that people taunted her psychic abilities anymore. It was their best friend that troubled, Kagome. She was normally so happy and optimistic, never allowing her hard life to bring her down. The woman had been silent throughout the entire conversation, her lavender eyes sad and withdrawn.
'Has it been so long that I can't even seem to notice my best friend's depression? I hope she's not thinking of suicide or something. Damn the jewel shards! InuYasha and the others need me, but so does my best friend! She's always been there for us, and the three of us did everything together. Kagome sighed. InuYasha was going to be furious, but Kagome refused to abandon a friend that had never thought once of herself.
Rei noticed Kagome's attention on their friend and sighed. She too had noticed the aura around the now silent girl, growing darker with each passing day. Her gaze was on the full moon, her expression confused and sad. Kagome and Rei were thinking the same thing; 'How do we help her?'
Their friend had no family, an orphan that had never been adopted. Recently, she had moved into a nearby apartment; alone and seldom venturing out to shop or hang out with the other students. The nuns had tried to find her a family, but nobody wanted the older child, especially one with strange lavender eyes. She never mentioned her life in the orphanage, nor about the adoption of her younger sister. The nuns had been happy to see Kagome and Rei as a part of her life, and that they be patient and understanding.
She was protective of her friends; and she never allowed anyone to mess with either Kagome nor Rei. Now, when she needed a friend the most, they had no idea how to reach past the thick barrier she had erected around her heart and mind. They went to the same private school, Tranquility having gained entrance with a full scholarship.
Some would say that Ami Mizuno was the smartest kid in Japan, but none of them knew Tranquility. Her grades were perfect. Without even trying, she could be anything she wanted. However, Tranquility had no true desire to attend college. All the lonely girl wanted was to be loved and to be accepted.
Tranquility loved the two friends that she had, but it did nothing to ease the loneliness. Boys avoided her, she had no social status, and the other students hated Tranquility because of her ability to never lose. Rei seriously doubted that Makato would last five seconds in a match with her best friend. It amused the fire senshi, and she almost thought of introducing Tran to her friends. If anyone could bring Tranquility out of her shell, it was Serenity.
"Tran?" Kagome called to her. She showed no signs of hearing, her mind and heart focused elsewhere.
Strangely Tranquility felt unbelievable tired and a presence was wrapping itself around her already exhausted mind. She was cold. 'Why do you not heed my call?'
The voice was very male, dominating and everything that Tranquility had never thought to imagine. He was the type that would demand her every waking moment and time, and in the end it would destroy her. Tranquility had starved for affection so long, that she'd rather spend the rest of eternity alone than have it cruelly taken away. She didn't want love; Tranquility didn't dare to hope for it anymore. It hurt. The ache in her heart never went away anymore, not even in the company of her best friends.
His presence, instead of withdrawing as he had before, became more insistent. 'Stop,' she whimpered silently.
'Tranquility!' His very voice demanded to be obeyed, daring her to ignore his imperious command. She could only tremble in terrified horror. Tranquility had thought him only a dream; so why did she have this strong feeling that he was quickly closing in on her like an animal trapped in a corner.
'You mean to run, but I will never let you go! You're mine Tranquility and damn any that get in my way!'' Tranquility paled. She knew he was capable of terrible violence, his mind wrapped in a red fury. Again Kagome called her name, breaking her concentration away from the powerful male.
What could she say, that she was quickly going insane? Faking a smile, she stood to her feet and headed for the doors. "I'm sorry that I've been poor company. I've been ill and I promise to make up my bad manners when everything is better."
Rei and Kagome started to go with her, but Tranquility motioned for them to remain. "Tran..." Rei started to say.
"We'll hang out tomorrow. I only need some sleep. Kagome, promise not to be a stranger. No one sees you anymore." Tranquility quietly left the two girls in worried silence, torn between honoring the friends privacy or going after her to ensure that she would truly be alright.
Rei had hoped to draw Tranquility out of her depression, but not even seeing Kagome had done the trick. She admitted to being busy with the other senshi, but that gave her no excuse to forget and ignore her best friend. Tranquility was everything to Kagome and Rei, and they were failing her. Rei had tried to do a fire reading, but all the fire would reveal was a silver haired man, not quite human, with golden eyes and a black crescent moon on his forehead. He had purple marks on the side of his cheeks, and she couldn't help but feel that she knew this man.
Minutes after Tranquility had left, they felt the house shudder, wood raining around them in every direction. Kagome and Rei ran outside, staring in fear as a large, white wolf cleared the well and what remained of the wooden shed. On his head, was a large crescent moon. "It's him!"
Unaware of her cousin's vision, Kagome started to back away, but the wolf was faster and quickly had her pinned. In the blink of an eye he had reverted back to his humanoid form, a hand clenched around her throat. "Sesshomaru," she gasped, fighting for air. Sesshomaru lifted his face to the wind, scanning and finding what he searched for. 'She's close.'
"Where is she?" He demanded. "I can smell her!"
"Who?" His grip tightened for but a moment, and then he relaxed enough to allow the human mortal to breathe. To his left, he spotted a woman rushing towards him, her black eyes blazing in fury. Sesshomaru, at any other time, would have been amused by her audacity to challenge him.
"Kagome!"
He stared at the woman, "I know this female! Why is she on Earth?' Sesshomaru swung his newly grown arm and hit her hard, knocking Rei unconscious. Kagome struggled to get free, but a single squeeze was all it took to remind her of the deadly situation she was in. Teeth pulled back, poisoned claws prepared to rip her throat out; "I will not ask you again. Where is Tranquility?"
"Why...?" Sesshomaru snarled, slamming her against the wall. "God, why would you want her? She left a few minutes ago!"
As quickly as he had appeared, Sesshomaru was gone. Kagome touched her bruised throat, her eyes trembling in terror. In all the years she had spent with InuYasha, Sesshomaru had never bothered to attack her. She was beneath him. Why here and why now? What could Tranquility possibly possess that would lure the Western Lord to appear in the future?
Sesshomaru couldn't believe how incredibly simple it was to track the Miko, taking him to an ancient well. Why would she enter a place filled with demons? Surely InuYasha wasn't foolish enough to allow the human to go, and unprotected. Sesshomaru rolled his eyes about the shear stupidity of his brother's actions. He paced around the well, hearing and smelling no sign of the human's blood.
She was the key to Tranquility, and if she was in the well, then he would be damned if he'd be left behind. Sesshomaru easily jumped in, but he had not been prepared for the blue light that engulfed his large body. In seconds he was staring at a wooden roof and a building that hadn't existed. Where was he? Was this the world of his brother's human? Sesshomaru could almost understand InuYasha's fascination with her. He lifted his nose, assaulted by the different sounds and smells. Sesshomaru hated this world, but he refused to leave until he had Tranquility within his grasp.
For several hours he had called to her, unrelenting. Again he reached out to her, surprised at how much stronger their connection had become. He purred in triumph. 'Tranquility! Why do you not heed my call?'
She was trying to run, but Sesshomaru would not so easily lose his prey. 'You're not real...' Sesshomaru faintly recalled that Selinity had warned him about her amnesia, but it was only a minor obstacle. Still, he had been calling for two days, why did she choose to ignore him?
Her scent was the same as he remembered, and after he had what he wanted from Kagome, he quickly hunted her throughout the city. 'I will have you...' His command was a promise, a destiny that she couldn't escape or avoid.
Tranquility barely made it home, clutching at her head. He was so strong, and the more she resisted the more painful it became. She didn't even know why she was resisting him. Exhausted, Tranquility collapsed two steps into the door, forgetting to close it. The room was spinning out of control, and she fought the waves of nausea slamming into her body. Tranquility burned with fever, shivering despite the warm summer night. It was almost ninety degrees, yet she felt as it she were in a blizzard.
'Tranquility...'
He was so close, and she was too tired to run or resist any longer. All she wanted was to slip into oblivion, to escape the loneliness. It had been so long; so terribly long since she had slept without the nightmares and blood. Would it be too much to ask, to wake without a scream or the tears. 'You're not real, you're not real. Please, you can't...'
'Lunarian, I feel your pain, and it will not continue. I've waited five hundred years!' Suddenly the unrelenting pressure relaxed, surrounding her tired mind in a soothing and calming aura. She instantly responded, wrapping her starving soul in the comfort of his presence, knowing for the first time that she was truly wanted and safe.
Sesshomaru was confused by her refusal to acknowledge him. Why was she so convinced that he didn't exist? He had seen a glimpse of her past and it was everything he could do not to destroy the humans that had left her in a position to resist a love she had never known in her second life. 'Dammit, she barely had enough time to discover it before!'
Tranquility had convinced herself that Sesshomaru was merely a dream. How could someone as powerful as a Western Lord want an orphan, a person with no past? She was alone. No one could love her, not the way she needed them. There was Kagome and Rei, but they would never know how truly empty and broken she was.
Sesshomaru slowly entered the dark house, hovering above Tranquility's unconscious form. Gently he brushed her face, growling at the fever that tried to claim her. 'Let me rest...' she begged. His golden eyes flashed. Tranquility was accepting death, but Sesshomaru would not give her up so easily.
Her last sound was a whimper, a plea before she slipped into oblivion.
Sesshomaru lifted her slim body into his arms, carrying Tranquility to her bed. As he covered her in silken sheets, his hand brushed back the long, auburn hair. Finally, after five hundred years, he had her back! Moving to the kitchen, he found a cloth and some cold water. He knew she was badly ill, but Sesshomaru seldom gave into failure once he applied himself to a task.
The rag felt like cold ice, wrenching a pained scream from her already too thin form. Instinctively she lashed out, trying to fight the one causing her discomfort. Sesshomaru easily held her down, applying more of the liquid to her face and neck. She shivered, wanting the warmth that her blankets couldn't provide.
Sesshomaru pulled her close, satisfied to see her relax and curl her fingers into his silver tail. She may have forgotten, but her heart recognized and accepted Sesshomaru. Never again would he allow anything to take her from him. She had suffered enough and he would spend the rest of his life giving her the love that she so desperately lacked and craved.
Kagome paced back and forth. She had thought of going to InuYasha, but Kagome remembered the last time Sesshomaru had gotten truly mad, and even then he had been semi controlled. Sesshomaru was beyond mercy or playing games. Rei was till unconscious, but Kagome heard no signs of police sirens. Perhaps he didn't find her?
The idea was impossible. Sesshomaru was always determined to get what he wanted, and it was obvious that Tranquility was on his list. What could he possibly want with her?
The next morning, Rei was still unconscious. Kagome decided to go to school, praying that her friend would be there. She left a note for her cousin, telling her to call the police if Tranquility didn't call by the end of the day.
Tranquility woke, her headache gone. For a moment, she could only stare at the ceiling in contentment, but soon realized that she wasn't alone. Turning her head, she discovered herself resting against a furry shirt, a pair of arms wrapped possessively around her thin body. Tranquility knew she needed to eat more, but she had been so sick and she still required more time to recover.
Glancing at the clock, Tranquility gasped. She was about to be late to class for the first time in her life, but no matter how hard she tried to move, the man refused to release his grip. Suddenly he snarled, shifted his weight and pinned her beneath him. His leg trapped her thigh, his fingers a vice grip around her waist.
Tranquility was too shocked to be afraid, never having been out matched in strength. What did he want from her? She felt surprisingly safe with him. If he had wanted to harm her, he would have done it while she was unconscious. Then again, he could be the perverted kind that enjoyed his victims awake and aware of what was happening.
His golden eyes slowly opened, glazed with sleep and a light that sent a shiver of warmth down her spine. He was irritated, and after another brief struggle, he had Tranquility firmly tucked and secured beneath his powerful body. Until he chose, Tranquility was not leaving his side.
Tranquility lay motionless, all too aware of how masculine the stranger was. Had she let him in? She remembered staggering home, but everything had been a haze afterwards. Perhaps he had helped her inside, but that didn't explain why he was in her bed!
There was a strange moon on his forehead, but it only added to his character. He was soon asleep again, giving her no choice but to do the same. Sesshomaru growled one last time, nipping at her shoulder. 'Why do you resist?' his sleepy mind demanded. 'You will rest.'
Sesshomaru had felt her try to leave, thinking she was running again. He snarled, easily pinning her smaller form beneath him. Unable to move or fight back, she had no choice but to comply to his will. As he drifted between awareness and a peaceful slumber, he would nuzzle her neck. His youkai was outraged that she try to defy him, taking her resistance as a challenge to his authority as the dominant partner of their relationship.
Gradually it subsided, convinced that Tranquility was still unaware of her actions. Two hours later, Tranquility woke to an empty bed. Had it been a dream? She sighed in frustration. If she were lucky, she could make it to school in time for lunch and pray that the teachers would accept her being sick. At seventeen, Tranquility had managed to save money from a job to buy her own place, finally able to leave the orphanage. She was still flat on her stomach, but the man was gone.
His scent filled her nose, making it hard to shake his all to real presence. Tranquility turned her head, making out the imprint of his body on her bed. She blushed in horror. Was she so easy that she could allow a total stranger to share her bed?
'This Sesshomaru is not a stranger. Your place is by my side. Why does such an idea trouble you?'
Her eyes widened. He so easily spoke to her, not even having to be in the same room. She thought of hiding beneath her covers for the remainder of the day, but apparently Sesshomaru disagreed. 'Why do you fear this Sesshomaru? Come to me, Lunarian.'
She wanted to refuse, to ignore everything he said. It was impossible how he could have such a powerful affect on her, yet here she was already climbing out of the bed and entering the living room. He was inspecting her television, but ignored the strange contraption the moment he sensed her presence. Tranquility backed away, and Sesshomaru easily captured her.
Tranquility shoved at his chest, but she could have been pushing at a wall. "Who are you?" She hoped that her voice didn't reveal her growing terror. Tranquility knew that this man was possessive, his mind set on having her. There was no middle ground for him. He wanted, no demanded all of her. Why now? She closed her eyes, fighting back the sob that threatened to choke off her air supply.
Bitter tears fell down her cheeks, and her determination to break free became all the more frantic. Sesshomaru calmly brushed them away, allowing her to weaken before he moved, pulling her to the couch. "My name, at this moment, would mean nothing." Tranquility was born of the sun and moon, having lived most of her life among the Solarians.
"You were only a dream! Dammit, it wasn't supposed to change!" Tranquility shouted in defiance, too drained to fight any longer. Sesshomaru's grip became more restrictive, his chin resting on her neck. 'How strong is this man?'
"This is foolish, little one. You were always stubborn, but I have never known you to fight a losing battle. Solarian, I will only tolerate so much."
"Solarian? Why do you call me that? You've called me Lunarian as well. I'm human, aren't I?"
Tranquility cried out, surprised at his explosion of rage. His fingers loosened their painfull grip against her sides, but he was no less angry. "Never! Have you not noticed how different you are from these pathetic mortals? Why is it you possess lavender eyes, a trait that is far from human?"
"No! I won't believe you! This is all a dream..." She closed her eyes, knowing she'd wake up and her fever would be gone. "...all a dream."
He stared at her in frustration. Slowly, he cupped her chin, still holding her securely with his other arm. With his newly restored hand, he brushed his fingers against her cheek, capturing her gaze with his golden eyes. How could she not know him? She was Tranquility, but he noticed differences about her. He had seen the loneliness and hopelessness in her expression as she sank into unconsciousness barely a few hours ago. Sesshomaru thought about bringing her back to his world, but he knew that she needed time.
"I will give you the time needed to adjust to my presence, but this foolishness will cease. I am not a dream, nor have I ever been."
Tranquility whimpered, but Sesshomaru had run out of patience, holding her captive as he claimed her mouth with a fierce growl. His youkai screamed for release, to fully take what was rightfully is. Sesshomaru viciously held it back, determined to only hold and kiss his Lunarian Princess senseless. This nonsense that he was only a dream would not be an issue between them again.
His teeth teased and nimped, asking and demanding she open her lips. Her fingers slowly uncurled, wrapping around his neck as she complied to his every desire. He didn't relent, giving her bare seconds to take in a gulp of air as he coaxed and caressed her tongue, igniting a fire that he knew would leave her wanting and frustrated.
Sesshomaru was in no hurry to return home, knowing Rin was protected by Jaken. His hand slid up her leg, tracing the outline of her skirt. She froze, but trying to break loose was pointless and a waste of energy. "I have to go," she said, needing distance from the overwhelming male. He smirked, shifting her weight until they were both comfortable.
"No."
"But..."
Sesshomaru didn't hesitate to bite her shoulder, ignoring her yelp of surprise. He would not risk her health, and she was being careless. Tranquility had no real desire to attend school, but chose it as a safety net. Sesshomaru would not give her the chance to deny his existence. He was real and he had more than enough time to convince her.
"You will stay."
"Dammit," she snarled in frustration, ignoring the look of pure male dominance in his expression. "I can't fall behind. Unlike the other students, I can't afford to attend their school unless my grades remain on top!"
As if he were speaking with an impatient child, he stroked her hair. Tranquility had trouble focusing, her eyes sliding shut. "You will stay..." he whispered, each word a nip against her soft neck. Soon, she was asleep, still needing rest. He could feel the fever that threatened to return.
The days seemed to drift by in a daze, Sesshomaru always near. Tranquility soon gave up trying to run, knowing he would never allow her to leave while her fever continued to come and go. Why was she so sick?
Rei glanced at her cousin, watching her enter through the gates. Silently, Kagome shook her head, a silver haired teen by her side. He seemed tense, and his eyes continued to scan the empty streets. He was protective, and extremely possessive. Hojo had tried to ask her out on another date, a mistake considering InuYasha had been standing less than two feet away.
"Any word?" Rei asked anxiously.
Kagome scowled, her dark eyes troubled. "The police said she was fine and to leave her alone. Her *HUSBAND* is caring for her."
"Husband?" Rei gasped. "Tran doesn't have a husband. Did you tell them that?"
"They won't believe a word I say; not when they think he's the big owner of Western Land Corporation!"
"Are they blind? He looks like he's from the history books, not some multi-billionaire!"
"Kagome," InuYasha growled, whispering something in her ear. Kagome paled, all thoughts of arguing forgotten. "If you insist on keeping me out of this affair, then allow these police people to do their job. They already told you that she's been extremely sick. Sesshomaru allowed them to see her."
"He's not her husband!" Rei snarled in frustration, trying to speak sense into the strange boy. Why did he always wear a baseball cap and what was with his hair? Nobody grew it that long anymore; did they?
InuYasha snorted, already walking away. "I'll be at the shrine, Kagome. I suggest you convince your friend how dangerous Sesshomaru can get. Tranquility is still alive, so it's safe to bet that killing or harming your friend is not Sesshomaru's intention."
Rei glared at the silver haired hanyou, wondering if their were laws about catching his clothes on fire. She refused to accept anything the police said, needing to see Tranquility for herself. Why would they confuse a demon with a powerful business man?
"Kagome, I'll meet you after school."
"Rei, we need to be patient."
"Tran has been our best friend for over ten years. It's apparent that both InuYasha and yourself fear Sesshomaru, but won't tell me why."
Kagome threw her arms up in defeat, watching Rei head in another direction, skipping school. "Tran, I hope you're alright?"
Fresh hair brushed against her cool face, her fever finally broken. It felt good to hold down a bowl of soup, the strong arm around her waist supportive as the other held her bowl as she sipped. Tranquility blushed, but he seemed not to care how intimate this act seemed to be. Sesshomaru had been silent during her morning meal, watching and waiting.
Tranquility sighed. How did one convince an arrogant male that she had school? She knew Kagome and Rei would be worried, but Sesshomaru had been firm in his resolve to keep her close and in bed. Tranquility hated any sign of weakness and had tried to resist Sesshomaru's efforts at nursing her back to health. That was before she had ended up with a bowl of hot soup in her lap.
Sesshomaru had prevented all other acts of defiance, having her firmly against his side before he gave her food or water. Her arms were usually trapped in an unbreakable grip, giving her no choice but to do as he wanted. Why was he so insistent that she get better? It's not like he cared. Sesshomaru snarled, breaking Tranquility from her thoughts. She had forgotten that he was a constant shadow in her mind, his response a swift bite on her shoulder.
"This foolish thinking will stop!" Setting aside her empty bowl, Sesshomaru yanked Tranquility into his lap, amused by the red creeping to her ten toes. She felt uneasy in his presence, and slightly frightened of his aggressive possession. Tranquility was slowly accepting him as a part of her life, but given the chance he knew she'd try to flee from it. She was terrified of him abandoning her, and Tranquility was determined not to give into the Western Lord without a fight.
Sesshomaru had been extremely patient with Tranquility, far more than he would have been if she were anyone else. His hand rested on her upper thigh, holding her in place as he captured her violet gaze. Her heart beat quickened, and in seconds she was relaxing against him. She was horrified by her actions, but her body didn't seem to obey anything she screamed at it any longer.
"I've never met you," she tried to tell him.
"You know who I am, Tranquility." She jerked at his feather light touch, but he gave her no room to squirm away.
"I'm not like this! I mean... Men aren't a part of my life and..."
"This Sesshomaru will not tolerate other men!" he snapped dangerously, his golden eyes rimmed in red. "I'll kill anyone that dares to touch you, to take what I've waited five centuries for!"
Tranquility blinked, but before she could panic, Sesshomaru flipped the confused girl on her back. His hand continued to hold her leg, keeping her in a vulnerable and submissive position. He was fully aware that Tranquility had no knowledge of her past, one point that worked in his favor. She had no concept of what she was or the power that she possessed.
Sesshomaru remembered their little battles in the past, his youkai quivering at the thought of a challenge. He would wait, but his youkai was growing dangerously impatient. It wanted Tranquility, to reclaim what had been savagely ripped away from him. Sesshomaru was easily taking advantage of her, knowing what she liked and didn't like.
Tranquility despised being in a weaker position, but he had also learned from previous experience that she would accept nothing less of her soul mate. She was unbelievably strong, even now as he held her. It was her lack of knowledge that worked in his favor and Sesshomaru didn't hesitate to throw her every sense into overload.
Her eyes flashed, and for a brief moment, Sesshomaru thought she meant to challenge him. His hand moved lower, stopping at the hem of her skirt. Tran trembled, unable to stop him, or wanting him too. Two weeks he had been in her home, and Sesshomaru was quickly taking over not only her life, but her heart. For far too long she had always wanted to be desired, to have a man completely look at her the way Sesshomaru did.
His aura screamed possessive, arrogant and very demanding. Tranquility thought she would hate these qualities, but with Sesshomaru it was different. She doubted that he was even aware how imperial he could be and acted. Tran sighed, finally understanding. Sesshomaru would never lessen his grip or control until she willingly accepted him as a part of her life.
Sesshomaru watched her internal battle and the change in her scent as she came to a decision. She was frightened, but not of him. Tran was only terrified of the concept that Sesshomaru would quickly tire of her. A gentle pressure on her lips dismissed the idea, a nip that asked for entrance.
'Is he purring?' In seconds he was gently stroking her hair, calming her as he teased and tasted her mouth. Sesshomaru continually had to remind himself that Tranquility needed more time to accept him, that she was not yet ready for the kind of demands he wanted of her.
Pulling away, Sesshomaru slowly stood, stretching his tight muscles. He hid his knowing smile at her soft whimper, allowing her to rise and change into a clean uniform. His arm snaked around her slim waist, pulling her back against his strong chest. Warm breath bathed her skin, "You will return."
Tranquility froze, hearing the note of fear in his voice. It never dawned on her that anyone else could possibly feel as alone as she had been for the past ten to twelve years. Turning until she faced him, Tran brushed his face with shy fingers, clearly seeing the vulnerability in his expression. He tried to hide it, and suddenly she knew that Sesshomaru didn't want her for desire only, but because he desperately needed her.
How many times had he stopped himself from taking what he wanted? For the first time in weeks, she truly smiled, her eyes warm and trusting. This was her wish; why should she fight it so hard? Did she dare to believe in a dream after all? "If you're still here, then I guess we won't have a problem."
"This is nonsense," he growled, but allowed her to pull away. "Your place is here, not at a place you hate."
"School is necessary," she laughed, already grabbing her bag and a lunch. Sesshomaru frowned. "What?"
"A piece of bread? You're far too thin to eat such small portions."
"I thought thin girls was what a guy liked."
"This Sesshomaru will bring you food."
"But..." A single touch was all it took, wrapping her deeper into his hypnotic gaze. "Arguing is pointless with you," she sighed.
"You will return," he insisted. It was almost a question. Sesshomaru almost refused to let her go, afraid of the past repeating itself. He had to trust in her.
Slowly she rose to the tip of her toes, lightly kissing his lips before she raced out the door. Did he follow? Sesshomaru growled, unsure of what he was supposed to allow. She was no longer a part of his era, raised to think and act a certain way. Even Kagome acted like Tranquility, defiant of any authority that restricted her freedom.
The women of Kagome's time expected to be seen and treated as an equal, a rarity among the demon and human world of his time. It was that very freedom that had taken her from him. 'Lunarian, the human race is wrapped in your fate,' he promised.
'Sesshomaru...' He growled in satisfaction. She no longer denied his existence, but he was still had a long road in front of him. Did he dare to bring her back to Feudal Japan? 'Not all humans are bad.' Sesshomaru blinked. Tranquility was acknowledging that he wasn't human. A rare smile reached his eyes, a piece of his bitter shell cracking.
Tranquility didn't tell Sesshomaru, but she was very aware of what he was. Now that her fever was gone, she could recall every mythological legend from throughout the history of Japan. Sesshomaru was always a big part of it, neither an enemy nor a friend of the human race. He was the demon lord of Western Japan, alone after the murder of his wife.
It was an old story, one that had earned her an A as she researched every angle of his background. There had been other legends, of several kingdoms that didn't always reside on Earth. Had his wife not been of the Solarian and Lunarian world?
Come to think about it, he referred to her as either of them frequently. Why? She was human, but he had become intensely angry when she had tried to tell him this. Sesshomaru was confusing.
'Stop insisting that you're one of those weak mortals! I would never choose a human to mate with!'
'That's such an ancient term. People here use the word marriage. And stay out of my head! I can't even think here anymore!'
'Your thoughts lead to trouble, little Lunarian.'
'Weren't Lunarians a peaceful race? I think you're confused. I love to fight and this conversation is totally insane!'
'Figthing me is pointless, and you were also of Solaria. Raised by your father, few had the skill or power to match you in battle.'
'I'm not Solarian or Lunarian,' she denied stubbornly. 'I'm a human girl and I dare you to try and convince me otherwise.'
'You dare to challenge me?' He seemed more amused than angry, his voice a whisper of something she couldn't quite define. 'Have you not noticed how different you are from the humans that surround you?'
'I'm not the only one that's different. Rei and Kagome have never been quite accepted among them either.'
He seemed to withdraw for a time, considering her words. 'There is some truth to what you say. She looked and acted human, that I never thought anything about her unusual scent.'
'We're not anything, Sesshomaru.'
Sesshomaru could recall the carefree seventeen year old she had been, the woman she had later become. She was always laughing and smiling, a contrast to her warrior upbringing. Tranquility had no sense of self preservation when it came to his race, never once fearing his father as she should have.
He longed to have her, to see her truly happy. Neither life had been kind to her, a correction he was determined to make. The sorrow he saw reflected in her gaze would vanish. Sesshomaru laughed, a promise of death to any human that would try to harm or take her. She had thought him a dream, but she was about to fully realize how real he was. Tranquility was his mate, and there wasn't a thing about her he didn't know.
Humans walked by the apartment throughout the morning, a plan forming in his mind. He would follow Tranquility to this school of hers, study her and discover the person she had now become. Sesshomaru clearly saw the fighter she had been, and wondered if she still had the ability? What was this school she insisted on going; a person?
He would discover her enemies and fears, slowly making his way down the crowded streets. People mentioned his silver hair, a few comparing him to some business owner. To follow Tranquility, he would need to blend in with this crowd, but how did he go about obtaining the clothing of these mortals? He wandered the streets of Tokyo, hating the loud noises of the cars and trucks that passed him.
"You're new here, aren't you?" Sesshomaru turned, surprised to see a blond teenager staring at him. In her hands, she carried a similar bag like Tranquility. Was she too a part of this school thing? "I'm late for school again."
"What is this school you speak of? Is it a person?"
The girl's eyes widened, but instead of asking questions she simply grabbed his arm and quickly headed in a direction opposite of Tranquility. They stopped at an intersection, a large stone building on the other side. "That is a school. There are others throughout Japan. All boys and girls go here to learn."
She studied the stranger closer. He was tall with silver hair and golden eyes. On his forehead he had a black crescent moon and she wondered if he was from the negaverse. Still, she couldn't sense any negative energy from him. "I'm Usagi. Would you like to go?"
"Go?" She laughed at his confused expression, oblivious to his growing anger. "Why do you mock me?"
"I'm not," Usagi said, grabbing his arm again. "I meant, would you like to go to school? You look old enough, 16 or 17?"
Sesshomaru stared at Usagi in astonishment. Surely she didn't think he was a mere child? He was over five thousand years old! Again she smiled and for a moment he could almost picture a Lunarian in her place, only with a crescent moon on her forehead and silver hair. He frowned. Did Selinity's youngest daughter not have golden hair until she was older?
Sesshomaru's growing curiosity of this girl had him agreeing to follow her. "Hai." Serenity took him to something called an office and registered him in math, history, PE and a foreign language. He would have laughed if she hadn't been around. Sesshomaru knew close to all the languages spoken on the planet, even if they had changed slightly in this world.
They gave him a uniform, and he decided not to rip the restricting thing to shreds. This was his way of learning about Tranquility's and Kagome's world and why his brother had chosen to protect a mortal. These humans were different than the ones from his world; or was it this girl and a minor few like her?
He frowned, studying the blond closer. Like Kagome, Rei and Tranquility, this girl's scent was also strange. It was not human! Sesshomaru almost snatched her arm, a thousand questions forming in his mind. He had a strong feeling there were a few others, but how were they here? Did they not all die during the Silver Millennium?
This would prove interesting and Sesshomaru would have his fun. She reminded him of the Lunarians, of their trusting and compassionate nature. Did this girl not know the meaning of fear or danger? She was far too trusting and where the hell were her protectors? Serenity was the Lunarian Princess, and Artemis had given his word!
"Usagi." The soft voice broke Sesshomaru from his thoughts, but she and the two other females confirmed his theory. They were the sailor senshi, guardians of Princess Serenity during the Silver Millennium. Sesshomaru's hand itched to snatch and drag the girl from this place, his protective streak going into over drive.
"Who's your new friend?" the blue-haired girl asked.
Before Usagi had a chance to respond, he locked his eyes with all three girls, seeing a glimpse of fear in their expressions. They felt his aura, and he had a strong feeling they would recognize who he was in a few days. The four inner senshi had been older than Serenity in the past, but Queen Selinity had obviously made them close in age after they were re-born. "Sesshomaru," he growled.
"Sesshomaru, these are my friends Ami, Minako and Makato." With the exception of Usagi, all the other girls' names were exactly the same. He would know a Lunarian when he saw and smelt one, and this was most definitely Princess Serenity!
"You're late as always, I see," Makato teased her friend, ignoring her uneasy feeling of the new kid.
"I know, but Rei gave me an unusual call this morning. I've never heard her so upset and she asked that we visit after school today."
"Is it about her best friend? Rei said she hasn't appeared to school in several days."
"I think we should help her," Usagi said. Sesshomaru smirked, the girls unaware that he had been the one to anger the fire senshi. At least one of these scatter brained females had enough sense to take him seriously. Apparently Rei had not been convinced by the reports of the police officers, but she was also a powerful psychic.
Rei hated authority more than Tranquility did and always did the exact opposite of what she was ordered. Sesshomaru even recalled the time she had challenged Koga; it had been a very interesting battle. Not many would mess with a pyro.
Usagi watched Sesshomaru explore the classroom. Unlike the others, she felt completely safe around the quiet stranger. He chose a chair towards the back of the classroom, but even here, he couldn't escape the attention of all the females in the room. "Your friend is kind of cute, Usagi," Minako mentioned, wondering if the guy had a girl friend.
"Hai." Usagi watched him for the rest of the day. He seemed intrigued by the history class, flipping through the different pages and asking the teacher several questions. Rarely did a student actively participated in the discussion, his fascination growing with each class.
Usagi's feeling that he was not of this world intensified, but she didn't think he was a threat. Should she tell the other senshi? Usagi shook her head. They would treat him as an outsider and that's not what she wanted. She also sensed a deep anger and sadness in him.
Sesshomaru, after school, followed Usagi and her friends. He heard them mention a shrine and decided it was better if he didn't go with them. Usagi started to go with the three girls, but he was also aware that they would not draw unnecessary attention to what and who they were.
They were uneasy around him, and with good reason. His last visit on Lunaria had not been a pleasant one. "Usagi," he called, gaining her attention easily. "I wish to see this place you call, Tokyo. Will you be the one to grant my request?"
The other girls were gaping at him. A part of their memories were still blocked of the silver millennium, but all of them knew a formal request when they heard it. Princess Serenity would never refuse, no matter how urgent her responsibilities were.
"Usagi," Minako asked.
Usagi was torn, her nature demanding that she honor his formal request. Lunarians were extremely honorable, and very polite. "Is it not customary for a classmate to help a new student adjust to his surroundings, to teach the culture and customs of your people?"
Makoto tensed, but Sesshomaru froze her with a glare. Usagi was oblivious to his dangerous aura, pulsating all around him as he directed all of it towards her inner senshi. "There is a girl I wish to impress." He knew he had her, and forced himself not to laugh at how predictable females could be.
"I can take you to the best shops in town."
"Usagi!" The three girls protested.
"Tell Rei that I'll meet her later. He's right, I can't just abandon him. If he gets hurt, I would never forgive myself!"
"Besides," Usagi stated, every inch of her Princess Serenity, "Five is a crowd. If my help is still needed, then you know how to reach me. The police did say that Tranquility was very sick and that she should be left alone. I remember the last time I was sick, and it wasn't that fond of a memory. Your idea of help could make it worse!"
The girls blushed, especially Minako. "Rei may visit her friend, and if she still thinks we should help, then I'll get involved. Tranquility doesn't need a bunch of strangers crowding around her!"
Sesshomaru hated to admit it, but he liked this girl. She didn't even know Tranquility, yet here she was trying to protect her. The girls wanted to say something, but with Sesshomaru so close to their friend, they didn't dare voice their fear of him. "Usagi, you know where to find us." Ami quickly ended any further discussion, knowing their friend would never judge Sesshomaru without good cause.
Sesshomaru quietly followed the blond through downtown Tokyo, learning the different sites and shops. He had no intentions of buying there clothes. It was growing late, but Usagi seemed strangely content when she was near him. She never felt this safe around Mamoru, and he was always around to keep her out of danger.
"Why do you not fear me?" He finally asked.
She gave him a secretive smile, giving him her complete attention. "The thought crossed my mind that I should, but there's no evil around you. Your anger was directed more towards my friends than myself."
"Is that the only reason you chose to accompany me?" he growled.
Usagi laughed, continuing their walk through a peaceful park. "Actually, I didn't want to here another rant from Rei. She means well, but there are times when Rei can go to far."
"Explain."
"Rei is unbelievably stubborn and loyal. If she even thinks there's a threat to a friend, Rei will stop at nothing to eliminate it. We've all grown use to it, but I don't think that's what Tranquility needs right now."
"Why are you so protective of a girl you don't know?"
"I'm not sure," Usagi said truthfully. "From what Rei described, Tran seems like the way all my friends use to be. They seem to forget how difficult it was not to be accepted, that sometimes the direct approach is not always the correct one."
Her blue gaze traveled towards the stars, sad and unlike the happy girl he had seen all afternoon. She was hiding something from the world, from the people that called themselves her friends. Sesshomaru noticed it immediately. "What happened to you?" he demanded, his voice a weapon all of its own.
Startled, she started to withdraw, but Sesshomaru was all to familiar with Tranquility to allow her sister to run either. "I..."
"I'm all too aware of who you are, Princess Serenity."
"How?"
"Answer my question, Serenity."
Usagi sighed, knowing it was pointless to lie. "I was forced to become Sailor Moon, a warrior of the moon about two years ago. The negaverse reappeared and it became my responsibility to stop them. Other enemies came and went, each battle leaving their mark. The others don't know how much I hate to fight, how I hate the idea that my fate seems to be predestined. I use to think that it was a good thing to marry Mamoru, but that was a childhood crush, a thing of the past. I don't love him, but he's my friend."
"This Sesshomaru doesn't understand," Sesshomaru snarled, the gold of his eyes replaced by a pure red. He was furious, and a calm hand stopped him from finding and killing her friends. "Why did you become the warrior of the terran system? That was never to be your fate."
"But Luna said..."
"That cat from Mau. Where was Artemis?"
"I didn't meet him until a year after I became Sailor Moon. If I've made you angry, I'm sorry."
Sesshomaru was beyond angry, and he couldn't hide it. She turned her head away, but he quickly pulled her close, promising her the protection she should have had from the beginning. "I will speak with Artemis. This is not acceptable!"
"It's ok," she replied sadly, unaware of the tears that soaked into his shirt. "I've accepted my fate."
"Sailor Moon was never your place to fill. Meet me at the school an hour early tomorrow, I will tell you the true nature of the power you possess and the one that wielded it for almost twenty years."
"What happened to her?"
"Artemis should have told you," he snapped, already guiding her home.
"Sesshomaru? Will you not tell me?"
"Sailor Moon was brutally murdered by the very people she swore to protect. I gave her back to Queen Selinity, but I never thought she would pass that role down to you. She was a born and bred fighter, something that you could never be."
"You're not from the negaverse, are you?"
"Why answer what you already know, Lunarian?"