#and if there's ever a time when chiyo wavers and starts to turn away from the path fate wants her to follow

[quietlyblooms]

going insane bc of lore's reply, and it's also made me think about how after the explosion in her lads verse, that " hand of fate " chiyo used to feel throughout her life is suddenly gone. she doesn't feel it trying to guide her anymore. why? bc chiyo isn't struggling against it anymore. her dreams and passion for art are the furthest things from her mind -- the life she thinks she should be leading and the desire to break free from her circumstances are the furthest things from her mind.

she's consumed by grief and her need for answers, so chiyo does what she always does in response to major stressors. she throws herself into her work. she fully commits to hunting wanderers and then to getting into the n109 zone, and that's exactly what fate wants. those actions will lead her to where she needs to be and the people she needs to meet. fate no longer pushes her along because chiyo is already pushing herself plenty and likely will not stop until she figures out what happened to josephine and caleb.

[mythicamagic]

Swimming in Silk - Chapter 16

Training in front of her, engaging her in conversation and now lending her his clothes…Kagome is starting to suspect that Sesshoumaru is trying to gain her attention.

Sesskag - Romance, Humour, Drama, Angst

Rated M - As always you can read this story on Ao3, fanfiction.net or Dokuga

Chapter One - here       Previous Chapter - here      Next Chapter - here

Caged Canines ~

The group travelled throughout the night, taking occasional breaks. Kagome finally called for them to properly rest once they reached the bottom of a steep cliff-face, taking shelter under a large outcrop of rock. Once they were settled, Kagome removed the arrows jutting out from Kaito's back.

With help from the remaining servants, she bandaged his wounds- wrapping his leg. The stump he was left with made him fall into pensive silence.

Kagome then tended to Inuyasha, who remained unconscious, and food was later scrounged. Inukimi shot her an 'I told you so' look, sneering at the meagre offering of wild berries. Kagome rolled her eyes, biting back a retort.

I don't exactly carry silver platters with me.

She noticed the General's silence, noting his ashen face and vacant, morose stare. Looking at him only reminded Kagome of what they'd left behind, and she quickly stood, moving to sit beside him. She couldn't bring herself to unpack all that mess just yet.

Clearing her throat, she smiled. "Inukimi, you still have that prayer bead in you, right?"

"Mn, wretched thing." Inukimi lit her pipe, taking a drag.

Kagome turned to Kaito. "General, I can't really get to the bead, and I'm worried about causing further distress to Inukimi's delicate nerves-" the Lady promptly snorted. "So…could you pull it out?" She sent him a pleading look for good measure.

His eyes seemed to refocus, back slowly straightening. "Yes…yes, of course-" he made to rise but Kagome quickly set her hand on his arm.

"I'm sure our Lady doesn't mind moving closer herself."

Inukimi tutted, but nonetheless rose, gracefully sitting beside the General and shifting furs and silks aside to bare her shoulder.

General Kaito stared, before quickly shaking himself and checking the wound. Peering around him, Kagome noticed a faded mark on her skin above the wound. Blinking, it suddenly occurred to her what it was, or rather- used to be.

A mating mark.

Inukimi met her gaze, lips quirking. "It was just a superficial mating, nothing more."

"Oh. Yeah, I remember," Kagome murmured. It looks just like mine though.

The demoness hissed, eyes snapping red as Kaito plunged two claws into her wound- successfully ripping out the bead and holding it between forefinger and thumb.

"Mind yourself," Inukimi snapped, glowering. "Gentle as ever. This one shouldn't have expected anything less from you."

"You and I both know you do not have a 'delicate nerve' in your body, my Lady. You're fine," Kaito rumbled, crushing the bead in the palm of his hand.

Inukimi dismissed him, curtly puffing on her pipe as Kaito tended to the wound. Gold eyes slid over his shoulder, noticing Kagome's silence. When she next exhaled, the smoke arranged itself into the mark of their House. Curls of cherry blossom seemed to frame it- branches entwining with the thick crescent moon. "This is what a full mating mark looks like for Inuyoukai, if you were curious~"

Kagome stared, hearing Chiyo's words. Swallowing, she lowered her gaze. "So…you knew. When you first saw my mark, you knew we hadn't completed a full mating."

"Naturally, since your life-spans did not bind."

"I wonder why. What would be the cause?"

She'd always figured as much from what Inukimi had said after the mating, but hadn't had the luxury of time to think on it. "Bokuseno said it was possible for humans and demons to mate, but when Sesshoumaru mentioned binding our lifespans, he immediately shut it down."

Kaito and Inukimi shared a glance. The Lady opened her mouth, but Kaito shook his head.

"Hey- tell me. You totally owe me big time, buddy." Kagome grumped.

The General sighed, having the grace to look mildly contrite. "Have you considered the possibility that Lord Sesshoumaru was mated before you? That you were not his first mate."

"I- no!" She gaped, mouth falling open. "H-he would have told me!"

Inukimi lifted a pale shoulder. "It is what came to my mind as well. If it were true, then there are two possibilities. Either this 'first' mate died before you, and my son remains in mourning, preventing him from binding you completely to him, or…he is still mated to her."

"There's no possibility because he isn't," Kagome said firmly. "It has to be something else."

He'd gotten so angry when she'd yelled at him about her fear of him being unfaithful. She felt in her heart that he couldn't have someone else in his life.

Someone secret.

Kagome shook her head, hugging her knees. But then, why else hadn't their mating worked? "Come to think of it, Sesshoumaru was set on talking to Bokuseno before we even mated. He asked about immortality, almost as if he'd known our mating wouldn't completely work."

The elder demons hummed, seeming to focus on the conversation to distract themselves from the present. Kagome certainly dived in too. She could still smell the burning wood of the Great Demon Tree.

"Well, I certainly do not know the reason." Lady Inukimi fixed her furs and rose. "I do not care for berries. Now that I'm healing again, this one will see if there is more…substantial food." Turning gracefully, she left their little make-shift camp.

The General and miko lapsed into silence, but it wasn't as tense as Kagome had expected it to be.

"I'm sorry," she murmured. "About your men turning on you. It's horrible."

He glanced at her in surprise, "there's no need to apologise. It was my failing that the tree was destroyed, not yours."

"It's not our fault at all…" she sighed, glancing at the night sky.

"I wish to re-join the battle." Kaito quietly admitted. "There is no honour in wallowing in injuries."

Kagome rose a brow. "You are missing a leg, sir. I think you're allowed some R & R."

"As I recall, the Lady of my House once injured her ankle, and she carried on her duties."

"Really? Inukimi did-" she stopped the moment he pointedly looked at her, gruff features arranged into something weathered but…almost gentle.

Kagome gave a slow, hesitant smile, before hearing movement. White hair slid over shaking shoulders as Inuyasha lifted himself up into a sitting position.

"Gn, crap."

"Inuyasha!" She quickly rushed over, supporting his shoulder.

Confused gold peeled open, and he winced, holding his bandaged abdomen. "The fuck…Kagome? You're here? What happened-" he tossed his head, glancing around sharply. "Where's the battle?"

"We had to take you with us and leave it behind."

Sharp teeth flashed as he growled. "Damn it! What'd you do that for! I gotta-" his ears pricked, and the Hanyou suddenly leapt up, slashing through an incoming arrow that had been sailing toward Kaito.

"Get down!" Inuyasha barked, wincing and holding his side.

A group of men and women approached, levelling arrows and spears at them. Kagome could tell from their pointed ears and colourful hair that they were youkai, but she remained uncertain about their species.

"We don't want any trouble…" she said, holding her hands up and reeling from the unexpected attack. She should have been paying better attention!

Inuyasha didn't get the hint, drawing Tetsusaiga but weakening. His bandages reddened with opened wounds.

"Hold," Kaito put his hand on the Hanyou's arm. "These are troops from the Foxes forces."

A new demon approached from the back of the group, dressed in finer armour. He rose a bushy brow, several tails swishing behind him curiously.

"General Kaito?" He motioned to the troops, who reluctantly lowered their weapons. "We heard about the West. What news do you bring?"

"It was hit quite badly," Kagome spoke up, seeing her opportunity. "Please, this group is weary, do you have any room to take them in?"

She decided not to push her luck and refrained from asking for troops to go fight for them. The apparent leader of the Fox group inclined his head.

"We have plenty of room and resources. I am sure the Den leaders would accept you. Apologies for the attack~ we're a little on edge since the clans were simultaneously attacked," he smiled broadly, a mischievous glint in his eye that reminded her of Shippo.

The servants from the West immediately jumped at the offer, hurrying forward, and even Kaito seemed relieved. Kagome glanced behind the newcomers, noticing Inukimi wryly observing them while smoking. She didn't appear thrilled at the notion of rooming with Foxes.

Kagome exhaled, wiping sweat from her brow. At least she'd gotten the group to safety.

Now I just have to return to Sesshoumaru and-

She stopped, feeling the tell-tale signs.

"Not again," she grit out, glancing at Inuyasha with panic lacing her scent. "It's happening again," she said in a thin voice.

His ears flattened, and the Hanyou glanced her over. "Kagome…"

"Go with her, whelp," Inukimi said in a firm voice. "Your wounds will slow us down, and she will only fret if she leaves you."

"But-"

"Go." Kaito nodded, shoving the Hanyou toward the girl, whose image began to waver. "Accompany the Lady."

Inuyasha stumbled, gritting his teeth and grabbing Kagome's hand on impulse just as their images sank through the ground. Time whisked them away, soaking their clothes as they found themselves adrift in the pink waters once more.

The moment they'd arrived back in the Future, chaos had broken out. Inuyasha was greeted with cries of dismay and horror from Mrs Higurashi and Souta. Bandages were grabbed, sheets were tossed over the couch and the confused Hanyou was yanked onto it. Shippo was called- arriving with one of his young kits tucked under his arm like a football.

The child was stuffed into Kagome's hands as he went to bind Inuyasha's open wounds, using magic to close them. 'Kagome, hold onto Zura- she can use level 2 magic already so be careful,' was his curt instruction.

Kagome blinked down at the little girl, whose hair was tinged a light orange. She giggled and squirmed, appearing to be no older than a human baby.

"One minute I'm in battle, then travelling- then holding babies," Kagome sighed, smiling as she sat down and bounced the child on her knee. "I guess this is my life now."

The little one made a happy noise, waving her arms. Kagome took her into the next room when Inuyasha started to curse foully- apparently not a fan of the magic.

Playing with the baby kit proved cathartic for the miko, who entertained her for a good hour. "Your Papa sure was exaggerating. I've been looking after you all this time and I haven't seen any-" Zura promptly disappeared mid-clap. "Magic."

Kagome panicked, looking around the kitchen and inwardly screaming. All she'd wanted to do was leave and find the next item to check if Sesshoumaru was alright but noooo. Vanishing babies it was.

Hearing a giggle, Kagome looked up, finding Zura on the kitchen table, gnawing on a phone.

"Hey there, missy. I'm pretty sure that's not yours," Kagome smiled, slipping the phone from her pudgy fingers and glancing at the saliva coated screen.

It showed a list of contacts, all named in alphabetical order. Kagome wiped the screen, heart leaping violently when the names scrolled down and landed on a certain one beginning with 'S.'

This was Shippo's phone, she realised.

Supporting Zura with one arm, Kagome trembled slightly. She shouldn't. He'd made it clear he didn't want to see her yet. But…

Impulsively pressing the 'Call' button, she raised the phone to her ear. It rang for a moment- before a familiar velvety voice answered.

"What is it? Has she come back?" His tone was low, voice clipped.

Kagome's breathing hitched, throat clogging. All the things she wanted to say clogged her wind-pipe. For some reason, she was rendered speechless.

"Shippo?"

The silence dragged on, and Kagome squeezed her eyes shut. Say something!

A small noise slipped past her lips, and she pressed a hand to her mouth. For some reason, the memory of Bokuseno now reared its ugly head. Tears stung her lashes.

Silence answered her, until his voice caressed her hearing once more.

"…Kagome."

She chocked on a broken giggle that bubbled to the surface. "H-hi there," she breathed.

He paused, and she could hear a faint sound like he were exhaling. "Are you alright?"

"No," she answered honestly. "I-I left the Past before I knew if you were okay. Bokuseno, he-"

"I know."

Kagome adjusted Zura in her arm, who played with her hair. "I need to know…were you safe? Do I need to hurry back?"

"Kagome-"

"Please."

"…"

That felt like enough of an answer. Her hand tightened around the phone. "I need another item then."

"If you just arrived back, that would be unwise. You'll get burned out if you return now."

"I don't care. Shippo told me that these next few jumps were important. Something happened to you after the Battle didn't it-"

"You will not endanger yourself."

"I'll find the next item with or without your help, but with would be faster."

When yet more silence answered her, Kagome grit her teeth. "Fine. I'll go looking-"

"Rest."

"What?"

"Sleep tonight and replenish at least some of your strength. Acquire more arrows…and do not take this next jump lightly."

"You're going to help me?"

"Hn, unfortunately I must, for selfish reasons. A box will be left on your nightstand for you to wake to. Only open it once you're ready."

Kagome shifted Zura, who by now was dropping off, leaning her head against her chest. "Once this jump is over…I want to meet up. I want-I need to know everything, Sesshoumaru. No more of this. No more secrets."

"This one will be there the moment you return," he rumbled quietly. "I think….the limit of my self-restraint has been reached."

She smiled slightly. He still sounded the same, even after so many years had passed for him. Releasing a sigh, she agreed to his terms. When it felt like the natural time to hang up, she hesitated to do so. Now that he was talking to her, she didn't…want to stop.

"Kagome."

"Mn?"

"Nothing has changed. What happened to Bokuseno….it has not affected anything between us."

She bit her lip to stop it from wobbling.

"Okay."

Following his instruction and not breathing a word of it to Shippo or a resting Inuyasha, Kagome had sunk into a deep sleep.

When she woke the next day, a simple black box awaited her.

"Kagome? I ran a bath for you." Mrs Higurshi knocked on the door.

Kagome paused, guilt gnawing at her. "O-okay Mom, thanks."

Dutifully, she gathered her things and took the time to bathe, sighing in the warm water. It occurred to her that she hadn't asked Sesshoumaru about a second mate, but she decided to wait until she returned. A lot of things could wait.

Getting out and drying herself, she dressed and donned her bow and arrows, picking up the box.

Setting her shoulders, Kagome opened it.

Lifting out a red tassel from within, she instantly recognised it. It was one of a pair that had hung from his armour.

It slipped from her fingers and Kagome gasped, reaching for it as it plopped into the bath water. Once her fingers closed around it- the waters turned pink, and Kagome felt herself be dragged in with a loud splash.

Faint light filtered into the dark, streaming in slants. Looking up, she noticed bars on the window obscuring the moonlight. A chill skittered down her spine, and Kagome held her damp arms, glancing around.

A large shape, around the size of a pony, lay in the shadowed space. Strained, thin breaths escaped it. Shifting closer, Kagome noticed the fur of the creature- heart leaping into her throat.

She quickly dropped to her knees beside him, hands hovering uselessly in the air.

"Sesshoumaru?" Kagome whispered.

His fur was matted, dulled grey, strands bloodied. She noticed wounds covering his form in patches, varying from scratches to slash marks. Touching his fever-warm shoulder, she shook the beast lightly.

"H-hey…what happened?" Chains connected to metal shackles tightly enclosed around his legs, a thick collar around his neck. He lay muzzled, eyes closed.

The thing that made her stomach sink, however- was the sight of metal spikes inside the collar. They dug into his flesh, obviously restricting movement. She could only imagine how painful it was to even rest his head down. Reiki boiled hotly under her skin, and she grit her teeth, trembling. "Bastards."

Pulling the muzzle off and dropping it to the floor, she gripped a shackle around his leg, feeling around it. Her fingers met paper, a sutra. She could feel reiki sparking over it.

The heat under her palm shifted. Kagome sighed with relief when he seemed to wake- only to lurch back when a loud snarl pierced her eardrums.

In a flash- he'd twisted, snapping large jaws.

Sharp teeth sank into her arm. Crying out, panicked tears immediately stung her eyes. Kagome pressed the heel of her free hand into his muzzle desperately.

"Let go!"

A rumbling, strangled snarl reverberated around the room she now knew to be a cell. Kagome didn't dare tug her flesh free. She stared in horror at glowing red eyes, shining viciously bright in the dim light. Another growl hissed out from his teeth.

"S-sesshoumaru, it's me, Kagome." She chocked out. "Don't you recognise me?"

Crimson blinked. They then blinked again, body seeming to tense. Slowly, the pressure on her arm eased. Teeth peeled free, allowing blood to spill out from the puncture wounds. Something seemed to ghost over his inhuman expression, dusty recognition.

A hot tongue lapped over the wounds, and he whined quietly.

Kagome cradled her arm, easing back slightly.

"I-It's okay," she breathed shakily, trying to stop the bleeding. Chains clinked on the ground and the miko jolted when he licked her again, gaze lowered. The more he carefully tended to her, the more her heart slowed, and she allowed him to clean the wound.

"I-I guess I took you by surprise," she murmured. When he didn't answer, her lips thinned. "I'm guessing you can't transform."

Tired red eyes slid up to look at her, tongue dragging over her skin. Kagome tentatively touched his head gently. "I'm going to set you free. Don't worry, okay Mr. Fancy feet?"

Peeling his tongue from her skin, he lifted his head, crooning softly. Kagome's brows furrowed. She'd never seen him like this before.

Standing, she winced, ignoring the pain of her arm and glancing around. There was a single door in the room with bars on the small look-in window. At the other side of the room was the larger barred window, which she realised was on the ground floor, looking out towards trees.

Kagome moved back to Sesshoumaru's side. "If I can get you out of these, do you think you'll be able to break through those bars?"

He gave a nod and Kagome carefully knelt down to peel the sutras off the shackles. Reiki sparked, but her own power dwarfed the seals. Overpowering them, she rendered them useless, peeling off the paper. That left the shackles, which required keys to unlock.

Figuring there were probably guards stationed nearby, she leaned down to her mate's ear, murmuring her plan.

Two Priests had come running the moment they'd heard screaming coming from the cell. The door burst open- and they rushed in, taking in the sight of the woman cowering near the wall.

"How did you get in here?"

"I-I don't know! Please, just get me out!" Kagome trembled, not moving an inch.

The two walked further in, not wary in the least of Sesshoumaru's still form, which was turned away from them. There was nothing to fear from muzzled demons, they figured.

The moment they were close enough however- the demon lunged.

Kagome turned her face away as his jaws ripped them apart. He latched large teeth into the necks- twisting and causing a sickening snapping sound. She could only take so much as the noises of flesh being torn from bone bounced off the walls.

"S-sesshoumaru, that's enough."

The sounds died down. Soon enough, hot, sticky breath fanned over her cheek. Metal clinked off the floor as a key was dropped to her feet. Kagome turned to look at him, shakily smiling.

She set him free, and they made their escape.

Her lungs were on fire.

The pair had barely made it a mile from the lone prison they'd broken out of. Kagome didn't know where they were, or how to find safety. She just wanted to keep running with him. Sesshoumaru was in a bad state, limping and trailing blood onto the ground. No matter how far they ran into the forest, Kagome knew it was only a matter of time until-

She heard a noise behind them.

The warmth at her side collapsed, and Kagome's heart lurched. "Sess-Sesshoumaru," she panted. "Get up, please. We can't stop here."

Quick breaths escaped him, form shuddering as red eyes squeezed shut. His lips were peeled back, revealing sharp teeth. She could practically feel his pain.

Instinct roared in her veins as she heard their pursuers approach. They had two choices. Fight or flight.

And flight clearly wasn't an option any more.

Kagome turned on her heel to face them, panting hard. By the time they burst from the bushes, she'd drawn her bow. Meeting each of their gazes, she trembled, breaths loosening fast and hard from her lungs. The Priests paused raising their staffs while one padded forward.

"Stand aside, girl. Allow us to take the demon back and no harm will befall you."

"Take one step closer and I can't promise the same," she exhaled, temper spiking. "H-he's like this because of you. What you did to him is unforgivable."

The head Priest glanced at Sesshoumaru's form behind her. "He is not human, clearly he has ensnared you," he took a step closer and Kagome let the arrow fly.

It sang through the air, piercing through his shin.

"I warned you. Back off!" She yelled, baring her teeth.

He gasped and dropped to one knee, while the other Priests shouted and rushed forward.

"No, don't!" The head Priest shouted, but they did not listen. One drew a bow and fired at Kagome, who raised her shield- the arrow harmlessly ricocheting off.

Panicking as their large numbers threatened to overwhelm her, Kagome cried out. Automatically, she notched another arrow and fired. Just like fighting a demon.

One Priest fell to the ground dead- arrow jutting out of his neck. Sweat pricked the back of Kagome's neck, but she barely had time to react, stumbling back when another swung his staff at her- shattering the barrier.

Another notch, and another life gone, Kagome gasped when her side was hit- sending her to the floor on her back. A Priest stood over her, raising his staff once more- but her eyes were on the other two men. They were carrying seals, their attention not on her, but on Sesshoumaru.

Feeling something hit her head, Kagome's vision swam, but she rolled on her stomach, notching her bow with shaking hands. Drawing the bowstring back- she gasped as another thud slammed into her back.

They were going to take him, she realised. They would drag him back to that cell and he'd slowly die- from shame, if not from wounds.

Her mate's head lay tilted at an odd angle, crumpled form sprawled over the ground where he'd collapsed. She could see the bloodied pads of his paws and remembered the sensation of his palm gliding over her skin. The reverence in his eyes.

How he'd quietly loved her.

Tears stung her lashes, a hot, large bubble erupting in her chest- bursting out as a scream. Reiki rushed out, fanning through the men and freezing them stock still. Drawing herself to sit back on her knees, Kagome ran on instinct.

She killed the remaining men with methodical shots, barely comprehending it as she let the arrows fly.

The man who had been striking her choked, falling to the earth last. Fast, erratic breaths escaped her, and she barely noticed the blood caking her forehead. Shakily, she made to stand, only to stumble to the ground again.

Breathing out, Kagome took a moment, pulling herself forwards and crawling on her hands and knees to Sesshoumaru, laying her head on his back. Curling her hands in his fur, she hid her face in the warmth of his side, shoulders trembling.

But a nagging thought kept entering her mind. We're too exposed.

More Priests could show up, or a demon could stumble upon them, lying helpless in the clearing. Kagome slid her arm around his back, moving to support him under his damaged neck.

"Come on," she murmured. "Get up. That's it- good."

It took some work, and progress was slow, but the two managed to limp from the gruesome clearing, leaving the bloodbath behind.

They'd found shelter under a canopy of thick bent branches which curled down, their ends almost touching the earth as though the wind had bent them out of shape. Kagome tore the end of her top off, using it to bandage her arm. In all the chaos, she'd left her bag behind in his cell. They sat under the shade, remaining there as the sun rose. Kagome got to work on cleaning Sesshoumaru's wounds, only able to do a few as her water container hooked onto her belt loop soon ran out.

Sighing, Kagome stroked her fingers through his coarse fur, glancing at his sleeping face. He looked exhausted even while resting.

Having to forgo building a fire for warmth- since they needed to avoid detection, Kagome settled in, deciding to wait for his wounds to heal.

Sometime in the dead of the next night, Kagome sat up. She'd been laying down close to Sesshoumaru's side, sleepless as she listened out for the faintest noise. For some reason though, the rhythmic breathing of her mate had fallen silent.

A horrid, blind panic winded her, much like a punch in her stomach. Kagome grabbed his shoulder and shook it hard.

"Sesshoumaru?"

Pressing her ear against his chest, Kagome waited. After a moment, his heart thudded, and the quiet breathing continued.

A small noise escaped her, and exhaling shakily, she crawled under the inuyoukai's arm, nestling her face into an uninjured part of his neck as she absorbed the warmth of his chest, feeling it rise and fall. Wrapping her arms around him, Kagome squeezed her eyes shut, the fur tickling her cheek when he eased closer, lured in by her scent.

"Don't scare me like that."

For some reason, in her dreams, she imagined him licking the tears from her cheeks.

The next day arrived and Kagome hunted for food- a little alarmed when Sesshoumaru would wake only to swallow the rabbits whole and only be conscious for a short while.

With a small bubble of worry, she realised something that had been nagging at her.

His wounds weren't healing.

She decided to urge him to move during the day, carefully navigating through the woods and finding a waterfall.

The falls weren't too high, and the pool was shallow enough that Kagome felt it was safe to chance bathing him. Sliding into the water with the white beast and supporting him, the water soon plumed with bursts of red, which streamed out from his fur.

His red eyes remained harrowed and tired. Kagome's brows drew together as she slid her hands over his muzzle. "What's wrong? Did they do something else to you?"

Of course, he couldn't answer. Pressing her lips together Kagome eased around his side. "You know, when we're in the future together properly, we better have sleepovers. And I don't mean sleeping in the same room together, Mr." She slid her hand over his ribs under water, checking between the strands carefully.

She blabbered to distract them both. "I expect the works. I'm talking my favourite movies, marshmallows on hot-chocolate, forts made of sofa cushions and possibly painting each other's nails," she giggled weakly.

Sesshoumaru released a soft huff, tail trailing in the water. He then jolted and snarled when her fingers touched his hip. Kagome ripped her hand away and backed off.

"I-It's okay…" glancing at the spot, she noticed that his other wounds didn't seem to be bleeding anymore. However, a stream of red kept leaking out at his hip.

Quickly finishing up bathing him, Kagome helped guide him up onto the grassy verge, hesitating. "Sesshoumaru, were you shot or something? Or could it be-" a memory came to mind. She'd asked Inukimi something similar. "A prayer bead," she sighed.

Glancing at him, Kagome patted his ribs. "I need to look. Promise not to bite this time?"

It broke her heart to see the distrust flash across his inhuman features. Sesshoumaru then seemed to shake himself, laying his head down on his paws and making a noise as though giving permission.

Parting the thick layer of wet fur at his hip, Kagome looked at the deep wound, squinting. Sesshoumaru's muscles tensed, but she didn't attempt to start prodding. "I think I can see something, but it's too far in. We need help."

His lip lifted in a silent sneer.

"Don't be like that. There's still allies around. The Foxes, the Wolves, your mother, General Kaito…"

Kagome trailed off when intelligent red eyes shifted to her. He then glanced at a large tree, rumbling in a gravelly tone. His ears dropped, and he rested his head on his large paws.

Does he know about Bokuseno already?

Stroking his fur, Kagome sighed. She didn't ask. Not about anything. If he'd been captured, she could only imagine what had happened at the Western Stronghold. Just how long had he been there? Being tortured like that?

There was a listlessness in his eyes that she didn't want to confront, and she kept her silence until they found shelter in a cave a few hours later.

Sesshoumaru wasn't able to move very far distances with his injuries, and with the prayer bead lodged in his muscle, Kagome figured that was what kept him from healing. As such, they were in Limbo.

Resting against his side, she watched the rain fall outside the mouth of the cave. She was keenly aware that she may not have much time left with him.

If I left right now, he could be in real danger. No one is around to help.

Kagome's lips thinned. He needed help, and she was the only one who could find it for him.

The Daiyoukai continued to doze, feeling gentle fingers comb through his fur. The familiar, comforting scent was the only reason he allowed himself rest, vile memories fading with her touch.

"Sesshoumaru…I-I'm going to go get help."

He was too deep in sleep to really register her words and only sought to drink in her fragrance when something soft was nestled under his nose. Exhaling, he drifted on, barely noticing the soft kiss pressed against his brow.

The next afternoon, he eventually woke to two dead rabbits, a note, and her coat under his paws.

'Don't leave the cave' it said. 'I've gone to find help- be back soon!'

When she'd slipped out of the cave, Kagome had realised with a wince that it could easily start raining again. That meant no scent trail for Sesshoumaru's potential rescuers to follow once she found them.

I have no idea where I even am.

With no string available, she'd removed her sweater, tearing it and wrapping some of the pink material around a branch of a tree near the cave.

She now shivered from the breeze, clad in her t-shirt and continuing through the wooded area. She stopped every so often to mark the trail via the pink scraps.

"I deserve at least five self-care days after this."

Kagome moved her arm to wipe her brow- only to wince. The wound stung, aching as air caressed the puncture marks left behind by Sesshoumaru's teeth. Her brow furrowed. She'd never seen him like that before. Feral, almost. Scared.

Now that she was alone with her thoughts, she could picture the faces of the men she'd killed more clearly. However, what alarmed her was that she did not feel guilt or sadness.

The miko felt a surge of heat, setting her teeth on edge. No, instead of that, she could only fight the insidiously cruel desire of wanting them to suffer more. She touched the marks on her shoulder, remembering Sesshoumaru's wounds. The way he shook at night.

I can't ever forgive them.

Fierce yearning to go back and hold him washed over her.

Kagome hurried on.

When she reached the start of a trail that would lead her up the crest of a mountain, Kagome decided it would be a good idea to travel up to gain her bearings. So, she trekked the long walk up, savouring her newly replenished water. She walked until the colours of dusk painted the sky, and the last strand of her sweater rested in her hands.

Kagome reluctantly tied it around a small rock. She swallowed a lump in her throat, overlooking the view.

Nothing. She didn't recognise the valley below her, and she hadn't come across a single person, man or youkai.

The greenery had given way to dirt. Thin, willowy trees randomly dotted the landscape instead of the lush oak or ash trees of the forest below. Kagome trudged on, and when she came to a spot that she'd usually tie a piece of sweater to, she exhaled.

Straightening her spine, she reached over her shoulder. The only thing I've got left to use is…

The breeze stirred her waist-length hair as Kagome collected it into her palm. She brought out a small knife, gripping the strands tight. Gripping the black locks just below the nape of her neck, she cut them loose.

After resting under a fallen tree, Kagome pushed on a few hours after. Tired, hungry and not even remotely paying attention to her surroundings, Future Sesshoumaru's warning felt like a million miles away until it happened.

She'd been tying another few strands of her hair around a tree branch- when a rough, clammy hand had grabbed her throat.

Kagome lurched back, choking. A handful of soldiers surrounded her, their armour weathered and dirty. Deserters, perhaps.

"Let…go!" Kagome grit out.

"Look what we got here, boys. Seems we've found someone to keep us warm up here in the mountains." The one choking her grinned, amused by her struggles.

Kagome instinctively placed her hands on his, forcing reiki out. It sparked on his skin- and he gave a cry, releasing her and ripping his hand away.

"What the hell- holy powers aren't supposed to harm humans!"

She heaved air into her lungs, swaying on her feet. "I don't- gn…see any humans." Kagome glared, holding her throat and backing up.

They drew their weapons, lunging forward with shouts from the leader to grab her. Her heart lurched, and Kagome quickly fumbled with her bow- dropping an arrow to the ground. She wouldn't be quick enough!

Losing her footing, Kagome landed hard on her side, hitting her temple. She tried to raise her shield but it broke apart like sugar glass.

When the ringing in her ears subsided however, snarls replaced it. Howls and harsh growls thundered in the air just as tanned and white wolves descended on the soldiers. They were ripped limb from limb- their cries falling on deaf ears as Kagome panted.

Tears pricked her eyes.

Someone stepped into her eyeline, and she dimly looked up, a strangled, happy noise escaping her. Standing, she threw her arms around Kouga.

"Ach! K-Kagome?" He blinked. "The hell- why are ya here on our turf alone? Where's Dog Breath and the Lord of Dog Breaths?"

Kagome opened her mouth- but then froze, feeling something light rest on her head. She looked up, finding snowflakes beginning to fall from the sky. The pull of time clawed at her feet once more, and she gripped his shoulders tight, pulling back to look at him.

"Sesshoumaru is injured. You have to go find him, Kouga. I wrapped my hair around some tree branches and it'll lead you back some of the way. From there, follow my patches of pink sweater until you see a cave. He'll be inside. H-he has a prayer bead stuck in his hip-" she rushed out.

Kouga stared when she didn't immediately disappear. "Why are ya talkin' so quick?"

"You'll see in a second!" She huffed, looking at him seriously. "Please help him."

He scratched his cheek, but nodded, starting when she began to sink through the ground.

"You look a little older," Kagome murmured, smiling gently. "But you're still the same. I know I can count on you."

Kouga opened his mouth to reply, thoroughly confused and alarmed when a strange, unknown scent pulled her from his arms. She disappeared, form fading through the earth.

He stared at the ground, before raising his head and looking at Ginta and Hakkaku. "Anyone got any idea what that was about?"

[lupizora]

Curiosity

This was my piece for the @thebnhaspacezine! It was an honor to work together with so many amazing artists and writers to raise funds for The Trevor Project! I enjoyed the whole process greatly, and it was fun to indulge myself into writing about Mecha suits and space with no other than the kickass Kendou (she is one of my favorite BNHA girls in the series). ^w^

Also, a big thank you to my lovely beta readers, @kacchansass and @myloveistoblame for their tremendous help into polishing this story. 

This fic wouldn't have been the same without you~ ♥

Genre: Science Fiction/Adventure

Pairing: Gen

Rating: G

Word Count: 1996

Summary: Satellite Maintenance Leader Kendou Itsuka has faced several challenges during her duties in the past. When an accident occurs, Kendou's choice brings her a step closer to the answer they had been searching for all along.

“Ground Control to Major Tom. Do you copy?”

Kendou smiled as her T-5 mobile suit came to a halt in a series of tremors. The crew never stopped finding new ways to joke about her promotion for the past six months. It didn’t bother her though. Kendou considered it endearing that they indulged her when she was blasting classical music during work. It made the routine of the Satellite more bearable.

She flicked the intercom switch over her head. “Major Tom to Ground Control. How are you guys?”

“Same old, same old.” Fukidashi’s voice wavered through the speakers, the volume rising and lowering as if he was underwater. It was a common characteristic of his species as their heads were an ever-shifting liquid. “Anything new to report, Major?”

Kendou glanced to her right. Floating like a pearly white lance in front of Beta, the Satellite continued its orbit around the planet. Her mobile suit clung on the third crescent structure that circled around the main shaft. Its slow rotation always allowed Kendou to see Alnitak Aa in the distance. Despite several parsecs separating them, her home planet was not able to hide the blue supergiant star. It reminded Kendou of a permanent sun rising behind an invisible horizon.

“Nothing out of the ordinary,” she said. “Dunno if the others have anything else to report.”

“Aren’t they with you?” he asked.

“I’m on my way to them.” A cold feeling traveled along her spine, and Kendou restarted the suit. “What’s wrong?”

Fukidashi took a lot of awful seconds to reply. “We haven’t been able to reach them for fifteen minutes now.”

“And their marks?”

“They are all glitching except yours. I thought it was another interference honestly.”

She sighed. “No need to panic. Make sure backup is on standby and wait for my signal.”

“Roger!”

The T-5 gained speed, its legs thumping against the surface of the Satellite. Her heartbeat pounded as if Kendou was the one running, and her link with the suit wasn’t the only thing responsible. Even the slightest deviation from the routine amounted to a threat. That was the nature of working on nothing remotely Earth-based.

The construction site came into focus along with the bright red TALOS suits of her teammates. They were under attack. Bots swarmed over their every direction as if the surface had come to life. Whatever they did must have been serious to receive such a massive reaction. Kendou didn’t want to point fingers at the moment. She wanted them safe. With a powerful jump, she landed on a robot that threatened the T-6 of Kodai Yui.

“You okay?” Kendou asked.

Kodai gave her a thumbs-up with the suit.

Kendou pointed in the direction she came from. “Communication works that way. Tell them we need reinforcements.”

Kodai seemed hesitant but lead the T-6 away nonetheless.

Up ahead, the rest of the team took a stand against the onslaught. Kendou dashed to their aid, tearing a robot from the T-13’s back.

“Nice save!” Tetsutetsu shouted through the intercom.

They stood back to back, striking down any blue light that moved. The security robots were quick on their four legs. Graced with sharp teeth and claws, they were set on tearing the TALOS suits apart.

The last member with his T-1 was kneeling a few meters away. “Care to explain what’s going on?” Kendou asked him.

“Malfunctioning,” Awase said, panic coloring his words. “Give me two minutes.”

“That’s no simple malfunctioning. What did you do?”

“Nothing! I swear!”

“It all started after we cut that damn cable,” Tetsutetsu grumbled.

“You did what?!” she yelled.

“It snapped on its own! The thing was at least a hundred years old for fuck’s sake. Whoever thought the TALOS suited this job is beyond me. I mean, look at these!” Awase rattled his suit’s burly arms. “You’re putting them to better use now.”

Kendou punched a robot out of the T-1’s range. “Stop complaining like an old man and tell me the plan.”

“I say we punch the thing into oblivion,” Tetsutetsu said.

Awase cursed under his breath. “I’m trying to glue these things together and bypass the security protocol on this delicate equipment. And this is your two cents?”

Kendou didn’t disagree with his reasoning. They strived to maintain a balance with this ancient machinery in the hope that it’d reveal its secrets. Violent approaches were frowned upon for that reason. They had to do something though. Damaging one small part of the Satellite wouldn’t be too troublesome. After decades of human space exploration, the technology still needed a good whack from time to time. Tools don’t make craftsmen; it is how they use them.

“Tetsutetsu! We’ll go with your plan!”

The T-13 turned around mid-punch. A jumbled mess of vowels came through the intercom as its owner tried to object.

“You serious?!” Awase screamed instead. “What part of ‘This is delicate equipment’ you didn’t catch?”

“We are running out of time! I’m gonna do it,” she said. “Just get out of the way.”

“Are you sure, boss?”

In the past, Kendou would have never done anything this reckless. She would have analyzed every variable and form a cohesive plan. They were in space, the most dangerous frontier humans had ever crossed. One thoughtless action and her life would have been at stake. But she would do anything to protect her team. After going through a lot together, their bonds ran deep enough for her to consider them as family.

“Yes! Now take him out of here!”

Tetsutetsu grabbed the T-1 from behind. While Awase struggled to free the suit from his wrestling hold, the T-13’s thrusters led both suits into the darkness of the cosmos.

The moment they were out of reach, Kendou slammed her fist on the control panel. Cracks spread on the Satellite’s surface beneath her feet. She felt rather than heard the rumble it produced, waiting until it stopped to pull her hand back. The suit’s fingers opened with ease. Nothing seemed damaged. Whopping cheers resonated through the intercom as she looked up to reassure them. Then all hell broke loose.

The explosion was soundless, as everything in space should be. So the T-5’s speakers only received Kendou’s screams. The destroyed arms unraveled outside her broken windshield like puzzle pieces floating away to join the stars. Numb and in great pain, Kendou plummeted helplessly under the crescent. Beta’s sole star appeared before her. Together with Alnitak, they cast a crown of light over the planet. Blues and reds and yellows spread around her like spilled watercolors over a dark canvas. Despite her desperation, Kendou was still wishing to protect this breathtaking view with all of her heart.

As she continued her descent into the planet’s shadow, a slice of light remained flickering outside the suit. Slowly, it transformed into a figure much alike Kendou’s. The celestial woman’s fair skin gave off a golden glow, bright enough to conceal the details of her features. Her long midnight hair blended with the cosmos; constellations dancing among the strands.

The woman entered the cockpit as if nothing was there to stop her. With no further resistance, her hands cupped Kendou’s face. They were warm, anchoring Kendou against the crippling cold that wanted to consume her whole. Her breath fogged the glass of her helmet. Still, the celestial’s eyes remained visible like two pools of endless night and knowledge. Leaning close enough for their foreheads to touch, the brightness of the lady’s form consumed Kendou’s line of vision. Her consciousness followed as everything faded to black.

Voices called her name. Someone shook Kendou’s shoulders. Opening her eyes, a blue light greeted her from above. It bounced on Tetsutetsu’s rigid hairdo, giving it a metallic glint. Tears shined on the keratin spikes around his eyes.

“Are you all right?” he shouted.

A cane smacked him on the shoulder. “She will be, if you give her some room to breathe.”

Tetsutetsu stepped back to reveal Shuzenji Chiyo, the space station’s head doctor. Behind her Awase and Kodai observed the scene, visibly relaxing after a good look at Kendou.

They were in the station’s infirmary. Screens stood in place of windows, usually running diagnostics on the current patients—Kendou in this case.

“Boss…” Awase started, clenching his fists on his sides. “We… I’m sorry for what happened! I’m ready to receive my punishment!”

“Wait a minute, man! It was my idea. You should punish me!” Tetsutetsu said patting his chest.

Shuzenji smacked their shins with deadly accuracy. “What are you younglings saying? The woman just woke up. Leave this for a later date.”

Raising her arm, Kendou returned their attention to the bed. “It’s okay... Granny.” Her voice sounded as scratchy as it was on her throat. “It was.... my call to make.”

“But-”

“No buts. She needs rest so get out!” Shuzenji pushed all three through the door and sighed when the opening closed again. “How are you feeling, dear?”  

Kendou stared at her arm. Every part of her body felt sluggish but she could move without thinking. This shouldn’t be possible. In the back of her mind, she still remembered the agony of being trapped inside her own body.

“Thank the stars something disconnected you or the damage would have been significantly worse. Your nervous system is still in shock,” Shuzenji said as she checked Kendou’s vitals. “Security robots and mines? Millennia might separate our civilizations, but we think alike. Such a shame.”

“Granny. I saw one of the Ancients.”

The old lady looked up from the tablet but said nothing, prompting her to continue.

“I wasn’t disconnected. My hands didn’t budge. I couldn’t do anything about the controls. Then she appeared.” Kendou’s breath dropped as she replayed that moment. “Like a ghost in space.”

“People hallucinate many things during a situation like this. Our radars caught no other heat signature than yours.” Shuzenji clasped her shoulder. “This was probably only a vision.”

Kendou nodded reluctantly.

While listening to the rest of the doctor’s report, her luck became apparent. Other than the lack of limb-coordination, she had minimal injuries. Two weeks of rehab and she’d return to her duties without a problem.

The reality of going through it turned out less simple. Her feet refused to step one after the other. Her fingers wouldn’t hold onto anything. However, Kendou had faced similar problems when she first applied for the space program. Truths which had shaped her entire life didn’t apply on zero gravity. This gave her hope and before long, Kendou stood inside the hangar again.

“How does it feel being back?” Awase asked from her left.

Kendou finished securing her long auburn ponytail inside the helmet. “I didn’t expect much and you know what? I wasn’t disappointed.”

He snorted. “For one, I’m glad you’re back. These past few weeks were hell.”

“Monoma can’t be that bad of a commander.”

“Just a shitload overzealous. Not gonna lie. It was a nice change of pace but it’s different with you, boss.”

“Yeah, I’m more likely to save your butt.” She punched him playfully on the shoulder.

“Truer words have never been spoken!” Tetsutetsu said as he enveloped both into a tight hug. “Let’s go, Red Oni Team!”

“Please don’t call us odd names,” Kodai said as they boarded their suits.

Stepping outside, Kendou was pleased to find the same void and stars. The Satellite was in the same spot too; its presence reminding her of an old promise.

“I’m gonna find what you are...” Her nine-year-old self vowed, stargazing from their front porch.

Kendou knew she had only a slim chance of learning the Satellite’s true purpose in her lifetime. It’d be too much to ask for the universe to reveal the rest of its many secrets. But maybe everything was more connected than it seemed. So, if she continued down this path, would it be possible to meet her savior again?

Although the cosmos remained silent, some stars flickered a little stronger than before.

A/N: For those that have purchased the zine, you might have noticed the ending here is kinda different from what's in the zine. The truth is I overestimated my word count and ended up with two additional pages. It resulted in me changing the ending to be fair for the rest of my fellow colleagues. But I really liked my original ending so this is what you see here. You could say the zine ending is exclusive to those who bought it in a way XDD