Kindred Spirits

Hot Spring Maiden,New Moon Jitters

Trying her best to silence the constant fear in her heart,Shizuka decided it would be best to take her mind off this constant stress. And what better way then to take a nice soothing bath. She soon found that Rin wanted to go with her too so without further notice,Shizuka swept Rin into her warm eyed before carrying her to the hot springs nearby. Sesshomaru watched the two humans,simply nodding before taking a seat under the tree. Hoping to get a little rest before they continued their journey. But he could sense it. Lord Sesshomaru could sense that something was about to happen tonight,something that he knew he had no choice to deal with. Beside Lord Sesshomaru was Master Jake who continued to speak of Shizuka and the mystery of exactly who or what she was. "I am not too sure what in devils that woman could be my lord. But she is indeed something of interest. And quite an unusual beauty if I may." Jaken commented with a light chuckle as at the very sound of someone commenting on Shizuka's beauty caused Sesshomaru's blood to boil in anger. But why? Why was he so angry over someone complimenting her?

She was just a human wasn't she? And she had no significant place in Sesshomaru's stone cold heart. Why did it cause him emotional pain at the thought of someone else gazing upon her beauty. She was not his. And neither did he require her to be his. So then why? Sesshomaru soon found himself on his feet,greatly alarming Jaken who immediately bowed his head before th Great Dog demon. Mumbling his sincerest apologies for his sudden outbursts but it only earned himself foot to the head. As Lord Sesshomaru casually stepped on him.

"You are...a merciful Lord."Jaken muttered before being left in Sesshomaru wake. For some reason the young Dog Demon found himself deeply concerned for the woman. The woman who unnatural beauty was enough to make any man who gazed upon her to his knees. Many times Sesshomaru struggled not to fall victim to her striking beauty. Her cold emerald eyes that seemed to mimic Sesshomaru's own cold ones. She was different,almost other worldly. What exactly was this woman? And why did she have such an effect on him. Quietly Sesshomaru made his way through the brush.

Already he could pick up Rin's scent,along with another scent. An aroma that Sesshomaru had become accustomed to,and found himself looking forward to the sweet aroma and the person it belonged to. The deer aroma smelled of sweet lotus flowers and honey,and belonged to no one else but Shizuka. Soon Sesshomaru came across a thick most belonging to the hot springs nearby. Coming into the clearing Sesshomaru could see the figure of a woman. He watched as she slipped the red kimono off her shoulders allowing it to fall to the ground at her feet.

The woman quietly peered towards the sky above,hoping to rid herself of the sense of dread. That continued to loom over her head,she carefully slipped into the warm depths of the hot springs. Sighing as the steamy water caressed her entire body. Never had she felt such luxury as this,the way the water gently seemed to wash away her worries. All the while Rin too soaked in the warm water splashing around happily. But her splashing didn't seem to both Shizuka,and she was fearful for that. Tying her long flowing starless hair in a loose bun hoping not to get her hair wet.

She leaned against the warm walls of the hot springs,closing her eyes to fully enjoy the soothing effects of the water. But what she didn't know was that she was being watched by none other than Lord Sesshomaru himself who couldn't bring himself to look away from her beautiful form. Her snow white hued skin and the look of utter relaxation on her face. It both soothed,and tempted the dog demon. What was it about this woman that tempted him so? He watched as the young Rin paddled over to the relaxing Shizuka,laying her head on her chest.

Shizuka couldn't help but to smile as she gently held the young Rin to her chest. Allowing her to fall asleep in her warm and caring arms. A warm smile appeared on Shizuka's face but that smile soon faded as the water of the hot springs was overcome by an almost black hue. Quickly Shizuka dressed the young Rin bidding her to run back to Ah-Un where it was safe. Grudging Rin agreed,running as fast as her young feet could carry her. Running past Sesshomaru who continued to watch the scene unfold before him.

He watched as the darkness of the water seemed to creep closer and closer to her. Shizuka held in her cries as the water as she felt as if the very strength was being taken from her. And indeed it was. She couldn't help but to gasp in pain before finding herself falling into the water,fatigue immediately taken over her. 'W-What's this?' Shizuka thought to herself before finding herself plummeting to the very bottom of the darkened pool. 'Help me.'Shizuka thought to herself before feeling herself fall deeper and deeper into the waters depths.

Slowly Shizuka could already feel herself beginning to lose consciousness. Weakly Shizuka slowly closed her eyes before suddenly feeling a strong grip beginning to pull her from the depths of the water. Shizuka soon welcomed fresh air into her lungs before opening her eyes only to meet the calm amber orbs of Sesshomaru. Who looked almost concerned for her. "Are you still with me?"Sesshomaru asked the now nude and shivering Shizuka who shivered as the cold air hit her drenched form. When reality hit that she was nude she covered herself hoping Sesshomaru would look away. Sesshomaru sighed before draping his kimono over her shoulders,and turning away from out of respect.

"It appears your abit weaker now,you will have no options. I shall not allow you to leave my side."Sesshomaru stated before Shizuka clutched the kimono tightly around her wet form. "Then....you'll protect me?'Shizuka asked Sesshomaru who couldn't help but to sigh. "I will not repeat myself woman,now follow me."Sesshomaru said before leading the way back to the camp. Shizuka stared towards Sesshomaru with a warm smile on her face. He cared for her,that much was obvious. And the thought of that made her heart soar.

Shizuka smiled before following behind Lord Sesshomaru,griping onto the warm kimono belonging to none other Sesshomaru himself.