Lyra didn't know when she had fallen asleep again. All she remembered was watching the skies growing dark and the stars beginning to sparkle while resting against Sesshomaru. She had a dreamless sleep, which she was grateful for. She finally felt fully energised.

She awoke to the sound of Rin's laughter and Jaken's screaming because his fish was still flapping around. Whilst stretching her arms and back, she felt something soft around her. She opened her eyes to see Sesshomaru peering down at her, which only made her smile. His mokomoko was around her like a blanket as she used his leg for a pillow.

"Who needs a bed when I have you?" she joked.

"Perhaps I shouldn't allow it." He looked ahead at the others. "Your sleep lasts for much longer than I would like."

She pouted a little as she sat up. "Then just wake me up."

"I tried. You sleep as though your life depends on it."

"Well...it kinda almost does," she said, attempting to justify it. "And besides, I was catching up on the sleep I lost out on the night before."

He breathed out quietly, "Very well. Eat now."

Lyra knew that he would rather not discuss her sleeping habits. It annoyed him but if she went on to carry on talking about it, he would give up and move away from the topic. In her mind, that was a win.

Rin ran over to her. "Good morning!"

Lyra smiled. "Good morning, Rin. What's that smell?" she asked, sniffing the air slightly.

"Jaken and I caught some fish for us to eat."

"Why does it smell different?" Lyra wondered, causing Sesshomaru to glance at her.

"Oh," Rin blinked. "I haven't noticed. It smells the same to me. Perhaps it's a different type of fish."

Lyra nodded. "Yes, that's true." She brushed away a small soil stain from the girl's cheek with her thumb. "Did you sleep well?"

Rin nodded with a bright grin. "Yes!"

Lyra laughed quietly as she ran back to the fish to turn them over to cook the other side. She watched as Rin and Jaken eagerly awaited for the food to be ready as she wrapped her arms around her knees. But something was bothering her. She turned her head to see Sesshomaru staring at her with a thoughtful expression.

"I can literally feel your eyes on me. Have I got something on my face?" she asked, lifting her hand to touch her cheek.

Sesshomaru didn't say anything. She wasn't even sure if he had even blinked. After waiting a few seconds for a response, Lyra raised her brows slightly.

"Sesshomaru, is everything okay?" she asked with concern.

He finally turned away. "It's nothing."

It wouldn't be the first time Sesshomaru had acted that way so she simply brushed it off. She learned it was best for her not to keep pestering him when he was clearly not wanting to talk. Soon, Rin brought a fish over to her on a stick. It was still as delicious as normal but the taste was a little different. Once they had finished eating, they gathered their things before resuming their journey towards Mount Hakurei.

Sesshomaru remained extra vigilant, not wanting to waste time in unnecessary conflicts with the Band of Seven. His goal was Naraku. The scent of his controlled minion, Kohaku, lingered in the air still. Lyra, however, couldn't get Itachi out of her mind. She had an unprompted flashback of their brief talk from the day before and since then, she could think about only him. A deep sensation had set in her heart but she couldn't comprehend it. She didn't want to bother Sesshomaru by telling him about it but she also needed to talk to him so that he could perhaps help her in some way. She couldn't understand the feeling. She had never felt like that before and it was beginning to scare her.

'What is so important about you, Itachi? Why can't I simply forget about you?'

She shook her head to rid herself of those thoughts. That night, she would have to speak to Sesshomaru about what was going on. Although she didn't wish to burden him, it was better for her to communicate with him rather than keeping it a secret. He was her mate and she wouldn't hide things from him.

***

Night fell. Rin and Jaken had fallen asleep beside the fire. Lyra sat in front of the small fire with her arms around her knees. She stared into the crackling flame but she wasn't really thinking of anything.

Sesshomaru returned from checking the perimeter to find her daydreaming. He had noticed a change in her. She was quiet, which was extremely odd for her. It was very concerning. She seemed so sombre as she stared at the fire. As he watched her, she did something that utterly surprised him. For some reason, she lifted her hand and reached out to touch the fire. Sesshomaru's eyes widened as he quickly went to her, grabbing her hand and pulling it away from the flame.

Lyra gasped, her own eyes growing large as she saw his hand around hers. She lifted her head up to see him looking down at her with a deep frown on his face.

"What are you doing?" he asked sternly but with a hint of worry in his tone.

Lyra blinked a couple of times, turning to look at the fire. "I-I... I don't know. I just-... I was going to move the sticks around to keep the fire going."

Sesshomaru glanced at the fire to see that it was showing no signs of going out anytime soon. He moved to sit beside her and examined her hand. He wanted to make sure she hadn't harmed herself before trying to figure out what was wrong.

"Does it hurt?"

She shook her head. "No. You stopped me before I could touch it."

He kept hold of her hand, placing it in his lap before looking at her, a soft frown still evident. "What is wrong, Lyra? You have been unlike yourself today."

Lyra knew it would have been the perfect opportunity at that moment to tell him everything that was going on in her heart and mind. It was her chance to voice her fears to him. Something was holding her back though. Every time she tried to speak, something was stopping her. It was as if she had forgotten how to talk. No, that was wrong... She didn't want to talk. She didn't want to tell him anything.

She sighed softly and smiled. "I'm fine, Sesshomaru. There's just a lot going on right now with Naraku and I just can't wait for it to be over." She leaned into him and closed her eyes.

Sesshomaru didn't know whether to believe her or not. However, he decided not to press the matter. He trusted she would eventually tell him whenever she was ready.

"Very well..."

***

Over the next couple of days, Sesshomaru could feel the disconnection between himself and Lyra. She was slowly distancing herself from him. Whenever he would ask her about her thoughts, she would brush it off. Her usual talks and constant chatting had completely disappeared. Those secret kisses she would steal from him and the holding of his hand had stopped as well. She had become a different person. Even Rin had noticed the change in her. She wasn't as talkative or playful as before. The atmosphere of the group as a whole had slowly darkened.

Sesshomaru had to somehow figure out what was wrong with her. But he had no idea what to do. They were slowly but surely making their way to Mount Hakurei and he needed to help her before they got there. If Naraku learned of her state, he would undoubtedly do something to harm or capture her.

They soon came to stop beside a small lake. Sesshomaru turned to Lyra who had already separated herself from the group as she sat by herself on the bank and stared at the water.

"Jaken," Sesshomaru called. "Stay here."

Jaken looked up at him. "Where are you going, my Lord?"

Sesshomaru glanced back at Lyra before turning away again. "Nowhere."

He left with no more of a reason. Jaken whined quietly as he was put back on babysitting duty. Rin went and sat beside Lyra and dipped her feet in the water. She looked up at Lyra and saw that she took no notice of her. She sighed, feeling quite upset at how she had become. She wished everything would just go back to normal.

Lyra didn't even hear that Sesshomaru had left nor did she notice that Rin was sitting next to her hoping for some sort of communication. Her eyes were glued to the clear water rippling in front of her. Mind blank and eyes focused. She didn't want to talk or think.

Quite some time had passed. Lyra still hadn't moved, Sesshomaru had not yet returned, A-Un was taking a nap, Jaken sat in a huff whilst Rin busied herself by staring up at the clouds floating by.

"That looks like a bunny," Rin spoke to herself. "And that one looks like you, Master Jaken."

Jaken made a sound of annoyance. "Will you be quiet!?"

There was a quiet rustle in the leaves from the surrounding trees, causing Rin to sit up.

She blinked. "Oh, you're back."

Lyra sat up straight and turned her head. Her heart suddenly soared as she stood up.

"Itachi..."

He smiled brightly as he approached the group, waving his hand. "Hey. What were the chances I'd bump into you guys again?"

Rin stood and smiled as well. "It's nice to see you again, Itachi."

"Likewise," he said as he ruffled her hair a little.

Jaken growled and pointed his staff at the man. "You again?! You leave right now! Lord Sesshomaru will not be so merciful if he sees you again!"

Lyra quickly walked over and stood beside Itachi, getting a sudden urge to side him. "Jaken, please don't start this again. He's done nothing to harm us." She looked up at Itachi and smiled. "I'm sorry about this again, Itachi. How have you been?"

"Don't worry," he smiled warmly. "I have been well. And yourself?"

She shrugged a little. "Eh... I've been better."

Itachi's smile faltered slightly. "Oh? What's wrong?"

As soon as he asked her that question, all she wanted was to speak everything that was in her heart and on her mind. She took his hand and lead him away back to the lake so they could talk privately. Rin was surprised and Jaken's jaw dropped as he watched her bold move with horror. 'Lord Sesshomaru is definitely going to kill me this time!'

Both Lyra and Itachi sat side by side. She gazed down at the lake as she began talking freely.

"Recently, I've just been feeling lost," she began. "See, I'm supposed to be this oracle and I can see the future. But I just don't understand my visions and what they're trying to tell me." She turned her head to look at him. "But there's another thing..."

He tilted his head slightly. "What is it?"

She breathed out. "The day I found you, it wasn't by coincidence. Something led me to you. I just don't know what."

Itachi seemed surprised. "Is that what's bothering you?" Lyra nodded before be continued. "Now that is odd. I'll tell you the truth though. Since I saw you, I've felt something between us."

She sat up straighter, turning her body to face him. "Do you think it's the same thing?"

"Maybe." He shrugged and leaned back, using his hands to support him. "Honestly? I hope it is. I find it so easy to talk to you. Everything just feels so natural when I'm with you."

Lyra nodded. "I feel the same way." She looked down and brushed her fingers over her necklace. "I didn't want to tell Sesshomaru anything about what's been on my mind, but I never hesitated to tell you anything."

"You haven't told him anything?"

She shook her head. "I'm usually so open with him. I tell him everything. But now... I don't know why I can't speak to him." She quickly wiped away the tear that involuntarily fell from the corner of her eye. "I'm so silly. I don't know why it's making me cry."

Itachi took hold of her hand as he sat up. "Hey, look at me." She lifted her head and was met by a kind smile and warmth in his eyes. "Altogether I have known you for less than a day but you have become very important to me. I will always be here for you. That's a promise."

A smile grew across her lips. "I believe whatever energy drew me to you, it was to help me. I was meant to find you."

"I believe it as well. When I first began travelling, my only intention was to discover new and fascinating lands," he began to explain. "I have no family and so instead of feeling sorry for myself, I decided to see the world." He held her hand more firmly. "I never expected to find my world."

With that, he lifted her hand and kissed it. Lyra's eyes widened a little and she shocked herself as she felt her cheeks grow warm. Quickly taking her hand out of his grip, she clasped both her hands together in her lap and averted his gaze. 'What the hell am I doing..? Why am I feeling like this?' She could feel her heart racing and she couldn't control it.

Itachi watched her, witnessing the pink in her cheeks. He smirked to himself. 'Just a little bit longer and you'll be all mine, Lyra.' As she looked up at him again, he quickly put on a soft smile. She stood up and he followed suit.

"Um, y-you should go before Sesshomaru returns," she stuttered.

Itachi put on a concerned expression. "Lyra... Are you afraid of him?"

She shook her head and answered quickly. "No."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure." She sighed. "I'm only afraid of what he'll do to you if he sees you again."

He smiled at her softly. "I'm not afraid of him."

She put her hands together pleadingly. "I'm being serious, Itachi. Please just go before he comes. Please, I beg of you."

"Okay, okay." He hushed her and wrapped his hands around hers. "I'll go. Take care of yourself."

She nodded and breathed out in relief. "And you."

He let go of her hands before completely embracing her in a hug. She was taken aback and lightly put her arms around him before moving away. After letting go, Itachi walked past her and left the lake. Before he disappeared into the trees, he looked back at her over his shoulder. She was staring at the water and he could tell she was processing everything that had just happened. 'Good girl. The more you think about me, the quicker I'll take over your heart.' With just a single thought, he blocked his scent before completely hiding within the trees.

"Good riddance!" Jaken screamed before running over to Lyra. "Lord Sesshomaru will know about this!"

She looked down at the angry imp. "Jaken, please don't say anything. Please..."

"That human will soon learn his lesson!"

Rin jogged over to them. "But, Master Jaken, he's really nice. Why do you and Lord Sesshomaru not like him?"

Jaken creased his brows in anger. "You won't understand, stupid! My Lord wishes for him to stay away so he should stay away!" He then turned to Lyra. "You know this as well yet you still allowed him to come!"

"Jaken."

Everyone turned and saw Sesshomaru approaching them. Lyra froze and gulped down the huge knot in her throat. He stopped before them and looked at the imp.

"What happened?" he asked.

Jaken didn't care about Lyra's pleads. "It was that human man, sire! The purple haired man known as Itachi!"

Sesshomaru furrowed his brows slightly. "What about him?"

"He returned in your absence!"

Sesshomaru now turned his attention to Lyra. "Is this true?"

She gulped nervously again. "Yes..." She then averted his gaze and turned her head a little to the side. "But he wasn't here for long."

Jaken gasped. "You're lying!" he yelled, causing both Lyra and Sesshomaru to look at him.

Lyra quickly shook her head. "No, I-"

The imp ignored her, angered by her lies and continued to talk to Sesshomaru. "Lady Lyra and that Itachi fellow sat and spoke together for a while. Again she did not heed my words!" Jaken then shook his head in shame. "As your loyal servant, I am obligated to only tell you the truth. I regret to inform you that I witnessed him embrace her, my Lord."

Lyra felt ashamed, but she was glad he didn't tell about the kiss on her hand. "Sesshomaru, I can explain-"

He narrowed his eyes at her, his anger slowly rising yet he remained calm. "His scent still lingers on your body. What more do you wish to explain?"

Lyra sighed and walked away, folding her arms. Her emotions were suddenly not under her control yet she was still doing everything on her own accord. She couldn't understand why his words were bothering her so much. Usually whenever he told her not to do anything, she wouldn't do it. But at that moment all she knew was that she had to defend Itachi.

"We only spoke for a little while. It's not a big deal," she argued. "Why does it matter so much?"

"I made it clear that I do not trust him, Lyra. Understand that-"

"Understand what, Sesshomaru?" She turned to face him, slowly becoming annoyed and she couldn't stop the words that were flowing from her mouth. "I am so sick and tired of you telling me what I can and can't do. I don't care if you don't trust him, okay? Because I do. He's someone I can actually talk to. I'm not afraid of you, Sesshomaru. You can't scare me into following your damn orders."

Rin actually began to grow upset at the way Lyra had spoken to Sesshomaru. It was so unlike her. Even Jaken thought she had gone mad, shocked to the point where he couldn't even yell at her. Sesshomaru didn't show any reaction on his face but deep down, her words angered him. He turned away.

"If you think your fear and obedience is what I want, then you have gravely misunderstood me," he spoke with an underlying hint of anger.

Before Jaken could stop him, Sesshomaru had transformed into a white orb of light and disappeared quickly off into the distance. Jaken called after him but was ultimately left behind with the others. Lyra watched Sesshomaru disappear before huffing and rolling her eyes. She could hear Jaken yelling and shouting at her but she simply ignored him.

She returned to sit on the bank beside the lake, thinking about her argument with Sesshomaru. 'Why should I allow him to talk to me that way? So what if Itachi was here? He's such a nice and kind man.' As soon as she thought about Itachi, she closed her eyes. There was a part of her that wanted to see him again and she couldn't explain it. She felt a tug on her sleeve and she opened her eyes to see Rin sitting next to her.

Her eyes were glazed over as she sniffed. "What's wrong, Lyra? Why did you talk to him like that?"

Lyra sighed quietly and calmed her annoyance. "It's nothing, Rin. You won't understand."

"I probably won't understand. But I do know that Lord Sesshomaru loves you."

Something suddenly snapped mentally. Her eyes widened as she realised what had just occurred. The words she had spoken to Sesshomaru echoed in her mind. She gasped and placed her hand over her mouth as she looked at Rin. Tears formed in her eyes and spilled down her cheeks.

"Oh no, Rin... What have I done?" she panicked. "I don't know what came over me. I don't know why I-" She choked out a sob. "I'm such a fool..." She placed her hands over her face and cried quietly.

Rin quickly hugged her. "Don't worry. I'm sure Lord Sesshomaru will understand."

"He... He left because of me..." she cried.

Jaken appeared beside them. "Yes, he did! My Lord cares mostly for you and you misbehaved and spoke to him so rudely!"

Lyra moved her hands away and nodded. "You're right. I deserve to be scolded for what I did." She wiped her cheeks. "I'll apologise to him when he returns and accept any punishment. Sesshomaru didn't deserve that."

Rin smiled and hugged her tighter. "I know everything will be okay."

"Thank you, Rin."