Author's Note: I rarely (if ever) write in first person so it took some getting used to in this fic. Tell me if you know what "yurei" means.
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Yurei
They really weren't what you'd call typical drop-in guests. But then who was I to complain? I'd hadn't had any visitors in ages, it is fortuitous the rain drives in even this motley pack to my mansion.
I guess.
A lithe, handsome dog-demon strides in first, and brushes right past me. He's followed by two children – humans to my surprise – and a squat toad imp. The last member seemed loath to enter.
"L-lord S-Sesshomaru," he sputtered over what I presume is the daiyokai's name. "Are you sure it's appropriate to board here for the night?" His little green claws wring the staff he carries.
Sesshomaru doesn't respond, but the young mortal girl pipes, "What's the matter, Master Jaken? Are you afraid this place is haunted?" She pulls a wicked grin and looms over the tiny yokai.
"Shut up, brat!" Jaken retorts. "I was only considering if this dilapidated hovel was worthy of our lord!"
The girl flashes a knowing grin, then trails after the older boy. He's found a candle and has enough decency to holler, "Hello? Anyone here?"
I slink quietly behind wondering when I should introduce myself as they proceed to tramp into the main room.
That Sesshomaru character doesn't seem to have any qualms about nosing where he pleases. He picks at the old scrolls still dangling from the walls, scratching away at the inches of dust on whatever remains.
I whine for him to stop, that he's ruining the effect. He cocks his head as if he might have heard me, but places his hand on his sword's hilt instead. It pulses strangely and I feel most uneasy.
The girl breaks the tension. "What is it, m'lord?"
Jaken still has that look of I-told-you-it-was-haunted.
"Nothing." His tone is bland and he looks over in my direction as if I'm of too little importance to acknowledge.
That can be remedied.
"I don't mean to frighten you, Rin," the boy mumbles, "but you know some spirits can have their essences go unnoticed if they linger long enough. Centuries ago, perhaps in this area, a youth from a noble family was killed when the younger brother, lusting for power, beheaded his sibling. I heard he buried the body in the garden."
Rin, the girl-child, just nods, but the imp's eyes are darting to every corner and crevice. I can't help it; I creep up behind him and go, "Boo!"
"Yipe! Lord Sesshomaru!"
Sesshomaru rolls his eyes in disgust like he's so high and mighty.
I run my hands through his fur and he whirls around snarling, "Who goes?"
Rin draws back closer to Kohaku. "Lord Sesshomaru…?"
I can see Kohaku's trying to regulate his breathing, but his voice is hoarse anyway when he says, "Maybe we should go."
Now Sesshomaru has the same expression as his diminutive retainer. Still, gathering his pride, he growls, "There's no one else here. We don't need to scamper out like frightened children."
"But I'm a frightened child," I croon, embracing the girl called Rin
Sesshomaru's eyes visibly widen as if actually seeing me for the first time. He raises those dagger claws and Rin's backing farther into me.
"You! Get away!" His claws speed toward me, Rin's screaming.
That boy is faster than I thought a human should've been. Kohaku grabs the girl and dives under the claws. Only his arm is grazed.
Jaken's beak hangs open and his gaze flicks from his master to the children.
Sesshomaru blinks, staring at his young wards then his own talons. He swallows. "We're going." Barely a ghost of a waver in his speech.
Well, they did stay longer than most. Maybe they'll find a nice cave to camp in for the night. In the meantime, I've a favorite spot in the garden I'd like to pay a visit. You know, for old time's sake.
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A/N: How was it? Happy Halloween!