BritnehBee: (I already typed out my excuse this time for not updating on my profile so clicky the link and read my apology over 'dere, 'kay? Wuv ya! ^_^ *Hugs-n-Kisses*)

This is AU, centered in the past and also my first attempt ever at LEMONS. Mind you, this is a first attempt and the one featured in this chapter in particular is a rape so...yeah. you've been warned! I've decided to put the love scene with my OC and Sessh in the final chapter so you'll have to be a little patient to read that one. :D (I'm bad. I know). So, without further ado here's "Only For You!"


Darkness…

Nothing but sheer, cold darkness…It was all that greeted her the instant her eyes snapped open.

She was currently lying on a thin mat of straw, and she cringed at the feel of loose bits of gravel pressing into her spine. She lifted her head, only to let it fall back down with a quiet groan. Her neck was killing her, as if she'd been sleeping in an awkward position; in her limbs there was a queer heaviness, and her ears were ringing at a rather annoying frequency. What happened? And, where was she?

Her eyes swiveled in all directions, trying to bring the previous day's events back to her memory. The last thing she could remember was being at the fore of her father's plow…it wasn't the first time she'd done it, and it certainly wasn't going to be the last…Could it be possible she'd passed out after that…?

I hadn't eaten much…Maybe I just didn't have the strength?

She swallowed in an attempt to relieve her parched throat, waiting for her eyes to grow accustomed to the shadows. She could just make out the bare wooden framework of the inner roof; it seemed no different from her family's humble dwelling but…Suddenly, she squinted. Had that wide gap always been up there?

It's been so rainy lately…Mother will be furious if the floor gets ruined…

Pushing against the ground, she uttered a soft hiss when the blunted ache in her lower back radiated up between her shoulder blades. Then, with a quiet grunt she got to her feet; she wavered for a moment, and once her light-headedness was gone she took a few tottering steps forward, only to stumble into a wooden object. Reaching down, she carefully felt its chipping surface.

…A table?

She probed the air before her as she moved passed it, expecting to find another random piece of furniture but her fingers brushed up against an unevenly constructed wall. Pulling back she found them coated with a fine layer of silt, fresh makings of a coarse bush hut.

Huh…That's odd—

Something rustled behind her, and she whirled frantically around. "…Hello?"

Silence.

Cold chills of fear crawled up her spine, and her uneasiness only intensified at the persisting eerie quiet. "H-hello…? I-is anyone there—"

A strong hand seized her ankle and yanked her none too gently to the hard-packed ground. Kicking out of its grip she scrambled away from the intruder only to have him wrench her leg back a second time. She was flipped to her back, and her hands were clamped over her head, making it impossible for her to move. A heavy weight settled over her midsection, a face loomed over hers, and her eyes widened.

It was a man. A man was bestride her…and he was…smiling…?

Grimy teeth yellowed with age, framed by wiry bristles of hair, grinned depravedly down at her. Bloodshot eyes bore into hers, a mixed look of greed and lust giving it a sickly luster, and she shuddered in revulsion. Who was this?

"Wh—!"

He cut her off, slamming his rough lips onto hers. She gagged, having caught wind of his horrible breath when he jammed his tongue into her mouth for a split second, grazing it against her own.

Freeing one wrist, he slid the long slimy appendage over her cheek as he felt for the fastenings of her clothing. Fighting was useless by this point but she fought against him anyway; but, he was just too strong. Tears of dismay blurred her vision when, stealing yet another kiss, he began to loosen his own sickly-perfumed garments.

Finding her helplessness amusing, her attacker suddenly laughed.

"Cease your blubbering girl. It's pathetic."

She turned away from his heated breath. "S-stop, please…! Stop it!"

"I will do with you as I please." He hoarsely rasped, jerking her with such force that she had to face him. "You are my possession, and rightfully so…"

At that her brows wrinkled in terrible confusion. I…I don't understand. When did he?

As his hold on her tightened, something cold and hard scraped against the sensitive skin of her inner forearm; it was smooth, like a ring of precious metal and, by the feel of it, was of an ostentatious size—her eyes widened in realization. Of course. This was the very man who had come offering to buy the last of her father's livestock. But…why was she here with him?

"Such a pretty little thing you are…" He muttered, brushing a fat finger over her cheek.

Tears crept to the corner of her eyes. "W-what do you want with me?"

The man chuckled once more and, gripping her side, tugged her to his hardened length; his wild eyes ravaged her nakedness and she whimpered quietly as he pried her legs open with his large hairy thighs.

"N-no…no! L-let me go! P-please, let me g—!"

His hips rammed forward. She screamed, feeling something tear within her; the physical evidence of her silent dirge spilled from her eyes as he had his way with her, smothering her sobs of pain with another nauseating kiss. When he had finally sated his sexual desires he collapsed in a tired breathless heap, his sweaty body bearing down on her own once more.

Her lower regions throbbed painfully; her thighs were wet with his seminal juices and she trembled involuntarily when his now limp manhood brushed up between her legs. He grinned wolfishly against her neck, mistaking her shudder of disgust for a shiver of excitement.

"You little slut…" She flinched away from his scratchy stubble. "You're a hungry one, ain't you…?"

"Don…plea…please, stop—"

"On your knees. Now."

She was far too weak to move her tongue let alone her entire body…! She cried out in surprise when, scowling at her obstinate disobedience he struck her with the back of her hand. "Do as I say!"

With a quiet sob she unwillingly complied. Grabbing a fistful of her hair he yanked her into the correct submissive stance, then he leaned forward to plant a gentle, almost loving kiss on the back of her neck. "Good girl…"

She dug her nails into the packed-down earth, swallowing another whimper as he plunged into her; why was this happening to her? What was it that she'd done that was so wrong? It was no secret she was an unwanted child…was this her divine punishment? Had she been that much of a burden that even the gods saw fit to rebuke her?

He tugged her back into a kneeling position and she whined in protest as he forced his tongue back into her mouth, kneading first one small breast and then the other. Fresh tears flowed freely as his hands slowly made their way over her stomach, all the way down to that deep forbidden place up between her thighs. She moaned quietly when he pinched a sensitive nub of flesh right between her legs, and her lusty groans grew even louder as he continued his zealous probing.

Why?! Why was her body betraying her so shamelessly? What was she? An animal in heat?!

She let slip another groan when he prodded her back with the head of his engorged member, and he cackled loudly. "You like that, don't you?"

She sobbed quietly once again as he stole yet another kiss from her unwilling lips. She felt so…dirty…so filthy…His touch was disgusting! It was wrong! She didn't deserve this…Did she?

Her chest burned in want of oxygen but her helpless mewls went unnoticed. Finally, her legs buckling beneath her, she blacked out to the sound of his ridiculing laugh echoing in her ears…


And then, gasping loudly for air, Aimi awoke with a start.

Panting heavily, she carefully gauged her surroundings and with time her breathing calmed. Then, sighing, she curled into a tight ball; it was that dream again…the one when she was…Aimi winced suddenly when she shifted to her other side, just noticing that familiar soreness in the lower part of her body. He had worked her rather hard last night; it was a miracle she could even walk back to her own little room most times but Aimi was thankful for it. At least she could cry herself to sleep in private.

With another airy sigh she slipped noiselessly out of bed. Going by the limited amount of light, it was about half past dawn; she could even tell by the slight chill in her bones. The floor, too, was very cold but that was to be expected. He refused to waste precious fuel, even if it was for a single fire. To him, squandering anything meant for paying customers was a terrible sin.

Aimi passed his room on her way down the hall; giving the open door a glance, she continued on her way. The bathing house was at the back of the inn; hers, anyway. Shivering in the early morning air, she filled a bucket from a nearby well and entered one of the wooden stalls. The water was freezing, but she soon grew accustomed to it.

On her way back Aimi paused before her master's door; he was lying on his stomach, hands dangling off the edge of the bed. The sheets barely covered his naked back and he was snoring as usual, loud like a foghorn. She shrunk away when he rolled over, groggily smacking his lips before continuing with his cacophonous wheezing. Aimi eyed him thoughtfully. Did her hatred of him outweigh her overwhelming disgust?

It seemed she swung either way…

With one final glance Aimi continued down the hall. Once she was dressed she went about with her chores; sweeping floors, fixing tables, setting empty rooms to rights. Heading back toward the scullery, she found the cook already at work; nodding good morning to one another, Aimi rolled up her sleeves and got to work on the dirty dishes that had been left from the previous day.

Topping a pot of steaming rice, the cook paused, taking in her scrawny frame. "…Aren't you hungry Girl?"

Aimi glanced up sharply, taken off guard. "Ah…no, Izuki-san. I'm fine."

"After what happened yesterday?" Izuki sucked her teeth disapprovingly. "Really Aimi, you are a very worrisome girl! Must I do everything?"

She averted her gaze to the floor. "I'm sorry…"

Izuki sighed quietly. "You—"

The shrieking of the tea kettle cut her off. With another sigh of exasperation, Izuki saw to it quickly while Aimi continued her scrubbing with a heavy heart. Was she really so much trouble?

I'm always in the way…even Izuki-san thinks I'm useless—

As she was reaching for yet another dirty dish a gentle hand tapped her arm. Turning, a bowl of fresh rice porridge was shoved into her soapy hands.

"You must eat!" Izuki persisted, wagging a finger. "I will not have you fainting in the middle of our work. You may finish once you have eaten."

Aimi blinked, watching her go with a grumble under her breath. Then, smiling, she took one gratifying sip.

Hours soon passed until her master finally arose from his slumber. Her heart raced in a panic when she heard him plod down the stairs where, upon reaching the bottom, he barked impatiently for her.

"Yes?" she murmured, appearing before him.

He sat down with a loud sigh of exertion. "Bring me food. Quickly! I'll have no patience for your dawdling."

Aimi hurried off.

He yawned widely, scratching himself, eyes still heavy with sleep; it wasn't long before she came back and he dismissed her with a wave of his hand, ogling her fleetingly as she walked away. He shook his head as he bolted down his food, a faint grisly smile on his lips as he thought back to how she writhed and jerked beneath him the other night. In his rather poor lack of judgment the foolish man thought he was the most adept of lovers and as long as he was pleased, well so was she. The girl was a keeper, but she was getting too old for him; he preferred them young, and Aimi was nearly twenty years of age.

She won't go for much in the markets… he mused, licking off his chopsticks as his eyes darted over to her lovely curves. I could say she's still a virgin but…

His mind trailed off, too busy molesting her with his wanton gaze to finish the wayward thought.

Aimi was quite aware of his obvious stares; she always was, for he watched her like a thirsty drunkard, day in and day out. Still, she acted as if she didn't notice. Not that it really mattered…she was simply a possession in the eyes of this man, nothing more.

"…I've some business in town today." He began, compelling her to turn and face him. "I should be back later in the afternoon."

Aimi nodded and continued with her current task at hand. It wasn't long before she heard a loud belch and the scraping of the chair against the floor as he pushed himself away from his seat with a mighty grunt. She picked up his plate and rushed toward the kitchen, finally relieved to be out of his presence, but she was forced to a halt.

"If I am detained, I expect to find you in my chambers at the appointed time tonight." His hold tightened when she gave an imperceptible tug on her arm. "I am not a patient man, Aimi. Do not make me wait. Understand?"

Aimi averted her eyes before answering, slightly nauseous. It was always the same; every night she was forced to lay with him, forced to have him touch her in her most intimate of places with his dirty callused hands…it was sickening, but what could she possibly do? Her own parents had given her away; Aimi was powerless against him.

"…Yes."

"Good." Satisfied, he brushed past her and left her where she was, seeking a nice warm bath.

Shoulders clenched, Aimi waited until she heard the door slam shut before she dropped into a nearby chair with a shuddery breath. A tear threatened to fall, but she wiped it stubbornly away. She couldn't take this anymore; was this what she was meant to be for the rest of her life?

Sighing, Aimi looked longingly through the tavern window; freedom was just a few steps away. All she had to do was walk out, no one would stop her…but she knew she wouldn't. Where could she go? Cooking and cleaning were her only redeeming qualities, could she possibly make a living off of that? And what if she wound up in the exact same rut she was in now? What then?

Aimi hung her head in defeat. She should just forget it. There was no hope left for her…

"…mi…Aimi?" Izuki's voice drew her attention back to the kitchen. "Aimi!"

Wiping her eyes dry, she stood to her feet. "I'm…I'm coming!"


Perched atop a rocky height, a tall mysterious figure observed the quiet village with an indifferent stare; nightfall was quickly approaching, and he could already sense the stirring of its inhabitants as one by one motes of light blossomed from within its high stone walls.

He would usually go out of his way to avoid such settlements but something drew him here…An aggravated growl came from beneath the hood of his cloak. He couldn't comprehend why (of all places) would he find what he sought from this puny human hamlet, but he had to appease his anima… whether he wanted to or not.

He turned when a large reptilian snout nudged him gently in the side, and he placed a gentle clawed hand over its scaly muzzle.

"Wait for me." He ordered, facing the village once more. "I'll be back by morning…"

The head bellowed after its master while the other glanced up from the ground, blinking slowly as it watched him make his way toward the little, unsuspecting village…


"Another bottle of wine! Bring more wine!"

"Y-yes, right away—"

"More dumplings; and go heavy with the sauce this time!"

"And don't forget the duck!"

"I won—ah!" Aimi cried out in surprise when a hand suddenly grabbed at her.

She whipped around only to see her master standing right behind her, grinning like a mule; he lurched forward, obviously drunk, and as the rowdy crowd jeered at the two of them he wrapped his arms around her in an awkward embrace.

"No fair! How come you get to touch, Yasuo?" One of the customers whined.

Sneering down at him, he reached up to fondle her chest. "Thissus why!"

Someone banged their table in amusement. "Ha! Yasuo you lucky bastard!"

Aimi squirmed away when he tried to peck at her lips. The men's roaring laughter made her singe in embarrassment; tears of frustration started to prick at her eyes but she fought them fiercely back in. She refused to cry like a weakling before the likes of these men.

Another licked his lips, a fevered look in his bulging eyes. "Let us have a taste, eh?"

Aimi's stomached plummeted to the floor at the thought. Thankfully, despite his heavy intoxication her master had some sense left in him and his eyebrows rose in mock alarm.

"Wiff yer looks? You'll scare 'eroff!"

"She's too good for you!"

"Eh—?!"

For a moment his hold around her loosened and she ran out of his embrace. A few of the men tried to yank her down into their laps but she fought them off and finally found refuge in the kitchen.

"Don't forget the food, Girlie…!"

The men roared once again.

As the evening drew to a close customers began to leave, some walking out into the dark cold night, others climbing the stairs up to their waiting rooms. The cook left after the last of the dishes had been washed and Aimi nodded goodbye as she wiped the tables clean with a damp rag. Seating himself at the far side of the room, Yasuo watched her silently as he lit his pipe, his eyes never wavering from her moving form.

It would be moments before she would be his again that night, and his manhood stiffened in excitement. He loved the power he had over her; how he could easily make her bend to his will. He practically craved it. His patience quickly thinned as she roamed about so easily within his reach, and so tempted was he that (unable to wait any longer) he decided to give up on his customary after-dinner pipe. He got to his feet, but before he could do anything else the doors of his inn slammed violently, and suddenly, open.

Maddened at the thought of yet another obstacle, he spun furiously around.

"Who—?!"

Yasuo froze as a looming, shrouded form stepped gracefully inside. He was dressed like that of a lowly soldier, his armor and weapons hidden beneath his heavy cloak, but he could easily tell this man wasn't human.

Predative orbs flashed from beneath the darkness of his hood, and they passed over him to the quivering girl standing before him. His gaze settled on her for a brief second, and Aimi braced herself against the wall when her knees wobbled beneath her, taken aback. She'd never seen such frightening, beautiful eyes before…Finally, looking away he seated himself at a nearby table.

Yasuo was too shocked for words; what was this demon doing here in his hospice? "I…I'm sorry sir but—"

The stranger silenced him with a pointed look. His eyes fell again upon His Aimi and he irked a finger, motioning for her to come nearer.

"You. Girl. Bring tea."

Unsure whether or not she should obey she glanced his way, and Yasuo waved her impatiently off. Once she'd gone he took a seat opposite his newest arrival, hands shaking as he puffed apprehensively on his momentarily forgotten pipe.

The demon was looking off in the direction Aimi had left, almost as if it were considering something. Yasuo hadn't like how eagerly he perused her, but he knew better than to say anything to this…creature…not if he valued his life!

Then, a strange light entered his eyes at a sudden revelation; rubbing his grizzled chin, he smirked craftily.

"Tell me, Weary Traveler…" Yasuo began, gaining a listless glance. "Are you in need of a room? I'd be happy to give you one. Ah, free of charge of course!"

Sesshomaru remained silent, quietly considering whether or not he should run the man through…but he decided against it, finding the task not worth his time. His nose wrinkled slightly at the stench of alcohol on his breath and he turned away before nodding.

"Please, feel free to ask for anything you desire…" Yasuo trailed off, smiling knowingly.

Sesshomaru glanced back at him, eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Your tone…it displeases me."

"Please, forgive my rudeness. I only thought that…well—"

"Speak plainly." He impatiently clipped.

"…My servant girl seems to have caught your eye; tell me Demon, do you intend to take her?"

He irked a derisive eyebrow. "So what if I am? Do you think you can stop me?"

Sesshomaru didn't even flinch when he threw his head back with a sudden gregarious laugh. The man was completely hammered…

"Hell no!" The bar owner finally replied, sighing. "But, if you do fancy her I'd be more than willing to part with her…for the right price."

"…Very well." Sesshomaru conceded. "What is your price?"

Yasuo licked his lips in anticipation. "How much are you offering?"

"20,000."

For a moment his expression went blank, and forgetting his…delicate…situation, Yasuo's volatile temper suddenly flared.

"You can do better than that!" Spittle flew from his hairy lips. "She's young, fit and healthy! I won't hand over a girl like that for a measly 20,000—"

Sesshomaru cut him off with a searing scowl. "I will go no higher."

It was by this time that Aimi had finally returned, coming upon this rather less than pleasant exchange of words. She paused, curious as to what the two had been discussing. Was there some sort of sale going on between them? Aimi wouldn't be surprised; Yasuo would make dealings with the devil himself at the prospect of money…

Yasuo swallowed nervously. "Uh…Y-yes, forgive me; 20,000 is p-perfectly reasonably. Hehehe…heh…"

Sesshomaru grunted quietly, and she almost made another dash toward the kitchen when he shifted his gaze in her direction, as if he'd known she was there the entire time.

What powerful eyes he has…

Yasuo too glanced her way, finally noticing her presence, and with a persistent wave of his hands he urged her to come nearer. "Hurry up, lazy girl!"

"Y-yes!"

Hands trembling, she poured his tea while casting a furtive glance in his direction…and the handle of the steaming kettle nearly slipped from her grasp.

His eyes were riveted on her.

Liquid pools of pure gold had her rooted to the spot, as if seeing through to her very soul. It was unnerving, being watched with such powerful intensity…

"—! Stupid girl!"

Aimi leapt back when the cup's contents spilled over and fell down the sides of the table. So entranced was she that she forgot what she'd been doing!

She mopped up what she could with the skirt of her dress, but the tea was hot to the touch and continued to flow. "I'm…I'm sorry—"

With a soft curse Yasuo shook off his ruined coat. "Dumb useless wench…!"

Unbeknownst to either of the two of them, the demon's eyes flashed for a moment. In anger? Who knows…

"S-sorry…"Aimi bent down to wipe off what had spilled to the floor but the Youkai tugged her back to her feet, and his hold tightened when she tried to squirm free. "…Uh—"

Keeping it perfectly level, Sesshomaru brought the ceramic cup to his lips and taking a long, satisfying sip he set it carefully back down.

"Uhm…E-excuse me, I need to cle—"

"What is your name?"

Aimi could only stare at him; his eyes were just too captivating. His voice, too, was wonderful to listen to. Soft, yet commanding. Gentle, yet firm, demanding immediate action and obedience.

Face twisted in annoyance, Yasuo blew out a thick puff of tobacco. "Answer him." he commanded, its harsh tone jolting her back into reality.

"U-uh…It's…Aimi."

With a slight nod his grip finally loosened and she tentatively removed her hand out of his. This, of course, bothered Yasuo to quite a degree. Why was she so comfortable with this creature's incessant fondling? Didn't she know what this monster was capable of? Why, then, would she always flinch away from his touch? Yasuo tapped a foot in agitation. Was he so much more revolting than this barbaric monster?

He took another long draw from his wooden pipe and exhaled deeply, eyes narrowing as beads of smoke seeped from his flaring nostrils. If that was how she felt then he'd be sure to remind her just who she owed her very life to.

Jaw set in anger, Yasuo pushed away from the table and sidled up to her. "Well, I suppose we can call it a night. I've had enough haggling for one day-I will collect the payment we've agreed upon in the morning, before you take her with you."

Aimi blinked; and, she blinked again. What…just happened? Had she missed something?

"In the meantime, the girl—"

"She will remain with me." Sesshomaru quietly supplied for him, downing the last of his tea.

Eyes practically bulging from their sockets, Yasuo gaped down at him, speechless. Aimi glanced fearfully at his free hand, tightly clenched in an effort to control his growing temper.

"Wha…what did you say?!" he demanded, his voice at an almost screeching volume.

Sesshomaru irked an eyebrow amusement. "Is there a problem, human?"

"There damn well is a problem—!" Yasuo caught himself quickly, catching a glimpse of his razor sharp fangs. "Ah…W-well…"

"Have you gone back on your word?" There was the slightest trace of a dark threat in his words…

Yasuo wised up and gave a rapid shake of his head. "N-no, of course not! Heh, as promised, s-she is yours!"

Ah. So she was the demon's slave now…?

A strange feeling began to bubble within her chest, something light and liberating. She was finally… free. But…she glanced furtively down at the demon vagabond. Was it really that much of a difference? Would he hurt her, too? Her blossoming hopes were dampened with a quiver of fear.

"Do you have any preferences for a room, Sir? I'd be happy to—"

"I will take one on the ground floor."

Yasuo laughed anxiously. "C-certainly! Aimi will see to the rest."

Bowing repeatedly, he backed away from them and Aimi watched on in disbelief as he'd disappeared from view; then, she glanced back at the Youkai. Was she going to have to spend the night with him, too? Aimi lowered her eyes to her feet, wringing her fingers in apprehension. What did he want with her? She wasn't exceptionally beautiful, and he must know what type of "relationship" she had with the tavern owner…Was there some strange, evil purpose afoot?

Kami, be with me—

"Aimi, is it?" he suddenly asked, gaining her attention.

"Y…yes?"

He eyed her for a moment, taking in her plain appearance. It was true, she wasn't outstandingly beautiful. She paled in comparison to the lowliest of servants in his homeland, but she seemed strong and healthy enough. And, there was something about her that was so eerily familiar…perhaps this most random of purchases would work out for the best.

"Go. I will follow you shortly." Unsure of what else to do, Aimi reached for the kettle. "Leave it."

Aimi paused before excusing herself with a polite bow. She could almost sense where his smoldering gaze bore into the small of her back, and her pace quickened. Once she was out of hearing distance Sesshomaru sighed loudly.

What the hell am I doing? He thought, pushing back his hood as he tiredly ran his fingers through his thick locks. This is absolutely ridiculous…

It could be a blessing in disguise. A voice within him murmured.

A blessing? He thought, downing his final cup. Enlighten me, I implore you. Just how can a mortal bondwoman be a blessing to my current situation?

You said so yourself; she can be useful…the voice replied, sounding amused.

Sesshomaru grunted stubbornly. "What nonsense…"

Nonsense indeed. The voice dryly retorted. …So? Are you going to make her wait?

With another heavy sigh Sesshomaru stood and walked in the very same direction the slave girl had gone, his nose wrinkling at the scent she had left behind. She was thick with the stench of that drunkard; it almost made him gag, but he followed it without protest.

Meanwhile, kneeling in the middle of the tatami-floored room Aimi worriedly braided her hair, her eyebrows drawn together in concern. There was only one bed to sleep in…was she going to have to bed with this one too? What damage could this demon do, with all his herculean strength? And those sharp claws…he could easily rip her to shreds! Such a thought frightened her.

But…Youkai tend to stick to their own kind. Surely he won't—

Without warning the door swished open and in stepped the very subject of her thoughts; his cloak was now gone, revealing a tribal marked face and silvery hair. It was long and beautiful, the tips of his pointed ears poking out from the bulky mass. He donned heavily spiked armor over a patterned navy-colored haori and hakamas, a visible layer of white showing underneath. He wore metal gauntlets, held in place by his middle fingers, and dark boots graced his noble feet.

Hurrying to her own, Aimi patiently waited for him to say something but he only walked silently past, removing a pair of swords hanging at his waist. He threw his cloak behind him onto the square-top table and carefully unhooked his knifelike armor from his shoulders.

"Uhm…M-master—"

"Sesshomaru." He kept his back to her, unfastening his gloves. "You will call me Sesshomaru."

Aimi blinked at that. Sesshomaru?

Pure Killing Beauty…?

"…Sesshomaru…sama." She muttered. "…Uhm, wh—"

"Go to sleep." He murmured, sitting down. "We leave at daybreak."

Aimi nodded hesitantly and settled between the cotton bed sheets; it felt so strange, sleeping alone at this time of night…not that she minded. Her mast—Yasuo would bully her no longer; reliving the horrors of her rape all those years ago was going to take some time but at least she knew they were coming to an end. She was finally going to get a good night's sleep (albeit an awkward one…).

Aimi glanced secretly over her shoulder. He was staring out of a barely cracked window, his honey-colored eyes misted over as if entranced. She eyed him openly in wonder; he was absolutely…breathtaking, but she knew that this unearthly creature harbored a very destructive power. Hidden beneath this callous veil there lay an impregnable force, and once unleashed…

Aimi turned and pulled the covers up to her chin; she shouldn't judge him just because he was strong. If it wasn't for him she'd probably be at her master's mercy at this very moment; he'd stood up for her…in his own way. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.

Stifling a yawn she closed her eyes, gladly welcoming the wave of exhaustion that'd washed over her.


Hours soon passed, and the moon had made her full appearance. All was quiet, and Sesshomaru eyed the still form of the slumbering human female.

He was doing it again, wasn't he? He was setting himself up for a mighty fall, just like before…just what had possessed him to come to this very tavern…?

I never should've came here…Stuck with this silly little girl—

Let it go, Sesshomaru. His beast quietly soothed. What will be, will be…

Sesshomaru found little comfort in those words, but he had to admit they were true. There was nothing he could do to reverse it now.

With a weary sigh he leaned his head against the wooden wall behind him, staring through the tiny little window once again. "…Damn…"


I've made a promise not to revise anymore of this chapter! I'm too persnickety...Yeesh. _