A Poisoned Dream
By: Kira Star MidnightThe gang of bandits had been plaguing the Western Lands for months now. Demons and humans had joined together to rob villages, escaping to the Feudal Lands when Lord Sesshomaru was nearby or back to the Demon World when Feudal Land protectors were around. They had studied the patterns of both the Lord and the protectors and had gotten very good at avoiding both. Nearly every village in the Feudal Lands near the Western boarder had been robbed and burned, and the roads were no longer safe in the Western Lands. Sesshomaru was pissed by his failure to capture the bandits, and after their latest attack, followed them right into the Feudal Land. But he had misjudged the size of the gang, and they had misjudged him. The Dog Lord found himself in a clearing, surrounded by bandits. Many others were hidden in the trees. There must have been over fifty of them! His Poison Whip flared out and he drew his sword, but there was no anger or rage in him, as always, Sesshomaru was ice cold. He predicted the location of each man and moved like lightning, a blur that human eyes could not follow. Bandit after bandit fell, sliced open by either the Poison Whip or sword. No one would make a mockery of his lands and the protection he gave them! Even as he killed the human and demon bandits, those that had hidden in the trees were aiming their deadly arrows at the Dog Lord. They could not fire without hitting their own men, but that was sacrifice they were very willing to make. Dozens of arrows filled the sky and the unfortunate gang members that were still left standing after Sesshomaru's first attack fell screaming. The Dog Lord could not move fast enough to avoid all the arrows, and the ground was now filled with obstacles of flesh and blood. The arrows hit and he fell. He gathered his strength and put aside the pain, and sent out the demon power of his sword into the trees. The nearby trees imploded on impact, impaling the archers with razor shard splinters. The few that survived fled into the forest, the bandit gang was finally broken and would never terrorize the lands again. Sesshomaru stood alone, surrounded by dead bodies, his white silk kimono stained with blood. Three arrows had found their mark. One in his right shoulder, one in his left side, and the last one in his right leg. He shut his eyes tightly, trying to force the pain away. The entry wounds were burning and then he caught a scent. Poison! He looked at the nearest arrow….the one in his shoulder, and saw the design. The arrow had a hollow center and it was filled with poison. The longer the arrow stayed in his body, the more poison it would release. With his left hand, he took hold of the arrow in his right shoulder, and gritted his teeth, then ripped the arrow out. The pain was excruciating and a tiny whimper slipped past clenched teeth. He had two more arrows to go. The arrow in his side was next and it came free easily, having went into soft flesh and not his shoulder. The he reached for the one in his leg. He pulled, but the arrow would not come free. It's tip had gotten caught between two bones in his leg and would not pull out. Sesshomaru limped over to a large rock and sat down, dizziness beginning to pour over him in waves. If the arrow would not pull back, it would have to go forward. He cut the feathered tip with his sword and then pushed it through his leg, breaking through muscle and skin. The Dog Lord collapsed on the ground, blood pouring from his wounds, the pain nearly unbearable. He had to get help or he would die! Using his sword to walk with, he pulled himself back to his feet, but could not put any weight on his right leg, his side and shoulder felt like they were on fire. By sheer willpower alone, Sesshomaru limped out of the clearing and headed to the nearest village….nearly ten miles in distance form where he was. He got half was and collapsed.
Kira was deep in the forest, gathering herbs for Flower, who was the village medicine person. It was a year ago, on Kira's fourteenth birthday, when she her own healing training under Flower's guidance and she had already learned so much! Her dream was to meet the greatest healer of them all, Faith, who lived in the castle of the Feudal Lands. Flower had promised her that one day they would make the trip to see him. A glimpse of silver caught her eye and she walked towards it. Propped up under a large oak was a man, dressed in white and red, and encircled by long fur. As she moved closer, she realized that the red of his clothing was blood. She quickly went to him. He was unconsciousness, his eyes shut tight, his mouth a grimace of pain, his pale color not good. Blood had stained his clothing dark red, running from his shoulder, his side, and his lower leg. Kira examined the wounds and noticed the scent immediately. Poison! He had been attacked, but by whom? Were they still around? Kira pulled out the herbs she had collected and combined a few of them, grinding them with a flat stone and a small amount of water to make a paste. She struggled to undress him, needing to reach his wounds. His right shoulder was red and swollen, and the wound had a greenish liquid coming from it, foul smelling liquid along with the still flowing blood. She cleaned the wound as well as she could. Fortunately, there was a small stream nearby so that fresh, clean water was at hand, but she was afraid to start a fire, fearing that whoever did this would see the smoke. After cleaning the wound thoroughly, she packed the wound with the herb paste she had made. She opened his clothes further, revealing his left waist. Two red marks like slashes traveled across it, larger twins of the ones on his face. Just below them was the second wound, also containing poison. After treating that wound, Kira took off his shoes, made of some soft material that she had never felt before, and pushed up his right pants leg to reveal the last wound. This was bad! The arrow had gone completely through his leg, tearing out a lot of flesh with it's passage. Blood pored heavily from both sides and the horrid smell of poison was even stronger. For some reason there was more poison in this wound. She cleaned the wound carefully, and packed both sides of his leg and tore off pieces of his already tattered clothing to make bandages to keep the herbal packs in place. Finally, she sat back on the ground and looked up at the man for the first time. Even as sick and hurt as he was, he was handsome….sexy even! His moonlight silver hair flowed around him, curling around his shoulders. Although his skin had a slightly greenish color from the poison. She could tell that he had fair, almost pale skin. On his forehead was a blue crescent moon and on each of his cheeks were two red slashes. Theses were repeated on his wrists, waists, and ankles. His small pupils, were long ovals surrounded by deep gold. She was not big in demon type, although she knew he was a demon, she did not know the type he was. Kira would have recognized Sesshomaru's name, but she did not recognize the demon himself. It was too late in the day to make a trip back to the village, the sun was already low in the sky and soon it would set and fill the forest with darkness. Even if it had been earlier in the day, Kira would have loathed to leave the wounded demon alone. She made one last trip to the stream for fresh water and returned, sitting against the tree to his right. The last bit of light disappeared and the curtain of night fell swiftly into place. Faint moonlight filtered through the trees and she could just make out the sleeping man. He was beginning to toss restlessly. Kira moved closer and put her cool hand on his forehead. He was burning with a fever! The poison was taking full effect now! She removed her scarf and wet it with cool water and bathed his face and chest. He moaned softly and then seemed to settle down. Kira resumed her place by the tree and drifted into a light sleep. About and hour later, she woke to his whispered words. She could not make them out….dream words from a fevered mind….she felt his forehead again. He was still burning hot, but his whole body was shivering like hell with a chill. Kira had no blanket and the fur was not wide enough to cover him, so she did the only thing she could, she lay down on top of him, covering his shivering body with as much of her own as possible. Sesshomaru wrapped his arms tightly around her, whispering meaningless words in his sleep. Kira answered him, trying to soothe him as one would a child, and then she caught a word, Makoria. Who was this demon that he dreamed of, the princess of the Feudal Lands? He suddenly turned over, moving on top of Kira, and pressing hard against her. His restless movement became steady and pronounced and she felt a hardening against her leg. She pushed at him, and called to him, trying to wake him up, but it was useless. The poison had fevered his mind and he thought he was somewhere else….in the bed of his mate or lover. The princess? How was that possible? His strong hands tore at her clothing, opening them, and Kira was powerless to stop him. His hot lips found hers and kissed them. His slender sides nestled between her legs and moved them apart, the pain of his wounds forgotten in his fevered need. The hardening she had felt before now found her entrance and pressed inside. Makoria. He moaned. I am not Makoria! Kira screamed, but her words could not pierce the dreams veil and his body moved with a steady rhythm. His movements grew faster and harder untill he pressed deep and released his cum. His body grew heavy, but now he was calm and Kira moved him off of her. He was sound asleep. She walked in the dark to the stream and jumped into the icy waters, hoping they would take away what he had left inside. She sat in the waters for a long time, untill she could no longer feel her body from the cold and got out, shivering violently from both the cold and the shock of what had happened. She should have took off her clothes first but had not been thinking clearly. And now her clothes were dripping wet and cold. Miserable, Kira walked back to her patient. It was not his fault. She had gotten too close and triggered a remembrance of the past. She also now realized who he was….Sesshomaru, the Lord of the Western Lands, the former lover of the princess. Sesshomaru was lying on his stomach and Kira moved him on his back so that she could check his wounds. Fortunately, all the herbal packs were still in place. She returned to her tree and drew hue knees up and wrapped her arms around them, trying to get warm. She knew that if she lay next to Sesshomaru, he would warm her in minutes with his fever, but she was afraid to get close to him again. So all through the night, she sat against the tree, shivering badly. Finally, through exhaustion more then anything else, she fell asleep. Dawn was painting the sky a rosy gold when she woke with a start. Her clothes were dry but she was not much warmer. Well, soon the sun would warm her! Kira looked at the demon and he seemed to be resting peacefully. She moved to him to check his wounds, kneeling over him, when his eyes suddenly opened. They were blood red and she screamed in fear. She felt a burning pain and looked down to see four claw marks on her arm, already bright with blood. He had lashed out when she screamed and used his claws. She sat down, staring at her arm. It was already throbbing and burning. Then she saw his hand….and the claws. They were dripping with green poison. He had Poisoned Claws! Kira no longer had time to worry about the wounded demon. She had to get help. Running, stumbling, and falling, the girl managed to get to the road that led to her village and collapsed on its hard surface. Fortunately luck favored the girl and a passing farmer found her and rushed her to Flower's home. Flower examined the wound, seeing the poisoned area, and using herbs very similar to what Kira had used with Sesshomaru. The girl was already feverish and drifting in and out of consciousness. Flower I am poisoned! Kira whispered, her voice barely heard. My child, who did this to you? Flower asked quickly. Sesshomaru…. That was the last word she ever spoke. For days, Kira lay unconscious, at Death's door, then her body faded, but her mind did not. It was lost forever to the poisoned fever and the night chill. After a month, it became apparent that Kira carried a child. How was this possible? Did Kira have a young man that Flower did not know about? That the child could be Sesshomaru's never crossed her mind. The months passed and Kira's body housed the young child well, giving it all its nourishment untill there was little left for the mother. On the ninth month anniversary of her ordeal, Kira gave birth to a son. She never saw her son, probably never even knew she had given birth, and the body that had been fading for these long months, took it's final journey. As the boy was born, the mother had died. He was named Sataru for his mother. When flower saw the baby's silver hair and golden eyes, she knew the truth of his birth. Sataru grew up under the care of Flower and thought of her as his grandmother. She told him all about his mother and all her hopes and dreams. He grew to love his mother he had never known alive. When he asked about his father, Flower told him the truth, as she saw it. He was the son of the Dog Lord, Sesshomaru, who had raped and killed his mother. Sataru grew up hating his father.
Sesshomaru was walking his lands as he always did, and he neared the border of the Feudal Lands, he crossed over into the next land and walked to a clearing. Dead trees circled the clearing and bones, both human and demon, were scattered about. Twelve years ago, he had fought a bandit group and killed them all, receiving poisoned wounds in the process. To this day, he did not know how he survived. He remembered walking towards a distant village, and stopping to rest under a large oak tree. He woke up in the late afternoon the next day, his clothes torn and open, his wounds bandaged and packed with herbs. Someone had helped him but left no trace of themselves except for a small pouch containing herbs. He could not pick up a scent, all he could smell was blood and poison. After resting for another night, he made his way home. But he never forgot the strange dreams that the poison fever had given him. He had dreamt of the princess, of being in her arms once more. He sometimes missed her and the companionship of the other males. But when he weighed his freedom against that memory, his freedom always won. Those were good dreams, but the last dream had been a nightmare. He had dreamt of Naraku and had woken up to see the man hovering over him. He had lashed out with his claws. Now he realized that he had never woken up at all, it was all just a dream. But for some unknown reason he continued walking untill he reached the oak tree. Why was he drawn to it? Sesshomaru stood there, staring up at the leafy canopy above his head when a young boy, perhaps eleven or twelve, with silver hair that had a light blue shine to it. His golden eyes stared out. A demon! No….he sniffed the air….a half demon! The boy held a handle with a sharp blade at one end. Who are you? Sataru demanded. Sesshomaru turned to the boy. My name is Sesshomaru. He replied. Sesshomaru! The boy brought up the blade. Then I have been waiting to meet you for my whole life! He said. Why? Sesshomaru asked. To kill you! The boy lunged and Sesshomaru easily evaded him, but the boy turned faster then expected and the blade tore the Dog Lord's sleeve. You have some skill. Sesshomaru admitted, examining the torn cloth. May I ask you why do you want to kill me? Sesshomaru asked calmly. You raped and killed my mother! The boy cried out. That is a lie. Sesshomaru said calmly. My grandmother is not a liar! My mother is not a liar! She said it was you! Your name was the last word she ever spoke! He yelled out. I do not know who your mother is, but I do know I have never raped anyone in my life. I have only fucked with two people, Princess Makoria, and for a time, her brother Darkness. Sesshomaru started to say. My mother did not lie! Sataru cried out again. I would like to clear my name and find out the truth. Normally, I would not care, but for some reason not known to me, I feel that this is important. Let us go to your village and talk to your grandmother and search for the truth. Without waiting to see if the boy was following, Sesshomaru started down the path to the village. He steadily, never seeming to tire. Sataru walked behind, watching the Dog Lord. When they reached the village, the people pointed in alarm and rushed inside, slamming doors and closing window shutters. These people fear me. Thought Sesshomaru, wondering what tales had been told about him. Which is your home? He asked the boy out loud. Sataru pointed to a small hutt on top of the rise and Sesshomaru nodded, then went towards it. He stood in the yard while Sataru went inside to bring out his grandmother. An elderly woman came out of the house. Lord Sesshomaru. She said formally, with a bow of her head. This boy tells me that I am accused of rape and death. I came here to clear my name. He exclaimed. Those were the dying words of a child who was like a daughter to me. She said. So this boy is not your grandson? Sesshomaru asked. Not by blood, but he is by the love I give him. She explained. I see. And what were those words that condemned me? He asked. Kira who was my apprentice twelve years ago today, and she came to me poisoned and almost dead. I asked her who had done this to her and she said only one word. Your name. She told him. My name? Sesshomaru said, then waited for Flower to continue. She died in mind that day, but her body lived on for nine more months, untill she gave birth to Sataru. As he lived, she died. She said. And why do you think I am to blame in any of this? You have nothing but the fevered words of a sick girl. He stated. The proof is right there in front of me. Flower said and pointed at Sesshomaru. On your forehead. She walked over to Sataru and pushed back his bangs, revealing his own blue crescent moon. Sataru is your son, Demon Lord. You raped the mother and then killed her. What more proof do I need? For a moment, Sesshomaru thought the world had dissolved beneath his feet and he had been left standing on thin air. How could this be? He stared at the blue crescent moon….the same symbol of his blood line. The first son always carried the crescent moon. His father's father carried it, going back so many generations that time did not record the names. And now here it was on the boy's forehead. For a second his mind could not wrap around it, and then it began to take form. He dug through the deep pockets of his silks and brought out a small pouch. Do you recognize this? He asked Flower. Yes! That belonged to Kira. I gave it to her when she became my apprentice. Flower said quickly. Then perhaps I know the truth. I am guilty and innocent at the same time. Sesshomaru said, then continued. Twelve years ago I was after bandits that were plaguing the villages along the border of the Feudal Lands and my Lands. He began. Yes I remember that gang. They attacked my sister's village to the south and killed nearly everyone! She said quickly. I killed most of them, but received three poisoned arrows during my battle. I was trying to reach this village, but never made it. I got to the oak tree….the very tree that you found me standing beneath, Sataru….and fell unconscious. I awoke a day later, my clothes torn and my wounds packed with herbs and bandages. I found this pouch nearby. He continued to explain. Kira must have found you and treated your wounds. But I still don't understand what happened. Flower stated calmly. I believe I do. I remember having dreams….vivid dreams and nightmares….one in the arms of a princess and one being attacked by Naraku. I was dreaming and somehow Kira got interwoven into my dreams. He finished. The poison wound have given you chills. Kira might have tried to keep you warm with her own body. And in your fever, you thought it was the princess. And then you slashed her arm thinking she was that terrible demon, Naraku. If that is the truth of the matter, and my heart tells me that it is, then you are innocent of wrongdoing. Flower said in a kind voice. Perhaps, but I still killed her. What a terrible way to repay someone's kindness. I am sorry. And even more sorry to have never known her. I would like to learn more about her. Sesshomaru admitted. Sataru suddenly turned and ran into the small hutt. Flower watched him go inside and then turned to Sesshomaru. I have poisoned his mind for all these years, believing you evil. Forgive me. She asked. It is ok. He said calmly. I will talk to Sataru. Will you stay in the village? She asked. No, I will go back to the oak tree where I met Sataru untill tomorrow. Then I will return to my lands. If Sataru ever wishes to contact me, go to the castle. They will be able to find me. And with that, the Dog Lord left the hutt and his only child.
Sesshomaru waited untill late afternoon at the oak tree, hoping that Sesshomaru Sataru would at least talk to him, but Sataru never showed up. Finally with a heavy sigh, he stood up and began his journey back home. His life had always been a solitary one, but as the years passed, it was getting harder and harder to be alone. For many years, Jaken kept him company, but the little green toad had left him when Darkness took over his binding. Darkness was cruel and nasty to Jaken and he finally had enough and returned to his clan. And then for a short while, there had been Rin. Now the little girl was grown up and mated to Faith, with two children of her own. And he was still alone. You said you wanted to learn about my mother, came a voice from the trees. Sesshomaru turned and saw his son standing there. Yes, I did. I am very sorry about what happened. He said once more. My grandmother told me you are not to blame. The poison clouded your mind with dreams. He started. It is no excuse for what I did. Sesshomaru replied. Sataru moved closer. They say you walk your lands alone, watching over your people. Is that true? Sataru asked. Yes. Sesshomaru answered. Perhaps you would like company while you walk? He asked. I would enjoy that very much. Sesshomaru said kindly. I could tell you about my mother. Sataru said quietly. I would like that too. Sesshomaru hid a smile. And you could tell me about yourself? Sataru asked shyly. Whatever you want to know. Sesshomaru replied. Okay, I'll go with you for now, but I don't promise how long I'll stay with you. Sesshomaru looked at the boy standing before him and warmth lit his cold golden eyes. I will be glad to have my son at my side for as long as he wants. Sesshomaru admitted. For the first time since their meeting, Sataru smiled at his father. And you'll show me your lands as well? Sataru asked quickly. Of course! You must know the lands, for one day they will be yours to watch over. You are my first born son and my heir. Sesshomaru said kind of happily. And so Sesshomaru, Lord of the Western Lands, ended the long solitude of his life and from that day forward walked his lands with his first born son, Sataru at his side.