Kaze: the lost lord
One midsummer's day a young boy and his father walk up a tall hill.
"Father, where are we going?" Sesshomaru asks.
"To a funeral for an old rival of mine, so that I can fulfill a promise."
They approached a large Japanese castle many servants were outside keeping the yard neat and orderly. A woman in a navy blue kimono styled with red flowers and breaking waves, her waist long black hair tied back low at her shoulders. She bowed her head to them.
"Welcome honored guests. Please follow me."
She led them through a long hallway that opened to the side yard. Small tress sprouted up along the pathway that brought them to a sand garden. Huge rocks jutted up in various places as the sand was decorated in circles around them.
"And where is this son I've heard so much about?" the father questioned.
"So you have heard of him? I must say that it's very odd that you know of him."
"How could I not? All Kazu spoke of was his son and all the things he's done."
"Well, then I can assure you that he isn't anything like my husband described." She motioned to one of the large rocks where they could see a small figure bent over backwards on the jagged tip. "Young lord, I believe you should meet my son first."
Sesshomaru walked closer to until he reached the rock the boy was on. "You, boy wake up."
The figure draped in white and blue stirred from his sleep and stared down at the silver haired boy below him. He rubbed his eyes and yawned. A smile spread across his face. "Hello there."
"What are you doing sleeping on a rock?"
"Oh, it's a habit of mine." He laughed and jumped down. "What's your name little boy?"
Annoyed, the yellow eyed demon punched the black-haired boy. "You will address me as Sesshomaru-sama."
A small lump appeared on the boy's head and he laughed. "Wow, you sure do hit hard. I'm Kaze, nice to meet you, Sesshomaru."
"We'll leave you two to play." Kaze's mother bowed.
The adults left the children alone in the rock garden. "So what brings you here, Sassy?"
Once again he stuck Kaze on the head. "Don't ever call me that again. It's Sesshomaru-sama to you."
"But I thought your father was the lord not you." He stated innocently with a smile. "Seeing as how you want me to call you 'sama' you must really think highly of yourself." He was hit repeatedly and Kaze laughed. "Boy that hurt even worse than the last time."
"You're annoying, how many times do I have to hit you before you understand?"
"You sound like that man…" Kaze whispered to himself.
"What was that?"
"Oh nothing, hey you want to spar? I haven't had a sparring partner since my father died. Then again fighting him wasn't really fair."
"You must have a death wish. I suppose it's the only thing we can do seeing as how all I've been doing is hitting you."
The boy smiled brightly. "Good, just don't go easy on me okay?"
They both took a stance and prepared to fight.
_-_-570 years later-_-_
Alone in a valley a tall man with long black hair tied back into a ponytail. Clothed in light blue and white he walked happily through the desolate land. "I wonder if I'll find him today…"
Humming a lively tune he walked for miles without rest searching for his friend he came upon a small village. Stopping and looking around he realized his mistake. A mob formed and charged at him.
"Kill the demon!" most of them shouted.
He turned to run. "My deepest apologizes for disturbing you all!" Lifting off the ground he flew away on the winds. Finally safe he landed in an opening in the forest. "Dear me, it's been quite some time since I've been chased out of a village." He laughed to himself.
'But running away has gotten me lost yet again, I was heading east and now I'm not sure what direction I'm pointing. I suppose I'll have to head back then.'
Sighing he turned and found himself in a light fog, despite the warm temperature of the air it was hard to believe that fog had rolled in. stopping he realized that two women were bathing in a small spring. Before he had time to escape they spotted him.
"Sit boy!" one of them hollered. A man yelped from behind them.
The woman quickly dressed themselves and darted towards Kaze, who smiled."Hello there."
They stopped and stared at him as two men and a small fox demon appeared. The sliver haired demon yelled. "What the hell was that for? I didn't do anything!"
"I apologize I didn't mean to cause any trouble for you."
"Who are you and who sent you?" Sango questioned.
"I'm no one really, just lost. Actually I'm looking for someone." He stepped back. "Now I'm supposed to be heading east…but where am I?"
"Hey, what the hell are you doing here?" InuYasha barked.
"Well if you were listening to me then you'd know that wouldn't you." He smiled.
"You trying to start something?" he growled.
"No, why?"
"I don't know what it is about you but you really tick me off."
"Well that is unfortunate I can't really apologize for something like that so I'll just be on my way."
Before he could move InuYasha pulled out tetusiega. "Where do you think you're going?"
"My, my, what a big sword." He smiled innocently. "Are you over compensating for something, little boy?"
The others stifled their laughter as the half demon charged at Kaze who easily dodged the attack.
_-_- 10 yards away-_-_
Sesshomaru, Rin and Jaken walked along a dried creek when the lizard demon spotted something a little ways off.
"Sesshomaru-sama, just over there InuYasha is-." his master was already heading in the direction of the fight before he finished speaking.
Kaze was growing bored of the demon's slow strikes blocked the sword with his own. "I really must be on my way now, so if you don't mind could you stop attacking me?"
"In your dreams pal." A strong gust of wind pushed the half breed back.
Sesshomaru stood in between the two. The black haired man smiled brightly and ran to him wrapping his arms around his friend who promptly hit him repeatedly until he let go. Still smiling he spoke. "I see you haven't lost your touch. It's been a long time."
"So what you got a new lackey now?" InuYasha spat.
"Nope he's my one and only best friend." Kaze laughed while the sliver demon punched down a tree. "Wow that reminds me of when you smashed that rock the first time we spared. I was hoping I didn't look that different but knowing you, things have probably been busy." He removed the cloth that held his hair back.
"I could've broken all the bones in your face back then but then you'd be no use to me, would you Kaze?"
"Good you do remember me then. You haven't changed at all." His friend rolled his eyes. "By the way who's that guy that attacked me?"
"He's no one."
"If you say so, well I have a lot to tell you so I think we should go." The wind picked up again and they vanished.
They reappeared where Rin and Jaken were. Kaze smiled at them. "Why are you here?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Oh, well my entire family and servants were killed about three years ago. I've been looking for you since then." He tied his hair back. "And until I get my revenge I have to serve you."
The demon before him was silent for a moment. "So be it. Don't get in my way."
"Of course not, Sesshomaru."
"You will address me as Sesshomaru-sama."
"Why? Your name is long enough without the 'sama' on it. Besides you never called me Kaze-sama before."
"You'll never rank higher than me, not a fool like you."
He laughed. "You have a point. By the way who are these two?"
"I am Jaken and this girl is Rin." The lizard demon stated.
"Wow, it can talk." He smiled and turned his attention to Rin. "You're a human…"
"Yes I am. Who is this Sesshomaru-sama?" the girl asked.
"An annoying little demon."
Lifting Rin up he hugged her tightly. "My you are just the cutest little girl I've seen! Sesshy can I keep her?"
"What do you think Kaze?"
"I think…YES! Don't worry I'll take good care of you!"
Calmly his lord removed the girl from the demons grasp. "Rin isn't a pet and I take care of her well enough."
"I know she's not a pet, I just wanted a little sister. I could raise her in my castle."
"She stays here with me."
"You could live with us. I told you everyone there is died. It's really lonely up there. The more the merrier!"
"You wouldn't understand it's a personal matter." He rolled his eyes and set the girl down on the ground.
"Oh…OH, I get it you like her don't you?" he walked up to his friend's side and smiled. "So have you told her where babies come from?"
"Do you ever stop talking; you're getting in my way."
"I see well I'll just tell her then." He kneels down and whispers into Rin's ear. Once he finished she fainted. "Oh my perhaps I explained it wrong."
"What did you tell her?" Jaken asked.
"Well it's what my father told me once: *CENSORED*. That's all." The lizard was bowled over in shock as the demon lord's eye twitched.
"I've just about had it with you Kaze. If you think you can serve me then kill 100 demons. Then you may stay."
"As you wish." He jumped up and hovered in the air for a moment before flying away to fulfill his master's command.
The wind demon headed north towards the mountains a found an area darkened and crawling with demons. He landed and looked around seeing nothing but mist. Halting he looked skyward. 'What an odd place. Oh…am I lost again? Wonderful it took me three years to find Sesshomaru and I lose him in moments.'
"You there boy!" a woman shouted.
"Huh?" turning to his left he saw a woman holding a fan. She stood next to a tall man with black hair and a young girl holding a mirror. He smiled and waved to them. "Hello there."
"What are you doing here?" the woman questioned.
"I'm lost could you help me out. You see I was heading north and now I'm not sure where I am." He giggled. Hearing a loud buzzing he looked and saw Naraku's insects. "Amazing…I never knew insects could get that big!"
"Who are you?" Naraku asked.
"Just a lowly servant, no one of importance, but if it's my name you are interested in then its Kaze."
"Kaze…the lord of the clan that was slaughtered three years ago?" The man asked slyly.
Turning to the group he smirked. "Yes, would you have any information about the incident you'd be willing to share?"
"I may, but what will you do for me in return?"
Laughing the young lord answered. "Not a damn thing."
"Kaguya."
The woman stepped forward and waved her fan. "Dance of Blades!"
The air never shifted as Kaze stood before her smiling. "I really must be on my way now. Pardon me if you will." He jumped and flew away.
Kaguya was about to chase after him when Naraku stopped her. "We'll stay to our original plan. Bring me the girl Sesshomaru keeps with him."
Two malformed figures stepped out of the brush. Each only having one hand on the other arm they had poison tipped swords. As the female wind demon took the sky the creatures followed her swiftly on the ground.
Meanwhile Kaze had found Rin and Jaken. They were walking beside a large lake as the demon landed.
"Hello all." He smiled.
"Hello Kaze. Found your way back I see." Rin greeted.
"Yes, I was about to head west." He pointed south.
"That's the wrong way entirely, fool." Jaken spat.
The wind master laughed. "I really don't know where I'm going. Where's Sesshomaru?"
"Sesshomaru-SAMA went looking for you but seeing as how you're here you sent him on a fool's errant, you dolt."
"Did you just call Sesshy a fool? That's very brave of you if he hears of this-."
"Don't you dare say a word about that!" he panicked.
A breeze wafted by them and Kaze sensed another presence close by that was heading towards Rin. He stepped over to her and summoned a protective shell of air around her. Fearing this wouldn't be enough the demon blocked the strike of the sword with his body.
"Kaze!" Jaken yelped.
"Are you alright Rin?" he smirks.
"Yes."
"Good, now take Jaken and find Sesshomaru." They ran into the forest and escape the scene. The cloth that held his hair up fell to the ground. Kaze turned his head toward the creature and smiled. "Time to die you little insect."
The wind kicked up, forming silver blades that torn the creature to shreds in an instant. Kaguya attempted another attack on the wind lord with no effect. Taking a breath he pulled the blade from his body and tossed it to the ground. "Who are you?"
"Your master doesn't inform you very well does he?" he smiles. "Your powers won't work on me." The other demon sprang from Kaze's side running him through with his blade. "Sneaking up on me like that is very naughty." Forming a tornado he swept the demon into it. More silver blades sliced the creature to ribbons. The funnel of air moved and encircled Kaguya as the wind master hovered in front of her. "Next time you might want to try something that will actually work on me. Tell that master of yours that if I even smell him he's a dead man."
He directed the air back to where Naraku was.
_-_- Sesshomaru-_-_
The demon lord made his way through the dense forest until he smelled blood in the air. Rin and Jaken arrived at his side.
"Sesshomaru-sama, that fool Kaze is in trouble and-." The lizard began.
"He saved my life, Sesshomaru-sama." Rin stated.
"Jaken, where is he?"
"Back this way, my lord." He said as he led the way back to the lake.
_-_-Kaze-_-_
Landing at the center of the lake Kaze stood on the water's surface. Feeling light headed he staggered to the rocky shore trailing blood on the ground. Weakened from the poison he lied under the shade of a nearby tree and tied his hair back.
'So poison was their little trick then. Wonderful.' He closed his eyes and lost all sense of time.
"Kaze, wake up."
Looking up the wind master saw his friend standing over him. "Sesshomaru…you came back."
"Only a fool like you needs this much looking after. Stand up."
Slowly he stood before his master. "I failed; I was only able to kill two demons. I'm sorry."
"You saved Rin. That's enough to show your loyalty."
Smiling Kaze collapsed breathing heavily and sweating. Jaken inspected the swords on the ground. "My lord he's been poisoned!"
"He'll be fine. Let's move on."
_-_- Sesshomaru's memory-_-_
Young Kaze stood outside his home staring down at his hands when Sesshomaru arrived.
"What are you doing, Kaze?"
"Good morrow Sassy!" when the boy lifted his hand to wave he revealed a large white demon snake attached to his hand.
"Why do you have that thing on you?"
"It's been stuck on me for an hour and I've been trying to convince it to let go but it simply won't." he smiled.
In one motion the silver haired demon grabbed the snake and pulled it free from the boy's hand. Throwing the reptile away he struck his friend. "What is wrong with you?"
He laughed. "My father use to ask me the same question. I'm not sure but don't worry about me. Poison, venom and things of that nature don't affect me anymore. That man made sure of that."
"You mean your father?"
"Yes, I've been training my entire life just so I can be at your level so that I could be a worthy rival to you like my father was to yours. But, now that I've met you all I want is to be your friend."
Sesshomaru punched the boy's head. "How foolish can you be? This world isn't about friendships."
"You may be right about that." He smiled innocently. "My training has kept me trapped in this place. I've never seen anyone that lives outside these walls. So I'm rather ignorant of the world that you live in. This castle and the land that we occupy here is my world its small compared to yours I know but it's all I know."
"You talk too much."
He giggled. "I know. Well shall we spar again. I'm actually starting to enjoy training now that you're here."
_-_-Night Clearing-_-_
The group of four rested in a small clearing as night fell. Kaze tossed and turned as the poison took hold of his body. Rin kept close watch on the ill demon.
"Sesshomaru-sama, I'm not sure Kaze is going to last much longer."
"Jaken," He struck the small creature on the head. "Don't doubt what I told you."
"Y-yes my lord."
'This is strange, Kaze shouldn't be ill like this.' The demon lord though. 'What's happened to you Kaze?'
The wind demon woke from his slumber and screamed in pain as he rolled from side to side. "Be still now, Kaze." Rin comforted.
"Thank you, Rin." He smiled weakly as he shifted to lie on his back.
"Kaze, don't let yourself die." Sesshomaru commanded.
"As you wish." He closed his eyes.
The young girl sat silently watching over the man that had saved her when he smiled. "You're awake?"
He opened his clear blue eyes and smiled. "I can tell you're worried. You should get some rest little Rin."
"It's my job to look after you, you saved me after all."
"I'm not sure I could live with myself if I hadn't. It's as I said before, you're my sister."
"Then get some rest Kaze."
"You do the same, my little Rin." He smiled once more and held his sister's small hand as they both drifted to sleep.
Then next morning Kaze didn't wake from his dreams, instead he tossed and turned as the poison seeped deeper into his body. Rin and Jaken became more concerned for the demon. By the end of the day he's skin was pale white and drenched in sweat.
Yet another day pasted, the wind master's skin showed the dark veins underneath it. His breathing nearly stopped. Hope for him had nearly faded. The day pasted slowly as the three sat and watched over him, Rin keeping a close eye on his every breath.
_-_-The Next Morning_-_-
Rin woke early to find a vacant space beside her. She walked to Jaken and Sesshomaru. "Kaze is gone."
"The fool went off to die." The lizard stated and was struck o the head.
"Follow me, both of you." Sesshomaru lead them to a cliff where they saw Kaze hovering.
"Kaze!" Rin called as she ran toward him.
"Rin!" Kaze flew toward her and held her. "I'm sorry for worrying you."
"I'm just glad you're alive." He set the girl down.
"Seeing as how you're alive we should be leaving now." The silver haired demon turned to walk away when his friend hugged him.
"I know you were worried too."
Angered the demon lord punched Kaze repeatedly. "You truly are a fool, don't ever do that again."
Laughing, he picked up Rin and placed her on his shoulders. "Let's be off then."
The group began to travel while Kaze rambled on about numerous things very loudly. "Now once I find the man who killed my clan I'll have you properly entered into the family."
"Is that even possible?" Jaken asked.
"Of course it is especially with my clan. We welcome humans."
"What kind of idiotic ploy is that?"
"Well I'm in fact a small part human. Long ago the leader of the air demons married a priestess. She was said to have given birth to seven children all of them more demon than human. And because they were part human she taught them all how to use their priestly powers. I know very few spells but all of them are powerful. That was several generations ago, but every now and again we do take humans into the family and train them as priests its ironic really." He smiled.
"How does a clan like that survive this long?" the lizard groaned.
"Won't a plan like that back fire?" Sesshomaru asked.
"It has but only four times. Of course now that it's just me I suppose I'll have to just start over." He froze and looked to his right.
"What is it?"
"I heard something just now, it was headed this way but now I'm not sure."
Just then a woman came crashing out of a tree in front of the group. She wore a yellow kimono darkened with stains of blood her grey eyes found Kaze. "Kaze-sama!"
"Suzu, you're alive!" he smiled and ran to her side. "What happened?"
Struggling to find the words she stumbled trying to explain. "It was a trap when you left and…no one was expecting it…only a few of us escaped…I've been searching for you."
"Just tell me who attacked the castle."
"I'm being hunted they found me and…you need to run! He'll be looking to kill you master. That man is-!" blood erupted from her body and she fell over died.
"My what a talkative bird she was." A voice laughed. "And what fortune that I should find the weakling Kaze here as well, master will be pleased."
"Would you mind sharing the name of this master of yours?" Kaze smiled.
The demon scoffed, "I'm not a fool like you and what odd company you keep."
"That's my master you're talking about and I would watch my tone if I were you, Kazuho."
"A dog demon, lizard and a human girl oh yes I'm truly frightened." He smirked, landing on the ground. "So are you going to fight back or just stand there?"
The master smiled. "You must have a death wish."
The man laughed. "You're dumber than I remember!" the wind whirled violently a cut appeared on Kaze's face. "We all know that I was meant to inherit the clan not you!"
"You really do talk too much." Kaze's hair fell free from the cloth. "Now then, let's see what you're made of." He smirked.
"Have it your way." a tornado whipped around the two as the man charged. His target had vanished and struck him from behind.
Kaze's normally warm and welcoming smile had change to something cold and threatening. It was obvious that he was merely toying with his opponent. As the demon charged again Kaze moved forward and sliced the man's legs off. Tumbling to the ground screaming the defeated demon tried to pull himself into the surrounding brush. The wind master laughed and grabbed his hair. "And where are we going? This isn't over until one of us is dead. Now tell me who your master is."
"N-never."
"Ah, that is unfortunate." A cold air swept in and Kazuho yelled for his superior to stop, but it was too late for mercy. A silver blade cut open the man's stomach as Kaze let go the body floated up to the branch of a tree. His intestines wrapped around his neck and the branch. Slowly, the once proud demon, choked to death while Kaze stood by laughing.
"Kaze." Sesshomaru called. He stopped laughing and turned an angry eye to his master. Silver blades flew towards him nearly hitting Rin and Jaken. Drawing out his sword Tokijin the blades vanished as did the air master. "Both of you stay here."
Chasing after Kaze, Sesshomaru followed the path of destruction and death his friend had left behind. Finally he found himself at the base of a cliff where Kaze was waiting for him. "Hello Sesshomaru."
"Enough of this, Kaze."
"That sounded like an order…I wonder if you even have the strength to hand out such commands to me." he charged and attacked.
_-_- Rin_-_-
Jaken paced in front of the trees while Rin stared down the path that her lord had gone down. She thought of the kind and caring demon that called her his sister, and his carefree smile.
"Jaken?"
"What is it Rin?"
"Do you think Sesshomaru-sama would kill Kaze?"
"I wish he would as insolent as that boy is. Why do you ask?"
"Don't you think that things have gotten better with him around?"
"Don't be ridiculous, that fool is bound to get us all killed on day. Not to mention his idiotic laugh and smile. He's so unnerving I can't stand him at all. Don't tell me you like having that fool around Rin?"
The small girl was running down the path desperately trying to find her master and Kaze.
_-_- Kaze and Sesshomaru-_-_
The two demon lords fought the air master kept the silver demon at a distance as he tossed blades of wind at him.
"What's the point of all this?"
"I'm equal to you it seems, however I'm only interested in killing the man that destroyed my clan."
"So you do know who it is."
"It's obvious yet impossible to believe. I just wonder about you at times."
"Lord Sesshomaru! Kaze!" Rin's voice called as she exited the tress.
"What is it that you cherish more, your life or hers?" blades hovered at Rin's neck.
"This is you last warning Kaze." Sesshomaru growled.
"Oh, is that so…" he smirked menacingly.
"Nii-sama, please don't kill anymore." The air went still for a moment and Kaze stared at the girl to his side as he unconsciously floated down. The blades vanished into smoky wisps and Rin ran to him holding him in her small arms.
Again the brightness of his blue eyes returned. His hair lifted back into a ponytail and was tied in the small white cloth. He held tightly to Rin as he realized what he had done. "I'm sorry Rin, I'm so sorry. I never meant for you to see me like that. I'll try my best not to let it happen again. I'm sorry I can't promise."
"Welcome back nii-sama." She smiled.
Withdrawing his sword back into his belt Sesshomaru walked toward them. "You have some explaining to do Kaze."
"I realize." He gave a weary smile.
So the three walked back down the path of destruction that Kaze had created, while no one spoke. Once they reached Jaken they sat on the soft patch of grass.
"Well speak up you fool." Jaken demanded getting his lord's fist planted into his head.
"To be honest I don't know where to begin, all I know was that my purpose for living is to rival you Sesshomaru." He explained sorrow in his eyes. "I remember that as soon as I could walk I began to train in order to hone my skills as a wind demon. Needless to say my father wasn't happy with how slow I was progressing. So I was punished, over and over again. All I did was smile, that didn't help things. I don't even know what I did wrong to him to deserve that kind of treatment."
The demon removed his top layer of clothing and revealed his old scars. Rin and Jaken gasped at the sight. "That's what he did to you?"
"Yes, I'm afraid the scars don't do the injuries any justice. It only got worse once he began training me. One day out of pure instinct I injured him and he was pleased with that. So he began to push me more to reach that level but I couldn't. There was a time where I couldn't remember weeks of my life. And one day mother gave me a ribbon. She said 'whenever you're in danger use your power to remove it and you will have all the strength you need'. So I was able to gain some control over the power, and soon after that my father died and I met you. My father told me to kill you the moment I saw you but I could tell from when I laid eyes on you were something more than a rival to me." He smiled. "You were to only person that I ever met that wasn't part of my clan, you were different. That's seems to be the whole story up until now."
"Nii-sama, do you know why your father wanted you to defeat Sesshomaru-sama?"
"Because my father was never up to par with his, once news reached him about master's birth my father found a bride and had me. The only thing that mattered to him was surpassing his one and only rival."
"So you suffered all those years under his hand knowing all of this?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Yes, there wasn't much I could do about it. I was too young but I did manage to keep one of my powers hidden from him. He'd have beaten me to death if I told him." He smiled brightly. "I can hear the voice of the wind."
"What's so special about that?" the lizard asked.
"I can control my powers much better because I can communicate with the wind. It's a simple skill that even humans can do because I can do this I'm able to ask small favors without having to use my powers. It has its uses. Sesshomaru…I'm sorry for causing you trouble." He bowed to his friend. "Please forgive me. If you don't I'll have no choice but to kill myself."
There was a long pause as the silver demon rose and walked passed Kaze. "What use would you be to me as a corpse, Kaze?"
"Thank you, Lord Sesshomaru." He smiled as he followed his lord's steps.
As they walked the sun began to set. Rin at Kaze's side.
"So where do you live Nii-sama?" she asked.
"We live on a mountain top. Its beauty, I'll take you there one day Rin."
"That would be wonderful!"
"Oh, I almost forgot." He untied a leather strap from his neck, on which a small silvery blue orb was strung. "This is for you. It's a symbol that you are part of my clan, it's an unofficial welcome of sorts."
"Thank you Nii-sama." She smiled as he tied it around her neck.
"By the way who was that man you killed?" Jaken asked
"Oh, he was Kazuho. He's always hated me. You see when my father died the clan split some who were loyal only to my father lead by Kazuho and those loyal to my mother. My father's minions left while the other's stayed with me and mother."
"Why come after you now?" Rin asked musing at the orb.
"Well I don't have any protection and the others that were loyal to me are dead."
"That was three years ago Kaze." Sesshomaru reminded him. "Why wait three years?"
"I don't know now that I think on it that is strange. Also Kazuho was only loyal to my father, so much so that he changed his name so it was more like fathers." Kaze halted, his face struck with horror and then realization. "We have to go."
"What is it Kaze?"
"We have to go back to the mountain; I know who killed my clan we have to go." He was serious.
"Alright, do you know the way there?"
"If there's one place I know how to find its home. Follow me." he turned and began to lead them to his castle.