A.N: I'm restarting on a different rout. You might have read this story
long long ago, or this might be the first time you ever came across it
(lucky you). I'm planning on changing some aspects of the story and (so
help me god) correct the grammar mistakes I seem to constantly make no
matter how hard I try to weed those buggers out. I think I finally found
time and desire to recreate this world for reading pleasure. UF will be a
novella of sorts filled with plot twists and turbulent relationships. Each
character within the story will have their own unique personality and there
will be much more gory fighting chapters. (I seem to thrive on those) Not
to mention the awkward interactions between the wannabe antihero and
heroine. I apologize for never updating. for like two. years. And um. if it
wouldn't be too much of a hassle. could I ask one of you grammatically
correct readers out there to proofread my chapters for me? Thank you for
your time. Please read and review about what you think of this story.
FYI
*Represents thought*
"Represents speech"
Unknown fall
By: Bawdy
Rin (ever the curious child) and Jaken (the unofficial babysitter) get into mischief and make a discovery while wandering around a demonic city. Why would Sesshô-Maru want to visit a prophet?
Paring: Sess & ???
Act one: Introduction into the unknown
...Demons...
Rin hummed merrily as she walked quickly beside her companions. She adored the times she spent traveling around the world with Sesshô-Maru and little Jaken. It was something new and glorious, full of adventures but above all, she was with someone she cared deeply for.
*Like a long lost father... I wonder what's in the sack he's carrying. *
Rin lost herself in thought as she looked around the small village full of many strange demons and monsters. She wasn't scared of them in the least, but she did feel a bit uncomfortable. It felt like she didn't belong there (which was true.)
"Stay close Rin." Sesshô-Maru warned monotonously, "This city is full of blood thirsty demons, who knows what they'll do to an innocent child like yourself."
Rin smiled and obeyed his command. Her curiosity soon betrayed her and her eyes scanned the demon-infested city. Her fascination was apparent through her actions. The way her mouth was slightly ajar and the constant shifting of her eyes. She had never seen such a bizarre place as this. The residence was infested with grubby rat-like creatures that scampered along the dark alleyways and within the countless fractures along the adobe structures. The daily activities and the odd languages spoken between the natives was a compelling blend to behold. It was like every time they turned a corner, a surprise was waiting to greet them.
Sesshô-Maru shifted the burdensome sack to a more comfortable position on his left shoulder and wound his long boa-like tail around his right arm. He could have told Rin EVERYTHING he knew about what demons could inflict upon a mere human child, but wisely decided against it. It would be too disturbing to enlighten the girl of what the civilians dwelling in this community could inflict upon her if they acquired the opportunity.
Though he was tempted to feel minor apprehension in Rin, (since she never radiated any sort of emotions lingering towards fright for a while now,) he knew that if he were patient enough the city will reveal its true colors and he expected to smell some atypical emotion of disgust or disdain soon. If he were truly lucky the fear in her would overpower the putrid stench of rotting human flesh bombarding his senses.
The youkai lords leisurely pace dwindled to a sudden halt. He wasn't certain, but when the wind blew westward, he could have sworn he caught a whiff of something very familiar... a. fragrance... he did not encounter for a long stretch of time. Pleasant as it may be, the awkward memories accompanying the sent caused Sesshô-Maru to cringe inwardly.
"Somthin' troublin' ye Lord Sesshô-Maru?" Jaken's voice broke the youkai from his reverie.
Sesshô-Maru dispatched the unpleasant memories back into the deepest core of his subconscious and calmly said to his retainer, "It is none of your concern Jaken."
With that said the youkai continued his trek. Rin obliviously unaware of the fleeting conversation simply fallowed her lord and enjoyed the passing view.
*****
Rin spotted many slaves scampering here and there, performing their masters' wishes or (to her surprise) being punished for the amusement of other demonic creatures. Some of the dirty slaves were low ranking demons while others were unmistakably human. The slaves passing by her smelt extremely foul and looked filthy like they had never taken a bath for months, (or perhaps even years.) She also caught the distinctive sent of coppery blood lingering in the air. Her fascination with the city was descending the longer she looked at it.
Rin's gaze finally fell to the very ground she walked on. She had lost the desire to stare at the mangled shops and bizarre townsfolk. Only then did she notice the blood stained pavement. A nervous glance towards a display presented to passerby's threatened the loss of her appetite. Hanging on wired racks attached to poles and tree trunks to dry were several thinly stretched out skins. Rin instinctively crept closer to her protector Sesshô-Maru. She concealed the sudden urge to just latch herself to his right leg.
*Disgust. * Sesshô-Maru mused.
He prevented himself from cracking a slight grin, nor showed the assumption that he even acknowledged the repugnance radiating out of the mortal child's inner core. Rin glanced nervously at Jaken. The toad walked a few strides away from her. She whispered softly to him so only he could hear... She hoped.
"Jaken, why are we here?"
Jaken glanced at the child, fidgeting slightly. Lord Sesshô-Maru only told him so little. He to was curious about why they were within the crumbling walls of such a lowdown-soiled city. He shrugged heavily. "Actually Rin, our great n powerful master only said that we were to see a prophet of some talent, who claims that he's capable o' predictin' the future."
"But why does Lord Sesshô-Maru want his future to be predicted?" Rin whispered in curiosity, "Rin does not understand."
Before Jaken could think of a plausible hypothesis, his Lord cut through their supposedly two-way conversation in that drawl of his. "It's a personal situation in which I expect both of you to not discuss about behind this Sesshô-Maru's back."
Rin felt a pang of guilt sweep throughout her body; she didn't want him to be angry with both her and Jaken. "Rin and Jaken are both sorry Lord Sesshô-Maru, we won't do it again, ever! Can you ever forgive us?" Rin pleaded in such a way that only a child could accomplish successfully.
Sesshô-Maru repressed yet another grin, as he smelt the guilt hovering over his subordinates. He chose not to answer her apology and continued his elegant pace through the town, oblivious to the curious stares of the demon citizens. If one of those unkempt hoodlums so much as ventured towards the trio in any attempt to forestall them be it curiosity or provoking, there would certainly be one less demon brood to worry about.
Rin stared up at Sesshô-Maru and smiled appreciatively. Even though he could say the most hurtful statements at times, he still had the capability to be kind and well natured (although skillfully hidden.) Her Lord had already forgiven them of their transgression. Unless he never cared about it in the first place... Rin noticed that Jaken seemed a little frighten by his Lord's harsh words and he looked extremely edgy.
Her attention once again shifted to the human slaves suffering punishment around her. A frown appeared upon her childish face. She felt tremendous pity for the slaves forced to carry burdensome sacks of who-knows-what around the city. She was glad that being a dirty slave to a cold-hearted monster wasn't her fate... to suffer in such a fashion...
As the child thought about the particular subject of becoming a slave, she figured that this could have indeed been her dreadful fate. Except as an alternative of a coldhearted monster ruling over her, it would have been substituted by a coldhearted group of humans living in a run down village. However the fates have been good to her and brought Sesshô-Maru (her guardian angel, with a large fluffy white tail, instead of two white feathery wings) resurrected her from the pitch black void of death with his sword Tenseiga and placed her in his custody.
Rin felt a warm feeling in her stomach that expanded up towards her heart as she gazed upon Sesshô-Maru's angelic form. She didn't understand why her lord desired to protect her but she would never question his intentions. The frown marring Rin's features vanished and her cheerful smile soon returned.
*****
They soon came across a group of rowdy demons that were waiting for an auction to commence. The crowd spotted the noble demon lord and a veil of silence fell upon the mass. The civilians quickly scampered aside so the youkai lord could pass unhindered of ANY form of obstacles. A minute later, as the trio turned a corner, the mass gathering of demons returned to the normalcy of day-to-day activities.
As the minutes passed by Sesshô-Maru finally approached the ends of his journey. He halted in front of a lone shack.
Sesshô-Maru graciously swung the heavy burden over his opposite shoulder and began to descend down the stony steps towards the entrance of the shabby adobe. As he descended, Sesshô-Maru warned Jaken to keep a sharp eye on Rin and not to let her wander around while he visited the prophet.
The youkai lord paused in his descent halfway down the stairway leading into a dark hallway and slowly glanced at Rin. Quietly as the winds gentle breeze, he told her, barely over a whisper, "If someone threatens you, and Jaken is inadequate to assist you out of the uncomfortable situation. Just give a loud holler and I'll be there."
Rin grinned from ear to ear and waved him off. "Oh don't worry, Rin will be alright! Have fun now. Rin promises she won't move from this spot!" She pointed a stubby finger at the ground below her.
Sesshô-Maru snorted and glared at her incredulously, knowing too well that the brat's curiosity would get the best of her and she would disappear to quench that damned thirst inside of her.
"Mark my words. Creatures residing within this city are not to be taken lightly. Don't utter a word to anyone or gaze upon anything living, for if they manage the chance they'll torture you, and when they get tired of such bloody games they'll eat you for their supper." Sesshô-Maru felt satisfied as his verbal threat of things to come affected the child. A nice aroma of fear escaped from the girl.
The demon prince quickly turned and continued his short journey down the stairs leading him closer to his destination. The only thing Sesshô-Maru knew about the prophet was that he was a cranky one-eyed Cyclops-hydra demon whose specialty was roast human-child curry and meat loaf and the fact that he was incognito for some pass transgression or another. Sesshô- Maru cared neither for the crime nor the price of the prophet's service. So with his sack full of three innocent human children and one baby freshly slaughtered, he stepped through an iridescent barrier and entered the prophet's domain.
*****
Rin watched as Sesshô-Maru disappeared into the hut without even glancing back at her. When she could no longer hear Sesshô-Maru's gentle footfalls, her curiosity went into overdrive and she began to wander around the streets. Jaken was a few feet behind her, nervousness written all over his toad-like face.
"Rin ye ungrateful brat, please don't be doin' this!"
Rin simply ignored him.
"Ye heard Lord Sesshô-Maru's warnin' about this place. Lets return to the prophets lodgin' before we get into mischief."
Jaken hissed angrily when she did not respond accordingly.
"Don't worry Jaken," she chirped reassuringly, "Rin just wants to see what the crowd over there is doing!" Grabbing Jaken's arm, she hulled him towards her desired destination.
"Fine, but only fer a minute." Jaken grumbled.
A loud shout was heard from the direction of the crowd surrounding a stage that connected to a crimson marquee.
Rin paused for a brief second, unsure if she should continue.
A hideous ogre ascended to the center of the stage and jovially bellowed for all to hear. "DEMONS OF THE NORTH, SOUTH, EAST AND WEST WELCOME TO THE ANNUAL DEMONS ADRIENNE AUCTION!" His triple chin jiggled madly (not to mention other portions of his flabby body.) He looked more like a blob of wiggly flesh tone jelly than an actual demon.
Rin nearly jumped out of her skin when she first heard his rumbley voice. One glance at the monstrous creature caused Rin to officially lose her appetite. She stood frozen in open mouth wonder and watched the ogre enthusiastically welcomed demons from around the area. He caused quite a stir around the city and soon attracted the attentions of previously heedless citizens.
The small crowd that once stood before the stage had tripled in size. Some potential bidders were fully clad in rich garbs of silk and velvet while others wore princely armor revealing their high rank. Most had money pouches already at hand. The ogre smiled in satisfaction.
*Gathering like a swarm of locust* The auctioneer greedily mused.
"AS YOU KNOW, THIS IS THE YEAR FOR THE FAMOUS AUCTION OF MANY VALUABLE MERCHANDISE!"
Murmurs of approvals and nods passed through the vast group of demons. The vicinity was packed shoulder-to-shoulder with creatures that they completely blocked Rin's view of the auction block. She couldn't see anything from where she stood although the gleams of excitement in their eyes were unavoidable and this realization caused even Rin to become excited herself.
"WE WILL FIRST START OFF LIKE YEARS BEFORE, BY DIVIDING THE MERCHANDISE INTO TWO SEPARATE GROUPS! THE FIRST GROUP IS THE NON-LIVING GROUP, BEAUTIFUL, HIDEOUS, AND MAGICAL ITEMS WITH LESSER VALUE WILL BE SOLD FIRST! THEN, WE WILL PROCEED TO THE MORE VALUABLE ARTIFACTS FOUND AROUND THE WORLD! AFTER THE FIRST GROUP OF MERCHANDISE ARE ALL SOLD, WE'LL HAVE A NEW TWIST TO THE ANNUAL AUCTION AND PRESENT A SPECIAL INTERMISSION!"
Another wave of whispered discussions passed through the crowds. Many yearly competitors were amused about the new event. A humanoid bird-demon cawed out, "WHAT SORT OF INTERMISSION?"
The auctioneer grinned even wider than before; he was really working his talent on them this year. He could almost picture in his mind the barrels of gold rolling in. His employer would most likely give him a huge promotion for this one.
"I'M SORRY BUT YOU'LL HAVE TO STAY A WHILE AND WAIT TO FIND OUT. AS I WAS SAYING, AFTER THE FIRST GROUP OF MERCHANDISE IS ALL SOLD WE'LL CARRY ON TO THE LIVING PORTION OF THE AUCTION! I MYSELF AM PROUD OF THIS PART! WE HAVE FOUND MANY EXOTIC MAMMALS AND OTHER CREATURES HALFWAY AROUND THE WORLD. THAT'LL CATCH MUCH INTEREST WITHIN ALL OF YOU. MOST SHOULD KNOW THE RULES ON HOW YOU ACQUIRE MERCHANDISE. WHOEVER BIDS THE MOST GOLD AND SILVER HAS THE RIGHT TO THE PRIZE! NOW LET THE AUCTION BEGIN!"
A flap leading into the marquee was pressed aside as a lizard demon ascended the stage. The reptilian demon carried an object encased in a glass casket. As he approached, the auctioneer yelled a brief description about the artifact and its starting bid. A rush of noise erupted from the crowd; high pitch yells of bids over bidding another filled the air.
Rin puffed her cheeks and stomped her foot. She tried desperately to search for a higher perch to stand on for a better view of the objects being sold. Suddenly an idea popped right into her childish head. With a girlish giggle and a gap toothed smile that always gave Jaken the heebie-jeebies she was calculating the space between the masses of bidders.
Jaken had a gut feeling that the brat was up to something no good and he wasn't afraid to voice his opinion.
"No Rin, you ain't gonna~~!?!?" Poor Jaken didn't have the time to finish what he was saying.
Like a flash she went down on her hands and knees and gleefully crawled through the massive jumble of hairy, thick, and bony legs. The hapless retainer was left in the dust. All he could hear was the receding laughter of a human child. He snapped out of his stupor and verbally berated the human numskull for acting like a childish BRAT. which she was to begin with. He cursed the gods for his dire fate. Once a mighty servant used as a pivotal fighting tool in many victorious battles; now deduced to a hand-me- down babysitter who has an unlucky knack dealing with toddlers and the like. Fearing Sesshô-Maru's wrath, the toad demon followed in the child's footprints.
As he made his way through the throng of legs and other annoying appendages in his path, Jaken would curse every time someone accidentally or (in his opinion anyway) purposefully trudged on him. ("Stupid floppy wings, hope they wilt right off yeah!" "Damn annoyin' tails! Shove it where it belongs yeah pig headed ass!)
With a sigh of relief Jaken caught sight of his slippery charge. Rin stood by an opening that revealed the items being sold on the wooden stage. She admired each and every one of the merchandise, oohing and aahing simultaneously with the crowds. Jaken quickly rushed towards her side, scolding her for disobeying Lord Sesshô-Maru's order and once again begging her to return to the ancient shack.
Rin pointed at the marquee, "Lookie Lookie! That is where all the stuff comes out from!"
She scampered closer to the thing she assumed was a tent. It was humongous! It seemed much larger than any tent she ever saw in her lifetime (that wasn't long indeed.) It was at least a hundred thousand feet wide!! Although she couldn't tell if it was or not, due to the lack of any mathematical skills and she was over exaggerating a great deal.
Walking along the side of the 'Big red tent' in search of an entrance, she stumbled across a back entryway that appeared deserted of demons. She glanced around her shoulders to see if anyone was watching. When the close was clear she took a risk and lifted the flap concealing her view of the booty inside the tent.
A gasp of appraisal escaped her lips at what she beheld within the makeshift chamber. There was an assortment of exquisite tapestries located in one corner of the room. Right next to the tapestries were dozens of kimonos shimmering with golden stitches, white silky sleeves, intricate patterns of the ocean waves, rising sun, the four seasons. there was so much displays that her little eyes could not take it all in. All she knew was that it was lovely shinny stuff and that it was just the first of many things catching her eye. Next she spotted the exotic creatures laced in gold and silver beads and threads. They matched perfectly with the cages they were confined in and they all possessed something extraordinary in their features. Rin couldn't tear her eyes from them.
"Jaken, do you think Lord Sesshô-Maru would buy Rin something?" She asked in wonder.
Jaken sweat dropped and glared at the brat. He really hated playing the nursemaid role. It was so degrading! "Tell me runt, has M'Lord Sesshô-Maru ever bought you anythin' ye wanted before?"
"...Um..No..." was the disheartened reply.
"Then why in the world would his lordship start buyin' you gifts now, eh?"
"Rin is joking.... Jaken can't take jokes...." Rin pouted in disappointment and continued rambling, "You're no fun!" Rin crossed her arm over her chest and stuck out her lower lip. Jaken's temper flared at her rudeness and he let out a stream of obscenities.
Around the same time Jaken unleashed his verbal wrath the human child noticed someone oddly familiar...
Millions of questions raced through her mind as she watched the person locked in the golden cage. Jaken's voice was a faint murmur as a memory replayed itself in her mind. A memory of waking up in that persons reassuring embrace..
Rin's eyes lit up in excitement, "Jaken, l-look over there!" She stuttered. Her sudden outburst cut him off mid tirade.
"What? Where?" The toad glanced over each of his shoulders fearing they'd been caught by one of the auctioneers' staff.
"The last cage with the green jewels sticking out of it!" She squeaked.
Jaken shook his head. "Rin, I agree that the cage is extremely pleasin' to a mortals eye, but his lordship will never buy you such a thin'.... do you expect to be carried in that stupid cage?"
Rin wrinkled her nose, "No silly, look who's in it!" she persistently pointed her stubby index finger towards the direction of the cage.
Jaken squinted his eyes and saw the person he'd least expect to be confined in a cage. His jaw nearly dropped to the floor and his eyes bulged out in disbelief.
"Tis -BUT TIS~!"
Jaken was cut short by a hiss from deep within the chamber.
"Whatsss the hell are you tssswo doing here!?"
Rin nearly screamed in fright as a snake-like creature with red eye sockets glared at her in suspicion. She backed behind Jaken, hoping she wouldn't be eaten for intruding into the auctioneer's tent. Jaken stood fast and took a deep breath; he had to act strong in front of demons of this class. Giving the impression of one with great power always unnerved lowly servants. (He should know by first hand experience.)
"Forgive my pitiful servant, laddie, her curiosity gets her into many a troublesome situations. I will personally make sure she'll not get in yer way again." Jaken forcefully grabbed Rin by the wrist and twist it behind her back. His forceful action was enough to bring her arm into an uncomfortable angle but was tender enough not to harm her in any way. *Sesshô-Maru would skin me alive if I hurt the runt!!*
"How dare ye intrude into this tent you li'l wench! I'll rip off yer fingers fer defyin' me!" Jaken scolded the unfazed child.
"You ssssshoooould rip offfff more then thatsssss" The snake demon threatened, "If I ever sssssssee that bitcsshh again I'll rip her to sssshhhreadssss!"
"Do whatever ye want with the brat!" Jaken agreed as he brutally pulled her away, "But fer know I'll be makein' some finger food for supper."
As much as Rin was afraid the snake creature, she hardly focused much on the conversation at hand. Her sole attention was focused on the figure huddled in the cage of gold. *How could this be.... of all people....*
Rin watched as the snake demon quickly gathered a green velvety cloth and cover the golden cage and its captive within its darkness. The reptilian demon turned around and watched as the two strange creatures ventured out into the crowd, blending into the mass.
"Ssssssssome demonsssss don't dessssserve sssslavessss. Exxsssspessssially that gecko!" He quickly shut the marquee red flaps, preventing anyone else to catch a glimpse of the stolen booty within. Hastily the snake demon began its task of arranging the goods.
*****
"Rin must tell Lord Sesshô-Maru!" Rin whispered.
"Nay!" Jaken snapped angrily at her. He let the child go too far for comfort this time. Now she was planning on telling his lordship what she discovered in the marquee! His lord would figure out that they both disobeyed his orders and they would surely be punished. Jaken wouldn't let that happen, he had enough of this midgets stupid games.
"You ain't tellin' master anythin', you deliberately disobeyed the lords orders. You know M'lord Sesshô-Maru will be very disappointed!"
Rin felt that twang of guilt course through her veins again, she didn't want to upset her angel/demon anymore than she already had.... but finding that particular person in a golden cage was very startling for a young child her age!
"Fine Jaken you win. You green toad meanie" Rin muttered the last sentence to herself angrily.
"I heard that!" Jaken yelled in dismay.
Rin sweat dropped, now she really felt guilty for calling him names, "Rin is sorry! Rin did not mean to call Jaken an ugly toad.... I mean a wart- faced...ack! Rin promises she won't do it again!" She continued begging for his forgiveness, however, Jaken just glowered at her previous insubordination and ignored her attempts to kiss up to him.
"I'll remember yer harsh, heart breakin' words for the rest of me life!"
Two minutes later......
"You can quit kissin' up to me now Rin. 'Tisn't workin'. I'll never forgive your cruelness!"
Ten minutes later
"I SAID QUIT IT BEFORE I REALLY HAVE FINGER FOOD FOR AN AFTERNOON SNACK!!!.. That's better...."
A.N Okay! I got the first chapter uploaded.. Now all I want from you readers are ten reviews so I can get the next chapter up!
****Cut outs from chapter two****
1. "Come in; come in... Demonic prince Sesshô-Maru." 2. He smelt something else in the air and wondered if there was yet another demon lurking within the shadows. 3. "in 'this' future I foresee the time of your death approaching near." 4. "Can't lord Sesshô-Maru please help her?" 5. *Who knew parenthood could be such a bitch? *
And finally number six!
6. *Shimata, This has been the crappiest day of this Sesshô-Maru's life! *
FYI
*Represents thought*
"Represents speech"
Unknown fall
By: Bawdy
Rin (ever the curious child) and Jaken (the unofficial babysitter) get into mischief and make a discovery while wandering around a demonic city. Why would Sesshô-Maru want to visit a prophet?
Paring: Sess & ???
Act one: Introduction into the unknown
...Demons...
Rin hummed merrily as she walked quickly beside her companions. She adored the times she spent traveling around the world with Sesshô-Maru and little Jaken. It was something new and glorious, full of adventures but above all, she was with someone she cared deeply for.
*Like a long lost father... I wonder what's in the sack he's carrying. *
Rin lost herself in thought as she looked around the small village full of many strange demons and monsters. She wasn't scared of them in the least, but she did feel a bit uncomfortable. It felt like she didn't belong there (which was true.)
"Stay close Rin." Sesshô-Maru warned monotonously, "This city is full of blood thirsty demons, who knows what they'll do to an innocent child like yourself."
Rin smiled and obeyed his command. Her curiosity soon betrayed her and her eyes scanned the demon-infested city. Her fascination was apparent through her actions. The way her mouth was slightly ajar and the constant shifting of her eyes. She had never seen such a bizarre place as this. The residence was infested with grubby rat-like creatures that scampered along the dark alleyways and within the countless fractures along the adobe structures. The daily activities and the odd languages spoken between the natives was a compelling blend to behold. It was like every time they turned a corner, a surprise was waiting to greet them.
Sesshô-Maru shifted the burdensome sack to a more comfortable position on his left shoulder and wound his long boa-like tail around his right arm. He could have told Rin EVERYTHING he knew about what demons could inflict upon a mere human child, but wisely decided against it. It would be too disturbing to enlighten the girl of what the civilians dwelling in this community could inflict upon her if they acquired the opportunity.
Though he was tempted to feel minor apprehension in Rin, (since she never radiated any sort of emotions lingering towards fright for a while now,) he knew that if he were patient enough the city will reveal its true colors and he expected to smell some atypical emotion of disgust or disdain soon. If he were truly lucky the fear in her would overpower the putrid stench of rotting human flesh bombarding his senses.
The youkai lords leisurely pace dwindled to a sudden halt. He wasn't certain, but when the wind blew westward, he could have sworn he caught a whiff of something very familiar... a. fragrance... he did not encounter for a long stretch of time. Pleasant as it may be, the awkward memories accompanying the sent caused Sesshô-Maru to cringe inwardly.
"Somthin' troublin' ye Lord Sesshô-Maru?" Jaken's voice broke the youkai from his reverie.
Sesshô-Maru dispatched the unpleasant memories back into the deepest core of his subconscious and calmly said to his retainer, "It is none of your concern Jaken."
With that said the youkai continued his trek. Rin obliviously unaware of the fleeting conversation simply fallowed her lord and enjoyed the passing view.
*****
Rin spotted many slaves scampering here and there, performing their masters' wishes or (to her surprise) being punished for the amusement of other demonic creatures. Some of the dirty slaves were low ranking demons while others were unmistakably human. The slaves passing by her smelt extremely foul and looked filthy like they had never taken a bath for months, (or perhaps even years.) She also caught the distinctive sent of coppery blood lingering in the air. Her fascination with the city was descending the longer she looked at it.
Rin's gaze finally fell to the very ground she walked on. She had lost the desire to stare at the mangled shops and bizarre townsfolk. Only then did she notice the blood stained pavement. A nervous glance towards a display presented to passerby's threatened the loss of her appetite. Hanging on wired racks attached to poles and tree trunks to dry were several thinly stretched out skins. Rin instinctively crept closer to her protector Sesshô-Maru. She concealed the sudden urge to just latch herself to his right leg.
*Disgust. * Sesshô-Maru mused.
He prevented himself from cracking a slight grin, nor showed the assumption that he even acknowledged the repugnance radiating out of the mortal child's inner core. Rin glanced nervously at Jaken. The toad walked a few strides away from her. She whispered softly to him so only he could hear... She hoped.
"Jaken, why are we here?"
Jaken glanced at the child, fidgeting slightly. Lord Sesshô-Maru only told him so little. He to was curious about why they were within the crumbling walls of such a lowdown-soiled city. He shrugged heavily. "Actually Rin, our great n powerful master only said that we were to see a prophet of some talent, who claims that he's capable o' predictin' the future."
"But why does Lord Sesshô-Maru want his future to be predicted?" Rin whispered in curiosity, "Rin does not understand."
Before Jaken could think of a plausible hypothesis, his Lord cut through their supposedly two-way conversation in that drawl of his. "It's a personal situation in which I expect both of you to not discuss about behind this Sesshô-Maru's back."
Rin felt a pang of guilt sweep throughout her body; she didn't want him to be angry with both her and Jaken. "Rin and Jaken are both sorry Lord Sesshô-Maru, we won't do it again, ever! Can you ever forgive us?" Rin pleaded in such a way that only a child could accomplish successfully.
Sesshô-Maru repressed yet another grin, as he smelt the guilt hovering over his subordinates. He chose not to answer her apology and continued his elegant pace through the town, oblivious to the curious stares of the demon citizens. If one of those unkempt hoodlums so much as ventured towards the trio in any attempt to forestall them be it curiosity or provoking, there would certainly be one less demon brood to worry about.
Rin stared up at Sesshô-Maru and smiled appreciatively. Even though he could say the most hurtful statements at times, he still had the capability to be kind and well natured (although skillfully hidden.) Her Lord had already forgiven them of their transgression. Unless he never cared about it in the first place... Rin noticed that Jaken seemed a little frighten by his Lord's harsh words and he looked extremely edgy.
Her attention once again shifted to the human slaves suffering punishment around her. A frown appeared upon her childish face. She felt tremendous pity for the slaves forced to carry burdensome sacks of who-knows-what around the city. She was glad that being a dirty slave to a cold-hearted monster wasn't her fate... to suffer in such a fashion...
As the child thought about the particular subject of becoming a slave, she figured that this could have indeed been her dreadful fate. Except as an alternative of a coldhearted monster ruling over her, it would have been substituted by a coldhearted group of humans living in a run down village. However the fates have been good to her and brought Sesshô-Maru (her guardian angel, with a large fluffy white tail, instead of two white feathery wings) resurrected her from the pitch black void of death with his sword Tenseiga and placed her in his custody.
Rin felt a warm feeling in her stomach that expanded up towards her heart as she gazed upon Sesshô-Maru's angelic form. She didn't understand why her lord desired to protect her but she would never question his intentions. The frown marring Rin's features vanished and her cheerful smile soon returned.
*****
They soon came across a group of rowdy demons that were waiting for an auction to commence. The crowd spotted the noble demon lord and a veil of silence fell upon the mass. The civilians quickly scampered aside so the youkai lord could pass unhindered of ANY form of obstacles. A minute later, as the trio turned a corner, the mass gathering of demons returned to the normalcy of day-to-day activities.
As the minutes passed by Sesshô-Maru finally approached the ends of his journey. He halted in front of a lone shack.
Sesshô-Maru graciously swung the heavy burden over his opposite shoulder and began to descend down the stony steps towards the entrance of the shabby adobe. As he descended, Sesshô-Maru warned Jaken to keep a sharp eye on Rin and not to let her wander around while he visited the prophet.
The youkai lord paused in his descent halfway down the stairway leading into a dark hallway and slowly glanced at Rin. Quietly as the winds gentle breeze, he told her, barely over a whisper, "If someone threatens you, and Jaken is inadequate to assist you out of the uncomfortable situation. Just give a loud holler and I'll be there."
Rin grinned from ear to ear and waved him off. "Oh don't worry, Rin will be alright! Have fun now. Rin promises she won't move from this spot!" She pointed a stubby finger at the ground below her.
Sesshô-Maru snorted and glared at her incredulously, knowing too well that the brat's curiosity would get the best of her and she would disappear to quench that damned thirst inside of her.
"Mark my words. Creatures residing within this city are not to be taken lightly. Don't utter a word to anyone or gaze upon anything living, for if they manage the chance they'll torture you, and when they get tired of such bloody games they'll eat you for their supper." Sesshô-Maru felt satisfied as his verbal threat of things to come affected the child. A nice aroma of fear escaped from the girl.
The demon prince quickly turned and continued his short journey down the stairs leading him closer to his destination. The only thing Sesshô-Maru knew about the prophet was that he was a cranky one-eyed Cyclops-hydra demon whose specialty was roast human-child curry and meat loaf and the fact that he was incognito for some pass transgression or another. Sesshô- Maru cared neither for the crime nor the price of the prophet's service. So with his sack full of three innocent human children and one baby freshly slaughtered, he stepped through an iridescent barrier and entered the prophet's domain.
*****
Rin watched as Sesshô-Maru disappeared into the hut without even glancing back at her. When she could no longer hear Sesshô-Maru's gentle footfalls, her curiosity went into overdrive and she began to wander around the streets. Jaken was a few feet behind her, nervousness written all over his toad-like face.
"Rin ye ungrateful brat, please don't be doin' this!"
Rin simply ignored him.
"Ye heard Lord Sesshô-Maru's warnin' about this place. Lets return to the prophets lodgin' before we get into mischief."
Jaken hissed angrily when she did not respond accordingly.
"Don't worry Jaken," she chirped reassuringly, "Rin just wants to see what the crowd over there is doing!" Grabbing Jaken's arm, she hulled him towards her desired destination.
"Fine, but only fer a minute." Jaken grumbled.
A loud shout was heard from the direction of the crowd surrounding a stage that connected to a crimson marquee.
Rin paused for a brief second, unsure if she should continue.
A hideous ogre ascended to the center of the stage and jovially bellowed for all to hear. "DEMONS OF THE NORTH, SOUTH, EAST AND WEST WELCOME TO THE ANNUAL DEMONS ADRIENNE AUCTION!" His triple chin jiggled madly (not to mention other portions of his flabby body.) He looked more like a blob of wiggly flesh tone jelly than an actual demon.
Rin nearly jumped out of her skin when she first heard his rumbley voice. One glance at the monstrous creature caused Rin to officially lose her appetite. She stood frozen in open mouth wonder and watched the ogre enthusiastically welcomed demons from around the area. He caused quite a stir around the city and soon attracted the attentions of previously heedless citizens.
The small crowd that once stood before the stage had tripled in size. Some potential bidders were fully clad in rich garbs of silk and velvet while others wore princely armor revealing their high rank. Most had money pouches already at hand. The ogre smiled in satisfaction.
*Gathering like a swarm of locust* The auctioneer greedily mused.
"AS YOU KNOW, THIS IS THE YEAR FOR THE FAMOUS AUCTION OF MANY VALUABLE MERCHANDISE!"
Murmurs of approvals and nods passed through the vast group of demons. The vicinity was packed shoulder-to-shoulder with creatures that they completely blocked Rin's view of the auction block. She couldn't see anything from where she stood although the gleams of excitement in their eyes were unavoidable and this realization caused even Rin to become excited herself.
"WE WILL FIRST START OFF LIKE YEARS BEFORE, BY DIVIDING THE MERCHANDISE INTO TWO SEPARATE GROUPS! THE FIRST GROUP IS THE NON-LIVING GROUP, BEAUTIFUL, HIDEOUS, AND MAGICAL ITEMS WITH LESSER VALUE WILL BE SOLD FIRST! THEN, WE WILL PROCEED TO THE MORE VALUABLE ARTIFACTS FOUND AROUND THE WORLD! AFTER THE FIRST GROUP OF MERCHANDISE ARE ALL SOLD, WE'LL HAVE A NEW TWIST TO THE ANNUAL AUCTION AND PRESENT A SPECIAL INTERMISSION!"
Another wave of whispered discussions passed through the crowds. Many yearly competitors were amused about the new event. A humanoid bird-demon cawed out, "WHAT SORT OF INTERMISSION?"
The auctioneer grinned even wider than before; he was really working his talent on them this year. He could almost picture in his mind the barrels of gold rolling in. His employer would most likely give him a huge promotion for this one.
"I'M SORRY BUT YOU'LL HAVE TO STAY A WHILE AND WAIT TO FIND OUT. AS I WAS SAYING, AFTER THE FIRST GROUP OF MERCHANDISE IS ALL SOLD WE'LL CARRY ON TO THE LIVING PORTION OF THE AUCTION! I MYSELF AM PROUD OF THIS PART! WE HAVE FOUND MANY EXOTIC MAMMALS AND OTHER CREATURES HALFWAY AROUND THE WORLD. THAT'LL CATCH MUCH INTEREST WITHIN ALL OF YOU. MOST SHOULD KNOW THE RULES ON HOW YOU ACQUIRE MERCHANDISE. WHOEVER BIDS THE MOST GOLD AND SILVER HAS THE RIGHT TO THE PRIZE! NOW LET THE AUCTION BEGIN!"
A flap leading into the marquee was pressed aside as a lizard demon ascended the stage. The reptilian demon carried an object encased in a glass casket. As he approached, the auctioneer yelled a brief description about the artifact and its starting bid. A rush of noise erupted from the crowd; high pitch yells of bids over bidding another filled the air.
Rin puffed her cheeks and stomped her foot. She tried desperately to search for a higher perch to stand on for a better view of the objects being sold. Suddenly an idea popped right into her childish head. With a girlish giggle and a gap toothed smile that always gave Jaken the heebie-jeebies she was calculating the space between the masses of bidders.
Jaken had a gut feeling that the brat was up to something no good and he wasn't afraid to voice his opinion.
"No Rin, you ain't gonna~~!?!?" Poor Jaken didn't have the time to finish what he was saying.
Like a flash she went down on her hands and knees and gleefully crawled through the massive jumble of hairy, thick, and bony legs. The hapless retainer was left in the dust. All he could hear was the receding laughter of a human child. He snapped out of his stupor and verbally berated the human numskull for acting like a childish BRAT. which she was to begin with. He cursed the gods for his dire fate. Once a mighty servant used as a pivotal fighting tool in many victorious battles; now deduced to a hand-me- down babysitter who has an unlucky knack dealing with toddlers and the like. Fearing Sesshô-Maru's wrath, the toad demon followed in the child's footprints.
As he made his way through the throng of legs and other annoying appendages in his path, Jaken would curse every time someone accidentally or (in his opinion anyway) purposefully trudged on him. ("Stupid floppy wings, hope they wilt right off yeah!" "Damn annoyin' tails! Shove it where it belongs yeah pig headed ass!)
With a sigh of relief Jaken caught sight of his slippery charge. Rin stood by an opening that revealed the items being sold on the wooden stage. She admired each and every one of the merchandise, oohing and aahing simultaneously with the crowds. Jaken quickly rushed towards her side, scolding her for disobeying Lord Sesshô-Maru's order and once again begging her to return to the ancient shack.
Rin pointed at the marquee, "Lookie Lookie! That is where all the stuff comes out from!"
She scampered closer to the thing she assumed was a tent. It was humongous! It seemed much larger than any tent she ever saw in her lifetime (that wasn't long indeed.) It was at least a hundred thousand feet wide!! Although she couldn't tell if it was or not, due to the lack of any mathematical skills and she was over exaggerating a great deal.
Walking along the side of the 'Big red tent' in search of an entrance, she stumbled across a back entryway that appeared deserted of demons. She glanced around her shoulders to see if anyone was watching. When the close was clear she took a risk and lifted the flap concealing her view of the booty inside the tent.
A gasp of appraisal escaped her lips at what she beheld within the makeshift chamber. There was an assortment of exquisite tapestries located in one corner of the room. Right next to the tapestries were dozens of kimonos shimmering with golden stitches, white silky sleeves, intricate patterns of the ocean waves, rising sun, the four seasons. there was so much displays that her little eyes could not take it all in. All she knew was that it was lovely shinny stuff and that it was just the first of many things catching her eye. Next she spotted the exotic creatures laced in gold and silver beads and threads. They matched perfectly with the cages they were confined in and they all possessed something extraordinary in their features. Rin couldn't tear her eyes from them.
"Jaken, do you think Lord Sesshô-Maru would buy Rin something?" She asked in wonder.
Jaken sweat dropped and glared at the brat. He really hated playing the nursemaid role. It was so degrading! "Tell me runt, has M'Lord Sesshô-Maru ever bought you anythin' ye wanted before?"
"...Um..No..." was the disheartened reply.
"Then why in the world would his lordship start buyin' you gifts now, eh?"
"Rin is joking.... Jaken can't take jokes...." Rin pouted in disappointment and continued rambling, "You're no fun!" Rin crossed her arm over her chest and stuck out her lower lip. Jaken's temper flared at her rudeness and he let out a stream of obscenities.
Around the same time Jaken unleashed his verbal wrath the human child noticed someone oddly familiar...
Millions of questions raced through her mind as she watched the person locked in the golden cage. Jaken's voice was a faint murmur as a memory replayed itself in her mind. A memory of waking up in that persons reassuring embrace..
Rin's eyes lit up in excitement, "Jaken, l-look over there!" She stuttered. Her sudden outburst cut him off mid tirade.
"What? Where?" The toad glanced over each of his shoulders fearing they'd been caught by one of the auctioneers' staff.
"The last cage with the green jewels sticking out of it!" She squeaked.
Jaken shook his head. "Rin, I agree that the cage is extremely pleasin' to a mortals eye, but his lordship will never buy you such a thin'.... do you expect to be carried in that stupid cage?"
Rin wrinkled her nose, "No silly, look who's in it!" she persistently pointed her stubby index finger towards the direction of the cage.
Jaken squinted his eyes and saw the person he'd least expect to be confined in a cage. His jaw nearly dropped to the floor and his eyes bulged out in disbelief.
"Tis -BUT TIS~!"
Jaken was cut short by a hiss from deep within the chamber.
"Whatsss the hell are you tssswo doing here!?"
Rin nearly screamed in fright as a snake-like creature with red eye sockets glared at her in suspicion. She backed behind Jaken, hoping she wouldn't be eaten for intruding into the auctioneer's tent. Jaken stood fast and took a deep breath; he had to act strong in front of demons of this class. Giving the impression of one with great power always unnerved lowly servants. (He should know by first hand experience.)
"Forgive my pitiful servant, laddie, her curiosity gets her into many a troublesome situations. I will personally make sure she'll not get in yer way again." Jaken forcefully grabbed Rin by the wrist and twist it behind her back. His forceful action was enough to bring her arm into an uncomfortable angle but was tender enough not to harm her in any way. *Sesshô-Maru would skin me alive if I hurt the runt!!*
"How dare ye intrude into this tent you li'l wench! I'll rip off yer fingers fer defyin' me!" Jaken scolded the unfazed child.
"You ssssshoooould rip offfff more then thatsssss" The snake demon threatened, "If I ever sssssssee that bitcsshh again I'll rip her to sssshhhreadssss!"
"Do whatever ye want with the brat!" Jaken agreed as he brutally pulled her away, "But fer know I'll be makein' some finger food for supper."
As much as Rin was afraid the snake creature, she hardly focused much on the conversation at hand. Her sole attention was focused on the figure huddled in the cage of gold. *How could this be.... of all people....*
Rin watched as the snake demon quickly gathered a green velvety cloth and cover the golden cage and its captive within its darkness. The reptilian demon turned around and watched as the two strange creatures ventured out into the crowd, blending into the mass.
"Ssssssssome demonsssss don't dessssserve sssslavessss. Exxsssspessssially that gecko!" He quickly shut the marquee red flaps, preventing anyone else to catch a glimpse of the stolen booty within. Hastily the snake demon began its task of arranging the goods.
*****
"Rin must tell Lord Sesshô-Maru!" Rin whispered.
"Nay!" Jaken snapped angrily at her. He let the child go too far for comfort this time. Now she was planning on telling his lordship what she discovered in the marquee! His lord would figure out that they both disobeyed his orders and they would surely be punished. Jaken wouldn't let that happen, he had enough of this midgets stupid games.
"You ain't tellin' master anythin', you deliberately disobeyed the lords orders. You know M'lord Sesshô-Maru will be very disappointed!"
Rin felt that twang of guilt course through her veins again, she didn't want to upset her angel/demon anymore than she already had.... but finding that particular person in a golden cage was very startling for a young child her age!
"Fine Jaken you win. You green toad meanie" Rin muttered the last sentence to herself angrily.
"I heard that!" Jaken yelled in dismay.
Rin sweat dropped, now she really felt guilty for calling him names, "Rin is sorry! Rin did not mean to call Jaken an ugly toad.... I mean a wart- faced...ack! Rin promises she won't do it again!" She continued begging for his forgiveness, however, Jaken just glowered at her previous insubordination and ignored her attempts to kiss up to him.
"I'll remember yer harsh, heart breakin' words for the rest of me life!"
Two minutes later......
"You can quit kissin' up to me now Rin. 'Tisn't workin'. I'll never forgive your cruelness!"
Ten minutes later
"I SAID QUIT IT BEFORE I REALLY HAVE FINGER FOOD FOR AN AFTERNOON SNACK!!!.. That's better...."
A.N Okay! I got the first chapter uploaded.. Now all I want from you readers are ten reviews so I can get the next chapter up!
****Cut outs from chapter two****
1. "Come in; come in... Demonic prince Sesshô-Maru." 2. He smelt something else in the air and wondered if there was yet another demon lurking within the shadows. 3. "in 'this' future I foresee the time of your death approaching near." 4. "Can't lord Sesshô-Maru please help her?" 5. *Who knew parenthood could be such a bitch? *
And finally number six!
6. *Shimata, This has been the crappiest day of this Sesshô-Maru's life! *