Disclaimer-
Inuyasha and its characters do not belong to me. Masuyo, however, is mine.Chapter One
Most who had met Sesshoumaru had developed a rather prominent misconception. This misconception was that the youkai lord rarely talked unless he had something he found important to say. It is a misconception because Sesshoumaru did talk, just not often out loud. Though, who can blame him? It is not as if he was traveling with the best conversational partners to be found in Sengoku Jidai. Perhaps he feared being drowned by Jaken's tears of happiness if he spoke too many words to him, but it was more likely that he was afraid that such acknowledgement would cause Jaken to feel compelled to talk even more than he already did. He had some hope in Rin. Perhaps she could learn how to partake in discussions at some later date, but her youth hampered her now. And she was a human. Did he really want others seeing him mulling over the nature of his existence with a human? Hardly.
So, finding himself the only worthwhile conversationalist in the area, he spoke to himself. It was really his only viable option. As his expressions were stoic and rarely animated even when he did choose to speak out loud, he did not fear that they would somehow give away his internal dialogue. At the moment, he was having a silent chat with himself on the merit of his intelligence in bringing back both of the two creatures before him. Jaken was attempting to catch a fish and Rin was cheering him on, insisting he was a 'big hunter'. Like the imp needed the encouragement.
As if you would actually not bring them back. The girl caught you with her smile and Jaken has been too loyal for you to leave dead.
Sesshoumaru is not affected by human smiles, but you are correct on Jaken's loyalty. It was simply a magnanimous gesture.
...Magnanimous?
...I can be magnanimous at times if I wish to be. As for the girl, I was merely curious to see if the Tensaiga would work as I had been told it would.
Keep telling me that, but I think we both know that the human intrigued you.
Perhaps.
Sesshoumaru conceded to himself, Her fearlessness towards me did intrigue me, but that signifies nothing.If it were merely intrigue, you wouldn't have let her follow you.
Why not? I have let Jaken follow me all this time. What difference does the girl make?
Alot of difference. You make exceptions for her.
She is a weak human. It is necessary.
That is being considerate of her needs. The needs of a -human- you claim to care nothing about.
Are you presuming to lecture me?
Well, it would really be you lecturing yourself, would it not?
Sesshoumaru had no response to himself for that. Fortunately, Jaken managed to actually catch a fish at that moment, and Rin's squeals of delight caught his attention.
"Sesshoumaru-sama! We caught a fish!" The girl cast a bright smile towards the youkai lord, but was quickly pushed aside by Jaken.
"You insolent girl! I caught the fish! You did nothing!"
Rin stared at him in bewilderment for a moment, as if unsure what to make of it. Hadn't she cheered him on? In her mind, that meant she was partly responsible for him catching the fish. Ah-Un seemed to sense the girl's distress, for he moved over the water, ducking his head under it. It was merely a moment before the beast raised both of its heads, a fish in each mouth. He held these out to the girl in a placating offer. Rin accepted the fish with a jubilant smile, "Now Rin has fish too!" She gave Sesshoumaru another white smile, quite pleased with herself.
Jaken just stared, mouth agape, before breaking into a stutter, "Th...that doesn't count! That's cheating! You can't..."
Whatever he said after that, Sesshoumaru didn't know and really didn't care. His mind had initiated the conversation again.
You almost smiled there. Admit it. The girl amuses you.
And if she does? What of it?
You have affection for her.
This Sesshoumaru has affection towards nothing.
Sesshoumaru forced his mind to clear, refusing to allow it to proceed any further. He was a youkai lord. He would not fall into the trap of both his father and half brother. Humans would not be his downfall.
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"Sesshoumaru-sama, why do you hate Inuyasha?" It was an innocent enough question, Rin gazing inquisitively at the youkai lord with guileless eyes. They had been traveling all day, and the girl always began to get curious when she had nothing else to do.
Before Sesshoumaru could even consider answering, Jaken waved his staff at her, "Inuyasha is a worthless half-breed, not like the great Sesshoumaru-sama! He taints the blood of a mighty family!" Jaken always felt important when he could make such grand explanations.
Rin considered the youkai's words, looking back to her idol, "What does Jaken-sama mean by 'taint'?"
Seeing no recourse but to actually respond, Sesshoumaru replied patiently, "I am a full youkai -as were both my parents. He had a human for a mother."
The human child fell silent. She was well aware of the contempt that entered her Sesshoumaru's tone whenever the word human was used. But was not Rin a human? Finally, hesitantly, she asked, "Does Sesshoumaru-sama not like Rin because she's human?"
As always, Seshoumaru was walking in front. This proved quite useful, as it kept his other two companions from seeing the sudden wide-eyed expression on his face. Damn. Rin wasn't supposed to connect the line between those two thoughts. Why couldn't she ever react the way she was supposed to? Schooling his face into an impassive expression, he glanced down at the girl before replying, "You are full human. You do not taint your family's blood."
Nice save there.
It was not a save. I have no need to make 'saves'. It was the truth.
Right. And I'm you're human side.
I do not have a human side.
Precisely.
Still, the answer seemed to content the girl, and Jaken was for once smart enough to keep his mouth shut. If he had not, Sesshoumaru would have made sure his servant lost all ability to even talk. Actually, that idea has merit.
Just as Sesshoumaru was fully contemplating the appeal of a forever silent Jaken, he felt a twitch of pain on his cheek. In a quick move, he raised his hand, catching the thing responsible between his claws. His eyes narrowed on the flea. It was as close to an incredulous expression as the youkai lord could give, "You."
Myouga cleared his throat, eyes wide and panicked. Biting Sesshoumaru had probably ranked as one of the worst ideas he had ever had. Still, he summoned up his courage, "Lord Sesshoumaru. I have news of import to tell you."
"Perhaps you should tell Sesshoumaru-sama why he should not just kill you, you traitor!"
"Jaken."
"Yes, Sesshoumaru-Sama?"
"Be quiet."
Jaken looked crestfallen at the command, but obediently did as he was told.
His eyes having never left the flea, Sesshoumaru stated coolly, "You are fortunate I do not put an end to your existence. You served my father well, but have now taken to serving my brother. I have not forgotten."
Myouga cowered under the golden gaze, which was somehow more intimidating than any of Inuyasha's could ever be. "M.. My.. Lord.."
Sesshoumaru cut him off, "What have you to tell me?" His expression was bored, as if he didn't really care, but the youkai was actually interested in whatever could induce the cowardly flea to approach him.
The flea swallowed hard, cringing a bit more. He was well aware that his news would not be welcome, "There have been rumors that Masuyo has been revived."
At the name, Sesshoumaru went still. His eyes took on a darker cast, "What is his intent?" He didn't ask how this came to be. Didn't really care how. The important thing was that his father's old enemy was back. Sesshoumaru felt like cursing, but he rarely indulged in such emotional displays. The key word being, of course, rarely. It happened on occasion.
"I cannot be certain...though if the rumors are true, then he seems to be searching for a way to rewrite history." The flea gulped here, continuing hesitantly, "By creating a passageway to the past."
A short laugh came from the servant on the ground, "As if such is even possible!" Apparently Jaken had forgotten Sesshoumaru's command for silence, but the youkai lord wasn't inclined to notice it at the moment.
Myouga fixed an indignant gaze on Jaken, "I must correct you. It is possible."
If Sesshoumaru hadn't been focussing completely on the flea before, his attention was now firmly caught. "How?" The question was sharp, bordering on disbelieving.
"For that you shall have to ask your brother." Myouga really didn't want to remind the youkai lord of his brother, but he had no other answer than that.
"You would have me bring a hanyou into this?" Acidic contempt dripped from Sesshoumaru's cold tone, "And what would he know of such matters?"
Myouga looked uncomfortable. Telling Sesshoumaru the truth may have very well constituted as a betrayal. Not telling the truth constituted as a death wish. Myouga was a coward. "The reincarnated miko who travels with him...She has come from the future."
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Please review! Comments, suggestions, and creative criticisms are treasured.
I hope Sesshoumaru doesn't come off too oddly in this chapter. Considering his companions, I didn't think it was too off base to have him talk to himself inside his head, but I'm hoping his outward appearance and actions remain completely true to the character. The next chapter should be out soon.
