CHAPTER 15
Sesshomaru gave a heavy sigh before he looked between his mother and The Oracle. "I have questions about Rin. But, before you answer those questions, please tell me. How do you know my mother? Why were we brought here? How did three years pass when I know we only barely traveled one week?"
The Oracle smiled while Midori winced slightly.
"I will have to start with your questions about Rin before I can answer your other questions young lord. It is ultimately thanks to your mother, that Rin is the reason for all that has led to this moment."
Sesshomaru gave a dirty look to his mother before he looked again to The Oracle.
With a wave of her hand, The Oracle cleaned up the bed chamber and made herself comfortable on a near by chair. Botan then made a few minor comfort adjustments to where The Oracle had seated herself.
"I will leave you to your task beloved." he said warmly. Botan then smiled and excused himself. As The Oracle returned his smile, he left the room in a swirl of smoke. Once more, she turned to Sesshomaru.
"We must start here. In this room."
Midori gathered enough courage to finally speak. "What could have possibly happened in this room to hold any meaning to the present?" she said indignantly.
The Oracle offered a tolerant smile. "Life."
"Sesshomaru, please recall that your father and I spend a number of days here."
Midori gave a barely audible 'harumph'. "Curse his wandering eye." she growled.
The Oracle gave a small sigh in turn before continuing.
"Those days together culminated with the predictable end when a couple become intimate. When your father finally left me, I was with child."
The eyes of both tai youkai went wide.
The Oracle chuckled softly with amusement.
"Allow me to finish before either of you go to thinking too much." she said with a wry smile.
"In the grand scheme of things, life goes in only one direction. It matters not if that life lasts for five minutes, or five hundred years.
This is the will of The Creator. As a guardian, while it is possible for me to have children, conception of any kind is unheard of.
My function here is specific. And, it does not allow for procreation. However, in order for me to fulfill my duties as guardian, and have the life that was within me flourish, The Creator had to take the life spark created between myself and your father and remove it from me. It was then placed into a suitable human host.
That host, was to be Rin's mother."
The Oracle paused for a moment to allow both demons before her to take in her last words before she continued.
"Rin's mother was chosen because of her various human weaknesses. She was a somewhat frail woman who had her last child with great difficulty. She had been warned by physicians, that should she decide to have another child, she may not survive the pregnancy."
The Oracle paused again, making certain that she had the attentions of both demons before her.
"Your father's 'demonic' powers, went to give the woman the strength to survive her pregnancy. While my powers gave her the ability to deliver.
Any furthur powers or traits, that would have been "passed on" from by us at birth, had been used in the preservation of Rin's life. So, when Rin was born, she was human. No more, no less."
The Oracle took notice to the relieved look on Sesshomaru's face. While one important question had indeed been answered, there was no doubt he may have been horrified by the thought of the possibility of being in love with a 'sibling'. She continued.
"Once I had witnessed her birth, I left her to her life. She had a loving home, and I was satisfied with that. Rin was meant to live and die as a human. The balance between the races had not been thrown off, so I thought no more of it.
I had no idea that you would meet her eight seasons later." The Oracle tipped her head in thought. "As benevolent as The Creator is, his will is known to none."
The Oracle rose from her seat and stepped to Midori. The tai youkai did her best to attempt avoiding her piercing stare.
"I met you for the first time, when you were first planning your treachery against Taisho. You were about to enter Ryokotsusuei's lands for your initial meeting when I stopped you just at its boarders."
The Oracle gave a small laugh.
"You thought so little of me then. I believe that you were more amused than curious as to how I came to you. I remember you not even being slightly concerned by my presence."
Midori 'huffed' a bit. "At the time, I truly thought that you were beneath me. If only I had known." Midori shook her head as if to chastise herself.
"Deep down, you knew you were wrong." The Oracle continued with a hint of sadness, "But you were determined to have your way. Do you remember what I told you then?" Midori hung her head and slowly shook it to the affirmative. She then cleared her throat.
"You told me that the house of the west was already destined for greatness." Midori said with some pride remembering the words spoken. "We would birth rulers and be the driving force of great change in the land." Midori now stood tall and unashamed.
The Oracle gave an amused smile to the tai youkai. "What else did I tell you?" she asked.
Midori's expression grew cold. "You told me that my actions were not necessary." Midori suddenly grew bold. "But tell me," she growled, How could my actions have been so wrong if our house is still destined for greatness?"
The Oracle sighed and looked at Midori shaking her head with sadness.
"Because of your actions, you will not be a part of that greatness. Because of your pride, the wonders of the world will unfold around you. You've slated yourself to always be on the outside looking in. In time, this truth will bring about madness within you."
Midori gave a small 'humph' and rolled her eyes in contempt. "Madness is for the weak minded. I am not weak!" she said with a snarl.
Just then, The Oracle started to snicker,,, then giggle.. Then laugh outright. Both demons present were not quite sure how to interpret this somewhat unusual behavior.
"I see now that The Creator has a sense of humor!" She guffawed. "I finally understand the joke that you've played upon yourself Midori!"
Midori gave an annoyed growl.
"Pray good lady, and what might that joke have been?" she said sarcastically.
The Oracle wiped a tear from her eyes and caught her breath before
speaking. "Had you headed my advice…Had you simply stopped, you would have had all that you ever wanted. Your kingdom, a loving mate, and a dutiful son that loved you.
But, because you dared to believe that you knew better than God,
Your mate has a new love, your son will have your kingdom, and his mate will be human. YOU are responsible for the human influence that will lead to the greatness of your house."
The Oracle then waved her hand in a gesture of dismissal as she chuckled anew.
" On the other hand, you will be seen and not seen. Heard but not listened to. Spoken around but never spoken to. You will exist outside of everything.
God did not make any of us to be solitary creatures, but YOU have made yourself the only exception." The Oracle sighed and shook her head. "It would be very amusing if it were not so sad."
Midori gave a resentful growl. "I repeat: I did not want love, I wanted power. I wanted to rule!" she said with a hiss. "What I did, I did to insure the greatness of the house of the west!"
The Oracle gave a soft 'humph'. "What you did, was done to insure your rule. While you still insist on denying yourself any emotion, I will repeat Taisho's words and once again say that all exists ultimately because of love.
You would have learned this lesson had you only listened to me." The Oracle's facial expression suddenly turned cold. "But, let me assure you, you will rule. You just won't rule what or where you think you will."
The Oracle then stepped to Sesshomaru as she spoke. "The fruits of your labors will be known shortly Midori. But for now, I am answering Lord Sesshomaru's questions."
Sesshomaru was secretly pleased that The Oracle was going to make his mother wait while she spoke to him first. While his initial rage at her had died considerably, he still was not sure if he would be able to maintain civility in his father's absence. He growled his approval, and waited for The Oracle to continue.
Xanchi sat silent as the other lords continued to pour over the proposed treaty. He had already left his seal on the parchment and saw no further need to scrutinize.
The land divisions truly were fair and beneficial to every tribe. Xanchi secretly wondered if Rin had a hand in the plans that had been laid before them. Every item listed seemed particularly beneficial to human interests. Xanchi also did a lot of thinking… about Rin.
Surly this beautiful and intelligent woman could not possibly prefer the company of demons over humans? Granted, her life did seem fraught with untold miseries. But had she truly turned her back on humanity as a whole?
"You look as if you have been bewitched!" shouted Lord Sota in good humor from across their spacious tent. Xanchi gave a small irritated sigh at having his thoughts interrupted. He then smiled at his comrade, and rose from his seat.
"No Lord, I was just thinking is all." Xanchi made his way to the other three lords still mulling around a large table as they continued to hover around the treaty.
"I can only imagine what you were thinking of lord! Lord Shin chimed in, "And she is indeed beautiful!" Xanchi tipped his head in Shin's direction. "Are my thoughts so transparent?" Lord Shin laughed with good nature. "Yes young lord they are!" Xanchi blushed in spite of himself.
Lord Shin came over to where Xanchi was presently standing and placed a knowledgeable hand on his shoulder.
"Sota and I are happily married men. As for Zobu, he's just an old fool!" Zobu grunted at this remark. "It is only natural to want a wife."
Lord Shin gave an annoyed side glance in Zobu's direction.
"Perhaps, if we have not made total fools of ourselves, Lord Sesshomaru may very well give her to you." Xanchi's eyes brightened a bit at the hope that this thought presented.
"I know what I'd like to give her!" grumbled Lord Zobu.
Zobu was now clean and his wound had been dressed. Had anyone not been by to see his earlier display, they would have sworn him to look every bit the consummate warrior.
"I'd show her who was the boss and give her a good beating!" he declared.
Xanchi looked to the lord and began to laugh. Zobu sneered, clearly irritated. "And what do you find that is so funny young lord?" he bellowed. Xanchi grinned at the lord in front of him.
"Lady Rin had said that she suspected you were fishing around for some sort of display of power. She was even kind enough not be offended by your 'tragic' display earlier. I was told, that if you were still looking for a display of any sort, she would gladly grant you one."
Zobu's eyes narrowed.
"I believe that she came alone!" he then barked. "Further more, I believe that if we all worked together, we could take her hostage and use her as a bargaining tool for better terms!"
"The treaty is fair Zobu." said Lord Shin firmly as he headed in Zobu's direction, treaty in hand. "We all are in agreement with it. All that remains is your seal. Sign and be done with it. But, should you be fool enough to try to start an unnecessary war with demons, you will do so on your own!"
Zobu snatched the paper from Shin's hand begrudgingly before placing his seal. "I see that I am out numbered here. So be it!" Xanchi gave a loud sigh. "It is settled then. I will send a scout to inform Lady Rin that we are done here."
The others nodded in agreement.
The Oracle now turned her attentions to Sesshomaru. "You have concerns as to what may be causing the 'transformations' that you have seen in your beloved lately. Am I correct?" Sesshomaru said nothing, but the tension in his face spoke volumes for him. The Oracle smiled warmly before giving a heavy sigh. "I will try to explain."
With another wave of her hand, The Oracle caused a bright sphere to appear in mid air. Within the sphere, was a lovely scene of an outdoor garden. "Look to the images before you." she said almost lovingly. Both tai youkai looked intently.
"Each living creature on this plane of existence, every plant, animal, human, angel… and demon, has a blueprint of who and what they are. A "template" if you will."
As if on cue, the scene within the sphere shifted to show a single seed.
"You and I may simply see a seed, but only The Creator knows if this seed will become a mighty oak tree or a humble bell flower.
In any event, the 'template' that has been engraved upon that seed, will tell what it will be.
In essence, the same premise holds for you and I. The Creator already knows what we will be because of the 'template' that he himself engraved upon us all."
Sesshomaru seemed enthralled by the lesson being given. While Midori seemed as if she could care less. She was too pre occupied with what she could do to get back into Sesshomaru's good graces again.
In spite of all that had transpired, she still clung to the belief that her plans could still go her way. She was merely biding time.
She politely tried to feign interest as The Oracle continued.
"I will say again, that when Rin found you in the forest that faithful day, she was human. But by that time, she had suffered the great tragedy of loosing her entire family to night bandits.
The Oracle sighed and took a long pause. "The poor child! In an entire village of humans, it was you Sesshomaru, a demon lord,who showed her any compassion or concern. The Oracle then touched her cheek in thought.
"When I consider Rin's life before you, I'd like to think that somehow she had inherited your father's bravery and my empathy. I really cannot see any other way that she could have survived otherwise."
Sesshoamru's expression had turned to a total blank. In truth, he was remembering the little scrap of a human girl that refused to leave him. That beautiful, vibrant, loving girl that he'd do anything for.
Back then, not once would he ever have believed that he would be the one keeping her by his side. Quietly thanking Kami for every laugh, every song sung, and every secret glance taken.
The Oracle smiled as she took in Sesshomaru's seriousness, and continued.
"When Tenseiga was used to revive Rin after her death by the wolf demons, Rin's initial humantemplate, had been altered. Because her life had not been brought back by heavenly means, certain aspects of her personality had been accidentally erased.
Just as we all 'mirror' our parents in some way, be it physical or mental, Rin had somehow "lost" a part of the "mirror" given to her at birth. Any 'human' traits given by her birth mother and father were gone. So, life examples, nuances and mannerisms all had to come from somewhere else.
Had you left her in a human village strait away, her template would have repaired itself by 'mirroring' the humans that she was with. She would have learned what it was to be human, from the humans surrounding her. But, because she remained with you and your servant, the only traits to 'mirror' were demonic ones.
For example: Rin's initial bravery, had changed to a total lack of fear….Just as you have no fear. A normal human would fear or avoid both flying and dragons." The Oracle gave a small smile. "Rin does both talk to and understand your steed does she not?"
Sesshomaru had not really taken the time to notice. Although it would seem that she did. As far as he was concerned, any conversation Rin may have had with Ah-Un was one sided.
"And, as for any 'traits' granted from your servant Jaken, you have but to recall Rin's command of his Staff OF Two Heads that faithful evening in the forest to know how she used them!*
( * A/N: refer to "Rin's Youkai" to see what happened!).
Eventually Rin's human template would have an overlay of demonic traits and abilities." The Oracle then turned to Midori. "Rin's template would be altered further by your hand Midori."
The Lady of The West took an immediate defensive tone. "How am I responsible for anything to do with that girl?" she almost shouted. Sesshomaru growled deeply as his eyes began to turn red.
"Both of you, be at ease." The Oracle commanded.
"Your part was purely accidental Midori." The Oracle gave a side glance to Sesshomaru. "When you brought Rin's body back with you from hell, that most assuredly should have been the end of her. However, when your mother brought her soul back from death for a second time, her now altered template had been altered yet again. This alteration granted further demonic influence.
As time passed, she would eventually develop only the strongest attributes of each demon she had ever come in contact with. She would ultimately become a human with demonic powers at the ready, But never immediately visible. Rin's 'powers' will not manifest themselves unless she is in a state of great emotional flux.
She must either be very angry, or ready to defend to the death."
The Oracle scratched at her chin a bit.
"While I'm sure it has yet to be seen, I would be curious to know if these powers showed themselves in instances of great joy or passion."
The Oracle then gave a mischievous wink to Sesshomaru. "But I'll wager that you will have occasion to find out!" Sesshomaru nearly blushed at The Oracle's last remark.
Rin returned to the four lords to retrieve the now signed treaty. As a sign of good faith, she ventured much closer to their tent than she had before. She fully knew that should anyone 'try anything', she would most likely be unable to fend off an attack. But she felt that a display of trust was needed.
True to his word, Lord Xanchi had sent a scout to where she was presently lounging within the protective circle of Ah-Un's heads. The poor scout almost fainted when Ah-Un had 'snorted' at his approach.
Now, she stood proudly in front of these four men, happy that the resolution took only a few hours to be accomplished.
Lords Shin, Sota and Xanchi bowed deeply upon her arrival. Only Zobu was slow with his bow. Xanchi stepped forward and bowed respectfully as he presented the signed treaty.
"We thank you for your graciousness Lady Rin. This treaty is both fair and acceptable to us all." stated Xanchi formally.
Rin accepted the treaty and gracefully bowed in turn. "I am pleased to hear that Lord Xanchi." Rin's eyes slid over to Lord Zobu with a bit of amusement. "Although I believe that at least one of you may have been pressured to his decision. Am I correct Zobu?"
"That's Lord Zobu to you little missy!" Zobu said through clenched teeth. Rin gave a predatory smile to the Lord before her.
"You have so far, behaved very little like a lord of any sort. Therefore, you are not worthy of the honorific."
"Why you little.." Zobu grumbled as he charged in Rin's direction. Zobu took no more than three great strides before he was nervously halted by his fellow lords.
"Please forgive his impudence Milady! Shouted Lord Shin as he struggled to keep Zobu from advancing any further. Shin held Zobu's left arm, while Sota held the right. "Yes Milady." chimed in Sota nervously. "We are all just tired is all. This day has been very stressful for us all!"
Rin looked at the group before her. "He handles his stress very poorly. Rin stepped closer to Zobu an looked him up and down for a moment. "If my lords were not holding me down, I'd…."
"You'd do what?" Rin snapped. "Beat me? Kill me perhaps?" Rin looked to the two lords still holding Zobu back. "I do not believe that this man is an enemy, so much as I believe him to simply be a fool."
Rin returned her gaze to Zobu. "It is clear to me that you are in need of a lesson in diplomacy." Rin's countenance suddenly softened considerably.
"I will grant this man his wish." she said evenly. "I will stand mid point between your tent and my mount. Release him. If he is able to come within five feet of me, he may have any wish granted."
"What if I want you dead?" Zobu barked.
" If you can come close enough to deliver the blow, I will go to my ancestors with honor." Rin said flatly.
Xanchi tried to be the voice of reason. "Please Zobu! Do not do this thing! Beg this woman's forgiveness and let us all go in peace!"
"No! shouted Zobu. I will show you all the flaw in her plan! Once I've caught her and have given her a rousing good beating, I fully intend to see if she is a maiden or not for my troubles!"
The other three lords looked on horrified. Xanchi was particularly outdone. With that single remark, Zobu had once again validated Rin's mistrust in humanity.
Rin's countenance darkened considerably. "My maidenhead is yours - provided you can reach it to claim it!" With those words, Rin turned on her heels and headed to open ground.
"Damn you Zobu you've doomed us all!" shouted Sota. Lord Shin just shook his head. "We were so very close to a profitable compromise too."
Rin had ceased her walking and had turned to face the group.
"Release the fool!" she commanded. Zobu bucked away from the two lords that once held him with a vengeance. He came at Rin with his sword drawn screaming.
Rin did nothing. She took no defensive stance nor was a weapon drawn. Instead, she simply raised her hands away from her body and brought them to her chest to form an "X".
Out of what could only be described as 'thin air' a volley of arrows flew and formed a perfect line between Rin and the charging warrior.
Zobu stopped clumsily at the display, but he was not deterred. He simply changed his angle of attack.
Once again, another volley of arrows flew blocking Zobu's further advancement. In reality, with each change in attack, Zobu's true position had not changed much, but Rin could see the warrior still intended to continue trying.
Rin had had enough. She raised her hands away from her body once more, but this time, she gave one single 'clap'. With this gesture, a volley of heavy spears encircled Zobu completely immediately halting any further movement. The spears were sent with such force, and settled so deeply into the ground around him, that the war lord had in fact been caged.
Zobu screamed out his rage and demanded to be released. Rin ignored his demands as she headed back to the three lords huddled together just beyond their tent. All three immediately fell on their knees as she approached.
"Please do not judge us all by the actions of one Milady!" begged Lord Sota. "Yes please!" echoed Lord Shin. Only Xanchi dared to look up and speak. "Please Milady, I beg…"
"Stop!" Rin said firmly.
"You had nothing I was interested in when you first begged for that man's life. You still don't!" Rin then sighed heavily. "But I will allow him to live. All of you please rise." she said formally. All three men rose from the dirt.
"This is why I was sent first. If Lord Sesshomaru had come instead of me, you all would be dead now! I will keep this 'incident' between us. If my Lord were to find out what happened here, it would not go well for any of you!"
Rin then looked over to where Zobu remained pinned.
"I had hoped to have concluded this meeting with good nature and perhaps some food and merriment. But as it stands now, Be grateful for your lives." Rin began to back away from the three lords in front of her.
"You three and your company have until sunset to leave the lands of the west. Failure to follow my orders will end badly for you all."
Each lord bowed in gratitude. Again, only Xanchi dared to speak. "What about Lord Zobu?" he asked almost timidly.
Rin's expression brightened slightly. "Ah yes, there is the matter of 'lord' Zobu. She said with some sarcasm. Rin then smiled warmly before extending her hand to her side. "Hontu? Would you please come here for a moment?" With a sudden breeze, the demon warrior reappeared and gently took hold of Rin's hand. "Your wish is my command Milady. He said formally.
Rin did not once look at Hontu. "Please see that these lords have safe passage through our lands. They will be leaving now. Let no harm come to anyone. Hontu quirked an eye at his leader. "And what of the one that is caged?" Rin then gave a mischievous look to the lords in front of her.
"The men have endured much coming here with me. They should have a bit of sport!" Wait by Ah-Un, and I will tell you what is to become of him." Hontu gave a toothy grin and headed to the dragon.
Rin once again returned her gaze to the three men in front of her. "Once outside of the range of these lands, you will immediately make camp for the evening. Come morning, you will have much more to carry with you."
Xanchi gave a look of concern that did not go un noticed. "Do not be concerned for your comrade Lord Xanchi." Rin said warmly. "While I have no intention of killing him, he will know how easy it would have been for me to do so. Zobu and his troops will be returned to their lands, intact …. wearing only their underwear.
The spoils of his encampment will be divided between you three. Any retaliation on his part will result in his dealing with Sesshomaru directly. And, you can only imagine how well that effort will go!" she said with a wink.
Lords Shin and Sota both tried unsuccessfully to hide their amusement. They both laughed uncontrollably as they tried to support one another as their knees went weak from laughing so hard.
Xanchi composed himself first. " You are very kind and merciful Milady. Now, I and my comrades must make haste and be gone."
Rin squared her shoulders. "Ride swift and ride safely my lord." Xanchi and the others bowed in unison as Rin turned to a waiting Ah-Un and Hontu.
"She called me 'her lord' mused Xanchi silently. Perhaps I will ask Sesshomaru to give her to me."
Rin casually walked over to Ah-Un and Hontu. "And what was all of the laughter about beloved?" Hontu inquired with good nature as he extended his hand to Rin.
Rin smiled and chose to ignore the endearment as she took the demon's hand and allowed him to pull her close. She was tired, and the day was long. It felt good to be close to someone.
"They were all amused with the punishment I have in store for the lord that dared to attack me." she said smiling. Hontu growled disapprovingly.
"You mean to tell me we can't kill him? He said with some disapointment. "No you great silly!" She said laughing openly. "Just strip him to his undergarments and leave his group totally helpless!" Hontu gave a hearty laugh in turn before taking a clawed finger to Rin's cheek. "You have picked up this mischievous streak from Toru! He will be most delighted to hear about this!"
Rin then went to mount Ah-Un. "See to it then my friend." Hontu gave a slight wince at the sound of the word 'friend', but he smiled broadly as he stepped back to allow for Ah- Un to take flight.
"I will expect to hear of many amusing moments at dinner this evening! She yelled as Ah-Un took off. Hontu just shook his head and waved smiling. Hontu then turned his gaze to Zobu. "You belong to me human." he growled loud enough for Zobu to hear. Hontu was gone in another gust of wind leaving Zobu to wet himself once again. But this time, from dread.
"As for your next question young lord, you were brought here primarily for Rin's benefit and just a bit for yours." The Oracle waved again at the sphere in front of all as glimpses of the past appeared
. Suddenly, it seemed that every glance and kindness rendered between the Sesshomaru and Rin had been played back for all to see.
The images slowed down considerably when they showed the evening that Sesshomaru had marked Rin. Midori momentairily forgot herself and was livid.
"I suspected that you had gone ahead and marked that wretched girl!" she roared. You had been far too moody since this effort had begun!"
Sesshomaru"s eyes went red as he gave his mother an uncharacteristically calm response. "She is to be the new Lady of The West. Nothing you say will change that." he said with a snarl.
Midori silently cursed herself for letting her emotions get the better of her. At this point, it would take a miricle from hell for any of her plans to come to pass.
The Oracle continude nonplussed by the momentairy disturbance.
"The three year trip that took you only a week to make, was my doing. I am able to manipulate time to a degree. While I cannot turn time back, I have some control of forward movement.
You needed time to come to terms with your feelings, and Rin simply needed time to grow as a woman and potential mate to a leader.
While this development may have happened in your presence, she would never truly know if a member of court were obeying her commands or just obeying her out of fear of you. The name she has made for herself within the courts was done on her own, without your influence.
The images within the orb shifted again to show Rin and Hontu standing together by Ah-Un.
Her feelings for you, never wavered even once."
"But even the most faithful love can have doubts." Sesshomaru let out a most menacing growl when he witnessed Hontu stroking Rin's cheek. "Do not touch what is mine!" he growled.
Midori tried her best to hide her joy. "My plan may yet come to fruit. Sesshomaru just has only to return to the palace too late to stop this fool from claiming his prize!" Midori gave herself an inward smirk of approval.
The Oracle noticed Midori's 'smirk'. "Do not worry young lord, you will return home in time to stop any interaction between these two. But be warned, Rin has shown you a love and faith that few mortals are even worthy of.
You will have to prove yourself to her before you can claim what is yours. She fully deserves that much. Sesshomaru's countinance became grim as he nodded with understanding.
"Do you have any further questions for me young lord?"
Sesshomaru gave a barely audable sigh as He fidgeted slightly. He did not want to ask this question, but There was no real need to leave anything unanswered.
"Please tell me about .. children."
There! He said it! While he knew Rin would have hanyou pups, he'd hoped that they would at least be healthy.
"You will have many children my lord! Said The Oracle between giggles. Sesshomaru's look of concern did not diminish.
"You are worried about hanyou pups correct?" Sesshomaru did not answer, but the expression on his face gave his concerns away.
"Your children will surprise you young lord! The Oracle said cheerfully.
"Because of the 'demonic' influence imbedded within your Rin, your heirs will not be hanyou. They will be either human or demon."
Both Sesshomaru and Midori could not hide their shock.
When Rin gives birth to a demon, it will be a pure tai youkai. When she births a human, that human will be endowed with above average strength, speed, and intelect. In short, you both will be the proud parents of leaders. Any females that are birthed, will either marry into power or have mates wise enough to let them rule.
Sesshomaru beamed with pride in spite of himself.
"Have a care young lord. Do not let pride becomes your undoing."
The orb before the trio shifted visions once again. This time showing a thoughtful Xanchi leading his troops away from the western lands.
"There are others that will try to seek out what you have left unattended for so long." Sesshomaru's face had now become a mask of concern. "This one is human. After all this time, would Rin truly wish to live among her kind?"
Sesshomaru had decided. He had asked enough questions of this wonderous being. Now, he needed to act. He needed to prove his worth to his beloved or risk loosing her forever to another.
Sesshomaru then bowed elegantly to the being before him.
"I thank you for every kindness that you have offered me. But it is clear that my lady needs me. I must go. The Oracle smiled broadly as she dispelled the sphere before her and approached Sesshomaru.
"I will grant you God's own speed Lord Sesshomaru. You will be back in the western lands before nightfall. I offer you this final word of advice.
You will arrive before Rin does. Do not let her see you too quickly. Watch how she interacts with your people. Give her the time she needs to make her own decisions. And she will let her heart be known to you. And, last but by no means least, live to love.
Sesshomaru then stepped up to The Oracle, and placed a chaste kiss upon her cheek. "I will remember." he said softly as he slowly turned to leave.
"We will meet again young lord, rest assured. Now go."
At those words, the door to the bedchamber flung open and the exit seemed a mere breath away. Sesshomaru then took flight. He did not look back even once.
Both The Oracle and Midori watched in silence as Sesshomaru seemed to become one with the clouds. The Oracle then snapped her head in Midori's direction.
"Now you, most wretched of the wretched, now it is time for you to know your fate!"
And, for the first time in centuries, Midori was afraid.