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Two Hearts, Chapter 9 - A Plea For Help -
Elisana and Saria sped as fast as their wings could carry them towards the estate of the Demon Lord of the West. Kagome lay nestled in Elisana's arms, the cursed arrow head Kikyo injured her with still glowing faintly in the wound in her chest, an evil aura pulsing from it. Elisana looked down at the small priestess. Kagome's eruption of power had clotted her bleeding and purified some of the evil but that did little to calm Elisana. If she didn't get the arrow head out, the Gods only know what would happen to Kagome, what she would become.
"Lady Elisana?"
Saria's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. She looked up at her long time companion. His face a mirror of the concern that she felt.
"What is it Saria?" She said.
"Are we sure that the Demon Lord, Sesshoumaru, will help us?" He asked.
"Perhaps..." She said, "We will have to see when we get there."
Elisana thought hard about what she would say to Sesshoumaru. Years before she had helped him, he had wished to locate a certain object, and she had provided him information on where it may be. She only hoped that reminding him of this would be enough to convince him to aid her now. Though, she doubted it would be so simple, Sesshoumaru was not known for his kindness or generosity. Elisana had heard tales that he had adopted a human child. A young girl. And she hoped that perhaps he had changed somewhat, and would agree to help them when he saw what had happened to Kagome, but that hope was dulled by the fact that she was a companion of Inu Yasha. Sesshoumaru's hatred of his younger half brother was widely known. She just prayed that it did not cloud his judgment in this.
"Look My Lady! I can see the home of Lord Sesshoumaru!" Saria's said.
Elisana looked forward and could see the large castle like home of the Demon Lord looming ahead. Elisana steeled her will and flapped her scaled wings faster.
"Let's not waste anymore time, Saria, Kagome needs help." She said.
Saria nodded and the two of them pushed themselves to the limits of their speed. Rushing towards the one place in this world Elisana had hoped she would never have to see again.
------------ Elisana's Cave ----------------------------------
Inu Yasha stood on the large ledge that lead into an even larger cave opening. He could smell Kagome's sent faintly, like it had been gone from this place for some time, lingering in the air like a forgotten memory. Frustration welled in the half demon. This place was pointless. Kagome wasn't here any longer.
"She's not here. Let's go." He said.
"Wait a minute, Inu Yasha, we should at least look around and see if there are any clues!" Sango protested.
"What's the point!?" Inu Yasha fumed.
Miroku gently placed his hand on Inu Yasha's un-injured shoulder.
"It won't hurt to look around and see if we can find out why Kagome was here." He said, "Maybe then we can figure out where she may have gone."
Inu Yasha couldn't think of any reason to argue with what Miroku had said. He grudgingly agreed to search the cave. Maybe he could follow Kagome's sent and find out if she was hurt or not. He could also smell the sent of whatever it was that had attacked him and his friends in the fog. But there was another sent as well. One that smelled like honey and spices. It also had a strangely reptilian quality to it, the underlying sent of scales and earth. Inu Yasha clenched his jaw tightly. That sent wasn't the only strange thing about this cave. He could sence some kind of power from it, ancient, strong, a kind of magic all but lost to this world. He looked over at his friends, and could see that both Sango and Miroku felt that power too, he could see it on their faces and in their eyes. Sango tightened her grip on Hirikotsu, she wasn't going to give up now, no matter how strange the feeling she got from this place was.
"Alright, let's go." She said.
As Sango stepped forward towards the cave, Miroku could see a slight shimmering in the cave entrance, it seemed to be a barrier.
"Sango-sama! Wait!" Miroku grabbed her arm.
"What?" She said.
"There is a barrier here. I don't know what it will do if you walk into it." He said.
Sango's heart sank. How were they going to find Kagome if they couldn't get into the cave? All sorts of horrible thoughts of what may have happened to Kagome began playing through Sango's mind. She could be hurt or worse. Miroku gently took Sango's hand. She looked up into his face. He wore a small smile but his eyes were worried.
"Don't worry, Sango-sama." He said, "I'll try and think of a way to get past that barrier."
"Screw that!" Inu Yasha yelled, "I'll just cut it down with my Tetsuiga!"
"That wouldn't be wise Inu Yasha." Miroku said.
"Why the hell not?" He replied.
"Because, what happens if you cut the barrier down AND the entrance to the cave?" Miroku said.
"It will collapse." Sango said, "and then we won't be able to enter."
"Precisely," Miroku said, "We have to think this one through."
"Feh." Was all Inu Yasha replied.
Sango turned back to the cave entrance. They were so close. Concern for her friend welled up inside her. Who was it that was trying to keep them from Kagome? Shippo clung to Sango's shoulder, his eyes once again filling with tears, he was just as worried as everyone else, even if he was still a kid. Sango hugged the little fox gently. It would be okay, they would find Kagome, she knew it.
"Kagome-chan...."
--------------- Elsewhere ---------------------------
Maya wandered almost aimlessly through the forest. She shivered slightly from the breeze that blew across her naked body. Night was rapidly descending upon the landscape. She would need to find shelter soon and something to cover herself with. Up ahead, Maya could see an opening in the dense forest around her, there were small lights there. Quickening her pace, Maya reached the opening in the trees, she could see a small village just outside the line of forest. It was a human village. She could see them moving about in the fields and houses. Scampering about to complete the mundane tasks that occupied their daily lives.
'Like ants.' She thought.
Slowly, and with purpose, she left the safety of the tree line. The closest of the humans working in the fields looked up, they watched her with slack jawed expressions, unknowing of the things she intended to do to them. Scenes of horror and death flashed through her mind as she drew closer to the first human. An older man, his black hair touched with gray at the temples and pulled up in the standard top knot of peasants, he wore a simple blue tunic and pants, a rake held limply in his hands. His dark eyes were wide as they roamed over her exposed form.
Maya had taken on her human form, so the draconic features of her normal appearance that marked her as a demon were not visible, she looked as human as the rest of the people here. Except for her beauty and the cruelty that flashed in her amethyst eyes.
As she drew closer, she began to focus her power, muttering an ancient incantation as her heart began to quicken its pace.
"Eternal darkness, bringer of silence and death... Come forth to claim the souls of my victims... Shadows of hate, bring forth-" Her words were cut off by a sudden exclamation.
Maya turned to see and older woman, rather portly, with a smudged apron tied over her plain gray working dress. Her hair was a dark brown and she had surprisingly bright blue eyes. She was carrying a large basket filled with freshly cleaned laundry.
"My Goodness!" She said, "What on earth are you men doing!? This poor girl needs some cloths!"
Maya faltered. Who was this woman? Didn't she know that Maya intended to kill them all? Muttering to herself, the woman rummaged around in the large basket until she produced a blanket. Without hesitation she came over to Maya and slung the blanket around her shoulders, covering her naked body, before turning back to the men.
"Did you think to let this poor thing freeze to death? Or where you to busy thinking with your loins to help her?" She said.
The man Maya had been about to kill coughed.
"Well, you see, she surprised us. She just came walking out of the forest like that." He said.
"Oh I see. So instead of helping a lost naked girl, you stood there fondling yourselves while she froze." The woman said, giving them a reproachful look.
Turning to Maya she said, "Now don't you worry dear. I have plenty of clothes, and a nice warm bed and hot meal at my house."
Maya only nodded dumbly. So taken aback, she was, by this simple human woman.
"I'm called Taki," she said with a gentle smile, "And what's your name dear?"
"M... Maya." She stammered.
"Maya? Well, isn't that just a lovely name!" Taki said.
Taki bent down and retrieved her basket. Turning she took Maya gently by the arm.
"Well, come along then, Maya dear." she said, "Let's get you some clean clothes and a nice hot meal."
Maya nodded, her eyes wide. Taki turned back to the men, who stood staring dumbly at the two women, her expression became on of exasperation.
"An you!" She pointed at them, "Get your work finished and go home! You'll be lucky if I don't tell your wives about this!"
The men instantly snapped out of their stupors and went back to their field work. Taki gave a satisfied nod. She turned back to Maya and her gentle smile returned.
"Let's go, dear." She said.
Maya allowed herself to be pulled along by this strange and kindly human woman.
--------------- The Estate Of Lord Sesshoumaru, Front Gate -----------------------------
Elisana and Saria landed just outside of the large and imposing front gate to Lord Sesshoumaru's estate. There had been a demonic barrier around the estate the last time she was here, preventing anyone from just dropping into the courtyard, so she had decided to play it safe and land outside. Gently Elisana passed Kagome's still form to Saria. She checked the girl over quickly. When she was satisfied that Kagome was a stable as she was going to be for now, Elisana turned and approached the gate, it loomed dark and foreboding before her.
'It doesn't seem to have changed at all.' She thought.
Taking a deep breath, Elisana raised her fist and began pounding on the hard wooden doors, the sound echoing through the courtyard inside. They waited. No sound could be heard from inside. Panic rose in Elisana. What if he wasn't home? Again she raised her fist and pounded on the door. This time she could hear scurrying from inside. She knocked again.
"Yes yes! I'm coming!" Came a nasally voice.
The heavy doors began to open, and a small green demon with a pointed face and frog like eyes, poked his head out.
"Who dares disturbed the house of the Great Lord Sesshoumaru!?" Jakin said.
"Hello again, Master Jakin, it's been a long time." Elisana said.
"L....Lady Elisana?!" Jakin's already protruding eyes seemed to pop out even further.
"You remember me? I'm flattered." Elisana drawled.
Jakin swallowed hard. He knew the dragoness' reputation. Angering her could be almost as dangerous and angering his lord. Clamping down tightly on his fear, he opened the door completely. He was suddenly conscious to the fact that he had left the Staff of Skulls inside.
"To... To what do we owe the pleasure of this visit, Lady Elisana?" He asked.
Elisana smiled. Despite the little toads somewhat revolting appearance, she actually liked him, naive though he was.
"I have come to seek an audience with Lord Sesshoumaru." She said simply.
Jakin's eyes bulged even more. He could remember clearly the last meeting between his master and this woman. It was not something one easily forgot. Elisana had refused to aid Lord Sesshoumaru, he had wished her to tell him of the location to a sacred object, and she had blatantly told him no. Several times. The talks had almost ended with swords being drawn, when Lady Elisana had suddenly changed her mind, and agreed to help him.
"Are you going to take me to your Lord?" Elisana's voice broke into Jakin's thoughts.
"I... I..." Jakin stammered, "I don't believe he would be very welcoming, Lady Elisana."
Elisana smiled. She understood Jakin's fear, she could feel the same fear creeping up her own spine, but she would not be detoured.
"Well, we shall find that out when I see him, won't we?" She said.
Jakin could feel himself beginning to tremble. The look in the dragoness' eyes said that she would not accept any other answer than for him to take her to Lord Sesshoumaru. Just as he was about to answer, a little girls voice broke across the silence.
"Jakin-sama! Sesshoumaru-sama wants to know who's at the door!" Rin shouted as she came running from inside the house.
The young girl slid to a stop when she caught sight of Elisana. Her deep brown eyes widened. She had never seen so beautiful a demon before, save for Lord Sesshoumaru, and her eyes were like none Rin had ever seen. The prism of colors that danced across the surface of Elisana's eyes flashed as she regarded the young human girl. She was pretty, to be sure, and very young. There was a kindness and a curiosity about the girl that no doubt was part of the reason Lord Sesshoumaru had adopted her. Just then Rin saw Kagome held protectively in Saria's arms.
"Kagome Onee-chan!" She cried. Without hesitation Rin ran forward.
"Is she alright?" Rin asked. Her voice squeaked a little.
Elisana was surprised, she hadn't known that Kagome knew anyone associated with Sesshoumaru, except maybe Sesshoumaru himself. Elisana knelt down so that she was at eye level with the little girl.
"You know Kagome?" She asked.
Rin nodded.
"Kagome Onee-chan and I have played a few times." She said.
Elisana smiled, maybe it wouldn't be so difficult to get Sesshoumaru to help after all, given this little girls reaction to Kagome.
"Kagome was hurt," Elisana said, "And Lord Sesshoumaru may be the only one who can help her."
Rin's eyes widened.
"Alright, if it's to help Kagome Onee-chan, I'll take you to Sesshoumaru-sama." Rin said.
Jakin nearly fell over.
"Rin! What are you thinking!? You can't do that!" He screeched.
"But, Jakin-sama, Kagome Onee-chan needs help!" She replied.
Jakin was about to respond when the look on the little girls face caught him off guard. It wasn't her normal defiant expressing she always used when she wanted something to go her way, instead it was completely different, the look she gave him was pleading. Her eyes had welled with tears, her lower lip quivered a bit, her small perfect eyebrows furrowed in worry for the older girl. Jakin sighed, he couldn't say no to her now, he would risk his lords ire. If worst came to worst, he would just blame it on Rin, Lord Sesshoumaru wouldn't do anything to her.
"Oh very well." He said.
Rin's face broke into a smile, she leapt forward, wrapping her arms around the little imps neck.
"Thank you Jakin-sama!"
Jakin flushed a little as he quickly unwound the girls arms from his neck. Turning to Elisana, he bowed, with a sweep of his hand.
"Come along then, my Lady. I will take you to Lord Sesshoumaru." He said.
Elisana nodded. She and Saria followed the pair into the courtyard, the huge gate doors swinging closed behind them, and instantly the sounds from the outside world were gone. Elisana's eyes quickly took in her surroundings. The blue cobbled path beneath their feet, a small pond to the left, surrounded by small purple flowers. To the right a great stone and black marble gazebo, the benches and pillars ornately carved, long vines of Morning Glory climbed the sides. Lining the path to the main house, small bitter apple trees, not yet ready to bloom, but with small green buds seeming about to burst. The grass of the courtyard was the richest green and dotted here and there with small flowers of various colors. As they approached the main doors to the manor, Elisana noticed that some of the things she had seen before in this courtyard had changed, they seemed much more welcoming now. Perhaps that was because of the little girl. Elisana turned her attention back to he building in front of her. The main house was three stories high. The roof covered in neatly shaped dark brown tiles. There were no windows on the first floor, at least not on this side of the building, the second and third floor windows were covered by delicate looking screens framed in deep ebony wood. The stucco like texture of the outside walls was a medium gray color. The main doors were made to slide into the walls and were made of intricately designed stained glass. The image in the stained glass was that of a fierce looking dog demon, high in the clouds, looking down upon what seemed to be a human village. Jakin slid the glass doors open and they walked into a wide entry hall with a high open beamed ceiling. The floors were deep cherry wood, polished to an almost mirror shine, and the walls were lined with paintings of forest and ocean scenes. At the end of the entrance hall where two more sliding doors made of standard wood and rice paper. Like those of a dojo. They continued on past the entry hall into a large room with thick plush carpets on the floors. Several small tables and overstuffed chairs were in the room. On the tables were small vases of freshly picked flowers, probably Rin's doing, as well as some books and scrolls. It appeared to be a sitting room. Next they entered a dimly lit hallway, several rooms and other doors were visible, as well as turns in the hall that went down other hallways in various directions. They passed by all of these rooms until they came to the last door on the right. It was closed and there was no sound from inside. Jakin raised his hand and gingerly knocked on the door.
"Enter." Came a quiet, chill, voice from inside.
Jakin opened the door and led them into a room that seemed to be some kind of library. Tall shelves of books lined the walls. In the center of the room was a large writing desk, hand carved from what looked to be oak, there were several smaller chairs and tables around the room, with more books and scrolls on them. Behind the desk sat the Demon Lord of the West. Sesshoumaru hadn't changed at all since Elisana had last seen him, save for he was missing his left arm, he looked up from a scroll he was reading as they entered. His golden eyes went to Elisana first, then slowly to Saria, and finally came to rest on Kagome. He stared at her for a moment, not speaking, before his eyes once again fell on the dragoness. His eyes narrowed with a hint of irritation.
"Elisana..." He said, "Why have to come here?"
Elisana bowed gracefully, she could not afford to offend this demon, as she straitened she fixed him with an unwavering gaze.
"I have come to plead for you help, Lord Sesshoumaru." She said.
A small smile crossed Sesshoumaru's face, Elisana could almost feel her heart stop, that was not a look she liked.
"So the mighty dragoness has come to beg my aid, hmm?"
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And that's it for chaper 9! I tried to make it a little longer than normal. I know it's been so long since I last updated. Please RR! I really want to know what you all think of this chappy!
Thank you to my editor DDsmith81, not only for helping me with my story, but also for convincing me to start writing again!
-Minkchan.