Standard Disclaimers applyto all the characters of InuYasha that solely belong to creator Rumiko Takahashi. Tsukiko, Shimosarui, Shokoya, and Shimofuriki are my own characters. Please do not abuse them!
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Torn Pretenses,
By Winterwing3000
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It was not hard to tell that there was unrest in the East.
Bodies of soldiers littered the land, reeking of drawn out battles between demons. Though they were of the same youkai specie, Sesshomaru saw that the colors of their uniforms were different. The formal colors of the Boar Clan were a rich brown and a muted teal with diamond shaped patterns. The other uniform was a royal purple with a white trim and a snow drop for the emblem.
As Sesshomaru approached the Eastern fortress, he was immediately blocked by the soldiers in purple.
"Halt!" they ordered him. "Who are you and what is your purpose?"
"This Sesshomaru is here to speak to the new lord of the East." Sesshomaru said it with a pointed look. The boar soldiers did not flinch. One soldier scampered away to bring the news to the fortress courier. It did not take long for the soldier to return with a court officer in tow.
The court representative offered a respectful bow to the dog demon lord. "Welcome Inu no Taisho, Sesshomaru-sama, to the Eastern lands. Our lord Shimosarui-sama and lady Shokoya-sama await your presence in the grand hall. Allow me to lead you there, my Lord," the other youkai said politely as he turned around and walked back in the direction from which he came.
Sesshomaru followed silently as he observed the on-goings of the lands behind the gates.
The aftermath of the battle for power was also evident. The air still smelled strongly of blood and rotting corpses from the pile in the side yard. Most likely the bodies would be burned later on. Surrounding the yards were handfuls of guards. There was also a group of guards who marched around the perimeter of the main building. Security at the moment was stringent and almost paranoid from his point of view. It was almost as if the newly declared Eastern Lord suspected of assassinations to occur at every waking moment. But if Jaken's report was correct, then the crown prince and second prince were locked up somewhere in the dungeons. Even if they had followers, the opposition did not stand a chance against the remaining army, which were now directly under Shimosarui's control now. Perhaps Shimosarui feared the attacks from other daiyoukai since he was at his weakest ruling phase right now. He probably had more enemies than followers.
Soon, they arrived at the grand hall of the court. There were several other youkai present. These gentlemen stopped speaking to each other and turned to stare at the daiyoukai of the West. At the head of the room, two figures were seated next to each other on a raised tatami platform. From the first glance, Sesshomaru knew that they were Shimosarui and Shokoya. He walked forward until he was a few feet away from the platform.
Two guards stationed by the platforms almost drew their swords but Shimosarui stopped them.
"Be at ease, soldiers. Sesshomaru-sama is here as my guest," he ordered. A smirked appeared on his handsome face. "Welcome to the East, Sesshomaru-sama. I hope that your trip here was pleasant."
"I thank you for having me, Shimosarui-sama," Sesshomaru answered passively. "This Sesshomaru congratulates both you and Shokoya-sama to your ascension to the throne."
A stiff smile stretched across the boar demon's lips. His sister replied in his stead in an even manner. "Thank you for your kind words, Sesshomaru-sama. We are happy that you recognize us as the new lords of the East. Now, what brings you to our lands, if you don't mind me asking?"
Sesshomaru snorted inwardly at her breech of social hierarchy and conduct. So the princess was an equal contributor to the demise of her sire.
"The Sesshomaru would like to propose an alliance with the lords of the East," the inuyoukai told them.
"For centuries past, the East and West have been separate entities. We each thrived and lived in relative peace. For Sesshomaru-sama to propose an alliance is very unusual. What benefits do we of the East have in joining hands with the West?" Shimosarui questioned loftily. "We the Boar Clan have sustained ourselves without the aid of others since the days of our founding fathers. This Shimosarui cannot possibly enter an agreement with Sesshomaru-sama and disregard my people's pride and livelihood."
"This Sesshomaru is confident that the East has the ability to defend against invaders as all of the East's warriors are strong, but what of the defense against those within these walls?" Sesshomaru did not blink as he made the insinuation. "There seems to be a rat among your ranks, Shimosarui-sama. And that is something that Shimofuriki-sama had no trouble eradicating during his reign."
The smile vanished immediately from Shimosarui's face and a snarl replaced it. "Just what is it that you are trying to say, Sesshomaru-sama? I do not take lightly to any slander."
"Onii-sama, please relax," Shokoya said softly but sternly. She didn't take her eyes off of the dog demon. "I am sure that Sesshomaru-sama is just giving us a reminder about the laws of our sire and for that, we should thank him for his gracious words. We are still young and any guidance is always appreciated, isn't that right, onii-sama?"
The male boar demon exhaled through his nostrils and released the tension from his facial expression and body posture. He dipped his head in apology to Sesshomaru. "Yes, you are correct dear Shokoya. This Shimosarui apologizes to Sesshomaru-sama for my outburst. Please continue to guide me in the future as well."
"Now with regards to your proposal," the former princess said without missing a beat. "Perhaps we should discuss the matter in more detail and in private."
At the meaningful look she directed at her brother, Shimosarui cleared his throat and dismissed his court officials. "That is all for today. I shall call upon you if anything else should arise."
The other demons silently bowed and exited the hall, but not before casting suspicious looks toward the still standing Sesshomaru. The doors creaked as they closed behind him.
Shokoya bowed her head behind her fan. "We thank you for your patience, Sesshomaru-sama. Let us return to the discussion of your alliance proposal. For what reason does Sesshomaru-sama wish to join the East and West?"
From the glitter in her eyes, Sesshomaru knew that she was scheming something. Their choice to accept now depended on several things. First, who was the puppet and the puppeteer between the siblings. Second, the terms that he was going to offer them in equivalent exchange. And third, whether or not the South already had their claws sunk into the depths of the East. If it was the former ruler Shimofuriki-sama seated in front of him, Sesshomaru knew that this meeting would have ended by now. Shimofuriki-sama was not a man who was swayed from the ideas of land or riches. These two freshly appointed lords on the other hand probably desired those things just based on their reactions, and it made things more difficult to proceed with the negotiations. Normally, he would offer to supply a quarter of the war rations if they were to go to war or he would give part of the land that was acquired through the war. But this war was a matter of defense at the moment, as he originally had no plan for further conquest. If Jingo refused to withdraw his troops from the front lines and persisted to usurp the West, then it would become a matter of conquest.
"Perhaps his reasons are not honorable, Shokoya. We mustn't force Sesshomaru-sama to speak of it if that is the case," Shimosarui injected at Sesshomaru's prolonged silence.
Immediately Sesshomaru's face hardened at the thinly veiled insult. "This Sesshomaru assures you that there is no dishonorable intention. there has been unrest at the borders of our lands and to put out the fire, it would be beneficial for us to join hands temporarily in order to return peace to our lands."
"What unrest do you speak of, Sesshomaru-sama? Surely you must be misinformed for we haven't received word of such disturbances." Shokoya said innocently but with a challenging glint in her eyes. "Even if such rumors were true, it can be assured that our forces will repel them as necessary. Perhaps you should do the same as well, Sesshomaru-sama. Therefore, it seems that there is no need for an alliance."
He could tell that they were baiting him. They obviously were lying about not knowing what was happening beyond their borders as the foul Shimosarui gave that away with the impertinent look of his.
"If you like, we can always negotiate other terms in order to balance out this alliance. As you may have seen, Sesshomaru-sama, we have plenty of men to defend our borders. They however require to be fed," said Shimosarui. "Our harvest this year has been significantly less due to the summer fires that wrought our fields barren."
Sesshomaru's golden eyes narrowed as he did the calculations in his head. To split this army rations in large quantities was a dangerous move, especially if they were to drag on the war. Not to mention, he had to account for the possible disasters happening during the war. Yet surely, he suspected that there was more to this deal than just rations. He spoke neutrally to conceal his reservations. "Then the share that you are thinking of?"
Shimosarui looked thoughtful before he replied, "If Sesshomaru-sama is willing, then one fourth of what rations you may have."
"That is impossible. One-sixth of the rations is more than enough," Sesshomaru said. He added, "In addition, there can also be a supply of two hundred arrows."
There were more than enough arrows to spare, and often were useless against demon armor any way. They were more of a means for distraction.
"Arrows are of no use to our men. My army men are close combatants and we have no archers," said the third prince. "How about forty sacks of your finest spices, then?"
The dog demon frowned visibly. The East, as far as he knew, never concerned themselves with spices before. What use would they have for spices? Also, the amount they asked for was high. It would be worth much more than the rations.
Shokoya, who was silent thus far, smiled demurely. "Is forty sacks negotiable, Sesshomaru-sama?"
"Twenty." He waited as the siblings looked at each other and communicated with their eyes. Moments later, Shokoya's expression darkened but Shimosarui placed a placating hand on her shoulder.
The boar demon lord said, "Thirty-five sacks of spices, one-sixth of the rations, and twelve of your battle steeds."
"No," Sesshomaru responded automatically. "This Sesshomaru will not negotiate battle steeds. Twenty-two sacks of spices and one-sixth of the rations; that is the final offer."
The boar princess spread open her fan elegantly and smirked behind it as she coyly reminded, "This one believes that it was Sesshomaru-sama's idea to forge an alliance between the East and West. Yet, your terms are hardly fair to us, especially if you plan to fight and win this war against the South."
A smirk of his own appeared on his face. "Whoever said that I was going to war? Shokoya-hime? I don't recall mentioning anything about a war, merely a disturbance."
Shokoya's cheeks pinked immediately and Shimosarui cursed under his breath. He tried to smooth out the unprecedented wrinkles that appeared in their plans. "What my sister means is the possibility of an outbreak of war at the borders to the unrest."
Patience now worn, Sesshomaru glared at them.
"Enough! This Sesshomaru withdraws the alliance. There is no need for traitors to join me, especially those who lack filial piety. Consider this visit a warning to you and the East. There will only be death should you join hands with the South, so make your decisions wisely." Sesshomaru looked directly at the siblings before he turned around and marched toward the doors.
"You think you can get away with threatening us like so, Sesshomaru-sama?" Shimosarui mocked. "Guards! Seize this unruly dog demon and bring him to the dungeons! Let's see how long the West can hold out without their lord."
Sesshomaru stopped in his tracks as a swarm of armed demons burst through the doors and surrounded him, all poised to attack with their weapons. He glanced once at them all and then said, "Move if you value your lives."
"I believe it is you who should surrender, Sesshomaru-sama!" Shimosarui exclaimed. He pointed at the other daiyoukai. "Attack him!"
The demon guards rushed all at once with their weapons raised and a fierce battle cry.
In a blink of an eye, Sesshomaru drew his sword Bakusaiga. He first parried against two of the attackers before slicing them in half length wise. Several other guards aimed for his back in unison and so, he leaped to avoid them while doing away with a few of the unprepared soldiers. Spearheads came from all four directions above him, causing him to duck and sweep his sword at their knees. They all fell with painful cries as their bodies started to crumble away. Barely any blood coated the floor as the lumps of flesh fell around him. The remaining demon guards backed away in fear as they stared at the remains of their fallen comrades. Some looked toward the boar siblings for further instructions with terror clearly written across their faces.
Shokoya had taken to standing behind Shimosarui with her eyes narrowed as she took in the destruction caused by Sesshomaru's sword. Shimosarui was clenching and unclenching his fists and gritting his teeth. Anger flashed in his eyes as he shouted at his men. "Well, what are you fools waiting for? Kill him already!"
"But Shimosarui-sama!" The men cried out pleadingly.
"Tell them to retreat, onii-sama," the fourth princess advised. "There is no need for pointless bloodshed before the actual battle. We must be courteous to all honored guests."
Reining in his rage, the third prince conceded. "Very well. Guards, stand down. Sesshomaru-sama, have a safe trip back to the West. I look forward to seeing you at the front lines, though I certainly hope it will not come to that."
The inuyoukai showed very little emotion as he stared at the two younger demons and said nothing as he sheathed Bakusaiga. He walked out of the hall silently.
Shokoya stayed back as Shimosarui commanded the rest of his guards to their next assignment. Her eyes followed the hypnotizing sway of the silver mane. With a practiced flick of her wrist, she closed her fan. "What a terrifying man you are, Sesshomaru-sama."
"Rin-sama, where are you going?"
"Will you come back, Rin-sama?"
"Why are you leaving, Rin-sama?"
"Don't go, Rin-sama! Don't leave us!"
Rin could only smile sadly at the children surrounding her and the horse. Some of them were crying out loud and others were holding back tears bravely. There were things she wanted to say to comfort them but in the end, it was pointless.
It had been a week since Tsukiko-sama brought her to the grave of her grandmaster. It was possibly the longs week of anxiety and numbness Rin ever felt in her life. During that time, aside from staying in her room and attending to her normal duties, the young woman made arrangements with the Head Villager after giving him a false excuse of going on an errand for Tsukiko-sama which required her to leave the village for a year long. He allowed her to take one of the horses. In addition, he provided her several days' worth of food for her journey. From the shrine, she was only taking her sword Shirayume, a pair of sandals, and another set of clothes. She didn't have much to begin with anyway.
Just last night, she tossed and turned as sleep evaded her and her mind was plagued with thoughts of the unknown future. It would truly be her first journey alone and well beyond the circle which she was comfortable with. Where on earth was she supposed to go? What was she supposed see? What would she encounter in order for her realize what she could not understand through meditation?
She gave up on the idea of asking her master anything else, as they were now not on speaking terms. Tsukiko said absolutely nothing in response when Rin announced of her departure this morning. The older woman was obviously upholding her part of the command of not speaking to her or acknowledging her until her return one year later. It pained Rin to be ignored by her guardian of many years, and she knew that her journey would either make or break their relationship. Now, with every step closer to the village gates, Rin hoped for Tsukiko to send her off.
She looked down at the children around her and said, "It is time that I leave, children. Be good to your parents and don't trouble your family too much, do you hear me?"
"When will you be back, Rin-sama?" A young girl gazed up with wide teary eyes. Rin kneeled down to her level and petted her hair.
"Don't cry, little one. I'll be back as soon as my errand is complete, as I always do. It will just be a little longer than usual, that's all."
The children stepped back as Rin mounted her horse and the gates in front of them opened. The seasons were about to turn for the worse. The snow piles at the foot of every tree amounted to be higher than her ankles and animal tracks were no longer scattered about. She wouldn't have the chance to see Spring come this year and Fall was most likely ending in the plains now. What was it like, the world beyond the mountains and forest of the Snow Valley Village? How was the people and what were their lives like? Would she even want to return once she stepped into the new world? Would she even survive the outside world on her own?
"Have a safe trip, Rin-sama! We'll miss you! Come home soon, okay?" The children chorused their farewells.
With a bright smile, the shrine maiden nodded. "I'll come home soon! Take care!"
A snap of the reins and she was off. Just as the horse trotted beyond the village gates, Rin felt her heart clench and her palms grew sweaty. Even though she didn't want to, her brown eyes looked back at the disappearing sight of her home. Rin gasped and tears sprung to her eyes.
Tsukiko stood at the gate with her staff at her side. The children gathered next to the old priestess and waved enthusiastically.
Her smile turned watery as Rin faced forward to the path of her journey. "Goodbye, Tsukiko-sama."
AN: I surprised myself to update twice this summer! I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter.
Thank you very much to my readers and reviewers, especially Miss Momolo, sotam, L.H, and odango88.