A/N: And here is my "credit where credit is due" blurb. I got the idea of Rin speaking to Koji's "inner demon" from a scene I had read in one of Raven Sky's stories (Bount For Tomorrow I believe) when Sesshomaru tells Rin that his youkai would eventually show itself and ask her to mark it. I've seen the inner demon "speak" to it's humanoid form in a number of stories but I felt that was unfair to that semidiety. On occasion, the inner demon deserved to "come out" for something other than sex! So here's to the Inner Demon! "Breathe Ralphie boy! Breathe!"
Chapter 11
Claws and other Flaws
While the soldiers secured the perimeter, attentive maids brought out a table and chairs for the three demoness before them. The trio was still deep in hugs and happy tears and a refreshment of some sort should be made ready. So, when the three women finally got themselves from off of the ground, they found a small table set with tea and other demonic 'delicacies' set out for their enjoyment.
Lady Uri spoke first.
"You have no idea how long I'd thought you were dead sister."
Atzuki hung her head. "For a long time, I thought I deserved to die." She looked up slightly. "Apparently, the Kami are not done with me quite yet!"
Tsune huffed. "There will be no talk of death at this table!" Tsune's eyes then glazed over with unshed tears. "I am far too happy to have my favorite aunt back!" Tsune then reached across the small table to take Atzuki's hand.
Atzuki smiled as she squeezed her nieces offered hand. She then went to stand before her. Reaching into her kimono sleeve with her free hand, she pulled out a small dagger that she always carried with her. She then rested the blade on the table between them. Tsune did not bother to hide her confused look.
"Little one, before I take you to my home, before I tell you of my life, I must tell you of the horrible act I committed that brought me here to begin with. I rest this dagger before you, because my life is yours to take if it is your wish at the conclusion of my story."
Tsune released her aunt's hand, and sat back slowly. She rested her hands in her lap, and took in a deep breath.
"Go on." she whispered.
"When I lost my mate Tovu in the last great war, my world crumbled before me. That battle had left both my spirit and my heart broken, and I only wanted to join my beloved in death. Were it not for my son Koji, I most likely would have taken my own life. But I knew I had to live for our son. I believe that given enough time, I would have gotten over my pain somewhat, but then, you met Hiroshi."
Atzuki paused.
"Your mate-to-be reminded me so very much of Tovu. He was kind and attentive to you, and anyone with eyes could see his devotion. He would have made a fine mate. But I could not get past his humanity." Atzuki hung her head and began to cry.
"I could see Tovu in him." she said softly, "And I could not bear it! I would not bear it! Some human had killed my mate, and another had dared to attempt to claim you as his? I was not going to allow it."
Again, all three women began to cry.
"Hiroshi did not abandon you Tsune, I killed him. I killed him in an unnecessary battle, in a manner most dishonorable. And I am so very ashamed! Your father found us and ordered us to stop. Hiroshi obeyed his lord's command without hesitation. I on the other hand, took that moment, and ended his life. Hiroshi died professing his love for you. He died calling your name." Atzuki then dropped to her knees.
"I do not know why your father did not kill me. Perhaps he thought I would perish on my own here, or perhaps finally take my own life. But I did neither. Here, I found a new reason to live. Here I try to atone for the wretched thing I had done to that noble human.
Here, I help to heal both youkai and human wounds. The youkai respect me, and the humans actually love me! In my own way I try to honor Hiroshi's memory." Atzuki then gathered the dagger from the table, and gently placed it in Tsune's hand.
"I do not know which is the greater pain, grief or loss, but I do understand vengeance. If you wish to avenge your beloved, I will offer no resistance." Atzuki then lifted her face, and exposed her throat.
Tsune looked at the blade in her hand, then she looked at her aunt. She casually tossed the blade to the ground before kneeling before the demoness now weeping before her. Tsune held her aunt close and purred softly.
"There has been enough pain my aunt. Killing you will not bring Hiroshi back nor will it allow Tovu to rest in peace. You have suffered enough, we have suffered enough. I will forgive you, only if you can find it within you to forgive yourself."
Lady Uri sat back smiling at the pair before her through her tears and wondered exactly when did her pup become so wise and compassionate. Her father will be proud.
~~~~ &&& ~~~~
Koji growled softly. "I will not give her up uncle. She is meant to be mine, I can feel it!"
Dotsu smiled warmly.
"Then you know what you must do to insure keeping her." Koji nodded. "I will do it after she has eaten."
Dotsu chuckled. Koji looked up in inquiry.
"I remember you doing this once before. But this time, I think your chosen will not fail." Dotsu then gave a good natured slap to Koji's back.
"I must get back to the women. No doubt they are done with their crying and such by now! I will return with them, and a small number of my traveling party within the hour. I hope you will have happy news to report." Koji gave a quick nod, and with that, Dotsu was gone.
~~~~ && ~~~~
Rin took her time as she bathed. There was much to think about. She did not wish to admit it, but she actually was beginning to fall in love with Koji, and she felt dirty for it. Even with all that had happened between them, Rin still clung slightly to the hope of Sesshomaru simply arriving and taking her. But even this slight hope was beginning to loose it's grip.
In comforting Hanzu, Rin had all but said 'yes' to becoming Koji's mate, and the thought actually pleased her. She knew she would have to have an answer for this demon soon, But still she was not sure what that answer would be. Rin decided to let the fates decide for her.
~~&&~~
As requested, Rin once again wore the forest green outfit that she'd met Koji in. She only momentarily wondered about the request, but then realized that her 'youkai' garment must carry Sesshomaru's scent to some degree. She knew enough about Inu customs to know that she did not wish to 'scent' as if she 'belonged' to anyone, at lest not yet.
Once breakfast had been consumed, Rin made her way to the front yard. It was now late morning and Lady Atzuki had not returned from her walk. Rin began to worry. She found Koji once again seated under the sakura tree that they'd slept beneath the night before. He seemed lost in thought, and she was hesitant to disturb him, but her worry for Atzuki gave her the strength to approach.
"Koji?" she began softly, Koji was so lost in his thoughts, that he did not respond. Rin spoke again. "Beloved? Please forgive my intrusion." Koji stirred at the sound of the endearment. He looked up slowly and smiled.
"I grow concerned for your mother. She is normally home by now, and I am afraid that something may have happened to her. May we go look for her please?" Koji's eyes practically twinkled. Not only was his intended concerned for another member of his pack, but she had called him 'beloved' without prompt.
"Of course we can. I know that my mother is more than capable of taking care of herself, but if it will put your mind at ease, we shall go look for her." Koji then rose and took Rin by the hand as they headed into the forest. In truth, Koji could not believe his good fortune, he would need to be alone with Rin if he were to 'test' her.
~~~~ &&&& ~~~~
When Lord Dotsu parted the foliage as he returned to his encampment, he was met with lighthearted laughter from the three women he'd left. There was no need to ask questions. Atzuki had done the right thing, and his daughter's decision had made him proud. Now the three could visit freely with each other before they continued to the west.
Dotsu knew that his daughter needed to have a clear head when she met Sesshomaru, and he was glad their 'meeting' went favorably. In truth, Dotsu really wanted nothing to do with the house of the west. And he especially did not want a son-in-law that was known for his viciousness.
Sesshomaru's reputation would not reflect well in his kingdom. But this was Tsune's decision to make. And, judging by the laughter that met him, he now held no doubts that his pup had indeed inherited his wisdom. He chuckled softly as he approached.
"So then, are you ladies done with your meetings, greetings and well-to-do's? If so, I believe that we all should make our way to Lady Atzuki's home!" Lady Uri and Lady Tsune both scrambled to stand next to their lord. All three smiled at Atzuki.
"Welcome home Lady." Dotsu beamed. The trio then hugged Atzuki in unison. She could not have been happier.
"Come family! Come and be welcome in my home! Atzuki announced. The three women were about to go bounding through the woods when Dotsu stopped them.
"Wait ladies." Dotsu interrupted almost playfully, "Follow me with the stealth I know that you all possess. We may have another reason for celebration today!"
Dotsu then shot a toothy smile to Atzuki.
"Especially you Atzuki!" Atzuki clearly was confused, but she quickly was caught up in the merriment of the moment as she followed her company in absolute silence.
~~~~ &&&& ~~~~
Rin and Koji had been searching the forest for about thirty minutes when Koji decided that a break was in order. While Rin did not seem tired, this 'search' had little to do with finding his mother. Koji stopped suddenly, and took a few paces before sniffing at the air.
He knew that Rin would be distracted until she was sure that his mother was safe. In truth, he'd scented his mother long ago, and knew she was in no danger. But Rin didn't need to know that. He'd 'pretend' to find something.
"Have you caught wind of your mother Koji? Is she well?" Koji smiled warmly. "She is not far away, and she is not injured." Rin sighed with relief.
"I'm pleased." Rin shuffled her feet a bit in the dirt. "Please forgive me." she said softly. Koji turned around to find Rin fidgeting with the sleeve of her haori. He quietly took her into his arms.
"Now what's all of this?" he purred lovingly. Rin blushed. "I'm sorry to have bothered you Koji, it's just that I was starting to worry and…"
Before Rin could finish her sentence, Koji kissed her. Rin pulled back enough to look Koji In the face. "Now what was that for?" She inquired playfully. Koji smiled lovingly as he stroked Rin's face. "Because I love you."
Rin smiled warmly as she then reached to stroke at Koji's cheek. She snaked her other arm around his neck, and pulled him slowly into another kiss.
This kiss was different from the other she'd so far given him. Rin gave small 'pecks' to his lips before licking at them slightly as if to ask permission for more. Koji growled possessively as he granted Rin access to his mouth by kissing her deeply.
Now it was Rin's turn to purr as she pulled herself impossibly closer to Koji's body. Koji could not help himself. His hands slowly snaked down the sides of Rin's haori as he took hold of Rin's full bottom.
Koji wanted nothing more than to rip Rin's clothing from her body and claim her right then and there, but he needed to remain focused. She had been brought here for a reason. Slowly Koji pulled away from Rin's embrace.
"Tell me again." he said in a raspy voice.
Were it not for a need of air, Rin would not have released him. She tried not to gasp for breath as she respectfully allowed some distance.
"Tell you what again Koji?" she whispered.
Koji relinquished his hold of Rin's bottom and instead placed his hands on her shoulders. "Tell me again about our pups." he said evenly.
Rin smiled broadly as tears came to her eyes.
"We will have as many as you want, as many as I can bare. Our home will be filled with love and the results of our love." Koji now went to cup Rin's face. "Then you accept me as your mate?" Will you bare your throat and submit to me?"
Koji could not disguise both his joy or his underlying fear of rejection.
Rin pulled away from him altogether. "No."
Koji was silent. He was about to keep his devastation to himself, when Rin spoke once more.
"So far, I have heard only from you Koji. But there is another who's intent I must know."
Koji audibly gulped. All the while, he was trying to bring this moment about when Rin had beaten him to it. Rin was requesting to speak to his inner demon, his other half.
Koji had intended to 'test' Rin's devotion by simply showing her his demon. He did not dare to hope that she would actually askto speak to it! Koji had tried this on only one other occasion, and the demoness he'd chosen, fell horribly short of his expectations. She refused to even look at his demon, much less speak to it! He remembered her running off screaming. Somehow, Rin was different. Rin was not afraid. His inner demon growled it's approval with her!
"This female does not fear us!"
"This female deserves to see us!"
"This female shall be our mate! We shall protect! We shall honor!
Let us out to meet our bitch! Let us out to meet…Our Mate!"
Koji's breathing hitched slightly as he gave Rin a barely perceptible nod. His demon was about to show itself to her.
~~~~ &&& ~~~~
Lord Dotsu and his party were not very far away when they all suddenly felt a great surge of youkai energy. Dotsu smiled to himself.
"Hurry and follow me ladies! We may have another reason for celebration!" All three women followed, and in no time, they had found Rin and Koji.
The group now hid themselves discretely in a cluster of trees a respectful distance away. They would be able to see and hear all, and still not be detected.
Atzuki spoke first. "What is my son doing here?" she whispered. Dotsu, 'shushed' her. "Wait and see!"
"That female is human father!" whispered Tsune. "Do you think she will be able to…" Dotsu now 'shushed' his daughter.
"You are enjoying this too much husband!" Lady Uri whispered. Dotsu rolled his eyes and took in an annoyed soft breath.
All finally fell silent.
~~~~ &&& ~~~
The air swirled around the couple noticeably. Koji was slowly releasing his demon in an effort to allow Rin time to either run away, or stand her ground. She did neither. Instead, she once again, pulled Koji to an embrace. Koji's eyes widened.
"You stand too close Rin! We are not yet mated! My demon could possibly kill you!" Rin smiled unblinking. "Or our bond will become that much stronger. If I am truly meant to be yours, all will be well." Rin then closed her eyes.
Koji smiled and closed his eyes. "My strong beautiful mate, I have faith in you."
Suddenly the wind went quiet.
Rin listened for a moment. Koji's breathing had become markedly raspy and there seemed to be a constant growl that came with each breath. Rin was no longer in "Koji's" arms, but now she was being held by his demon. She took a deep breath in preparation for the sight that may await her once she'd opened her eyes.
Slowly Rin looked up. Koji's facial features had not changed dramatically, but they had changed. his face appeared broader, his hair seemed wilder, and everything about him seemed hard for lack of a better word. Even his eyes were different. The emerald green that she had grown so very fond of now had a ring of gold to it that seemed to add an almost 'sinister' accent to his face.
Rin inwardly knew that any who would look at this demon, was indeed facing his death. She took in a deep breath, and slowly rested her hand on "Koji's" cheek. The demon purred his approval as he pulled Rin close and cuddled his face into her hand.
"What is your name?" she inquired softly.
"I am InuKoji." came the guttural response.
"I thank you for this audience. It is an honor to meet you lord."
InuKoji made a point of showing Rin his hand before he stroked at her face. Deadly elongated claws lightly traced around her cheekbone before finally cupping her cheek. To Rin's surprise, Koji's hand remained soft. She closed her eyes and cuddled into his touch.
The demon's constant purr was abruptly cut short when he took his thumb to trace Rin's lips. On instinct, Rin had unconsciously licked at the side of the errant appendage. InuKoji pulled Rin closer.
"We could take you now, or we could kill you now. And yet, you do not scent of fear. Are you not afraid of us? Do you not fear death?"
Rin sighed softly. "I have already died - twice. Death holds no mystery to me. It is life that is proving itself to be the challenge at present. As for you, if you meant to kill me, I'd have been consumed by now. I thank you for finding me worthy of my next breath."
InjKoji released Rin's face with one hand, as he took hold of her bottom with the other. He pulled himself flush against her so that her womanhood was pressed firmly against his crotch. In spite of her best efforts not to, Rin could not help but feel the heat of desire as InuKoji slowly began to grind himself to her. Her breath came in soft staccato puffs. InuKoji gave an almost deadly toothy grin.
"You want us, I can smell the want on you! I can practically taste your hunger! Tell us lady, tell us what it is you want from us!"
Rin's loins were practically on fire! Given a few more moments, and she would be reduced to almost animalistic behavior. But Rin held on to her resolve. Tears came to her eyes as she spoke.
"I want to be loved, I want to be cherished and protected. I want a house filled with children and a mate that will respect me and listen to my council when it is appropriate. I know that life grants no one guarantees, and if necessary, I will fight and die by my mate's side. But I have suffered enough from life and I dare to want better."
Rin the took hold of InuKoji's free hand. She then placed his claws over her heart and lightly pressed them there before staring unblinking into the demon's eyes.
"If I am simply to become a plaything, something that is tossed away once the amusement dies, then take my heart now and eat with my blessings!" Rin then released her hold. "But if your intent is true, show me the truth! If you have honor, give me that honor." The demon released his hold and then stepped back.
"Well said lady! Your wish shall be granted."
InuKoji tugged at the neckline of his haori, He then came to his knees, and exposed his throat.
"Mark us!" He instructed.
Rin's eyes went wide as the demon smiled.
"You showed no fear, and you spoke plain and true. In our centuries of life we have never come across such blatant honesty. WE ask for the honor of serving you Lady Rin. Serving your mind, your soul and your body. You alone are worthy of being our mistress! Take us to do with as you please."
Rin bent down and ran her nose lightly along the demon's neckline. "Are you sure?" she whispered.
"We were yours the moment we had stolen that kiss from you!"
Rin smiled. "So be it."
Without preamble, she bit into the neck of the demon before her only to be amazed at how easily his flesh was broken by her blunt teeth. Blood flooded her mouth as she drank deeply. All the while, InuKoji panted happily. When Rin finally lifted her face, she could clearly see her imprint on InuKoji's flesh. The wound seemed to heal instantly when she had fully pulled away. The winds stirred up once again. The demon was about to retreat. Rin then gave one final look into InuKoji's eyes.
"Thank you my lord." she whispered "Thank you my lady." And just that quickly, Koji seemed to return to himself.
Koji then noticed the blood still on Rin's mouth, and smiled.
"I will dare to ask again. Do you accept me as your mate? Will you bare your throat and submit to me?" Rin smiled as tears filler her eyes.
"Yes."
Before Koji was even able to rise to kiss her, Lord Dotsu, and his company came cheering from the bushes.
The couple stood lost in their embarrassment.
Atzuki could barely contain herself as she hugged Rin close to her. "I have a daughter-in-law!" Rin could only blush and giggle. Tsune and Uri settled for simply giggling and 'squeeing' over Koji. Dotsu laughed heartily as he regarded the sight before him.
"Tovu my friend, I wish you could see your pup now. You would be proud!" he said to himself.
Dotsu clapped his hands in a good natured fashion to gain everyone's attention. "Alright then! Are we going to cheer among the trees or can we go celebrate like civilized people?" Tsune grabbed at her mother's hand. "We must go back to the base camp and get more fitting clothing for Rin to wear! A new member of the southern house should not be seen in rags!" With that, the two women darted off.
"I will have our hunters find a fitting beast for the evening meal. My cooks shall see to any detail! In an instant, Lord Dotsu was gone.
Now only Lady Atzuki stood with Rin and Koji, and all that she could do was cry. She pulled both of them into her arms and embraced tightly. "My pups, my pups. You have made me so very proud. Both Koji and Rin nuzzled into the neck of the demoness before finally being released. The trio headed back to the house in happy silence.
~~~~ &&&& ~~~~
Sesshomaru was still not in the best of moods, but there were some castle duties that were his alone to attend to. A messenger had just arrived with news. A scout had sighted a traveling party bearing the banners of the south about one day's travel from here. That meant that his intended was closer than he thought… Or rather closer than he cared for her to be. As much as he wanted to go to get Rin, he had to be a diplomat first. If Dotsu could be reasoned with, an alliance could still be had without marriage, but he would need to speak to the demon alone first.
This whole horrid affair would be over within two days. Then he would go back and claim his beloved. Yes this was a good day indeed.
