Chapter 13: Something There
3 Months Later
Her breathing was harsh, the chilly air puffing around her face as she ran. The beat of her heart was so loud in her ears that she could barely hear anything else. She could feel her legs begin to tire, but she forced her feet to continue their vigorous movement. The sting of the branches slicing skin on her arms and legs became so frequent that she was becoming numb to the sensation. The only relief was the cold night air that swept past her as she raced through the tall dark trees.
"Hurry, Sae!" her brother yelled, just a few feet ahead of her.
"Wait!" she hollered back, her chest heaving.
"Faster Sae!" there was urgency in his voice. "They're right behind us!"
Sae looked back and saw the looming wolves on hot pursuit, the sound of stampeding paws and howls an ominous beat in the background.
Her breathing strained, Sae pushed her body faster and forced her legs to move as rapidly as humanly possible. She could sense her lungs begin struggling to take in oxygen and her limbs beginning to weaken as if they couldn't go on. If they did not find refuge soon, Sae was afraid she would not make it much longer.
"Come on!" shouted Youhei again. "Almost there, Sae! Move faster!"
"I'm trying!" Sae panted heavily, jumping over a large trunk of a tree.
Youhei's back was almost out of sight. "Try harder!"
"Youhei!" Sae shouted, fear beginning to creep into her heart.
The sound of the snarls grew louder, their barks and growls filling her ears. Animals were scattering in every direction, escaping the menacing pack of wolves that ruthlessly moved deeper and deeper into the forest.
A howl pierced the sky, sounding perilously nearer than a second before.
"Youhei!" Sae cried again, terror catching in her throat. Adrenaline kicking in, she pumped her arms as fast as she could and tried not to slow down. She could practically feel the breath of hungry animals on her back as she sprinted over patches of grass, logs of wood, and ditches in the dirt.
She couldn't be caught now. Not when they were so close-
"Arghh!" Sae suddenly yelled, feeling her leg yanked out from under her.
Teeth as sharp as knives, an angry red eyed wolf snarled over his hold on her ankle. His black fur shined in the moon's ray as he shook his head viciously, his jaw crushing the bones in her leg.
Sae screamed, the pain shooting agonizingly up her thigh. "Youhei!" she cried, struggling to get away from the savage animal. She kicked her free foot, aiming directly at the black wolf's snout.
With a harsh whimper, the wolf let go of his hold on her.
Using all her might, Sae hauled herself up and tried running. But with one step on her injured ankle she went crashing down to the ground, crying out in pain.
"Youhei!" Sae shouted again, desperately trying to pick herself up again. The rest of the pack had caught up with their leader, now prowling around her sprawled form in an ominous hunting maneuver; slowing closing in on their cornered prey. Their low growls and bared teeth made Sae's already rapidly beating heart pick up even faster.
The one who had tackled her down had recovered from her kick in the face and was stalking closer. His teeth bared, mouth dripping with saliva, he looked ready to rip her to shreds. He hunched down, black fur standing up straight, and prepared to lunge.
Sae closed her eyes, knowing this was the end for her, "Goodbye Youhei."
Growling, the wolf leaped for the girl-
"She is mine," a cold voice spoke before the sound of a blade sliced through the air. And with a gust of wind, steel met flesh in a little under a second.
With a gasp, Sae's dark brown eyes flashed open. She was met with the sight of Lord Sesshomaru wielding his sword, his effortless movement almost mesmerizing as he slaughtered the snarling pack of wolves that leapt at him one after another after another.
What felt like a heartbeat later, the lord swung his arm in a final slash of blood.
Eyes as wide as saucers, Sae gazed around in astonishment at the lifeless bodies of wolves scattered around her. Never had she seen such a sight. Their blood covered the ground, mouths still set in snarls, and their lifeless eyes just as evil looking as when they were alive.
"You truly are a stupid human, are you not?" said the lord's emotionless voice, snapping Sae out of her stupor.
With the instant flare of anger that always came at that tone of his voice, Sae scowled up at the demon lord. "I am not-"
"After I gave you the freedom to roam the castle again, you still attempt to escape," he cut her off chillingly, his eyes glistening dangerously. "Knowing that I, Lord Sesshomaru, could easily catch you, the weak human? I would most definitely call that stupid, wench."
"Had it not been for the wolves, we would have," Sae muttered, looking away stubbornly. In the past few months, she had become almost accustomed to his talk of belittling humans. It no longer rattled her. Much. After hearing it so often, she had learned to ignore his distain. It was not worth the headache that came after every argument.
The lord became still. "We?"
Realizing her mistake, Sae's heart skipped a beat. He had not realized that she had helped her twin escape when she left the castle. "I-I mean I. I would have escaped."
His eyes narrowing dangerously, Lord Sesshomaru sheathed his sword before gliding over to where Sae sat incapacitated. "You lie," he said softly, kneeling down to be at eye level.
Swallowing hard, Sae forced herself to look into his face and willfully stayed silent. She might not have escaped but if her brother could at least regain his freedom then all this would have been worth the risk. Even if she had to live a life of servitude. She could sacrifice her happiness for her brother's. She could live with that … or even die for it.
"You test my patience, wench," the lord said chillingly, staring down at her with contempt. "Tell me who this we is or your brother will suffer for your insolence."
Unable to fight it, Sae's lip twitched smugly before she could hide it.
"I see," the lord said, searching her pale face before swiftly standing. He looked around at the carnage with an expression of indifference, the sight of blood and guts having no effect on him. He lifted his face towards the air, inhaling deeply. "I can smell his stench. He is not far from where we stand."
Sae's eyebrows scrunched in concern. Her brother would not be so stupid as to have turned back now … not when he was so close to finally escaping? She knew he would want to protect her, but how could he if he was dead? Sae's heart clenched. Please, Youhei don't. I finally got your freedom back.
"I hope this was worth it to you, wench, for that will be the last time you see your brother alive," Lord Sesshomaru stated forebodingly, his eyes flashing red. He looked down at her sprawled form with calculation, the soft night breeze sweeping his hair back in a captivating fashion. Sae's breath caught. There were times, during her imprisonment in his quarters, which Sae had begrudgingly admitted to herself that his beauty was beyond compare. There were not many men, human or otherwise, who compared to his sinister beauty. But then he would say something cruel and the illusion would be broken.
Like now.
Sae's chin rose in defiance, "You will never-"
An abrupt movement from the corner of her eye caught her attention. One of the wolves stalked closer, his fangs set in an aggressive show of teeth, and his hostile eyes locked on the lord.
"Watch out!" she cried, right when the wolf charged.
Lord Sesshomaru rounded about in a blur, his claws glowing a dark green. He swiped his hand in the air and like a piece of parchment paper, the wolf was cut in half; his lifeless body falling to the ground with two loud thuds.
Sae gripped her pounding heart, wondering why she had even called out a warning. She hated Lord Sesshomaru … so why had she tried to save him? Sure there had been times, especially when she had been observing from afar, that she had thought there was another side to the lord. One he kept so buried deep that it was very hard to catch.
It still did not explain why she would care if he lived or died though …
"We are leaving," the lord stated emotionlessly, turning towards her and walking over.
Her emotions in a turmoil, Sae didn't try to protest. She was not sure what she would do now. Technically now that her brother was free, Lord Sesshomaru no longer had leverage to keep her in check. But unlike before … she was not quite as ready to die in the name of her resentment and pride. But then, where did that leave her?
"Can you stand?" demanded the lord, gazing down at her with an unreadable expression.
Her back stiffening, she replied, "Yes." Before gritting her teeth and using every ounce of willpower she had to get herself up. She may be unsure of herself, but she would still show no weakness to this arrogant male. Not when he was so readily inclined to mock her at every opportunity.
Sae pushed herself on her hands and knees before the agonizing pain shot up her leg. "Urgh," she groaned, falling back down. It was not that it just hurt, but her ankle seemed unable to withstand her weight. Maybe if she-
"Stop," said the deep monotone before Sae felt a pair of thick arms wrap themselves around her shoulders and legs.
"It is obvious you cannot stand on your own." He adjusted his arms to hold her like one would carry a small child.
Sae glared daggers up at him. "If you would just give me a little more time," she argued, squirming in his embrace. His warmth was seeping into her cold bones and Sae was finding it very uncomfortable. She'd be damned before she let this holier-than-thou demon get her on a disadvantage. Not when he could easily throw her off a cliff if he so wished. "Let me go-! "
"Sae."
She froze. It was not so much his tone that made her suddenly stop, but what he said. That was the first time he had ever addressed her by her given name since the dungeons. It took her completely off guard. And not only had he used her name but he hadn't said it his usual scornful way.
Without another word, Lord Sesshomaru stalked in the direction of the castle.
Sae studied his silent profile, eyeing his stoic face with suspicion. She lay perfectly still as she felt the shift of his muscles through her thin layer of clothing while he walked. There had been plenty of times she had seen the lord bare chested by now. But being this close to him again made her stomach flutter. Since the kiss he had forced upon her, Sae'd made it her mission to never again be in close contact with him. She had also made sure he had no opportunity to demand her of such things again.
So she was not prepared for the inappropriate response her body was having. Especially when she had every reason to believe he was carrying her to her doom.
"What?" the lord demanded, glancing down at her from the corner of his golden eyes.
Sae started. "Nothing," she answered quickly, unwilling to look too closely at her chaotic emotions.
"Then reframe from staring," he said sardonically. "It is considered ill bred."
Glowering, Sae huffed and tore her eyes away. The lord always had a way of making her feel inferior. It was as if he specialized in that particularly talent. It was a wonder he kept such a small human child in his care for as long as he had. Sae was left pondering about it every time she saw Rin's smiling face.
It did not take long for them to reach the clearing in front of the lord's castle. The torches high on the walls were lit, burning brightly among the tall darks trees surrounding the stone fortress. Sae guessed it was very near day break, considering the location of the moon in the sky. So the rest of the household would barely be rousing from their beds, groggily getting ready for the day to begin.
As the dark demon strode closer to the entrance, Sae hoped no one was in the grand hall yet. She did not want to see their pity or knowing looks as the lord took her down to the dungeons.
Sae took a deep breath, steeling herself for the punishment she knew was coming. She kept repeating to herself that it had been worth this fate. Youhei would have a chance at a better life. Even as her gut began to churn at the possibility of the torture to come, that thought did help ease her a little bit.
But what Lord Sesshomaru did next, surprised Sae down to her very core.
"W-where are you taking me?" Sae ventured to ask, having past the staircase leading down to the dungeons.
The lord, of course, said nothing. He remained stonily silent as he continued up the main staircase and back towards the West Wing. It wasn't until he entered his chambers and slammed the door behind him that Sae truly did not understand what Lord Sesshomaru was about. Had she not just tried to escape and therefore disobeyed his direct orders? She'd been sure her remaining days were going to be spent chained up in the dungeon, receiving daily lashings until she perished from starvation and infected wounds.
Lord Sesshomaru padded towards the fire place and laid her down on the bench by the rug. She could not be sure, but she felt as if he had been a bit careful in the way he put her down. Sae cautiously lifted herself to a sitting position as the lord bent towards the wood and proceeded to light a fire. The warm glow immediately had her muscles relaxing and had her leaning slightly closer to the flames.
"Do not move," he said stiffly, walking into his bathroom.
Immediately glancing down at her swollen ankle, Sae wondered if he was being ironic.
She didn't have time to contemplate it after he returned a moment later, carrying what looked like a pieces of cloth, a long strip of linen, and a stone bowl full of water. "Lift your leg," he commanded coolly, kneeling down in front of her.
Her guard automatically went up and Sae straightened her shoulders back in a defiant gesture. "I can do it myself," she frowned, pulling her legs closer to herself.
His aura instantly became thunderous. "It was not a question wench, it was an order," he informed her glacially. "Lift
your leg. Now."
Although his tone was alarming, Sae still considered refusing the lord's aid. She did not trust him. He seemed to just want to bandage her leg, but that required compassion and Sae knew first hand that the lord had none. She started shaking her head, "No I-"
Before she could say more, Lord Sesshomaru ignored her altogether and snatched her ankle up by force.
Pain shot up her entire leg by the rough motion. "Oww!" Sae yelped, hissing at the throbbing sensation.
"If you had just listened this would not be so painful," the lord said coldly, dipping the small piece of cloth into the bowl of water. He then began to wipe the blood off her skin, albeit more gently.
Sniffing haughtily, Sae admitted defeat and settled for glaring at the top of Lord Sesshomaru's head instead. It would seem she had no choice in the matter anyway.
The room was left in terse silence, the only sound being the sloshing of water every time the lord dipped the cloth into the bowl. Sae's eyes followed his movement when he finally cleaned off the remaining blood and began wrapping her ankle in the linen bandage. His long fingers moved skillfully over her injury, making her foot seem almost childlike in his large hands.
Sae had to admit that it was nearly mesmerizing the way the lord handled things with his hands. It was so effortless and elegant. Not many people Sae knew had hands like his. Most certainly not any of the other male servants. That was the only reason Sae couldn't seem to tear her eyes away from what he was doing.
Yes, that was definitely the only reason, she reassured herself.
Her flushed cheeks was only a result of her ankle being excruciatingly painful, not because of the contact between his finger tips and her skin. And the rapid beating of her heart was a result of the danger he presented, not because of his close proximity. She was merely having a moment of madness.
That was it. There was no other reason. None.
"You will have to keep off it for a few days," Lord Sesshomaru informed her dispassionately, finally done with his task and straightening up to his full height.
Knowing her face was flushed, Sae refused to look up and instead settled for staring at his shoes. "Thank you," she muttered, feeling the words come up like acid in her mouth.
Not responding, the lord picked up the supplies and disposed of them in his bathroom. When he returned, he glance down at her bent head for a second before seeming to make a decision. He glided over to the chair opposite the bench she was sitting on and sat down. He leaned back into the cushion, his hands on either side of the armrest, and peered across at her; his golden eyes fixated on her face.
Silence filled the room again.
Feeling acutely uneasy, Sae shifted in her seat. She was unsure what he his deal was. He was obviously trying to unnerve her. But the reason behind it was unclear. There wasn't much she could do it about, however, considering her injury. She'd just have to wait. So, she tried looking at anything else but at him in the minutes of strained silence that followed. The sound of crackling fire the only audible thing in the room.
All the while his eerie eyes never faltered, having an almost abnormal ability not to blink.
At least, as far as she could tell.
"I find myself in a position of extreme conflict," the lord finally spoke, his deep voice a smooth rumble.
Wary, Sae ventured to look directly back at him. She said nothing, however, as they locked gazes. She was uncertain where the lord was going with all this. She was in unfamiliar territory. Had it been anyone else, she would have taken his aid as kindness and would have known what to expect. But she knew the lord. He was not kind. He had no compassion. He was a heartless demon. If he did anything for anyone else, it was merely a means to an end.
To what end could saving her and then bandaging her up lead to? She did not know.
"On one hand, having foolishly disobeyed my orders by trying to escape should automatically lead to your execution," the lord continued ominously, his calm demeanor all the more disquieting for it. "On the other hand, you showed signs of true loyalty by warning me of the wolf."
Sae's eye twitched at the word loyalty. There were many things Sae would call her earlier actions. Stupid. Idiotic. Suicidal. Absurd; being just a few examples. But never would she call it loyal. That had been the last thing on her mind when she called out to him.
"Therefore, I'm at a cross roads. Do I carry out the punishment you so rightly deserve?" his eyes roamed around her face, seemingly to search for an answer in her features. "Or shall I forgive your offense in light of your surprising devotion to me? It is not an answer that comes easily, I must admit. Is your life truly worth sparing?"
Sae swallowed her retort, her anger already rising to dangerous degrees. If she spoke she knew exactly what his ultimate decision would be: her death. He thought he was doing a generosity by considering the possibility of sparing her life. But she knew it for what it really was. Another form of power over her.
A tit-for-tat, sort of speak.
And although there was a part of her that was not ready to die quite yet, she was beginning to grow tired of this trying pattern. He commanded, she resisted, he threatened, and ultimately she would admit defeat. It happened every time she decided to fight back. After a while, it did began to exhaust the soul. Not that she would ever admit it to him. But to herself, she could acknowledge that disheartening fact.
"Well?" the lord promptly superciliously, an eyebrow rising, "Are you?"
Gathering every ounce of resolve she possessed, Sae drew herself up to a straight sitting position and endeavored to look confident. "Yes," she said clearly, forcing herself to maintain eye contact. "I am."
A mocking gleam entered his eyes almost instantly. "Oh? And why is that?"
Unwilling to be cowed, Sae rose her chin up higher. "Even if you don't value human life, I do. I deserve to live because it is arrogant of you to think that you control all life that is around you. You may be the lord of this castle but you are no deity. Supposing you kill me now, that does not mean I was undeserving of this life. Something you did not give me, I might add."
"You really believe all that, don't you?" a curious note entered his words, although his voice stayed neutral.
"Yes."
"I am curious, wench. Did your parents drop you on your head as a child or do you merely have a death wish?" His face grew dark.
"I am not stupid!" Sae finally burst out, unable to help herself. She was tired of his distain. She was tired of always being made to feel as if she was less than herself. She was tired of being subjected to his constant torment. She may be his slave but Sae was not one to be treated so horrendously and take it lying down. "Simply because you do not understand what I speak of does not mean you are the only voice of reason! Have you ever considered that you are the one who is wrong? Perhaps you are the one who is stupid!"
The chamber was left in deafening silence.
Shit Sae thought, her chest heaving. Whenever she was in the lord's presence, her temper would always flare out of control. It was as if he knew exactly what buttons to push. Not even Youhei, her twin brother, could tap into her anger quite that quickly. She had to learn to curb her tongue.
Lord Sesshomaru's eyes were now narrowed into tiny glistening slits. "I begin to wonder how such a weak human as yourself came to believe you can speak to me with such blatant disrespect. I do find your foolish courage mildly amusing, female, but do not think that it means you are my equal in any way. Whether I am a deity or not, you are under my rule therefore your life is in my hands," He leaned forward, his face chilling. "If it would ease your mind to think that there is a stronger force steering your fate, then do so. But do not be so foolish as to actually believe it."
At that, Sae balled her hands into fists, wanting desperately to hurt this cruel and all mighty demon. It was not fair how he got away with treating humans of this land the way he did. Merely because one was stronger, does not automatically make one better. He, as a lord of a realm, should know that with great power came great responsibility. And one should never abuse said power.
"Did you know, your face shows everything that you are thinking," Lord Sesshomaru suddenly commented, glancing down at her clenched hands. "For example, I know that you have a ridiculous notion of wanting to attack me. As if you actually had a chance of inflicting any damage. But your eyes also say you would still try, even knowing you would end up dead. It begs the question as to why? Why would you risk it even knowing I would win?"
"Because it would be worth it," Sae spat, still fuming. "Even if you did end up killing me, I would have at least died fighting for my honor."
"Honor?" there was scoffing tint to his word. "What honor? You are a poor orphan girl from the village, what honor could you possibly possess?"
Sae stiffened, greatly insulted. "More so than you, my lord. At least I stand for something other than power over those weaker than myself."
There was a heartbeat of stillness, before the lord shot up from his sitting position and moved towards her. He loomed over her, his hands coming to rest on either side of her small frame, his face merely inches away from hers. "You dare question my honor, female?"
Her heart racing, Sae tried leaning away as he moved closer. "You questioned mine," she answered, fighting back her alarm. When he was this close, his large frame overshadowing hers, it was hard not to feel intimidated.
He was staring intently at her, his own face unreadable. "You truly are an anomaly of your kind, aren't you? No matter what odds, you still choose to fight back. You have no sense of self-preservation at all," His golden eyes searched hers. "Most would call that dim witted."
"I am not-"
One of his hands suddenly grabbed her chin, his thumb running over her lips. "Enough. It would be wise not to try and anger me farther. Especially since I decided to spare your life."
Sae opened her mouth then closed it. Twice. "What?"
"Strange is it not?" his thumb continued to slowly smooth over her mouth, his eyes now following the movement. "I should be instructing the others to ready the hanging post yet I am choosing to keep you. Considering your previous defiance, I find your reckless bravery and audacious honor rather fascinating. I have met many a humans moronic enough to face me, but none such as you. You who continue to tempt your fate over and over again. You, small little female, who tenaciously stands up for nonsensical beliefs."
Swallowing hard, Sae choose to stay silent. She could barely focus on what he was saying. His finger was causing goosebumps to rise all over her skin, her body becoming flushed with heat that spread up to her face. Never had anyone touched her in such a manner and never had she felt this engulfed by another being. With just a single touch.
"So very bold," Lord Sesshomaru finally lifted his eyes back up to hers. "Yet so very innocent."
Knowing her cheeks were a deep red, Sae nevertheless attempted to appear unaffected by it. She would not let the lord believe he could so easily manipulate her. One gentle caress would not make her into an obedient dog. She pulled away from his hold and stiffened her backbone. "I am not so very innocent that I do not see what you are doing."
"Oh?" the eyebrow went up. "Please, enlighten me."
Sae scowled at his tone. "Because of my … inexperience you think you can control me by using it to your advantage."
"And by advantage I presume you mean seduce?"
Heat crept up her neck, but still she replied with an unwavering, "Yes."
The lord leaned forward, his face a breath away from hers. "Rather brazen words for one in your position."
Sae's heart began to race. He wasn't planning to kiss her again right? She did not think she could handle the repercussions that would result from such a catastrophe. She was already feeling confused and conflicted as it was.
For just a moment, Lord Sesshomaru appeared as if he was contemplating something. But after glancing down at her lips one last time he finally lifted himself up and stood at his full height. "I do not need to seduce the likes of you to get what I want." He informed her coolly, his face an emotionless mask once more. "Just because I choose to let you live does not mean you are any more significant to me than any other servant in my castle. It would do you well to remember that."
He then turned and left.
As the door slammed shut to the chamber, Sae was left staring at the flickering flames of the fire, wondering why it was she felt almost hurt by the lord's words. It was not as if she cared what he thought of her. He was still the same ruthless demon she had first perceived him to be.
But for one instant, Sae had thought there had been something there in the lord's eyes that seemed almost … human.
*Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of Rumiko Takahashi. The original characters and plot are the property of the author of this story. Any violence, perceived abuse, or negative behavior should not be taken literally. The plot is for entertainment purposes only. This author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any previously copyrighted material.