Chapter 10
The following day, everyone was up early. Well, everyone except for Jaken. When Sumiko had gone out to take care of her morning needs first thing, she had to chase away a couple of of the village children who had been poking at the sleeping imp. Not that she blamed them. He could almost be considered cute when he wasn't yelling—emphasis on the almost. Still, she didn't want to start their trip on a sour note, so she woke him on the way back. His grumbling never seemed to cease, but that didn't keep him from following her back in and helping her and Rin.
That morning Sumiko had to have a little help from Sango. It was decided that she would be better not wearing her miko outfit to a youkai castle. It was an idea she was fully behind, but she needed a little help with the yukata. She was still getting used to them. At least it didn't add too much time before they gathered the last of their things and headed toward the clearing.
The whole group was there, including Miroku and Inuyasha. The latter was still frowning, but Kagome must have had a talk with him the night before. Whatever complaints he had, he kept them to himself.
When they all arrived, Sumiko was not surprised to see Sesshomaru waiting. She wished she could have said the same about the thing he held the reins to. After everything she had seen so far, she shouldn't have been shocked by the sight of the two-headed dragon thing, but it took a prod from Sango before she snapped her jaw shut and followed Rin over to where the daiyoukai was waiting.
Rin was chatting excitedly to a morose-looking Jaken as he stuffed her things into the saddlebags. Before Sumiko joined them, she stopped and bowed to Sesshomaru as she said, "Good morning, and thank you for this opportunity."
She ignored the disgusted sound Inuyasha made and rose to finish packing when she heard that familiar sound from Sesshomaru. Thankfully, it didn't take them long. Once everything was put away, Rin ran over to give everyone a hug. Despite the reason for them leaving, Sumiko couldn't hold back a smile at the girl's enthusiasm. She also gave both Sango and Kagome a hug but didn't let the goodbyes linger. There was no point in starting the trip off with a grumpy daiyoukai.
As soon as she and Rin returned to A-Un, Sesshomaru turned and started walking without a word. It irritated Sumiko that he expected them to follow just like that, but it was a minor issue in the scheme of things. She somehow buried her annoyance as she waved to the group they were leaving behind before the woods blocked them from view.
Sumiko barely noticed the way Rin was running circles around the group as she worked to remind herself this was only temporary. She knew it had to happen, so there was no point in getting upset that it happened early. If she thought about it, this might even be for the best. She could sate his curiosity and get back soon. Hopefully, by then, the others would have found a way for the well to work.
None of those thoughts did much to help. Not that she had long to think about them. They were barely thirty minutes outside of the village when Sesshomaru stopped and spoke over his shoulder. "This Sesshomaru will lead through the sky."
Sumiko couldn't believe that he immediately took to the sky on that weird cloud thing he used without further instruction, but she scrambled to the two-headed dragon anyway. Rin was there already and in the saddle. Sumiko wasn't sure if she was happy with the idea of flying or not. On the one hand, it meant they weren't going to be walking the whole way. On the other, it meant that it was likely a long distance, and the daiyoukai didn't want to put up with taking care of her for that long.
Rin looked a little crestfallen at the implied order, but her smile was not dimmed for long. As soon as they were in the saddle together, the girl immediately started telling Sumiko tales about her previous travels and the flowers A-Un liked the most. She also made sure to point out which name went to which head, though Sumiko wasn't sure she would remember. At least the girl's chatter was enough to keep Sumiko occupied until they stopped for the night.
A-Un followed Sesshomaru down into a small clearing without having to be guided. Sumiko wasn't sure if it was instincts or some other unspoken thing between Sesshomaru and the dragons, but she didn't question it aloud. Despite her unease and disquiet with the way things had turned out, she was still grateful when the daiyoukai turned to her and said, "There is a spring not far from here. This one will give you permission to take Rin before you ready yourself for sleep."
Sumiko was so thrilled at the thought of a long soak after the stressful day that she had already bowed to Sesshomaru before she realized that he wasn't finished speaking. Not that he paused as he said, "Without the taijiya here, this one will accompany you instead."
Sumiko paused halfway down before she jerked herself upright and stared with wide eyes. She felt her cheeks heat, but it was a distant sensation. Her brain had not even caught up before her mouth spoke. "What! You can't come with us!"
She only realized how troublesome her outburst was when she saw his face stiffen, and his hard eyes caught hers as he said, "Are you questioning this one's order?"
Sumiko caught the corner of her lip between her teeth while she tried to figure out how to tell the arrogant male it was inappropriate without pissing him off. Although, when she thought about it, she doubted seeing her naked was high on his list of priorities. That would be like her getting excited over seeing a lamb with no wool. It just wouldn't happen.
She let out a long breath and bowed once again as she said, "I apologize for inferring that you are anything but honorable. Please forgive me."
"Hn." That familiar noise had Sumiko looking up, but Sesshomaru had already turned to lead them to the water as he said, "This one will clear out any dangers and remain nearby while you finish. Do not take long."
Her brow furrowed as she realized he didn't mean to bathe with them. He literally planned to stand guard. That seemed almost more unbelievable than her first concern, but she didn't have time to worry about it. Sesshomaru was already at the edge of the clearing, and Rin was right behind him. Sumiko jumped to follow before he noticed her lagging and got angry again.
Thankfully, the hot spring was not far from the clearing they had left Jaken in. Sesshomaru had the two of them wait while he scanned the area before giving them a time limit and walking off. Sumiko knew he hadn't gone far, but her need for a bath outweighed any lingering doubt. She helped Rin wash her hair before the two of them slipped into the tiny pool. It wasn't large, and the water had a little bit of a sulphuric smell, but it was better than nothing.
Unfortunately, Sumiko knew they didn't have time to enjoy it properly. They finished what they needed to and were dressed before Sesshomaru's time limit. Even so, all he did was give them a nod before he led them back to camp. Although Sumiko still caught sight of the distaste in his expression when the wind shifted. She almost laughed when she realized he probably did not like the smell of sulfur, but at least it wasn't b.o.
Once they were back in camp, Sesshomaru left them in Jaken's care while he hunted. Sumiko took the time to make a small fire and prepare for whatever he brought back. A relatively short amount of time later, both humans were fed and curled up next to the fire while the daiyoukai watched the night.
The next couple of weeks passed in much the same way. The travel was quiet except for Rin. The girl was either talking or humming to herself unless she was asleep. Sumiko appreciated it more than she had words to express. The little girl was the only thing keeping her sane. The closer they got to Sesshomaru's shiro, the more Sumiko felt like she was being swallowed whole.
She didn't have an explanation for the feeling, but she would dream at night of being trapped and not ever being able to get away. Her worry made the days pass by even slower than they had before. At least none of the others seemed to have noticed. Or if they did, they didn't say anything. Part of it was that Sumiko made sure not to fall behind. Even if she had doubts, it wasn't worth angering Sesshomaru.
Thankfully, Sesshomaru called a halt to their travel mid-day on the fifteenth day. Sumiko wasn't sure why, but her nightmares had her tired enough that she was ready to get the whole thing done and over with.
However, they had barely landed when Sesshomaru held up one hand, and the sky seemed to ripple as a barrier was exposed, and then part of it drew back to let them in. Any lingering tiredness was swept away in Sumiko's awe at the power needed to make a barrier of that magnitude and the fact that she hadn't even noticed it was there. Not that she was an expert by any means, but she had been around his youki enough to recognize when he wasn't hiding it.
All of that paled when she crossed the threshold of the barrier and looked to see a bustling town at the base of a mountain. Beyond that, built high up on the side of the mountain and overlooking them all was a castle that rivaled anything Sumiko had seen in historical texts and modern recreations. She watched as Sesshomaru strode forward with all the arrogant self-assuredness that he always had, and she was reminded once again that this male was not one to cross. She swallowed a sudden bout of nerves and fell into step behind him as they approached the town.
The small group had barely made it into the outskirts of the castle town before an uproar could be heard all around them. None of the villagers were trying to hide their excitement that the Lord had returned. That might have made Sumiko curious as to what kind of ruler he really was if she wasn't terrified. Not a single soul around them was human.
It wasn't that long ago that Sumiko hadn't even believed in youkai, and now she was walking through a town full of them. To top that off, a great deal of them didn't even have a human form. There were many beast-looking citizens with animal ears or elongated faces. Several were humanoid but had masks or unnaturally long limbs or other disproportionate body parts. There were even a few that were nothing more than a dark aura. Sumiko could not look at those for long without feeling nauseous.
The cries she heard as they passed through did not help. At first, they had all happily been about Sesshomaru's return, but it did not take the villagers long to realize that two humans were following him. Some sounded outraged, while others were frightened. Very few of them were merely curious. The closer they got to the trail that led up to the castle gates, the more organized and discreet the populace became, but Sumiko could still hear whispers from the males in armor or the females in silks.
The way through was not a straight shot, which did not help her nerves. They took several twists and turns as they made their way through the bustling town. The part of Sumiko's mind that wasn't occupied with the fear of being eaten noticed the layout made sense if there was anyone out there crazy enough to attack the Western Lord. However, it was a distant thought. She was still too overwhelmed by the sheer number of youkai. Even Rin had fallen silent as she walked close to Sumiko and grabbed her hand.
When their small group made it to the bottom of the path that wound up to the castle far above them, Sumiko was startled by the group of four males that met them. All of them could almost pass for humans if it hadn't been for the pointed ears, visible fangs, and clawed fingertips. At least they didn't do anything more than give the two humans curious looks before three fell into formation and the fourth took A-Un and their saddlebags. Sumiko almost asked about them but thought better of it when she saw the male's sword flash in the afternoon sun.
Sumiko had to resist the urge to clasp her hand over her heart to keep it from beating out of her chest as the enlarged group made their way to the shiro. None of this was expected. Honestly, she shouldn't have been surprised. Sango and the others had told her that Sesshomaru was the Western Lord, but somehow she never associated that with something of this scale. Personal power, sure. He had loads of that, which was why she kept from snapping at him, but this was on a whole other level. He really was like royalty.
It took them nearly as long to reach the top of the path as it had to get through the town. At least Sumiko wasn't too out of breath from the climb. Her current lifestyle made sure she was in decent shape. Plus, it would have been downright mortifying to be a gasping mess in the middle of all those youkai. She was already at a disadvantage. Even if Sesshomaru's word would keep her alive, she didn't want to make things more difficult than they had to be by appearing weak.
Sumiko stiffened further when the three guards that had accompanied them up the path rushed forward to open the gates of the shiro. She was glad that Rin still clasped one of her hands, as it helped to hide her own nerves as they followed Sesshomaru in. The guards continued to bow until they were passed. Their procession only paused once they were all inside and were greeted by an elderly-looking male with a long beard.
The male almost looked human, at least until he spoke, and his fangs flashed as he said, "Sesshomaru-dono. It is a joy to have you back in the Shiro. I have much to update you on. Will you be going to your quarters to freshen up first?"
Instead of answering the question, Sesshomaru turned as he said, "Jaken, this one will leave the human's care in your hands. Prepare rooms in the eastern section of the ninomaru. Ensure they have all they need."
Sesshomaru had not even finished speak when Jaken squawked indignantly and said, "B—but, my lord, that area is designed for our honored guests and other powerful—"
The imp instantly shut his mouth and started groveling when Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. Jaken's voice was muffled since his face was planted on the floor as he said, "As you wish, my lord. It will be done within the hour."
Sesshomaru didn't even acknowledge the imp's words before he turned to Sumiko and said, "This one will call for you when there is time. Until then, do not wander from that section of the shiro."
Sumiko's jaw clenched at the reminder of how dismissive and arrogant the daiyoukai was. It wasn't until she heard shuffling from the youkai around them that she remembered that it wasn't just the western lord around that could kill her now. She took a deep breath as she bowed and said, "Thank you for your hospitality. I appreciate all you have done and will heed your words."
She heard more shifting and wondered if it was her words or something else that had them unsettled. At least she didn't have to put up with the whispers. Or at least not while Sesshomaru was still around.
She had to clench her jaw closed once again when the western lord didn't even acknowledge her response before he turned and strode the other direction with the older male behind him. For a brief moment, she indulged in the thought of what it might have been like if she hadn't been dragged into this crazy time but didn't give it long. It hurt too much to think about home.
Sumiko was almost thankful toward Jaken when the imp practically yelled and her and Rin. "You should be groveling at Sesshomaru-sama's feet for all that he is doing for you! You are unworthy, but that doesn't mean you can bring shame to him. Make sure you follow orders! I will also have someone sent over that can try to make you look presentable." He then paused and mumbled under his breath as he said, "Not that it'll do much good."
That was too much. Between her taut nerves and her irritation with arrogant males, Sumiko was done keeping quiet. She knew better than to lose it with Sesshomaru, as he literally held her life in his hands, but Jaken was a different story. She glared down at the little imp and somehow managed to keep her voice cold and low as she said, "You seem to have a misplaced sense of superiority. It would do you good to remember that I respect your lord enough to follow orders, but I don't have to put up with disrespect from you. I may still be new to it, but that doesn't mean I can't purify you to ashes. Don't push your luck."
Sumiko felt a brief moment of satisfaction at the way Jaken looked at her with horror, but it withered into guilt as soon as Rin pulled on her hand and said, "Jaken-sama doesn't mean anything bad. Please don't fight."
The imp in question had already recovered and glanced around nervously before looking back at Sumiko with what she thought was supposed to be a sneer as he said, "Stupid girl. Just shut up and follow me!"
As much as Sumiko hated to admit it, she did feel stupid. Especially with the wary and antagonistic looks she was now getting from any youkai that had been within hearing range. She knew her nature as a miko would have gotten out eventually, but she might as well have worn neon signs with 'miko' all over them. Or a meat dress—that would have gotten their attention about as well.
The memory of seeing something like that and the idea of doing anything so ludicrous helped ease the burning shame as she bowed her head and pulled Rin with her behind the little green imp as he led them further into the shiro. They had not been walking for more than a few minutes before Sumiko quit worrying about her awful judgment. Instead, she was focused on trying to keep track of where they were going.
It had not been that far, but she already wasn't sure she could find her way back to the front entrance. Jaken was leading them through a veritable maze of open rooms, arched gates, and beautiful gardens. Any other time and she would have been awed and thrilled with everything around them. Now, all she could wonder was where in the world they were being taken.
A/N: Hello again! I'm glad it wasn't as long this time. So, now we are in the shiro, and things are about to get busy for all of them. I'm excited to share this one, as I have a lot of ideas. What do you all think so far? What kind of adventures are waiting? Lol, I hope you stick around to see. Thanks for reading and cheers!