Bells and gulls and cries of sailors went up amid the general din of the foremost port where tradesmen were awaiting the arrival of five large cargo ships from across the seas.
As the red rays of morning slanted over the dock, a tall figure went silently toward the first ship that came to port, sticking to the shadows.
The main gang way of the ship was let down and many mid-ship men and traders went to and fro unloading the great vessel of it's bounty.
Many things were brought in from China, fine clothes, dyes, cosmetics, even agricultural equipment, various stone and gems from quarries – crop seed and the latest irrigation systems, among many other things.
But the hooded figure was not interested in the slightest in that quarter. He knew very well what he allowed into his country; but what did take his attention was what he did not allow. There was a tunnel down the side of the dock wall next to the ship which allowed a small stream of sea water underneath the town for sanitation.
It was here the dark amber eyes focused as he saw a plank let out of a portal door below the ships crew quarters. A small man scurried across this plank and disappeared into the tunnel, carrying something under his shirt, well concealed to most eyes by the shadow cast over the area by the side of the vessel.

Noiselessly, Sesshomaru swung up on to the roof above him and entered a brothel from the back door.
Ignoring the squeals of the employees, he pushed past the clientele and found the hidden doorway at the end of the establishment behind a casement.
Descending echoing, dripping stairs that stank of sea water the Daiyokai found a basement of sorts which had a circular door at the other end, otherwise there was a bed and a cheap desk in the drear room.
He leant against the wall and only had to wait a few moments before the heavy breathing he'd heard in the distance became loud and the doorknob of the spherical slab of wood began turning, to open and reveal the same small man the emperor had seen come from the ship.

'Welcome back to Japan' Sesshomaru spread his arms wide with a smile, stepping forward from the shadows.

The small weaselly fellow yelled in shock and went pale, before quickly retreating back into his little tunnel to escape whoever this tall stranger was in his hideout.

But even quicker were the Demon's reflexes; at once his whips coiled about the man's throat and brought him roughly forward at the same time as shutting and distorting the wooden door shut for good.

'Don't leave – you've just arrived' Sesshomaru sneered as the fellow kicked his legs in the air, dropping the package from under his shirt.

'Please, spare me demon!' He cried, gasping for air. 'I know nothing!'

Sesshomaru still held the man aloft as he brought the package to his hands with the other whip.

'No! – Don't! If you work for the emperor, please don't take me to him, or show him those papers!'

'I may consider it' Sesshomaru remarked ironically as he tore apart the bonds of the parcel and within seconds he had skimmed over the entire contents of the documents within.

Casting his burning amber eyes upon the poor wretch in his grasp, he said;

'I underestimate the sheer idiocy of your kind time and again.' He shook his head as he spoke, the black hair falling in front of his eyes. 'I get rid of one lot of you and another pops up in its place like the plague'

'I swear, I am only the one who delivers the information'

'Oh, I am aware. I know everything, it's only now I'm even bothering to deal with it because your little resistance groups are just too easy to take out. You bore me' he threw the man across the room; his form slumped against the wall.

The papers in his hand were a communication from a member of China's imperial palace. For a while, a few rogue advisors had been attempting to gain some sort of footing with Sesshomaru's empire, and there were always enemies of the homeland who were willing to entertain and rally behind the foreign lords. This particular document outlined the names and dates of the arrival of certain 'immigrants' from China, who would be posted within Japanese society.
These were no mere expatriates, they were trained soldiers of the oriental lords.
These same Chinese chess pieces that his Captain of the Guard had slain in the caves of Lukuoka yesterday were of the same ilk as the ones written down in his hand.
Too many of them, and like a rash they could soon overtake an entire town.
There was zero tolerance to this sort of activity and Sesshomaru was effortlessly keeping abreast of the situation.
He dealt with China still despite knowing their subversion to the trade deal, as what they gave to his country in terms of technology was well worth it; for now.
They would have their just desserts in due time for trying to deceive Japan's Emperor.

'Please don't kill me' the poor cretin in the corner of the room sobbed. 'I don't hate the Emperor, in fact I'm not political at all! I was just doing a job'

The beady eyes of the errand boy stared with pitiful pleading in his eyes at his captor, truly believing he was living his last moments.
The imploring expression turned to sheer terror as suddenly the cloaked civilian demon seemed to melt away and, in its place, the creature's cloak became royal robes, his short black hair seemed to burst in to a halo of tresses as vibrant and pale as the moon itself swaying to the being's ankles, whilst blazing gold eyes appraised him coldly.

The poor fellow tittered and pushed up against the wall as though he could go back further and shielded his face with his arms.

'Lord Emperor!' He cried 'spare me!'

'Sparing you would neither bereave nor adorn my country' he replied carelessly 'but I won't kill you. Instead, your sentence is far worse than death.' Sesshomaru approached the boy and ordered him to stand.

The man bowed low and couldn't bring himself to rise until the Emperor himself forced him up, shoving the papers in his face.

'See this?' The man's terrified gaze watched as the words on the document changed – the integrity of the handwriting remained intact as though the plotting Chinese advisor himself really had written it, but the contents became something far more horrific.

Instead of a list of names and dates, the papers sent a clear message of threat to anyone daring the Emperor's wrath. Below that, instead of the names of the promised incoming soldiers under cover as refugees, they changed to the names of those who had just been slaughtered, along side their death dates. A page was left spare as an intimation that soon the names of those about to step foot in the country would be added to the grotesque memorial.

'You will take these to your leader. If you don't, an agonising death will befall you'

The man was pale at the gills like a fish out of water for too long, and his lips beaded with sweat.

'O-of course, yes Sire' he bowed, but not before Sesshomaru wrapped a whip around the man's forearm.

He screamed in agony, and as the whip uncoiled, there was a deep red mark left.

'Death curse' he muttered to himself in hopeless tones, studying the pattern of the tattoo, but when he looked up, the spirit of the great Emperor was gone.

0000

Lady Machiko had been seated at her makeup table when Rin arrived, and the demoness recognised her as the maid of the tolerable sake.

'I suppose you'll do' she drawled in her feminine purr 'but for kami's sake go and put on one of my other maid's kimonos, I'll not have my servant looking like a common whore'

Rin was not surprised by the demonesses condescending tone, and she went to find a change of clothes in the sick maid's tent. Most things were packed up ready to move on, but the demoness took her time in getting ready; the dog soldiers were incomparably brave, but not so unwise as to disturb a lady during her morning hours.

The maid was sleeping fitfully, and Rin quickly replaced the poultice for her before grabbing any kimono she could lay her hands on.
It was predominantly green with lining accents of orange. She changed as swiftly as she could before returning to her new post.

Rin had to assist Lady Machiko with her luxurious and copious hair, as that lady liked to have it up in sumptuous curls and loops rather than hanging down like Sesshomaru.

As Rin began combing the ebony locks, she opted with a delicate approach, to which the demoness objected quickly.

'No child, we'll be here for weeks if you go about it like that! Here' the demoness snatched the comb from Rin's hands and yanked down on her tresses, causing Rin to raise her brows slightly.

'Yes, my Lady' she nonetheless responded courteously and found it took no little strength to pull down on the beautiful woman's hair so roughly. The woman didn't even wince and Rin marvelled at it – who in their right mind liked having their brushed like the very roots were being pulled out? But ok, she would do as she was told. For now.

Rin spied the leftovers of a breakfast on a side table and thought immediately of Sato. He must be starving – after all he wasn't a little man.

'You want it?' Rin jumped at the demonesses voice, looking in the mirror in front of them. The lady's jewel green eyes were on her.

'Uh – no, your ladyship'

'Don't be silly of course you do. I won't be eating it so you may as well help yourself'

Rin blushed at the demon's kindness – though her tone was disdainful and flippant, it was still an unusually kind gesture.

'Thank you' Rin inclined her head.

The demoness was watching Rin quite closely.

'So, serving maid. Why did you lie to the Emperor?'

Kami, Rin cursed, she did not want to be interrogated further! Already she had regretted being so passionately angry toward Sesshomaru when she had vowed he meant nothing to her.

'It was a knee jerk reaction' Rin explained 'the wanted man is a very good friend of mine. It was stupid of me to lie'

'Indeed it was' murmured the demoness. 'Even the snake Daiyokai cannot deceive Lord Sesshomaru. You have found mercy by only serving your sentence as my maid. I have a mind to keep you on permanently. You don't titter and quiver like the others in my presence, but act as though you were accustomed to demons.'

Rin flushed, hoping this demoness wasn't so insightful as to recognise why her new maid was so at ease with a demon.
'I know, my Lady. And it would be my honour to serve you.'

'Let's not be at variance. You can confide in me' the Lady said as Rin fought to place a thick rope of her black hair in a curled loop atop her fair head. 'We both know that prisoner is not just a friend of yours, and you are going to take that breakfast of mine to him are you not?'

Rin's fingers stilled for a fraction of second, but that was the only sign she showed of surprise. Was there no escaping this woman's scrutiny and probing?

'Perhaps' Rin answered warily 'but he really is just a friend'

'Right' Machiko smirked 'well I won't stop you, as any foolish behaviour on your part will be punished by the Emperor and not me. I could care less'

At this juncture, a guard came into the tent.

'My Lady, while Lord Sesshomaru is not with us on the journey to Fyuoshu he has told us to report to you in his place. The gallery has been successfully burned down'

'Where's Sesshomaru gone?' the demoness asked, adding 'Good to hear it is burned down. Just desserts for the crime this town committed against its Emperor'

'Indeed, my Lady. Lord Sesshomaru went ahead of us to Fyuoshu. We leave very shortly'

'I know, I know. My new maid is struggling with her new task'

Shota looked and realised the woman assisting with Machiko's hair was the serving girl from the very gallery they had just destroyed. Rin was looking at him with shock in her eyes, yet it was a veiled expression.

'I'm sorry if the news of the gallery shocked you Rin-san' Shota offered before quickly leaving.

'Goodness me' the Lady purred 'how your life has been turned upside down in a few short hours. Are you quite bereaved?'

Rin choked back her emotion with admirable effort. Her old gallery, the place that had allowed her a living for the past three years, was gone – just like that? Yet another thing Sesshomaru destroyed in her life.

'As long as no one was injured' Rin bit out 'Then the gallery itself is merely a pile of wood. It's the people I care about'

'Oh' the demoness waved a pretty hand 'Sesshomaru might kill where killing is needed but he's not a brute' she laughed 'of course no one was hurt that did not need to be'

Rin's eyes flew to the mirror to meet the demonesses.

'Don't look at me like that' she reprimanded 'I do not know who was killed, only that there were casualties'

Rin had to physically bite down on her tongue to not cry in front of this wily, coy yet cold spirit.

Instead she yanked especially hard on her hair.

'Yes! Just like that! See, now you've got it' Machiko applauded, and Rin could feel her insides churning with a maelstrom of grief and fury.

It was on the road to the port city that Rin found her opportunity to give Sato Lady Machiko's leftovers. She pushed them through the cage bars, and he grasped it eagerly.

'Your clothes Rin! Where'd you get this? What's happening?' Sota's pleasant face was unnaturally drawn and stressed for one of his temperament and Rin tried to keep in step with the carriage that pulled the prisoner's cage.

'Lady Machiko. I'm her maid. I'll try get you out' it was all she could say before the horses trot was too much for Rin to match, and she fell away to re-join the Lady demonesses as they were carried in chairs along the road.

Rin was only familiar with the outskirts of Fyuoshu, as she had only ventured into its centre twice before. The large looming edifices of the industrial sprawl greeted the sight of the royal envoy, and the heralds ahead announced the arrival. The city gates were let up and the cities guard escorted the entourage into the heart of the great port itself.

The ladies and soldiers had been given their gold before leaving Lukuoka and Rin marvelled at the easy riches that came to such elite. Riches that came from plundering lives, no doubt.

The demonesses were delighted when they entered the city, as they compared it to their home though they made sure to express it still was no where near as exclusive. Compared to Lukuoka, this place was overwhelming in size and noise, and Rin had always found it quite bewildering with it's many streets like mazes and people who seemed far less welcoming and genuine than the ones of the smaller towns.

The ladies exited their chairs and made their way towards the fashion district with some of the soldiers, while the rest of the guard found entertainment at the inns and brothels.

Rin watched as the prisoner carriage was taken to be set up with the temporary camp in a space within the city reserved for royal visits such as these. She had already well gauged Lady Machiko's loyalty to Sesshomaru, and there would be no use appealing to the demoness for Sota's release at least to enter servitude, without any ground to stand on. Maybe if she worked hard for a few months and proved her obedience and loyalty to the Lady, perhaps she could make a tentative request for his sentence to be minimised. This would be a long-term test of patience and will.
As demons went, Rin found Lady Machiko likeable, but never in a million years would she trust her. Likeable would be and needed to be enough.

'Rin' Lady Machiko had turned to her maid as the beautiful gathering of demonesses entered the high fashion mall. 'Take this and go and fetch me some supplies. More rouge, more oils and for goodness sakes get yourself some proper clothes' the elegant creature handed Rin two gold coins and she bowed low.

'Thank you, my Lady. You are very kind'

Machiko swatted Rin away with an annoyed hand, but she watched the back of Rin for a few moments silently as the girl went away. Her strongest power was that of psychic foretelling, and immediately the demoness had felt a strange aura from the serving child unusual to a human. The girl interested her, and she wanted to find out why. But for now, the kaleidoscope of colour and finery took her attention along with her friends, as they began their in-depth discovery of the newest trends.

Rin had wound her way to an area that spread a large undercover market, filled with wares of every kind. It was not difficult to find cosmetics, but she had a hard time trying to find as fine a quality product as the one Machiko used. She was jostled and pushed around by the hordes of salesmen and buyers, and cries from auctioneers went up alongside the shouts of fishermen calling out special prices. Artisans exhibited their wares and drew attention with small sparkling firework displays, while ready to eat food sizzled and sent their delicious smells wafting into the atmosphere to mingle with spices and raw sea food, sweat and incense. It was almost like a sensory overload and Rin struggled to stick to her task of finding suitable cosmetics for a royal demoness.

Her mind ran just as fast and loud as the markets around her, turning over the revelation of the destruction of the gallery alongside her own and Sota's sudden loss of freedom. In there, she also wondered who Lady Machiko really was.
A courtesan? She shuddered to think of the gorgeous woman seducing Sesshomaru. It was not possible for her to be involved politically, as ladies were not deemed suitable for such roles.
There were not many options left.
A pang shot through her heart at the thought, for Rin knew she could never be as cultured or as beautiful as that lady. But the worst thing was – she could never be a demon.

Shaking herself, Rin berated her mind for taking her down that route of thinking – for Sesshomaru was her enemy, no more or less. It did not matter that he was her Emperor, for he had done nothing than break her life in to pieces little by little since he had left her.
As she studied the carrying shades of certain rouge cremes a tear coursed down her cheek. The salesman selling the compacts had been talking at Rin incessantly since she had picked up the makeup and he suddenly grasped her forearm, causing her to jump out of her reverie.

'Miss, are you ok? Allergies, perhaps?'

'No! No, thank you, I am fine' Rin wiped at her face with frustration. Crying in public? Was she so weak after all?

'Will you be buying these then?' The man continued ruthlessly, pointing to the three rouges in her hand.

'Y-yes' Rin's sleepless night and emotional turmoil had caught up with her, and she did not have the strength to continue on looking for something so insignificant as a shade of blush when so many monumental things were happening like a whirlwind around her. Her eyes felt heavy and the air around her like treacle.

She pulled out the two gold coins and the salesmen licked his lips. The woman before him looked a naïve, innocent young thing, demurely dressed yet with the appearance of gentility. His shrewd eyes told him that she had more gold up those kimono sleeves, and in her emotional distress he was not below milking the vulnerable state she was obviously in.

'It'll be three gold coins' he said staunchly, and Rin's face paled further.

'I – this is all I have – ' she said faintly.

Barely registering, an arm reached out over the top of her shoulder, dropping two more gold coins in the salesman's hand.

'Have four and be gone' spoke a masculine voice above Rin, and the merchant's greedy grin faded immediately, bowing as he swiftly pocketed his three gold coins too much for what he had sold.

'Thank you Master' bowed the wiry thief, and Rin turned to look up at the person who had saved her from quite an awkward situation.

Her cheeks flushed faintly as she met the gaze of what appeared to be a foreign traveller, he had very dark hair that swept across his face, and his eyes in particular drew her in. They were slanted and enigmatic as though he knew many things.

'Thank you, sir' Rin bowed to him as they moved out of the way of the main throng. 'I will repay you if you just wait here a moment' she had to return to Lady Machiko and explain what had happened. The cheek of asking for a further two gold coins would have to be endured, for Rin could not expect such extreme generosity from a complete stranger. But she found her forearm in the grasp of the hooded man.

'No need' he spoke, and his voice was soothing. Rin's skin tingled at the sensation of his touch. 'Please don't trouble yourself. Money is no object to me. But if you will join me for a drink, I would be obliged'

Rin looked into the man's eyes for a moment, looking for a sense of trust worthiness in them. Indeed, she felt his face to be unusually honourable in expression for a man of these parts, and she nodded her head ever so slightly.

'Very well' she answered 'but I can't be with you for long; I must return'

He gave the glimmer of a smile before pulling her arm through his and taking her to an inn that served something stronger than cold tea on a day like this.

'Are you under a curse that you must get home before the clock strikes on the hour?' He glanced down at her tired face; the corner of his mouth pulled up in a slight smile.

'No – I am a servant' she had no hesitation in telling this man, hoping to put him off. She reasoned a drink could only take five minutes, and then she would return to her Lady.

'Are you?' he raised his eyebrows at her as they came to a dimly lit hall that smelt of wood and wine.

The stranger removed his hood and Rin thought he was quite handsome; wondering why such a man had helped her. He motioned for her to be seated and he sat opposite her, his long legs crossed at the booted ankles, outstretched to the side. With his demeanour and attitude, it seemed as though he owned the place.

'Yes' Rin confirmed to him, glancing around her with wariness, yet her eyes dragged wearily. Finally, she brought them to his face, her cheeks reddening ever so slightly under his regard.

'What is your name?' She inquired as tankards were placed in front of them – she could not pay for these! Looking up at him with a worried look in her eyes, he lifted his hand as though to silence her.

'Your company was my reward, not the purchase of a drink' he said, and she blushed at his kindness, unable to think of a way to refute him without sounding ungracious.

'Thank you, sir' she stammered, brushing hair from her face, a small smile blossoming on her lips. Rin had not had much alcohol in her life, but she was so parched that she took a sip without wincing as though it were water.

'I am usually referred to as the wanderer in this city. But you can call me Hitori'

Rin took in his unremarkable clothing – it was indeed fit for a wanderer, the high boots and generally dark clothing covered with a cloak. Did he conceal weapons underneath? She was grateful as the alcohol seeped into her muscles, causing the tension to ease.

'What is your name?' he asked her.

'I am Rin' she answered 'I came with the Emperor's courtesan Lady Machiko. I'm her maid, as of yesterday'

'Maid to the Emperor's courtesan?' The man opposite her leant forward slightly. 'How interesting. Tell me, how did you come by such a prestigious position?'

Rin's delicate brows drew together, and she looked away.
'I – it's a form of service in repayment for supposed crime'

'You are honest' smiled the dark-haired stranger 'what crime did you commit?'

'Hardly one' Rin responded with emotion 'I tried to help a wanted man escape'

Her drinking companion whistled low.
'Daring' he remarked 'how petty of the Emperor to punish you for such a thing'
His eyes were dancing, and Rin raised her brows slightly.

'I'm glad you find it amusing' she said with a touch of sarcasm 'I wouldn't dare to presume his Highness's motives' she added, not wanting to continue on the topic. She would not abuse Sesshomaru to a stranger.

'Appropriate' he agreed 'I've heard the man can hear a discussion from a country away. I suppose you are guarding your tongue in case his hearing is trained on your every word'

Rin blushed again; glad the alcohol had eased her otherwise raw anger toward the subject of conversation.
'I doubt it' she half smiled 'when he could be listening to the words of someone far more important I am sure a servant is the least of his worries'

The eyes of her companion narrowed slightly and fell to her delicate pale throat, trailing back up to her eyes that were focused on studying the makeup in her lap.

'Sometimes servants know far more than the most informed advisor' he replied 'I am sure your attractions were not lost on him'

Rin's eyes flashed to his in shock momentarily before she let out a laugh that sounded like bells to him.
'If that is meant to be a compliment, I thank you' she smiled at him 'such subtlety is a stranger to most men I've encountered, but the Emperor is not one to regard those below him'

He seemed mesmerised by her for a few moments as her lovely smiling face and sparkling eyes were directed at him.

'The Emperor may be the ruler, but he is at base a man. I can assure you; he has regarded you'

Rin looked at the wanderer with slight confusion, wondering at his insistence on speaking on behalf of the Lord Sesshomaru. But her exhausted and alcohol infused mind brushed it off with a wave of her hand.

'I really need to go, Hitori-kun' she said, suddenly feeling a horrible mournfulness at the thought of leaving her new friend. He was soft-spoken, generous – a gentleman. A rare thing. 'I can't express to you how grateful I am for your kindness and company. It's a relief to spend time with someone like you, it's hard to find – a good man.'
As Rin spoke, she rose and tucked the cosmetics in her sleeve, feeling strangely flustered and worried she had spent too long away from Machiko.

'Rin' his voice stilled her for a moment, and she inwardly trembled at the tone of his voice. She met his gaze; his dark hazel eyes were intense. 'It will be alright'

Confusion again flickering across her face at his words, she gave him a sad smile, suddenly feeling tears raise to the back of her throat. Before they washed over her eyes she turned quickly and left.

After remaining still for a few moments, the stranger pulled the hood over his head again and he left. In a deserted alley way, the coal toned hair turned pale white and grew quickly, falling to his ankles; the cloak turned to royal garb and his dark eyes flickered between shades before they flashed burning gold. Sesshomaru leant against the wall for a moment, eyes closed in a frown for some moments, a hand clutching his chest.

Rin's soft smiling face looked back at him in his mind, her large dark eyes haunting him.

*Author's Note*

As my time is limited outside of writing chapters, I won't be creating an A03 account unless this one does get shut down. Be assured I'll let you all know when I do, please don't worry! I have all stories save on my laptop so they'll never disappear.

On another note, I adore reading your reviews.
Sesshomaru thinks Rin rejected an offer she never received, and Rin has no idea the strange man who paid her difference to the salesman and she just felt such a connection with was her dear old guardian who she now hates! AHH. Crossed wires are one of my favourite things to write about because it means more ANGST and tension which is what I'm about baby. If you hadn't already figured that one out haha. I hope Rin learns to not have so much prejudice, while we can wait to see what Rin can teach Sesshomaru. Has he really changed so much in a decade?

I'm currently obsessed with Yohio – My Nocturnal Serenade which I listened to while writing this. It's like Black Butler come to life in song and aesthetics, and the singer looks like Aloise Trancy. I recommend.