The city court was a bustling affair of constant noise and uproar, even more so than the markets and auctions.
But today was a case of particular upset, as a group of sailors had brought a matter to the local magistrate regarding a disagreement with their captain.
The head of the disgruntled group of seamen was a man named Kaito, and he had a belly the size of a billowed sail.
'Your Honour' he said in a loud heavy accent 'I wish to bring to you a case against Captain there on account of my fellows. Not a week ago we brought back old sailor Asahi, who'd been beaten within an inch of his life at the Captain's whim – apparently because the poor soul had spoiled some of our cargo by not separating the grains proper from the ale. A simple mistake all of us have made yet he were so pulped at Captain's hands that Asahi died last night' here the sailors took off their hats and held them to their chests in mournful recognition, and they added their own words of angered sadness. 'Quiet gentlemen' Kaito said with soft reprimand 'so as you see Your Honour, we wish to have Captain demoted and never allowed to step foot on a ship again'
The Captain, a tall man opposite the accusers stand, stared with his brows furrowed at the sailors. In his periphery he saw how packed the court room was with an audience, as it was quite common for towns folk to view court proceedings as a form of entertainment. He would not lose face here.
'Why gentlemen' he spread out his hands 'we all know Asahi was an old drunk. He died of natural causes'
This mockery caused the sailors to viciously jeer and shout at their employer, stamping their feet.
'Silence!' Commanded the Magistrate, smashing his hammer on the desk, motioning for the Captain's lawyer to speak.
'Your Honour, as my client said there was no way Asahi died of sustained injuries. The coroner's report stated his cause of death was due to stroke brought on by excessive drinking. The Captain is an honourable man, having served fifteen years in the Emperor's navy, awarded medals for bravery and good conduct under duress. He is loyal to his country and his people, and reports from his family are full of praise as to his character. This man is no murderer, and so the case is open and shut'
Loud cursing erupted from the accuser's stand and Kaito roared over the din:
'Murderin, lyin bastard! You killed him, and you've killed others too and buried them under your shining medals and honourable conduct! We all know you're a monster!'
The Magistrate gave two claps and guards were called in so as to subdue the rioting sailors, who were beginning to throw items at the Captain and his lawyer, as well at the Captain's family in the stands.
Into this complete lack of lawful order Sesshomaru walked. It was common for the Emperor to check in on judicial proceedings if they happened to be visiting cities in their country.
The appearance of such a physically commanding figure caused many of the audience to gasp in shock, but the chaos within was too great for the crowds to realise the Emperor himself had entered.
The Demon king walked gracefully down the common stands, passing through the gate that separated the onlookers from the jury, defendant's and the accused.
A knife from a raging sailor flew right in front of Lord Sesshomaru's face as he made his way forward, and he swiftly caught another missile mid-air, nonetheless continuing on unruffled. Some of the sailors paused in their riot to stare as the Daiyokai passed up to the Judge's seat.
'E-e-e-Emperor!' The Magistrate stuttered heavily, tripping up off his seat and bowing low. By now most of the room were prostrate, terrified and silent at the sight of their dazzling Lord at the front of the court room.
'Knives in a court-house?' Sesshomaru held up the weapon he had caught 'I see Fyuoshu's guardsmen observe security well' the soldiers in question looked down, shuffling their feet in shame. The Demon nonchalantly threw the small fishing knife aside.
'Does someone care to explain why one of my judicial municipal centres more resembles an inn full of drunken idiots after free-spirit hour?'
There was a studied silence, so much so one could have heard a pin drop. No one wished to speak up lest they lose their heads. It was impossible to tell if the Lord Sesshomaru was really humoured, or in a mood to kill the first thing that moved.
Kaito's eyes were round as saucers staring agape at the beautiful demon. A bravery took him, and he seized his chance.
'My Lord, your Grace' he bowed, addressing the Emperor.
Sesshomaru's gold eyes slanted toward the bulky sailor.
'Please allow me to tell you the proceedings today. That man there' he pointed without looking at the captain 'is our captain, and we're all here to attest to the fact that he's a murderous beast who should be locked away for life. Last night one of our men died from injuries sustained at his hands, and he isn't the first either. Captain uses his credentials to slither away from his crimes, but we won't stand it no more!'
'My Lord, he's lying!' The Captain interjected, and the Demon's citrine gaze slung to the man's face, narrowing dangerously; his hair billowed slightly as suddenly in a bolt of light he materialised in front of the ship's owner, towering over him, and that man looked down to see the Emperor's arm was embedded completely through his chest, his heart torn out the other side. Swiftly withdrawing his gored arm, Sesshomaru turned coolly to the gathering of sailors in the opposite stand, his arm dripping red.
'Is that what you wanted, or did you just feel like shouting at something?'
Sesshomaru's fine dark brow raised as the room was as quiet as it had been loud when he first entered. The sailors were gaping like drooling fools at first the body, then at the Emperor.
Kaito lifted a trembling finger.
'D-d-d-dead! He's dead! The bastard's dead!' A cheer went up and the men began shouting:
'Lord Sesshomaru! Lord Sesshomaru!'
The din of the onlookers raised to a cacophony at the extreme justice they'd just witnessed, most considering it the best entertainment they'd seen in the four walls for years.
Flinging the blood from his arm as he turned to walk away, Sesshomaru exited the building, wishing to escape the screeching noise.
'My Lord!'
A woman's voice called after him, and she sounded distraught.
'My Lord Emperor, please, he was my son! That was no trial, it was murder!'
'Ay' added the voice of her husband. 'You killed my boy!'
Sesshomaru rolled his eyes slightly, angling his head though he still walked forwards with his back to them, causing the couple to run to keep up.
'Your boy was a murderer' he hissed.
'Why you – ' the husband growled, his fists bunching, rage contorting his grief-stricken face. 'How dare you say that with my child's blood dripping from your arm!'
'What about his boats and his men?' the mother added. 'They are now captain-less and crew-less!'
'He only gave a beating to those that deserved it!' Continued the father 'he was no thoughtless killer!'
Sesshomaru weaved through the crowd's, the people of Fyuoshu only noticing just who it was they passed once the tall regal figure had already gone by them.
There were beggars who lined the streets, holding out cups for coin. One of these homeless souls found themselves transported mid-air via a sort of rope and thrown at the couple behind the Emperor.
'There's your new captain' Sesshomaru snarled, withdrawing his whips from around the disoriented vagabond, before tossing a bag of gold over his shoulder. 'There's money to employ crew. Do what you will and follow me no more'
The husband and wife stopped dead in their tracks at the heavy bag of money in their hands, and despite the extreme financial generosity the Emperor had thrown their way they would not forgive him for what he had done. The parents of that now dead Captain were not alone in being enemies of the Demon Lord.
000000000
Rin had a tough time of it explaining why she had only returned with three shades of rouge and no change, or any of the other items Lady Machiko had asked for.
'Kami, child, are these cremes made from gold? Why do you not return with oils or clothes?'
Rin was blushing and looking at her feet, nibbling at her lip from the inside.
'They're very good quality, my Lady' she offered lamely.
'If they aren't by heaven, I'll be sending you back to that cage' Machiko retorted caustically 'if you can't budget well then you must sit with the other servants and learn from them. I won't have you repeat this mistake'
Rin bowed. 'I apologise for my error' she said. 'Is there anything I may do for you now?'
'Lord Sesshomaru is back with the guards, I wish for you to take this to him'
Rin remembered Hitori and how at odds his character was with her old guardian's. Would she ever see that mysterious yet gentle stranger again? Her heart twisted at the thought. Lady Machiko held out a letter, and Rin received it with a curtsey.
Vague curiosity wondered what could be written in the communication, and with a twinge of disgust she thought it was probably some love-soaked courtesan poem.
On her way to the guard quarters she saw some chefs bring in fine foods to the camp and with her stomach only filled with alcohol it grumbled loudly at the smell. Sato must feel just as hungry, not to mention the other prisoners. She'd have to find a way to get some to them. Half of them were on the verge of death and Rin felt guilty that she was able to walk around freely outside of the inhumane cage; she had to do as much as she could for them while she allowed to roam relatively at liberty.
Lifting her eyes from her troubled thoughts, Rin stopped in her tracks as she saw Sesshomaru pass in front of her quite a way away toward the entrance to the camp, followed by three guards. His arm was soaked in blood.
Colour drained from her face. Rin found herself running toward where he had gone before she even knew it, but as she turned the corner he was nowhere to be seen.
She peeked within two tents entrances before she found where the Emperor was – and with a rapid increase in heart rate Rin saw that he was alone, calmly wiping away at his bloodied arm over a bowl of water.
There was such an unaccountable panic within her at seeing him injured that she went inside without announcing herself and went right up to the Demon's side.
But words failed her when his piercing yellow eyes met hers in slight question, as though she had caused offence by approaching him so openly.
Rin's eyes were stuck on his slender, muscular limb and realised half his torso was bare outside of the Emperor's white kimono alongside his arm. His alabaster skin was drenched in red fluids and stench.
It reminded her so cruelly and viscerally of when he came back from a fight, or even when she had first found him so horribly injured. Her mouth went dry; she trembled.
'Lord Sesshomaru – ' her voice sounded like it did when she used to address him as a child; full of care and love.
He was unnaturally still a few moments, watching her, but soon he turned to continue washing himself.
'It's not mine' was all he said, curtly, and his deep harsh voice caused Rin to realise she was standing in front of an almost half naked Sesshomaru; turning a deep red to her ears she took a few steps back, looking away from his virile figure.
Rin felt foolish for thinking that the blood was his. Was it some innocent person's who had happened to annoy him? She thought bitterly. Angry that her subconscious had taken over her mind so powerfully, she withdrew Lady Machiko's letter with one assured movement.
'My Lady wishes to give this to you' Rin bowed, placing it on a table in front of her, speaking in her most pared back, professional tones. She turned to leave, but his voice stopped her.
'Why do you smell of alcohol?'
Rin paled and didn't really know where to look.
'I – I had some earlier' she replied, knowing it was useless to lie.
The sound of the bits of body and blood sloughing off her old guardian's body as the water washed over him caused her stomach to turn most unwelcomingly.
'I was not aware Machiko indulged her servant's so much'
Rin blushed to her roots, not knowing what he wanted her to say. Was drinking ale now also a crime? But she did not want her demoness master to be reprimanded if it was indeed wrong.
'It was not my Lady, your Highness. A man helped me today when I was in an – awkward situation, and he also bought me a drink'
As his eyes were lowered watching the gore slide from his arm, Rin could not see the levity in his eyes.
'Is drinking with strange men a part of the service I charged you with?'
Kami, how dearly she wished to leave this demon and return to the safety of Lady Machiko's tent – was he going to put her back in the prison?
'No, sire. In my defence, I was grateful to him for his assistance and as he refused money in return, I had to show him gratitude in some way'
'Is it so easy to gain your affection?' Sesshomaru turned to Rin, taking some steps toward her. She couldn't face him, for her gaze would be level with his bare blood-stained chest framed almost grotesquely by his untainted pure hair.
Yet Rin felt a frustrated confusion at his words and his tone.
'Not any unnecessary affection' she countered; brows furrowed as she looked out of the tent entrance as though waiting for a moment to escape. 'I can't turn away from someone who has helped me so much'
'You are very quickly loyal to those who least deserve it' he responded coldly, though his body heat caused her skin to crawl with a strange magnetism.
But her lively eyes snapped up at him, looking into his penetrating gaze framed by the deep magenta coloured eyelids and dark lashes. The contrast of his light burning irises and purple eyelids with their thick eyelashes always caused her cheeks to blush and her heart race.
'My loyalty is to any individual who shows basic concepts such as respect and kindness' she said steadily.
'Are you implying I do not?' he responded quietly.
Rin hated her undeniable bodily reactions to his entire being. He was so utterly attractive she felt her head spin; her eyes against her will travelled down over his Adam's apple to the line of his strong clavicle, then the masculine curve of his pectoral. She steadied her heart, which she knew he could well hear, and spoke with calculated calm;
'Without love and compassion a stone becomes a mountain high.' Her dark gaze met his again 'Burning down the source of people's livelihoods and killing indiscriminately will mean true power won't ever be yours'
Rin knew that had to go deep; for her dear old guardian had only ever desired power. Yet she feared what he might do now she had spoken something so offensive to the Emperor of Japan.
'The man I killed was a murderer' He stepped even closer to her, his voice a whip lash. 'That hall in Lukuoka was nothing but an aggrandized hovel – no one will miss it'
Remembering the shelter and safety her work had provided her with for years, Rin's chest heaved in sudden passion as she also stepped toward the dog Demon.
'You are not separate from what you destroy' she said, her voice low and thrilling. Not caring that tears streamed down her face, she had to tilt her head further backwards to look up at him. Her words came quickly and easily as she saw red looking into his beautiful face, untouched by time or age.
'Your pride blinds you – loving nothing but yourself. You wonder at me spending time with a stranger because of one kindness he showed me. The smallest act of anything akin to love will always hold far greater power than the most fearsome evil. I'll give my loyalty and affection to that any day over you'
It was when she saw his eyes change to bloodshot slits that Rin realised what she had done – again let her anger, hurt and tongue take over her senses.
Gasping, Rin stepped back, terror engulfing her as she heard a snarl from his throat and saw his claws extend.
She found her throat in his grasp, and his demonic gravelled voice hissed in her ear as he bent his head to hers, his beast speaking directly to his precious ward in tortured tones;
'My pride? I am damned - life itself is condemnation. My freedom is captivity – eternity is hell. Do you think I don't feed on the absence of love? I am nothing but a demon, a scourge cursed to burn out. Get out of my sight before I consume you'
He turned his head slightly so that his crimson eyes seared her own, and she watched transfixed as a strange paroxysm of pain imprisoned his features, before she felt his hand shake; - the fingers unfurled from her throat and cupped her face for a split second before he shot from the room in a rush of light.
Dealing with Rin as she was now – a woman, no longer filled with childlike naivety, was more difficult than he ever imagined, and the pit of desire she had stoked deep inside him at the vision of her feminine loveliness yesterday was something that was entrapping him at every turn. He had to get himself under control before his beast did things his intentions had no say in. He wished to punish her, as she had done to him.
Yet even though her words stung him at every turn, her voice was a song that filled his inner void.
She would pay for what she had turned him in to!
Author's Note:
I couldn't respond to a guest reply that made two very frustrating demands.
The first: my Destruction of Life new chapters were too much like reading porn and to tone it down. NEWSFLASH – I AM THE AUTHOR AND WRITE WHAT I WANT LMFAO. The last thing I am going to do is mould my own writing to a random stranger's demands – the cheek! My muse runs wild my child, it doesn't hold back, so either read and enjoy or be off and peruse some PG shit. I'm not your automatic personalised story shitter. And fuck, I like porn with a damn good build up story line, what of it. So if anyone else feels the same, click off every story I write as every single one of 'em will be MA at some damn point. I LOVE everyone else's reviews when they say they love my lemons and consider them the best as it gives me massive warm fuzzies. I love writing explicit shit.
The second: That I need to stop writing new stories and finish my old ones. I've already covered this before, but with this particular fic I HAD uploaded it as a complete one shot as I felt guilty for all the as yet unfinished series, till it was taken down. So now I am making it a series also at the request of any others who wanted more of this story line. Again, my muse writes what it wants and I'm at the mercy of inspiration. I write what I want, when I want, how I want. This means a lot of stories going at once at this point, don't ask me why. It annoys me too believe me. But that's no reason to make demands of me. I am providing this shit for free in my limited spare time so just chill out and get off my case or go write your own fic specified to your own very niche preferences anon. Goddamn. This is why I go for a long time without reading reviews because someone decides to be a sour old woman about my writing. Byeeeeee. Rant over! That felt good to get off my chest.
To every-one else, especially KagomeLove2, LadyShenzuki, rans0medheart, Wildheart44, Rin Taiso and many others, thank you so much for all of you keep me going and I adore you