Hello!! ^^ Actually wanting to read more, brave fanfic reader?? ^^; This isn't much of an authors note, but I still got stuff to say. People, this is one of many sad parts in this fanfiction. You'll see…
Disclaimer: I … *sob* don't own Sesshomaru!!… or Inuyasha…
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Sesshomaru continued to walk down the hallway, leaving Inuyasha and Tsunami behind him. On better occasions, he would take Tsunami with him, for it was her mother too. Poor Tsunami. She never even knew their mother. Or, really, she was too young to remember her. Sometimes at night Sesshomaru could hear her cry in her sleep, calling for their mother, telling her not to leave them behind. It was on those nights that Sesshomaru felt like he could cry too, but he has too much dignity to break down. Often after she cried she would come to Sesshomaru's door, for him to protect her, for him to be there when she shed tears. And he would hold her close. He always wanted to have enough strength for the both of them. But it was when Tsunami cried it made him feel he was only strong enough for her, leaving him vulnerable to tears. But he has yet to cry.
Sesshomaru had walked to a door and stopped straight in front of it. Without notice, his feet carried him here as though he was just retracing invisible steps. I must be in South Wing by now, thought Sesshomaru. Pausing, he pushed the door open to barely a crack to peak inside. Of course it was the right room. He pushed open wider, but just enough for a fairly thin person to enter. Sliding in, he closed the door behind him.
The room was dimly lit with snowy paper lanterns that hung from the ceiling. Inside, tall chests lay open to each opposite side, and a Japanese maple wood cabinet stood on the wall facing the door, placed dead center. The floor had many silk pillows and thick reed mats placed in a circle around the heart of the room, a large incense burner placed in the middle. Sesshomaru bent down to the incense burner, and place a lit cherry wood stick in it, laying it on its side. Pulling open a drawer in the tiny wood locker beside the door, he took some dried cherry blossom petals from in side a tiny pouch. He took the blossom petals and placed them in the bottom of the burner, the perfumed waters soaking up the scent of the sakuras. Now the room held the same scents of his mother: smoke and cherry blossoms.
He brushed past the chests, occasionally sitting down beside one of them, examining its contents. He stopped in front of the cedar one, and sat down on the mat beside it. He placed he hand inside the trunk, he fingers gliding across the silk of his mother's kimonos. The silk was soft and smooth; the embroidery's stitches were so tiny you could barely feel them. He pulled one kimono out carefully, using both of his hands to steady it. The kimono had a wisteria pattern on it, each of the petals a shimmery silver color. It was a deep violet color, and had four layers to it, each a shade of lavender expect for the top layer with the wisteria. The obi was thick and pillowy, its white color contrasting with the silver and violet cord. He hugged the kimono tenderly, wishing his mother was still alive. If she were here right now, she would tell him not to be so dependant on her. But he would still hold her, and she would not push him away… how he wished she were still alive.
~*~Flashback~*~
Sesshomaru's eyes flickered open. The courtyard was up in flames. It seemed like a thousand screams broke into the air. He could hear the sounds of bloodshed. He could hear mothers crying, asking to spare their children, to take them instead. Rooted at the spot, he heard children yelling. The man beside him: his head suddenly flung off his shoulders, splattering Sesshomaru's kimono with blood and bits of flesh. He watched in horror as the man's body tumbled forward, blood still pouring from his severed neck.
Sesshomaru turned around and looked behind. A human with a long spear was stabbing the at castle's servants, the people scattered around like ants to avoid a striking blow to their bodies. He looked around again and realized that there were more of them, hundreds spilling in from the outer walls. These were no ordinary humans; they were samurai warriors, sent by nobility no doubt, to pull down his father's reign.
The samurai behind him brandished his katana high to the heavens. "Slaughter the demons!" he yelled, trying to bring the sword down onto Sesshomaru's head. Sesshomaru moved out of the way just in time, for the samurai missed but slayed another human in Sesshomaru's place.
Suddenly, someone pulled him off the ground. Terrified, he tried to wriggle free, but could only swing his feet in midair in protest. "Calm down, little one," said a voice. Sesshomaru turned his head, and saw Yozu, one of Lord Nishi's vassals, holding him up.
"Your mother, Lady Konoko, is worried sick about you," said Yozu, as he turned to take Sesshomaru to the castle. "Of all days you stray down to the villages…"
"What about the castle?" said Sesshomaru, ignoring Yozu's remark. He knew that if the villages were under attack, so would the castle.
"Under persistent attack," said Yozu, picking up speed. "We'll have to fly in from the top."
Sesshomaru nodded curtly. He usually enjoyed flying, but now was not the time for fun and games. He also knew that the castle being attacked was not a good thing. If his mother or father were to get hurt, the West Lands would fall to the North, and if anything, the North didn't need anymore power than it already had. Personally, Sesshomaru only cared for his mother's safety, for his father had abandoned him for a human… To Sesshomaru, he was nothing more than a traitor.
After gaining a good 500 yards, Yozu leaped into the air, his long chestnut hair wavering after him like a flag. Sesshomaru noted that Yozu had his katana drawn in his only free hand, as the other one was carrying Sesshomaru. He had seen Yozu mad before, but never had he seen that fiery glare in his eyes. Of course, Yozu-sama was the vassal of war in Lord Nishi's court, but he had anger in his face that was obvious to all that looked upon it. Perhaps he too was against Lord Nishi, but probably kept it hidden for his high position. Either way, Sesshomaru wanted to know what was going on.
"Yozu-sama," said Sesshomaru, a look of pure interest placed in his face, "What, pray tell, is going on?" He tried to maintain a look of innocent curiosity, as not to look suspicious.
Yozu said nothing for a while. He just kept looking forward. Finally, after a long sigh, he simply stated, "You know of Lady Umeko, am I right?"
Sesshomaru snorted. Of course he knew of Lady Umeko, his father's human bride. And her son, Inuyasha, too… Who didn't when you lived in the castle with both of their filthy backs?
Yozu laughed at Sesshomaru's snort. "I take that as a yes. Anyways, Lady Umeko's father has decided to 'bring his daughter home', I believe: he is searching the entire West to find her… of course, that always leads to attack of the Western Manor."
"And Father didn't give her up, I imagine?" said Sesshomaru, knowing only too well what the answer was.
"Naturally," said Yozu with disgust. So I was right, thought Sesshomaru, he doesn't approve of Lady Umeko either…
They flew in silence until they reached the castle. They landed through one of the East Wing Tower's large windows, softly onto the marble floors.
"Go to the hall; everyone's staying there," said Yozu as he set Sesshomaru down.
"What about you?" replied Sesshomaru.
"I am helping with the attack outside," said Yozu, preparing for flight yet again.
After watching Yozu soar out the window, Sesshomaru made his way down to the hall. Of course, Sesshomaru thought that Yozu had landed in the East Wing Tower because it was the tallest tower at the Western Manor, but in fact, he landed him in the East Wing Tower, because it was the closest tower to the hall. As Sesshomaru made his way down the steps, each stride he took was building the hatred to Lady Umeko. If she had not been selfish in taking refuge to his father, none of this would happen. Before he could think of more blame, he entered the hall.
Everyone was there, it seemed, crammed in the hall, for all the servants Sesshomaru had come across in his days at the castle seemed they were all there and accounted for. Before even taking another step, his mother rounded on him.
"Where - have - you - been?!" shouted Lady Konoko, looking furious as she wrapped her arms around him. Her tone was deep yet soft, like velvet rolling from her lips. Her face looked like it had been painted on, her long white hair flowing down the back of her kimono.
"You needn't yell," said Sesshomaru in an ungrateful tone, even though he was grateful she missed him.
"You - could - have - been - killed!" said Lady Konoko, shrieking as though he was the cause of all this.
Before Sesshomaru could retort, she buried him into her arms, shoving his face into her hair. He embraced her back, smelling her lovely smoke and cherry blossom scent, the scent he would always remember.
After she let go, she took his hand, leading him down to the middle of the hall. Sweeping pass the servants, she placed Tsunami in his arms, who was being held by a servant during Sesshomaru's arrival. She was quite heavy, and Sesshomaru buckled under her tiny weight. After shifting her onto his hip, he wrapped his arms around her, so he wouldn't drop her. He would never admit it, but he was scared. It was different from the bloodshed his father dealt with during the wars; no, this was slaughter, a demon slaughter.
Sesshomaru looked around, and saw Lady Umeko standing right beside him. Her face had a worried look upon it. Good, as this was all her fault to began with… thought Sesshomaru, glaring at her to himself. He noticed and saw little Inuyasha hiding behind Lady Umeko, trembling. Umeko put her hand on his head as any caring parent would, and kneeled down before him. "It's alright, Daddy will clear this all up."
Oh, sure, put your problem on his shoulders, Sesshomaru thought as he listened to Lady Umeko and Inuyasha.
Umeko then glanced down upon Sesshomaru and Tsunami. "There you are, Sesshomaru. I didn't hear you come in," she said, giving him one of her warm smiles.
How could you not hear me come in? Especially with my mother wailing like that? thought Sesshomaru in disbelief.
"I suppose this is rather scary for you," Umeko continued.
"Yeah," said Sesshomaru, hoping she would get discouraged and give up on conversation.
"I imagine so…" said Umeko.
"What a minute! Where is my mother?" said Sesshomaru, suddenly realizing she was nowhere to be seen.
"Why, she out defending the castle, Sesshomaru," said Lady Umeko in surprise.
Sesshomaru looked down at the ground. His mother was out there fighting. What if she got hurt? It wasn't like she could defend herself, but… there always was that chance.
A few hours later, Yozu ran into the halls, running down the stairs that Sesshomaru went down from the East Wing Tower. His robes where torn and dirty, and blood was seeping from an open wound on his chest.
"The enemy has retreated," he said, taking gasps of air as he spoke. "We have 183 causalities."
Lady Umeko nodded her head. Before she could respond, Yozu spoke again.
"One of those causalities was Lady Konoko," he said sadly. "About 57 samurai swarmed upon her at once. She didn't have a chance: her katana had been thrown out of her hand."
Sesshomaru gaped in horror. "No, no, th-that can't be true… it can't… tisn't right… no…" was all the words he could emit. His eyes were wide, and his mouth hung slightly open. Falling to his knees, he began to sob with Tsunami in his arms. A servant tried to take her away, but Sesshomaru jerked her away, and held her even more tightly, as if he was going to lose her too…
~*~End of Flashback~*~
Sesshomaru fought his tears back as hard as he could. He didn't want to stain his mother's favorite kimono, but he felt like he could cry harder than he had ever cried in his life. Slowly, he put back the kimono, and folded it nicely back up. Afterwards, he continued to sit on the mat. But he than wiped his tears away harshly. Getting up, he smoothed out the creases of his kimono, and left the room, carefully shutting the door fully behind him.
Sesshomaru didn't know how he found his way back to his room, for his tears were so thick that he could barely see his already blurry view. His pace was quick. After shutting his chamber door, sunk down against the wall. His leaned his head back. Now he wished he had someone to run to. But he had no one. No, he still had Tsunami. Ah yes, Tsunami… thank gods for her, thought Sesshomaru. He crawled back into bed, and fell asleep.
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So? How was it? Good? Of course it was. I decided on the sentimental view for this chapter. Man, it was a tearjerker, though. I literally had tears when I was typing it. And isn't Sesshomaru sensitive?? Mind you, so would you if your mother died that way… I'm sure you all noticed the hatred between Konoko's side of the family and Umeko's? That will be important in later chapters!! ^^ Thanx to all those who read it/going to read it… I read a bit of this story to my friend, and she loved it. I hope you guys do too. I am amazed I have not cussed once in this series. Expect it later though, I can assure you that! And don't forget about that review button, people! And the favorite stories button… that one is important too!! ^.~ See you all next chapter… Ja ne!!
Disclaimer: I … *sob* don't own Sesshomaru!!… or Inuyasha…
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Sesshomaru continued to walk down the hallway, leaving Inuyasha and Tsunami behind him. On better occasions, he would take Tsunami with him, for it was her mother too. Poor Tsunami. She never even knew their mother. Or, really, she was too young to remember her. Sometimes at night Sesshomaru could hear her cry in her sleep, calling for their mother, telling her not to leave them behind. It was on those nights that Sesshomaru felt like he could cry too, but he has too much dignity to break down. Often after she cried she would come to Sesshomaru's door, for him to protect her, for him to be there when she shed tears. And he would hold her close. He always wanted to have enough strength for the both of them. But it was when Tsunami cried it made him feel he was only strong enough for her, leaving him vulnerable to tears. But he has yet to cry.
Sesshomaru had walked to a door and stopped straight in front of it. Without notice, his feet carried him here as though he was just retracing invisible steps. I must be in South Wing by now, thought Sesshomaru. Pausing, he pushed the door open to barely a crack to peak inside. Of course it was the right room. He pushed open wider, but just enough for a fairly thin person to enter. Sliding in, he closed the door behind him.
The room was dimly lit with snowy paper lanterns that hung from the ceiling. Inside, tall chests lay open to each opposite side, and a Japanese maple wood cabinet stood on the wall facing the door, placed dead center. The floor had many silk pillows and thick reed mats placed in a circle around the heart of the room, a large incense burner placed in the middle. Sesshomaru bent down to the incense burner, and place a lit cherry wood stick in it, laying it on its side. Pulling open a drawer in the tiny wood locker beside the door, he took some dried cherry blossom petals from in side a tiny pouch. He took the blossom petals and placed them in the bottom of the burner, the perfumed waters soaking up the scent of the sakuras. Now the room held the same scents of his mother: smoke and cherry blossoms.
He brushed past the chests, occasionally sitting down beside one of them, examining its contents. He stopped in front of the cedar one, and sat down on the mat beside it. He placed he hand inside the trunk, he fingers gliding across the silk of his mother's kimonos. The silk was soft and smooth; the embroidery's stitches were so tiny you could barely feel them. He pulled one kimono out carefully, using both of his hands to steady it. The kimono had a wisteria pattern on it, each of the petals a shimmery silver color. It was a deep violet color, and had four layers to it, each a shade of lavender expect for the top layer with the wisteria. The obi was thick and pillowy, its white color contrasting with the silver and violet cord. He hugged the kimono tenderly, wishing his mother was still alive. If she were here right now, she would tell him not to be so dependant on her. But he would still hold her, and she would not push him away… how he wished she were still alive.
~*~Flashback~*~
Sesshomaru's eyes flickered open. The courtyard was up in flames. It seemed like a thousand screams broke into the air. He could hear the sounds of bloodshed. He could hear mothers crying, asking to spare their children, to take them instead. Rooted at the spot, he heard children yelling. The man beside him: his head suddenly flung off his shoulders, splattering Sesshomaru's kimono with blood and bits of flesh. He watched in horror as the man's body tumbled forward, blood still pouring from his severed neck.
Sesshomaru turned around and looked behind. A human with a long spear was stabbing the at castle's servants, the people scattered around like ants to avoid a striking blow to their bodies. He looked around again and realized that there were more of them, hundreds spilling in from the outer walls. These were no ordinary humans; they were samurai warriors, sent by nobility no doubt, to pull down his father's reign.
The samurai behind him brandished his katana high to the heavens. "Slaughter the demons!" he yelled, trying to bring the sword down onto Sesshomaru's head. Sesshomaru moved out of the way just in time, for the samurai missed but slayed another human in Sesshomaru's place.
Suddenly, someone pulled him off the ground. Terrified, he tried to wriggle free, but could only swing his feet in midair in protest. "Calm down, little one," said a voice. Sesshomaru turned his head, and saw Yozu, one of Lord Nishi's vassals, holding him up.
"Your mother, Lady Konoko, is worried sick about you," said Yozu, as he turned to take Sesshomaru to the castle. "Of all days you stray down to the villages…"
"What about the castle?" said Sesshomaru, ignoring Yozu's remark. He knew that if the villages were under attack, so would the castle.
"Under persistent attack," said Yozu, picking up speed. "We'll have to fly in from the top."
Sesshomaru nodded curtly. He usually enjoyed flying, but now was not the time for fun and games. He also knew that the castle being attacked was not a good thing. If his mother or father were to get hurt, the West Lands would fall to the North, and if anything, the North didn't need anymore power than it already had. Personally, Sesshomaru only cared for his mother's safety, for his father had abandoned him for a human… To Sesshomaru, he was nothing more than a traitor.
After gaining a good 500 yards, Yozu leaped into the air, his long chestnut hair wavering after him like a flag. Sesshomaru noted that Yozu had his katana drawn in his only free hand, as the other one was carrying Sesshomaru. He had seen Yozu mad before, but never had he seen that fiery glare in his eyes. Of course, Yozu-sama was the vassal of war in Lord Nishi's court, but he had anger in his face that was obvious to all that looked upon it. Perhaps he too was against Lord Nishi, but probably kept it hidden for his high position. Either way, Sesshomaru wanted to know what was going on.
"Yozu-sama," said Sesshomaru, a look of pure interest placed in his face, "What, pray tell, is going on?" He tried to maintain a look of innocent curiosity, as not to look suspicious.
Yozu said nothing for a while. He just kept looking forward. Finally, after a long sigh, he simply stated, "You know of Lady Umeko, am I right?"
Sesshomaru snorted. Of course he knew of Lady Umeko, his father's human bride. And her son, Inuyasha, too… Who didn't when you lived in the castle with both of their filthy backs?
Yozu laughed at Sesshomaru's snort. "I take that as a yes. Anyways, Lady Umeko's father has decided to 'bring his daughter home', I believe: he is searching the entire West to find her… of course, that always leads to attack of the Western Manor."
"And Father didn't give her up, I imagine?" said Sesshomaru, knowing only too well what the answer was.
"Naturally," said Yozu with disgust. So I was right, thought Sesshomaru, he doesn't approve of Lady Umeko either…
They flew in silence until they reached the castle. They landed through one of the East Wing Tower's large windows, softly onto the marble floors.
"Go to the hall; everyone's staying there," said Yozu as he set Sesshomaru down.
"What about you?" replied Sesshomaru.
"I am helping with the attack outside," said Yozu, preparing for flight yet again.
After watching Yozu soar out the window, Sesshomaru made his way down to the hall. Of course, Sesshomaru thought that Yozu had landed in the East Wing Tower because it was the tallest tower at the Western Manor, but in fact, he landed him in the East Wing Tower, because it was the closest tower to the hall. As Sesshomaru made his way down the steps, each stride he took was building the hatred to Lady Umeko. If she had not been selfish in taking refuge to his father, none of this would happen. Before he could think of more blame, he entered the hall.
Everyone was there, it seemed, crammed in the hall, for all the servants Sesshomaru had come across in his days at the castle seemed they were all there and accounted for. Before even taking another step, his mother rounded on him.
"Where - have - you - been?!" shouted Lady Konoko, looking furious as she wrapped her arms around him. Her tone was deep yet soft, like velvet rolling from her lips. Her face looked like it had been painted on, her long white hair flowing down the back of her kimono.
"You needn't yell," said Sesshomaru in an ungrateful tone, even though he was grateful she missed him.
"You - could - have - been - killed!" said Lady Konoko, shrieking as though he was the cause of all this.
Before Sesshomaru could retort, she buried him into her arms, shoving his face into her hair. He embraced her back, smelling her lovely smoke and cherry blossom scent, the scent he would always remember.
After she let go, she took his hand, leading him down to the middle of the hall. Sweeping pass the servants, she placed Tsunami in his arms, who was being held by a servant during Sesshomaru's arrival. She was quite heavy, and Sesshomaru buckled under her tiny weight. After shifting her onto his hip, he wrapped his arms around her, so he wouldn't drop her. He would never admit it, but he was scared. It was different from the bloodshed his father dealt with during the wars; no, this was slaughter, a demon slaughter.
Sesshomaru looked around, and saw Lady Umeko standing right beside him. Her face had a worried look upon it. Good, as this was all her fault to began with… thought Sesshomaru, glaring at her to himself. He noticed and saw little Inuyasha hiding behind Lady Umeko, trembling. Umeko put her hand on his head as any caring parent would, and kneeled down before him. "It's alright, Daddy will clear this all up."
Oh, sure, put your problem on his shoulders, Sesshomaru thought as he listened to Lady Umeko and Inuyasha.
Umeko then glanced down upon Sesshomaru and Tsunami. "There you are, Sesshomaru. I didn't hear you come in," she said, giving him one of her warm smiles.
How could you not hear me come in? Especially with my mother wailing like that? thought Sesshomaru in disbelief.
"I suppose this is rather scary for you," Umeko continued.
"Yeah," said Sesshomaru, hoping she would get discouraged and give up on conversation.
"I imagine so…" said Umeko.
"What a minute! Where is my mother?" said Sesshomaru, suddenly realizing she was nowhere to be seen.
"Why, she out defending the castle, Sesshomaru," said Lady Umeko in surprise.
Sesshomaru looked down at the ground. His mother was out there fighting. What if she got hurt? It wasn't like she could defend herself, but… there always was that chance.
A few hours later, Yozu ran into the halls, running down the stairs that Sesshomaru went down from the East Wing Tower. His robes where torn and dirty, and blood was seeping from an open wound on his chest.
"The enemy has retreated," he said, taking gasps of air as he spoke. "We have 183 causalities."
Lady Umeko nodded her head. Before she could respond, Yozu spoke again.
"One of those causalities was Lady Konoko," he said sadly. "About 57 samurai swarmed upon her at once. She didn't have a chance: her katana had been thrown out of her hand."
Sesshomaru gaped in horror. "No, no, th-that can't be true… it can't… tisn't right… no…" was all the words he could emit. His eyes were wide, and his mouth hung slightly open. Falling to his knees, he began to sob with Tsunami in his arms. A servant tried to take her away, but Sesshomaru jerked her away, and held her even more tightly, as if he was going to lose her too…
~*~End of Flashback~*~
Sesshomaru fought his tears back as hard as he could. He didn't want to stain his mother's favorite kimono, but he felt like he could cry harder than he had ever cried in his life. Slowly, he put back the kimono, and folded it nicely back up. Afterwards, he continued to sit on the mat. But he than wiped his tears away harshly. Getting up, he smoothed out the creases of his kimono, and left the room, carefully shutting the door fully behind him.
Sesshomaru didn't know how he found his way back to his room, for his tears were so thick that he could barely see his already blurry view. His pace was quick. After shutting his chamber door, sunk down against the wall. His leaned his head back. Now he wished he had someone to run to. But he had no one. No, he still had Tsunami. Ah yes, Tsunami… thank gods for her, thought Sesshomaru. He crawled back into bed, and fell asleep.
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So? How was it? Good? Of course it was. I decided on the sentimental view for this chapter. Man, it was a tearjerker, though. I literally had tears when I was typing it. And isn't Sesshomaru sensitive?? Mind you, so would you if your mother died that way… I'm sure you all noticed the hatred between Konoko's side of the family and Umeko's? That will be important in later chapters!! ^^ Thanx to all those who read it/going to read it… I read a bit of this story to my friend, and she loved it. I hope you guys do too. I am amazed I have not cussed once in this series. Expect it later though, I can assure you that! And don't forget about that review button, people! And the favorite stories button… that one is important too!! ^.~ See you all next chapter… Ja ne!!