A Demon's Heart
By YoukaiJilly
Summary:
A young Sesshomaru is in the plot to bring his father's new wife to their home. However when she goes missing two of her servants follow. The elder girl protests she is ever loyal to her lady and the younger also agrees. But Sesshomaru knows something is wrong but doesn't find out exactly what is the problem until too late. Can he save his family from falling apart and why can't he get the younger girl to fear him?
Chapter Four: I Am Bound to You!
Last Chapter:
"Lord Jiro and Lord Sesshomaru. Or any other dog demon that might harm Mai or me. She has one as well."
"I see." Said Lord Atsushi, staring at the tiny whistle Ayaka held in her fingers. "Lady Umae and Lord Mikado want you all back at the palace. Jiro, I shall deal with you after the mating ceremony."
"Yes Father." Said Jiro in shame.
"Let's go then." Retorted Lord Atsushi, taking Ayaka into his strong arms. She stuck her tongue out at Sesshomaru as she clung to the lord, and Sesshomaru -on a childish impulse- wanted to do the same. The group of four went quickly back to the palace.
The Story Continues...
Sesshomaru waited in his room for his father to summon him. The lord and his soon-to-be lady where undergoing the demonic purification rituals.
'Just a long dumb bath where they chant and put smelly oils over you.' Thought Sesshomaru. He remembered this part from when he used to ask his own mother about the rituals. She had blushed and cooed as she talked about it.
'Then those stupid humans decided to try and diminish our control and killed Mother to weaken Father's heart. Stupid Northern demons, becoming the allies to humans.' Thought Sesshomaru as he went to open the door to the small knock.
Ayaka stood there, looking very, very displeased to being there and snapped:
"You're Father wanted me to come get you. To go to the garden."
"Did your human lady tell you the promise we had to make?"
"Yes, she did." Snarled Ayaka, turning and began to walk down the hall. Sesshomaru followed her. There was a small silence then he asked:
"Will you make the promise?"
"I will do anything if it makes Lady Umae happy, and if that means I must make a promise to a demon so she marry her lord, I will do so. Are you not willing to do the same for you father?"
"That is none of your business!" growled Sesshomaru, storming ahead of her. He made it to the garden in a foul mood and went to stand beside his father who was dressed in the traditional mating attire. Lord Mikado shot his son a warning look and Sesshomaru wiped all emotion from his face.
A few close and personal friends were there as witnesses to the mating ceremony and the eldest demon monk was to conduct the ceremony. Lady Umae walked down the small stone path in the garden followed by Ayaka. Both were dressed in white and Ayaka carried a white cloth under her arm.
As Lady Umae stood beside Mikado, the old demon began to chant the spell that would bind Umae and Mikado together. It lasted a good five minutes and the old demon turned to Lord Mikado and spoke in his old withered voice:
"Lord, are you ready to accept this lady as your mate? Will you vow to protect her and love her?"
"I shall, I vow forever." Replied Lord Mikado.
"Lady, are you ready to accept this lord as your mate? Will you vow to protect him and love him?
"I shall, I vow forever." Said Lady Umae softly.
"Lady, please vow in your actions." Said the old demon.
Lady Umae looked nervous but Lord Mikado smiled and she bent over and placed her teeth on Lord Mikado's neck. As she bit into his skin, a small white light shone and Lord Mikado made no sign of pain. Lady Umae pulled away and Ayaka gave her a cup of wine to wash the blood down. The demon monk turned to Lord Mikado.
"Lord, please vow in your actions." He said.
At this, Ayaka handed the cloth she was carrying to Lord Mikado who held it to Lady Umae's mouth. She opened and clamped her teeth down, and gripped Lord Mikado's sleeves. Digging her fingers into the cloth, Lord Mikado gently bit down into her skin and everyone in the garden could hear Umae's muffled shriek.
He pulled away and Ayaka steadied her lady and Sesshomaru handed a glass of wine to his father. Taking the contents in one gulp, Lord Mikado took Lady Umae in his arms and watched as the two medium holes in her neck began to heal. She stood and faced him with no sign she had been in pain a few moments before.
"My lord, my lady are you ready to continue?" asked the demon monk.
"Yes, we are." Said Lord Mikado. He side glanced at Sesshomaru who knew what was going to be asked next and who felt his stomach twist in a knot.
"My lord Sesshomaru, will you please step forward?"
He did.
"My lady Ayaka, will you please step forward?"
'Like that skinny wench could be called a lady.' Thought Sesshomaru as Ayaka stepped in front of him.
"Ayaka, as the one closest to Lady Umae's heart, do you vow to be bound to the closest one of her lord's heart, Lord Sesshomaru?"
"I do so vow." Said Ayaka.
Sesshomaru stared at her.
'She...she didn't hesitate! That little wench said as though she meant it with all of her heart!' thought Sesshomaru as the demon monk turned to him.
"Lord Sesshomaru, as the one closest to Lord Mikado's heart, do you vow to be bound to the closest one of his lady's heart, Ayaka?"
Sesshomaru stared at the girl in front of him, smelling her scents of hate mixed with her desire to please her lady and sorrow.
'How could this weakling human have more guile then I? How can she go up against demons even though she knows she has no power and could never win? Shall I back down and be weaker than a HUMAN?'
"I DO so vow." Said Sesshomaru meaning every word.
There was a small hushed silence, and Sesshomaru could feel the shock radiating off everyone in the garden.
"Then, may your binds be bound and safely secure, a month and a day, forever and more." Said the demon monk, sealing the magic spells placed on the group. Then, if a small shimmer, he was gone and the rest of the demons in the garden came forward to congratulate Lord Mikado and Lady Umae.
In the midst of it all, Ayaka and Sesshomaru stood still facing each other. Sesshomaru stared at her, expecting to see the same hate as always. It was there, but...something else had joined it. Dare Sesshomaru think it was, respect?
"Well, Lord Sesshomaru. I didn't think you had it in you." Said Ayaka, folding her arms. "I was sure you would refuse."
"Don't get the wrong impression Ayaka. I did not do it for anyone but instead for the sake of not embarrassing my father. Like * I * would ever vow to be bound to a human willingly."
The respect Ayaka had in her eyes immediately went back to anger and hate and she growled at him:
"Uh! I don't know how I could think it was even POSSIBLE for a demon like you to think of anything else but honor and embarrassment! You are dented! Seriously!"
Then she rushed to Lady Umae's side and whispered something along the lines of, "May I leave?" Rushing off inside, Jiro appeared beside Sesshomaru.
"What do you want?" he asked sharply.
"Do you know of a good place to escape my father?"
"Aw, are you scared?" teased Sesshomaru with a small chuckle. If anyone could scare Jiro, it was his father.
"Well, of course! He'll murder me twice if he gets the chance with her being bound to you now and all! If she ever does look my way again, I have to ask YOUR permission before I do anything!"
"Annoying isn't it?" said a new voice.
"Oh hello Lord Gita." Said Sesshomaru, turning to face the tiger demon. The lovely Mai was latched onto his arm.
"What is annoying Lord Gita?" asked Jiro.
"Being bound to a human. I do feel sorry for you lad. Most humans are so disgustingly simple minded. Of course, I would not want your father to hear me. After all, he might slash me open. Then again, I don't have any human girl to bandage my wounds for me with her kimono." Laughed Lord Gita.
"How do you know of this?" hissed Sesshomaru, narrowing his eyes. His gaze turned to Mai who simply smiled. "And if humans are so simple minded, why do you keep the company of one?"
"I said most, boy. Most. And dearest Mai is not one of them. She has very, unique talents if I may say so. Even a demon such as I would enjoy these talents." Said Lord Gita, wrapping a furry arm around Mai.
"And it is such a pleasure to be approved of." Said Mai in a sweet voice.
"Well, I'm off then. Good-day Lord Atsushi." Said Lord Gita, turning away to talk with Sesshomaru's father and his new lady.
"Hello Father!" said Jiro in a mock innocent voice. "Well, I'm quite tired so I think I'll take a quick nap!"
"Hold your ground Jiro." Said Lord Atsushi. "I'm afraid both you and Sesshomaru are going to come with me. We have some matters to sort out."
Both demons followed the dog lord back into the palace, one shamefaced and one furiously annoyed at being draggled along. They followed him to his private rooms and Lord Atsushi turned to look at his son.
"So," he simply said.
"Well, you see Father..." Started Jiro.
"Your lust got the better of you I suppose? You could not control yourself for she was so beautiful? I have heard all of your excuses Jiro. You best tell me the truth now. I have far too many young ladies carrying for your children." Said Lord Atsushi sternly.
"Yes, Father." Said Jiro. "I...I do not like being turned away."
"Hmph. That sounds very like you. I think you might want to start thinking more with your head, and not your privates Jiro. Attacking the girl that is close to Lord Mikado's lady and the one who is bound to Sesshomaru? Such poor behavior. I am partly ashamed of you. To think I raised such a son. This might be serious enough to inform your mother."
"M-mother? You aren't serious!" proclaimed Jiro in shock.
"Oh yes, your Mother. Do I not recall her threatening to have your groins removed if you attacked another poor girl?" said Lord Atsushi, raising an eyebrow.
"Erh, I sort of remember something along those lines." Said Jiro.
"I'll decide that later. Sesshomaru, perhaps you are wondering why I called you along for this?"
"Of course." Said Sesshomaru dryly. "I fail to see what this situation has to do with me."
" You are bound to Miss Ayaka and I want you to act kindly to her. Do you know nothing of her history?"
"I suspect that my mother is the one that killed hers." Replied Sesshomaru.
"You are correct in that assumption. But do you know why she despises demons?"
"Because of her mother's death?"
"Not just that. Her whole family was slaughtered by demons. Western ones I think. Her mother was the only one left. Yet she was also killed, leaving a young Ayaka to fend for herself. You, looking so much like your mother Sesshomaru reminded her suppressed memories. I suggest that you act as nice as you possibly can to change her opinion."
"Why would I want to do that?" grumbled Sesshomaru.
"Don't be a moron." Snapped Jiro. "If she keeps reporting to Lady Umae, then eventually Lady Umae will talk to your father. And I doubt that even the most skilled healer won't be able to put you back together."
"Stupid wench." Said Sesshomaru.
"Like I said before, you underestimate clever human women." Chuckled Jiro.
"Why are you laughing?" asked Lord Atsushi. "You're punishment is still in order. Sesshomaru, you may leave."
Sesshomaru left shutting the door with a small click and leaned against it, thinking deeply.
'If, if what Lord Atsushi said is true...then I would be in danger if I act poorly to her.'
"Lord Sesshomaru?"
"What do you want human?"
"I, I came to apologize about what I said." Said Ayaka, leaning against the wall opposite him. "It was wrong for me to say it."
Sesshomaru gawked at her.
"Your father told me about your mother. Even if you are a disgusting demon, even demons have hearts and...I am sorry."
Both were silent for a very long time and Sesshomaru started to walk down the hall and he said:
"Even if you are a lowly human, you have a heart and I know the pain of loosing a mother. I also apologize."
Then he left and returned to his room feeling as though he swallowed a mouthful of hot coals.
"At least the ceremony was near sundown. I could use a goodnight sleep." Said Sesshomaru, changing into a sleeping kimono and sat down on his futon. "Jaken! You may sleep now!"
"Yes my lord!" said Jaken eagerly, blowing out the lanterns that lit the room.
'Humans...' Thought Sesshomaru as he closed his eyes.
---------------
Author's Note:
Here you are! Chapter four in full glory! I hope you guys are enjoying the story so far but I wouldn't know because...
...YOU DON'T REVIEW!
So, if you would review, that would be really, really nice.
Why? Why review you ask?
Because, my twin sister, Harry Potter fan fiction author, Lady of Tears has more reviews than I do and she has less chapters! Plus it's her first fan fiction ever and she has over THIRTY reviews! Do you all hate this story that much? Please, spread the word around!
I beg of you!
PS, I will be uploading the first chapters of a Miroku fan fic called "My Wandering Hand" and a Shippo fan fic called "I Am the Son of Koga: Shippo Is My Name! (Revised)" very soon.
Please keep an eye out for them.
(Push the button...you know you want to...it is calling to you..the button...the precious...)
By YoukaiJilly
Summary:
A young Sesshomaru is in the plot to bring his father's new wife to their home. However when she goes missing two of her servants follow. The elder girl protests she is ever loyal to her lady and the younger also agrees. But Sesshomaru knows something is wrong but doesn't find out exactly what is the problem until too late. Can he save his family from falling apart and why can't he get the younger girl to fear him?
Chapter Four: I Am Bound to You!
Last Chapter:
"Lord Jiro and Lord Sesshomaru. Or any other dog demon that might harm Mai or me. She has one as well."
"I see." Said Lord Atsushi, staring at the tiny whistle Ayaka held in her fingers. "Lady Umae and Lord Mikado want you all back at the palace. Jiro, I shall deal with you after the mating ceremony."
"Yes Father." Said Jiro in shame.
"Let's go then." Retorted Lord Atsushi, taking Ayaka into his strong arms. She stuck her tongue out at Sesshomaru as she clung to the lord, and Sesshomaru -on a childish impulse- wanted to do the same. The group of four went quickly back to the palace.
The Story Continues...
Sesshomaru waited in his room for his father to summon him. The lord and his soon-to-be lady where undergoing the demonic purification rituals.
'Just a long dumb bath where they chant and put smelly oils over you.' Thought Sesshomaru. He remembered this part from when he used to ask his own mother about the rituals. She had blushed and cooed as she talked about it.
'Then those stupid humans decided to try and diminish our control and killed Mother to weaken Father's heart. Stupid Northern demons, becoming the allies to humans.' Thought Sesshomaru as he went to open the door to the small knock.
Ayaka stood there, looking very, very displeased to being there and snapped:
"You're Father wanted me to come get you. To go to the garden."
"Did your human lady tell you the promise we had to make?"
"Yes, she did." Snarled Ayaka, turning and began to walk down the hall. Sesshomaru followed her. There was a small silence then he asked:
"Will you make the promise?"
"I will do anything if it makes Lady Umae happy, and if that means I must make a promise to a demon so she marry her lord, I will do so. Are you not willing to do the same for you father?"
"That is none of your business!" growled Sesshomaru, storming ahead of her. He made it to the garden in a foul mood and went to stand beside his father who was dressed in the traditional mating attire. Lord Mikado shot his son a warning look and Sesshomaru wiped all emotion from his face.
A few close and personal friends were there as witnesses to the mating ceremony and the eldest demon monk was to conduct the ceremony. Lady Umae walked down the small stone path in the garden followed by Ayaka. Both were dressed in white and Ayaka carried a white cloth under her arm.
As Lady Umae stood beside Mikado, the old demon began to chant the spell that would bind Umae and Mikado together. It lasted a good five minutes and the old demon turned to Lord Mikado and spoke in his old withered voice:
"Lord, are you ready to accept this lady as your mate? Will you vow to protect her and love her?"
"I shall, I vow forever." Replied Lord Mikado.
"Lady, are you ready to accept this lord as your mate? Will you vow to protect him and love him?
"I shall, I vow forever." Said Lady Umae softly.
"Lady, please vow in your actions." Said the old demon.
Lady Umae looked nervous but Lord Mikado smiled and she bent over and placed her teeth on Lord Mikado's neck. As she bit into his skin, a small white light shone and Lord Mikado made no sign of pain. Lady Umae pulled away and Ayaka gave her a cup of wine to wash the blood down. The demon monk turned to Lord Mikado.
"Lord, please vow in your actions." He said.
At this, Ayaka handed the cloth she was carrying to Lord Mikado who held it to Lady Umae's mouth. She opened and clamped her teeth down, and gripped Lord Mikado's sleeves. Digging her fingers into the cloth, Lord Mikado gently bit down into her skin and everyone in the garden could hear Umae's muffled shriek.
He pulled away and Ayaka steadied her lady and Sesshomaru handed a glass of wine to his father. Taking the contents in one gulp, Lord Mikado took Lady Umae in his arms and watched as the two medium holes in her neck began to heal. She stood and faced him with no sign she had been in pain a few moments before.
"My lord, my lady are you ready to continue?" asked the demon monk.
"Yes, we are." Said Lord Mikado. He side glanced at Sesshomaru who knew what was going to be asked next and who felt his stomach twist in a knot.
"My lord Sesshomaru, will you please step forward?"
He did.
"My lady Ayaka, will you please step forward?"
'Like that skinny wench could be called a lady.' Thought Sesshomaru as Ayaka stepped in front of him.
"Ayaka, as the one closest to Lady Umae's heart, do you vow to be bound to the closest one of her lord's heart, Lord Sesshomaru?"
"I do so vow." Said Ayaka.
Sesshomaru stared at her.
'She...she didn't hesitate! That little wench said as though she meant it with all of her heart!' thought Sesshomaru as the demon monk turned to him.
"Lord Sesshomaru, as the one closest to Lord Mikado's heart, do you vow to be bound to the closest one of his lady's heart, Ayaka?"
Sesshomaru stared at the girl in front of him, smelling her scents of hate mixed with her desire to please her lady and sorrow.
'How could this weakling human have more guile then I? How can she go up against demons even though she knows she has no power and could never win? Shall I back down and be weaker than a HUMAN?'
"I DO so vow." Said Sesshomaru meaning every word.
There was a small hushed silence, and Sesshomaru could feel the shock radiating off everyone in the garden.
"Then, may your binds be bound and safely secure, a month and a day, forever and more." Said the demon monk, sealing the magic spells placed on the group. Then, if a small shimmer, he was gone and the rest of the demons in the garden came forward to congratulate Lord Mikado and Lady Umae.
In the midst of it all, Ayaka and Sesshomaru stood still facing each other. Sesshomaru stared at her, expecting to see the same hate as always. It was there, but...something else had joined it. Dare Sesshomaru think it was, respect?
"Well, Lord Sesshomaru. I didn't think you had it in you." Said Ayaka, folding her arms. "I was sure you would refuse."
"Don't get the wrong impression Ayaka. I did not do it for anyone but instead for the sake of not embarrassing my father. Like * I * would ever vow to be bound to a human willingly."
The respect Ayaka had in her eyes immediately went back to anger and hate and she growled at him:
"Uh! I don't know how I could think it was even POSSIBLE for a demon like you to think of anything else but honor and embarrassment! You are dented! Seriously!"
Then she rushed to Lady Umae's side and whispered something along the lines of, "May I leave?" Rushing off inside, Jiro appeared beside Sesshomaru.
"What do you want?" he asked sharply.
"Do you know of a good place to escape my father?"
"Aw, are you scared?" teased Sesshomaru with a small chuckle. If anyone could scare Jiro, it was his father.
"Well, of course! He'll murder me twice if he gets the chance with her being bound to you now and all! If she ever does look my way again, I have to ask YOUR permission before I do anything!"
"Annoying isn't it?" said a new voice.
"Oh hello Lord Gita." Said Sesshomaru, turning to face the tiger demon. The lovely Mai was latched onto his arm.
"What is annoying Lord Gita?" asked Jiro.
"Being bound to a human. I do feel sorry for you lad. Most humans are so disgustingly simple minded. Of course, I would not want your father to hear me. After all, he might slash me open. Then again, I don't have any human girl to bandage my wounds for me with her kimono." Laughed Lord Gita.
"How do you know of this?" hissed Sesshomaru, narrowing his eyes. His gaze turned to Mai who simply smiled. "And if humans are so simple minded, why do you keep the company of one?"
"I said most, boy. Most. And dearest Mai is not one of them. She has very, unique talents if I may say so. Even a demon such as I would enjoy these talents." Said Lord Gita, wrapping a furry arm around Mai.
"And it is such a pleasure to be approved of." Said Mai in a sweet voice.
"Well, I'm off then. Good-day Lord Atsushi." Said Lord Gita, turning away to talk with Sesshomaru's father and his new lady.
"Hello Father!" said Jiro in a mock innocent voice. "Well, I'm quite tired so I think I'll take a quick nap!"
"Hold your ground Jiro." Said Lord Atsushi. "I'm afraid both you and Sesshomaru are going to come with me. We have some matters to sort out."
Both demons followed the dog lord back into the palace, one shamefaced and one furiously annoyed at being draggled along. They followed him to his private rooms and Lord Atsushi turned to look at his son.
"So," he simply said.
"Well, you see Father..." Started Jiro.
"Your lust got the better of you I suppose? You could not control yourself for she was so beautiful? I have heard all of your excuses Jiro. You best tell me the truth now. I have far too many young ladies carrying for your children." Said Lord Atsushi sternly.
"Yes, Father." Said Jiro. "I...I do not like being turned away."
"Hmph. That sounds very like you. I think you might want to start thinking more with your head, and not your privates Jiro. Attacking the girl that is close to Lord Mikado's lady and the one who is bound to Sesshomaru? Such poor behavior. I am partly ashamed of you. To think I raised such a son. This might be serious enough to inform your mother."
"M-mother? You aren't serious!" proclaimed Jiro in shock.
"Oh yes, your Mother. Do I not recall her threatening to have your groins removed if you attacked another poor girl?" said Lord Atsushi, raising an eyebrow.
"Erh, I sort of remember something along those lines." Said Jiro.
"I'll decide that later. Sesshomaru, perhaps you are wondering why I called you along for this?"
"Of course." Said Sesshomaru dryly. "I fail to see what this situation has to do with me."
" You are bound to Miss Ayaka and I want you to act kindly to her. Do you know nothing of her history?"
"I suspect that my mother is the one that killed hers." Replied Sesshomaru.
"You are correct in that assumption. But do you know why she despises demons?"
"Because of her mother's death?"
"Not just that. Her whole family was slaughtered by demons. Western ones I think. Her mother was the only one left. Yet she was also killed, leaving a young Ayaka to fend for herself. You, looking so much like your mother Sesshomaru reminded her suppressed memories. I suggest that you act as nice as you possibly can to change her opinion."
"Why would I want to do that?" grumbled Sesshomaru.
"Don't be a moron." Snapped Jiro. "If she keeps reporting to Lady Umae, then eventually Lady Umae will talk to your father. And I doubt that even the most skilled healer won't be able to put you back together."
"Stupid wench." Said Sesshomaru.
"Like I said before, you underestimate clever human women." Chuckled Jiro.
"Why are you laughing?" asked Lord Atsushi. "You're punishment is still in order. Sesshomaru, you may leave."
Sesshomaru left shutting the door with a small click and leaned against it, thinking deeply.
'If, if what Lord Atsushi said is true...then I would be in danger if I act poorly to her.'
"Lord Sesshomaru?"
"What do you want human?"
"I, I came to apologize about what I said." Said Ayaka, leaning against the wall opposite him. "It was wrong for me to say it."
Sesshomaru gawked at her.
"Your father told me about your mother. Even if you are a disgusting demon, even demons have hearts and...I am sorry."
Both were silent for a very long time and Sesshomaru started to walk down the hall and he said:
"Even if you are a lowly human, you have a heart and I know the pain of loosing a mother. I also apologize."
Then he left and returned to his room feeling as though he swallowed a mouthful of hot coals.
"At least the ceremony was near sundown. I could use a goodnight sleep." Said Sesshomaru, changing into a sleeping kimono and sat down on his futon. "Jaken! You may sleep now!"
"Yes my lord!" said Jaken eagerly, blowing out the lanterns that lit the room.
'Humans...' Thought Sesshomaru as he closed his eyes.
---------------
Author's Note:
Here you are! Chapter four in full glory! I hope you guys are enjoying the story so far but I wouldn't know because...
...YOU DON'T REVIEW!
So, if you would review, that would be really, really nice.
Why? Why review you ask?
Because, my twin sister, Harry Potter fan fiction author, Lady of Tears has more reviews than I do and she has less chapters! Plus it's her first fan fiction ever and she has over THIRTY reviews! Do you all hate this story that much? Please, spread the word around!
I beg of you!
PS, I will be uploading the first chapters of a Miroku fan fic called "My Wandering Hand" and a Shippo fan fic called "I Am the Son of Koga: Shippo Is My Name! (Revised)" very soon.
Please keep an eye out for them.
(Push the button...you know you want to...it is calling to you..the button...the precious...)