Disclaimer: Rumiko Takahashi owns InuYasha. I get tired of putting this up here. This is like a pain in the neck tradition with a superstition that says: If broken, you shall have the lawyers after you because Rumiko has secret agents who read our fanfics and make sure we have a disclaimer.
I know it was a very late post. I'm really sorry about that. With school, vacation and me probably moving, I just had no time to type. Sadly, this is all I came up with.
Chapter Five:
A dark secret and how it began.
Sesshomaru silently waited in the shadows. It was soon to be midnight and the cursed woman had still not left. He recalled commanding them to be here by sunrise and leave when one could no longer see the sun. So why was she still in Rin's room?
Finally, the door began to slide open as the woman peered out. She quickly slid the door shut and began to walk down the hall with her small candle.
He waited till he could no longer hear footsteps thudding against the wooden floor. Sesshomaru entered Rin's room and slowly slid the door shut. Her once heavy breathing and thick smell of sweat was now gone.
There was a plain, wooden chair beside her bed. He had been taking watch in that chair for the past four nights… Sesshomaru once again sat down and reacquainted himself with the plain, yet comfy chair. Everything seemed surreal.
Rin had had a high fever for three days which none of the healers could ease. The idiots could only conjure up a hot drink that made her sleep longer.
They had mentioned the poison used wasn't capable of these effects. The elderly woman suggested that maybe it was a side effect from the other world.
Maybe had not been good enough. Maybe had made her scream out in pain when all were sleeping. It had made her sweat and talk feverishly in her sleep. Maybe had—
Sesshomaru felt a small tingle in his palm and realized his fist was clenched so tight his claws were digging into his flesh. He slowly released his grip and watched in annoyance as blood slowly dripped off the side of his hand.
The stinging sensation in his palm would soon disappear when new skin overlapped the thin slices.
The Inu youkai took in a deep breath as he tried to clear his senses. He could smell his pure, youkai blood and—Sesshomaru slightly cocked his head. This certainly was new.
Thinking it was coming from the garden; Sesshomaru stood slowly and turned himself to the beautiful, glass French window. The thick, heavy, red curtains had been pulled back; letting the moonlight flood in.
A/N: A French window is like two glass door window—panel—things…
The view of the garden was wonderful. Sesshomaru pushed the two glass doors open and walked onto the balcony. He took in a deep breath expecting the lovely scent to only be rewarded with the smell…of shit.
Sesshomaru hurriedly breathed out the offending scent. It made his nostrils sting. The stank was a mixture of shit, egg, mud, and dead toad.
XxX
Jaken stood frozen with fear. He was on the verge of pissing his pants. He would die now. It was all over. Once they finished removing the skin from his feet and legs, they would then slice open his middle and take out his intestines.
Jaken could still remember the last wretched soul to enter this forbidden part of the garden…
XxX
A stupid memory from Jaken.
Sakura was lying down on her side with her head rested on her elbow. The see—through fabric had a huge split, which showed her creamy, white legs. Her exotic dress was only held together with a tie around her neck and one around her slim waist.
She was waiting for Sesshomaru. Her breathing slightly quickened at the thought of him seeing her like this. She knew he would be pleased with how much of her cleavage was showing.
She would not fail like the others did. Sakura would be the mate to the Western Land's Lord. She shivered as a slight breeze touched her naked back.
A smug look spread across her face. As uncomfortable as the stone bench was, Sakura managed to still look sexy.
She made a slight gasp when she saw him. He had no shirt and looked to have been in the middle of bathing. The water glistening off his muscles and his hard breathing told her Sesshomaru was hers.
"You were not permitted to this garden." He sounded angry but his voice was too calm.
He was probably playing a game. This thought seemed to reassure her so she only smiled at him.
She slowly stood up and began to seductively walk over to him. By the way he was looking at her she knew she'd already won.
Sesshomaru's hands roughly pulled her waist toward him. He had a slight snarl on his face.
Horror suddenly filled Sakura's blue eyes. The sick realization of what was to happen to her brought out a piercing scream.
XxX
The punishment has stages… First, were humiliation and cutting down their dignity. Becoming a whore for the Lord's guest did this. Second, letting one be alone with fear till you can almost see the madness in their eyes. Next, torture that last six, agonizing, long weeks. If one is lucky, at the end of torture you will be eaten alive by wild beasts. Only if you're lucky…
They all experienced many of these stages and only one was known to become lucky. This always happens because of the rose bush.
The rose was a creamy white—to smell one was pure ecstasy.
This rose was to be given only to Lord Sesshomaru's future mate. The Inu Youkai Lords of the Western Land had all followed this small tradition ever since the beginning.
When one received a flower from these parts of the forbidden garden it meant you had shown favor in the Lord's eyes. Sesshomaru courted many bitches in his time. From what Jaken had learned none of them had ever gotten the blue flower.
So why had this disgusting female mortal earned such beauty? This would be the fifth time Sesshomaru had picked the blue flower for Rin.
Jaken had been in a state of shock when he saw the flower in Rin's room.
Maybe she has put him under some spell? Jaken thought as he let his eyes slowly wander back up to the window. No, his lord was too power—
Sesshomaru was looking directly at the bush he was hiding in. He dared not even breathe while his lord watch. There was anger flashing in Lord Sesshomaru's eyes.
XxX
There was someone down there. They looked to be covered in waterweed, mud, and in a brown dress. It was dead. He would kill that thing for entering his garden!
Just as he was about to lunge from the balcony, Sesshomaru heard a faint moan.
His anger left him quite suddenly when he realized it was Rin.
XxX
Jaken watched as his lord walked back into the room. He heard the glass doors shut with a light click.
Lost in his confusion and the silence that surrounded him, Jaken just stared at the balcony in disbelief.
Had his lord not seen him? Maybe it was a trick… Surely he would come through the entrance and surprise his prey? Or was it he was waiting for him to come out of the bush?
What was his lord doing that was more important then killing the intruder? Had the mortal awoken? Maybe he'd just realized how worthless she was and decided to finish the job.
Yes, that was it! Jaken thought as he giggled wickedly. My dear lord is probably crushing her bones.
These thoughts and images of Sesshomaru torturing and killing Rin calmed him.
"I should get cleaned up," Jaken said as he began to waddle off. "If I soak in the spring and use olive oil the scent should come off in a mere four hours!"
XxX
He stood there towering over the sleeping mortal. Three minutes had gone by and it had just clicked. She was giving off the scent. It smelled lovely and didn't become nauseating after awhile.
So the mortal's scent isn't revolting. A waste. Muck looks no better if one places a pearl atop. Only father was deceived by such poor seduction.
Sesshomaru was now sitting in the chair. Rin's sheets were a plain gray and the room had little furniture. The only thing really noticeable was the nightstand.
The blue flower looked to have been moved closer to her. He remembered his stroll past her room. She'd reawaken and began crying out in pain. The cries seized suddenly as Rin began watching something.
The door was slightly ajar and the room dark. Rin had said the light burned so they'd shut out most light. She was looking at the flower he'd put there early that morning.
"Milady, are you alright?"
"Yes…" Rin said laying back down. There was a faint smile on her lips.
"Shall I get you some tea to help you sleep?"
"No, everything is fine…now," Rin had said in a murmur as her eyelids slowly closed.
Sesshomaru had been somewhat satisfied at the sudden memory. She would be fine in the morning. This had only been a resting day for her.
The calling of a mockingbird and the sudden animal sounds outside informed him it was morning and time to dismiss himself.
XxX
"She'll be fine now?"
"We haven't found anything wrong with her yet."
Tyke gave out a sigh of relief. She'd been worried that the antidote given by Kagura had a catch.
"She's going to be fine," Fang, said in a whisper.
"You two are excused."
She began to follow her partner out the door but suddenly halted. "Elders, may I…ask you a question?"
"Go ahead child."
"Hikari will be well soon, yes?"
"Many of the Elders are tending to her as we speak."
"When she's well, what will you have her do?"
"Why, protect the stone."
Chills ran up her spine. "Thank you," she said bowing. "If I may ask just one more question…"
He gave a slight nod. "One more question. We are old and need rest."
"Do you know where I might find Alec?"
Five of the seven frowned. "We have not seen him for the past month. Was there something you needed?"
"No, I just wanted a map from the—"
"Well I'm sure Fang could take you."
"Thank you Elders."
The sun was setting now and everything was quite. She told herself to keep moving. Everything had gone numb. They didn't know where he was?
Ty could remember asking the Elders where one of the teachers had gone. They'd also said they'd not seen him.
Tyke had found Haku's body in a field, his throat cut, and legs twisted in ways that were not normal. The Elders had sent someone to murder him.
She did not want to find Alec's lifeless body in a field. Tyke was probably overreacting… There was a possibility that the Elders spoke truth.
"Ty." He rested his hand atop her shoulder. "Hikari will be fine."
She felt him turn her around. "Don't cry…"
She hadn't even realized she had been crying.
She tensed up when he kissed her forehead. It wasn't an innocent gesture of reassurance. The look in his eyes told her that.
"I'm alright now… Thank you," she mumbled. That something was again screaming at her.
Sometimes she'd see that look in his eyes. It was like his mask had slipped and she got to view the real him. Course, it was always a glimpse so she'd always brushed it off.
This was the longest glimpse she'd gotten and she wished it would go away. That something wished it would go away too.
"Ty…"
"You shouldn't use that name around here! Someone could—"
He nuzzled her neck. "We're no where near the village…it's only you and me."
Panic began to overcome her worry for Alec. She was alone with him in a forest. Ty knew he could overpower her easily. There was no escape. She began to curse the day she'd ever met him.
XxX
Flashback and et cetera
Tyke began to hum a happy tune as she walked along the river. She had been right to stop by that village. The pickings were fairly well.
Her humming came to a halt when up ahead, she saw something floating in the river.
"What is that?" she asked aloud.
When the thing drew nearer, she realized it was a girl. Ty quickly dropped the pack and jumped into the river. She quickly made her way over to the girl in white.
She pulled the girl up by the shoulder and began to swim back. Suddenly, something pulled on her leg and the water began to swirl.
"What the hell?"
There was a beam of light coming straight for them. She watched in awe as it came toward her; then everything went black...
Ty moaned slightly at the small rock wedged under her back.
"I see you're awake."
Tyke sat up and looked around. The girl was sleeping by a fire and there was a male neko youkai…
"What happened?"
"I found you partially washed up with the girl… Would you like something to drink?"
"No thanks. Thank…you for helping me."
"No need to thank me."
"I saw the child in the river and jumped in to save her… I don't remember what happened after that."
The young male was frowning. "You say you saw her in the river?"
What does he think, we fell from the sky or something? Of course the river you idiot! Is that not where you found us? "Yeah…"
"Sorry, how rude of me. My name is Ino, and you are?"
She didn't trust him. He gave her a bad feeling. "My name's…Tyke."
After spending most of the night talking, Tyke began to question why she hadn't liked the fellow… But there was that something. It was that same something that told her he shouldn't know her real name.
The next morning, they had a wonderful discussion over hot soup and tea.
"The girl still hasn't awaked," Tyke said sadly. "We'll have to bring her to healer."
Ino stopped eating. "W—healer?"
"Yes, she seems to be ill—"
"What healer?"
"I don't know…maybe in a near by village?"
Ino brightened. There's a village up this river. They have healers there. It's not very far."
"How long?"
"A days trip at the most."
"Okay then, lets go."
They spent the rest of the day just talking as they headed toward the village.
Tyke felt like she'd known him all her life.
"Well, we're here. There's the village."
Tyke looked down at the village. It looked peaceful enough. The walk through the woods and mountain had been harsh though.
Ino took a step forward. "Wait!"
"What?" he asked confusedly.
"We don't know if they'll be kind to…well, our kind."
"Oh…"
"And you did mention you didn't stay here."
"True…what do you want to do?"
"I don't want them to know my name?"
"Why?"
"They can track you down that way." Her words gushed with emotion.
Seeing that it was a sensitive area, Ino didn't push for an explanation. "Okay, well you can use that fake name; so all we really need to do is think up one for me."
"Fake name?" She stood there in a pool of shock and confusion.
"Tyke, that's not your real name, now is it? Could you tell me you're real one please?"
That something was back now and it was screaming at her. Not knowing what to do, she said the first thing that popped into her head, "Ty."
"Ty… That's a pretty name. So Ty, what should I use?"
"Fang." That was the second thing that had popped into her head.
"Okay then. Shall we go?"
"Our story?"
"Oh uh… You're my sister and we found this girl and wanted to find a healer."
What a lame story! How'd he know though… How'd he know? Tyke slightly nodded as she followed him down the hill.
A/N: Yeah, I know, speed the freak up on this flashback memory before you hurt me.
A little later on…
They were in the village now and the girl had awoken. Ino had been asked into a huge house and Tyke was to wait outside; that's when the girl woke up.
"Hey, you're awake!"
"Hikari," the girl mumbled. "Summoned from the…"
"The what?"
"They want you to come in." Ino said suddenly popping his head out the door. "Oh, she's awake. Come on T—Tyke."
"You brought us our angel!" the woman said running toward the child.
Hikari let out a scared whimper and hid behind Ty's leg. "Who're you?"
"Why I'm to be your personal—"
"Ju, the girl obviously has amnesia. Why don't you get our guests a room prepared?"
Ju nodded before trotting off.
"I'm sorry," the old man said from his seat at a long table, "but I'm afraid I've already forgotten your names."
"I'm Fang, and this is my sister…Tyke."
"Well, Fang and Tyke, thank you for saving our little girl." He looked down sadly at Hikari. "Do you remember me?"
"Hikari," she said meekly. "That's all I know."
The other men at the table began to whisper. "Silence!" They quickly shut up. "Hikari, that's okay. We'll just have to start from the beginning."
"O—okay." Hikari's small hands gripped tightly to Tyke's leg.
A lot later on…
Tyke had been informed that Hikari was guardian of a stone, which was supposed to protect the village and bring peace in some stupid prophecy. Tyke didn't trust them at all but Ari had lived here before…
Hikari had become quite attached to Ty, almost as if she were her mother. Ty couldn't deny her fondness for the child. She was a cocky, smart, witty, but at the same time, terrified little girl.
She'd been here now two weeks and Tyke had had enough of their odd customs and village life. She'd become great friends with Fang, though she still hadn't told him her real name.
"You're leaving?"
"Yes…and you too, right?"
"I think I'll stay awhile. Like you, I don't trust the Elders either."
"Then I guess I could stay awhile longer." She thought it a little odd that there was a surprised look on his face.
"Sure."
Never had Tyke thought she'd end up staying for two years. In that time, she had come to realize just how powerful and cruel the Elders really were. There was no way she'd leave Ari here.
Knowing this, Tyke had told the Elders she wanted to help in doing their work of bringing peace to the world. It was the only way she could stay at the village when they hated her so. She was only a helpful puppet to them. She despised the missions and yet, it was an escape from the village.
XxX
"In—Fang, someone might think that—"
"Say it." His grip on her shoulders tightened.
"Ino, someone is going to come. We're brother and sister here. They're going to question why…" Her voice trailed off when she felt his lips on her neck.
"I've been in love with you since our very fist mission together," he said in a whisper. He brought his head back up and looked down at her lustfully.
She wanted to scream. Ty could remember many missions. They had killed so many people on those trips… Ino was always charming the ladies at the inns. If they denied him he became angry and well… But they had been humans and she'd thought nothing of it.
"Ty…" His lips only inches from her face.
She slowly put her arms around his neck. Her hand gripped tightly at the needle. If she could just hit a certain pressure point…
(Insert loud smacking noise.)
"What the hell!" Ino was clutching the side of his head.
Tyke stared dumbly at the huge rock.
"Who threw that!" Ino asked while screaming in rage.
She could hear a rustling noise through the trees. The noise seemed to be running away from them and in the direction of the village.
"Wait here!" Ino sprinted off to catch the little wretch who'd thrown the rock and interrupted Ty and him. To think he'd almost claimed her lips…
She watched as he ran off, leaving Tyke with a dumb look on her face. Ino would probably try and cut them off at the village entrance. She silently thanked the one who had chucked the medium sized rock.
Ty smiled goofily at the rock. "Not my type of weapon or style, but…" She looked down at the sliver, five-inch needle clutched in her hand. "You and me, we're on the same page." She slightly chuckled. To think, I'm talking to a rock! I really must be losing it. But after my close encounter with Ino's lips… One would think so.
"Glad to hear it."
Tyke froze. Did that rock just speak? Shit, I am going mental.
As if to add to the insanity, a downpour of rain popped out of nowhere. It felt like a thousand freezing needles pricking her skin at once. Though the rain was cold, it didn't make her shiver like the arm that was had wrapped itself around her waist…
XxX
"Ino," the Elder said calmly.
"Yes?" He gave a slight bow.
"Alec is missing and he knows."
"What would you like me to do?" The worry in his tone was strong.
"Find him."
Ino smiled wickedly. "Shall I bring you back his head?"
"No, just find out where he is, then report it immediately."
"Of course master."
"Where is Tyke?"
"Ty is…"
"You shall have her once Alec is dealt with. Do not forget your duty comes first." He shook his head slowly. "Naraku wasn't supposed to give Hikari back… After all, she is his guardian."
"Master?" His brow furrowed as a confused look spread across his face.
"Find Alec. He knows what the stone is. It will cause a calamity if this is heard by the wrong ears." Did Naraku think we would not bring him the stone later? Does he think so lowly of us? A soul does not…
"If I may ask?"
"Yes?"
"If Alec has been missing for a month, would he not have already left?"
"He…has his reasons." The smile on his lips was cold and nasty.
Ino nodded. "Thank you master."
XxX
I would really like to know what you guys think. A lot of the next chapter will be focused on Sessh/Rin. Also, would you rather have me do shorter chapters but quicker updates?
I went through and reread what I've written and I'm surprised any of you are still reading this. Chapter two and three are total crap. I could've done those better for you. They need to be edited. Thank you so much for the tips, reviews, and funny comments. You guys are awesome.
RACE WITH TIME AND WAR copyright © 2005 by 1-Psycho-Kitty. All rights reserved.