Chapter Eight
Sesshomaru didn't say a word, just studied his opponent. In some ways this reminded him of his fight with Inuyasha. What irony? He waited for Yukiomaru to make his move.
That bastard! He shows no expression at all. I'm more powerful than him and he looks at me like I'm a pup. Well, time to end this sortie and maybe by defeating him the people will choose me to be their leader. Yes, its time to make them respect me.
Yukiomaru rushed forward and surprised Sesshomaru. He just managed to get out of the way but Yukiomaru didn't let up. Claws reached for Sesshomaru time and again. Now Sesshomaru was feeling the pressure and Yukiomaru was enjoying himself. Watching carefully he anticipated which way Sesshomaru would move and sent out a paw that knocked him to the ground.
Motoko gasped and stepped forward but Sesshomaru jumped up and away before Yukiomaru could do anything else. As she watched Sesshomaru's eyes turned red and she knew the battle was about to come to a head. What would he do? Would he transform?
It was time to end this. Jumping high Sesshomaru tightened his grip on the Tokijin and called on its power. Blue lightning poured out and slashed Yukiomaru. The large dog demon howled in pain but moved forward to attack again. Sesshomaru didn't let him. The Tokijin again served Yukiomaru some punishment. Two more times, Sesshomaru did this and unable to withstand the attacks, Yukiomaru fell hard to the ground. As he lay there he transformed back to human form.
Moving closer, Sesshomaru lowered his sword. "Now you have seen real power."
Dazed eyes looked at Sesshomaru, "You're nothing like your father and you have only one arm and still you beat me. That Naraku said I could do anything as long as I had the jewel shard. Never believed … I couldn't…win."
"Where is Naraku? Is he near?" Sesshomaru demanded. "Tell me what you know."
Yukiomaru laughed harshly. "Ha, even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you. He said you might come around. He said…to tell you… 'Things would be different, the next time we meet.'" Blood trickled from his mouth. "I hope the two of you kill each other." Again he laughed.
Sesshomaru stared at him a moment longer then raised his sword. The crowd watched as blue lightning exploded from the sword and Yukiomaru was no more. The sword made an arc in the air before once again resting against Sesshomaru's hip. There on the ground was a single jewel shard. He bent and picked it up and stared at it. Damn Naraku.
Motoko went to him smiling widely. When she stood before him, she lowered her head. My lord, you were amazing. I…" Her words were cut short as Sesshomaru's arm circled her waist and brought her to his chest.
"Did I…perform satisfactorily?" He stared at her with that half smile of his.
Motoko's voice became husky as her hands framed his face. "Yes. You did very well." Both ignored the laughing and cheering as they kissed.
They were in Motoko's home sitting together relaxing. Sesshomaru had his arm around her. It was early evening and outside could be heard the sounds of people restoring the village to its former luster and ridding it of any traces of wolves and bats.
Everyone knew who it was that had saved them and all sang his praises. He endured the fuss for a while then had wanted a place where they could be alone.
"Thank you. All are grateful that you came to help." She cupped his jaw and brought her lips to his. The kiss was tender and she shivered, even now she could feel the power in him. For a long while they were silent, she with her head on his chest.
"My lord, lady?" Jaken could be heard coming down the hall. "Ah, Lord Sesshomaru?" He made sure to call out not wanting to walk in on something.
"Jaken." Sesshomaru said with an edge to his voice.
Nervously Jaken entered the room. "Heh, there you are. The elders wish to thank you by having a feast tomorrow, my lord. There was also talk of asking you to stay permanently." Sesshomaru just looked at him. "Of course we won't be staying but I told them I would tell you of their wishes. Could we stay for the feast my lord?" When Sesshomaru nodded, Jaken laughed at his good fortune to be around such beautiful demons a little longer. He left quickly finally noticing he'd interrupted them.
Sesshomaru did stay and allowed the people to praise him. The elders told him of his father and all the great things he did and how it looked like Sesshomaru would turn out to be like him. He took the words in but did not acknowledge them; he would make a name for himself and not be just his father's son. Many wanted him to stay and join their clan but he refused.
They spent one more night in Motoko's village. She and Sesshomaru were in her bed talking. "Are you sure you can't stay longer, with me?"
"No, Rin is waiting."
"You could bring her here. I'm sure the others would accept her knowing that you are her guardian. Besides she's a likable girl for a human."
"No and not just because I don't want to bring her here where someone might hold a grudge against her because she is human but I have to find Naraku and destroy him." Sesshomaru sat up and leaned back against the pillows.
Motoko moved to face him, "What about me? I am yours now – for as long as you want me."
He stared at her, her hair was disheveled and some flowed over her shoulder to hide one breast. She was lovely and yes she was his. "Motoko you are mine. Forever. This place means nothing to me. I will find my path and make my own way."
She felt a thrill to hear him say that she was his but felt sad he couldn't make this his home. He was looking for something and she didn't think that he even knew what it was. Motoko made her decision, for she could make no other.
"Then I will come with you and I'll help you find your path."
Sesshomaru was silent as he reached out and took her hand. "No. You are needed here now. It willtake timebefore things are back to normal. Later when the village is safe, protected – come to me." He pulled her to him and kissed her fiercely. They slid back down on the bed and began to make love again.
"Oh thank you, thank you!" Jaken called out to everyone. He was dragging a sack full of food and presents. They were on their way back to Rin. He couldn't wait to tell her about the fight and all these dog demons. Their beauty was too much to comprehend. "I 'm happy to receive, I mean Lord Sesshomaru is happy for all your gifts, he'll treasure them. Take care, maybe we'll be by this way again!" Jaken grunted and pulled the sack along.
Motoko and Sesshomaru were just outside the village where everyone had followed to see them off. She was going to go with them and say goodbye to Rin.
"Are you sure you wouldn't like to stay?" Someone asked.
"No, I have business to take care of. If you don't want something like this to happen again, you'd better see to your defenses." Sesshomaru stared at them and they returned shocked looks, not expecting the criticism.
The elder straightened and nodded, "We will protect what's ours."
"Good." Sesshomaru turned and followed Jaken, Motoko at his side.
"Ah-Un, do you think they'll be back today? I didn't think they'd be gone this long. I hope things weren't worse than Lady Motoko had said." Rin was leaning against the dragon as the sat by the pond. She been with Aoki earlier and had apparently talked too much because she'd been told to go play.
"I miss them and without Jaken around there's no one to play with." She began humming as she twined flowers together.
Ah-Un's heads were down and he was dozing when he sensed his master's presence. Both heads came up and they sounded a greeting. Rin didn't look away from her flowers until a shadow fell over her. Up jerked her head and a smile blossomed on her face.
"Lord Sesshomaru! You're back!" She jumped up and went to him. She grabbed at his pants and laughed up at him.
"Rin," He place a hand on her head and gave her that slight smile of his. "You are well?"
"Oh yes! I'm fine now that you're back." She looked around him and saw Lady Motoko and Jaken pulling something. "Lady Motoko – you're here too! Hey Jaken!"
Motoko reached them and smiled down at the child. "Hi Rin, we've come back victorious. Lord Sesshomaru fought a magnificent battle."
"Of course he did. And you Master Jaken, how did you fair?"
Breathing heavily Jaken let go of the sack and sat on the ground. He wanted to tell her all that happened but was just too pooped. "I … did… great. As did the lady." He fell onto his back.
Rin couldn't be happier, they were all together again and maybe Lady Motoko would be staying with them too. She was with her family.
Motoko stayed with them there for a few days before Sesshomaru decided it was time to start hunting Naraku again. She would join up with them as soon as things were better back in her village.
"We're heading towards the Ox and tiger." They were out in the garden close to the barrier.
"I'll follow when I'm able, my lord." She turned to the two little ones. "Jaken serve our lord well and Rin," She bent down to the child, "Continue to smile for him, yes?"
Rin nodded and watched as the two kissed goodbye. She hoped Lady Motoko would return soon. It was kinda like having a mom and a dad when they were together.
After Motoko left they too prepared to leave. Sesshomaru bid the guardians of the house farewell and they took supplies for Rin and Jaken and then they too were on their way.
"Rin, I want you to hold this for me." Sesshomaru handed over the jewel shard.
"Oh! You want me to carry it?" The little girl felt important holding the shiny jewel.
"Yes, I entrust it to you." He walked beside Ah-Un and looked to the road.
"My lord, won't Naraku send one of his demons for the shard. Should we let Rin hold it?" Jaken was thinking of the samiyosho and didn't want to get close to them again.
"We won't be keeping it. Soon I'm sure we'll come across Inuyasha, we'll give it over to him and let him deal with it."
"Excellent plan my lord, let Naraku chase after them!"
Sesshomaru didn't have any clues as to where Naraku was and maybe his little brother had more information, if he did, he'd take it from him.
Sesshomaru tall, handsome, with his hair flowing out behind him led his little group forward – on the search for Naraku. He would take his life.