A/N: Heigh ho, back again. Thank you so much to those who reviewed and to those who put this story on their 'favourites' or 'alerts' lists. I'm very flattered. Well, this was supposed to be a fast chapter, having been planned ages ago. However, the musings of a dog demon were ever a challenge... (sigh) Yes, this chapter is all Sesshoumaru. I hope it appeals. ;)
Important note to manga fans: Before you read the chapter, let me reassure you that (1) A Matter of Honour takes place well before certain events depicted in the more recent issues of the InuYasha manga from Japan and (2) it will not contradict the canon (manga or anime) in any way. Promise. :) If any manga followers have questions or concerns, please contact me via private message -- let's keep spoilers out of the review page, eh? Thanks.
Disclaimer: The characters of the anime InuYasha are the property of Takahashi Rumiko/Shogakukan and Yomiuri TV Sunrise 2000. I do lay claim, however, to Aine and Lon. And, Kakusamaru.
Chapter Eight: The Difference Between Need and Choice
Jaken had had better days.
As he followed his master into the forest-covered foothills, the little demon reflected (and, not for the first time) upon his mother's long ago advice on a career choice. Life as a ferryman would surely not be so stressful, he thought. In fact, it would probably be a very peaceful existence, just meandering back and forth across some quiet waterway...
He shook his head, dispelling the idyllic image from his mind. Then he stifled a groan, for that ill-considered movement had forcibly reminded him of just how sore his head was. Keeping a wary eye on the irate dog demon striding ahead of him, he reached up to gingerly feel the large lump gracing his forehead. At least, he noted, it had finally begun to diminish in size.
The kappa sighed softly. Of course, he admitted to himself, his musings were utter nonsense. If given the opportunity to relive that day – the day he had chosen to follow Lord Sesshoumaru – he knew that he would not hesitate to take the same path. The moment he had first laid eyes on the aristocratic taiyokai, he had been drawn to his demon greatness as a moth to a flame. He had never ceased to be grateful that Sesshoumaru had not only tolerated his presence but had even occasionally made use of him. To have his destiny linked, however tenuously, with that of such a powerful demon was an honour Jaken would never discard.
No, the kappa's desire to be somewhere far, far away had simply been born out of feelings of frustration. Rin's condition had him well and truly flummoxed and, if his master had any theories about what had happened to her, he had thus far not bothered to share them with his loyal servant.
In fact, the only time Lord Sesshoumaru had spoken to him that morning had been to order him to break camp at dawn. This in itself was not unusual, since the taiyokai was hardly the loquacious type; but, Jaken also knew that questions and comments regarding serious matters usually merited some response from his lord, however terse. Yet, when the kappa had tried to broach the subject of Rin's 'affliction', he had been met with a cold silence. When he had unwisely persisted, his current headache had been the result.
Jaken had concluded that the matter was not open to discussion.
Nevertheless, the little demon felt that it was rather unfair that only he had been on the receiving end of the master's displeasure. Especially when it was Ah-Un who was with Rin when, well... it... happened. With this grumpy thought, Sesshoumaru's retainer cast a resentful glance over his shoulder at the dragon yokai.
The head called Un noticed this attention, and looked down at the diminutive demon; it was unaffected by his scowl, however, and soon rejoined its fellow in watching the path and the dog demon before them. Jaken's gaze then went to the small passenger seated on Ah-Un's back, and his expression became more subdued. The child's position had not changed since they had set out, he saw. Rin continued to stare blankly ahead, taking no notice of her surroundings.
Morosely winding and unwinding the dragon's reins in his clawed hands, the kappa allowed himself another brief sigh as he reviewed the happenings of the previous night.
Though the terrified kappa had prudently remained prostrate in the face of his master's anger, his innate curiosity had gotten the better of him. Thus, he had covertly watched as Sesshoumaru had looked into the little girl's eyes, and he had noticed the expression which had briefly crossed the taiyokai's face. As well, Jaken had seen the dog demon's cold, golden eyes narrow in speculation as, upon standing, his gaze had moved from Rin to Ah-Un and back. Over the years, the intelligent little yokai had become very adept at reading his master's moods (a skill well-honed by his own survival instincts) – in that moment, he had realised that the powerful inu yokai had deduced... something. However, before Jaken could summon the courage to ask his lord what he would do next, Sesshoumaru had turned and disappeared into the dark forest.
Having been spared a punishment he had thought certain, Jaken had then been determined to be of some use to his master in his absence. Following some deep, bracing breaths to calm his racing heart, the kappa had risen and had once again tried to bring Rin out of her strange trance. When he finally acknowledged this task to be futile, he had focussed instead on at least making the girl eat. But, despite much coaxing and pleading, those efforts had also failed.
Yet, I can get her to move, the little demon reflected, remembering how, with only a little pushing and some straightforward commands from himself, Rin had clambered woodenly into Ah-Un's saddle that morning. It's as I told Lord Sesshoumaru last night – she's like a... a puppet.
Jaken then acknowledged a grim reality he had been trying to deny. Her heart beats... and, she breathes. So, she is alive. But, if she won't eat or drink... how much longer will that be the case? The kappa was surprised at just how much this thought disturbed him.
His eyes returned to the tall dog demon walking ahead of him. The taiyokai's demonic aura no longer swirled the air about him in anger – in fact, it had been quiescent since his return to their campsite at dawn. Nevertheless, there was a feeling of quiet menace coming from the dog demon that told Jaken he should continue to hold his tongue. He was certain now that his master had spent the previous night searching for Rin's unknown attacker, and that he, too, had been unsuccessful. That, Jaken surmised, would certainly explain his temper...
But then, the little demon wondered... was their enemy truly unknown?
Given the challenge they had received only the morning before, Jaken had not failed to consider that Naraku might be tied to Rin's loss of faculties, even though there had been no trace of his or any other demon's scent in the area, or on the girl herself. And, since they were continuing to travel westward, it was obvious that, in spite of Rin's condition, Lord Sesshoumaru still considered the serpent-demons significant. Surely, thought Jaken, my lord has drawn a similar conclusion...?
Sesshoumaru's expression was utterly impassive as he strode through the summer-green forest. Inwardly, however, he was seething with indignation and a fierce, burning anger. Jaken's decision to remain quiet had been a wise one, for, at the moment, his master would have had scant toleration for any distraction.
The taiyokai was hunting.
Though he seemed to watch only the woodland trail directly ahead, the dog demon's sharp, golden eyes were alert for any movement that might seem out of place – he took note of every soft woodland sound, every faint scent on the warm, morning breeze rustling through the leaves of the trees surrounding them... and, any hint of a jaki, no matter how weak. So far, however, he had detected no sign of any demon, serpent or otherwise.
What do you want, Naraku? came the taiyokai's furious thought. What possible benefit do you stand to reap by these manoeuvres?
Even though there had been no trace of the tainted hanyo upon Rin, it was too great a coincidence that a brazen attack upon the child should occur on the same day that Naraku had chosen to challenge him openly with a swarm of base serpent yokai. Sesshoumaru did not believe in coincidences. He did, however, believe in his own skills in deductive reasoning and, more importantly, in his instincts. And, when he had looked into Rin's dull, staring eyes, his instincts had reacted – vehemently. In that moment, a probable reason behind the child's enthralment had occurred to him – one that was well-suited to Naraku's devious ways.
Whenever I look into her eyes... the feeling is the same – and, unmistakable. I know what you are doing, vermin. You have lost your advantage.
That his enemy had not meant for him to make this deduction had become more evident when he had detected that slight change in Rin's scent. No doubt he had been meant to do so – he suspected that it was a decoy, placed there to cause confusion.
Still... a demon worm...? The scent and Rin's behaviour make it plausible, but... Sesshoumaru would have been far more satisfied with this conclusion if he had known how such a creature had managed to infect Rin. He was well aware that demon worms were merely the tools of a worm-charmer – a minor, insignificant yokai. That being the case, what had become of the creature?
He frowned. Even Jaken is a match for such a being.
His servant's claim that there had been no sign of Rin's attacker had at first had little merit with the dog demon. For, even if the kappa had somehow failed to detect the intruder, Ah-Un was another matter entirely – that a demon worm-charmer had managed to slip past the two-headed dragon made no sense, for Ah-Un was extremely sensitive to its environment and highly protective of Rin.
Because he had realised the previous night that the dragon had been on edge, despite its seemingly quiet demeanor as it stood near the stricken child, the taiyokai had not agreed with Jaken's statement that Ah-Un had detected nothing. Thus, he had undertaken his own reconnaissance of the area surrounding the camp. But, the woodland had yielded no clues and, if his assessment of Rin was correct (and he did not see how it could be otherwise), he should have found a scent, a residue of a jaki... But, there had been nothing.
Therefore, he would listen to his instincts. It had certainly not been the influence of a mere worm-charmer alone which had caused them to flare with warning. He knew how Rin was being used – the question was, how had the girl been ensorcelled for that purpose?
The dog demon suppressed a low growl. He, Sesshoumaru, would not tolerate being led in a circle. Every puzzle has a solution, he thought angrily. It is merely a matter of analysis...
He then turned his mind to the second reason behind Rin's condition. For, indeed, she is being used as a pawn in two ways. Only, this second purpose I was meant to see.
Rin was alive – his senses proclaimed this fact to him. But, like his servant, Sesshoumaru also knew that held in thrall as she was, with her body denied sustenance, she would not remain alive for long.
Meaning, that there is a time constraint to this absurd farce. Apparently, his enemy was banal enough to presume that the threat of Rin's imminent demise could be used to force a demon as powerful as himself to follow some predetermined schedule.
Once again, his enemy was being 'obvious'.
Of course, there was one thing Naraku could not have included in his calculations: the Tenseiga. The scheming hanyo could not know that, if Rin did die, the sword forged of the Great Dog Demon's fang could revive her. Thus, the Tenseiga should have given Sesshoumaru the upper hand, except...
The taiyokai could not deny or ignore his past actions. It had never mattered that he could use the Tenseiga to restore a departed soul to its vessel – when Rin had been in danger of injury or death in the past, he still had not hesitated to save her from harm.
With this thought, a growl again threatened to make itself heard. I shall not be one of your shougi pieces, half-demon.
The dog demon had no doubt that it was his willingness to safeguard the child on which his enemy was counting. His eyes now flashed with fury at the thought that Naraku would dare to try to manipulate him in such a manner again.
I, Sesshoumaru, have no need to protect anyone.
So he had said to his father centuries ago – so (he firmly told himself) he still believed. He had never forced Rin to travel with him. She did so of her own free will and, since the child had made her loyalties clear, yes, he protected her – but, not out of any 'need' on his part. No... he had simply chosen to do so. And, because he had made this decision, it would be an affront to his honour if Rin was harmed in any way.
There is a distinct difference... between need and choice.
Sesshoumaru abruptly concluded this uncomfortable line of thought as his gaze moved upwards. A slight furrow appeared below the crescent moon on his forehead as he looked at the brightly shining sun which was almost directly overhead. He had already realised that, with the full heat of summer upon them, water deprivation would take Rin long before she would feel the effects of starvation. In fact, the dog demon did not think the human child would last beyond a few days.
And, when her body started to deteriorate... would he then use the Tenseiga to heal her flesh, to reverse the damage caused by dehydration? Or, would that only prolong any suffering she might endure? For, as long as she was still controlled by an outside force, the pattern would simply repeat itself... and her body would fail again...
'Lord Sesshoumaru? Um... ah... your pardon, my lord?'
The tentatively asked question coming from the kappa was almost welcomed by the dog demon, for he did not care for the direction his thoughts were insisting on taking. Still frowning, Sesshoumaru turned his head slightly and regarded his servant out of the corner of his eye.
Jaken blanched and steeled himself for another blow to the head. He knew that he was taking a chance by addressing the irate taiyokai, but he had felt that it was necessary – the kappa did not like the changes he was seeing in Rin. As the day had become warmer, she had grown pale and Jaken had just noticed that the her lips were beginning to look dry. It was this which had prompted the little demon to gamble that the hours that had passed since he had last spoken had served to buffer his master's anger.
'What is it?' asked Sesshoumaru, looking forward once more.
Jaken sagged with relief. Thank goodness... He's talking to me again. A fleeting look of concern crossed his face as he continued. 'My lord... Rin has not drunk any water since yesterday.'
'Of course. You've already maintained that she will not drink,' responded the dog demon, as he continued to stride forward.
'Yes, Master... but, perhaps, I could try again...?'
Sesshoumaru did not reply, and Jaken lapsed into silence. Nevertheless, after another hour had passed, the dog demon's course changed slightly and the kappa heard the sound of flowing water.
They entered a mossy glade surrounded by tall, ancient trees. The air temperature was noticeably cooler within the space, for not only did the trees provide shade, but the brook cascading down the rocky slope before them came from a spring and the water was ice cold. Jaken knew that, even if Rin still would not drink, at least her symptoms of heat stress would abate in this place.
As Jaken ordered the human child down from Ah-Un's back and steered her toward the brook, he dared to ask his master if they would continue to travel toward the west. The stony glare he received in response caused his beaked mouth to snap shut. Resigning himself to further reticence from his master, he was about to turn back to the unnaturally silent child, when Sesshoumaru spoke.
'Jaken. Come with me.'
'Yes, my lord. Right away,' replied the startled kappa. Leaving Rin under the watchful eyes of the two-headed dragon, a puzzled but very intrigued Jaken hurried to follow Sesshoumaru out of the glade.
Early that morning, Jaken had not thought that his day could be any worse. How wrong he had been...
When Sesshoumaru had taken him aside and had curtly informed him of his theories regarding Rin, the little demon had been incredulous at first. But, very quickly he had realised the validity of his master's deductions. Though his own sense of smell was sharp, it could not compare to that of an inu yokai – and, as he reviewed his vast knowledge of demon lore, Jaken agreed that the scent Lord Sesshoumaru had perceived clinging to Rin could easily belong to the creature he suspected.
A demon worm certainly explains the child's puppet-like behaviour, thought the perplexed kappa. My lord is right, however. What of the charmer? Even I should have been able to scent him. And, if Rin's soul is under the control of a worm, how can we free her without the charmer's jar to lure and capture the parasite? For, it can't be destroyed – not without also harming Rin...
With this thought, Sesshoumaru's retainer turned his bulbous eyes to the little girl who now sat before a crackling campfire, steam rising from her still-damp clothes. Ah-Un had lain down behind her, its huge body providing a very effective barrier to the cool night wind.
Much to his own bemusement, Jaken found himself wishing she would say something. So often in the past, the small yokai had wished that Rin would cease her child's prattle, especially when she had been reciting some repetitious little song or word game. Now, however, he found he did not care for her enforced silence.
Is any part of Rin still in there? he wondered as he watched the unmoving girl. He shook his head as he put another stick on the fire.
Rin had been thoroughly soaked when a thundershower had swept across the foothills during the afternoon. Jaken had welcomed the rain, for it had cooled the air and had eased the stress the earlier heat had put on the child. But, with nightfall, the temperature had dropped even more, and Jaken had begun to worry instead that Rin would soon be threatened by hypothermia. Before he could voice his concerns, however, Sesshoumaru had stopped and had ordered him to make camp.
To Jaken's surprise, the dog demon had not left their camp that night. Instead, Sesshoumaru now sat on a larger boulder to the far right of the child. The taiyokai was silent – however, his cool and calculating gaze occasionally rested on the little girl. Jaken kept his own thoughts to himself – now that he was aware of his master's suspicions, the little demon knew that Sesshoumaru would discuss nothing of importance in front of Rin.
The kappa emitted a soft huff of annoyance as he remembered his (yet again) failed attempt to get the child to drink. Though he had expected it to happen, Jaken had still been frustrated at the sight of the water, which he had so carefully wrung from his sleeve into Rin's mouth, trickling out again to soak the front of her kimono.
Lord Sesshoumaru is right – whatever is to be gained by subjecting Rin to this... this possession, time is a factor. A wave of outrage then gripped the little demon, that the perpetrator of their dilemma should have the temerity to so insult Lord Sesshoumaru. He had no doubt that his master would have his retribution for this affront. If only he, his loyal servant, could do something to help. Surely, he thought, there had to be some way to free the child...
Then, Jaken wondered: Perhaps, Rin can free herself? Maybe... a different kind of stimulation is needed?
Inspired, the kappa decided he had nothing to lose.
Jaken rose and moved toward the entranced girl. Sesshoumaru offered no comment on his servant's sudden activity; the dog demon's eyes showed a glimmer of interest, however, when he perceived the small demon's intent.
Reaching beneath the edge of the child's collar, Jaken grasped the thong which was tied about her neck. Tugging on the thin strip of leather, he pulled forth a small cloth bag from beneath the child's kimono. The kappa's face showed his disgust as he grasped the small sachet – he did not care for the odour of the herb within it (the smell did not have the best of associations for him), but he knew Rin was very attached to the gift she had received the previous autumn from the foreign human. The little demon hoped now that it might serve to draw her out of her trance.
His expression showing his determination, Jaken held the bag of 'lah-van-dar' under Rin's nose and studied her closely for any change in her demeanour.
Sesshoumaru was also watching the child, although he doubted Jaken's experiment would yield any results. Still, the taiyokai conceded to himself, it was worth trying. As he himself knew, scents could provide a powerful trigger for memories. If some part of Rin's consciousness was still aware, then, perhaps...
The dog demon's gaze was drawn to the little linen bag in his retainer's clawed hand; his golden eyes narrowed in contemplation. It occurred to him in that moment that he would not be adverse to the Dé Danann healer's presence, if such a thing could have been possible.
The lady would be... an asset.
Sesshoumaru was very familiar with Aine's ability to 'read' another's life-force, having experienced it himself first-hand. Her level of skill had earned his respect – something rarely bestowed by the dog demon. If anyone could confirm once and for all that my deductions about the child's condition are correct...
Suddenly annoyed with himself, Sesshoumaru abruptly dismissed these musings.
Hnh. Ridiculous. Aine Ní Airmed was in distant Éire and inaccessible – it was utterly pointless to consider a strategy unavailable to him.
He realised then that Jaken's efforts were proving fruitless. Rin was not responding to the healer's gift, though, now that the wind shifted, the dog demon could certainly detect its scent. Sesshoumaru frowned and stood – it was time, he decided, to put a halt to his servant's performance. Before he spoke, however, he became aware of another scent on the wind.
Jaken quickly looked up when his master rose to his feet. 'Are you leaving, my lord?' he asked. Then, he read the dog demon's posture... and dove for cover.
Sesshoumaru turned swiftly, his form a blur as his arm extended out and back in a fluid, sweeping arc. A stream of white demonic energy shot from his index and middle fingers and curved toward the darkness beyond the campfire. Jaken bleated as the inu yokai's whip of light lashed above his head to cut through the nearby trees. Then, a low chuckle came from the darkness beyond.
'I'm impressed, Lord Sesshoumaru,' said a soft voice. 'But then, I expected to be.'
Jaken saw his master's expression as the dog demon stared toward the source of the voice and doubted that the unknown speaker would be long for this world.
Soft footfalls were suddenly heard as someone, still unseen, moved toward them. Then, the kappa blinked in shock at the black-garbed stranger who stepped boldly into the firelight. Pale blue skin stood out in sharp relief against the dark silk of his clothes, as did his gleaming white hair which was pulled back from fine-boned, almost delicate features. It had seemed, Jaken thought, as if the very shadows had parted to emit him.
As the unknown yokai paused and bowed low, the little kappa caught his scent and scowled with outrage, immediately understanding what manner of being had approached them. But, he thought, his scent is so faint! He's standing right in front of me, and I can barely detect it. Just how close did he get before even Lord Sesshoumaru noticed him?
Meanwhile, the newcomer kept his head bowed submissively. 'I beg of you, mighty taiyokai... do not be hasty,' he murmured. 'After all, I, Kakusamaru, only wish to be of assistance to you.'
Sesshoumaru's eyes became glacial as he regarded the impudent creature before him. His scent might be almost non-existent, but it was unmistakable. 'You wish to 'assist' me, spawn of Naraku?' The dog demon raised one elegant eyebrow. 'An absurd claim.'
Kakusamaru raised his head. His features showed only passivity. Within, however, he acknowledged to himself a very real fear of this powerful demon. That whip of light... it had come far too close to completing its task, for Sesshoumaru had detected him sooner than he had anticipated. The inu yokai, he knew, could crush him like a bug.
Naraku's pale incarnation smiled ingratiatingly. 'Perhaps, you might find it so, my lord,' said Kakusamaru. 'That one such as I would presume to approach a demon of your greatness.'
Jaken snorted to hear the incarnation's flattery, furious that this lowly being would dare to try to curry his master's favour. 'A bold creature,' the little demon muttered angrily. Does this Kakusamaru think my lord would be deceived by such flowery speech?
Kakusamaru heard this comment, and was irritated by it. However, he hid his anger, keeping a smile fixed firmly on his face as he continued. 'I am merely Naraku's reluctant messenger, my lord taiyokai.'
Ah-Un rumbled softly then. From the corner of his eye, the dog demon saw one of the dragon's heads hovering protectively over the still, kneeling child at its feet as the other watched their 'visitor'. He considered his next move carefully. This blue-skinned sycophant had appeared for a reason, and Sesshoumaru did not believe for a minute that it was to be of 'assistance'.
'Cease this prevarication and state your purpose.' Sesshoumaru's voice was low and dispassionate but, as he spoke, he raised his hand. His knuckles cracked ominously and, for only a moment, a faint, green glow hovered about his sharp, claw-like nails.
'Very well,' replied Kakusamaru, with a brief grimace. He had been told of those poisonous claws and knew he had to tread warily if he wished to live even to see the morning. After all, he thought with annoyance, The morning brings with it yet another task... 'Naraku has bade me to tell you that he knows what has befallen your young companion, Lord Sesshoumaru – and, who is responsible.'
'I see,' replied the dog demon. 'And, assuming that this information even interests me, what can that vermin hope to gain by imparting it?'
'Why, only your destruction, my lord.'
At this, Jaken spoke up, for the kappa's sense of outrage could stand no more of the strange yokai's audacious speech.
'How dare you?!' exclaimed Jaken. 'Naraku could never hope to overpower Lord Sesshoumaru! Why else has he hidden himself so thoroughly that even my lord hasn't been... able... to...' The kappa's words faded into silence when he realised what he was saying. Now, he realised, was not the time to bring up his master's lack of success in tracking Naraku. He didn't have to look at the dog demon to know that he was being regarded with less than charitable intentions.
Kakusamaru smirked. 'Indeed. But, Naraku has found a powerful ally. It is she who has taken control of the child, Lord Sesshoumaru. If you wish to free your ward, then you must go to the Lake of Tears.'
'The Lake of Tears?' The dog demon lowered his hand and frowned – he had heard of such a place once... long ago.
'Yes.' Kakusamaru nodded, relieved that he had the powerful demon's attention. 'It lies between the two large peaks to the west. There you will find Taka, who rules the lakeshore at night. It is of no use to seek her during the day, for she abhors the sunlight. I was to tell you this much. However, I can offer more. As I said, I wish to be of assistance.'
Sesshoumaru said nothing in response. His stare, the blue-skinned demon had noticed, had become, if anything, more predatory. Nevertheless, an inwardly very tense Kakusamaru continued, knowing that it was imperative that the dog demon hear the rest.
'Simply put,' he said then, 'Naraku has my obedience only because he holds my beating heart in his hand. My loyalty, however, is to myself and to my continued survival. I would prefer that Naraku's plan to destroy you not succeed. For, if one day you manage to destroy him, then I shall have my freedom.'
Sesshoumaru's frown deepened at these words. He remembered how Kagura, the wind sorceress, had spoken similarly when she had tried to bribe him in the hope that he would destroy Naraku for her. So, he thought, this pathetic yokai seeks to use me as well?
'Hnh,' responded the dog demon scornfully. 'Your 'freedom' not my concern.'
'Oh, I know,' said Kakusamaru, his lips suddenly forming a brief, self-satisfied smirk. 'But, it is my concern. Therefore, Lord Sesshoumaru, heed my words. It is neither demon nor mortal which has possessed the child. The mistress of the Lake of Tears is a wraith – a spirit – and, as such, may be deadly even to a demon of your power.'
At this, Kakusamaru bowed again. Then, looking up and offering an unctuous smile, he said softly. 'And, now that I, a humble messenger, have completed my task, I only need to ask if you wish me to convey a reply to my master?'
'A reply.' Sesshoumaru's voice was low, and he suddenly smiled as he regarded his enemy's incarnation. Seeing this, Jaken moved even closer to Rin and Ah-Un where he knew he would be safe.
'I only have one reply for the collection of rejected demons that is Naraku,' said the dog demon. He again raised his hand.
Kakusamaru leapt back, emitting a startled hiss as he barely evaded the corrosive poison which sprayed forth from the taiyokai's claws. Then, the pale messenger was gone, swallowed once again by the darkness of the night.
Jaken gaped at the melted crater which marked the spot where Naraku's creature had just stood. 'Why did you let him escape, Lord Sesshoumaru?' asked the curious kappa.
'So that he could deliver my reply,' answered the dog demon. His expression once more coldly aloof, Sesshoumaru returned to his former seat.
Jaken, however, gave every impression that he had found the information they had just gained very unsettling. The idea of a ghost being involved was less than appealing to him. He believed that the obnoxious Kakusamaru had been right – spirits and ghosts were in a league of their own. Even Lord Sesshoumaru would have to take care facing such a danger.
'Jaken.'
'Y-Yes, Master?' answered the little demon.
'We shall leave in the morning.'
'Yes, Master.'
And, thought the dog demon, I shall see this Lake of Tears for myself.
A/N: Some trivia -- 'shougi' is the Japanese version of chess. A friend of mine once referred to Naraku as a chessmaster, so I thought it an appropriate metaphor for Sesshoumaru to use. And, regarding demon worms and their charmers... those in the dark may refer to Episode 28 of the anime: Miroku Falls Into A Dangerous Trap.
Next: Aine cannot ignore the news that there is illness in Kenji's village, so she will be joining the Inu crew on their journey toward the Lake of Tears. Of course, where she goes, Lon goes, too -- resulting in a delighted kitsune and a grumpy hanyo...
