Sesshoumaru had always been an early riser. As a demon, he could easily go days without sleep. Weeks, if he was pushing it.
His superior body was always at work, healing and mending, if not improving, even when he was at rest. All demons had this ability to some extent, but he was exceptionally adept at achieving perfection; and once reached, he enhanced even further. It was perpetual, setting the bar at the top, and seeing to surpassing it. It occurred naturally, and with minimal effort.
So when a snake demon tore through the village with the force of a hurricane in the wee hours of day break, being startled from his sleep was a very new experience.
He had been the first to bed, opting to forgo unpleasant conversation with his newly acquired pack mates, in hopes of rising early and getting a start on his search for Rin. But as much as he hated to admit it, he badly needed the rest as well. Everything hurt.
Never had his body ached as it did at present. His muscles were sore. His bones felt heavy. And the bruised skin at his face in particular throbbed incessantly, and without respite. He had never much considered what a human body would require to get itself back to an acceptable state. He always knew they were weak, but had never mulled over what exactly it entailed to recover, or how long it would take.
But he had been through pain before. He could endure. And he vowed to never allow any pathetic mortal to be privy to his discomfort. He could compartmentalize, and push past it. It was mind over matter. And with a few days rest, he hoped to be beyond the worst of it.
But not two hours into his slumber, he awoke with a start. Another nightmare.
Much like the one he had the night before, he was given visions of Rin being tortured and abused by that pack of malicious tiger demons. The pool of sweat he marinated in was nothing compared to the discomfort of the crippling new emotions he found himself riddled with. Namely guilt, and inadequacy.
She was his to protect. His to care for. She relied on him for her safety. She trusted him.
And he had failed her.
The prospect of returning to sleep and enduring the sights his mind supplied him with was an unappealing one. So he elected to remain awake. One night of lost sleep would not be consequential. He kept himself up until the dawn broke.
Though the monk's even breathing from his bedroll across the hut tried to tempt him in joining in sleep throughout the long winter night, he resisted.
He spent the hours productively. Over and over, he walked himself through the plan. Assessing and reassessing. Playing out every possible scenario in his mind, and the best way to handle them. A million things could happen over the next few days, and he would be ready for all of them.
But despite his best efforts, sleep did eventually claim him. The last thing he remembered was seeing the sky lighten as the sun began to make itself known. He was relieved to finally be able to ascertain his surroundings again. He was unused to the darkness hampering his senses, and found the limitations disconcerting.
When the snake crashed through the village not long after succumbing to slumber, he rose in a flash. Slightly disoriented, he took a moment to realize where he was. What he was. And who he was with.
Despite not having his weapons, he instinctively exited his now empty hut and made to take his place before the offending demon, only to find Inuyasha in the midst of battle.
The boy's movements were clumsy. Unrefined. Imperfect. But he seemed to be handling his own quite well.
Even though the snake was several times his volume, with the help of his father's fang, his half-brother had the situation well in hand.
That didn't stop Sesshoumaru from judging, correcting, assessing the half breed's moves as he fought.
This is what he should have done. That is where he would have struck, were it him fighting.
He should have lingered longer here. He would have withheld a moment more there...
A little more force would have made a greater impact... A little less effort would have saved him from further exhaustion. Simple things. Basic moves. Things father would have shown him, if only-
"Sesshoumaru!" Kagome yelled, once aware of his presence.
Across the way, the rest of the pack was braced for battle. The slayer had her weapon poised to strike, and the monk held his cursed hand in front of him. Neither were fighting. Everyone seemed to be content with letting Inuyasha take care of the demon. But they were ready. Should the snake get the upper hand, and it did not appear at the moment that it would, the others were prepared to step in and eliminate the threat. Even Ah-Un and Jaken took their positions among the pack, poised to fight if need be.
The miko ran over to him, bow in hand. And he contained his disgust as she took stance in front of him; apparently with the intent of protecting him. Never had he felt so impotent.
Everything within him was screaming at him to break away. To charge into the battle and show his brother, and the snake, and everyone, who was in control here. But his logical mind supplied that such an act would be foolhardy.
He had no weapon. No powers. Nothing to contribute.
He strained for purpose, for a scenario in which he could use his perfect skill to kill as he had done thousands- if not millions of times before. But even if he had a weapon, he was uncertain as to whether he could wield it effectively. Moves he had made so effortlessly in battles past were no longer at his disposal. He would need practice to learn what capabilities- if any- he possessed. He could no longer rely on his lifetime of training to see him through a fight with even such a low-level demon as this. He was furious.
But as much as he wanted to send the miko away, to refuse the assistance she offered, he remained silent. Not because he needed, or even wanted her help. If he were to meet his end at this moment, it would not be an entirely unwelcome outcome. He simply knew it was useless. She would not abandon him, even if he asked her to. Even if he incentivized it.
So he watched, helpless, as his little brother protected them from danger.
His fingers itched at his side, yearning to act. More than once his hand lifted to his hip where his swords should have been, only to be met with emptiness where he would have once found his hilt.
Not that it mattered, he told himself. Even if his swords where there, he was barely able to lift them, let alone use them.
A scream from the miko at his side tore him from his lament. He snapped his head to her in a start, just in time to watch her release the arrow she had ready to let fly at the snake.
The demon barely avoided purification, using his serpentine movements to slither out of harm's way. Only when the offender scurried did Sesshoumaru's inferior eyes finally see the fallen form of the hanyou he begrudgingly called brother.
Inuyasha was alive. That much he could tell, from the way that he twitched painfully from his position flat on his back. Sesshoumaru hadn't witnessed the strike, but the large gash in his chest and the amount of blood on his clothing told him he had suffered a devastating blow.
The miko left his side to run to her alpha. Taking her bow with her, she kneeled when she finally reached him.
Her hands roamed his form; assessing as they attempted to comfort the dazed half dog demon.
Drawing her face closer, she murmured things to him which were unintelligible to Sesshoumaru's rounded ears.
He watched as she stroked his cheek, uncaring of the blood which smeared on them both at the action.
He couldn't tell if the boy was reacting coherently, or responding reflexively to the woman at his side.
She noticed the snake's return too late. By the time she readied her arrow, a long, disgusting tongue hissed out to knock her weapon from her hold.
A second swipe of the slimy appendage wrapped Kagome up in it, drawing her dangerously close to the demon's mouth. But before she was ingested, Sango's boomerang whizzed by, severing the forked mass and dropping Kagome to the ground with a wince inducing thud.
She was not harmed by the fall, but the snake was not terribly injured either. Poised to strike with its jaws, it seemed to briefly consider which of the two fallen comrades to take as a meal.
Decision made, it hovered over Inuyasha, and drew itself back for its final strike. But before it completed its journey, the boomerang sliced through the air again, cutting the demon in two with impressive urgency.
Both ends of the snake wiggled on the ground. It wasn't clear if it was trying to become one again, or multiplying into two entities. But Miroku wouldn't wait to find out.
"Get back!" he demanded, readying his hand to unleash his signature attack.
Sango was first to Inuyasha's side, lifting him by his armpits to drag him out of the way. He seemed aware of what was occurring, but unable to react. Perhaps it was poison. Perhaps crippling pain.
Seeing what her friend intended, Kagome joined in trying to lift him by the legs and cart him away. But he was too heavy. Though quite slim in appearance, the hanyou harbored a density that neither woman expected.
The snake was gaining more power, and would be back at them soon.
A spray of Jaken's fire staff halted the demon's recovery, but did nothing as far as eliminating the threat.
With no time to waste, Sango turned to Sesshoumaru.
"Help me lift him!" she ordered. And to his surprise, Sesshoumaru complied. He took orders from no one, least of all human women. But the helplessness he felt throughout this battle was debilitating, and he found he would stoop to great depths to alleviate the useless feeling of watching from the sidelines.
Running to his brother's side, he grabbed Inuyasha's legs from Kagome and helped Sango hurriedly rush him away from the snake demon.
Once out of the line of fire, Miroku unleashed his wind tunnel.
Sesshoumaru had seen the move before. Upon first encountering the monk, he had used his cursed hand to swallow half of his ogre minion while it still lived. He would have completed the task, were it not for Naraku's poisonous bees which the vile hanyou had supplied him with.
But without the harmful insects, there was nothing to stop him this time. In a matter of moments, both halves of the snake were sucked up into his hand, and the battle was finally won.
Sango stayed crouched over Inuyasha. His eyes were barely opened, but he looked up at her gratefully.
"That was incredible, Sango. Thank you."
Impressed and relieved by the save, he saw fit to tell her so.
"You're hurt. Are you alright?"
Her eyes raked his form, trying to determine how serious his sustained injuries had been.
He smiled weakly up at her. "I think I'll live."
She smiled back down at him, scolding him tauntingly. "Just don't scare us like that again, or I'll kill you myself."
"Sorry." He tiredly replied. He was still smiling.
Once upon a time, he would have been embarrassed- and angry- that he was not the one to take down the threat. But he took great comfort in knowing that his pack was strong, and would protect him as feverishly as he would them.
They had all done their part. They were strong.
He could rest easy at the thought. Closing his eyes in relief, his smile never left him.
He was proud.
The miko's hut seemed to serve as a makeshift infirmary. It had been half an hour since she had taken him to her futon. Cleaning his wounds and wrapping him in bandages, he now rested off the battle's tole on his form. Sesshoumaru remembered the lecture he received as she treated his own wounds in the cave, and he didn't envy his brother for the fussing he was surely enduring.
The snake's timing couldn't have been worse. The sun had been up now for over an hour. They should have left by now. When the miko exited the shelter of the hut, he did not like the nervousness in her features one bit as she regarded his impatient gaze timidly.
"The time has come. Is he ready to depart?" He tried to conceal his uncertainty with his authoritative demands, but his anxiety was palpable.
Determination dominated her features, though the guilt in her tone was more than obvious.
"We can't leave."
He expected her assessment as much as she expected his defiance.
"We have waited long enough. Too long, in fact. I shall not tolerate further procrastination."
She knew Rin was out there. And she was well aware that time was not on her side. But she had seen Inuyasha withstand terrible injuries before. As the one to usually tend to them, she was well acquainted with various battle wounds, and what they meant for him.
This one was bad. Not the worst she had seen. Not by a longshot. But it would take more than a few hours for him to regain the strength required for their mission.
"He's really hurt, Sesshoumaru," she strained to convey the seriousness to his less than sympathetic brother. "He is in no shape to travel. He is strong, so he will heal in a couple days tops. But until he is better, we have to put the plan on hold."
His sneer would normally strike fear in her, or anyone unlucky enough to receive it. But with how many times she had seen it at this point, it was losing its effect. She was becoming immune to Sesshoumaru's threats.
"Had we left yesterday when This One suggested, we never would have encountered that demon. We may have even found her by now."
"We had no way of knowing that was going to happen!" She was defensive. But she had call to be. He was attacking her.
"Had I not been transformed as such, I could have easily detected its presence last night."
He was defensive as well. Though her attacks were more subtle. Seeping, from days past. Barbs meant to disarm marinated in his bones until he threatened to crack.
"Yeah, but you didn't."
"The half breed should have scented it." Perhaps true. But he never had high expectations of others. Only of himself. Perhaps he held none to his high standard, because he grew weary of disappointment. His own in himself caused him to lash out unjustly.
"What about Jaken? Why don't you blame him?"
And she was offering excuses. But really, she wasn't wrong.
If a full-blooded demon could not detect a threat, how could he expect a 'lowly' half breed to do as such? Perhaps because he was his father's son, more would be demanded from the younger brother. Sesshoumaru had always carried the weight of duty and expectation. It almost seemed as if now, in his weakness, he was finally demanding that his brother take the mantle in his stead.
"It was a good plan," she insisted. Still defending him to no end. "It still is. We just need to wait-"
"This One is through waiting," he informed her sharply. If he had fangs, they would have snapped. Another sneer met her eyes. "I never should have allowed myself to be swayed by your pack. By you..."
His meaning was more than clear. He hated his brother. Hated his weaknesses, and inadequacies. Hated his inability to rise to the occasion when he needed it most.
Memories were quick in coming from a battle long past. The panther tribe sought him out alone, looking for retribution against the famous son of the powerful dog demon who had fought them ages ago.
He didn't need Inuyasha then. He could handle the tribe well enough on his own. But any with a soupcon of pride in his heritage, or respect of his great father would have deigned to make the journey to fight in his stead. Once the dog general had fallen, it was up to his sons to uphold his legacy. But Inuyasha would never come. The duty, and burden, was left to him alone. Again.
And now, it seemed, that history would repeat itself.
He was a fool to even consider that the half breed could, or would, be capable of lending him aid.
But this female obviously held sway over the boy's actions. He took her counsel to heart. And he was certain that is was she who was insisting that he remain at camp to heal. Just as much as she had encouraged the boy to include the humans in Rin's rescue. It was shameful. No self-respecting demon- even by half- would allow a mere woman to dictate his actions. He'd had enough.
"I will take my leave. Your aid is no longer required."
He turned from her in dismissal.
"Sesshoumaru-" she tried, but he was well past being receptive. He generously looked over his shoulder, to illustrate his refusal.
"Nor is it desired."
She stilled. The certainty in his tone and the coldness of his eyes relayed very effectively the finality of his decision. Unsure of what to say, she could only allow him to leave.
He made way to his hut, and gathered his sparing items.
Rage consumed him as he readied for departure, mixed with no small part relief. He was glad to be going, but only wished he would have taken action sooner.
It would be a trying journey. He was woefully underprepared. But it had to be done. These humans were only holding him back.
He exited his hut to find Jaken and Ah-Un waiting for him, and made his way over.
But his progress was halted yet again by the irritating miko. Her aura raged wildly, and he could not help but acknowledge her determined countenance.
"Don't go," she pleaded. He would not grace her with his gaze.
"If you do, you will regret it."
If it was supposed to be a threat, he was in no way intimidated.
"I shall regret not taking action. I already do."
He continued on his path, but she rushed ahead, blocking him.
"I'm sorry we delayed you." Her words were genuine, but not helpful in the least. He easily ignored the large, trembling blue eyes which sought to relay her own regret. "So sorry. I know you wanted to leave sooner." He didn't need to affirm it. They both knew she was correct.
"But you can't let one little setback upend our whole strategy. We have to stay with the plan."
He still wasn't looking at her. He maneuvered around her, undaunted.
"I shall. The plan was to leave at daybreak."
He walked slowly. She followed, pleading with his back.
"The plan was to leave together."
"Inuyasha has been incapacitated. He is of no use to This One any longer."
"But he will be," she insisted. "If you just give him a few days-"
"She will be dead by then." He finally turned, stilling her with his certainty. He was chillingly calm, and ruthlessly sure. "I cannot wait any longer."
His statement caused her to falter. To question her own judgment. He gave her an assessing once over, nearly paralyzing her with his sudden intense scrutiny. What he suggested next shocked her.
"Leave him," he commanded curtly. "Come with me."
The weight of his words and his attention nearly made her forget herself. The man she so easily detested was somehow now a man she longed to appease. To aid. He requested her assistance. Demanded it. And everything within her clamored to obey. But...
"I can't..."
It wasn't true. Both of them knew it. She could go. Could help him. She knew she was able, but she never would have guessed that he recognized it as well.
"You can. You are not useless," he admitted, almost uncomfortable. "Nor are your friends. We may still scour the villages, with the demons venturing ahead. This One is... unaccustomed to humans. You may assist me in acquiring information. Do you desire to aid Rin still?"
It was a cheap shot. A low blow. He was aware of her compassion, no matter how he accused her of being disingenuous with it in the recent past.
But asking her to leave Inuyasha behind was something she could never do. Not even for Rin.
"Of course I do," she insisted. She needed him to know that. Though, she was certain that he already did. She was almost angry at the insinuation. "But I won't leave Inuyasha. And you shouldn't either."
Yes, he knew she would refuse. Why even ask?
Perhaps, it was simply to force her to choose. Between the hanyou she loved, and the little girl who it would be evil to deny. He wanted to make her evil. Have her aware that she would selfishly choose love over the life of an innocent.
"You know how badly I want to help find her," she accused. "Do you trust that?"
But it backfired. She was making him assess her then, and he would.
He studied her a long, breathless moment.
The desperation in her eyes. The determination in her stance.
Even as a human, her power simmered noticeably to him just above the surface of her skin.
He recognized the flare. When he was a demon, the sizzle of her reiki set his instincts on edge. The hairs at his neck would stiffen involuntarily at the threat she so obviously possessed. What a fool he had been, to ignore such a thing. To write her off as weak and inconsequential. His will to disregard her had blinded him to her ferocity.
But seeing her now, aura flaming not to fight him, but to aid him; desire to help the ones she cared for so palpable that it would cause any who meant harm to flee at the mere sign of her purity... It was humbling.
Unavoidable.
Irresistible.
He turned to address the kappa.
"New plan," he informed him. The little toad was at attention.
"You will take Ah-Un and go on ahead."
His icy cadence left no room for argument. Not that Jaken would attempt it. He nodded violently.
"Of course, my lord. Perhaps you would like to eat something before we depart-"
"This One will not be traveling with you. You are going alone."
Two sets of eyes widened at the declaration.
"My lord-"
"Enough time has been wasted. I will not sacrifice more catering to human inadequacies."
It was clear from his tone that he was talking about himself as well.
"Sesshoumaru-sama, you are not-"
"Do not question me." The toad startled at the insinuation. "You are aware of the decided upon route?"
They had poured over their travel plans meticulously the night before. He nodded again.
"Yes, my lord."
Pleased, Sesshoumaru accepted his response, nodding once in return.
"You will go now. And make haste. Do not stop unless absolutely necessary. And do not return without sight or knowledge of her, or of any tiger demon."
"But what about-"
"When Inuyasha is well, we shall continue on as planned. In the meantime, I am relying on you to make up for the delay. I require your speed and endurance to cover as much land as quickly as possible. Do you understand?"
Sesshoumaru had issued countless demands of him over the years. But never had he expressed such faith, or need, in his dutiful retainer. Jaken fought the tears of pride that threatened to fall, though the shining in his bulging eyes left no question of his plight. He puffed his chest.
"Yes, sir."
Sesshoumaru spoke lowly to relay the importance. Though he ignored the miko's attention, he was aware of his audience.
"Without a lead to go on, you are to head to the tigers' compound in the Northern Lands. You know where it is?"
"I remember the vicinity only vaguely." They had crossed those lands a time or two in their travels together, but it had been decades. "However, the map was more than clear as to where we are headed."
"Excellent," he accepted his response. "Do not hesitate to return with any information This One need be made aware. Otherwise, you are to continue on until your destination is reached. You recall the village path which the rest of us are headed?" Jaken nodded.
"I do."
"Retrieving her is your only priority, at all costs. However, it would please me to deal with her captors myself. I would like them alive if possible, though her safety is not to be compromised. Is that clear?"
He wanted her back. But the Sesshoumaru was not a merciful being. Second only to her recovery, he would ensure her captors realized their folly. He must make examples of them, to leave no question to others the results of slighting the Lord of the West in any way. But more that his duty called for their blood. Revenge would please him. Jaken was all too aware.
"Yes, my lord."
"Good. Is there anything more you require before making your journey?"
"No, my lord. This Jaken is ready."
"Then go." The imp rose determinedly, and went to get the dragon ready for departure. But before he got far, Sesshoumaru halted his progress. "And Jaken..."
He turned nervously. He knew that tone well.
"No mistakes."
'Or I'll kill you,' was the end of that sentence. It need not be said.
With a gulp, he nodded, and continued on his path.
Making eye contact briefly, Sesshoumaru saw the relief which shone in blue eyes. A hint of gratitude was there as well.
Without further comment, he stalked passed the miko.
He returned to his hut alone, most grateful for the solitude. Normally left to his own devices, Sesshoumaru was finding it unbelievably taxing to endure the presence of 'comrades' at seemingly every turn.
He was peerless. Matchless. He required no counsel but his own. He could not recall speaking at length since, well... ever in his life. He could swear his throat was growing sore from overuse.
But unfortunately, that wasn't the only part of him that was growing at the moment. And his unexplainable hardness from seemingly out of nowhere was just as perplexing as it was disconcerting.
In the cave, he could understand it. Even forgive it.
Though in no way attracted to the human miko who pressed herself against him, it was understandable that he would react while in such a weakened state. Her soft, wanting body proved tempting as it rubbed against him. Coaxing, inadvertently, though neither of them desired it to.
But why now? Fully clothed, and alone, and having endured nothing remotely titillating, what could possibly be provoking this vessel to become suddenly overcome with need?
Perhaps it was stress. Yes, that must be it.
Anxiety and urgency were drawing his instincts to the forefront. It appeared that mortals may use their baser urges to distract them from the troubles they faced in their meager existence. How inconvenient.
But Sesshoumaru was more than eager to prove mastery over this pathetic form. He would be faced with adversities while trapped in this state. And, like he had always done, he would prevail impressively.
Looking down to see the evidence of his arousal through his silks, he regretted discarding his armor, at it could serve to shield- if not stifle- his maleness from view.
His cock strained, pulsed, as it pressed greedily against his clothing. The cool feel of the fabric was in pleasing contrast to the blazing heat of his erection.
When Jaken entered his hut suddenly, his desire was immediately snuffed out. Though annoyed by his presence, he was pleased at the respite his vassal's appearance allowed. It seemed the imp could prove useful in this manner. It was almost too bad he was going.
Relieved by his servant's tempering effects, he decided to ignore the disrespect of him entering his hut without permission.
"Jaken, should you not have left by now?"
He had been given his orders. It was not like his retainer to waver once instructions were issued. But the way the kappa picked at his robes nervously garnered Sesshoumaru's unyielding interest.
"Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama. However, I have one last matter to see to before this lowly Jaken departs."
Though his duties to Rin were usually met with annoyed resignation, the Western Lord was aware that the toad regarded her fondly. She had, at one point, been no more than a pest which must be endured. But as the years passed, Jaken's concern for the girl was impossible to ignore.
As Sesshoumaru had eventually recognized the child as a member of the pack, Jaken had as well. Perhaps, even more so. Her devotion to her lord was in tune with his own. And though he protested differently, the imp would stop at nothing to see to her rescue.
Therefore, the fact that he had yet to depart was unexpected, and Sesshoumaru was more than a little curious as to what could be delaying it.
"And that is?" he inquired impatiently.
With no small measure of hesitance, Jaken finally found his courage.
"I have a request."
Sesshoumaru lifted an eyebrow. The only visible sign of his incredulity.
"Of me?"
He nodded bravely.
"If I may, milord."
Once in a while, very rarely, Jaken's curiosity would see to him thoughtlessly questioning his lord's will. Not out of resistance. But his curious nature was just that- curiosity. Sesshoumaru explained himself to no one. He had no need to. And among his small following, his command would simply be done.
He needed no reason to do, or demand, anything. Their trust in him was proven by seeing his will accomplished without question. If the great Sesshoumaru commanded it, who were they to take issue?
So the fact that his most loyal follower would put a halt to his most urgent of desires, was truly something to behold. If Sesshoumaru was able, he would have appeared awestruck. He was actually dying of curiosity himself.
"By all means," he implored condescendingly. "I am fascinated."
Jaken fiddled with his robes again, trying to gain the courage to proceed. But he had already come this far. Garnering a bravery he had ever only fantasized about possessing, he finally lifted his gaze to meet the unfamiliar violet eyes of the most brutal and accomplished murderer he had ever encountered.
It took all he had not to stutter.
"I would request that no harm to come to the miko when I am gone." Steeling himself, he elaborated to convey the importance. "In fact, I'm afraid I must insist."
"Insist?"
He wanted to flinch. Wanted to retreat. To go back on his statement and grovel and beg for forgiveness of his insolence. He was nothing compared to this demon- even as a human. He was nothing.
But his mind had been made up. He put his life on the line to continue, and took a deep breath.
"The miko went to great pains to ensure milord's survival on that night in the cave," he reminded, confident that he wasn't imparting new knowledge. "Putting herself in great peril to do so; would you not agree?"
It was rhetorical. For demanding answers from Sesshoumaru was a foolhardy endeavor.
"Such a gesture must not result in punishment."
Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed, unsure of what to make of his retainer's bold address.
"You suggest that stripping bare and pressing into This One's nudity amounts to 'great pains?'"
He was trying to change the subject with accusations. Or at very least, to lessen the gravity of his assessment. But Jaken would not be deterred.
"Such an act could have a high potential for death; could it not, sire?" he ventured.
"Under normal circumstances," Sesshoumaru conceded, cutting his gaze to blunt nails for just a moment. "However, she cleverly saw to it that no death shall befall her at my hands. You are aware of that."
"Yes, milord."
Trying to ascertain his motives, Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes again. Despite his humanity, he somehow managed to look incredibly intimidating still.
"You question This Sesshoumaru's honor?"
"Never, milord!" he insisted, nearly shrieking in his assurance. "This lowly Jaken would never dream of it!"
"Then why endanger your own life by assuming to make such demands of This One? And for a human miko, no less."
Desperate to relay his point, the kappa ventured onward. He had come this far. There was no point in backpedaling now. He looked Lord Sesshoumaru right in his eyes.
"Though on your honor she must never be killed, it still would not prevent other injury to occur. And while certainly less permanent, humans are susceptible to damage that would not harm any demon. Injuries of perhaps, a less physical nature."
Sesshoumaru eyed him icily. Menacingly. Jaken had witnessed that condemning glare many times. And the recipient of it had never been given more than a moment to live.
Every fiber in his being told Jaken to flee as his lord inched closer, unrushed, though powerfully sure of his movements. Somehow, he remained still. Unwavering.
"You are already speaking quite freely, Jaken. It would behoove you to speak plainly as well. What is your point?"
His annoyance was as clear as the threat he implied. And Jaken was more than inclined to make himself clear as well. As quickly as possible.
"The miko is sensitive, as human women tend to be," he informed him, no uncertainty in his tone. "If I have learned anything from watching over Rin, I have learned that cruel words can hurt them just as badly as any weapon. And milord is quite clinical in his administration of both."
Flattery was second nature, when aimed at the great Lord of the West. Though he could not recall a time when he ever saw fit to pander.
"Asking that her life, and the lives of her packmates, be spared is no great reward for saving a magnificent life such as yours. Some may argue that it is even insufficient." He met his eyes sternly, looking for any signs of disagreement. He was not at all surprised to find there were none. "I am quite confident that milord would have granted her as much anyhow, had she not made the request."
The imp was correct, though Sesshoumaru would never have him know it.
He recalled the discomfort he had felt in the cave when she had made her request.
Killing the miko was no longer an option, and he had almost told her as much. But he withheld.
Her actions on that night had more than earned her life. And as much as he loathed it, he was aware that he still owed the woman a debt. But he had appeased his honor by allowing her friends to be included in his oath to her. However, he could not deny that the terms did not completely satisfy him.
But she had definitely been using his agreement to her full advantage. Her abrasive behavior tested his word to her at every turn. It made it very easy for him to speak at her with disdain.
But Sesshoumaru was apparently not satisfied at the toad's assessment. Jaken continued to beseech.
"She saved your life, milord. And in doing so, she has given this Jaken the greatest gift he has ever received; thereby earning his respect, and a great debt of him as well. I am sure you agree that your normal manner of address in regards to her is no longer appropriate. Cruelty towards the miko would be dishonorable."
Sesshoumaru was beginning to discern his minion's intentions, but he wanted painful clarification.
"What are you implying, Jaken?" he demanded dangerously. It took all the imp had not to falter at the scrutiny.
"You must treat the miko with kindness."
"I must?"
Sesshoumaru didn't blink. Neither did Jaken. Instead, he replied confidently, very sure of his words.
"Yes. She saved your life. She is worthy of your respect. Therefore, I am asking you... No," he shook his head, averting his gaze to draw a long, painful breath and release it. A form of self-placation. He met his angry, incredulous eyes again. "I am telling you, to treat her as she deserves. As honor demands she be treated."
Sesshoumaru's eyes widened noticeably. He nearly sputtered in response, but he kept in control; pausing only a moment to articulate himself calmly. His voice was very low, and very slow.
"Do you realize what you are saying?"
"I do," Jaken nodded grimly. Sesshoumaru forced himself not to react. "And I would have you realize that in failing to do so, my lord would be relaying that he no longer wishes me to continue in his service."
Stunned silent at the declaration, Jaken took the opportunity to press on.
"I will go find Rin, regardless of whether you command it. But know that upon my return, if I find the miko is in a worse state than I have left her, and it is your doing, I shall consider my servitude terminated. I shall return to mudhills and resume my leadership position among my brethren. For there, I would know I could serve among honorable demons. Do you hear me, milord?"
In all his years of service, no matter how unpalatable the situation, Jaken had never spoken to his master as he had now. Would never.
Sesshoumaru wondered what had changed to inspire such rare confidence, and yes, defiance in his most loyal and trusted servant. But he didn't wonder long.
Were he not currently human, there is no way the imp would find the courage to address him in such a disrespectful manner. And though he expected a degree of insolence from every other being in existence, the last thing he would have considered would be for Jaken to make demands of him. It wasn't as if he still couldn't end his life in a heartbeat. And it was not unlikely that he wouldn't now. But still, the audacity...
But perhaps it was not simply his human form which inspired such confidence.
Despite his temerity, Jaken's loyalty was true. In fact, he was quite confident that even if rendered a helpless insect, the imp would grovel and bow endlessly, and obsequiously.
Sesshoumaru's knowledge of this made his retainer's request that much powerful.
The imp desperately wanted to find Rin. Of that, there was no question.
No. The reason Jaken risked his hide to confront him so boldly was for the miko's protection.
Something about the young priestess inspired a devoted awe which was a mystery to the Western Lord.
What was it about this woman, that would cause otherwise self-preserving demons to stick out their necks so recklessly? He simply could not understand it.
Jaken was weak. A fool. And apparently just as sentimental and pitying enough to be taken in by her 'caring' nature. But he would not be taken in. He would not be fooled.
He would also not compromise Rin's position further by arguing at length with his vassal, and teaching him his rightful place.
Oh yes, the time would come for such glaring offenses to be righted. But that time was not now. There were more important tasks at hand. Human eyes darkened on par with his distaste.
He issued his last demand harshly, his word not to be questioned.
"Go."
Convinced that his point got across, and amazed to still have his skin, the toad demon turned on his heal and made to rush to his duty with his life intact. But he was halted.
"And Jaken..."
That tone again. The one that needed no elaboration. He turned quickly, already resigned to his fate.
"If you do not return with Rin, or news of her whereabouts, you do not return at all. Do you understand?"
Still buzzing from his unprecedented courage, he nodded assuredly.
"Hai, my lord. I will bring her home, or I will die trying." His promise. His oath.
Surprised to make it out of his lord's hut alive, he shut the door, only to lean his back against it.
The breath he released was dramatic, and relieved. Smiling to himself, almost in disbelief, he enjoyed his brief moment of victory. But only for a second.
Gathering himself quickly, he made haste towards the dragon.
After Jaken had taken to the skies with Ah-Un, Kagome returned to her hut to tend to her alpha.
Inuyasha could converse, but she could tell it was zapping his strength to remain lucid.
She had done all she could for him for the time being. But when much needed rest quickly claimed his battle-weary form, she remained a while longer to watch over him as he healed.
When she finally left his side to emerge from her hut, she found Sesshoumaru at his normal spot beneath the tree he had apparently claimed.
He was a picture of serenity, but she suspected it was deceptive. The Western Lord was certainly quite tense, and with good reason. But years of practice made it all but impossible to discern.
Had she not known him so well, she would swear he looked relaxed. But subtle differences in his demeanor alerted her to his agitation. She wondered how after only a matter of days, she could claim to ascertain his moods. Simple common sense likely played no small part.
The closer she got to him, she realized that he was meditating. Perhaps these sparing moments of solitude allowed him to keep tight rein on his emotions. She briefly considered leaving him be, but her feet kept moving toward him.
He still wore the hooded sweatshirt she had lent him that first day, and she had to bite her cheek to keep from snickering at the sight he made.
Despite the centuries she knew he had lived, he looked no more than a broody teenager in the modern era clothing. He could have passed for a senior at her high school. She amused herself with the thought that if she were to bring him to class, he would be quite popular with the girls at least. Her squealing friends, for certain. Just the thought of his pained reaction to the unappreciated attention had a giggle threatening to escape through her lips.
While she was entertaining ridiculous fantasies, she imagined her status rising among her classmates were she to bring him along to a function as her date.
Where were these silly thoughts coming from? She must be losing it.
But how often would she get to see him like this? His haori was still wet, drying at the speed paint in the cool winter weather after its washing. She decided to enjoy the sight while it lasted.
He was aware of her approach, but did not open an eye until she had been standing before him for a long, patient moment.
When he did crack an eyelid, sliding his gaze to her wordlessly, he noticed her holding a bag in her hands. The oddness of the material told him it was not from this era.
"This is for you," she informed him, holding it out for him to take. He eyed it curiously, but made no move to accept it. He managed to look mildly offended that she would even consider he might appreciate a gift.
"What is it?"
"Just a little care package. I brought these things for everyone in the group. Since you're staying with us now, I thought you should have them."
The slightly clipped manner in which she spoke told him that it was not simply a friendly gesture. 'Another favor,' he surmised contemptuously.
He was dying to know what she had procured for him, but he resisted his impulse to take anything from her. He prided himself on being self-sufficient. And he was not inclined to accumulate any more debt when it came to the young woman. He closed his eyes again to resume his meditation.
"Unnecessary."
She wasn't deterred. Inuyasha had been just as welcoming at taking her things from the future. But after trying ramen for the first time, he forgot his convictions easily. She would just have to find Sesshoumaru's version of ramen, to temp him into sampling the conveniences from her time.
"Maybe for a demon," she smirked, trying to sound more friendly despite her feelings towards the unpleasant man. "But you're human now."
As if he needing reminding. Why must this woman persist in stating the obvious? Particularly when the obvious was something he longed to forget. If only for a brief moment in his day.
"And humans need a little help taking care of themselves."
There was no point in ignoring her. When her mind was set on something, the miko was impossible to dissuade.
Resigned to the fact that his concentration had been broken, he finally reached out to accept his gift. Resisting would only draw this encounter out longer.
She seemed to know how to get him to indulge her, simply by way of her annoying determination.
Curious, he began pulling items out of the bag.
"That's a toothbrush," she informed him, as he studied the strange item in his hand. "I'm sure as a demon you didn't need to clean your teeth. But as a human, if you don't, they will become unhealthy. I can show you how to use it after dinner if you want," she offered generously. But his disinterest couldn't be more clear.
"I am certain I can fathom how it works."
She took no offense in his refusal. It was fully expected, and she vowed not to get invested in his interest- or lack thereof- in her era.
"Suit yourself."
He returned it to the bag, and pulled out the next item for inspection. He held the strange container to his nose for a sniff, more out of habit than anything. Though he seemed more interested in the odd encasement than the viscous substance inside.
"I noticed your hair doesn't keep as clean as it used to either. Wash that through it when you bathe to wash it. The other one will make it smoother. And I got you a hairbrush too."
Feeling no need to respond, he continued to rummage.
"There is also soap in there. It's not the kind Inuyasha likes, but I figured you wouldn't want to smell like him anyway."
"You surmise correctly."
She ignored the implied insult, and continued with her spiel.
"We eat breakfast every morning together, and dinner every night. There are a few snacks in there if you get hungry in between. I suggest rationing them strategically. If you think of anything you want, you can let me know, and I will try to find them on my next visit."
Growing bored with her orientation, he halted his perusal of the bag of strange items and placed it down at his side.
"I keep the first aid supplies," she continued. "If you need them at any time, just ask for them. But you need to tell me. I can't read your mind."
"Probably for the best."
She refused to be goaded into any further arguments with him. She wasn't sure if he was trying to shake her. But she conceded that he simply was unused to being civil.
He wasn't the only one who could pretend to be unaffected. She refused to let him win.
"Unless you are injured, everyone helps at mealtimes. After breakfast today, you can take the dishes to the stream to wash them."
Trying not to appear put out, he chose the path of least resistance. The purpose of her visit was clear, and he was in no mood for proving dominance at the moment. He just wanted her to go, and allow him a moment of peace.
"Anything else?" he nearly sighed out.
Pleased with her progress, she got to the heart of her intrusion with a confidant nod.
"Actually, yes."
He had suspected as much. He gifted her with his attention, and actually waited politely for her to say her piece. "We treat each other with kindness around here. Inuyasha is our alpha. You will treat him with respect."
Her request was not wholly unexpected. But he would not give her any misleading responses.
"You cannot force one to feel respect."
"That may be. But you will act respectfully none the less."
Unable to help himself, he challenged her claim with a defiance that came all too naturally.
"If he is your alpha, why is he not the one barking out orders?"
And he really wanted to hear her answer. She, as the other humans had, named Inuyasha as their alpha. And though it was clearly an unconventional pack, he was fascinated at the dynamics between the comrades.
A traditional pack had a clear leader, whose word was law. For some reason, the hanyou allowed this miko to challenge him endlessly. And the others would often take sides with her against him. To any observing demon, it would appear that the miko was fighting him for dominance.
But the girl didn't seem to have any interest in being the one in charge officially. She seemed more content with asserting her will from her place at the boy's side. She had the makings of a supportive bitch, but none of the submissive quality. He quickly disregarded the errant thought, not willing to acknowledge that he had just compared her to the females of his kind in any way.
Instead, he waited for her to once again state the obvious. To tell him that Inuyasha wasn't issuing orders because he was injured, and currently unable. That he was healing, and in his place, she would be the one to whom all must adhere. But she didn't.
Clearly holding her tongue, she only fixed him with a tight smile.
"Breakfast will be ready in an hour."
And with that, she turned and left him.
'Finally,' he rejoiced internally.
It annoyed him that the remainder of his meditation became plagued by thoughts of the strange woman from the future, and her vexing place in this pack.