Chapter 4

The lost gem

"Lord Sesshomaruuu~" Jaken hummed from the river, with his small legs partially submerged in the gently running waters, showing a freshly caught fish to his master sitting against a large rock in the banks uphill. "Do you want some fish? I can prepare a tasty one just for you."

"Enough, Jaken. I have already stated that I am not hungry." Sesshomaru answered impatiently.

"But you need to eat something, milord. It has been months! You can't afford losing health and getting yourself weak in times like the- ACK!" A stone hit him in the forehead and knocked him backwards into the water.

Upon conquering back his so cherished silence, the silver haired daiyokai slid his serene gaze back to the landscape. Until a small shadow floating distant in the skies caught his attention and brought severity to his golden eyes, as he immediately recognized his old servant, A-Un, flying toward him.

Knowing that the twin-headed dragon's approach could only mean that something happened regarding Rin, who it was supposed to be guarding in Inuyasha's village, Sesshomaru didn't wait for his arrival. The demon stood up and jumped high towards the other, meeting his old ward in the sky below the faint moon and starlights with unwelcome and hidden anxiety. However, no worry of any kind seemed to soil A-Un's gentle eyes, and Sesshomaru simply frowned as he noticed a small cylinder carefully tied up and hanging on the beast's neck. He picked up the cylinder and removed the little piece of paper he found rolled inside it.

He couldn't avoid softening his eyes when they met the clumsy and childish calligraphy. A letter. From her?

"Dear Lord Sesshomaru,

Lady Kagome is teaching me how to write. I am very happy! This is my very first letter and I saved it especially for you. I hope A-Un delivers it with no problems…
Everything is fine over here. My days with Lady Kaede are so busy and productive as always.
We will be holding a festival for the spring in the village after winter. Please, come! There will be a lot of beautiful things and I want to show you my new painting skills.
I hope you are having a good time and Lord Jaken is not giving you any trouble.
I miss you.

Rin"

"Rin…" Her name escaped softly from his lips as a warm feeling greeted his ancient and stone heart. She was safe, and happy. Just as he intended when he left her months ago to be properly raised on a human village, surrounded by people of her kin and under Inuyasha's protection. As much as his half demon brother was an utter disgrace, he still had proven to have some strength and a fondness for humans that would not allow him to let his companions, including Rin, meet danger. He stared at his dragon ward, which gazed eagerly back at him probably waiting for an answer, and stated with authority although no real severity could pour from his words at that moment. "Did I not command you to stay by her side and watch over her? Return to the village at once."

A-Un snorted in obedient response and turned away to make his long way back to the faraway village. Sesshomaru stared at the dragon and then at the letter again for a moment, and then finally let his body lose in the air, landing back gracefully on the banks which Jaken was still trying to climb.

"Ouch, your aim is as fair as always, milord…" He mumbled, stumbling in his way uphill whilst trying to carry the bag filled with fish over his shoulder, the shining lump still alive on his small forehead. He choked. "Eh? Did I just see A-un? What was he doing here?"

"Nothing."

"Come on, milord! Is Rin alright? Oh, this is..." He caught the small letter that flew towards him when the dog daiyokai released it. He read it attentively, initially touched by Rin's kindness, then finished reading. "Oh that girl! How dare she imply that I, the loyal servant Jaken, would cause trouble to my master?! Nevertheless, I will be keeping this for you, milord. ...Milord?"

Sesshomaru was already a quarter of a mile away, calmly making his way between the trees as the night wind caressed and carried his clothes and hair.

The dog demon raised his gaze, receiving the moonlight in his face as a soft greeting from the cold night sky. It would submit to the sun in approximately three hours. Hopefully, daybreak would come accompanied by promising news from Asagao Castle. As much as he liked the air and beauty of Kitami, as much as the Western lands were comforting and kept his Father's memories and legacy alive, he didn't intend to last more than necessary in those lands, as they would keep him away from the child that he, against all odds, intended to see growing. Even from a distance.

His ears captured strange noises resounding from beyond the trees and he stopped walking, frowning at the unmistakable scent of hybrid blood approaching.

"Lord Sesshomaru?" Jaken inquired his master's sudden stop.

"Reveal yourself," Sesshomaru commanded soundly when whoever was hiding stood in silence for more than the daiyokai was willing to wait.

The bushes trembled for a moment as the short boy clumsily pushed them, trying to make a way for himself. The daiyokai gazed intently at him from head to toe, analyzing his unique features. It was almost like if a tree nearby has suddenly gained a child and dressed it in noble clothes. His long and green hair, mixed with leafy vines sprouting from his head, easily touched the ground and entangled with the bushes he was fighting to pass. His body carried a white hakama, already dirtied by the forest's soil, a purple Gi and other garments made of the finest fabric. Expensive jewelry adorned his forehead, neck and wooden fingers. A sweet artificial fragrance involved him, although failing to mask the natural and mixed scent of his blood.

He was dirty, panting and sweating, having probably ran from the castle in the dark and through the rough wilderness just to meet the dog demon lord. While resting with his hands on his knees and recovering his breath, he stared at the daiyokai intently with a mix of fear, respect and seriousness in his purple eyes.

"You stand in the presence of Lord Sesshomaru, the rightful ruler of the Western lands and the most powerful demon alive. Speak quickly and carefully, for his time is precious and his patience small." Jaken immediately jumped forward and waved Nintojo at the strange boy.

"Lord Sesshomaru, my name is Sohma. I am-"

"An inhabitant of the castle. And a half demon." Sesshomaru lifted his chin in order to face the boy more from above and softened his gaze with crystal clear disdain. "I hope you were not sent here by your deceitful lord to try to diverge me from retrieving my possession. Otherwise, she will be receiving your head instead."

"N-no, that's not it!" Sohma felt a shiver running through his spine. He was pale and obviously terrified of the powerful and regal demon standing in front of him, but he seemed in even deeper hurry and unwilling to give in to fear. "Lord Sesshomaru, I'm here to warn you. At this very moment the lord is gathering her army and they will be coming for you at the first light!"

Sesshomaru scowled, surprised at that news. Because of their treacherous nature, and because they came from who they came.

"...What is your position in the castle, half breed?" he asked after a moment of careful thinking.

"The daimyo is my foster mother..." The half-demon blushed and muttered, shrugging shyly between his own shoulders. "I am to inherit her lands and titles when she passes away."

A half breed named heir to a human to rule an entire and crowded province. That was also unexpected, and utter foolishness. Sesshomaru didn't need to be acquainted to the human society to know that he would live a long and lasting life of danger and deception, since the people would never accept him as ruler.

"Hence you are the feudal lord's apparent heir," he stated emotionlessly. "And yet you come to warn me of her treacherous movements? Are you so interested in seeing your mother's demise and take a hold of your heritage that you felt the urge to aid your enemy?"

"No! Not at all! Please, listen to me!" He clenched his fists and instinctively took a step forward, only to be detained by the small green imp standing boldly in his path. "Mother, I mean, the lord thinks that it was you who killed our chief cook and his family as a warning! A girl saw you at the scene and came to warn us. Now the entire clan thinks that you are a threat to the lands and to the civilians and will try to end you because of that."

"And you do not think likewise?" Sesshomaru almost smiled scornfully, gallantly touching the side of his own face one handedly. [1] "What makes you so sure that it was not me indeed? I could care less about reaping the lives of mere humans, and that would substantially hasten your mother's response to my request."

"B-b-because you didn't look like that murderous beast everyone was talking about, and…" Sohma swallowed dry and touched his index fingers, aware of how naive he was probably sounding. "W-well, there's more to it than it seems…"

The dog demon didn't respond and Sohma lifted his eyes in order to see him, finding his attentive and calm stare silently evaluating him. Taking this as probable signal for him to continue, the hanyo cleared his throat and proceeded.

"Master Hiko was acting very, very strange yesterday morning, and that was way before your arrival. You see… he was suddenly very upset. He was walking fast and looking around all the time, as if he was afraid of his own shadow. I saw him destroying our provisions in the kitchens, then trying eagerly to speak to Mother, and then trying to write a letter, but he was sent home earlier than usual that day. He was basically kicked out by some guards… And then… he died." Sohma finally frowned, forgetting his fear and insecurity for a moment as his mind revisited those thoughts. "I think Master Hiko had discovered something that he shouldn't have... Or maybe, he was being threatened by someone. And this person killed him and his family. It wouldn't be the first time that something like that happens."

"Did you warn your mother about this?"

"Nay… She has much to worry about already and she wouldn't have listened to me. Because I am a half demon and a child, people usually think that I see too much, worry too much and know little. Plus the counselor has convinced her that you were the culprit, and she listens only to him nowadays..." he explained sadly.

Sesshomaru softened his gaze, once again analyzing that peculiar boy whose mysterious intents and gentle aura slightly puzzled him. There was a childish innocence and submission in his manners that would greatly resemble his young wards, and yet a recognizable courage, or inconsequence, that would allow him to stand firmly in his imperative presence even though each small piece of his body was shivering and pleading him to return to the safety of the castle. Concern must have been weighting heavily on his soul in order to grant him such determination.

"Why did you come to warn me?" the distinct demon inquired seconds later. "What do you expect from this conversation?"

"Milord, I've come to beg you. Please, don't hurt her or our men!" The hanyo fell on his knees and pleaded soundly, just as the daiyokai predicted. "They are being misguided! Mother is usually wise, but she is full of worry because she can't fulfill your request and everyone thinks that you will kill us all if you don't get what you want! And we are already facing a hard war against-"

"What do you mean she cannot fulfill my request?" Sesshomaru narrowed his gaze, which was now filled by an icy and sharp brilliance.

"Uh oh…" Sohma shrugged upon realizing that he had talked too much.

"What happened to Meidenkai?" A now severe Sesshomaru took a step forward in the child's direction, which in turn fell sitting, clearly in dismay. The silver haired demon raised his delicate hand at his chin level, showing its five extended and sharp claws to the visitor. "I will not ask a third time, half breed."

"It has been seized by our enemy, my fair lord." A calm and elderly voice interrupted them. "The gem you want is no longer in our lady's possession, although she is trying her best to take it back."

The dog demon turned to find a very small and very old man, dressed in humble commoner clothings, leaning on his wooden cane while his other hand rested behind his back in an elegant posture. Sesshomaru immediately recognized that obvious smell of his, a mix of earth and honey, that was impregnated in almost every corner of the castle.

"Great! First a damned half breed, now a geezer! You stand in the presence of Lord Sesshomaru, the rightful ru-GOH" Sesshomaru's foot fell on his talk-active ward's head, inviting him to a long period of quiet reflection with his nose dipped on the ground.

"You," the daiyokai coldly greeted the newcomer, which seemed fully recovered from their little 'disagreement' earlier.

"I am Hokumaru." He smiled kindly and bowed his head respectfully. "I am very pleased to meet you in better terms, Lord Sesshomaru."

"What?" Curiosity compelled Jaken to somehow unplug his face from the ground and gaze at the old man, and the imp finally recognized the discrete markings on his skin and the demonic energy that softly surrounded him. "I-It's him!" He panicked and pointed to the elder. It was the bear demon that prevented him and his lord from breaching into the castle, now in his surprisingly humble human form. "It's that demon! Milord, kill him before he tries to eat us! I can still feel my back aching because of your big and fat butt, you-"

"Silence, Jaken."

"Lord Sohma, I will be taking it from here," said the elder demon solemnly. "Please, return to the castle at once. The men will be worried shall they miss you, and the lady will be deeply angered shall she ever discover what you just did here."

"Y-yes, Master Hokumaru. I am sorry. Thank you very much and take care…" Sohma bowed his head respectfully, shyly repeating the gesture towards Sesshomaru, who seemed not to notice.

"So," Hokumaru softened his already kind features when the young boy he secretly followed and swore to protect quickly left through the woods. "You are more civilized than history tells."

"There was no point in wasting my effort and dignity hurting that lowly half breed. Of course, the same thing does not apply to you, a full-fledged and ancient demon." Sesshomaru turned to face the old demon with stern eyes. "So do tell. How did my relic end up in the enemy's possession?"

"It is hard for me to say. I am merely a protector and don't usually meddle in the castle's affairs. What I do know is that it was shattered in two when Arashi, the Sakagama's most recent and complicated enemy, attacked the castle months ago. One of the parts was stolen by him. The lady and her officers have the complete details. You should talk to them. I am sure she would be most satisfied to undo this misunderstanding and count on your comprehension and help."

"You expect me to aid your incompetent human lord? Such foolishness." Sesshomaru was now clearly angry at the relic's troubling fate.

"Is that so?" Hokumaru answered with the typical serenity of an elder. "I reckon Arashi is now a common opponent for you both. You want your relic, and the Young Lady wants him and his minions away from her lands. It is only natural that whoever handles him first will be aiding the other greatly. Moreover, if Young Lord Sesshomaru intends to retrieve the relic by himself, then you should gather all the information you can get and know how cunning this enemy can be."

"You seem confident that I will not use such information against the castle itself. Do not take me lightly, elder. And do remember that it is your lady who is striving to ambush me at this very moment."

"To protect Kitami's people." He sighed and bowed submissively once again. "Nevertheless, I am sure the Young Lord will pick the choice that better suits his interests. And I hope, for my own and everyone's sake, I am not forced to meet you in battle once again."

Knowing that the little half demon lord was safe once again for the time being, and that little could be done in order to further soften the dog demon's unbending heart, unless of course time and wisdom itself, Hokumaru turned away and slowly left the scene as his tired legs allowed. Sesshomaru silently watched his departure, intrigued by that mysterious ancient demon's presence, his protective attitude towards the humans and his attempt of promoting peace between them, but especially by the information he and his protege just shared. He frowned, dissatisfied.

He expected his quest in those lands to be simple, and his stay, quick.

"Milord… What should we do now?" the small ward inquired shyly.

"Are you afraid of humans, Jaken?"

"Milord, of course not! But if it is really true that your relic is broken and lost to that wretch, then..."

"Then I'll be finding his whereabouts and paying him a visit soon enough." Sesshomaru turned away and went for the open fields, preparing for the inconvenient encounter soon to come as the first morning lights decorated the skies and expelled the night's cold. "If, that is, this is not another lie orchestrated by the feudal lord. In this case, she will die for trying my patience, betraying me and wasting my time."

Jaken swallowed dry and silently followed his fair master.

[1]: I hope everyone remember Sesshomaru's fabulous hair flip from episode 7