This part of the story takes place while inuyasha is still living with the dragons.
Disclaimer I do not own
Chapter 9
It had been four months since Inuyasha's death. Sesshomaru has been wandering around Japan fighting and defeating the strongest demons Japan had to offer. Yet, he still felt as though these demons did not challenge his full potential. He needed to find a demon that would truly push his abilities to its limits. His prayer, so to speak, was answered in the form of a very powerful demon by the name of Goshinki. The young demon lord had exited the forest when the hulking demon with horns appeared before him. Since Tensaiga was of no use to him in battle and the sword he had Totosai make for him was with the dragon. He had to depend upon his own strength, his poison whip and claws.
Before, his claws and whip were all he needed to defeat the demons but this Goshinki was different. The young lord fought the demon hard but whenever he tried to attack. Goshinki would either dodge or counter. It was almost as though the demon could read his mind.
The demon was quicker than Sesshomaru had thought. One minute he was ten feet away facing Goshinki and in a blink of an eye, the demon was standing behind him. It slashed the young Sesshomaru across the back leaving four long gashes in his flesh. The young lord staggered away from the vicious brute.
"So, you are the so called great Sesshomaru that has killed nearly one hundred demons," Goshinki said unimpressed. "You seem rather insignificant to me. But if bringing your head to Ryuukotsusei will put me in his favor. I will be more than happy to end your worthless life." The demon moved with blinding speed appearing in front of Sesshomaru. Goshinki buried his claws into the young demon's stomach. Sesshomaru fell backwards hitting the ground with a thud.
Getting to his knees the dog demon struck out at Goshinki but the demon quickly moved away from the glowing green claws that was dripping poison. "Why don't you do the world a favor and die."
Sesshomaru gritted his teeth in anger and staggered onto his feet. /No, I will not die. I will not let this mindless beast kill me./ He thought breathing raggedly. /I cannot die, not yet. Not until I have avenged my little brother's death./
"It's not nice to call your executioner a mindless beast," the demon smiled at him. "You are such a weak and pathetic creature. How do you ever plan on avenging your brother's death when you cannot prevent your own death." Goshinki grinned and moved with great speed slashing the young lord across his chest. The force of the blow sent Sesshomaru crashing into some trees.
"Back off, you foul monster," yelled Jaken planting his small body between Goshinki and his lord. Raising his two headed staff, the head of the old man spewed fire at the demon.
Goshinki laughed as he stood there facing the flames unafraid. "Listen little toad, if you play with the big demons you better be prepared to get hurt." Jaken was such a low-level demon until Goshinki did not have to use his super speed. He only used a quarter of his speed. He appeared beside Jaken and struck the toad across the head. Jaken skidded about half a mile before he came to a halt.
"Now that I've swatted that fly away. I can now take the head of the little lord." Suddenly Goshinki felt an enormous amount of youkai power coming from where Sesshomaru lay. He turned to see the young dog demon stand. He cringed when he was able to see the visible force of the young lord's power surround him. "No! Why is it I cannot read your thoughts."
Sesshomaru walked out of the woods filled rage. His mind was in a bloodlust. All he could think of is killing this demon who dares to lay a hand upon his person. His claws became long, his golden eyes bled red with fury. He gnashed his long teeth as saliva dripped from his snarling mouth to scorch the earth like acid. "Now fool, consider yourself honored to be killed by Sesshomaru lord of the West," he said in a deep guttural voice that oozed venom. Sesshomaru moved with a speed that not even Goshinki could match. The demon felt something against his throat and turned to see Sesshomaru standing behind him.
Thinking the young lord did nothing to him. He began to laugh. But soon the laughing ceased as Goshinki's head slid from his shoulders. The rest of his body fell to the ground a second later.
After defeating Goshinki, he picked up the demon's head and took it to Totosai to make him a new sword. Unfortunately, the old sword smith refused to consider it.
"No, I will not do it," said Totosai sitting on the floor. "I know you. You will go after Ryuukotsusei again."
"I will not go after the dragon again because I know that I am still not strong enough to defeat him," said the young lord. "It has only been a little over four months since I started my training to become stronger in order to rescue father."
Totosai stared at the young lord and then looked at the head he held in his hand. He could sense the foul evil radiating from the head although it is dead. He sighed. "I'm sorry Sesshomaru. I still will not make you a sword."
"Fine." Sesshomaru golden eyes turned hard as ice and he turned from the sword smith. "Than I shall find someone else to make me the sword for me." He walked out.
xxxxx
Sesshomaru and Jaken traveled for six days until they came upon a shack. Pushing the tattered curtain aside, they entered the house. Lying on the floor before a fire, was the sword smith he he had been looking for.
"You are Kaijinbo, ex pupil to Totosai," said Sesshomaru.
"Don't mention that old buzzard to me," said Kaijinbo. "What is it you want of me?"
"I need you to make me a sword from the fangs of this demon." The young lord tossed the head on the floor before the sword smith.
"You take me for a fool." Kaijinbo sneered at the dog demon. "For me to make a sword from its fangs, the demon must be alive."
Without saying a word, he removed Tensaiga from its sheath. With one swipe of the blade, the demon head began to breathe again. "Is that good enough for you."
"Of course," said the sword smith. "Give me three days and your sword will be finished."
Sesshomaru said nothing. He just turned and left the sword smith to his work.
Three days later, Sesshomaru and Jaken returned to Kaijinbo's hut. Both demons felt a strong demonic aura surround the building.
"My lord, what is that overwhelming aura I feel," said Jaken clutching his staff.
"Stay here." Sesshomaru approached the hut and pushed back the curtain. Inside he found Kaijinbo dead apparently, the evil aura of the sword was too much for him. The sword was stuck in the floorboard emitted its deadly aura.
Sesshomaru walked up to the sword and grabbed the hilt. Pulling it out of the floor the demonic aura of the sword was overpowered by Sesshomaru's own powerful demonic aura. He turned to the sword smith and thought about reviving him with Tensaiga. He decided against it. Any being that would used the blood of innocent children to forge a sword does not deserve to exist in this world any longer. "I shall call you Tokijin." The sword pulsed with power. Then he placed the sword in his obi to rest beside Tensaiga. He took one last look at Kaijinbo and then walked out of the hut.
xxxxx
Sesshomaru wandered around for a year before deciding that there were no strong demons in Japan. He would try in China. There was a distant cousin of his that lived there. Maybe the demons in China would be more of a challenge. He sent a message to his cousin informing him of his arrival.
A week later, he and Jaken boarded a ship in Nagasaki, and were off to a new land.
Upon arriving at the docks in Tientsin, Sesshomaru and Jaken were met by a young human girl that looked to be about ten years old. Her black hair was combed back and in a ponytail. The dark blue dress she wore was made of silk and had a golden embroidery of a dog stitched into the fabric. Her sandals looked a bit too snug for her feet but the child did not seem to be uncomfortable in them.
The girl bowed to them. "Excuse me, you are Lord Sesshomaru?"
"Yes, I am. And you are?"
"I am Rin. Lord Lao sent me to escort you to his home. Please follow me." The girl turned and led him to a waiting carriage. She stood by the carriage and held back the curtains. Sesshomaru took a seat inside. Then two strong demons lifted the carriage on their shoulders and carried the visiting young demon lord to their master's home.
"Hey, what about me?" demanded Jaken.
"You walk," said the girl.
"Well, I've never . . ." Jaken was about to rave but the girl turned and followed closely beside the carriage. "Hey, wait for me, my lord."
"So, you say your name is Rin."
"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru."
"How old are you?"
"I made ten four weeks ago," said Rin.
"You are Japanese are you not Rin?" he asked looking at the girl.
"Yes lord, I am Japanese," said the girl.
"How is it you come to be in the service of my cousin in China?"
"Well, my parents were killed by bandits when I was six years old." The girl stared ahead lost in her memories. "I had went out back behind my house to pick flowers when they attacked. I ran back to the house just in time to see the bandit leader kill my parents. After that, I went into shock and couldn't speak. Instead of killing me, the bandits sold me as a slave. I was brought here to China where Lord Lao purchased me and I have been here every since."
"You said after seeing your parents killed you couldn't speak," said Sesshomaru. "How did you overcome this?"
"It was Lord Lao who did it. He came to me and told me that I have grieved the death of my parents long enough. And then he struck me across the face." Rin held her left cheek remembering. "He told me that I would be his translator and that he expected me to be speaking tomorrow. Or. . ."
"Or." He urged the girl to continue.
"Or he would kill me." She shrugged her shoulders. "After that I began speaking again."
After that Sesshomaru's curiosity about the girl was satisfied and they remained silent the rest of the way to Lao's home.
They arrived ten minutes later in front of a sprawling palace with an upward curving roof. Rin led Sesshomaru and Jaken through the mansion out to the garden in back. There they saw a small pavilion and a lone figure was seated underneath it.
The demon stood and smiled while extending a hand. "Welcome to China, cousin," said Lao. Sesshomaru took the outstretched hand of the Chinese dog demon. Lao was older than Sesshomaru. He had long shaggy, brown hair and blue demon markings in his face and a tail that he kept wrapped around his waist.
"Thank you Lao," said Sesshomaru.
Lao motion for Sesshomaru to be seated on the red velvet cushion opposite the table. Then he turned to Rin. "Rin, bring us some tea."
"Yes Lord Lao," said the girl bowing and going to carry out her duty.
"Rin is by far one of my best servants," said Lao after the girl was inside the palace.
"She told me she was sold to you as a slave." Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes.
"Yes she was but she's not anymore. She is a translator."
"I remember her telling me something like that," said Sesshomaru staring out at the beautiful garden filled with irises, orchids and white roses. "What exactly does that mean?"
"It means that little Rin can speak five different languages besides Japanese and Chinese," said Lao. "Which means the girl can speak seven languages in all."
"That's quite impressive for such a young child."
"True but since she came here she has had nothing to fear. She knows that I will take care of her."
Sesshomaru arched a delicate brow. "As long as she is of help to you, that is."
Lao snorted. "Well of course."
Just then, Rin walked out carrying a tray of tea. She placed the cups on the low level table and poured the tea first for the visitor and for Lao. He turned his attention to the toad.
"And who are you?"
"I am Jaken, Lord Sesshomaru's vassal." The toad demon said swelling with pride and bowed to the Chinese dog demon. "It is an honor to meet someone as distinguish as you, Lord Lao."
Rin handed a cup of tea to Jaken and then she took her place at Lao's side.
"So tell me cousin, how is everyone," asked Lao. "I heard about your brother being killed by Ryuukotsusei. I was saddened by it."
"Not good." Sesshomaru sat his cup down and sighed. "Father was defeated by Ryuukotsusei and now is a prisoner in his own dungeon. I managed to escape with Izayoi and the others that was in my care. I have them hidden safely from the dragon."
"Damn that Ryuukotsusei." Lao clutched his hand into a fist and slammed it against the table. "Poor Inuyasha, how could that monster do that to a child."
Sesshomaru sat in silence thinking about his brother when Lao's voice brought him out of his thoughts. "So, cousin why are you here?"
"A few months back I tried to free father but I failed," said Sesshomaru clutching the stump of his left arm. He took a deep breath and continued. "I failed because I was weak. So, I've decided to train myself by fighting the strongest demons the world has to offer until I am ready to face Ryuukotsusei again."
"I see," said Lao stroking his chin in thought. "Here in China the strongest would be the dragons. They are distant cousins of Ryuukotsusei."
"Really." Sesshomaru sat up stiffly. "When father and I went to search for Inuyasha I smelt the scent of a dragon but it was unknown to me. Father said that he had smelt this scent once before when the dragons tried to take over his lands. He said the scent was from a Chinese dragon."
"I think I might know the dragon you are talking about," said Lao. "Although all dragons are related no matter what country they are from they are still blood related. By nature, dragons aren't aggressive.They are very honorable creatures. They only react to someone attacking them or their young or whatever the situation maybe. Ryuukotsusei however is different. He is a power hungry monster that has rejected the dragon's way of life. So, he along with those who follow him was banished from the dragon nation."
"What about this dragon you think may have helped Ryuukotsusei?"
"This dragon is the only one in China that has been banished from the dragon nation. His name is Yin. He controls all of Shanghai. He has a place at the river where he sells his slaves."
"How do . . ." He turned to Rin. "You got Rin from him."
"Yes I did," said Lao. "I know you may think badly of me cousin but if I had not. The girl would have been sold to a whorehouse."
Sesshomaru nodded accepting this explanation. He guessed the girl's life could have been worse. At least with Lao, she is not expect to satisfy her master sexually. Lao can be a bastard at times but the demon did not go for a child pleasuring him. Anyway, his mind went directly to the dragon called Yin. If that dragon's scent is the same as the scent, he smelled that filled the air that day. Sesshomaru would surely enjoy tearing the dragon to pieces.
"You say this Yin is in Shanghai." It wasn't so much a question as it was reassuring the information as correct. "He hasn't changed his location?"
"No, he is still there. His place is by the docks so he can load his slaves off the ship without any problems from the imperil guards," said Lao. He saw the puzzled look on Sesshomaru's face. "Yin controls the village underhandedly. If anyone told the emperor what he was doing. The bastard has sworn that he would burn the village, take every child from the parents and sell them." Lao smiled when he heard the deep growl rumbling in his cousin's chest. "So, I take it you are going after him."
"I promised that I would kill Ryuukotsusei and killing Yin will get me one step closer to my goal."
Lao chuckled. "Then you will need help. You should have already learned to speak Chinese by now but since Taisho concentrated more on what was happening in Japan instead of foreign politics. I offer you the service of Rin as your translator."
Sesshomaru accepted. Then Lao turned to the girl that was kneeling on the ground listening to the conversation. "Did you hear that Rin. You shall be going with Sesshomaru from now on."
She turned to Sesshomaru and bowed low to him. "I am your humble servant.
I live only to obey your every command."
"Come now cousin, let us retire inside. I'm sure you would like to rest before meal time," said Lao. Both dog demons got up and went into the palace followed by Rin and Jaken.
xxxxx
The next day Lao had given Rin money for passage on the boat and for lodgings once they arrived in Shanghai. Sesshomaru, Rin and Jaken sat out on their journey to Shanghai to face Yin. They took a boat from Ts'ang-chou sailing down the Grand Canal. It took them three days to reach a small village called Soochow. From there they made their way to Shanghai.
Rin had secured them lodgings in one of the best inns in Shanghai. The demon lord however did not want to rest. He wanted to have Yin's neck in his claws strangling the life from the dragon.
"My lord, that would not be wise," said Rin sitting on one of the beds in their room.
"Be silent girl," snapped Jaken. "Lord Sesshomaru do not need to be told by some human girl what he can and cannot do."
"That maybe but he knows nothing about Yin." The girl bolted off the bed startling the little toad into stumbling backward. Jaken fell to the floor glaring at the girl. "We have traveled for five days nonstop and not once has Lord Sesshomaru rested. Although he did stop to let us rest. I could tell that he has not rested. If he goes up against someone like Yin. He will fail."
"And you think sleeping will make me win?" asked Sesshomaru staring into the girl's dark brown eyes. Rin plopped back down on the bed sighing.
"I don't know."
"A-ha!" yelled Jaken jumping to his feet in triumph.
"But, how is he going to fight if he is too tired to sense if someone is sneaking up behind him. Just because Yin is a dragon does not mean he will fight honorably. He will use every trick he can think of to defeat you."
Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Everyone turned as whoever knocked again. Rin stood up and walked over to the door. Hesitantly, she opened it. Standing on the other side was a tall, elderly dog demon with long white hair that reached down to the floor in a single braid. Sesshomaru's eyes widened in shock.
"M-Master Kei," said the young lord bowing.
The elderly dog demon stepped into the room and walked up to Sesshomaru. Raising a wooden fan, he struck the young lord across his head.
"Ouch!" yelled Sesshomaru cradling his throbbing head. "What the hell did you do that for?"
Whack! The old demon struck him again. Rin covered her mouth with her hand giggling. Jaken stood gaping with his beak opened and eyes bulging out of his head.
"Do not speak to me in that fashion, whelp," snapped the old dog.
"My lord, who is this demon?" Rin finally asked after she was able to control her giggles.
"This is Master Kei. He was my sword instructor."
"It is an honor to meet you Master Kei," said Rin bowing to the elderly dog.
"Finally, someone showing this old dog demon some respect."
"Please forgive my rudeness, master," said Sesshoamru.
"Well, it's okay," said Kei sighing. "When I heard about Inuyasha . . .well my heart broke. I've been searching for you. I found your mother and she told me about everything that happened."
Sesshomaru looked away. "How is she doing?"
"Not too good. Her heart is broken. She has lost her youngest, her husband and her stepson in a matter of weeks. The servants say she is slowly locking her heart away." Kei sat down on the bed. "When I saw her, she wasn't eating much. We all tried to get her to eat but it was like talking to the dead." He looked up at Sesshomaru. "You should go home to her. She needs you Sess. You are all that she has left in this world."
"I'm sorry Kei, but I cannot go home. Not yet. I have to become stronger in order to defeat Ryuukotsusei to free my father and to avenge my brother's death"
said Sesshomaru turning away.
"Is that how you lost your arm?"
"I lost my arm because I was too weak." Sesshomaru clutched his one good hand into a fist at his side and closed his eyes. "I was a fool to think I could defeat the dragon. I know now that for me to do that I must become stronger than I was before."
Then the old demon looked at the sword at Sesshomaru's waist. "Is that why you challenge the strongest demons in the land?"
"Yes and I shall challenge the strongest the world has to offer." He opened his eyes and turned his chilling golden orbs upon the old teacher. "And I will not stop not until I have defeated them all."
The old dog demon smiled. "I see you are on your way to doing just that." He pointed to Tokijin. "I've heard the rumors about you killing a demon that could read its victims minds. In fact, just about all of Japan has heard about it."
Sesshomaru looked surprised. "How?"
The old dog shrugged. "It seems that when you were fighting the demon a couple of farmers came upon the battle and saw everything that happened. Then I went to see Totosai and he told me what you wanted. Since that old coot had declined to make the sword for you. I knew of only one other sword smith that could forge a sword from a demon's fangs. I found what was left of Kaijinbo. What happened to him?"
"The aura from Tokijin was too great for him to handle."
Kei nodded his head in understanding. "I've been following you for weeks, boy. I thought I had found you when I reached Lao but I was too late. He told me what you were planning on doing. So I hopped on the next available boat and followed you here."
"Why?"
"Your training isn't complete, Sesshomaru. I am here to complete your training," said the old dog demon.
"I see," said Sesshomaru showing no emotion as he stared at the elderly dog demon. "Then I am ready to begin."
"Are you nuts, boy." The elderly demon snapped at him. Then he stretched out on the bed. "I am not ready. I'm tired from chasing your young ass all over Japan and China." Kei cracked open one eye. "You should get some sleep also. The training I've been giving you in the past was child play. Now,
we're heading for the big league. Your training will be one thousand times more difficult than before." He closed his eyes. "Now, get some sleep."
xxxxx
The next day, at Kei's request, Rin went out to buy Sesshomaru some clothes for him to wear. She returned with a white ribbed jacket with a black collar, pants,
slip on shoes and a white belt. Sesshomaru began to fidget in the plain cotton clothing. He was use to wearing the finest in silk. Kei said it was necessary for him to wear the clothes Rin got him. It wouldn't do for the young lord to be wearing such nice clothes just to practice in. After getting dressed, the old dog demon led them out of the town into the mountains. Then he put the young lord through hours of hard labor. First, he began to build his strength up. With a pole across his shoulders, he carried two buckets of rocks up a hill. He did this exercise from sun up till sun down for days. Until finally the pails were nothing for him to carry.
Afterwards the old dog demon continued his training of the young lord. Since, he only had one arm the training became ten times more difficult than before. Rin had asked the old demon why his training for the young lord seemed to be so hard. Kei told her it was because Sesshomaru would be depending on his one arm and legs to fight. They would train for twelve hours straight. Once the practice was over Rin would tend to Sesshomaru's injuries while the old dog demon just sat upon a boulder shaking his head at the young demon. "If you plan to go up against the best the world has to offer. You will have to do better than this," the old demon leaped down from the boulder. "Things like revenge and hate are good motivators but they can also cloud your judgment, hamper your reflexes. You must learn to bury these emotions. In the long run, they will ultimately be your downfall. You will stay out here and meditate through the night."
"But it will be cold," argued Rin. "He will catch a cold . . ."
"Rin, it is all right," said Sesshomaru silencing the girl. "I understand master."
"Let's go," said Kei.
"No, I will stay here with my lord." Rin shook her head.
"Go with him Rin. You as well Jaken."
"But. . ."
Sesshomaru glared at both of them coldly. Reluctantly, they both relented and followed Kei back to the inn. Sesshomaru watched them disappeared and sighed.
With the rising of the sun the next day, the routine was the same. Days turned into weeks and weeks into months. During his training the young lord would become furious when Rin and Kei would return from Shanghai telling him about Yin. He knew that he could not defeat his enemy if he does not control his temper. He was beginning to think that Kei was telling him about the dragon on purpose. Was this one of his training lessons. Was the old dog demon trying to get the young lord to curve his violent temper? It was a possibility.
It was now a year and Sesshomaru had turned seventeen. Although Kei had taught the young lord all he knew. It was now up to Sesshomaru to gain the experience he will need to face Ryuukotsusei.
Sesshomaru stood before his master. "Master Kei, it has been a year and all I've done is practice. I believe it is time for me to put your teachings to use."
The old dog demon stood up facing his young pupil. "I believe you are right, my lord. It is time for you to continue your training in life. Go to Shanghai and teach that impudent dragon what it means to court the wrath of the dog demons of Japan." He placed a hand on the youngsters shoulder.
"Thank you master."
Sesshomaru returned to the inn to wash up and dress. Once he was attired in his usual white kimono and hakama. Rin brushed his long silver hair until it was like silk. He secured Tensaiga and Tokijin to his side with his obi. Tossing his hair over one shoulder, he turned to face the others.
"Do you mind if I join you?" asked Rin. "I know it will be dangerous but I want to come. Please, my lord." The girl bowed to him.
"The child speak for us all," said Kei. "After all, you are my pupil. I want to see you beat that filthy dragon into the ground."
"Very well," said Sesshomaru.
xxxxx
A few mintues later, they stood in the courtyard of Yin's home surrounded by guards. Just then, a tall demon walked out of the house. Sesshomaru snarled in rage as the scent of this person was the same stench he smelt the day his brother was killed. The demon in him wanted to break free and rip the dragon to pieces. But his reasonable side knew that this demon was not someone to take lightly. He calmed his inner demon letting it know that it shall soon appease its hunger for revenge.
Sesshomaru watched the dragon narrow his eyes as though he was trying to remember where he seen the dog lord before.
"Who are you?" Yin demanded. "And why are you here in my home?"
"Are you the dragon known as Yin," asked Sesshomaru icily. The young dog demon's face was like a mask of ice.
"Who wants to know?" He crossed his arms across his chest.
"I am Sesshomaru, lord of the West in Japan."
Suddenly the dragon's eyes widened in recognition. Then he smirked at the young demon. "Lord of the west, huh. From what I heard,
Ryuukotsusei rules the west. After he defeated your worthless father and sent you into hiding like a coward." He sneered at Sesshomaru. "Your entire family was nothing but worthless dogs. . .No I take that back. There was one that wasn't worthless. The little hanyou. He did put up a much better fight than that mongrel father of yours." Then he flashed a wide toothy grin at Sesshomaru. "Did you like that painting I did for you with your brother's blood. I called it death of the dog clan. It was such a beautiful sight. The little half-breed's blood was my paint and the trees of the forest was my canvas. And when he screamed, it was such a lovely sound to my ears. I think that it was one of my best killings to date."
Sesshomaru was having a hard time controlling the raging demon inside of him. This dragon was going to die a long, and painful death and if possible a slow one as well.
"He called for you, mutt prince," said the dragon. "He called for you to come save him but you didn't come. Guess you didn't care as much as he thought you did." Yin laughed nastily. "You should have seen the look on his face when he realized that you were not coming to save him. It was such a sweet, delicious sight. It made his death so satisfying. Especially when I fed his remains to the scavenger birds."
That was the final straw. Sesshomaru had heard enough. His demon powers flared around him sending the guards flying against the stone wall surrounding the compound.
"You will die Yin," Sesshomaru said in a vicious tone. Grabbing the hilt of Tokijin, he drew his sword and attacked the dragon. Yin dodged each attack until one of his men tossed him a sword. He quickly blocked an attack and pushed the dog demon away.
Suddenly Yin's men got to their feet and were about to help their master when Kei blocked their path. The old demon smirked at the guards and launched a blinding attack on the demons. Jaken was by Kei's side using his staff of two heads to incinerate the guards. Two guards rushed towards Rin thinking she was an easy target. They were mistaken.
Rin reached behind her back and pulled out two sais from a specially made sheath under her shirt. Blocking the guard's attack with one sai she buried the other sai under its ribcage piercing the heart. She pivoted on her right foot elbowing the second demon in the stomach knocking the wind from him.
Both Sesshomaru and Yin saw what happened and stared at the little girl in shock.
"MY my, aren't you full of surprises," said Kei smiling. Jaken just stood with his mouth hanging open and his eyes bugling out of his head.
Rin stared at the elder demon with an innocent expression on her face. "Oh,
didn't I tell you. My parents were demon slayers. Father was training me before he was killed by bandits. Lord Lao continued my training. As well as being a translator, I was also his bodyguard. I thought I told you this." The girl smiled. "Guess it just slipped my mind." She winked at the old demon.
Kei busted out laughing and then turned to Sesshomaru. "Don't worry about these weaklings. The three of us will take care of them." He, Jaken and Rin turned their attention back to the guards and attacked.
Sesshomaru was surprised at the girl's skills. He would have to have a talk with her when his fight was over. Speaking of fighting, he turned his attention back to Yin. He attacked. Yin was better than he thought. For each attack the dragon was able to block it and then launch a counterattack. But Sesshomaru would not be denied his revenge. He would kill this bastard who dare to lay hand upon his little brother. Tokijin turned red as it could almost taste the blood of its prey. Sparks flew from the swords as they clashed with one another.
It was time to end this. Sesshomaru swung his sword. Yin leaped back but the dragon was not expecting the young lord's second attack. While swinging his sword Sesshomaru released his poison whip slicing the dragon across the stomach. The acid burning poison coursed through his body melting his organs. Yin clutched his wound and watched in horror as Sesshomaru lunged the sword forward into his chest breaking the dragon's ribs to stab him in the heart. Blood gushed from Yin's mouth as he coughed up great globs of blood.
The dragon fell to his knees and stared up at Sesshomaru smiling. "You were . . .very . . . good young one," he gasped out. "But you . . .will nev-ver see . . ." He tried gasping in air but his lungs was filled with blood. "Never see your . . . little bro-ther a-gain." He fell to the ground dead.
Sesshomaru frowned at the dead dragon. What in the hell did the fool mean? He know he will never see his brother again. Inuyasha was dead. He turned from the dead body in disgust and stared at his three companions. "I see all three of you made it out none the worst."
"It was an honor to aid you, my lord," said Jaken.
Kei rolled his eyes at the little toad. "Don't you ever get tired of sucking up to this whelp."
Jaken blushed in indignation.
Sesshomaru smiled slightly and turned his attention on Rin. "So, when were you going to tell me you were a slayer?"
"I didn't think it was necessary," said Rin putting her sais away. "Lao used me most of the time to track down rogue demons that was causing trouble on his lands and I was also his personal bodyguard. No one would ever think a ten-year-old human girl was much of a threat. You should have seen the surprised looks on some of Lao's more verbal guests faces when they realized I could have easily taken their heads off."
"I see," said Kei. "That Lao always was a clever dog."
xxxxx
Sometime later, all the servants and new slaves were gathered into the compound. "I am Lord Sesshomaru. I have slain the dragon, Yin. You all are free to stay here or return to your original homes."
Suddenly an elderly rabbit demon stepped out of the confused crowd. "You are the young prince of the west in Japan. Are you not?"
"I am Lord of the west now."
"I see. And your little brother."
Sesshomaru frowned, the pain evident in his golden eyes. "My brother is dead."
"No, he's not," said the rabbit.
The demon lord stood as if turned to stone. Then his eyes narrowed angrily. "If this is your ideal of a joke, old man. I swear . . ." But before he could voice his threat the rabbit demon spoke up.
"I do not joke about something so important. My name is Usagi and I was one of several slaves onboard Yin's ship. Every demon in Japan knows the distinct characteristics of the dog demons of the west. Long white hair and golden eyes but your brother was a half demon. He had the cutest little puppy dog-ears and he spoke fondly of you. No matter how bad his situation was. Prince Inuyasha's thoughts were always of you." The old demon smiled rather sadly. "I had my doubts about you finding him. Me and Shirow tried to get him to see that everyone thought he was dead. But Inuyasha would not give up hope of you finding him."
"My . . .My otouto is alive," he said hoarsely. Tears began to well up in his eyes and spill down his cheeks. When he first began his journey, the young lord felt as though some force was pulling him to leave Japan. /Could it be true? Was father right about Inuyasha and I being mates? Did I . . . deep within my soul, know that my little one was alive and waiting for me to save him./ Sesshomaru quickly composed himself, drying his eyes and staring at the old rabbit. "Where is he? Is he here?"
"No, I'm afraid Yin sold him to a human," said Usagi. "I know not where this man called home but I'm sure his servants would know."
"Rin, it's time for you to put your talents as a translator to use." The young lord looked at her. "Find out who has my brother."
Rin nodded and stepped forward. She spoke to the crowd. Several of the women spoke quickly to the child. Then she turned to Sesshomaru. "They remember your brother. They say he attacked some women that kept pulling on his ears."
Sesshomaru felt his lips twitch into a smirk. /Yes, that's my runt of a brother. He hated it when people would grab his ears saying how cute and soft they were./ He thought as he let the smirk drop from his face and listened to the rest of what Rin had to say.
"They say he was sold to a human from Arabia."
"Arabia?"
"It's a country that's nothing but a huge dessert," said Rin.
"And how long ago did Yin sell my brother?" asked Sesshomaru.
"It has been over a year," said Usagi.
"Dammit!"
"Well, we could follow their trail," said Rin. "You see there are four different slave routes. I think I might know what trail they took." Rin tapped a forefinger against her lips. "Since this man was heading back to Arabia. I would venture to say that he first crossed into India and then went into Pakistan. From there it would be an easy trip home by sea."
"Then that is the path I shall take," said Sesshomaru. "Rin you will guide me along this path."
"Of course, my lord." The girl bowed.
"Don't forget me, my lord," squawked Jaken stepping forward. "I am your faithful servant and shall follow you to the ends of the Earth."
The demon lord rolled his eyes and turned to his teacher. "Shall you be joining me master."
"No, this is something you must do," said the old dog demon. "I think I will go back home."
"Master," said Usagi. "May I join you on your journey back. I want to return home and see my family."
"Of course you are welcome to join me," said Kei. Then he looked at his young ex-pupil. "Remember to continue your training along your journey. It is the only way you will gain the experience you will need when you face Ryuukotsusei."
"I will, master." Sesshomaru bowed to the old dog demon, turned and walked out of the courtyard. Rin and Jaken fell in behind him.
"When you see Inuyasha tell him Usagi said he was right," Usagi yelled to the young lord.
Sesshomaru raised his hand in acknowledgment and continued to walk.