Chapter Two: Into the Daiyokai's Lair
"Lord Sesshoumaru… do you have a home?" They've been travelling for months; a wanderer's life suited for the bachelor demon lord.
"Do not burden the Master with your silly questions Rin!" reprimanded Jaken.
But Rin was adamant. Running as fast as her tiny feet could, she rushed to the front and tugged at his sleeves. "When you go home, can I come?"
She had remembered his eyes, the gold almost dancing in laughter even when his face remained stoic. "If you wish, Rin." Her hug had been instantaneous, a tiny koala clinging to the leg of the seven foot tall Youkai.
"Rin!" shrieked Jaken. "Get off you insolent little –"
"Let her be Jaken," he had replied, continuing with their journey, looking down only to make sure she had not slid off. It was only when she started to feel sleepy that her fingers loosened its grip, only to have the hazy consciousness of being lifted. Lord Sesshoumaru's scent was so close, so comforting… Rin only wanted to close her eyes and sleep on his shoulders.
He could not be serious! One strike? Surely he didn't think she was that skilled of a swordswoman?
But… dying was not an option.
Getting to her feet, Rin studied the elements around him, plotting the best strategy to leave that one mark on him without killing herself in the process. She knew he was watching her – listening to her heartbeat, taking in her change of scent in anticipation of her attack.
It was now or never.
Dashing forward, she feigned a straight thrust, using the force of his block to flip her weight towards a nearby tree. Lunging from that height, she swung her sword with all her might, the move intended to look like a calculated aim for his head.
That was when she switched hands, cutting her sword's trajectory abruptly, causing the blade to pierce the soft ground instead.
"That was disappointing Rin. I had expected–" Words died on his lips as she covered them with her own, forcing his fingers to relax and drop his own sword.
When his hands folded across the back of her waist, she knew she had him.
Sucker.
"Looks like I won Lord Sesshoumaru," she whispered against his lips; a thin blade the size of a chopstick aimed at the side of his throat.
His eyes flicked down towards her and then he smiled. "Seems you get to live another day."
Pushing herself off him, Rin took a step back to marvel in her victory.
He was still smiling when he knelt down to brush a stray tendril of hair from her face. "If you wish to learn the ways of the sword, I alone will teach you from now on." He tilted her chin slightly, much to her distaste. "But never do that again."
That. The kiss.
She hated him right then. Were her years of pining just a useless fantasy? He had just spoken to her as though she was still her ten year old self!
"We will head back to Kaede's." The words sounded effortlessly like a fact and it took all her willpower not to defy him.
"Yes my Lord." One battle at a time.
Priestess Kaede was busy preparing lunch by the time they arrived. Sesshoumaru turned to his human companion, knowing full well that she was hungry. Their little duel had drained her but from the stubborn tilt of her chin; it looked like she wasn't planning on admitting that.
"Lord Sesshoumaru!" Teary eyed Jaken bowed at the sight of his master. "I thought you've left me here!" Lifting his head, he scowled instead. "Rin."
"Master Jaken!" the soft feminine shout was pure happiness. Sesshoumaru shot a warning look at his advisor. The toad imp swallowed his snide remark and welcomed her hug. "Oh how I've missed you!"
Sesshoumaru saw the pair running off to no doubt gossip and catch up with insulting each other. It was their modus operandi when together.
"I see you've brought her back," said Kaede when he entered her kitchen.
"You doubt the Lord Sesshoumaru?"
"In some instances, yes." She hobbled a little towards the stove. "Seven years my Lord… that girl was a shell with no soul."
Sesshoumaru looked out the window to catch Rin running after a waddling Jaken. At least some things never change.
"I am here now."
The Priestess pointed a wooden spatula at him. "Yes, but I am afraid you might be too late. Rin is of marriageable age. You will not cage her any longer my Lord. If you do not wish to take her back, then set her free. She will die before ever hearing the words she wishes to hear you say to her."
He clenched his teeth in an effort not to kill the old woman. How dare she tell him what to do? "Rin will decide."
"Decide what?" came the gentle feminine voice of the woman in question.
Sesshoumaru turned his head slightly to catch a glimpse of her behind him.
"Do you wish to stay here?" He held his breath, allowing the silence to take over as her body stiffened at his words. "Or… if you so wish, you may resume your travels, with me."
He turned slowly at the end of his sentence; his golden eyes boring down on her. Rin had both hands covering her mouth and by the glimmer of tears in her eyes, he assumed she had made her decision.
"I will go and pack my things now," came the reply and then she was gone.
"Oh Lord Sesshoumaru…" cried Kaede. "Why do you punish her so?" The Priestess sat down by her stove; tears in her eyes. "A childless, loveless life…"
"This is her choice, Priestess," he said, taking his leave to join his companion in the living room. He was not surprised to see Rin already packed and ready to leave; her belongings fitting into a small drawstring bag that was now slung over her shoulder.
A quick glance at her choice of garb and a frown marred his flawless expression.
"Jaken, go to the marketplace and fetch me a befitting robe for our journey. Rin will not do in peasant clothings."
"Master? If I may be so bold to ask… where are we going to next?"
Sesshoumaru looked down at the bowing Jaken. Why do these subordinates feel they have a right to question his decisions all the time?
"To the West." He was surprised he even bothered to reply. Perhaps it was for Rin's sake.
Jaken's eyes widened, sparkling bright at his answer. "Yes! Yes of course Master. I will go right away!"
With Jaken gone, Sesshoumaru found himself alone with his human ward; her face unreadable. Had he made the right decision by giving her a choice?
"Who have you been practicing your sword with, Rin?" he asked.
The smash of broken glass behind them told him Kaede must have overheard his question.
"Well Rin? Answer him!" The old woman hissed at her ward even as the young woman crouched down to help her clear the broken china pieces.
"No one my Lord." Rin wasn't lying but she looked angry that he had unsettled her guardian. "The sword was a gift from Lord Sesshoumaru, Priestess."
He said nothing, simply watching the body language of the two women. Kaede's furrowed eyebrows and scrunched up nose was such a contrast to the glistening wide eyes and trembling pout on Rin's face.
"My Lord, was this your intention?" asked Kaede; a bite of anger in her words.
With a sigh, Sesshoumaru turned a lazy gaze to the women. "Rin may choose to do whatever she wishes with my gifts. It is not your place to question my actions." Turning his attention to the door, Sesshoumaru gave his parting words. "Jaken is here. We will leave now."
Her head was giddy with happiness as she laid on the back of A-Un, tracing the shapes of clouds above them. They usually had a woollen cover to protect her from the protruding bumps on the dragon's hide but their hasty departure did not give them much time to purchase one.
At the next town, he had promised.
"Move if it is more comfortable for you," was the instruction though his eyes never once left his forward focus on the road to look at her. Sometimes, Rin believed Jaken when he said that Lord Sesshoumaru had eyes on his back.
Sitting up, she did her best to position her body without moving too close to him. She'd rather have bruises up her bum than to show him her weakness. As a child, she would have curled on his lap to sleep and while he would grunt his disapproval, he kept still for hours until she finally woke up.
But Rin was not a child anymore.
"What lies in the West my Lord?" she asked instead. They had been travelling for two days straight and while they were not always privy to his plans, there were times when he was benevolent enough to share the knowledge.
With his eyes still to the front, he replied, "At the next town, we will buy what you need. Our journey will take us ten more days. No more unnecessary stops."
"Yes my Lord." She wasn't particularly disturbed at the unknown destination. Whatever lied in the west was worth the long journey.
Rin had to be eleven that year and for her birthday, she wanted a flower tiara. Lord Sesshoumaru took her to an open field of flowers and told her to make one for herself.
She ended up weaving them into his fine silvery-white hair instead.
Jaken had been livid; his face going white in shock but Lord Sesshoumaru did not move nor reprimand her. Instead, he rested his head against a tree trunk; eyes closed.
He wasn't sleeping. Youkais do not need rest.
"Lord Sesshoumaru?"
"Hmm?"
"Do you think your family will like me?" She twirled a daisy lightly between her fingers. Lord Sesshoumaru opened one eye to look at her before closing them again.
"Do not burden yourself with such questions Rin."
"But!" She had to know. What if they didn't like her?
"You are my family now." His eyelids lifted open to reveal those golden eyes she found so enchanting. "If you are finished, we will leave."
"We're here," he announced. "Jaken, you go ahead and purchase necessary supplies for Rin. See to it that she also has another decent change of clothes."
"Yes Master!"
Jaken hopped off the descending dragon and disappeared into the bustling town. Rin prepared to follow suit when Lord Sesshoumaru caught her by the waist, releasing her only when A-Un came to a complete landing.
"Before you go, I have something for you," he said, lifting a small trinket from his pocket. "I have seen many human women use these. Perhaps you may find it useful."
Rin accepted his gift with both hands; her eyes widening at the sight of the sculpted metal flower on top of the comb. Beautiful!
Scooping her long black hair into her hands, she twisted the length into a bun and secured it gently with the comb.
"How is it?" she asked, imagining the silvery flower a stark contrast with her black strands.
"It serves its purpose."
Rin turned and looked up to face the towering Youkai. His lips were slightly tugged at each ends – as though attempting a smile – but before she could murmur her gratitude, he rubbed his knuckles gently against her cheeks.
"Tell Jaken not to fret too much over the shopping."
Rin nodded, turning abruptly to walk away, hiding what was surely a reddened face. It was perfectly normal for Lord Sesshoumaru to do that! It was just she who was forming silly thoughts. She should be happy that he was allowing her to tag along, after the terrible welcome she had given him – for which she was still not apologising for.
"My, my, my… look what we have here?"
So lost in her thoughts, Rin had bumped straight into the arms of a man. At a glance, he appeared human but Rin had been in the company of Lord Sesshoumaru and Jaken long enough to know that he was a Youkai.
Green eyes with a narrow slit for irises adorned his face while his bushy hair, though pulled back in a ponytail, bore the faint spots of a hyena.
Rin moved her hand slowly to the belt around her kimono; the feel of her sword handle grounding her.
"Hey Filip, come and check out this delicious treat!" he shouted to his companions emerging from behind the trees.
"Please allow me to pass," she said sweetly. "I am only a peasant girl wishing to go to the market."
"No one passes here without our permission!" he roared, bringing to his side two more men flanking his shoulders. "And you lie." He brought his snout closer to her neck, inhaling a scent that made his hair bristle on its ends. "You smell of vermin dog!"
Rin barely had time to react when the man shifted into his hyena form, pouncing straight towards her, knocking her flat on the ground. The sword that she had just pulled out was kicked swiftly out of her grip, lying a few feet away from her grasps.
"Ah, a feisty one we have here." The hyena laughed, burrowing his snout closer to her vulnerable neck. "Oh, what is this? Yes, it seems you are human after all!"
The pack howled in enjoyment. One of them snickered, his tongue licking her exposed calf. "We've never tasted live human flesh before! What a treat."
"No! Release me!" She tried kicking but it only served to excite the hyena even more for he gripped her legs tight, pushing them apart.
"Maybe we could play with her a little," he sneered; a nail ripping a tear on her undergarments. "Seems like she's in need of attention."
The other hyenas echoed her cries mockingly, laughing as they gathered around her.
"You smell so tender and pure." Another lick, this time a trail up her knee to mid thigh.
Her eyes flared open at the contact but her screams were muffled by a hand on her mouth. When she tried to bite him, the hyena slapped her hard; the ends of his claws slashing her cheek.
"Get your filthy paws off her."
The offending hyena had one eye slowly turn to his right where the sharp blade of Lord Sesshoumaru's sword met his neck.
"I will not repeat myself… vermin."
The hyena growled, baring his teeth in retaliation. "And who the hell are you?"
Rin had to clench her eyes tight when the slicing blade severed his head, splattering blood all over her kimono.
The other hyenas scampered away from Rin but they were hissing at him; their bodies arched, fur sticking out on sharp ends like frightened cats. Lord Sesshoumaru made no move to attack them but instead, bent down to scoop Rin in his arms.
"Let that be a warning," he said, turning his back away from them. "Be thankful to the human that I have not gutted each and every one of you."
"You will not get away with this Dog demon!" shouted the leader of the pack as he dashed off after his kin.
The thought made her sick, but Rin forced herself to calm down, sneaking a peek at the group of hyenas running off with their tails between their feet. Lord Sesshoumaru said nothing to her but she noticed the flickering gold in his eyes when he saw the bruises and scratches on her face.
When they arrived back at A-Un, Jaken was already waiting for them, his sour expression transforming into exasperation.
"My Lord! Rin! What in the world happened!"
"Quiet Jaken!" snapped the Daiyoukai. "Give her the change of clothes at once."
Rin accepted the soft velvety material that Jaken shoved into her arms and quickly went behind some bushes in an effort to claim privacy. Even as she poked her hands through the arm hole of her new kimono, she had the feeling the forest was watching her. Who knew what other Youkais hid amongst the trees?
When she was finally dressed, Rin stepped out into the clearing to find Lord Sesshoumaru staring at her with his arms on his hips.
"This won't do," he decided. "Take A-Un with you down the river. Wash yourself off the filthy blood and be back here by nightfall." He tossed her something hard – a bar of soap! "Jaken will prepare your dinner."
Rin chanced a glance at Jaken who looked like he was about to explode at the thought of preparing food for a human.
"Yes my Lord," she whispered, taking the two headed dragon by the reins. Following only the sound of the rushing water, she looked forward to her first bath in days.
She would thank him for saving her life again, later.
Meanwhile, in the Western Lands…
A woman with high cheek bones, bright gold eyes and knee length white hair stood at the top of the roof; her arms crossed in an elegant pose as the midnight wind blew her hair like a silvery cape behind her.
She had swapped her usual white fur coat for a long silky black kimono to honour the passing of a great ruler. The Queen Mother only hoped that her son would surpass his father in power and in strength.
This new era had no place for a human-loving Youkai. After all, wasn't it his love for the human that killed him?
While Jaken fumed over his task of preparing food for Rin, Sesshoumaru left him alone to his muttering.
He had sensed a sudden deep loss and it had unsettled him – something that he was not used to feeling. It was as if a chunk of his soul had been wrenched out forcefully, leaving behind an empty cavity that was neither pleasant nor painful.
Part of him knew why but the other half was in denial.
How could the great Lord of the West die when he was immortal?
Sesshoumaru knew the answer to that but it mattered little at this moment. The journey home would have to be hastened – even if it meant making the journey on his own without Rin or Jaken slowing him down.
The splashing of water and feminine laughter drew his attention away from his thoughts. Instincts made him scan the surroundings for danger before moving closer to the source of the sound. It had been awhile since he heard the sound of her laughter and from the cold obedience she had been offering him for the past few days, it made him curious to know who or what was making his Rin happy.
The two headed dragon had its heads in the water; bubbles frothing from its mouth and nostrils causing Rin to jump up and down in glee.
She didn't seem particularly concerned that she was naked in a dangerous forest. Just what goes through that woman's mind? Did she not know that she was inviting problems onto herself?
With a sigh, Sesshoumaru leaned against a nearby tree and kept watch over his ward. Twenty years old – indeed, still an infant in the lifespan of a Youkai but her physique, her mannerisms were no longer that of a child.
In the glow of the evening sun, her creamy skin glimmered against the light, the sensuous curves of her body hidden by the long strands of her hair. It would take a mere flick of his wrist to expose her nakedness to him.
She might hate him more for that.
Touch had anchored her to him a decade ago; a comfort that she sought, to battle the nightmares that plagued a child's mind. But now, Rin would barely sit near him much less hug him as she had done with Jaken. Did he truly hurt her feelings that much?
Ah, emotions– such a pesky human need. Sesshoumaru had no time for that as he looked up into the darkening skies. Bath time was over.
If his predictions were correct, then a power struggle could very much be already in effect – one between himself, his mother and uncle.
"Rin, stop that and get dressed. A-Un will take you and Jaken henceforth to the castle."
At the sound of her name, Rin ducked underwater, wide accusing eyes looking at him as her arms folded tight across her chest. Sesshoumaru always found it strange how obsessed humans were with modesty when Youkais saw nakedness as a natural part of life.
"Have you been standing there for long, my Lord?" She moved gingerly to hide behind A-Un, peeking to the side to look at him.
Her cheeks were flushed and by the changing heat signature, it looked as if she was embarrassed.
"I simply do not wish to dispense my blade on anymore filth," he replied. "But if I must, then I would."
"Would it not be easier to just… talk?" she shouted from behind A-Un.
Talk? To the scum who dared touch her? He waited until she surfaced a while later, fully dressed and her hair tied secured once more in the metallic comb he had given her earlier.
"My warning was talk enough."
Eyes of earthy brown looked up at him before bowing. "Thank you for saving me my Lord."
Sesshoumaru grunted his acknowledgement. "I protect what belongs to me."
From the corner of his eyes he saw that she smiled, a first he had seen in a long time meant only for him. All is well then.
"Rin! Your food is ready." Jaken exclaimed at the sight of them. Sesshoumaru knew the imp was simply waiting for Rin to share the feast with him. Being a lesser demon, Jaken required food, though not as often as Rin – a nuisance Daiyoukais could live without.
As the two tucked into the simple roast of chicken, Sesshoumaru decided it was time to take his leave.
"Jaken, follow suit at daylight and bring Lady Rin to the castle," he ordered, patting the purring dragon as he passed. "A-Un, ride strong and fast."
Jaken glanced in confusion at Rin and then dropped his drumstick as he ran up to him. "Master! You are leaving us?"
Sesshoumaru paused only to cast a glare at the Jaken. "I will await your presence."
Then as silent as the night, he disappeared into the darkness.
The Master had addressed the human as Lady. Jaken knew Lord Sesshoumaru had his reasons but it still annoyed him that the human was conferred a nobility when she was merely a pet.
"Why are you muttering to yourself Master Jaken? I can see your round face bursting at the seams from thinking too much."
"Quiet you impudent child! Can't you see that I am distressed?"
One of A-Un's head decided to shower him some love; slobbering his face with its rough tongue. Rin could be seen rolling with laughter on the other side of the dragon.
A Lady! She had no upbringing to qualify her as one so why had Lord Sesshoumaru given him personally the first glimpse of his plans for her?
Oh! That sneaky little dog! Of course, it was so like him to simply leave Jaken to decipher his words while dispatching him to do a mountain of work! Now where should he start…
"Rin, come here! We are never going to get you polished in time. Oh Lord Sesshoumaru why do you punish me so?"
"Hmm? Polished?" Rin scooted over, meeting him at the base of A-Un's necks. "And what is a punishment?"
"This! You!" Jaken waved his hands up in defeat. "Lord Sesshoumaru wishes me to educate you on all the customs of our lands."
"Master Jaken, your face…" She dared to laugh at the thought of his dismay!
"Be serious Rin! We have only eight days for you to learn everything from history to geography to culture and etiquette!"
Rin offered him a pout before pinching his cheeks. "Yes Master Jaken. I am ready!"
Jaken wanted to choke himself. "You don't even ask why!"
That was when she erased her pout, putting in place a serious look. "I did not think it was wise to question Lord Sesshoumaru. Whatever he thinks is best… well, let's just say I have no arguments right now." With a determined nod, she tapped her temples. "I've got lots to learn it seems, so let's start!"
Jaken didn't object this time. "Let's start with the geography of the Western Lands. I don't suppose you would know anything…"
That earned him a smack on the head. "Hey! I was home schooled. I'm not that ignorant. Kaede has taught me enough." She used her finger to draw an imaginary circle in the air. "Halfway down the north, to the west and a third into the south are the Western Lands that belong to the Dog Demon clan. South and a quarter of the east, where Kaede lives are the lands of the humans."
"Yes and on the rest belong to the Wolf Youkai clan. Do you know what are the Youkai clans found in Lord Sesshoumaru's lands?"
"Not hyenas I hope," she replied grimly.
"Hyenas?"
Rin nodded before launching into a short explanation of their encounter the day before.
"Rin you fool! Did you think a human with a sword would stand against the strength of a Youkai?"
Rin narrowed her eyes at him. "What? Did you think it was better if I simply screamed and cry like a girl?"
Jaken pursed his lips; both hands crossed over his chest. Surely she knew Lord Sesshoumaru would have come for her? Silly girl!
Although… Rin was never the crying type, even as a child. When she was kidnapped as bait for Lord Sesshoumaru, she didn't shed a tear. Jaken had of course! He was doing so on behalf of his great master!
But Rin had been carved! Long ugly scratches made by a Youkai claw had decorated her body.
Lord Sesshoumaru had been too merciful to the miscreant, in his opinion. A quick death was not what he deserved. A disgrace to their kind, he should have been torn from limb to limb…
"Master Jaken?"
Jaken blinked his eyes back to reality, resting his gaze on his little Rin, all grown up now. Though much younger than Lord Sesshoumaru, it was him who had taken a shine to the little child, caring for her and raising her for the four years that she travelled with them.
Don't mistake his care for love! She was still a brat no matter what!
"Tell me Jaken, are there mountains in the Western Lands?"
"Why of course! Three in fact, forming a natural barrier against the Eastern Lands. The Youkais that live there pay respect to the Dog Demon clan. But they are tributaries of the Eastern Lord."
"And the humans?"
"Concentrated closer to the south-west, they are usually peaceful towns like the one we came from."
"But the hyenas…"
Indeed. Jaken was confused as to their attack. Surely they had scented the Daiyoukai's signature on Rin? Why then did they still attack her?
"That will be dealt with in due course." Forcing a solemn look, he added, "Most of the Youkais in the Western Lands are non-predatory –hyenas included."
Rin didn't look too convinced.
"Enough of that. Now, I must warn you that Lord Sesshoumaru comes from a long line of Daiyoukais – yes I'm coming to that. Stop interrupting!" Rin had started the habit of raising her hands to interject every time he launched into a lecture.
Why oh why did he get the one full of questions?
"Lord Sesshoumaru is the only son of Lady Elisa of the North and Lord Inu No Taisho of the West."
"Ah, so his parents married to broaden their empire?"
Jaken nodded. It was best to leave it at that. "That will be all for now. We will stop to eat and continue after dinner."
The sight of his castle gates almost brought Sesshoumaru to his knees; fatigue from the great expansion of his power to reach home in the span of two days. But for the sake of appearance, he held his chin up as he made that final push to land just past the outer fortifications of the castle.
It was no surprise to see his uncle standing in the courtyard, making a show of admiring the work of his gardener. Zylen, the lesser Youkai was currently on his knees, the look of fear mixed with relief on his face at the sight of the young Lord.
The recognition was not lost on his uncle. A twitch of his ear and he turned, lips curled into a thin smile.
"Ah, Sesshoumaru… so nice of you to join in the reunion. Your mother and I were starting to worry you'd never come."
"Inu no Jiro."
A splitting image of his father, Inu no Jiro even wore his hair up in the single straight ponytail as his brother. But the similarities ended there.
"I see you have invited yourself into my castle," said Sesshoumaru dryly. Turning to his gardener, Sesshoumaru helped the old Youkai up. "Zylen, please gather all the staff in the dining hall. I would like to address them in a while."
When Zylen was out of sight, Inu no Jiro laid a hand on Sesshoumaru's shoulder.
"I own a stake here just as you do… nephew."
Sesshoumaru gave his uncle a sideward glance. "Remove your hand if you wish to keep them."
"Loving as always Sesshoumaru," his uncle laughed, putting both hands up in the air. "But I know when I've overstayed my welcome – though, this is not goodbye."
Inu no Jiro disappeared in a swirl of rustled leaves and dust.
Sesshoumaru closed his eyes for a moment, keeping his anger in check. He would deal with his family later.
Right now, he needed to get the house in order. Rin and Jaken would arrive in a few days and while the continued presence of his mother and uncle would be a nuisance, it should not stop him from providing what was best for Rin.
A human in a Youkai's castle – his father would be laughing in his grave.
"Do you insist on going, Father?"
The strong ocean wind blew its silence between them; his father's hair flagging in the draft. Sesshoumaru had never seen the great Inu no Taisho bleed… much less for a mere mortal.
"Will you stop me then, Sesshoumaru?" His father turned his face slightly; half hidden by the moon's shadow.
"No. I will not stop you." Even if it meant losing you to a human. "However, before you go… please entrust your sword Tessaiga, to me."
A low growl, almost like laughter filled the air. "And if I won't? Will you kill me, your own father?"
Sesshoumaru said nothing. Inu no Taisho was a law unto himself.
"Do you have someone to protect my son?" His father turned; facing his son for the last time."
To protect? "I, Sesshoumaru have no need for that."
A smile. A gentle caress on his cheeks.
And Inu no Taisho was gone.
Putting his memories aside, Sesshoumaru entered the large dining room and was welcomed by a handful of the guards and household staff.
"Young Lord! It is so good to see you!" said Miria, chief of arms and one of his Daiyoukai advisors. They would have a lot to discuss in a bit.
"Yes my Lord, I have kept this castle running and in perfect condition as you and your father instructed." His majordomo, a loyal Dog demon kin, bowed low in his presence. The Daiyoukai had worked under his father for centuries, serving as steward in their absence.
It was a well-known fact that his father had chosen to live a simple life with his human mate on the outskirts of their lands, straying only to handle political situations as part of his duty as Lord of the West.
Sesshoumaru did not reply nor acknowledge him. Instead, he turned to the rest of his staff.
"Jaken will be returning in a few days with a human ward of mine. I expect nothing less than the standards you serve for me."
"A human, my Lord? But… it has never been done before!" exclaimed Miria.
Cold gold eyes lifted to meet hers. "Are you questioning my decision Miria?"
"No my Lord…"
"Then I will not repeat myself. You are all dismissed –except you Nahia."
His cook hung her head low as he approached.
"Why do you look as though I am about to punish you?" he asked. "I merely have more specific instructions."
Her freckled face broke out in smiles instantly. "Yes, my Lord?"
"This human child… she would require regular sustenance. Do you wish to take on more staff?"
She had the decency to look affronted; her lips twisting into a disapproving pout. "You are too kind my Lord." That was Nahia's way of saying he was insulting her.
"Very well then. Take her under your wing when she arrives. Be sure to cook food suitable only for her consumption."
Leaving her, Sesshoumaru headed up the side stairs into his own chambers. Decades have passed and it still looked the same as when he left it. Perhaps it was time to be reacquainted with his territory.
Closing the door to his personal room, he entered his old study – a place that would no doubt be the centre of future discussions and decision making.
A swift knock on his door and the familiar scent of ice alerted him to the presence of his mother.
Draped in her usual white fur coat – wolf pelt of which were offered to her by Ulrich of the East for her hand in marriage –she was every inch the regal Queen Mother.
Not known for her pleasantries, she simply stepped into his office and tapped her claws repeatedly at the edge of his desk. When he made no attempt to acknowledge her, she took a seat opposite him and started sniffling.
"Sesshoumaru, your mother grieves dearly for the passing of your father."
He raised both eyebrows at her words. His mother grieving? The cold-hearted Youkai had not been his mother since the day he was born, choosing to return to her home in the North and leaving the care of her child to his father.
"Who allowed you in here?" he asked. "You have no claim upon these lands."
Elisa hid her face under the long sleeve of her kimono and started to sob. "I am here for you my son."
"Enough. You sicken me." He stood up and pointed to the door. "You can let yourself out."
Eyes devoid of tears snapped up at the dismissal. "You dare speak to me like that?" The gold irises turned red in anger. "You may be your father's heir but remember that until you produce you own, half of these lands belong to me!"
A cloud of smoke puffed in front of him and his mother was gone.
"You couldn't resist being melodramatic, mother," he finished, knowing that she was already gone from his castle. She would no doubt send her messengers soon to update him of her plans to usurp control.
Getting to his feet, Sesshoumaru walked over to his window and look out into the vast lands before him.
First on his agenda would be to re-establish a relationship with the human villages. They were his father's strongest political allies –and would thus be his.
"Rin! Hurry! Can you see those gates?"
Rin stirred awake at the nasal pitch of Jaken's shouts. He had almost killed her last night with his rendition of the Western Land folk songs and Rin was sure she had only been asleep for an hour before rudely roused.
Rubbing her eyes, she squinted against the glare of the morning sun. Indeed, they were gates and then…
"Is this… is this Lord Sesshoumaru's castle?" Her eyes snapped wide open as she climbed up A-Un's neck to get a better view. "It's so… huge!"
The castle walls rose high into the sky, the breadth extending so far into the horizon that Rin had to tiptoe to see the end of it. And beyond that, wherever she looked, she could only see stretches of fields tapering down in a terrace courtyard in the middle of the castle grounds.
Jaken nodded, his eyes slightly watery when he looked at her. "Of course! This is the might and power of the Great Dog Demon clan. Nothing less for the Master."
Rin didn't say anything. So this was where her Lord Sesshoumaru lived… and now, this would be her home. The thought of being on such a massive estate made her stomach rumble in nervousness. No wonder Lord Sesshoumaru insisted she dress appropriately before stepping into his abode.
Nothing but royalty should live here.
"Come on Rin. Stop daydreaming!" chided Jaken as their dragon steed came to a slow halt in front of the grand gates. Tugging at her wrists, he ushered her through the drawbridge, stopping only to nod in greeting to the fellow guards.
As they walked through an open courtyard, Rin noticed that the other servants seemed to hide at the sight of her. When she tried to make eye contact with them, they immediately disappeared.
Jaken didn't seem to notice. He was marching to his own parade tune, his arms and legs in military coordination. Rin tried not to giggle as he chimed 'one-two-one-two' up the stairs to where the main castle halls were.
"Rin." The soft masculine greeting was a balm to her nervousness. She had thought that being separated a week would not have mattered much after being apart for years but the last few days had been particularly difficult. Jaken's stories and history lessons were a constant reminder of the Youkai who stood in the flesh before her.
This time, Rin ran; closing that last gap between them by launching herself at him. The force of her impact made him step back slightly but the hand that curved gently at the back of her head assured her that he was not angry.
In fact, when she finally looked up at his face, he seemed relax and almost… happy.
"Put your hands here." He offered her the crook of his arm. "You will now be addressed as Lady Rin in the company of others. I expect you to behave likewise."
"Yes my Lord," she whispered; her voice cracking slightly from anxiety.
"My servants will see to it that you have everything." He bent to press a kiss on top of her hair. "Do not worry too much Rin. Scowling does not befit a Lady."
Entering the great hall, Rin did her best not to gawk, choosing instead to turn her head nonchalantly to flick a quick look at the intricate gold carvings and paintings on the wall all the way up to the ceiling. And from the rafters hung magnificent crystal chandeliers that glittered from the sunlight flooding through the ceiling high glass windows.
Rin only stopped staring when she noticed two guards at the end of the hall looking at her suspiciously.
"My Lord… and Lady." And the golden doors swung open for them.
Her first thoughts were that the dining table could fit a hundred people! For someone who had always eaten seated on the floor, the room was frighteningly opulent. Swath of gold on top of marble, crystal chandeliers and rich velvet drapes lined every corner.
But then her eyes focused on the few Youkais standing before them – some were frowning while some had excited looks adorning their faces –and Rin started to feel nauseous.
It didn't help when Lord Sesshoumaru simply handed her over to a group of tall, white-haired women with golden judging eyes.
"When Nahia has finished feeding and clothing you, come up to my study." His last words before he disappeared into the many rooms of his castle.
Rin stood quietly before the women, eyes cast down, unsure of what to say or do. She was twiddling her fingers when someone shrieked from the middle of the group; her presence made known as she batted her way through the crowd.
"Oh Lady Rin, I am Nahia and I am the cook of the household. I cannot tell you how pleased I am to finally have a reason to cook! Tell me, what would my Lady like to eat?"
The pudgy woman before her looked so human; Rin almost wanted to cry out of relief.
"I… some pudding would be nice please."
And with that, Rin earned her first smile in the castle.
NB: I deviate from the canon quite a bit from here implying that Inu-no-Taisho only dies later (rather than after the birth of Inuyasha. The swords were left to his sons before his death as well. And I haven't decided if Inuyasha whom we will see later is in character or not. Also, here I introduced Inu no Jiro as Sesshoumaru's uncle ~ my Japanese isn't very good, so correct me if I'm wrong but the meaning I was aiming for is 'second/next son' [二/次 郎]. And Sesshoumaru's mother is completely not in character as well, to serve the purpose of the story.