Little did either know, that were they to have looked just to the east, they would have seen campfires. The plan of the Lady of the West was about to be made plain.
CHAPTER 7
It would amaze Rin at times just how busy her life in the palace was. When she was small, she had lessons in reading and writing. As she grew older, etiquette lessons were added. Then came the history lessons in both youkai and human history (or as much of human history that was worth mentioning as far as demons were concerned).
Jaken had seen how quick minded Rin was. She also began to display fine leadership abilities. He was always secretly proud of how she was able to mediate between the lesser youkai when there was a squabble. He found that an increasing number of the members of court respected her and looked to her for assistance. It was then that Jaken decided that Rin also needed to learn and understand politics. After all, considering all of the wars that were going on in the surrounding lands near the West, it may actually help the court to have a well versed 'human' spokesperson available should the need present itself.
In short, Rin's 'educational process' was an ongoing thing. And, while she always managed to exceed the expectations of her tutors, she was constantly involved with something. She was always deeply grateful for a moment to herself.
Rin had seated herself on one of the many benches in the outer gardens this morning. Any instruction she was slated to have, was to happen that afternoon. If she remembered correctly, Jaken was to give another lesson in politics.
The weather had yet to become cold enough to be uncomfortable, and even though most of the more beautiful foliage was gone, there was still beauty to be seen in the changing landscape of the gardens.
Rin had been sitting quietly lost in her thoughts when she heard the familiar padding of small feet headed in her direction.
Jaken was in his own world muttering to himself and had taken no notice of where he was going. Rin smiled warmly as the toad demon approached. "Good day Master Jaken!"
Having been roused from his preoccupied state, Jaken accidentally tripped over himself and unceremoniously tumbled directly in front of Rin. Jaken jumped up trying to correct his posture as he squawked and sputtered. "Rin! You mustn't sneak up on people like that!" he shouted. Rin rose and assisted in removing the stray leaves and grass that Jaken had tumbled into. "But Master Jaken, Rin said between small giggles, I was just sitting here doing nothing."
Jaken settled down a bit and cleared his throat. "Indeed you were. My fall is my fault. Please forgive my outburst." Jaken then bowed formerly and was about to leave when Rin took him by the sleeve of his coat. " We have never stood on formality before my friend, what is troubling you?" She said softly.
Jaken sighed heavily, the worry in his face all but palpable. "Ai Rin, There is trouble brewing within some of the tribes that surround Lord Sesshomaru's lands. If he were here, any matter could be settled quickly, but in his absence, I must do my best to maintain peace. It is proving itself a most difficult task."
Rin rearranged her robes so that she would be able to sit on the ground and be at eye level with the little kappa. "Are these only demon tribes?"
Jaken eyed her seriously. " The problem does not lie with the demon tribes, but the human ones. We demons have a way of dealing with each other and the tribes are willing to wait for Lord Sesshomaru's return in order to negotiate. However, the humans feel that there is favoritism for the demon tribes and that they will be obliterated or ignored if they do nothing." Jaken bowed his head. "I truly do not know what to do."
Rin sat quietly in thought for a moment as Jaken looked on. It almost seemed as if he was waiting for some great revelation from the girl. "This is a simple matter to attend to Master Jaken. I will go speak to the human tribes." Rin said with finality. Jaken immediately composed himself and corrected his posture.
"Impossible! Lord Sesshomaru would never allow it!" Rin smiled warmly. "Who better to do it? You will have to instruct me further on the details, but it may help for humans to see a human face."
Jaken put his hand to his chin. "Let me give it some consideration. I will discuss it with Sesshomaru's general and see what he thinks."
"Thank you for considering me Master Jaken." Rin said as she went to stand.
"No Rin, Jaken said softly, if your hunch is right, it is I who should be thanking you."
Sesshomaru, his mother and her entourage had been traveling in the direction of the west for quite some time now. Sesshomaru was quietly noticing the dramatic changes in the flora and fauna that they passed but said nothing.
It was only when the party had stopped for the day at the base of an unknown range of mountains that he finally realized that they were no longer on Japanese soil.
With each day, travel was becoming increasingly difficult. And, while no one would dare to say it directly, it was becoming more evident that morale was beginning to falter. Taiyoukai may be powerful, but they were not all powerful. There was too great a distance from familiar territory. Sesshomaru knew well that there was strength in numbers should an enemy decide to show their face. And, warriors that were willing to fight, was most desirable.
So it was decided that camp would be made early so that the help could rest and be in better spirits for what seemed like rough going ahead. Tents were soon pitched as lesser youkai went hunting and surveying the area.
Sesshomaru found his mother graciously seated at her table in the midst of the mêlée of tents and fires observing the mountains while imbibing a bit of tea this afternoon. Wordlessly, he took a seat with her taking in the majesty of the scenery around them.
"Do you have any idea where we are mother?" Came the quiet inquiry.
"No my son." The Lady stirred at her cup as if searching for words to say. She inhaled softly before beginning again. "The Oracle is a most powerful being. It is she who is guiding us to the destination of her choosing."
The Lady looked up to the mountains. "Its almost amusing actually."
Sesshomaru turned to face his mother. Her statement seemed out of place..
"This is the very first time I can ever recall actually being afraid."
The Lady did not elaborate on this remark but took another sip of her tea instead.
Sesshomaru's eyes widened slightly at his mother's revelation.
" While I cannot quite place it, there is something familiar to me about where we are. I vaguely remember a cave set within mountains. I do not believe that we will be traveling for very much longer."
Sesshomaru silently returned his gaze to the mountains. He had many questions for his mother, but had decided to remain silent. It was unnerving enough to know that she, a taiyoukai, was actually afraid of anything. He also wondered exactly how powerful can a being be that his very movements can be dictated without his knowledge or his consent.
Rin's quiet morning was over all too quickly. Before she knew it, she was headed for the rooms that had been set aside for her lessons. Another lesson in politics was to begin, but with added meaning given the newly revealed circumstances.
Rin hurried into what served as her 'main' learning area and bowed in greeting to Jaken. "Good afternoon Master Jaken." she said cheerily. "Shall we begin our lesson?"
Jaken was standing at a window that overlooked a part of the forest that was on Sesshomaru's lands. He turned to face Rin slowly granting her his best 'serious' face. "Good afternoon Lady Rin." he said in his best 'even' voice. Jaken never used Rin's honorific unless he was in the company of other youkai. Rin had deduced that they were not alone.
Without warning, a door slid open and a rather burly youkai stepped in. Jaken then faced this youkai, bowed, and gave introduction. "This is Lord Toru captain of Lord Sesshomaru's imperial guard."
Rin bowed respectfully. "Good afternoon Master Toru." She said politely.
Lord Toru stood just shorter than Lord Sesshomaru. His was a beautiful broad stern face. Long green hair brought out the magenta in his eyes. He gave no trace of emotion. His many battle scars made it clear that he was no stranger to battle or victory.
"I distinctly heard Jaken introduce me as Lord Toru." came the growled response.
Rin gave a defensive look directly to the large demon. "Forgive me Master Toru, but I acknowledge but one lord, and you are not he." Jaken's breath hitched at her response.
Lord Toru stepped closer to the girl bearing his fangs ever so slightly. Rin stood her ground.
The demon placed his face inches from Rin's.
"Lord Toru." he said with an unmistakable growl.
"Master Toru." came the unshaken reply.
Toru then roared in Rins face. Rin had been in the presence of Lord Sesshomaru's roar many times. She found the roar of this youkai, lacking in timber and strength. Nonplussed, Rin smiled.
"I have some mint grass should you be in need of it." she then quirked an eye at the demon. "And believe me - you are in need of it!"
Toru first looked shocked. Then he smiled. His smile then turned into what could only be described as giggles before becoming raucous laughter!
"You were correct Master Jaken!" he roared in good humor, this girl does indeed have spirit!"
Rin then looked to Jaken who was all but bubbling over with pride.
"This was a test?" She inquired with some surprise.
"Indeed it was my girl!" Stated Toru emphatically.
"Jaken told me of your suggestion.
At first, I was very hesitant. It is no secret that you are the most protected of Lord Sesshomaru's possessions. If I were to send you and you fail, I would be killed. If you were to be captured, I would be killed. If you were to die, I would be killed…..slowly. I wanted to see for myself if you were worth offering up my life. Toru then stepped back and bowed deeply.
It is an honor to meet you Lady Rin. Upon correcting his posture, Toru placed his hand upon Rin's shoulder. Now, let me tell you exactly what is going on."
It was late afternoon when Sesshomaru and his mother decided to take a walk just to survey their surroundings. Each silently marveled at animals that they had never seen before. The climate had changed as well. The weather seemed to be much warmer here. It was an interesting juxtaposition to the snow that was plainly evident on the mountains ahead.
It was Sesshomaru's mother that broke the silence first.
"What are you thinking of my son?"
Sesshomary gave a barely audible sigh. "Many things mother. Ask me this question again when our trip is at its end."
"Fair enough." The Lady then gave her son a small smile.
The pair was headed back to camp when a great ball of light suddenly began to take form and appear before them both. Sesshomaru leapt in front of his mother, his sword at the ready.
Light laughter from what sounded like the most beautiful of voices then came from the orb.
"Be at ease young prince. I mean neither of you any harm."
"Who are you?" Sesshomaru growled.
More light laughter ensued. "Did your mother not inform you? I am The Oracle."
Rin's afternoon with Jaken and Toru went well. She was absolutely certain that she could quell any concerns among the human tribes. She had only a few more questions to be addressed before she felt ready for her roll as 'ambassador'.
It was almost time for the evening meal and the entire palace was busy with the mundane tasks of every day living.
The guards did not notice the large demon army that had made its way well past the palace gates. By the time the alarm had been sounded, they were en mass upon the palace steps.
Jaken and Toru Made their way to the great staircase only to find a mighty demon horde poised for battle. The guards of the palace started to appear from every direction weapons at the ready.
The horde was led by a great bull demon seated on a two headed horse. His tiny eyes glowing with malice.
Jaken spoke first. "Who are you and what do you want?" he screeched.
The bull demon laughed as he bared his fangs. "Normally I would not waste time with names, but I'm feeling indulgent this evening! You may call me Uden.
Toru spoke up next. "Tell me then Uden, What do you want?
And more important, tell me how you were able to bypass all of the wards that are placed around this fortress?"
"I don't feel inclined to answer that question." He sneered. "lets just say that I had help. Let me first tell you that not so much as one drop of youkai blood has been shed thus far. But this fact can change in an instant! I have no qualm with any of you. I have been sent with one task.
As for what I want, that is very simple."
"I came for the female called Rin!"
CHAPTER 8
Uden took a moment to enjoy the surprise etched upon each face that lined the palace entrance. The demon shifted his position on his horse to better see both Jaken and Toru.
"Did I stutter? surrender Rin now, and we will leave peacefully!"
It was Toru that spoke next. "I am afraid that we cannot accommodate your request. Again I will ask, who are you and what do you want with Rin?"
Uden Growled in annoyance. "I have been sent to retrieve her. That is all that you need to know. Now, surrender the girl so that me and my men can leave this wretched place!" he hissed.
Rin was headed to dinner oblivious to the events going on at the front of the palace. It took a number of guards passing her headed to the entranceway before she had finally paid attention.
With her curiosity piqued, she started to head in the direction of the great staircase. When suddenly, both of her handmaidens seemed to appear from nowhere grabbing her in an attempt to take her back to her rooms.
"What is going on?" Rin said as she struggled against the firm grip of the two female youkai.
"It is for your own good Milady!" stated Reu.
"There is a demon out front who wishes to take you from the grounds Milady!" Came Hitome's nervous added response. Rin's brow furrowed in concern.
"Release me so that I may see this demon!" Rin demanded.
The maids paid no heed to Rin's command but steadily dragged her away from the front doors. While Rin did realize that her maids were doing what they felt was best, she had given a command that she expected to be followed.
She was the ward of Lord Sesshomaru! She would not disgrace herself or her lord with any show of cowardice. As Rin slowly became annoyed with her maids, her youkai began to flare.
Her handmaidens felt the rush of power coming from her and immediately released their hold on the girl. Rin turned a stern face to her maids.
"I know that you both mean well, and for that, I thank you.
I will forgive you this one time. But do not ever disobey me again!" Rin then pushed past the two demoness.
"Now let us go see exactly what this demon wants of me."
While Rin's features had not changed, there was no mistake of the power flowing within her. Both maids clearly understood that their next affront could well cost them their lives.
The pair followed in silence.
Sesshomaru did not drop his defensive stance. Instead he growled deeply and bared his fangs.
"What are you and what do you want with us?"
More gentle laughter came from the orb.
"Your journey to my home is not finished. There is still a bit more distance to cover. The remaining portion of your travels will be done on foot by you and your mother alone. Once you have arrived, I will explain all. Rest this evening and know that I will see to the comforts of your party until you return to them."
Sesshomaru desperately sniffed the air in an attempt to 'scent' The Oracle's presence. It was possible that he and his mother may be the victims of some sort of trickery. He found none as the voice continued.
"Tomorrow morning, you will walkwestward to the mountains ahead of you. I caution you to walk. Should either of you try to fly, I will lengthen your journey by a day for each time your body should leave the ground. I look forward to meeting you Sesshomaru."
Sesshomaru growled even more at the thought of being ordered by an unknown entity. But he would be lying if he did not say he was now curious.
The orb then dissipated in a beautiful multicolored display of light.
Sesshomaru was livid. He sheathed his sword and turned to his mother. "What are you not telling me?' he demanded. The lady then looked to the mountains. "I've told you all I know.. and all that I can tell you my son." she said softly.
Sesshomaru hissed in disgust as he stormed of to camp. Leaving his mother to her thoughts.
"Be patient my son. The rise or fall of our house rests in your hands."
Rin pushed her way past guards and lookers on to finally get to the great staircase. Her arrival surprised both Jaken and Toru. Toru discretely tried to place his body in front of hers in an effort to hide the fact that she was so close by.
"It is too dangerous for you here Milady," Toru whispered, "You must leave before you are seen." Unfortunately, Jaken held no discretion at all as he squawked her name for all to hear.
"Rin! Go to the palace its not safe here!" he ordered. Jaken turned pale as he noticed his blunder too late.
The bull demon turned his gaze to the girl.
Cocking his head to the side, he let out a booming laugh.
"So this is the little slip of a human that is the cause of my master's problems?" Uden snorted and spat on the ground as an indication of his disgust. He then advanced his horse slightly forward. "Come with me quietly girl! You are not worth shedding blood over!"
Rin stepped forward unafraid.
"Do I know you demon?" She asked with an almost deadly calm.
"No wench, you do not." Growled Uden.
Uden then looked at Rin not bothering to hide the lust in his eyes.
"You are rather comely for a human. Perhaps I'll keep you for myself for a little while!"
Toru then stepped in front of Rin, sword drawn. "Lady Rin will not be leaving with you demon!"
Uden chuckled menacingly. 'Lady Rin' is it? Surly you are not truly willing to fight for a mere human? Now a fine youkai female is worth a good fight among men! Not this creature, no matter her looks."
Rin was outraged. She then stepped past Toru out of reach of any protection he could immediately offer. She had not quite calmed down from reprimanding her maidservants and Uden's insults only served to stoke her anger anew.
"I have heard quite enough from you this evening demon. You have succeeded in annoying me. Hear me when I say that no blood from this household will be spilled on my behalf. Your blood on the other hand, is another matter."
Uden laughed almost uncontrollably. "Do you mean to fight my entire army wench?"
"No" Rin said calmly, only you."
Uden's eyes went wide. His shock, apparent.
"You don't actually think that you can beat me in combat eh?"
Rin looked the bull demon directly in the eye. "No demon, it is my full intent to kill you." Rin paused for only a moment. "I personally loathe bloodshed. So, I will give you one final opportunity to leave with your life.
If you and your men leave now, I will forgive this intrusion upon my lord's house. And I will spare you. But, should you persist…" Rin's voice suddenly dropped an octave as a growl could be clearly heard. "I will decorate these stairs with your head and the heads of any of your men that dare to fight. Your bodies however, will be sent back to your master in pieces. Your heads, will be put on display for any enemy of the House of the West to see.
The demons on both sides gasped audibly at Rin's statement. Some of Udens men even laughed. Toru attempted to make his way to once again stand by Rin's side.
"Stand where you are Master Toru." Rin stated with authority. Toru stopped in his tracks. By now, hecould feel the power that was building up in Rin's body. He was unsettled by this new
display finding it difficult to believe to say the least.
Rin then started to pull at her obi. "Reu! Hitome! Come to me now!" she commanded.
The two maids came from within the crowd and huddled close to their mistress. Rin smiled warmly at the women.
"Please take my kimono." She said softly.
Rin then proceeded to disrobe.
"But Milady! You will almost be naked then!" protested Reu.
Rin looked at the demoness. "Do you mean to disobey me twice in one evening?" she said with a deadly purr that the woman had never heard before.
Reu now looked into Rin's eyes. And for the first time, she saw golden eyes looking back at her radiating with single minded determination. The woman averted her eyes. Rin's gaze was too piercing. Reu then pulled at Hitome, as both women helped Rin to undress.
Uden purred with satisfaction. "Yes woman, take her kimono, there will be far less for me to cut through!"
Uden then removed a naginata from its holster hanging on his horse. He leisurely rested the weapon across his lap enjoying the sight unfolding in front of him.
Rin laughed softly. "You misunderstand my intentions Uden. I do not strip for your pleasure."
As her handmaidens removed the last layer of kimono before leaving Rin in her under kimono, Rin then gave the demon a sarcastic side glance as she slipped an arm out of a sleeve.
"I simply do not wish to have your blood soak my lord's fine silk!"
Rin gave a ghost of a smile to both women. "You may leave me now." Both demoness gathered up her kimono cowering as they scurried whimpering behind Toru.
Rin then turned to face Uden.
"If you are able to beat me, I will leave without resistance and you may do with me as you please. However, when I kill you, your army must leave.
"We shall see who beats whom wench!" Came Uden's dry reply.
Before Uden could make any move to dismount or charge, Rin held up her hand. A great surge of youkai came from her body halting Uden's next move. His mount also seemed 'frozen' in place. Uden sat struggling in vain against the force that held him.
"What have you done to me wench? How fair is a battle when your opponent cannot move?" He roared angrily
"Forgive me great Uden, Rin said smiling sarcastically, I failed to mention - I will kill you with your own weapon. I just needed a moment to acquire it. After all, Why should any of the warriors of this house be burdened with cleaning your blood from their blade."
Rin then clenched her outstretched hand in a grabbing motion. "To me naginata!" She called.
The bull demon's weapon trembled in his lap as if it were alive before quickly levitating from him to snap to Rin's waiting grip. Rin was well into another 'change' but this time, most of the court was there to bear witness.
Again gasps and whispers could be heard on both sides.
"I like your naginata. You may use something else." Rin cooed. Rin then swung the weapon about her head in a perfect circle.
"And should any of your men try to help you…" Rin looked to the demon horde. Another surge of power could be felt by all. There was a sudden clatter of metal heard among the group along with varying expressions of surprise.
The weapons of each soldier had miraculously moved on their own accord and were poised at the neck of each soldier present ready to deliver a death blow. Any demon that moved - even slightly, was rewarded with his chosen weapon digging further into his flesh.
Rin glared at the gathered soldiers.
"The first of you to even hold the thought of assisting your leader will die!" she hissed. Rin's eyes had now gone from gold to crimson, much like Lord Sesshomaru's eyes when he was about to do battle. This change and its similarities were not missed by many.
Uden's face blanched.
"What kind of creature are you?!" He gasped. Rin took a defensive stance and smiled.
"I am Rin. The human that will send you back to you master in pieces. Come to me now and embrace your death!"
Sesshomaru did not go directly back to the campgrounds. He needed time away from his mother in order to think. Instead, he took flight to a glen not to far from camp.
Who and what was this Oracle? It was fairly evident that his mother may have been afraid of this being or at the very least held it in some high regard. Was there a connection between the two of them? Was this yet another of her poorly planned schemes to be rid of Rin?
Rin.
His beloved Rin.
Sesshomaru's thoughts immediately quieted when he thought of Rin. If the circumstances had been different, he may have found some small amusement to this fact. He had not taken notice when he landed, but there was a small field of wild flowers near by. The fragrance of the flowers calmed him further as he envisioned Rin's lithe form walking leisurely among the blossoms.
Sesshomaru then assumed his usual reclined position by a tree that seemed to make itself conveniently available so that he could face the flower garden.
"Beloved, I pray that you are well." he muttered to himself. "I promise you I'll be home soon."
Sesshomaru then closed his eyes and in a rare moment of whimsy, he allowed himself a small smile as he imagined the lilt of her laughter floating on the breeze.
The gravity of Uden's present situation was slowly dawning upon him. This little 'slip' of a human had just challenged him. But more important, she looked as if she could make good on her promise to kill him! He had not bargained on this.
He had assumed that The House of The West would gladly be rid of its single human inhabitant not actually come to her defense! And another thing - She was supposed to be human! The creature before him may hold a human visage, but that was where the similarity ended.
Tension was thick as Uden tried to consider his next move when one of his subordinates took the option from him.
"I will kill this woman for you my lord!" came the cry from within the demon ranks. A younger demon galloped forth sounding his charge with his battle axe drawn. His steed and weaponry seemingly immune to Rin's spell.
Uden smiled to himself.
"Perhaps it will not be necessary for me to do anything seeing as this whelp has taken the lead!" Uden pretended to struggle with a now non existent 'barrier' as the soldier rode forth,
Rin did not move. Instead, she laughed heartily as the demon got closer. "I saved you as an example!" She growled. Rin then flung Uden's naginata in the direction of the oncoming warrior.
Once the weapon had left her hand, It then turned into multiple beams of light before slicing both the demon and his mount into large pieces that fell with sickening wet thumps to the ground.
The naginata then took to its original form as it returned to Rin's waiting hand.
The silence between the two groups was deafening. Both sides were in shock as Rin's next words could clearly be heard.
"He did not suffer. But you my dear Uden, will feel everything!"
Uden reared at the sight of his fallen comrade now laying in pieces before him. There was no choice now. He had to fight. But now, he had a new reason.
"You have sealed your fate now my girl!" he roared, " I would have been lenient with you earlier. But now, I will avenge my fallen comrade and kill you!"
He then grabbed at a battle axe that was hanging from his belt. Uden no longer cared what Rin was. He simply wanted her dead.
Uden then jumped off of his horse, and charged at the girl before him. He snarled as he prepared to bring his axe down upon Rin's head. Rin stood her ground as she waited for Uden's blow. When compared to her, the size of this demon was formidable.
Uden then leapt into the air with his axe in the perfect position intending to crush Rin with a single blow. But Rin prepared for this blow by bracing her naginata against the stones of the steps.
When Uden landed his blow, a great clash of metal was heard accompanied by a blinding light.
When the light had settled, all could see Uden suspended in mid air as Rin and the blade of her naginata glowed. A shield had been erected. Rin gave a small smile, enjoying the shocked look on Uden's face. She then shifted the position of her naginata, which in turn caused a change in the angle that Uden was suspended.
Rin then sent another surge of power at Uden who was then unceremoniously thrown a good distance and landed badly on his back. He found himself unable to get up. Rin approached him leisurely as the blade of her weapon still glowed. Uden knew he was about to die.
Rin clenched her fist creating a force field that lifted the great bull up onto his mount. She then faced Uden and spoke.
"Remember, This could have been avoided." Rin then raised her naginata above her head to give the death blow when Uden suddenly coughed up blood finding his voice.
"Before I die woman, tell me one thing! What are you?"
Rin gave a strange look of what could only be described as amusement.
"I am your executioner. Beyond that, I'm afraid you will not live long enough to find out!"
The bull demon looked as if he were about to say something else but Rin did not give him the chance. With one sweep of her hand, she sent his naginata as a beam of light that dispatched him in the exact fashion as she did the other demon only in larger more sickening pieces. When all of the pieces had landed, The blade of Uden's naginata was found planted firmly into his head.
Udens entire army then dismounted and got on their knees.
A lieutenant then crawled close to where Rin stood.
"Milady, I humbly beg for my life and the lives of my men. If you will allow us to leave, we will trouble you no further." came the muffled plea.
Rin then faced the army, her voice low and deadly.
Take the bodies of your dead with you. But, leave the heads here. They will serve as a warning to any who would dare to oppose the House of The West."
The lieutenant then thanked Rin and stood to face the remaining men. "Brothers! Let us leave this place and be grateful to the kindness of this gracious woman!" Every member of the army present, bowed and thanked Rin for her kindness.
The army then made its exodus with great haste lest they run the risk of receiving any more of Lady Rin's wrath. Those with stronger constitutions retrieved the pieces of their fallen fellows as all made their way to the surrounding forest.
It was only after the army had clearly left the great staircase that Rin turned around to face a now gaping Jaken and Toru. In fact, the entire body of the house of the west had stood silent in a strange combination of awe and oddly enough…fear.
Rin had began her 'transformation' to more human like features as she approached both demons. She then bowed deeply.
"Thank you both for wanting to see to my safety". She said warmly as a weak smile graced her features. "But I think I need to rest now." With what seemed to be the last of her strength, she called for her handmaidens. "Reu! Hitome! Please come!"
Both demoness scurried to stand on either side of their mistress as she seemed as if she were about to fall. Rin's flesh then became pale as she perspired profusely.
"I am not sure how much longer I can…" with those few words, Rin fainted. It was Toru who caught her before her body hit the ground.
Rin was not awake to see it, but the entire body of the House of The West bowed deeply and cleared the way as Toru passed with Rin in his arms, her maids in hot pursuit.
Rins body seemed as if it were on fire as Toru set her upon her futon. Her maids quickly took over her care. Toru was visibly concerned but felt that it was not his place to be so close to the ward of the Lord of The West. He exited Rin's bed chamber in silence only to face a waiting Jaken when he had closed the doors behind him.
Jakn's brow furrowed with concern. "How is she?" he whispered.
" I do not know Master Jaken. But her maids seem capable of attending to her. Let us leave them to their duty."
Toru turned to look at the chamber door once more. Jaken quirked a look at him. "Do not be too concerned Master Toru. I have seen this once before. Rin will be fine." Toru gave a curt nod before bowing his head.
"I think I finally understand." he said almost to himself quietly.
"Understand what my friend?" Jaken queried.
"I understand why she is so protected." he said softly. Toru then turned his face to Jaken.
"I will say this only once Jaken, and only in confidence to you alone," Jaken's ears perked up as he listened intently.
"I have a mate that I love with my whole heart. She has given me four pups that do me proud every day." Toru then looked directly into Jaken's eyes. "But if I could, I would do what ever was necessary to have that girl as my mate."
Jaken gave a slight smile. "I understand your feelings my friend." Jaken then stepped closer to the great youkai. "I will say nothing, but do not ever repeat those words - especially in front of Lord Sesshomaru. They may prove to be your death,"
Toru looked down at Jaken and smiled. "I understand. But, When Lord Sesshomaru returns, I hope he will accept me pledging my life to that girl as I have to him. It is the least that I can do." Jaken smiled and nodded knowingly.
"I'm sure he will have no problem with that." Both demons then made their way down the hall away from Rin's rooms.
Hitome was given the task of removing Rin's under kimono. This task was proving itself to be difficult because Rin had perspired so much that the fabric was clinging to her skin as if she had been drenched in water.
It was only after Reu returned with a basin of cool water that either demoness was able to remove any clothing at all.
Hitome then set to the business of trying to 'cool down' Rin's lower limbs as Reu dabbed cool water at Rin's head and shoulders. Reu was dabbing diligently when she stopped suddenly.
It took a moment for Hitome to notice Reu's lack of movement before she snapped at her. "Reu! What is wrong with you? Our lady needs us now!" Reu gave no response. Hitome stopped her ministrations and gave an irritated look in Reu's direction. Any words she had to say, stayed in her throat as she looked at the older youkai. Reu had since turned pale and was trembling somewhat.
"Hitome, Reu said quietly, Come look at our lady's neck and shoulder." Hitome put her rag down and crawled over to where Reu was presently kneeling. "Tell me what you see" she whispered. Hitome pulled back a rag that was covering the area in question.
"Our lady has been marked!" She whispered.
.