CHAPTER 9
Dreaming is God's way of sparking the imagination. A dream can inspire, or it can warn, and on occasion, it can educate. Dreams gave humans light in the darkness, vision to the curious traveler and love to the lonely and forgotten. Without dreams, human existence would otherwise be at a standstill.
It has been said that youkai do not dream. It is not that they are incapable of dreams, but rather that they make the conscious effort not to dream. Dreams, to a youkai, are a 'human necessity' that they find to be totally beneath them. If a youkai did dream, it was a secret best kept to himself. Because the admission of dreaming would be seen as an act of weakness.
Last night, for the first time in his seemingly immortal life - Sesshomaru dreamed.
Sesshomaru had never left his spot by the wild flowers that he had found earlier that afternoon. In fact, before he knew it, he had spent the night there.
It was his thoughts of Rin that kept him where he stayed. The remembered sound of her laughter, the remembered smell of her skin, his desire to be near her, His slowly awakening hunger for her body writhing in a passion induced sweat underneath his.
No, Sesshomaru had no desire to awaken.
But his dreaming did not stop with Rin. And it was not all pleasant.
He dreamed of his kingdom and its greatness, he dreamed of his mother and every treachery she had tried of late, and finally, he dreamed of his father.
It was the dreams of his father that unnerved him the most.
These were not ordinary dreams. It was as if an outside source had reached into his mind to pull out long forgotten images of hope, anger and fear.
Sesshomaru found himself remembering moments that he thought he had successfully buried deep within his psyche never to recall again.
But, throughout each dream, throughout each nearly horrific memory, it was his thoughts of Rin that calmed him. Even in dreams, it was Rin who was his safe haven. Only Rin kept him from going insane.
Sesshomaru awoke from his rest just after sunrise. The only sign of any of the night's turmoil was a slight sheen of sweat around his forehead.
Through out his dreams, one thing was clear. There was only one person that truly mattered. Sesshomaru had come to a decision. Damn the courts! Damn tradition and damn his mother! Once this trip had come to its conclusion, he was going home to make Rin his mate.
He was going to know love. He was going to be happy. And, he would do whatever it took to make Rin just as happy. She had accepted his mark, but Rin deserved to have everything. She deserved have him. Or perhaps, maybe it was he that deserved her.
No. They deserved each other.
Sesshomaru stood and adjusted his clothing. He then took one final look at the flower bed, inhaled its fragrances, and allowed himself a small smile before returning to camp.
Rin yawned and stretched broadly when she woke up the next morning. She knew she must have slept in later than she expected because the sun had already taken a good hold of the sky.
By now, she knew that any exertion of her 'powers' would leave her drained for a time, so she didn't concern herself with the possibility of there being anything physically wrong with her body. Her maids however, did not share this confidence.
As Rin slowly sat up on her futon and her vision cleared, she saw both of her hand maidens huddled at the foot of her resting place mumbling to themselves with worried expressions on their faces. Neither woman had noticed that Rin had sat up as they were lost in their own whispers.
It was not until she had cracked the knuckles in her hands while stretching a second time, (a familiar sound from Lord Sesshomaru), that they came to attention.
Both women snapped to before throwing their bodies to the floor not daring to look at Rin directly as they had done in the past.
"What are your orders today Milady?" They both chorused dutifully.
Rin gave a slightly confused look before she folded an arm over her chest then cradled her chin in her other hand.
" What is all of this? What has gotten into you both? Will you please look at me when you speak."
Reu raised her head only slightly. "We are not fit to look upon you Milady." Immediately, she dropped back to the ground.
Rin gave a loud and heavy sigh before speaking.
"Help me to understand. The Rin you see now is more than the Rin you saw yesterday at this time?"
Both demoness gasped in unison before lifting their heads just enough for Rin to see their faces. "No no Milady! Its not like that at all! Its just…."
"You had no idea that I held any 'abilities'" Rin finished.
Rin did not use the term 'power' because she herself was still coming to terms with it.
The two demoness cowered in fear of having insulted their mistress. "Please don't kill us!" they whimpered.
Rin smiled as she reached to the foot of her futon to pull the two demoness onto the bed with her. Both initially resisted but finally came about half way. Rin then took the face of each woman in either of her hands.
"You both are my handmaidens, my companions and my friends. I would no more bring harm you than bring harm to myself. Please be at ease with me.
With those words, both women then sat up on their knees and adjusted themselves at the foot of Rin's bed. Hitome spoke first.
"Thank you for your kindness Milady. We will do our best to continue to meet your needs."
Rin smiled warmly. "I thank you both. Now please prepare my bath and set out something for me to wear today. I am sure that I will be meeting with Master Jaken at some point. We have much to discuss.
Both women gave a quick nod in agreement before rising. As they both were about to leave the room, Reu took a moment to hesitate. Hitome nervously tried to urge her friend on but was not successful.
Reu bowed to Rin and gave a loud gulp before she spoke.
"Milady, please pardon my boldness but… when we removed your clothing last night we saw…" Rin's warm smile slowly faded as the older woman cleared her throat trying to continue. "We saw.."
"You saw that I have been marked." Rin finished, slightly annoyed.
"Yes Milady." Reu answered.
"And I suppose you would like to know who among the court would be bold enough to mark the ward of The Lord of The West?"
"Yes Milady." Reu said almost hopefully.
Rin took a moment to think of her response when Hitome then stood beside Reu and chime in. "We would not breathe a word to a soul Milady!" She whispered in confidence.
Rin gave a bit more thought before smiling brightly at the two women and beckoning them back to her bedside, the faces of each lighting up considerably as they approached.
"I would love to confide in you both and tell you." Rin whispered adding a sense of graveness to her next words. "However, If I did, you both would no doubt be killed." Both women took in a sharp breath as their complexion began to pale.
" As it is, I will have a time trying to explain this to Lord Sesshomaru once he returns. In the interest of secrecy, my beloved most surly would kill you both if he were to find out you knew. It would serve you well to make no mention of it."
Both women nervously shook their heads in understanding. For now, it was enough for them that their lady would allow them to live with the knowledge that they presently possessed (albeit a half truth).
Rin knew that if word got around, there would be no telling how anyone would react. It was best that fear kept these women quiet.
Rin then smiled warmly. "Let this remain our secret for now." Reu and Hitome understood Rin's meaning as they rose from the futon to their separate tasks. No more would be said on the subject.
When Sesshomaru finally found his way back to camp, he was taken aback with surprise. The size of the group seemed to have doubled in his absence.
There were servants among the crowd that did not belong with the original group.
Rather than make a scene, He decided to look for his mother to find out what all had transpired in his absence. When he finally made his way to her tent, he found the female taiyoukai being appropriately pampered and getting fitted with more suitable clothing for the remaining part of the journey.
The lady regarded her son with a broad smile before speaking. "These are the servants of The Oracle" She said cheerily. They will see to our servants until our return." Sesshomaru said nothing but his mother noticed his eyes wandering over her new outfit.
"Apparently, I am to sleep on the dirt as you do for the remainder of our journey." She said sarcastically.
The Lady did a small circle to show off a short kimono and hakama. "But at least The Oracle has good taste!". The servants were busy putting the finishing touches on a happy coat that would complete her ensemble. All three pieces complimented each other with varying shades of red and green with gold embroidery. Sesshomaru just snorted softly. He was about to go off again when a richly garbed male servant ventured to get his attention.
"Please excuse me my lord." Came the entreaty.
When Sesshomaru turned to face the servant he was taken for a moment by the over all appearance of the youkai that presently stood before him.
He was much older. Were it not for his pointed ears, he could have easily been mistaken for human.
His hair was brown and quite long. It hung well past his hips and was tied neatly at the base of his head and had been braided the end. He was of an average build although one could see that his body still held a great deal of muscular definition, He had a very kind face with but one oddity - he didn't open his eyes.
"I am Major Domo to The Oracle." he said as he bowed deeply. "My name is of no importance because I will not be with you for any longer than it will take to convey the instructions of my mistress."
Sesshomaru silently pondered what power this 'Oracle' had that even a Major Domo did not deserve to state his name.
I and Milady's servants will see to the needs of your party. Milady wishes for me to assure you that they will have the best of care.
The demon then extended a finely manicured claw in the direction of the west. "You both are to walk that way. When the time is right, My mistress will let her domain be seen."
Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow to the demon. "When the time is right?" he echoed.
"Yes Milord. The demon said smiling slightly. "My mistress in her infinite wisdom and kindness is giving your mother one final chance to talk to you." The demon then 'looked' to the Lady.
"Once you stand before The Oracle, all will be revealed. You still have time to make amends and live well for it. The choice is yours."
Sesshomaru snapped his gaze in his mother's direction.
"I suspected that you know more than you are willing to tell mother! I will ask again - What is going on here?"
The Lady bowed slightly before her son. "My memory of this all is very vague my son. It is my hope to remember things as we walk." she responded coyly.
Sesshomaru was still not satisfied. He turned back to the servant with more questions only to watch the demon disappear in a puff of smoke before his eyes.
Satisfied that Reu and Hitome had been sufficiently frightened into silence, Rin decided upon having breakfast in the main hall with the rest of the court today.
While most members were tolerably polite at best, Rin felt that she needed to show everyone that she did not always need to stay in Sesshomaru's shadow in order to be seen. She would stand alone even if it meant receiving the most shallowly given gestures of respect.
Today, however, the court would surprise her.
The dining hall was usually a place for idol chatter and harmless merriment. Unless Sesshomaru himself were seated, everyone sat at ease and there was a general 'casual' feel to the room.
This morning when Rin entered, all talk and eating came to a halt. The entire body that was assembled then rose in unison and bowed before her.
Not knowing what else to do, and having witnessed it countless times when Lord Sesshomaru was present, Rin gave a small smile and bowed in turn.
She then went to her usual seat by Jaken only to find Toru sitting where she normally would. Jaken then rose and bowed deeply.
"Milady, this place is no longer fit for you." With a wide gesture, Jaken pointed out Rins new dining position - a short distance from where Lord Sesshomaru would normally sit.
Rin looked wide eyed to a beaming Jaken. "Surly this is a mistake!" she said softly to the toad. "No mistake Milady" said Jaken barely able to hide his smile.
"I am sure that once Lord Sesshomaru is told of your deeds in the defense of this house, he will have no problem with it."
Rin smiled as she went to her seat. "Thank you Master Jaken." she said warmly. Rin then turned her smile to the mass of demons now facing her and bowed again before sitting. Once Rin was seated, all that were present seated themselves and continued with the morning meal. Jaken then bent to Rin's ear. "Toru and I will need to speak with you this afternoon please." "By all means Master Jaken." Rin responded quietly.
Sesshomaru thought it best to take a short walk until the servants had finished any last details on his mother's new traveling attire. Once she was ready, they would begin what was seemed to be the last leg of what had so far been a tedious and unwelcome journey.
He hated to admit it, but Sesshomaru was both curious and impressed so far with the showing of power that the oracle had displayed. If for any reason there should be a battle, he would enjoy ending the life of this individual immensely.
It was early afternoon when Sesshomaru found his way back to camp. Some of the earlier confusion had died down a bit and it was almost pleasant walking among the tents and various fires blazing. He had not gotten too far into the camping area when his mother had found him.
"There you are." she said almost relieved, "We will leave when you are ready."
Sesshomaru gave his mother a long look before responding.
"Let's go then."
After breakfast, Rin returned to her chambers. Ever since Jaken and Toru had agreed to her going to the human camps to negotiate a peace treaty, she had been busy contemplating how she would initiate the conversation without looking too intimidating.
Rin chuckled to herself. "As if I could ever look intimidating!"
She was about to sit to her desk when she heard a knock on her door. Before she could respond, Jaken had entered the room.
Rin smiled brightly and was about to bow when an outstretched hand halted her next movement. "I won't be a moment Rin, please be seated." Jaken said warmly. he then went to take a seat by the girl.
Jaken then proceeded to sputter and clear his throat before beginning much to Rin's amusement.
"Well, its like this," Jaken began almost uncomfortably, "The plan that Master Toru and I have for your pending trip has not changed. But…" Jaken's voice trailed off.
Rin looked at the toad with concern. "But what Master Jaken?" she said with a hint of concern.
"Nowyouhaveothersthatwishtohelp" Rin tipped her head in amusement.
"I cannot possibly be expected to understand that Master Jaken!" Rin giggled. Jaken cleared his throat and tried again.
"You now have allies in the court." he said evenly.
"Allies?" Rin asked somewhat shocked. She then squirmed up her face and sucked her teeth. "So?"
Jaken then reached to place a hand on her shoulder. "Rin, this is serious." Jaken then sat back to gather his next thoughts.
"It is no secret that you are the most protected possession that Lord Sesshomaru has. Last night, every demon here would have fought to his last breath on your behalf without hesitation to prevent any kind of abduction. The surprise came when you would not allow anyone to fight for you."
Rin shrugged her shoulders. "I saw no sense in it." she said passively.
Jaken slapped his hands to both of his thighs. "That is my point child! No on expected you to actually fight - or win for that matter! You defended yourself by yourself and you defended the honor of this house…. by yourself.
You made it very clear to all that you are capable of doing what ever may be necessary for The House Of The West. With that one battle you, the supposedly 'lowly' human, humbled the entire court.
Jaken calmed down a bit before continuing. "The respect you receive now, will be genuine." I tell you this so that you will not be surprised by any changes in attitudes that you may encounter form others from this point forward.
Rin sat silent for a long time. Jaken had begun to fidget as her silence seemed to lengthen. "Well?" He squawked "What are you thinking?"
Rin sighed softly and smiled at the kappa. "I truly don't understand what all of the fuss is about. We all serve Lord Sesshomaru. How is what I have done any different from what any of you would have done?"
Jaken rose from his seat. "It is different… because YOU did it." he said as he went to leave. "Toru and I will see you later this afternoon to go over the planned treaty. Please be ready."
"I will Master Jaken." Rin smiled as the toad demon left the room.
Sesshomaru and his mother had covered a considerable distance - all in absolute silence. Sesshomaru had no desire to look at his mother. He did not wish to talk to his mother. He did not wish to be with his mother. But, he was a dutiful son, and this part of the journey seemed necessary, although he had no idea why.
The Lady of The West however, on more than one occasion, opened her mouth as if to speak only to close it again thinking better of the idea. So for much of that late morning and through that afternoon, nothing was said.
"We will make camp just before sunset." Sesshomaru finally said to his mother over his shoulder. "Yes my son." Came the soft response.
Rin knew that Jaken would not have made the effort of coming to her room before the scheduled meeting with Toru without good reason. It stood to logic that other demons would be present when she came to meet with them.
With this thought in mind, Rin changed her clothes accordingly. Some time ago, Sesshomaru had several kimono made with the clan colors and emblem for Rin to wear. She even had an outfit identical to the one which her lord wore regularly.
She initially wanted to wear that outfit but thought against it because she felt it may be taken inappropriately as if to show that she was the one in power (even though for this instance she was). She decided upon wearing her red kimono with the clan symbol embroidered in white at her shoulder instead.
When she arrived at the door of Jaken's study, she took a moment to collect herself. She could hear voices other than Toru and Jaken in the next room and for the briefest of moments, she was frightened.
Rin was about to turn away from the door when the strangest thing happened.
As if on cue, a light breeze blew past her. And, on that breeze, Rin could have sworn that she could smell Sesshomaru's scent.
Sesshomaru had been gone for so long that Rin had actually lost track of the time. There was no reason for his scent to be anywhere in the palace.
She took the scent as a sign. "It is as if you approve of my actions beloved." She thought to herself.
Knowing that youkai ears were exceptionally keen, Rin smiled before holding here hands to her heart and mouthing the words 'I love you Sesshomaru' to the winds that seemed to continue to blow gently. She then squared her shoulders, took a deep breath, and knocked on the door.
Little did she know, that over a continent away, Sesshomaru would stop in his tracks just long enough to swear that he had heard his beloved's voice on the wind.
In spite of his silence, Sesshomaru did take into consideration that his mother was not in the habit of sleeping out of doors. It took sometime to find one, but he finally came upon a small glade with soft grass for her to make her palate on.
Neither of them really needed a fire either.
But Sesshomaru gathered the wood for one none the less.
Again, this was done for his mother's benefit.
He would stand guard as she slept.
The Lady decided to entertain herself with hunting down the evening meal as Sesshomaru gathered wood. She knew that at some point, she needed make an effort to speak to him.
Her true problem was that she was not at all sure what she should talk about. It was true that there was much to this trip that she knew about but there was so much more that she had no idea of.
How could she expect Sesshomaru to believe her now when she was not entirely truthful to begin with? She had no answers.
But she knew that she needed to know how he was feeling at the very least.
When Rin had entered the room, she found Jaken and Toru hunched over a desk overseeing various maps. Rin's suspicions of more than the two demons was confirmed as she noticed two more of Sesshomaru's generals leisurely chatting in a corner.
All activity stopped when she walked into the room. Everyone present bowed deeply. Rin gave a small bow in turn. Toru was first to speak.
"With us are Ginta and Hontu, my seconds in command. They wished to offer their services if needed."
Both demons looked almost like copies of Toru as they bowed again in unison. Rin gave a small smile to both.
"Alright gentlemen," Rin said evenly, "Lets get down to this!"
Toru grinned and nodded in agreement as all present gathered around the table filled with maps.
Rin had been shown maps of tribes both human and demon and made decisions on how territories should be portioned out at least until Sesshomaru's return. She surprised everyone present with an uncanny ability to strategize and plan fairly for all.
It had taken the better part of the afternoon, and others would need to see the plans, but each demon present felt that the proposal was even and fair.
As the last map was being folded, Rin smiled wearily at all present . "It is agreed then. Three days hence, I will go to the specified place and meet with the leaders of the human tribes to present this offer."
Ginta cleared his throat intending to speak. All looked in his direction. "Milady, Hontu and I wish to take a troupe of soldiers with you.. as a show of strength." Toru looked at Ginta with obvious irritation. "That will not be …" Rin's upheld hand cut off any further reprimand that Toru may have had to say. "Please Master Toru, let him finish."
Ginta could barely contain his satisfied smirk. "You may have need of a good army with you…just in case." Rin then paused before strolling across the floor to turn on her heel and face all present. "Agreed. But we will give a show of power to the humans first."
Ginta cocked his head to the side in bewilderment. "Is that not what I just said Milady?" Rin smiled warmly. "No Master Gina. Strength requires muscle. While power requires the mind."
Rin then stepped up to Ginta smiling as she tapped her brow with one of her fingers.
"Remember, I have a fairly good idea of how a human may think." Ginta looked at Rin confused. "You are no human Milady. How would you know?"
Jaken and Toru blanched at this remark but Rin just smiled warmly at the demon. "Just trust that I know." she said.
Rin then cast a knowing look to Jaken and Toru who seemed to understand not to say anything. She then went to continue.
"The humans will need a reminder that they are not dealingwith other humans. I see the wisdom in having an army but I shall also require my elite guard and Sesshomaru's elite guard also. Along well as a few…. 'extra items'." Rin's lips curled into a rather delicious mischievous smile when she said the last two words.
This smile did not go un noticed as all present were curious to Rin's line of thinking. "I will explain all before we go. But for now, I believe that we have accomplished the desired goal for this day."
Rin then headed to the door of the study and turned to regard the demons present. "I will leave warriors to discuss things that warriors discuss." Rin then bowed deeply. "Good day to you all."
And with those words, Rin left her company. For a moment, all stood silent before Toru cleared his throat.
"If I were not here to have witnessed it, I would have sworn that this plan had come from the mind of Sesshomaru himself." Toru commented with a hint of awe.
"By the gods what a woman!" Hontu said just above a whisper.
The others growled nodding in agreement.
Sesshomaru was properly impressed with his mother's hunting skills. She had rooted out a wild boar and had it pinned before he had even finished gathering firewood.
Upon hearing the squeals of the beast, Sesshomaru put down his load to come to his mother's assistance. The two youkai had the boar picked clean in minutes. Sesshomaru then went back to the business of making a fire for the evening. Twilight was fast approaching in a strange forest and suddenly the fire seemed like a very good idea.
Never abandoning his habit of looking to the heavens, Sesshomaru found a good sized rock to perch upon once the fire had been started. He sat with his usual detached silence, regarding the sky.
The Lady watched her son from her palate for some time before she finally spoke.
"I truly don't know much more than you do." She said quietly. It was your father that met the oracle not me. A prophesy had been given about the house of the west. I was only trying to see it come to pass."
Sesshomaru inclined his head slightly in his mother's direction.
"And this is the reason for your deceptions so far?"
"The Lady gave a ghost of a smile. "There has been no deception. But perhaps a misinterpretation on my part. I was told that the greatness of our house would begin with a human."
While Sesshomaru's ears perked up with this new information, he did not fail to notice the loathing in his mother's voice when she mentioned the word 'human'. He now fully turned to face her. Pleased at finally having her son's full attention, The Lady continued.
"Our house does not need another taint from humanity to achieve greatness!" she hissed as she slowly wrung her hands together. "I had initially found this prophesy an abomination. But, after some consideration, I had assumed that because of the many human warlords that surround our territories, that this 'change' may be brought about by one of them."
Sesshomaru rose from his place to stand closer to his mother by the fire. "I fail to see the connection, and I have no interest in listening to you any further." Sesshomaru's gaze suddenly became more feral.
"As it is, you have no idea exactly how much I would truly enjoy killing you right now. So far, you have lied to me and tried to manipulate my actions. Denial of this truth is beneath you mother. You know well that I have killed greater youkai than you for far less!" Sesshomaru let out a low growl as if to punctuate his last words.
The Lady's complexion slightly paled. She knew that once sufficiently angered, even she would not be able to stop any attack Sesshomaru may present. She then squared her shoulders and looked directly into her son's eyes.
"Will you kill your own mother then? Others have done it."
Sesshomaru looked away from his mother. "No."
He then returned to his original place on the rock before taking in a deep breath to speak again.
Last night, I dreamt for the first time in my life." he said softly as he shook his head, Youkai are not supposed to be able dream, but I did. My night was filled with memories, hopes, aspirations and oddly enough… I dreamt of father.
The Lady quirked her face in amusement.
Sesshomaru once again turned his head to the heavens.
"I'd almost forgotten that day." he said softly.
Father had just returned from what he said was the "new" world. He said that he had walked unafraid among humans that did not judge his appearance but welcomed him without hesitation… with open arms. He said that he had sat among human thinkers - Scholars was the word he used.
The Lady snorted. "'Thinking' humans - as if!" Sesshomaru ignored the interruption.
" Upon his return, I remember him giving me an oddly shaped scroll. He said that the humans from the new world called it a 'book'. I remember it not being much to look at, black with two words that read Holy Bible. Father had said, in order to better understand humans, I was to read this book. Sesshomaru then gave a slight laugh.
"It was an interesting tale mother, telling of one great power responsible for all that even we see and know now. But I took the book for human fantasy.
The world being created in seven days…. one human naming all of the animals of the world!…. Imagine that!" Sesshomaru paused for only a moment before regarding the sky once more.
"I was about to dismiss reading this 'book' and just leave the thing on a shelf for someone else's amusement when I finally came across something noteworthy.
There was a part that spoke of Ten Commands. Ten simple rules for humans to follow in order to live well. They made some sense. Do not lie… Do not steal… Do not kill. Sesshomaru gave a small humph .. They barely do that one right anyway.
It was the command about parents that has your life spared this evening. This command was surprising considering where it came from. It spoke of giving honor to those who gave you life. "Honor your father and your mother that your days may be long upon the land."… it went something like that.. I cannot quite remember. I felt that if a human was able to give an elder this much honor, surly I could do the same."
Sesshomaru gave his mother a side glance from his perch. " Say to me what ever you think will make me happy. It matters not. I know that you're up to something. The sooner we get to the oracle, the sooner I can find out what it is. Rest now. We will be to the mountains in a matter of a day or two, and I want this affair over and done with."
It was clear that Sesshomaru was done with any further conversation for the evening. The Lady then lay her head down on her palate, and closed her eyes. "Yes my son."
The evening suddenly got blissfully quiet. All that could be heard was the swaying of tree limbs and an occasional bird call as both youkai soon fell asleep.
It was the sudden glare of sunlight that woke Sesshomaru the next morning. Why was it so bright suddenly? He and his mother had slept in a glade of trees last night there was no reason for this much sunlight.
Sesshomaru finally opened his eyes admitting defeat to the assault of the sun's rays. His eyes widened as they cleared and he surveyed the surrounding area..
With the exception of one tree that presently was offering his mother some small shade, the glen that they both had spent the night in was gone. In its place, was the small patch of grass he and his mother had slept on. Sesshomaru shuttered. He slept? He had no intention of sleeping! How did this happen without his knowledge? Upon further inspection, it was clear to see that they were somehow much closer to the mountains in question. How did they even move without his knowledge?
The Lady was just beginning to awaken. She too was silenced by the changes from the night before.
"What kind of power are we dealing with here mother?" Sesshomaru said just above a whisper. The Lady blinked and cleared her vision. "I don't know son, but I think its time I found out!." she said with an annoyed growl.
The lady then rose from her resting place and with a great surge of youkai, she took on her true form setting a break neck run before heading skyward to the mountains.
Sesshomaru stood nonplussed by his mother's exit. He simply took a moment and thought out loud.
"A great power told us to walk. Yet, you still insist on disobedience mother. You are either in search of a private audience, or you go to make sure that your stories to me are strait.
In either event, if there exists a power great enough to move me without my knowledge, then I can be humble enough to do as I have been instructed."
Sesshomaru then took a final glance at his surroundings, and headed toward the mountain. He did not take ten paces before his entire body was engulfed in a cloud of smoke. Sesshomaru perked his ears to listen for any enemy before placing a hand on the hilt of Tokigin, as he continued.
When the smoke had finally lifted, he found himself at the base of the largest mountain standing before a great staircase leading majestically to a large gilded entrance.
Sesshomaru was doing his best to remain stoic in order to hide his shock, when the most beautiful voice that he had ever heard, spoke to him.
"Welcome Sesshomaru. Ascend the stairs so that I might greet you properly. You may walk or fly at this point. Sesshomaru was at the entrance in seconds.
The entrance seemed exceptionally large for any known purpose. Furthermore, there was no door. Upon closer inspection, there also seemed to be no light source. The opening seemed to lead into pure blackness. A low growl escaped Sesshomaru's lips as that same lovely voice chuckled.
"Do not be afraid. If I had wanted to take your life, I could have done it long before now."
Sesshomaru's growl got louder. "This Sesshomaru fears nothing!" he hissed.
Again more laughter came. "You stand at my threshold, teeth bared with your hand on your weapon. Call it what ever will make you feel comfortable, but I see fear. It is not necessary."
Sesshomaru stood for a moment more before releasing Tokigin. The voice was right. If it had indeed sought his death, He would indeed have been killed long before now. Sesshomaru then took a deep breath as he crossed the threshold.
Once he had crossed that threshold, everything about the entrance had changed. It was now well lit. Oil lamps had been hewn out of the mountain rock radiating a strange glowing light. The floor beneath him was a type of fragrant mossy grass. As he went further into the mountain, the area seemed to open into an even larger room.
As he advanced, Sesshomaru did his best not to appear awe struck. There was beauty in every inch of this 'mountain palace' Greenery and flowers were tastefully used to decorate the walls and the few pieces of furniture that was seen as he passed.
Suddenly, one single light seemed to brighten one specific area. At the center of the glow of brightness, sat a magnificent marble throne that faced directly in front of Sesshomaru. Rich embroidered pillows of red gold and green were strategically placed for obvious comfort. On either side of the throne, small waterfalls flowed into two modest sized pools.
Various birds with brilliant plumage puttered about leisurely as a stray rabbit hopped past Sesshomaru oblivious to his presence.
Suddenly, a bright orb, similar to the one he had seen in the forest had appeared. It slowly took on form as it began to swirl in a magnificent display of color. Without warning there was a sudden blinding flash of light. When Sesshomaru's eyes had finally adjusted once again, he found himself facing the most beautiful female that he had ever seen.
The woman could only be described as 'magnificent'. Even though she was seated, it was clear that she was taller than any youkai female that he had known. Her hair resembled spun gold, her lips were red, plump and inviting. She wore a splendid gown of the purest white that hung off of one shoulder. Her left hand was leisurely stroking the head of a young doe and In her right hand, she held a golden scale at near perfect balance.
Sesshomaru could no longer hide his awe as he stood open mouthed looking at the heaven sent creature that now sat before him. The only thing that he had found to be unusual, was that the woman had a blindfold of the same pure white material of her dress securely tied around her eyes.
"Welcome Sesshomaru." she said smiling warmly, "I am the Oracle."