CHAPTER 13
While Rin's 'day of rest' had gone by entirely too quickly, her night's rest was filled with dreams of her beloved Sesshomaru. When sleeping, she could almost feel his strong arms encircling her. She almost could hear him speak words of encouragement. But more important, she seemed able to actually physically feel his love for her. Her sleep was both restful and reassuring.
When the sun had finally made its way across the horizon, Rin awoke to once again smell her lords scent near her. She stretched and greeted the day smiling. "Once again beloved, I feel you close to me. I pray to be able to bring honor to you and your house."
Reu and Hitome had been up for some time already. They were both excited and nervous for the girl. A bath had been drawn and breakfast was at the ready. It would take the better part of the morning for Rin and Ah - Un to fly to the agreed upon sight.
It was Reu who helped Rin to her bath. But, both of her maids were giggling entirely too much as she bathed. Apparently some sort of surprise was to be given. Rin chuckled to herself as she came from her bath chamber. "How can I stay focused with all of this laughter going on?" she mused.
It was not until she had dried off and was about to dress that Rin had discovered exactly what all of the laughter was about. A hakama and haori identicalto that which Lord Sesshomaru wore had been laid out for her. She had intended to wear the kimono that was near identical, but the bright smiles from her maidservants belayed any harsh words she may have had for them.
"Rin smiled broadly as she regarded the two women.
"Are you certain that this is what I am to wear?"
Hitome chirped up first.
"Oh yes Milady! Master Jaken himself had it commissioned!" Rin quirked an eye at the maid. "Then I guess that it is so!" The women then helped Rin into her new outfit. Once she had finished dressing, as if on cue, a knock was heard at her chamber door.
There, walking in in their 'official' capacity, came Jaken, Master Toru ..and Master Hontu. Rin bowed deeply to the trio who bowed just as deeply in turn. Jaken spoke up first.
"There is one more thing you need this day Milady," he said in his best formal voice. And with those words both Toru and Hontu brought forth a light weight armor identical to that which their lord wore. "This completes your outfit." said Toru visibly pleased.
Rin was wide eyed and speechless. She was almost in tears when she asked "Are you all very sure of this?"
"We would be honored if you would." both soldiers chorused evenly.
"So be it." Rin said as she wiped away a stray tear.
"But you will have to help me to put it on."
Both Hontu and Toru stepped up to lace the pieces of leather and metal together. When it came to the last two tassels to be tied, Rin stopped the pair. "I have a favor to ask of you both. Both demons stood silent.
While I have left my instructions for all, I am still the first one that will be seen. Rin went to touch Toru's hand. "You have been my wisdom." Rin then touched Hontu's hand. "And you have been my strength."
Rin then reached and handed each of the two demons one of the remaining two tassels. Give me a tassel from your armor and wear these on your own so that I may be reminded of what I must do and that I am not alone."
The eyes of both demons went wide. This simple display showed them both her regard. But more important, it also showed respect. And maybe… just a bit of love.
Both demons bowed and solemnly exchanged their tassels. Jaken looked on bemused. He'd hoped that the two would not put more meaning behind this gesture than was intended.
After all finishing touches were completed, Jaken looked upon Rin once more. "You look every bit the warrior princess of the western lands!" he said with a smile. Jaken then went to hand Rin the proposed treaty. "Go and do us proud." he said brimming with pride. Rin smiled, then tucked the scroll in her sash.
Rin giggled as she suddenly grabbed the hands of the two demon warriors that presently flanked her. "Now let us be off!" The three then walked down the long corridor to the great staircase.
She would take flight on Ah-Un, and troops would follow behind.
Before coming to the stairs, Rin would give one last 'squeeze' to the hands of those who flanked her. She then left them to mount Ah-Un. Both demons followed close behind. Once she was upon Ah-Un's back, Rin smiled warmly at the two before her.
" You know what to do." Both demons gave a curt nod.
And with that, Rin was off.
As Rin flew into the distance, she left both Toru and Hontu quietly caressing their hands where she had once grasped them.
Toru spoke first - and with great finality.
"She may never be your mate or mine, but I will gladly kill the human that so much as looks at her wrong!" Toru then turned to Hontu.
"Stay close to her Hontu. Protect her with your life!"
Hontu 'huffed' and gave a toothy grin. "As if you had to ask my lord!" Both demons watched Rin fly off for a moment more before Hontu took his leave.
At the sight of Lord Inu Taisho, all present went into their own personal state of shock.
Lady Midori stood open mouthed unable to form the first word. While Sesshomaru, went pale and looked as if he might just faint.
The demon lord casually placed his drink on a near by table and rose to greet the group. Only The Oracle dared to speak. And when she did, even her voice held surprise. Slowly, she advanced toward the tai youkai.
"This is not the vision that I had expected to be here once I'd opened the door." she said quietly. "How is it that you are here Taisho?"
"That's Lord Taisho to you little missy!" The Lady snapped from her corner trying to hide her own astonishment.
Lord Taisho's eyes never left The Oracle's inquiring face as he gave a warm chuckle.
"If you have not noticed wife, we are not in our home entertaining a guest. We are in her home as her guests. Please try to show just a bit of decorum."
Taisho's tone was kind but brooked no argument. The inu youkai then stepped up to The Oracle and gently wrapped one arm around her waist, as the other cupped her face.
"I am as surprised to be here as you are to see me Sweet One. But if I am not mistaken, I am here to try to correct an array of wrongs that fell between myself, my son, and the one I once loved and called 'wife'.
The Oracle looked up into his face smiling with understanding. "I will leave you to your task then." She tried to turn to leave, but Taisho did not release her.
"When I have finished with them, I must speak to you as well." The inu youkai then gave her a gentle kiss. He smiled as he licked his lips. "You still taste as sweet as ever." The Oracle blushed slightly before she gave a slight giggle as she turned and left the room.
Lord Taisho of The Western Lands then sighed heavily as he slowly regarded the two tai youkai that remained. He took slow and measured steps as it became clear that he intended to address his former 'wife' first.
As he approached, his countenance took on a dark appearance.
Midori stood riveted by Taisho's icy stare.
She was most certain that this apparition was fully capable of killing her. She closed her eyes and waited for the death blow that did not come. Instead, Taisho simply asked a question.
"What have you done to my son?"
The Lady of The Western Lands slowly opened her eyes in surprise. She quickly gathered up a pretence of dignity before looking to Sesshomaru.
"Why husband, what are you referring to?" she then made a hand gesture in Sesshomaru's direction. "I have done nothing to your son."
"So it would appear wife!" came the hissed response. Lord Taisho's countenance suddenly softened. Indeed, he almost looked sad.
"It is disappointing to be reminded how much you never believed in me." The Inu youkai then went to regard his son.
Sesshomaru felt as if he were at the brink of a breakdown. Try as he might, he found himself unable to look directly into his father's eyes.
Was he afraid? Ashamed? Or was he just so glad to see the man that he had secretly idolized all of his life that he might put on an otherwise unbecoming display emotion?
Taisho could sense his son's hesitancy.
The great dog general then gently placed his hand on Sesshomaru's shoulder. "I am truly here my son. And I am genuinely glad to see you."
Sesshomaru began to visibly shutter. He opened his mouth to speak but then took a breath instead. Taisho smiled an patiently waited. "How are you here father?" came the shaky inquiry.
Taisho let his hand drop from Sesshomaru's shoulder. "It is as I told The Oracle son. The Creator of All plucked me from hell and granted me life once more so that I may see you and try to correct a lifetime of mistakes."
"Who's lifetime?"
"Yours my son."
Sesshomaru's voice finally cracked. "So I am a mistake to you too?" Sesshomaru bowed his head. "My life was nothing but a mistake?" he mumbled miserably.
Taisho suddenly took Sesshomaru by the shoulders and shook him firmly. "No Son!"
"YOU are not the mistake. You were never a mistake!"
Now certain that he had his son's attention, Taisho released Sesshomaru's shoulders. His voice dropping to almost a whisper, he continued. "The mistake came in your upbringing."
Taisho then turned an angry eye to his wife.
"Your atrocity's are so numerous my wife that I believe that I must start at the very beginning for the boy to totally understand all."
Sesshomaru looked to his mother and managed a growl.
While he'd never voice it out loud, he had always suspected her to be at the root of his miseries.
Taisho noted his son's growl and laughed a bit. "Try not to hate her son. She is sadly the victim of her environment." A small ghost of a smile passed across Sesshomaru's face. He was secretly happy to be in agreement with his father. Lord Taisho crossed the room and began his tale.
"Your mother's first mistake came when she thought she had to marry me. Not once had it occurred to her that I may have chosen her."
Now it was Midori who looked on in surprise.
Taisho noticed her shock and snickered. "I too initially had no desire for a mate. I had more concubines than there were days in the week! Taisho then turned to gave a mischievous wink to Sesshomaru. "And, I kept them all very happy son!"
Midori growled in annoyance as Taisho grinned for a moment before continuing.
"Sex is a pleasant thing son. But if there is no love behind it, there is no real point to it. I decided that I needed a mate to share my dreams with." Taisho looked to Midori.
"I thought I had found that mate in your mother."
Taisho stepped in front of his former wife. Once again, his face showed an obvious sadness.
"I had been traveling abroad long before your arrival wife, and I've seen many things.
I believe now as I believed then - the days of youkai rule are numbered. Soon… very soon.. humans will fear us no longer. Indeed even the youngest among them will have the power to dispel our number at will."
Midori sucked her teeth in disgust. "We have had this discussion many times before husband. Humans are lesser animals.
They are here only for our amusement." The Lady then licked her lips and snickered. "And on occasion, our culinary enjoyment."
Taisho shook his head. "Wife, even now, are you still that blind? As we speak, Sesshomaru's beloved rides to quell a possible human uprising from under your very nose!"
At the sound of the word 'beloved' Sesshomaru immediately snapped out of his misery. "Rin!" he said with a gasp. "She needs me!" The words fell from his mouth before he could censor them. Although immediately embarrassed by his outburst, Sesshomaru still tried to make a dash for the door. Taisho stopped him effortlessly.
"Be at ease my son." Taisho smiled lovingly. " She will be fine."
Taisho then took in Sesshomaru's present emotional state. At first glance, it appeared that any earlier show of emotion had been successfully masked. But his father could tell that inwardly, he was almost frantic, and in need of reassurance.
"You have chosen your mate well son. I am very pleased."
Sesshomaru blushed in spite of himself. "I..I have said nothing to her! She.. She doesn't .. She hasn't "
Taisho brought his hand up to silence his son's next words.
"You fool only yourself by lying son. I've been watching you both from hell for years. It seemed to amuse the gate keepers to show me your progress." Taisho then smiled broadly.
" The love you both share is as obvious to me as daybreak across a horizon."
Taisho guided Sesshomaru back to where his mother stood. "Now please let me finish. All will be well I promise."
Sesshomaru quieted down somewhat, and went to stand near his mother. Taisho smiled at his son before continuing.
"As I was saying. It may not happen in our lifetimes wife, but I assure you, humankind will have no need of fearing us. It is we who will eventually fear them."
Taisho went to pour himself another cup of sake.
"Before you had become my mate, I had only been across the great waters once.
When I found land and the humans that dwelled there, I was not met with fear. I was welcomed. No one seemed remotely concerned with any physical differences. All only saw me as a man.
I worked for a time in that village by the sea. It was wonderful! I ate, slept laughed and loved as a human male. No one seemed to care. When I had learned all that I thought these people could teach me, I came back home.
It was after this trip that I knew that I needed to see more. I needed to know more. I needed to prepare for the future.
Thefuture of our people and our survival." Taisho went to clench his fists in an effort to drive his point home.
"I also knew that I would need a strong and determined youkai female to share this vision with me.
That was why I chose you wife."
Taisho turned to his sake and drank it in one gulp.
"I was partially correct in my choice. You were strong and determined, you just didn't believe in me or my quest."
Taisho sighed.
"But I loved you enough to hope that you would."
Midori's initial shock finally lapsed enough for her to momentarily forget her surroundings and speak her mind a bit more freely.
"You chose to chase a dream." she said calmly, "I chose to rule a people - YOUR people." She began to slowly pace the floor.
"While YOU were out 'gallivanting', I was left to deal with matters of state. I held your kingdom together!"
Taisho openly laughed as he watched his former wife pace lost in her own idea of self importance. Upon hearing his laughter, Midori turned to him and gave a low growl of annoyance.
"That is where you are quite wrong wife."
Taisho's eyes went red before he spoke his next words. They came dark and forceful.
"I was unquestioned ruler of my lands! nothing happened without my knowledge. That included anything and everything that YOU deigned to do."
Midori looked to Taisho visibly shocked.
Taisho's eyes remained red as he produced a toothy grin.
"Ah yes my wife, there was nothing that you did that was unknown to me!" Taisho's red gaze relaxed only slightly as he took amusement in Midori's shock.
"It just served me better for you to be … shall we say.. 'distracted' with ruler ship while I went on my journeys alone."
Taisho's appearance then suddenly softened.
"But I was still…alone."
"Alone in my quest and alone with my dream. A dream I would have simply abandoned were it not for the fact that you had finally become pregnant." Taisho smiled slightly.
"Sesshomaru's birth breathed new life into my intentions. Now I would continue for the sake of my son. His future needed to be bright.
My quest held only one flaw. To insure Sesshomaru of a future, I would have to forego many of the responsibilities of fatherhood. I would have to leave my boy for you to raise - a horrid mistake that I can admit to now."
Lord Inu Taisho of the Western lands then slowly turned to his son. His eyes filled with tears. His next words came filled with emotion.
"Sesshomaru my son, I will understand if you spend the remainder of your lifetime hating me, I will accept your wish should you discard anything I say now, but please listen and know this:
It is my blood that is the source of your power and character. It is my will combined with your own that helps to guide you. But, it is the love that you hold for that girl that is your true strength."
Taisho then went to hug his son.
"And please know now… that I love you.. and I am so very…proud of you.
Taisho then went to hug his son, and proceeded to weep outright.
Sesshomaru froze.
It was not the display that stilled his movement, but his father's words.
Words that he'd waited his lifetime never expecting to hear. Words that he would secretly treasure for the rest of his life.
Slowly… very slowly, Sesshomaru reached for his father's arms. The great tai youkai clutched his son closer to him.
"You are truly proud of me father?" came the almost inaudible whisper.
"I am my son." came the choked response.
For the first time in his long life, Sesshomaru allowed himself the luxury of a display of emotion.
He clutched into his father's embrace and whimpered.
Only Midori failed to be moved by the sight of father and son. She sighed heavily - clearly annoyed. "Excuse me while I help myself to your sake. I find this 'love fest' to be a bit more than my delicate constitution can stand."
Inu Taisho slowly let go of his son and looked into his face. And while Sesshomaru did not cry, his joy was evident in his eyes.
Taisho then composed himself before he glared hatefully at his wife. "You abandoned us both Midori. You denied me of both my son and my quest. I will say that I was almost ready to admit defeat and do as you wished. Had it not been for Izayoi.
At the sound of Lady Izayoi's name, Midori openly growled her hatred.
"That meddlesome human! I only regret not successfully killing her sooner."
Taisho let his arms drop away from Sesshomaru before growling menacingly. The dog general was obviously fighting the urge to transform. "You revel in misery don't you wife?" came the glottal response.
"It was not enough for you try to turn my son against me, but you would go so far as to rob me of the one person who did believe in me."
Taisho turned to Sesshomaru. "Your mother would have you believe that it was Izayoi that had been the cause of my demise eh son? You would be horribly wrong. It was your mother who was at the root of my downfall!"
Sesshomaru's eyes went wide while Midori's complexion paled.
Taisho's gaze shifted between the two tai youkai before him.
"I see. He does not know dose he?" Lady Midori raised her hand in an effort to silence her former husband's next words. "No Taisho! Please don't! Don't say it!"
Taisho grinned toothy and satisfied as he then turned to Sesshomaru.
"Your mother called upon the aide of Ryokotsusei in an effort to gain control of my lands!"
Midori stood silent, then slowly lowered her head.
Sesshomaru just stood with his mouth open.
Taisho smirked. "You didn't think I knew did you wife?"
Sesshomaru could only stand in shock.
He'd spent his lifetime hating this human female for what he thought she'd done to his father. This revelation would take a moment for him to digest. Taisho then stepped between mother and son.
"I'd found the Lady Izayoi totally by accident in my travels.
She was the first human from my own lands, that showed no fear of me. I found her bravery fascinating. Then I found her mind exhilarating. Finally, I found her love intoxicating! Your mother hated her for it."
Taisho sighed heavily. "And, once again, she went to separate me from another son, and another love." Taisho went silent as he hung his head in sadness.
Sesshomaru's eyes went red as he spun to face his mother.
"Just tell me mother… Why?" he roared.
Inu Taisho then turned to his wife.
"I can answer that my son. Your mother was in search of a killing machine that she could control.
With my death, she would finally have her kingdom.
But as she told you, a female would not.. could not rule. You were to grow to be her puppet. Her Aristocratic Assassin, her Killing Perfection. She never intended for you to take a mate or produce another heir.
She never truly wanted one.
Your mother intended to leave you to your wanderings and have you simply "show up" at the palace on occasion just long enough to appease the lords of the court. You were her living threat to be taken out only when necessary so that she could reign over all. She intended to rule to the end of her days. Once she had died, the lands could crumble for all that she cared.
Am I correct so far wife?"
The Lady of The West fidgeted uncomfortably. She was in total shock that her perfectly executed secret plans were out in the open. Indeed they were not so secret at all.
But the worst part of it all, was that Taisho himself had known of everything. Everything she had done, and intended to do. He had known from the beginning. There was no place for her to hide. No lie left to tell. Slowly she hung her head in defeat.
"You speak the truth husband." came the flat response.
A great open tent had been erected in a glade not very far from the human campsite. Preparations were being made for the arrival of the Ambassador of the House of the West. Perhaps even Sesshomaru himself might attend.
The four lords of the surrounding lands had a great table set up with food and drink. "The ambassador" was to be made comfortable and a good show of faith was to be put forth. After all, the alternative was nothing to look forward to.
The four lords dressed their best and rode their finest horses to the meeting place. They were determined to show a unified front and an otherwise impressive display of force.
None of them was prepared for the sight that would greet them as they waited in their 'official' capacity for the ambassador's arrival.
High above them in the sky, Ah-Un roared in announcement. The ambassador of the west, had finally arrived. All four lords fought to keep their steeds calm at the sight of the dragon's decent. The sun had shown brightly from the direction that all were facing. A scout dared to look up. His eyes going wide.
"Its Lord Sesshomaru himself!" he cried out. Everyone on the ground then snapped to. The Lord of The West was arriving! The four lords made to sit proud on their horses as Ah-Un finally touched ground a small distance away.
Now that the sun was not blinding everyone, all could see.
Was Lord Sesshomaru so small in stature? There were tales of a tall silver haired dog demon both beautiful and menacing to behold. The creature dismounting this dragon was NOT tall or menacing. In fact, the being appeared to be female.
This woman lovingly stroked the heads of the dragon before her before turning to approach the lords still seated upon their horses. But as she slowly approached, all could agree that she was indeed beautiful.
Rin stopped her advance a good fifteen feet before the four lords in front of her before looking at them all with obvious amusement.
"Can it be that the four lords of the surrounding lands are so taken aback by a woman that they stay mounted on their horses like frightened boys?"
All four lords snapped out of their momentary daze as they cleared their throats practically in unison before three had dismounted. Cautiously, they came to regard Rin. Rin then smiled warmly to the group.
"I am Lady Rin Ambassador of The Palace of the Western Lands."
Rin then gave a slow deep bow to all present.
Each lord then bowed and introduced themselves in turn. Lord Xanchi stepped up first.
"I am Lord Xanchi. I rule the lands to the north of the palace. It is an honor to meet you Milady. Rin smiled and nodded. Her attentions were immediately taken to the second lord who spoke.
"I am Lord Sota. I rule all to the east." Lord Shin abruptly shoved Sota to one side before he clumsily gathered himself for his introduction.
"And I am Lord Shin I rule to the south." Rin could not help but giggle slightly at the man in front of her.
It was only Lord Zobu who ruined the pleasant moment.
Lord Zobu did not dismount. Instead, he callously looked upon Rin and spat to the ground. The other Lords blanched with embarrassment and shock.
"I am Zobu lord of the lands further west to Sesshomaru's palace. And I have no interest in trying to 'cozy up' to a youkai's whore!" Zobu's insult was intentional. He wanted to see what Rin would do next. So did the other lords.
Rin remained calm. But her countenance took on an almost demonic coolness.
"Let me assure you That I am no youkai's whore." she said smiling a bit coldly. "Let me further assure you that I am your one best chance of survival during this meeting. If you take a moment to look over the treaty, you will find it to be more than generous to all here."
Zobu laughed as he glared with open hatred at Rin. "You are our best chance of survival? Ha! I find that very difficult to believe. Intent upon making Rin loose her control, Zobu went to goad even further by trotting his horse around her.
"I'll wager that anyone fool enough to send a woman all by herself, to meet a group of men, is either a fool or a coward!"
Xanchi spoke up first. "We have suffered quite enough of your insults Zobu, Stop it now!"
The tales of Lord Sesshomaru's war tactics were the stuff of legend to the three lords not engaging Rin in insult. They all knew that "appearances were deceiving". Rin may be alone, or she may be accompanied by enough force to obliterate them all with ease.
Lord Zobu apparently did not believe in legends.
Rin was now annoyed.
"I thank you for reminding me why I have never sought the company of humans when the moment presented itself Lord Zobu."
Zobu had not stopped circling the girl with his horse.
"Stop circling me now. This is your only warning."
The other lords seemed to know to move a few paces away from the two. Sota whispered to Xanchi. "We may still have a chance to apologize for his rudeness if the fool will just stop now!" Xanchi just shook his head. "I do believe that Zobu is about to sign his own death warrant. Let us hope that he has not doomed us all."
Zobu laughed, but did not heed Rin's warning. He continued circling her. Rin gave a small sigh before looking up to the warlord before her.
"Remember - You had been warned."
Rin then stood perfectly still before pointing her finger at the head of Zobu's horse. From what appeared to be out of nowhere, a single arrow pierced the skull of the beast killing it instantly.
The horse did not immediately fall to the ground. But rather it appeared as if 'frozen' in its position. Zobu had not noticed the arrow - But the other lords did.
Rin took a step back. "You may wish to dismount your dead horse while you are able. I doubt that the corpse will remain as it is for much longer."
It was only when Zobu tried to look down on Rin that he noticed the arrow imbedded in the head of his mount. Before he could utter another word, the balance of the corpse had finally failed as the body finally fell to the ground capturing a surprised Zobu underneath one of its legs.
Both lord Shin and Lord Sota went to help Zobu up from his most embarrassing position. Zobu was both embarrassed and enraged as he struggled to his feet. He was too angry to take into consideration that it was not Rin that killed his horse.
"I will kill you for that!" he shouted as he grabbed at his sword and charged at Rin.
Rin did not get the chance to move a muscle. She didn't have to. Before Zobu was able to come within striking distance, he was halted by a blur of wind and Hontu's sword poised dangerously at his neck.
Zobu's eyes went wide at the demon that stood inches before him. Hontu's gold eyes glowed as he growled while looking menacingly into the lord's face.
"He dies by your command Milady." Hontu shouted. He then grinned to show his fangs. "Please give me the command!"
Zobu whined like a child, then proceeded to wet himself.