CHAPTER 14
Rin leisurely stepped up to Hontu's side to look into the face of her former tormenter. Lord Zobu continued to whimper as Hontu ever so slightly ran the blade of his sword across his neck.
"Allow me an introduction." Rin said with a smile. Rin then inclined her head in Hontu's direction. "This is Hontu." While Rin smiled at Hontu, the demon did not once take his gaze away from the human now trembling beneath his hands.
"You must forgive Hontu, he tends to be a bit…. protectiveof me." Rin stepped away from the pair to coldly regard the three lords that had not been so foolish as to have offended her.
"Decide among yourselves. He can die now, and his lands can be divided evenly between you all, or one of you must give me a reason for not granting Hontu the pleasure of ending his life."
The three men looked at the thus far shameful display of their fellow lord and became quiet.
"My lords! Do not let me die!" Pleaded Zobu over Hontu's shoulder.
Both Lord Sota and Lord Shin began to take some amusement to the situation. "His rice fields are flourishing this year my lord." said Sota to Shin. "Indeed they are Sota. And his livestock are much fatter than mine."
Lord Shin then put his hand to his chin. " It is a good thing his mount had died so mercifully. His great girth would have killed the beast slowly for sure!"
"Very true." responded Sota.
Lord Zobu continued to whimper as both lords chuckled at his expense. Meanwhile, Hontu contented himself playing with his sword at the lord's neck twisting the blade slightly back and forth as he patiently awaited Rin's command.
None but Rin had noticed that Xanchi had taken off all of his armor and stood quietly wearing no more than his hakama and haori. He had even gone so far as to remove his boots. Slowly, he advanced past his fellow lords.
It was not until he was face down in the dirt mere inches from Rin's boots that the others took notice to their comrade.
"Lady Rin, I beg for this man's life and ask that if blood must be spilled for your offense, please take mine as an atonement. I do not ask this out of love for this man or his people. I ask because I know that he has a family that would surly perish if he were not there. I on the other hand, am single and have no such constraints. While my people may miss me, another will gladly step forward to take my place."
Rin stood unmoved by this declaration.
"You would willingly offer up your life for a fool?" She asked coldly.
"No Milady, not for a fool. But for an old man unfamiliar with the ways of demons." Rin cocked her head in amusement.
"You mean to tell me that you arefamiliar with the ways of demons? Have you even bothered to see that I am not a demon?"
Xanchi suddenly realized his mistake. He tried to play on an assumed 'feminine weakness' by pleading for the life of an old man. More over, his plan had been found out. Rin had spent her life among warriors and was long immune to such trivial mental play. Xanchi found himself cornered.
"N.. no .. Milady.. Wh.. What I meant to say was.."
"Be silent Xanchi." came Rin's sharp response. Rin then inhaled deeply an looked to the lords in annoyance.
"This was, and still is, meant to be a meeting for peace. Are you all here for a peaceful solution to your problems or are you all truly seeking to engage in a war that I can assure you that you'll loose? Either end is easily arranged."
Rin let her words sink in as she regarded the three men in font of her. Lord Shin cleared his throat before stepping forward.
"I believe that I speak for all when I say we seek peace Milady."
"As do I." Rin said calmly. Rin then looked to Hontu. "Please release Lord Zobu Hontu." Hontu growled in objection. "He called you a whore Milady!" he snarled as he continued to twist his blade, now beginning to break skin.
Zobu's eyes went even wider with the understanding that his words had been heard by more than those present. Who else may have heard him? How would he be expected to pay for his transgression?
Rin then gave a look to the other lords. "Ah yes, there is that." The others looked at Rin with a sense of foreboding.
What would she require as payment for this affront?
Rin gave a beaten sigh before looking once again at the pair.
"Release him Hontu." Rin then smiled at the demon.
"But know I will understand if your hand should 'slip'."
Hontu growled his approval as he released the human from his grasp. But before the lord's body had fully cleared him, Hontu slashed a single claw across his cheek leaving a deep gash. Zobu winced, but was so grateful for his life , he did not comment on the wound he had been given. Instead, he scrambled in the dirt in an attempt to stand with his comrades.
The other lords inched away from him as they scowled with shame and disgust. Zobu had taken a gamble and lost miserably. When Zobu had torn a bit of cloth from his haori to help stop the bleeding of his wound, he then realized just how wretched he looked.
He stood alone, bleeding, and stinking of urine. Inwardly, he dreaded how this story would be conveyed to others when they, No, should they live long enough to return home.
Rin then sternly regarded all four men before her as she placed her hands in the sleeves of her haori. Hontu stood close by, slowly licking the blood from the claw he had just used.
His eyes still glowing as he let out a low warning growl for all to hear.
"Are you all quite finished with any more displays you feel I needed to see, or can we please get to the matter at hand?"
"Yes Milady." they all chorused evenly.
"Very well."
Rin then went to pull the proposed treaty from the sleeve of her haori. She handed it to Xanchi who was still on his knees before her.
"Please read this. If it meets your approval, and I believe that it will, I expect it to be returned to me with your seals upon it. I will await your decision by my mount."
Rin then turned to head back to Ah-Un. She took about three paces when she stopped and turned a side glance to the four men behind her.
"Let this be the end of any further efforts you may have to instill fear on your part. I reiterate. I am your best chance for survival. Anything you may contemplate trying behind my back, will only end badly for you….very badly."
All bowed in silence.
"You miserable witch!" Sesshomaru roared. "I will do what my father could not and rid this world of you right now!"
Sesshomaru then summoned up his youkai.
As he did, a great wind began to stir in a room with no windows. The few pieces of furniture within the room toppled over and began to slide across the floor. Only the three tai youkai within remained stationary in the face of the great force presented.
Sesshomaru was well past angry, he was enraged.
His eyes went red as his body slowly began to transform to his true form.
"I will kill you for the Oracle!" He shouted. "I will kill you for my father, and I will kill you for Rin!" Sesshomaru's eyes began to glaze over, his rage was so great. "Rest assured woman, your presence will not be missed!"
He was so bent on ending his mother's life, that Sesshomaru did not wait for his total transformation before lunging at her. "Die!." he roared with claw and fang bared. He'd come within inches of his goal, when Taisho pulled him back by his waist.
Still blinded by anger, Sesshomaru just barely noticed his father's iron grip. He began flailing frantically foaming at the mouth. Midori stepped back in horror.
"Let me go father!" he all but screeched. "Let me kill her!"
Taisho almost leisurely held his son as he ranted on leaving Midori visibly shaken.
Some time passed, and slowly, Sesshomaru began to tire from his struggles. He gradually began to calm down and start to return to a more humanoid form. Midori would receive yet another shock as she watched her son's transformation.
Sesshomaru immediately appeared ragged. His appearance almost seemed 'beaten'. He was unkempt, sweaty and gasping for air as he began mumbling to himself.
But what was most noticeable was the fact that he was… openly crying. His sobs were violent as they reflected both his rage and sorrow. He was crying for all of the years he was not allowed to cry. He held nothing back. For the firsttime in his life, he allowed his emotions to wash over him.
"Let me kill her father." he whimpered pitifully as his father began to relax his grip on his waist. "Just let her die … Please!"
Sesshomaru then collapsed from exhaustion at his father's feet.
Taisho got on one knee to offer support as Sesshomaru attempted to compose himself.
Sesshomaru slowly found himself in a sitting position. Resting his shoulder on his father's leg, he continued to pant heavily. The dog general stroked his son's head gently. "Your mother is what she is son. I ask again that you do not hate her but know also that The Creator has seen her every deed. And, death is too great a kindness for her."
Looking up to his former wife with pity clearly written across his face, the great general shook his head slightly.
"You still continue to miss the whole point don't you wife? Do you not yet realize that all that exists, all that is and ever will be, is ultimately the result of love?" Taisho's face then shifted to Sesshomaru.
"Look at your son.
Like any child, all he ever wanted or needed was to know that he had the love and support of his parents. Hell wife, even the 'lesser animals' you claim to despise hug, hold, and encourage. There is no weakness in that.
Taisho chuckled for a bit. "He has grown into a fine young man Midori. Had the circumstances been any different, I may not have had the strength to have held him as I did." Sesshoomaru whimpered once more as he looked up to his father and gave a weak smile.
Hontu went to escort Rin back to Ah-Un while the lords looked over the document presented. They would be a while considering that Zobu was in need of both medical attention and a change of clothes. Neither bothered to look back at the men behind them. A scout would come to Rin when they were ready.
"You should have let me kill him." Hontu said growling softly.
Rin smiled, but continued to walk forward.
"That would have been counter productive. Besides, it was far more entertaining watching the poor man wet himself!"
Rin giggled outright in spite of her best efforts not to.
Hontu chuckled softly before giving a feigned irritated look. "He'd almost wet my boots!" Rin covered her mouth to stifle the laugh that almost escaped. Hontu then smiled broadly. "It was well worth the trouble if I was able to make you laugh beloved." Rin smiled as she shook her head.
"You are dear to me Hontu but I…" Hontu placed his hand on Rin's shoulder and silenced her next words with a finger to her lips. " I will find out who your suitor is and kill him. Then I will speak to Lord Sesshomaru about us. And then, you will become my mate and I will spend the rest of my life making you happy."
Rin smiled and sighed in defeat. Hontu continued to smile in turn. "I knew if I didn't give up easily, you would see it my way eventually." Hontu then went to stroke Rin's cheek.
"While I would much rather stay by your side, it may be best for me to return to the shadows and wait until I am needed gain."
with those words, Hontu was once more gone in a blur.
Rin shook her head and sighed heavily once more. " I've said my piece to you and I'm done. You seal your own fate with each presumption Hontu. I can only hope for Sesshomaru to show you the mercy of a swift death." She thought.
Inu Taisho helped Sesshomaru to stand.
Sesshoamaru found himself lost in a curious combination of embarrassment and relief.
He wanted to feel shame for allowing his emotions to have taken over him as they did. But, in voicing those emotions, he'd felt an odd sense of release. It was as if a great burden had been lifted from his shoulders. It felt good.
In that moment, Sesshomaru had come to a decision. For the lords and the courts that he would one day govern, he would always be "The Aristocratic Assassin". He would be that "Killing Perfection" his mother had so carefully trained. His rule would be stern, but fair.
But to his mate and his pups, he would be their rock and salvation. His children would never grow up doubting his love for them. His mate would never doubt his love for her. Not for an instant.
He'd make certain to show her for the rest of her life.
In coming to this decision, Sesshomaru suddenly found himself calmer than he had ever remembered being. Deep within himself, he'd found his balance.
His new found calm seemed to radiate to the others. Both Taisho and Midori noticed that Sesshomaru's normal cold stare seemed more focused and less vacant for some immediately unknown reason.
Taisho quirked an eye at his son.
"You look as if you've met with an epiphany son. Please tell me your thoughts." Sesshomaru had finally composed himself. But this time, his composure held a sense of purpose. He knew how he wanted to conduct himself. There was no more need for guessing or calculating. Sesshomaru turned to face both tai youkai before him before speaking.
"Father, for the first time in my life, I am at ease with myself.
I know now what I want… what I want to do. I know what I want for your kingdom, I know what I want for your people and I know what… and who I want for myself."
Taisho beamed. "They are now your people. And it is now your kingdom my son. Rule fairly and with compassion and you will rule well."
Sesshomaru then turned a cold eye to Midori.
"I have already spent far to much of my life hating you mother. I'm sick of it. From this moment on, I will simply pity you. To do any more is a further waste of my time. When we return home, Rin will become the new Lady of The West. I have no doubt that as long as my mate stands with me, I can face any trial that should befall me."
Midori then tried to bow in submission. "As… you command my…S-"
"No!" Sesshomaru said cutting her off sharply. "I am never to hear the word 'son' fall from your lips ever again! While you will always be my mother, you have lost the right and privilege to call me 'son'. Out of courtesy to my father, you may keep your palace, your servants, and your title. Be grateful for that." Midori stood silent.
Taisho went to pat his son on the shoulders. "So speaks Lord Sesshomaru of The Western Lands!" he said smiling further with pride.
Suddenly, as if on cue, the door to the bedchamber opened wide. The scales of The Oracle floated in and hovered in front of the three tai youkai. All were momentarily mesmerized as the scales sat at near balance. Just as suddenly, both The Oracle and Botan appeared through a swirling stream of smoke.
Taisho smiled at the pair brightly. "You are just in time Yasha." Turning to regard both his son and wife, Taisho beamed.
"I believe that my visit has been successful."
The Oracle smiled back at the dog general. "I only needed to see the scales to know that Dear One." Taisho then sighed sadly.
" I guess that my time on this mortal coil has come to its conclusion"?
The Oracle's smile reflected his sadness. "Yes, it has."
Taisho seemed as if he was about to cry, but then composed himself. "I've accomplished what I'd set out to do. My son is at peace with himself and I have no regrets." Taisho then stepped up to The Oracle smiling.
"I had wished to speak to you alone Sweet One. I wanted to thank you and your 'Creator' for this mercy granted. I wanted to wish for you a love like I had with Izayoi." Taisho looked to Botan. "But me thinks you may know all of this already."
Taisho then stepped further forward and took the hand of The Oracle and placed it in Botan's hand. "Love her the way I would have liked to if my heart did not already belong to another. She deserves no less." Botan held on to The Oracle and smiled knowingly.
Taisho then turned and took one last look at his son. "Perhaps the gate keepers will still be amused enough to allow me to continue watching over you." Taisho gave a quick 'huff', then stood firm and resolved as he returned his gaze to The Oracle. "I am ready to be sent back to hell now."
The Oracle then smiled warmly at the demon in front of her. "Taisho? Tell me something. "What is it that separates a demon from an angel?"
Taisho's face twisted in an unspoken question. "I haven't the slightest idea Sweet One." The Oracle's smile then turned into a broad grin.
"The difference lie in both the master you serve and the attitude you have about your tasks. Malice will begat malice. Love will produce love.
You have lived an honorable life. Never killing for amusement or sport, never being cruel to your subjects, dealing with both human and demon alike with just fairness. These actions are not the work of a true demon. Therefore, it has been decided that you not be given the end fate of a demon."
Taisho once again twisted his face in inquiry.
"There is no place for you in hell Taisho. You now go somewhere else. And, you do not go alone." smiled The Oracle.
Taisho still wore a look of confusion until The Oracle raised her hand and turned to point to the doorway of the bedchamber.
There, standing resplendent in an iridescent white kimono, stood the Lady Izayoi smiling brilliantly. Taisho stood in shock.
"Beloved?" he barely whispered.
Taisho spun back to The Oracle still shocked.
"Go now. And dwell in the house of the lord forever Dear One." she said softly.
The great dog general then got on one knee and went to kiss the hand that pointed him to his one love. "Thank you." he whispered.
Upon rising, Taisho found himself no longer in his traditional battle armor, but instead, he wore the robes of a groom. He turned again to Izayoi smiling brightly as he stepped to the doorway and reached for her hand. As the couple passed over the threshold of the bedchamber they became enveloped in a bright light and were gone in a flash.
"I wish happiness to them both." Sesshomaru said as a smile ghosted across his face.
A single tear fell from the cheek of The Oracle. "It is no less than he deserves." she said softly. With a quick shake to her head, The Oracle then turned to face the remaining two demons.
"And now young lord, I do believe that you have a few questions in need of answers."
It was now mid afternoon. Rin had spent a good while just sitting and petting at Ah-Un. She was enjoying the sunshine and really had no problem with just doing nothing while the Lords busily collaborated.
Suddenly, both of Ah-Un's heads popped up as the dragon growled in warning. When Rin looked up, she found Lord Xanchi standing a safe distance away. "May I approach Milady?" he asked shyly.
Rin smiled at the warrior before her. "Ah-Un will not attack you, as long as you do not try to attack me Lord Xanchi. Rin noticed that the young lord had yet to don his armor. Moreover, he appeared to have a bit of food in his hands.
He approached with great caution. "I thought you may be hungry so I brought you a little something." Slowly he offered a bowl of rice and fish and a flask with cold drink in it. "We have more than plenty with us, but after Zobu's shameful display, we figured that you may not wish to join us."
Rin took the bowl and flask offered. "Thank you Lord." she said warmly. "You're assessment is almost correct. Zobu did not offend me however, he was just fishing for a display of power. And for that, I do not blame him. Had he been a little more subtle, he may have gotten his wish."
Xanchi tried to hide his astonishment - but did so poorly. He did not have Rin pegged as a strategist. Rin quirked an eye to the lord. "Did you actually think that I would have fallen for such an old trick?" Xanchi stuttered as he tried to find a non offensive answer.
Rin chuckled a bit as she inspected the food in her hand. "Be at ease lord." she said smiling. "There is no way you could possibly have known how well I've been trained in the arts of war and diplomacy." Xanchi had been thoroughly impressed.
"So it would seem." he said with some astonishment.
Xanchi noticed that Rin had yet to take the first bite of food offered. "It's not poisoned or drugged you know." he said sheepishly.
Rin inadvertently barked out a laugh. "I know that much lord!" she said heartily. Xanchi's face twisted in inquiry.
"You wish to know how I know?" Rin purred. Absentmindedly, Xanchi shook his head. Rin smiled dangerously. "Human potions are painfully predictable. I could tell by any number of ways. The way a bowl is held.. or offered… or the way the food is arranged. Just to name a few." Xanchi stood wide eyed. Rin then took one final look into her bowl, and began to eat.
"Amazing." was all he could bring himself to say.
Xanchi was about to turn to leave, but hesitated for a moment.
Milady? May I ask you a question?"
Rin was about to head back to Ah-Un and finish her meal, but stopped and turned to face the young man before her.
"If I am able to answer you lord, I shall." she said evenly.
Xanchi stepped closer almost as if he didn't wish for anyone to hear. "What's it like?"
Now it was Rin's turn to twist her face in inquiry.
"What is what like Lord?"
"What is it like to live among youkai? Do you not miss your own people? Do you not ever wish to be with humans?"
Rin held he head in thought for a moment before speaking. "I've had that question posed to me many times by various youkai, but never once by a human. I will tell you my story and leave you to your own answer. Fair enough?" Xanchi nodded before sitting dutifully in the grass before her.
"I was the child of peasant stock, not even eight seasons old. I was the last child my mother bore my father, and the only girl child of three. We lived in a small farming village east of Edo. Because my father was more fond of wildlife than people, we lived at the very edge of our village closest to the forest.
We was not rich by any means, but we always seemed to have enough. We worked hard and lived honest. In all, it was a good life." Rin paused for a moment lost in her own memory of the past.
"Please continue." Xanchi urged. Rin smiled a sad smile.
It was in the autumn of the year. We had brought in a very fine harvest. Father was to take it to the city the next day to sell.
We all looked forward to having a few luxuries in our home for that year. Sandals, fabric for new clothes, and maybe a bit of candy. We all went to bed that evening very excited!"
Rin's expression darkened suddenly.
"We were not prepared for what was to happen later that evening."
"That night, as we slept, our home was attacked by night bandits. Human night bandits. They torched the stable first. Setting our few animals free in an effort to get us all out of the house. My eldest brother took me and hid me among a few barrels by an open window to the rear of our hut. If things looked bleak, I was to climb out of that window to safety. Those were the last words that my brother would say to me." Rin's eyes glazed over with unshed tears as she continued her tale. Xanchi was totally enthralled.
"As my brother went to help my father, I watched in horror as he was then disemboweled before my eyes. He didn't even have the opportunity to scream. I then watched as my younger brother was violated in a way I had no idea was possible for a male before he too had his throat slit from ear to ear.
Father was not so lucky. These evil wicked men forced him to watch as they took turns violating my mother. The more he cried and begged for her, the more they laughed and did as they pleased.
When they were done, she too had her throat slit. They then took father outside and had him drawn and quartered by their horses… laughing the whole time. I had long since climbed out of the window only to hear my father's last screams of anguish.
By now, our home had been totally engulfed in flames.
It was only then that the rest of the villagers had finally come to offer help. Too little offered far too late. The bandits had taken what they wanted and were long gone.
The few possessions not burned in the fire ,were taken by various villagers as 'payment' for having to go through the trouble of burying my family's remains.
Personally, my problems had only begun once the village had buried my dead. I was small and I was female. Therefore, I held no value. No one took pity on me or took me into their home. Instead, I was treated little better than a beast of burden.
I was pawned off from one house to the next according to what 'need' I had to fulfill. Wash the clothes, attend to the children, clean the stable. Whatever the need was, I had to fill it, or be beaten until I did. Once my purpose had been served, I may have been offered the scraps from the family table, but more often than not, I was simply cast back into the street. Survival was a painful lesson learned, but I learned it.
I was treated so badly, that I'd even gone so far as not to speak any more. Why bother when no one would listen. I lived little better than a wild animal.
Then one day, kami smiled upon me.
I'd found my lord wounded in the forest. He showed me kindness that I had yet to receive from human hands. He gave me my life back. No, actually, he gave me a life. I would soon be brought to his home, educated by his people, and be made into a lady of court.
My maidservants are fox demons, my mount, a flying dragon, I have a group of servants who's sole purpose is my personal comfort and pleasure." Rin gave a thoughtful sigh as if she had been reminded of her good fortune. Any sadness that may have been detected earlier had gone.
"Demons clothed me, fed me, educated me and protect me even now. So you tell me 'Lord' Xanchi, Is there anything about humanity that I should miss?"
Rin stepped to where Xanchi presently sat and handed back the bowl of food and the flask.
"Thank you for your food. But suddenly, I'm no longer hungry for anything prepared by human hands."
You may return to me with the signed document, or you may send a scout. But personally, I do believe that I've had a belly full of humanity for this day." Rin turned on her heels and headed back to Ah-Un leaving the warrior silenced as he remained seated on the ground.