CHAPTER 16
Once she felt enough distance had been put between her and the human encampment, Rin began to relax. All in all, today had been a good day. Aggravation and bloodshed were at a minimum, and the treaty had been signed by all. Her only sorrow was that this small victory could not be shared with her lord.
"Jaken will no doubt tell Lord Sesshomaru of my efforts." she mused quietly to herself. "I wonder if he will be pleased?" Rin sighed softly and began to fall into a melancholy, when Ah-Un snorted and bucked his heads.
It was a well established fact through out the palace, that Ah-Un served only one master and one mistress. Other than Lord Sesshomaru, Rin was the only other that he would allow to mount him. Even Jaken could not ride him alone.
Ah-Un knew his lady's moods well. Rin was about to crawl into a 'funk'. And, an unhappy mistress was simply not allowed. Ah-Un purposely dipped and swooped through the air. Much to Rin's astonished delight. The dragon continued to swoop and dip until Rin laughed outright.
"Alright you crazy dragon! She shouted. "I'm done moping!" With those words Ah-Un corrected his flight and steadied his course grunting his approval all the while. "I love you too dear friend." Rin said as she gently stroked along the dragon's shoulders.
Sesshomaru could not remember the last time he'd flown with such single mindedness. Far too much time and space stood between him and his Rin. He knew that it would be difficult, but he fully intended to take The Oracle's advice and not let Rin know that he would already be home when she arrived.
"Home." he thought. "Before now, I had never considered the palace as home." Sesshomaru allowed himself a small smile. "You are my home Rin. My home, and my life."
With Sesshomaru's exit, the immediate surroundings of The Oracle's bedchamber grew markedly cold. It was as if all life left with Sesshomaru. Further more, the very lighting of the room had changed. It had somehow become dark and foreboding.
Midori knew that The Oracle was looking in her direction but she refused to acknowledge her.
"If you have no stomach to look at me Midori, look at your surroundings." came the cold command. Midori held no wish to look, but her curiosity finally got the better of her. She allowed her eyes to focus, and fear gripped her almost immediately. Midori saw hell.
"No!" she screamed. Midori then dropped to her knees in horror. .
"I do not deserve this!" she shouted bitterly.
"You are not in hell Midori, at least not yet." The Oracle slowly circled the tai youkai that was on her knees before her.
Even as Midori trembled, she fought with herself to maintain her air of superiority. Slowly, she gathered her nerve and stood, doing her best to show as little emotion as possible before speaking.
"You almost had me for a moment." Midori said coldly as she attempted to regained her composure. "While your illusion is impressive, it is only an illusion still."
The Oracle laughed heartily.
"So you believe this to only be an illusion? A momentary amusement on my part?"
"Yes!" shouted Midori. "What can you possibly see with that blindfold over your eyes?" Midori suddenly became emboldened enough to advance toward The Oracle.
"I find that blindfold the most annoying thing about you! Allow me to remove it now!" Without further warning, Midori then lunged forward, and sent one clawed hand directly across The Oracle's face.
Hontu watched with great amusement at the speed with which the three agreeable lords had gathered their men together. Their camps were broken down, and the armies where homeward bound within the hour.
This left only Lord Zobu's group of men to deal with.
While those men did move quickly, it had quickly become known that Lord Zobu had angered the ambassador of the strongest demon in the region. And there was a price to be exacted for his fool hearted actions.
While no one man was clear as to what the punishment would be, all were hoping for the honor of a quick death at the very least.
These men moved like frightened children who knew there was a beating to endure, but not when the beating was to begin. Lord Zobu was particularly fearful. He kept replaying in his mind Hontu's personal threat to him. "We shall see who belongs to who demon!" he mumbled to himself.
In preparation for his personal attack, Zobu had a group of men surround him at all times as he directed the other troops with the exodus at hand. Each of Zobu's guardsmen were both nervous and resentful. It was one thing to guard an honorable lord, and yet another to guard a fool hearted coward.
Hontu found Zobu's display particularly amusing. But he had no intention of wasting a great deal of time with this group of humans. Hontu knew his instructions. Not one human was to be harmed. Besides, he was not about to keep Rin waiting on the return of the troops. A celebration for a successful effort had been planned for the men.
Hontu smiled to himself. "If all goes well beloved, before this day is over, I will hand you the head of the demon foolish enough to have left you unattended. Then, there will be no further reason for you to be alone.
Surly then Lord Sesshomaru will see my worth. You will be mine without opposition and I will gladly spend the rest of my life seeing to your happiness. This I vow to you."
Once the other Lords had gone a safe enough distance away, Hontu and his men were on Zobu's troops.
Midori smiled as she saw that she had succeeded in tearing both the blindfold from The Oracle's face as well as a good sized gash across her cheek bone. "Ha! You can bleed!" she roared triumphantly.
Suddenly, The Oracle was enveloped within a blinding light. Midori's sensitive eyes could only squint in the face of such brilliance. Midori began to tremble in fear. It quickly became evident that there was anotherpresence in the room, unseen and powerful. Her suspicions were confirmed when a deep booming voice came from The Oracle's delicate frame.
"Midori. Only once before have I seen such arrogance. You have been brought to a sacred place and dare to strike my servant not once, but twice."
Midori was brought once again, to her knees. She realized too late that she was in the presence of one far greater than she could ever hope to be. This had to be the voice of "The Creator". This voice…. belonged to God.
" There lives but one demon brash enough to have looked upon my face and live to tell of it. You however, are not worthy at all. You are not even fit to look upon the eyes of my servant."
The scrap of fabric that had once sat secured around the eyes of The Oracle, then levitated from where it had fallen to the ground. It found itself whole again, and took it's place once more around her closed eyes.
Midori wanted to argue, but did not dare. She wanted to stand erect and proud, but could not… no, would not.
She remained on her knees, humbled and small.
"Look around you Midori, what you see before you, is your ultimate fate." The Oracle's body seemed to move as if she were a puppet on a string, as an index finger pointed accusingly at her.
"You are by far Lucifer's greatest accomplishment. Through you he will bring about much misery to this plain of existence. But his efforts and yours will be for naught!"
Midori gave a small whimper before gathering her nerve to hiss defiantly.
"What are you talking about? I serve no master!"
The light around The Oracle became suddenly brighter.
"Oh, but you do little one. And you serve him well."
"With your final action against my servant, you have sealed your fate. Your life will be exactly what has been foretold to you. You will spend it on the outside looking in. Always, you will be in the periphery. And, that which you see before you now, is your ultimate end.
And, when your plans for domination fail you on this shore, you will go abroad with your delusion filled attempts, only to fail there as well. You will serve your new lord as the mistress of misery and the mother of despair. You will become the stuff of human folklore and fantasy to ultimately be dismissed by all.
But always remember: you brought this upon yourself by your own hand."
Suddenly, the bright aura that surrounded The Oracle began to dissipate. As Midori's eyes readjusted, she could see The Oracle's pristine face. She stood unscarred and unmoved.
Gradually the room took on the original appearance of the lavish bedroom that it had once been. All fixtures, bedding and furniture were once again in their original place.
When Midori's eyes had finally adjusted, she found herself being regarded by the heavenly being before her. The radiance she carried earlier, had now completely gone.
The Oracle sighed softly before speaking.
"The Creator speaks to very few." She said, almost amused. "In time, you will come to realize the honor that had been bestowed upon you. It's a pity that you handled yourself so poorly."
The door to the bedchamber once again clearly revealed the mountain entranceway.
"It is time for you to leave now." The Oracle said evenly. "You will be returned to your travel party exactly where you and Sesshomaru had left them. You will then go back to yourpalace.
It will take the same week to return that it took you to get here. You will not travel through the years. This is done so that your son and his future mate, have some time alone with each other before you arrive."
The Oracle gave Midori a clearly pitiful look, then turned to leave. "Of all the creatures I have met in my lifetime, I pity you most of all." Not even bothering to turn to face her former attacker, The Oracle made a hand gesture to the door. "Go now."
"What are you?" Midori whispered disbelievingly as she finally found courage to stand.
"I am what you could have been."
It was late afternoon when the palace of the west had finally become visible. Sesshomaru decided to walk the remaining distance. He still had much to think about before he had to deal with the many questions he knew Jaken would have for him.
And what of the questions he'd have for Jaken? Why was Rin not at the palace? How did she come to be among humans in the first place? What other duties had his incompetence beset her with?
His time with The Oracle answered many questions while presenting even more to be answered. The more he thought of it all, the angrier Sesshomaru was becoming.
No, he would need this time to both listen to Jaken's shrill whining, and calm down before Rin's return. Sesshoamru touched down about a mile away from the palace.
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a palace messenger headed back to the palace. Sesshomaru was on him in seconds. In an instant, he had halted the demon before him.
"What news have you?"
The messenger heaved as he breathed and knelt before his sovereign speaking between pants.
"The treaty was a success… lady Rin…is about an hour away. The troops are about two hours out… but are advancing quickly. Everyone will still arrive at nearly the same time."
"Excellent." Sesshomaru said with authority. Actually he had no idea what the messenger was speaking of, but he pretended to know.
"Proceed to the palace with your message, but tell no one that you have seen or spoken to me if you value your life."
"Yes my lord." came the panted response. With that, the messenger continued toward the palace. Once Sesshomaru was sure that he was alone once more, he transformed his youkai into a ball of light and was at the palace steps within minutes.
Sesshomaru was somewhat amused by the bustle that was going on. Everyone seemed preoccupied with the arrival of someone of great import. Someone, that was not him. In fact, Sesshomaru was almost being ignored. Oh the servants did address him, and show their respect, but it almost seemed half hearted.
He'd had seen enough. Sesshoamru needed to find Jaken. Someone was going to explain the cause for the confusion - right now!
Hontu could not be more pleased with himself. Lord Zobu's men were surprisingly cooperative when they had been cornered. Both demon and human knew that the fault for this exit fell solely upon the head of the lord alone. Hontu addressed the main body of men first.
Every human present was told to strip to their loincloth. With the exception of their smallest knife, they were to leave their possessions behind.
(Hontu did not have the heart to leave everyone totally defenseless because of one man). The men quickly complied.
As his one act of kindness, Hontu announced that any who felt that they should defend their lord were allowed to do so - there was no dishonor to it. But those who did, would share his fate.
Only the members of Zobu's personal guard chose to share this 'same fate' as their lord.
"Go now, if you move quickly enough, you should be close to your borders by nightfall!" All present bowed and thanked Hontu for his graciousness. Only one lowly foot soldier dared to venture to ask a question. "And what of our Lord Sir?".
Hontu remembered his days as a foot soldier. He gave a sympathetic half smile. "The only thing your lord is going to die of this day, is embarrassment! Be at ease."
This bit of news seemed to satisfy the human before him as he bowed and left with the other nearly naked men.
Hontu now turned a mischievous eye to Zobu and the few who chose to stand by him.
"I leave you living as a kindness to my lady. Left to me, I'd decorate the trees with your entrails! I will give you all this command only once."
"Strip"
All but Zobu, proceeded to undress.
Zobu was enraged. "What sick tortures do you have in store for us demon?" he demanded. Hontu leisurely strolled up to Zobu. Placing himself mere inches from the lord's face, Hontu grinned.
"Why, no torture at all. You and your faithful few, must strip completely. You are to have no weapons at all."
Zobu's eyes went wide.
"If you hurry, you may be able to catch up with the slowest of your number and have some sort of protection until you have reached your homelands." Hontu then gave a sinister toothy laugh.
"Refuse the order, and I will not be responsible for what happens to you. Or are you really interested in finding out exactly how much misery I can cause you without killing you?"
Zobu gulped hard, and began to undress.
It did not take Sesshomaru long before he found Jaken. Actually, all that was necessary to aide in the kappa's location was to listen for his shrill voice screeching commands.
Jaken was leaving one of the smaller banquet halls when Sesshomaru found him. The imp was so taken in by whatever task that was at hand that he'd passed his lord on the hallway, not bothering to look up or speak entirely.
"Jaken!" came the call to attention. Jaken did not break his cadence but responded "Yes Lord Sesshomaru? What do you want?" Sesshomaru's eyes went momentarily red.
"Jaken! Do not make me repeat myself!" came the barked command. This time it registered in the little demon's mind exactly who had addressed him.
Jaken clumsily spun around only to unceremoniously fall on his face at the feet of his master. "Lord Sesshomaru! You've come back!" he sputtered into the marble flooring.
"I want both you and Toru in my office - now!" Sesshomaru then spun on his heels and stormed off. "Y- yes Milord! Right away!"
Just as Sesshoamru had cleared the area, the messenger found his way to Jaken with the news of Rin's pending arrival. Jaken sighed with relief. "I may die for this, but at least Rin is safe and all is well." he thought to himself. Jaken then quickly found Toru, and both demons went to face an angry Sesshoamru.
Rin had allowed herself to daydream as she let Ah-Un to fly as he pleased. It was only when the dragon finally landed that she realized that she was not at the palace. Rin was about to become upset until, she had taken notice as to where she had landed. Ah-Un had stopped by the same waterfall that she and her lord rested at so long ago.
Rin dismounted and smiled at her companion. "I miss him too." she said softly. "Thank you for the diversion dear one." Ah-Un snorted, then each head nuzzled at either side of Rin's face. Rin sighed deeply.
"We will only linger here for a moment. I must make sure that all is ready for the men when they return." Ah-Un snorted his approval before nudging Rin to the falls. "I am fortunate to have you Ah-Un." Rin giggled for a bit then headed to the falls to take a rest.
Jaken held an impressive list of Rin's various accomplishments when he and Toru had entered his office. Sesshomaru was secretly impressed by the overall size of the scroll he carried.
In truth, Sesshomaru was more angry with himself than with the two demons that were before him. That list represented three years of his beloved's life that he had missed. Three years of trials and tribulations that he may have been able to help her through if he had been here.
Yes, Sesshomaru was definitely upset with himself, but he wouldn't tell the two before him that. Instead, he just sat and listened attentively at his desk.
Jaken was about half way through Rin's 'list' when Sesshomaru stopped him.
With an intentionally steely eye, Sesshomaru turned to Toru. "What is the nature of the treaty that Rin brings back and how is it that she was sent away from the safety of the palace to begin with?"
Toru gulped audibly before speaking. "It was she who made the offer and proved herself capable of the task, my lord." Toru tried to show confidence in his decision.
"Rin was never alone. A good sized army and two elite guard went with her. We have only just received news of both a successful venture, and her pending safe return."
Sesshomaru sighed deeply. "Very well. Make no mistake, we will discuss this matter further later. But for now, I will be content with knowing that Rin is returning safely to the palace." Sesshomaru then stood at his desk.
"Both of you may leave. But tell no one else that I am here - especially Rin. You are to behave as though nothing has happened when she arrives. Is that clear?" Both Jaken and Toru nodded hesitantly.
Sesshomaru gave a warning growl.
"I said, is that clear?" Both demons snapped to attention. "Yes my lord!" they chorused in unison. Both were dismissed and left the room in silence.
"I wonder why Lord Sesshomaru does not want Rin to know that he has arrived seeing as she would be the happiest among us to see him?" Jaken said to Toru quietly as they made their way down a hall. "It is not our place to question my friend." Toru mumbled, "Let us do as commanded, and be grateful for our lives."
Jaken gave a Kurt nod in agreement.
Although Rin was grateful for Ah-Un's consideration, the pair did not stay long at the falls. They were airborne and on their way after barely thirty minutes.
Rin wanted time enough to get to the palace and freshen up before she would go in to the men to thank them. An evening of dining and 'merriment' for all had been arranged by Rin herself.
And while she had no intention of staying for the 'merriment',
She knew that the men did expect her to sit with them at least for the earlier pat of the festivities. Toru had wisely advised that a 'lady of her standing' should not be around wine, warriors, and women after the first toast of sake!
Laughing to herself, Rin remembered smiling confidently at Toru's remark while not once letting on that she had no idea what he was referring to.
Once excused from his presence, she all but ran to Reu and Hitome and asked to receive a full 'explanation' of the "goings on" that occurs between a male and a female.
After several hours filled with gasps and blushes, Rin had decided that she very much looked forward to such an activity. "But for it to truly be beautiful, you must be with the one you love and he must love you in turn." she remembered Reu saying.
Rin secretly hoped that she would have the opportunity to one day be with her lord in this fashion.
Sesshoamru left his office but quietly took stock of his palace from its shadows.
It seemed as if the entire compound was eagerly awaiting Rin's return. Sesshomaru thought hard to remember the last time everyone seemed so excited. While he barely listened to half of the accomplishments that Jaken had listed, He could only imagine what Rin had to endure in order to have this much respect to come to her from demons.
Sesshomaru inwardly berated himself once again. "What trials did you have to suffer through by yourself beloved?" he thought.
The more he thought of Rin and her years without him, the more upset Sesshomaru was once again becoming. In an effort to calm down, he retreated to his private gardens.
It was a well established law that none were allowed into this section of the palace under threat of death. Here, Sesshomaru could be left alone to compose himself before Rin's arrival. Quietly, he ghosted his way to his garden only to be further reminded of Rin once he was at its gates.
There, at the very gates that lead to his garden, was Rin's scent. Sesshomaru breathed in deeply. The scent stopped right at the entrance, then faded as he pushed the heavy gates open. "It smells as if she were here only yesterday." Sesshomaru quietly entered the garden and closed the gates behind him.
"Rin." was the only word he could bring himself to mutter.
It was not long before the palace was in sight. As she and Ah-Un began their decent to the great staircase, she could see both Jaken and Toru standing ready to meet her along with her handmaidens and a few other members of court. Rin smiled broadly as Ah-Un touched down.
As she dismounted, all both bowed deeply to her. Rin smiled as she approached. " Please rise." she said warmly. For some odd reason, the demons before her behaved very formally. While she had no real idea what all of the 'formality' was for, Rin gave a quick sigh, and decided to 'play along'. She would ask Jaken for answers later.
Rin then pulled the signed treaty out from the sleeve of her kimono and handed it to Jaken who then bowed as he received the scroll. "I gather all went well Milady?" he inquired.
"Both aggravation and bloodshed were at a minimum." Rin answered evenly. "Bloodshed Milady?" Toru inquired with some concern. Rin gave another small sigh and smiled at the warlord. "I have every idea that the men will be at no loss for tales about today my friend."
Rin then looked to Reu and Hitome. "Reu, its been a long day. I will require a hot bath please."
"Yes Milady." Reu said as 'officially' as she was able. The old demoness was gone in an instant. "Hitome?" The fox demoness snapped to attention. "Yes Milady!" She chirped cheerfully. "Please set out a basin and some water. I'd like to freshen up a bit before I address the men." "Right away Milady!" Hitome said smiling before she too disappeared into the crowd.
Rin's gaze then fell upon the small group before her. "Tell the cook that I will dine in my quarters." she said to one. "Tell the ladies of the palace to prepare themselves. Their services will be required shortly." she said to another. Tell the men that I will be with them after I have spoken privately to Lord Toru and Master Jaken." she said to a third. In an instant, the trio was left alone.
Once everyone was certain that they were alone, all relaxed considerably. "You handled yourself very well just now Rin." Jaken said with a big smile on his face. Rin quirked an eye at the little demon. "I kind of thought it was to be expected Master Jaken!" All laughed warmly.
"But in all seriousness little one, what bloodshed were you speaking of?" Toru asked with some concern. "It was a small matter of honor Master Toru. I'm sure by now that Hontu will have the incident blown well out of proportion! But do not worry, I was not hurt."
Toru seemed visibly relieved. "There are a few items that I must point out to you both in this treaty, but they are minor and can wait until tomorrow. For now, let me freshen up and address the men.
Rin huffed a bit. "I truly hate to admit it, but I have seen enough of humanity to last me the rest of my life right now. Once I have addressed the men, I do not wish to be disturbed for the remainder of this evening."
With that, Jaken nodded and all three bowed as Rin headed for her chambers. Toru and Jaken then turned to the small banquet hall.
Once Rin's human ears were well away from the pair, Toru gave a hearty chuckle. Jaken gave an annoyed look to his companion. "And exactly what is so funny?" he inquired almost annoyed. Toru stopped and placed a hand on the little kappa's shoulder.
"Was it just me, or did our little lady not sound very similar to Lord Sesshomaru himself just now?" Jaken shook his head and chuckled despite efforts not to. "She did, didn't she!" Both demons laughed outright.
Jaken stopped walking and turned to Toru. "You mean to get us killed don't you?" Toru stopped to regard the little demon before him. "No my friend. Although for her, I would face death gladly." Jaken gave a small smile. "As would I my friend, as would I." With that, both demons went to enter the banquet hall.
Sesshomaru had stood a good distance away from the group when Rin had finally touched down. He was both impressed and proud of how well his ward handled herself around her subordinates.
Sesshomaru allowed himself a small chuckle. "In a scant three years Rin has gathered such respect, that all treated her as a demoness of high rank." Sesshomaru decided to stay hidden for a bit longer.
"I am curious to see if this respect will be there when she is with the men this evening." Sesshomaru thought. Sesshomaru cracked his knuckles as his hands began to glow green. "I will be happy to kill anyone that would dare not show her respect!"
Sesshomaru then gave himself a satisfied quick nod, and went to find a good vantage point to view the events in the banquet hall.
When Rin came to her room, she found a basin of warm water and a washcloth close by. Hitome had laid out her evening kimono and toiletries for when she would return to bathe properly. Quietly, Rin went to wash her hands and face.
A gentle knock was heard at the door. Hitome had returned with a basked filled with various brushes and combs for Rin's hair. "Please allow me to refresh your hairstyle as well Milady." Hitome offered cheerfully.
Rin sighed a defeated sigh and sat down before her maid. "As you wish." she said quietly. Hitome wasted no time freshening up Rin's simple ponytail, but she noticed that Rin was particularly quiet.
Not wishing to pry, but loathe to see her mistress unhappy, Hitome ventured to ask a question.
"You are very quiet this evening. Are you well Milady?" Rin looked up into Hitome's eyes and saw nothing but concern. She then offered up a weak smile to the demoness.
"I'll be alright Hitome. I only have to be strong for a bit longer." Hitome did not fully understand Rin's remark, but she smiled as she finished her task. "All finished!" she said trying to smile. Rin then rose, and headed for the door. Hitome bowed as she passed.
As Rin was about to leave, she stopped for a moment.
"Hitome?" she said quietly, " I will expect my meal to be here when I return. Please do not disturb me for any reason before tomorrow morning." Hitome bowed. "Yes Milady." she said softly.
Inwardly, Hitome was disappointed. She wanted to hear the details of the day. But she wisely chose silence. Rin's somber mood had concerned her, but she would honor the orders of her mistress and save her inquires for another time.
As Rin approached the banquet hall, she could hear the voices of the men lifted in laughter and good humor. She smiled just a bit. "For them, I will smile for a bit longer." Rin then found reason to chuckle to herself. "If I were to come in upset, somehow I do believe that they all would hunt down and kill every human that I had come in contact with today just for my sake - bless their hearts!"
"Yes," said Rin to herself, for my men, I can smile a little longer. Having made that decision, Rin entered the banquet hall.