(Here's another update. I'm really trying to keep up with it. Now, I know a lot of you are going to hate me for some of the upcoming things, but.. I like to keep you on your toes. I promise, everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end, right?)
After the lord excused himself, he loosely adjusted his clothing, his chest showing, though he seemed covered anywhere that really mattered. Bankotsu and Jakotsu were the only ones that seemed to be awake, both standing rather close to one another in the hall, making Sesshomaru scoff as he passed. The taller male, whom he'd seen with Kagura earlier, peeled himself away from the more feminine looking one, smirking after the dog. Anyone could tell, just by looking at him, the lord was in no mood to even be spoke to, but, after the way he'd acted upon seeing the two so close, Bankotsu couldn't keep to himself. What they were doing was no worse than what that demon and the spider had been doing only moments before, "Don't act like this is wrong. You seemed to be enjoying yourself in there just fine."
In a flat second, a series of events took place, almost in slow motion. The first being Sesshomaru stopping in his tracks, baring his fangs though no one could see how furious he was. He was only paused long enough to wonder whether he'd really been that loud, or if this man had simply pressed his ear up to the door to listen, like some sex-deprived pervert. Once he'd figured it didn't matter, one way or the other, he had Bankotsu up against the wall, Jakotsu jumping in surprise, and grabbing for his weapon. With the force and noise of the motion, Naraku's attention was called, and he made his way to the door, sliding it open and peering out at the scene before him. Only Jakotsu noticed this, observant as he was, catching the deadly gaze that kept him from attacking. He knew, by that stare, he'd pay with his life if he dared to so much as harm the spider's mate.
Sesshomaru, unnoticing, leaned close to Bankotsu's ear, breathing against him in a way that made the raven-haired male's breath hitch in his throat, an involuntary surge of heat running over his body before that dark tone was heard, "You're lucky I've misplaced my weapons, or I'd cut your tongue out." Bankotsu sneered, the lord giving him a hard shove up against the wall, just for good measure, before turning and leaving the way he'd planned from the beginning. Especially after that, he needed fresh air. He needed it to clear his thoughts, to think straight. Still, what Bankotsu said to him stuck in his mind. Had he enjoyed it..? Was he vocal enough for that to be noticed, if it were the case?
The air wasn't even refreshing now, as he closed the door behind himself, immediately clenching his jaw in aggravation. What had he let himself do? What had he gotten himself into? The pain was still there, but he'd been through much worse, so it was only a minor annoyance. Naraku had been inside him.. They had kissed like some kind of lovers- the lord's scowl only deepened, his lips becoming a thin line. No. They were nothing like lovers. They never would be. ..but those hands had known just where to touch him to keep him wanting more. Those lips had been so masterful against his own. The way he'd spoken in his ear.. Sesshomaru ran his fingers through his hair, sighing through his nose to try and relieve the heat that had come to his face from the memories of only moments ago. What was he to do now? His features softened a bit, as he tried to think, his golden eyes falling upon the tree he'd settled himself in last time he tried to think of a way out. This time, instead of seating himself within its branches, the lord sat at its base, crossing his legs and touching his chest, right over where his heart should have been. What were his choices now? What could he do..? Surely, he could run in and simply leave with Rin, but what then? Naraku might kill him- then Rin would be left with Jaken. Both of them carried his scent, so the incarnation, Kagemaru, might decide to kill them without his protection. He found himself in a corner; so much to lose and so little options for escape..
Once Sesshomaru was outside, Naraku emerged from his room, standing before both of the males in the hall, his red eyes narrowed darkly, "It will do you well to watch your mouth the next time you address my mate, or you will have me to deal with." Bankotsu had still been glaring after the lord when the spider had approached him, anger boiling under the surface when he was face to face with that cruel gaze. If it had been anyone else, he would have said something snarky right back in his face, but he figured it wasn't worth the risk and looked to the ground, Jakotsu pursing his lips and walking up to his lover, touching his shoulder and silently asking him to leave with him. The last thing they needed was a fight to break out within all of them. There was a lot they had to consider, "He'll watch his mouth next time, Naraku." And they both turned away, just as Kagura came out from the room where Rin was resting, wanting to know what the commotion was all about, now that things had settled.
Her red eyes met Naraku's, then she turned to watch the pair move into another room, where she could vaguely make out the others of the group. Wait.. Weren't there more of them? They'd been sent after Inuyasha, if she remembered right, "Is everything okay?" She asked, the door the their room having closed. The spider only sneered, turning away and moving to go back into his own room and possibly get some tea, "Mind your business, Kagura." His door, too, closed in her face, leaving her to sigh as she slinked back into the room where Sesshomaru's little ward and the imp were, both completely asleep. She didn't even see the point in staying in here.. The sorceress's eyes landed upon her sister, Kanna, who was standing near the wall, her eyes half-lidded and her gaze unfocused, "Great.." Kagura sighed, sliding down the wall to sit at just about her sister's height. This night was only going to drag on, of that, she was certain.
During her long wait, the wind sorceress stared at the floor, biting her bottom lip as she touched her chest vacantly. A small rustling caught her attention, and she spared a glance up at Rin, whose eyes were still closed though she'd changed positions, seeming as if her dream were of the unpleasant nature. The woman looked upon her softly, an expression that soon turned to anger, as envy seeped into her awareness. Sure, the girl as trapped now- she and her lord, but she had tasted freedom before. She'd done what she pleased. She had not been ordered to follow Sesshomaru, of that Kagura was sure. Little Rin had chosen that path of her own accord, oh, how the sorceress envied that. Why had she never been given that choice? It mattered little, as it wouldn't be long now before she had herself freed from this place. Still, though.. With all her wishing, dreaming, and planning.. She could never accomplish any of this on her own, and Sesshomaru alone had been of no use. Without the help of others, she would be stuck here until Naraku finally did let her go- which she was sure would never happen.
Now, there was more than just the western lord. If she played her cards right, she could have the Band of Seven on her side- Jakotsu and Bankotsu at the very least, after the way they'd been treated by the spider. If she could get them on her side.. Perhaps the dog would be more inclined to help their cause, being that there would be a way out for him as well. He seemed to be a man of tactical understanding, after all.. Kagura would still have to wait until morning before she could even think of speaking with the member of the Band of Seven, being that she was sure they'd already fallen asleep, and could easily be heard over the silence of night. Still, a smirk found its way to her painted lips, her eyes lighting up. She could taste freedom now..
Not long after her mentally assumed victory, the woman could hear footsteps in the hall. Having been told to mind her own business, Kagura kept herself from peeking out the door, though she listened closely. The steps seemed a bit unsure, slow and contemplative before the door slid open, revealing Sesshomaru. She froze, watching as he entered the room, barely sparing her a glance as he made his way over to the sleeping human girl, Rin, who readjusted herself once more as he neared her. There had been an odd look in his eyes, she would swear to it, but it was one that she couldn't understand. One she couldn't out her finger on.
Sesshomaru gazed down at the sleeping girl, his features calm. For a long moment, he was unmoving, uncaring for the eyes he could feel on him. What was she dreaming about to make her toss and turn as she was..? Perhaps he would never know. Even so, the lord knelt before her, gathering her up in his arms as he settled himself against the wall. She was getting so big.. Her hair had gotten longer, and her form was changing, shaping from that of a child, and caught in the process of becoming a woman. She would surely be stunning when she was full grown, for a human, anyway. Gently, Sesshomaru ran the tips of his fingers against the girl's cheek, her features having softened, as if the course of her dream had changed. Where had the time gone? ..when had it started to matter to him? Those same fingers trailed through dark locks of hair, his gaze softer than he'd ever allowed anyone to witness- almost motherly, as he let his thoughts wander back to when he'd first met Rin.
The fateful day he'd been resting when she stumbled across him.. Mute, she was young, mistreated.. And alone. On the day he'd taken her in, he'd sworn to never leave her alone again, to take care of her, though it was a silent vow. It was all too real, the bond he now shared with her, how badly he wanted to keep his word to her. To protect her.
His eyes jetted upward, catching the woman as she approached. Her steps seemed cautious, as if she'd wanted him to notice her before she had to say anything to draw his attention. At first, it appeared safe for her to go on as she'd intended, so she took it as a sign, and took a deep breath, "I know that you may not trust me, Sesshomaru.. But I did what I had to. I don't mean her any harm.. And we have the same goal. As it stands, I believe I've devised a plan that will work. If you'll just listen-"
Noticeably, the dog's grip on his ward became tighter, his breathing becoming inaudible as his eyes narrowed to slits, "No," The man hissed from the ground, "You will do the listening, and you will do it well." It was obvious, merely by the way he spoke, that he meant every word that escaped his beautifully formed lips, "Not only did you almost kill my Rin the last time, but you threatened my life to bring me back here, where her life now hangs in the balance. If you so much as speak another word to me, I shall dismember you, do I make myself clear?" Her red eyes, during his little speech, had widened quite a bit, her heartbeat loud in her ears as she stepped back, swallowing thickly. This man was dark. Evil As Naraku- his perfect mate, if ever there were one. Just as Kagura was about to turn around, and keep to herself, Sesshomaru stopped her, awakening his servant and looking back to the woman as Rin clutched the cloth which was partially covering his chest, "You will take Jaken to get my weapons from Naraku, and then stay out of my sight, or I shall inform him of your continued treachery." The woman knew well that she couldn't just leave them in here unguarded, as he might make an attempt at escape, and Naraku would surely kill her for that, but it seemed she faced death one way or the other, each sentence as menacing as the other. All she could do was bow her head, Jaken stretching and slowly moving over to her side as she turned her attention to the door. When she paused, Jaken snapped at her, "Hurry along, woman! Best to not keep lord Sesshomaru waiting!" What choice did she have in the matter now..?
Slowly, she slid the door open, closing it once the imp was beside her. Her eyes focused on her creator's door, and she wondered just what kind of reaction he might have. Before she could think too long on it, though, Jaken was at the door, knocking rather loudly, "Naraku! M'lord has requested we pay you a visit!" Kagura rushed to the imp, grabbing him away from the door as the fear built in her stomach. Of course, though, it was far too late by then, as Naraku's calm voice was heard from the other side of the door, "Enter."
"Unhand me, you foolish woman!" Jaken exclaimed, pounding on her arms until she let him go, rubbing where he'd hit her. She was tempted to strike him back, but it was better to not keep the spider waiting. His patience could only be pushed so far. So, reluctantly, she reached to open the door, sliding the imp in first, "Naraku.. Sesshomaru.." She couldn't find the words, knowing that it would upset her creator to hear someone else giving orders in his castle. Again, it seemed the imp had no sense of danger, for he stepped forth, scoffing at Kagura's babbling, "M'lord has requested his weapons, and that this woman no longer keep him company."
For a long moment, the sorceress was still, Jaken awaiting his answer as Naraku- who was not looking in either of their directions- took a sip of his tea. Setting the cup down, he looked to the side, out the window, and then chuckled a bit, "Is that so?"
Jaken jumped a bit, appearing mortified, "Do you find it so amusing?"
His red eyes suddenly locked onto the imp, seeming to pierce right through him, as a silence fell over the room for several more seconds before he looked up to his raven haired incarnation, "You will leave him, Kagura, as he wishes." The woman seemed both insulted, and relieved. At least he wasn't as upset as she'd been worried he might be, "As for you, imp.. Step closer."
Sesshomaru's eyes were closed when he heard the door opening, not sensing the woman with Jaken, who was approaching the demon lord with caution, "What is it, Jaken?" He asked, not even opening his eyes. The imp nearly jumped out of his skin, stuttering a bit as he drew nearer, "M-m'lord, here is.. here is your sword." Finally, those eyes opened, glancing at the single sword his servant carried with him. Tenseiga.. Only Tenseiga.
"Where is Tokijin?" Sesshomaru spoke softly, reaching out to accept the blade and set it down next to himself. Again, the imp seemed to struggle with his words, as if he were worried he'd upset the western lord, "Naraku said.. He told me that you could not have that sword back until you're proven yourself trustworthy, m'lord."
At first, the lord said nothing, focusing on the little green demon, and then glancing over to Kanna, who was still over at the wall of the room, her eyes closed. That woman, Kagura, was not coming back, Rin was sleeping, and he'd gotten one of his weapons back.. Any other time, he would have marched in and taken his sword back by force, but there was a passive side to him in that moment, "Rest, Jaken." Sesshomaru spoke softly, closing his eyes. Curling himself more around the little girl, he exhaled in a defeated manner. As long as Rin was safe, and the man didn't try touching him again, there was no need to get physical with him. Not over a sword that could put his ward in danger if he decided to use it. Not right now.. Perhaps tomorrow..
"Yes, m'lord. ..uh.. Goodnight."