Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of its characters.
Flames welcome.
Like My Master
By: Miyukyshan
Chapter Fifteen: To Break a Curse
It seemed as if every chance she got to have quality time with Rin, she was interrupted. However, she'd be lying if she said this particular interruption bothered her. Rin lounged languidly in her lap, not even bothering to stand as her lord and master approached. Sayu placed the flower she'd been discussing back on the ground and smiled shyly at the demon.
He stood motionless, just staring down at the two women of his castle for several moments. Rin giggled and stood to rush forward and wrap her tiny arms around his legs. Sesshomaru took a deep breath and placed his hand on the crown of her head, absentmindedly stroking the soft, dark locks. Sayu watched this tiny exchange with a hint of reverence. How exactly the little human managed to worm her way into Sesshomaru's heart was a mystery to her. She still wasn't entirely sure where she stood with him, but judging by the look on his face he'd come to remedy that. The intense gaze he pinned her with made her blush and turn away.
Sesshomaru turned his attention to Rin and removed his hand. "Rin, go play in your room."
Rin beamed at him with absolute adoration and hugged Sayu before gathering her flowers and racing to her room to write down what she'd learned. Her guardian smiled after her and stood to brush herself off. Sesshomaru regarded her quietly and turned to the side, indicating she should walk with him. It felt strange walking beside him as if she were his equal. They wandered through the gardens in silence, Sesshomaru contemplating how to approach the sensitive subject of his feelings and Sayu wringing her hands nervously behind her back.
"Lord Sesshomaru, is something on your mind?"
Sesshomaru looked down at his companion and frowned. He grunted and turned his attention back to the path they were walking down. "I want you to know this isn't your only option."
Sayu chewed her lower lip and looked at the ground. "I'm not sure I understand you."
"Killing you and bringing you back. It might not work." He stopped and fixed her with a hard stare. His beautiful gold eyes seemed to plead with her. "There is another choice."
Sayu smiled and picked some dirt off her clothing. "And what would that be?"
"You can stay here, in my castle. There will always be a place for you."
She looked up at him, unsure if she heard him clearly. His eyes held a fierce determination and Sayu found herself unable to hold his gaze. "My Lord, while I appreciate your generosity, I cannot accept your offer."
Sesshomaru frowned. He was not one to offer hospitality, and when he did he was never refused. He shouldn't have been surprised though. Sayu was always throwing him off and treating him differently than others. The dog demon cleared his throat and resumed walking. "Why?"
She couldn't help but giggle at his wounded pride. "Try to imagine yourself in my position." Her voice was barely a whisper, but she knew he heard. "I've been trapped in this body, as a slave, for a century. I've never had the choice to do what I want or go where I please. I've been beaten and used and treated like I'm... like I'm somehow less than a person." Sayu looked up at him, willing him to understand her. "People treat me like a toy and then toss me aside once I've outlived them or no longer amuse them. And now..." her voice cracked and she winced at her small weakness. "Now I'm told I have a chance to change it all. I don't know what will happen when it's all over. I might be some horrible monster and if that's the case, I hope you will just kill me."
Sesshomaru barely stopped the snarl rising in his throat. For her to even think he would toss around the idea made him furious. Sayu sensed his anger and placed a hand on his arm. Sesshomaru stopped and looked down at the small hand. He briefly wondered how something so tiny could be so powerful. He looked up and frowned when he saw tears shimmering in her dark eyes. She was wearing a sad smile as she clutched the material of his sleeve in her fingers.
"Please, at this point I think it would be more merciful to kill me should things turn out that way. I know you've already given me too much, but please do this for me. Put me out of my misery if I turn out to be some beast." She barely managed to finish her sentence when the tears finally fell down her cheeks.
Against his better judgment, Sesshomaru pulled her into his arms and dropped his chin to her head. She didn't cry for long, but he continued to hold her until her tears dried and her hiccupping quieted. When she pulled back she gave him an awkward smile and ran her hands over her face.
"I'm so sorry. I don't know what came over me."
Sesshomaru nodded and glanced at the sky. "I understand, and I'll do as you've asked."
Relief washed over Sayu and she smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Lord Sesshomaru."
While Sayu's mood appeared greatly lifted, Sesshomaru found himself brooding. It unnerved him that she talked so nonchalantly about her own death. But who was he to question her wishes? He would never be able to comprehend her motives given her harsh life. He looked at her again and smirked. If she were any less of the woman he knew her to be, she'd probably be skipping through his gardens with glee.
"Lord Sesshomaru, I noticed Master Jaken is not shadowing you."
Sesshomaru smiled at her attempt at normal conversation. "I've sent him ahead to Inuyasha. I told him to expect us in three days."
Sayu's smile vanished and she averted her gaze to the ground. "Three days," she whispered. "I guess we aren't wasting any time." She pursed her lips and picked at her clothing. "I would like to spend my remaining time here with Rin, uninterrupted. If it's not too much trouble, my Lord."
Sesshomaru nodded and turned so they were heading back to one of the castle entrances. "You may do as you please until we leave."
Sayu nodded gratefully and left to find the little girl. Sesshomaru sighed after her. His words could wait until after they broke the curse. For now, discussing plans with Kaito was more important.
It didn't take long to find the tiger demon. Kaito was busy working himself into a tizzy when Sesshomaru came upon him in the sparring room. Sesshomaru stood and waited to be noticed, content to let Kaito calm himself. With a harsh cry and a deadly thrust into some imagined enemy, the tiger demon finally caught sight of his friend. He dipped into a clipped bow, more habit than anything else, and replaced the wooden rod on the wall.
"Looking for a sparring match?" Kaito asked as he wiped sweat from his glistening body.
Sesshomaru frowned and stepped away from the wall he'd been leaning against. "We have things to discuss."
Kaito threw the soiled rag on the ground and crossed his arms. "I'm assuming you've come up with a plan you don't plan on sharing with Sayu."
Kaito's intelligence made him grin. The tiger could always tell when he was up to something. "How observant of you."
A few tense moments ticked by and Kaito caved. "I'm listening."
Sesshomaru moved to stand before his oldest friend. He was the only one he could trust. "Should things not go as planned... I need you to be prepared." The dog demon ignored the incredulous look on Kaito's face. "We will not begin until the day after we arrive. I want you waiting outside the castle grounds should she come after Rin."
Realization dawned on the other demon and his eyes widened in surprise. "You want me to kill her."
Sesshomaru's golden eyes narrowed. "It's a precaution. We have no way of knowing what will happen. Should she go mad before the end and come after Rin, I want you to be ready. Can you overlook your affection for her and do as I've asked?" He held his breath as he waited for Kaito's answer. There was no one else he could trust to take her out, no one strong enough. And Rin would not be killed. Besides, Sayu would never live with herself should she harm the little girl, and he couldn't lose them both.
"I'll do it."
He almost didn't hear Kaito's whispered response, and he knew the tiger demon was not thrilled with the idea. "If Sayu knows she will find a way around you."
"If she's going to be in as much pain as I think she is, I doubt she'll think clearly enough to remember. But I understand the need for secrecy. You have my word, my Lord." This time Kaito bowed with all the formality he could manage while half-naked and covered in sweat.
Sesshomaru grunted and thanked his friend before leaving him to his own tortuous thoughts.
"Please can I come?"
Sayu sighed and clutched Rin tighter to her chest. They were holed up in her room, Sayu leaning against the wall with Rin curled in her lap. She'd crept into Sayu's room before the sun even came up.
"Please?" the little girl whimpered.
Sayu pressed a kiss to the crown of her head and bit her lip to keep the tears from falling. "Silly girl. We'll only be gone for a few days."
"You're lying," Rin sobbed. "Something's different but no one will tell me."
Sayu sucked in a shaky breath and closed her eyes. Rin pressed her nose into her guardian's neck and begged her once again.
"It's too dangerous, Rin. We can't risk anything happening like last time. I couldn't live with myself." Her voice raised a few octaves as she spoke. She'd be crazy if she gave in to the girl's demands. Rin knew she wouldn't be allowed, she was just trying to buy time. Sayu had to hand it to her; the girl was intelligent. She could sense the unease between the three most prominent adults in her life. Sesshomaru would barely respond to her and Kaito just looked at her sadly. Sayu scolded him viciously afterwards and he managed to crack a smile for the confused girl. He even let her braid his long hair.
A clipped knock echoed through the room and the misery nearly swallowed her. Sesshomaru slid the door open when he received no reply and her lip quivered. Rin began to chant the word 'no' as if that would somehow keep them from leaving. He looked down at them disapprovingly, but Sayu could sense the sadness he was trying to hide. The demon would never admit it, but he adored his little human girl. Seeing such a rare display of sorrow from her only served to worsen his foul mood, and now Sayu was suffering from her grief and his.
Taking a deep breath, she lifted herself from the mat with Rin cradled in her arms. She cooed softly while she walked to the room connected to hers. Once Rin was settled back in her own bed Sayu leaned down and wiped the tears from her red face.
"Rin, you be good for Master Kaito while we're gone." It felt like someone ran a sword through her gut when the little girl's face scrunched with a new wave of tears. "Hush little girl. We'll be back before you know it."
"No you won't," Rin gasped between shuddering sobs.
Sayu hugged her small body once more and pulled away with a sigh. She brushed her bangs aside and smiled as she leaned down to kiss Rin's forehead. "I will. Now be a good girl and do as I say. Keep out of the sweets. You know too many will give you a tummy ache."
Rin stuck her bottom lip out in a pout but nodded. Sayu laughed softly and kissed her once more before walking to the door. She looked back and smiled. "Go back to sleep. It's still early."
Before she could leave Rin's little voice called out. She turned and leaned against the doorframe.
Rin sniffled and sat up. "I love you."
Sayu gave her a watery smile. "I love you, too." She ducked out of the room and slid the screen shut behind her. With only Sesshomaru to witness, she doubled over and pressed her hands against her mouth in a silent cry. Tears burned tracks down her hot face and she was only able to stand when she felt Sesshomaru's hand on her back. He allowed her a few quiet moments to collect herself before they made their way to the castle entrance.
Kaito was waiting with his arms crossed over his muscular chest. It lifted Sayu's heart to see him. He was the only other person who didn't hate her in the castle, and he'd been a good friend. His piercing green eyes honed in on her and he threw her a sad smile. She stopped in front of him, her lips in a tight line, and searched his face. He finally gave her a reassuring grin and reached out to pull her in for a hug. She sighed against his chest and wrapped her arms around him. She felt his hand cradle the back of her head as he rocked her back and forth.
"Be safe, and come back to us," he whispered.
Sayu nodded, not trusting herself to form words, and burrowed her face against him. A small prickling started in her stomach and it took her a second to recognize the emotion.
Jealousy? She thought as she pulled out of Kaito's arms and looked at her master. The scowl on his face was enough to betray him if his eyes weren't tearing into the tiger demon above her as if he could kill with sight alone. Sayu chuckled and took a step back, smiling kindly at Kaito. "Take care of Rin for me. I'll maim you should anything happen." She received a brilliant smile from him and a deep bow.
"As my lady wishes," he responded cheekily before rising and wiggling his eyebrows at her.
Sayu rolled her eyes and turned to Sesshomaru to leave. She threw her hand in the air in one last goodbye and then allowed herself to be pulled, albeit a little roughly, into Sesshomaru's arms. He didn't even give her a moment to prepare herself and she felt as if she'd been jerked forward and was now reeling out of control as the strange ball of light Sesshomaru curled them into.
When they finally came to a stop she fell to the ground before Sesshomaru could even grab her. She opened her eyes but immediately regretted it when everything continued to blur together in an endless spiral. She vaguely remembered hearing voices as she was lifted in her master's arms. They only served to grow louder and she groaned and decided it'd be better to pass out than have her head pound with every uttered syllable.
"What the hell were you thinking traveling all the way here like that? Did you even stop?"
Sesshomaru ignored his younger brother and turned to the very obviously pregnant priestess next to him. This is new. His brother's mate had the decency to blush before shutting him up and leading the dog demon to Kaede's hut. He lowered Sayu gently to the mat that was haphazardly rolled out when the older priestess saw him enter.
"What happened here?" the old woman asked curiously.
Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed and he brushed Sayu's dark bangs out of her eyes. "She's not used to my way of traveling. It shouldn't be long before she wakes up." With her taken care of, Sesshomaru left the hut to meet with Jaken and see how the preparations were coming.
The toad demon became a frenzied mess of adoration and tension upon reuniting with his lord. The dog demon growled and demanded he retrieve Inuyasha. Several moments later, his brother and all his companions came to the secluded hut Jaken brought him to. Sesshomaru eyed the shabby building with disdain.
"This is how you intend to restrain her?" he asked.
The monk stepped forward and offered Sesshomaru a cocky smile. "We used something like this before, with Inuyasha." The monk gestured to the half-demon as if his action would explain everything. When he received an impatient glare from the more intimidating demon, he coughed and moved closer to the dwelling. "Inuyasha was badly injured while fighting Ryokan, so we threw him in a hut and sealed it so he would be forced to rest. He was not able to get out."
Sesshomaru still didn't seem pleased. "You really think a few seals will work against her power coupled with the dark magic that curses her?"
Miroku frowned, his casual demeanor shifting to one of seriousness. "That's why Kagome, Kaede and myself will be using our own powers to boost the power of the seals."
His honey eyes darted between his brother and the little pregnant priestess. That was an interesting development. He lifted his head so he could look down his nose at Inuyasha. "You are willing to risk your mate and unborn pup for the sake of a slave who could have killed you?"
"Why you!" Inuyasha snarled while raising a clenched fist to shake at his haughty brother.
Kagome frowned and placed a hand on his shaking shoulder. "Inuyasha, please," she whispered before turning her attention to Sesshomaru. "If things become too dangerous Inuyasha will remove me from the situation. I want to help, but I won't risk the life of our child."
He eyed her carefully, taking in the determined set of her mouth and the fire blazing in her eyes. This woman made a good match for Inuyasha, he always thought so. But he would never voice his opinion. Instead he glared hard at her. "You would help a woman who wounded your mate?"
"If I understand the situation, she didn't have much of a choice, did she?"
There was nothing he could have done to stop the smirk that came to his lips. "So be it. We will not start until tomorrow." With that said, he made his way back to the old woman's hut where the object of his attention was coming to.
She was sitting up and shaking her head while blinking away the remaining dizziness. As soon as he came within her line of sight she scowled at him. Had no one been present, he knew he'd get an earful for his little stunt, but it seemed the woman still knew her place and kept her mouth firmly shut. When the others crowded in a cool mask of indifference slipped in place. Her last encounter with the people helping her had not been a pleasant one, and Sesshomaru grudgingly admitted his fault in that. He decided to watch from afar as the strange group huddled around her. It unsettled him how she reverted back to the manner in which he first found her. Her answers were clipped and her eyes guarded. Sango shot him a questioning look, seeming to be the only other one who noticed the strange change in behavior. Sayu was crouched and every muscle looked tense and ready to snap should she need to defend herself. He could sense it; her instincts screaming for her to escape. Her eyes met his in a silent plea to to get her out.
Sesshomaru knew she was unsure of her standing with the group since she'd attacked the 'pack leader' the last time she saw them. He gave her a reassuring nod and tried to soften his expression to show her she was safe. He relaxed his body and watched, fascinated, as she mirrored his actions. He was not prepared, however, for the reaction she had to Inuyasha's pregnant mate. The look of absolute hatred and envy she gave the poor girl once she saw her protruding stomach was enough to make even him shudder, but when the stupid wench reached out to try and soothe her Sayu jumped up and moved to his side so fast he didn't even see the movement. Sesshomaru watched as she stared unashamedly at the woman's stomach, and his heart twitched a little when she brought a hand to her own flat one. She looked up at him then, the iciness leaving her eyes so he could see how tormented she was. He grunted and decided she'd had enough torture for the moment, then walked out of the hut with her trailing behind and everyone else watching with mouths agape.
Sayu breathed a sigh of relief when her master finally allowed her to leave the stifling hut. She was not used to the kind of attention they bestowed upon her. Their looks of pity and prying questions made her want to punch them all. Well, everyone but the demon slayer. She seemed to understand Sayu and kept her distance and her mouth shut. Their attention alone was nearly enough to drive her to violence, but the thing that made her snap was the human mate of Sesshomaru's brother. She'd sat so close, eyes gushing that emotion Sayu so abhorred, with a belly swollen with child. It proved too much, having the one thing she always dreamed of shoved in her face, that she couldn't stop the flare of anger and jealousy. And unlike most normal people, the woman then tried to comfort her despite the very obvious warning signals Sayu was giving her. She felt like a cornered animal and ran to the only safety she knew. Then she thanked her lucky stars her master finally agreed to leave.
Now as she followed behind him, she worried if she disappointed him somehow. There was no knowing what the demon expected of her around these people, especially since he'd ordered her to attack them the last time they came together. Sayu tried to brush the thoughts away and remind herself they were trying to help her. She'd have to apologize, of course, but for now she followed Sesshomaru like some reanimated corpse. He stopped at the outskirts of the village and settled down against a tree. Sayu dropped in a heap a little ways from him and started scratching in the dirt.
"That was... interesting."
His deep voice rumbled through her with an accusing tone, but when she looked up to see his eyes sparkling with mischief she smiled.
"I wasn't expecting to be lavished with such, attention," Sayu murmured.
Her master quirked a brow and the corner of his lips tilted up in a grin. "And that is why you recoiled from my brother's mate as if a single touch would burn you?"
She smiled as she drew patterns in the dirt, a little ashamed of herself for such a dramatic reaction. "I won't lie and say I'm sorry for it. You'll know if I do," she cast an amused glance his way before continuing her sketching, "but I gave her plenty of warnings to back off and she proceeded anyway." His breathy chuckle sent her heart racing and she tried to fight the blush burning at her cheeks.
"She is not a demon. She cannot read such signals. However, I doubt she would have backed off even if she could. And I was not scolding; I am merely curious why you would have such a violent response."
Sayu sighed and dragged the palm of her hand over the dirt, erasing all evidence of her efforts. "It's difficult to talk about. And I don't remember you ever being so curious."
"Considering what awaits you tomorrow, I would like to understand things now in case I'm not given the chance in the future."
"Fair enough," she whispered. "I've always wanted children, but as you know, the nature of the curse prevents it. I find myself horrifically jealous of women who are given the opportunity and it makes me angry. It's as simple as that." She felt Sesshomaru's eyes scouring her face and dipped her head to the side. She heard him scoff and clenched her fists.
"There is more to it. Mere jealousy doesn't explain you're desperate need to avoid her touch."
Sayu pursed her lips. When did he get so good at reading her? She sighed and picked at the rocks by her feet. "I knew it as soon as I saw her. She's so pure and kind and good, and I'm so..." Tainted. Foul. Cursed. She didn't need to say the words. Sesshomaru's eyes reflected sad understanding. She was relieved when she found no pity in his gaze. "I was afraid if she touched me, somehow some of my darkness would mark her. Her goodness frightens me. I'm not worthy of kindness from such a pure creature." Her throat constricted with self-disgust and she hurled one of the rocks into the forest.
"Sayu," Sesshomaru said, his voice beckoning her to look at him.
She found she couldn't meet his gaze. The sudden feel of his breath against her cheek made her jump, and she was more than surprised to find him crouching before her. His expression was stern and her breath hitched when he reached out and brushed his thumb over her cheek. His eyes darted to her mouth as they parted and she desperately wished he would kiss her again. It seemed like so long ago and she ached for him. He didn't kiss her though. He let his knees hit the ground, brushing against her thighs as he tilted her head to get a better look at her face.
"Do not talk about yourself that way," he ordered. "You are not ruined because of your past. Those are just things that happened and they do not make up you as a person. It is how you handle those things that show who you truly are." He chuckled lightly and continued to stroke her cheek. "And aside from what happened a few minutes ago in that hut, you've handled everything with grace and humility."
Sayu's cheeks burned at his praise and she wondered where all this was coming from. He'd been acting so strange lately. She almost laughed when she thought of how moody he was, like a woman, but she didn't think he would appreciate that. He obviously wasn't done with her yet. He hummed low in his throat as he regarded her, tilting his head slowly as he took in every inch of her face. His unabashed scrutiny gave her a very clear view of his features and she found herself breathless at his beauty. Her fingers itched to trace the markings, the slim bridge of his nose and the sultry curve of his mouth. She knew that mouth could work wonders on her body and against her lips. But she kept her hands clenched in the grass and let him continue his examination.
She couldn't contain the small gasp when his hand traveled to her throat, fingers and claws stretching to travel the smooth column. The blush on her cheeks darkened as she felt the arousal grow in the pit of her belly. Her eyes scrunched shut when she heard his deep inhale.
"Sayu," he breathed, his deep voice ran like silk over senses, "open your eyes."
She obediently complied and was shocked to see his normally honey eyes rimmed with red and the stripes on his cheeks jagged around the edges. Sayu opened her mouth to question them but he immediately silenced her by pressing his thumb against her lips. A deep growl rumbled through his chest and she stayed completely still, instincts telling her that to move would not be in her best interest. Her lips parted in a silent gasp as his thumb lazily traced their fullness, his eyes staring at them intently. It felt like her entire body was on fire and she silently begged him to do something, anything to ease the tension pooling between her thighs.
As if he sensed this, Sesshomaru flicked his gaze back up to her and ran his other hand down her thigh. Sayu jerked at the contact but was held in place by the fingers still lazy tracing her throat. Sesshomaru inhaled again, tilting his head back and closing his eyes as he basked in her scent. He hummed appreciatively before those dangerous red eyes descended on her again. Her body trembled at the lust she saw there, and she rejoiced in the feeling of sending him nearly out of control with her scent alone. But he was taking too long, and she was about to make a move of her own when she suddenly found herself pinned to a large tree in the forest. She looked around, startled by the quick movement, and realized he'd moved them for privacy's sake.
Sesshomaru didn't appear pleased with her distraction and pressed his body against hers, lifting her legs around his waist and grinding flush against her. Sayu let out a choked moan and gripped his shoulders. He growled and moved so close their noses were almost touching. With his eyes boring into hers, he rubbed against her again, slowly, deliberately. Her mouth dropped open and her eyes nearly slid shut before a snarled "Don't!" made them snap back open.
The look on his face was feral, but that only made the coil in her stomach tighten. He seemed content to stay like that and Sayu nearly went mad as she started fidgeting against him. Sesshomaru chuckled at her and raised her hands above her head, pinning them with his larger one. The burning spread through her and she tried to move against him without her arms in an effort to stifle the feeling, but he just held her, waiting. Unable to withstand the torture any longer she whimpered and looked up at him with enough hunger to match his own.
"Please."
This seemed to be what the demon was waiting for, because after her pathetic plea he snarled and crushed his lips against hers. She moaned against his mouth and nearly cried from relief. The kiss was hungry and desperate, making the fever in her body burn hotter than ever. She was more confused about him than she'd ever been but it didn't matter. All that mattered was his mouth and his scent and the tongue roughly coaxing her lips apart. She groaned into his mouth and rolled her hips against him. This earned her a growl and his hips slamming into hers. His tongue was urgent and domineering, and she let him explore her mouth unheeded as she lost herself in his searing kiss. They eventually broke apart, both panting and moaning as their bodies continued to move together. Sesshomaru trailed hot kisses along her jaw before he latched on to her neck. Sayu tilted her head as much as she could to give him better access. The demon took what he could, sucking at her pulse and grazing his fangs across her throat before soothing the wounds with his tongue.
Sayu felt a growl of her own vibrate through her when his other hand groped her over the fabric of her clothing. She wanted so badly to touch him and her arms were beginning to ache. She found his current position gave her access to his ear and she latched onto the lobe, biting down and then sucking the sensitive flesh into her mouth. Sesshomaru reacted so strongly his fangs nearly punctured her neck and she smiled. She licked all the way to the point of his ear before nibbling on that.
"Please, my arms," she breathed hotly. "Let me touch you."
Sesshomaru grunted and dropped her hands which immediately flew to his long silver tresses. She knotted her fingers in his hair and tugged slightly, making Sesshomaru pull back so she could slam her mouth to his once more. This time she greedily plundered his mouth while her hands roamed the planes of his chest. She just realized his armor was nowhere to be found.
When did that happen? She wondered, but was immediately cut off when she felt his claws dig into her hips and angle her perfectly against him. She felt his hardness press against her through all their layers and threw her head back against the tree. Sesshomaru flashed her a haughty grin before pulling her shirt open shoving her halter up over her chest. A small binding of silk covered the more important parts, but the tops of her breasts spilled over the fabric and he drank in the generous swells with wide eyes.
"Beautiful," he murmured before languidly dipped his tongue in her cleavage.
"Oh God," she breathed as her fingers tangled in his hair again and pulled him closer.
She very nearly ripped some of his hair out when he ran his fangs over her nipple. He sucked it through the last shred of fabric covering her from him, and he was about to remedy that when Inuyasha's annoying voice called out. Sesshomaru snarled and pulled away from her breast. Sayu protested weakly at the loss of his heat. The demon smirked down at her and dropped one more deliciously bruising kiss to her lips before licking the tip of her nose and pulling away.
Sayu found she could not move as she watched Sesshomaru replace his armor. Inuyasha was still calling out to them and he frowned at his brother's timing. He approached her, red still rimming his irises as his fingers brushed longingly over the tops of her breasts. She whimpered and arched into his hand, frustrated beyond all measure. Sesshomaru merely smirked again and fixed her shirt.
"Perhaps another time," he whispered hoarsely.
He waited for her to pull her shattered nerves together before they exited the cover of the forest. Inuyasha eyed them accusingly but said nothing.
"Food's ready," he said. He frowned at Sesshomaru but looked at Sayu curiously.
She did not return the look and followed close behind Sesshomaru. When she glanced at the sky she was surprised to see the sun disappearing below the horizon.
How long had they been away?
A fire was already roaring and Inuyasha's group was perched on logs set up to circle it. Sesshomaru stopped a few feet away and sat down against a tree. Sayu wanted to do the same but the priestess was looking at her longingly.
"Please, come eat with us," she called.
Sayu's stomach growled in response and she realized how hungry she was. She looked back at Sesshomaru and his golden eyes blazed in the semi-dark. They trailed hungrily over her form and she found herself trembling beneath his gaze. When his eyes found hers he nodded in the direction of the fire. Sayu chewed her lower lip as she made her way over to the group. The priestess smiled at her and patted the empty spot next to her. She bit back the urge to growl and hunkered down. Inuyasha took her place on her other side and kissed her cheek. His hand settled on her stomach and Sayu frowned and looked away. The demon slayer caught her eye and pursed her lips. She gave her a reassuring smile and Sayu found herself returning it. She wished they'd met under different circumstances. She liked that woman.
After a few tense moments the monk made a perverted comment that had Sayu blushing, Sesshomaru snarling and the slayer whacking him over the head. That seemed to break the ice and smiles and introductions were passed around. Once they got over the initial awkwardness Sayu found she rather liked the odd group of people. She still felt wary of Kagome, but even her sweetness won over the guarded woman. They were all laughing and sharing stories, Sayu staying quiet but enjoying the tale of how they'd managed to assemble. Her eyebrows raised as stories of her master eventually surfaced, and she looked back at him to see him roll his eyes. The evening concluded on a good note, with everyone wishing her a good night and no one mentioning the dreadful day they'd be waking up to.
Inuyasha and Kagome offered her a room in their hut which she gratefully accepted. Before she turned in for the night, she trailed back to Sesshomaru and stood for a few moments just watching him.
"Are you going to stay out here?" she asked.
"Yes, there is still a lot to think about."
She smiled and crouched so she could look directly into his face. "Thank you for today," she whispered. "If that's the last I ever taste of intimacy, I'll die a happy woman."
Sesshomaru stared at her and his brows furrowed in concentration. "I'll save you." His voice was full of promise and she wanted desperately to believe him.
"Good night."
Sesshomaru grunted in response and she felt his eyes on her as she retreated into Inuyasha's home. She dreamt that night, the last night before the end of her days or the rest of her life. She couldn't be sure which.
Sayu convulsed violently against the rough ground beneath her. She whined and wrapped her arms around her body, trying to keep the sudden chill out. Confusion swept through her as she groggily cracked an eye. She'd been warm and comfortable in bed only moments before. All thoughts were immediately dashed away when her eyes focused. The air was unnaturally cold and it was difficult for her to breathe. It was very dark and a deep blue seemed to wash over everything touched by light. Sayu stood on wobbly legs and fell against a rock wall.
Where was she?
The sound of something scraping against rock echoed against the cavernous terrain. Sayu stumbled forward, following the sound that led her to the strange blue light. She walked for what seemed like hours and ignored the aching pain settling in her bones from the cold. Her entire body was shivering and she had to clench her jaw to keep her teeth from knocking together. She was so tired. She just wanted to curl up on the ground and go back to sleep, but something kept pulling her forward. The jagged rocks beneath her bare feet tore at the flesh and left a trail of blood and flaked skin behind her.
Tears glistened on her skin and froze before she could wipe them away. Right as she thought she couldn't continue any further she rounded a corner and had to cover her mouth to keep the bile from rising from her throat.
An old woman was sitting in the center of a small room, crouched on the ground and scratching something into the stone beneath her. At first Sayu thought it was some rock she was using, but upon closer inspection she realized the woman was tracing with her finger. But she'd been doing this so long the skin was torn away revealing the thin bone. It had whittled down to the second knuckle and despite the terrible injury the woman continued to trace the strange design in the floor. Sayu's mind flooded with recognition as she stared at the bloody markings. She'd etched the same ones into dirt only a few hours before with Sesshomaru, but the significance was lost to her.
Sayu wanted to turn and run back the way she came but the entrance to the room was now a stone wall. Swallowing the lump in her throat, Sayu looked back at the old woman who was still ignoring her.
"Hello," she said cautiously. Her voice was raspy from the frigid temperature.
The woman continued her work and didn't even spare her a glance. Sayu looked about the room and felt the tug again. She took a tentative step to the left, eyes never leaving the disturbing image in front of her. She made her way slowly around the woman and froze once she saw what was behind her. She fell to her knees and brought a hand to cover her mouth. A silent scream constricted her throat as fresh tears froze on her face.
Two deformed, monstrous creatures stood on either side of a slab of rock. And chained to that slab of rock was an image of her. Her copy sagged against the chains, the thick metal cutting into her wrists and making them bleed. Bruises and lacerations covered her naked body and frostbite turned her fingers and toes black. She stared in horror at the scene and was about to turn and find her way out when a massive gong rang through the chamber. Sayu covered her ears with her hands as the sound rattled her brain. She was sure her ears would be bleeding before it stopped. It rang three times and the creatures began to move.
"He will never save you."
Sayu shrieked and turned to find the woman still tracing the outline with her bone. She felt her head shaking from side to side and the woman finally looked at her. Her eyes were burning with hate and revenge and her mouth cracked open in a hideous grin.
"He will never save you," she croaked again before her shrill cackle took the place of the gong's terrible echoes.
Sayu felt all the remaining heat drain from her body and looked away only when she heard the rattling of chains. Her copy was pulling futilely against them as the beasts descended upon her. Sayu watched in horror as one raised its weapon and lodged it firmly in her stomach. Her copy's eyes flew open and she mirrored Sayu's scream. The dark eyes she expected were a tortured gold.
Sayu's eyes flew open and she jerked to a sitting position. Her breath came out in noisy gasps and her entire body was shaking.
"Sayu."
She would have screamed if she hadn't lost her voice. Golden eyes flashed in the darkness and she shoved away from them to cower in the corner. She heard her name again and a strong hand gripped her bicep. Panic chased away all coherent thought as she thrashed against the fingers clutching at her. Arms wound around her and pulled her into a solid chest.
"Breathe."
She inhaled and nearly collapsed when Sesshomaru's scent washed over her. It was a dream and she was awake now. His warm body wrapped around hers and she cried with relief.
"Why are you so cold?" he whispered against her hair.
Sayu shook her head and buried her face in his neck while her hands clutched desperately at his clothes. He held her the rest of the night, relieved when she eventually warmed up and drifted into a much more peaceful slumber.
The following morning was met with nervous glances and tense smiles. Breakfast wasn't nearly as jovial an affair as dinner had been, but Sayu expected this. She'd learned to not even bother making eye contact with anyone but Sango lest she knock them out from their overwhelming pity. She was currently walking beside Sesshomaru while everyone followed at a leisurely pace. He was explaining what would happen and what they would do given different outcomes. Sayu tried her best to pay attention, but the closer they got to the hut the more terrified she became. Her dream unsettled her more than she already was and she refused to tell anyone what happened. To go through as much pain as she suspected she would and then fail in the end... Well, she didn't like to think about that too much. She cleared her thoughts and focused instead on the soothing timbre of Sesshomaru's voice. She knew he was aware that everything he said was falling on deaf ears, but she had a feeling he was trying to distract himself from his own morbid thoughts.
When they finally arrived, Sayu looked skeptically at the hut. She looked at Sesshomaru and laughed when he rolled his eyes. It felt good to laugh. She'd done so little of it in her long life, at least the one she remembered. She hoped her previous life was filled with smiles and laughter. The sound of Inuyasha clearing his throat brought her back to reality and she sucked in a deep breath and exhaled. She turned to the small assembly of people and gave them a cautious smile.
"I want to thank you all for helping me. I know we didn't meet on the best of terms, but know that I will be forever grateful no matter the outcome." She cast a glance at Sesshomaru before continuing. "If this ends badly, I don't want you to hesitate to protect yourselves. Do what you must to make sure I don't..." She couldn't bring herself to finish the sentence, but based on the solemn looks she was receiving she knew she didn't have to. "Right, well I guess there's no delaying it."
Lifting her head high, Sayu walked to the hut and disappeared inside.
Sesshomaru watched her little speech quietly and hesitated to follow her. He looked at his younger brother, arm wrapped tight around his mate, and allowed a small moment of jealousy. Inuyasha gave him a reassuring smile and Sesshomaru had to look away. His brother's sentimentality was going to be the end of him.
He found Sayu staring at the other side of the hut with her back to him. Her hands were running up and down her arms. The door closed behind him and she turned to face him. He was stricken by the fear in her eyes.
"Sesshomaru..."
He wasted no time going to her and pulling her to his chest. She clung to him and stifled a sob.
"Sesshomaru, I'm scared."
Her words made his chest ache and he wished she would change her mind and come live with him. But he knew he couldn't ask that of her. Instead he breathed in her scent as he nuzzled her hair and pulled her tighter against him.
"You can do this. Nothing worth having is easy."
Sayu laughed morosely against his chest. "I think a lifetime of abuse and forced murder is enough punishment."
He sighed. The unfairness of it all made him want to scream. He just hoped it would work. The fact that this was all premeditated made him unsure. She'd said herself things like this didn't work. He forced his doubts away and grasped her face in his hands. She wrapped her fingers around his wrists and he frowned when they trembled. Her eyes were already red and swollen and he dropped his forehead to hers and let out a long breath.
"It will all be worth it," he whispered before brushing his lips against hers. It was achingly sweet. He'd never kissed a woman like this, but it felt right. Her mouth parted easily for him and he continued to kiss her slowly and sensually. There was nothing hungry and desperate like the one they'd shared just yesterday, and this one left him breathless in a way he didn't quite understand. He felt her fear ebb slightly, but now a sense of regret washed over her and he knew she wished she'd had more opportunities like this.
When they parted they were both breathing heavily. Sesshomaru pressed a few more kisses to her soft lips and dragged her against him once more.
"Please take care of Rin."
"Hush, don't talk like that," he admonished, but he nodded against her hair after a moment and managed to peel himself away from her. "Are you ready?" he asked.
Sayu bit her lip and he resisted the impulse to kiss her again. She nodded, eyes becoming hard and determined, and looked him square in the face as she awaited her order.
Everyone waited expectantly while the two conversed in the hut. They were having quiet conversations amongst themselves but immediately stilled when the door opened and closed behind Sesshomaru.
"It is done," he said, and frowned when Miroku rushed forward to place seals all over the hut.
Once he was finished, he returned to them and Kagome and Kaede walked with him to sit down several feet away from the door. Kagome turned and winked at Inuyasha before she placed her hands in position and they fell into silence. Sesshomaru saw a pink wave wash over the building and settle into a thick barrier.
Now they had to wait.
The first sensation he felt was a prickling at the back of his mind. It quickly grew in urgency and he had to blink away dots that spotted his vision. Everything remained quiet and he was surprised they hadn't heard a peep.
"The barrier was made to prevent any sound from escaping," Sango said as she sidled up next to him. "We didn't know how loud things were expected to get. Don't want any unwanted attention."
Sesshomaru frowned and tried to ignore the small knot of pain in his gut. He'd seen what punishment resulted in before and he was not too keen to witness it again.
Ten minutes dragged by and Sesshomaru broke into a sweat. His vision was clouded and all he could smell and taste was blood. He growled as Sango flashed him a look of concern.
"Are you alright?" she finally asked.
He snarled in frustration as he searched for the words, but it was so hard to concentrate. "We are bonded through the magic," he managed to grind out between breaths. The pain he could handle, but his senses being overloaded with her blood was going to drive him insane. He saw Sango's eyes snap to the hut and her brows furrow in confusion. "What?" he snapped.
"I thought I heard... But that's impossible," she whispered. Her eyes jumped to Inuyasha and he nodded.
"I heard it, too. I think it's time I get Kagome," he said before walking to the trio huddled in deep concentration.
Sesshomaru was growing tired of not getting answers. "What did you hear?"
Sango looked at him in concern and was about to respond when a small voice echoed through the clearing. It sounded subdued, but there was no mistaking it.
It was his name.
A loud crack came shortly after and Sango's eyes widened in horror.
"The barrier won't hold. We have to get everyone away!" she yelled.
Sesshomaru watched in mild fascination as another long crack gleamed across the pink surface. A shrill sound pierced the air and he realized it was a scream. Sayu's scream. Panic flooded through him and he rushed to follow Sango. With every new crack he felt more of her pain. It jarred him and he almost toppled over. He vaguely remembered hearing his brother call his name before the ground shook. He glanced up to see the hut explode within the barrier and black light piercing and eventually shredding the remains of their protection against her.
The soul shattering scream that followed brought everyone to their knees. His name, she was screaming his name. His heart constricted in his chest as he was overpowered by her suffering. As he looked around him, he felt like he'd been sucked into a void. He could see them all screaming as debris fell from the sky and dust filled the air, but he couldn't hear anything. He looked around stupidly until his eyes landed on her. Once he found her he couldn't look away. Every last inch of her was drenched in blood and her elbows were tucked into her side as her fists clenched in front of her. Her head was thrown back and her face scrunched in a pain so horrendous he knew he would never experience anything close to it. The shackles around her wrists were glowing bright and he watched in horror as the magic ripped out of her arms in thin slices when her body could no longer contain it. It all ended in a final blast of dark light and when he opened his eyes again she was on the ground in a motionless heap.
He ignored everyone's frantic cries, still unable to hear, as he crawled to her. Crawled? He didn't remember how he got on the ground. Eventually he managed to push himself to his feet and stumble into the center of all the chaos. His hearing seemed to magically reappear and he was almost brought to his knees again by the shrieks surrounding him. But he stayed upright until he came to her and then he allowed himself to fall to his knees.
Her body was shaking but she couldn't move, though her eyes found his as deep, gasping breaths were sucked in from her parted lips. If he'd been a weaker demon he would have cried at the sight of her. Instead he lifted her into his arms and held her as the last of her life slowly faded. She stared up at him, dark eyes shining with pain and desperation. Sesshomaru started rocking back and forth and brushed the sopping hair from her bloodied face. A few more shallow breaths and her dark eyes faded to a dull black. Sesshomaru clutched her tighter and bit his lip to keep from crying out. This was the plan. It had worked.
Then why did he feel like his insides were being torn to shreds? He gently settled her on the ground and closed her eyes before standing and taking in his surroundings. Everything had settled and no one was injured. Inuyasha stepped into the rubble and looked down at Sayu's lifeless body.
"God, did it have to end that way?" he choked out.
Sesshomaru only nodded and unsheathed Tenseiga. He waited for the familiar thrumming in his sword and frowned when he felt nothing. He glared at the blade and then at Sayu's body. The horrible gremlins didn't appear and his brows furrowed.
What the hell?
"What are you waiting for?" he heard Inuyasha ask.
"No," he whispered hoarsely. This was not something they planned for. He gripped his blade and ran it over her again and again, but nothing happened. He threw the useless thing down and grabbed Sayu's shoulders. He shook her violently and when she didn't respond he took her face in his hands and chanted her name.
Nothing.
He didn't notice everyone crowding around them or the sad looks on their faces as they watched his breakdown.
He lowered her gently to the ground and just stared, shocked and unsure of what to do.
She was gone.
It didn't work.
He failed her.
A/N: Holy frick that was hard to write. I had to stop several times. Anyway... Cliffhanger! Sorry ya'll. It was just begging to be done. Hopefully the next update won't take so long. Hopefully you all enjoyed! Thanks so much for the beautiful reviews. You all know how much I love them and appreciate the time you to take to leave them!
Guest: HERE YOU GO! Lol Sorry for the long space between updates... But thanks for hanging in there!
Conejo-sama: I feel bad for Sayu, too... I have this horrible obsession with torturing my characters and she's really having a go about it. I'm glad you're enjoying it so far and hope you continue to do so! Thanks so much for your review!
Dontgotaclue88: Thank you so much! I hope it was worth the horrible wait.
Angel-Of-Life1990: Oh geez thanks! I'm always so embarrassed while I'm writing them and then it gets all hot and heavy. It's a strange flurry of emotions to go through. I decided to add a little smut since poor Sayu would be so horribly treated in this chapter... Girl needs a little lovin'! Lol I hope you still enjoy it and hang in there with me until the end! Thanks for reviewing!
DreamTrance14: Here you go! Gosh your compliments are going to give me such a big ego! Stop that! Haha But seriously, it really is so wonderful to hear that readers like what I write when I get so much enjoyment from writing it. Thank you so much!
BoundaryBreaker: Why thank you, my dear! I do enjoy playing with Sayu and seeing what I can get away with doing in terms of her character. I can't imagine what it would be like to wake up one day and have someone tell you you're someone else after living as a certain person for so long. I really can't wait to develop her as this continues. There will be some craziness in the ensuing chapters... Thanks so much for hanging in there. Your review is so appreciated!
SammiRichGurl: Well I'm so glad you did. I enjoyed your review.
DestinyRose09: You are just an absolute delight! I hope you get to start another great day with me, although this one will be decidedly less... happy. And yeah, Sesshomaru knows how to deal with her crazy mood swings when she manages them, though he's just as moody as she is! They're all just confused. Lol And congrats on your recent graduation! I got out... good Lord 2 years ago! Good luck on your exam and your job hunt! I'm sure you will be greeted with success! And thanks so much for sticking in there with me. It's nice to have loyal readers. 3
Neeky-chan: Hello again! And yes, I hope everyone came to that conclusion as it's the only obvious choice. Obviously that didn't pan out though... And of course I enjoy your reviews! I love constructive criticism when someone is able to give it. As for my winter, it's been cold but I've managed to stay nice and cozy in my apartment. Although I have to say I am SO READY for this winter to be over. I live in a very cold state now and we just can't seem to shake it. I hope you enjoyed this latest and have a great morning!
Forevermore21: Thank you so much! I actually quit and am starting a tea house... The people I worked for were horrible and treated me very badly so I decided to go into business for myself! I'm glad to hear you missed it and I'm so sorry it took so long to update! But here you go! Thanks so much for the nice review.
Getsunohimesama: First off, your name is awesome. I hope I spelled it right. Lol And yes, I think it's funny to subject the womanizing tiger to some humiliation every now and again. He needed to be punished after ditching Sayu at that crazy banquet! And yeah, I didn't know he was capable of it either, but the old demon just somehow ended up that way. I have no idea what happened... Thanks for your good wishes and your lovely review!