Hotaru had no idea where Sesshomaru was leading them. He was walking in the front in silence. And yet, her gut was telling her, she made a good decision. She sighed and forced her feet to move. Her body was aching; she had to get used to being alive again. She felt gross in her torn and dirty clothes and she secretly hoped that they would stop at a river or a stream.
A dull pain settled behind her temples; maybe as a response to finding the seal in her mind, or maybe it was because of Jaken's non-stop talking and complaining about the 'two humans'. Good lord! Sesshomaru has nerves of steel with this little imp! Rin, who discovered her voice again, and surely wanted to speak, was surprisingly reading the mood and keeping quiet. She was aching and tired just like Hotaru, but happiness that came with new companionship was weighing it out.
After a four hour hike at a rather fast pace, Sesshomaru came to a halt.
"We stop here."
They were in a small meadow. The sun was nearing the horizon casting orange light over the trees. The colour was like a fire dancing on the fresh green leaves. Hotaru took a deep breath, she smelled fresh water and when she focused, she could hear a stream.
"Thank you." She smiled at Sesshomaru. "Ready to catch some fish, Rin?"
Rin spun around and grinned. "Allways!"
"Give me your clothes." Sesshomaru interrupted.
"What?"
A spark of annoyance appeared in his golden eyes, but the stoic, emotionless expression didn't change one bit. "Give me your clothes."
"Why?"
His eyebrow went slightly up. "I assume you don't want to keep them."
She looked down at her torn, bloodied, dirty and disgusting clothes. Then back at him. "Are you telling me, you will fetch me new ones?"
"Hn. You cannot be walking around wearing that. Not in my presence."
"Fine. But I want my hakama back." She swiftly undressed, staying only in her undergarment, and helped Rin do the same. For the worst case scenarios, she had some spare clothes in her case. She folded it hastily and threw it to him. "Here..." She paused when she noticed he was not looking at them.
"Hn." He caught it on instinct and mounted the dragon. "There is a stream up ahead. Stay here and don't wander too far." For a moment he stopped, scanning their surroundings. "You can make fire." He added and took off.
"Wait! Lord Sesshomaru, wait!" Jaken yelled in panic but didn't manage to grab a hold of the long fur Sesshomaru was dragging behind nor the dragon's tail. "Nooo! Don't leave with those dirty humans! Miloooord!"
"Dirty humans, are we?" Hotaru's lips twisted into a dangerous smirk. Despite the headache she stopped ignoring him.
Jaken gulped as he turned around. Then he decided to attack. "Well, look at you! Covered in mud and dirt and blood! Disgusting!"
She knew his first statement was an insult, not a description of their physical state, but he played it well. She had to give him that. "Not that you are wrong, little imp."
"It's Jaken, you human!"
"It's Hotaru, you little imp." She replied with a wide, content smile.
"Pche!" He sat on the ground, holding his staff and turned in the direction where Sesshomaru disappeared from their sight. He was 100% sulking.
She chuckled. At least she knew the demon lord would return. "Let's go take a bath and catch dinner."
"I'll be there first!" Rin bolted.
Surprised, but excited, Hotaru sprinted after her. "No! I'll catch you!"
######
Sesshomaru was still processing the fact, he'd just accepted two humans into his company. Of course Jaken wasn't happy. He himself wasn't sure what to think of his own actions. Lost in thoughts he landed in a demon town hidden deep in the mountains, protected by strong, poisonous barriers. Demons passing by, looking for a place to drink in the evening greeted him with nods. Some glared at him. But no one attacked.
The town had just two simple rules: 'No fighting within the barrier!' and 'No humans or half-breeds!'
All inhabitants, or passerbys respected it. At least the first one; sometimes a human was brought (and usually killed and eaten), but never a half-demon. It was a place where demons could live, get rest, buy what they needed, have a drink, or make deals on neutral land. Sesshomaru was a rare guest. He didn't like crowds and smells that came with living in towns.
He stopped here only when he needed certain things. And he rarely brought Jaken with him.
He walked towards the tailor's store.
"Ah, Sesshomaru-sama. Welcome back." The spider demon greeted him. With one experienced glance he quickly assessed the damage on Sesshomaru's clothes. "I presume you need your garment fixed?" He asked and came around his working table.
The demon's upper body looked like an older man with two arms, but his bottom was that of a spider with six legs. He could fully turn into a spider or a man, but he preferred this half-humanoid shape.
"I'd rather have a new one." He said, knowing the spider demon had already prepared a new set of clothes for him as per usual. "And I need two more." He threw the bundle of damaged clothes he took from Hotaru and Rin on the table.
The spider turned to it, sniffing the air. "Humans, my lord?"
"That is none of your business, Hifumi."
Hifumi stared at Sesshomaru for a moment, then he spread the clothes on his table to have a closer look and rubbed his chin. "Some damage to this beautiful garment… from both humans and demons. Hmmm…" He glanced at him when studying Hotaru's hakama curiously. Then he turned back and caressed the flowers embroidered on the fabric. "Oh, the pattern, hydrangeas… Someone made a great effort when embroidering them."
Sesshomaru didn't ask, he simply raised an eyebrow at the demon to elaborate.
"Whichever priestess embroidered it for the human, she put her soul and heart into the thread. A mother, perhaps? ...mmm-"
"Can you repair the hakama?"
Hifumi huffed. "Of course I can. As for the top," he turned to a rack with his pieces and searched for something. "I have this, I need to adjust the size a bit though." He was holding a white kimono top with undergarments, exactly like the damaged one.
He didn't really care about women's clothes. Whatever would fit her. "How long until it's done?"
"Two hours, maybe two and a half."
He nodded. "For the kid, choose whatever you want."
"It's a girl or a boy?" From the tattered reddish yukata he couldn't tell. It could be both.
"A girl."
"As you wish, my lord. You shall have it ready. Do you wish to take a bath here, or will you go to the old feline's bath house?"
"I'll stay here." He didn't like the old feline.
"Sure, I'll tell my daughter to prepare a bath and assist you in any way you want."
"I've got no need for assistance in the bath." He said sharply.
"Of course. I'm sorry for my impertinence, my lord. Please follow me." He turned towards the back door, leading Sesshomaru further into the house, not like the dog demon didn't know where to go.
A kimono displayed at the back caught his eye. He wouldn't have noticed it if he hadn't followed after the spider. It was black, with a simple, yet delicate sakura pattern. It had golden and red obi and white undergarment embroidered with golden fans and sakura flowers. "That one. Is it for sale?"
"If you wish to take it…" It was a display of his latest best work, but no one showed interest in it yet. Well, it'd been displayed for only half a day. "The same person I'm repairing the hakama for?"
"Hn, what of it?"
"I'll adjust the length a bit." He said. "Ayako! Prepare a bath for Sesshomaru-sama and give him all he needs. And leave him alone."
"Yes, father!" The girly voice echoed all around them. Then a small spider shinned down its silky thread. When it was at its father's eye level it transformed into a pretty young girl with big grey eyes and silver hair, wearing a grey kimono with embroidered spider webs. She bowed to Sesshomaru deeply. "Please follow me, my lord."
Sesshomaru took a step, then he turned back to Hifumi. "I only need the clothes. Don't do anything unnecessary or the town's rules will not protect you from me." He meant the threat.
"Don't worry." Hifumi bowed his head. "I am forever indebted to your father. I would do you, nor your companions, no harm."
His eyes narrowed, assessing the words, then he nodded and turned to follow after Ayako. The girl led him towards a private washroom and a hot spring. Only a few regular customers were allowed to take their rest inside the house. She opened the door leading to a small changing room just before the washroom, then timidly bowed her head.
"I'll bring your new clothes in here when father finishes them. I'll assist with tying the knots." She said and stared at him for a second too long. When his eyes caught hers she blushed and looked at her feet immediately. "Uhm… Are you sure you don't need my assistance in the bath?"
"Yes. And if you dare to disturb me during the bath, I will kill you." He warned, noticing she was staring at his empty sleeve. Yes, he would need assistance with putting his new clothes on and tying all the knots - with one hand, it was impossible. Damned Inuyasha.
She nodded and swiftly turned to leave. He thought he'd heard a short sigh of relief that she didn't have to scrub his naked body. Weaker demons often used their children this way in belief they'd marry well and gain higher status. The children often weren't delighted about it.
Neither was he. Tearing the knots, he threw his dirty, bloodied and now torn clothes into a corner and walked into the washroom.
The fresh water was working like magic. It was cold, but it boosted his youki and washed away the dust and dirt. Then he dipped into the hot spring to rest his muscles.
He rested his head against the rocks around the hot spring. By the corner of his eye he glared at Tenseiga. "Have you seen her memories? The seal?" He asked quietly. He was curious.
The sword didn't reply.
It never did.
######
"Eh? What's that?" Jaken turned his surprised eyes to Hotaru when she handed him a grilled fish.
"Dinner. Your share. You must be hungry... but if you don't want it." She started to pull it back teasingly.
"Give it here." He snatched it from her hand, making her laugh. He took a huge bite, he was starving. "Just so you know, human, I don't need anything from you! It's only natural you are below me in the group's hierarchy. I've been serving Lord Sesshomaru for over fifty years!"
"Sure. I bet you do know him the best."
"Yes definitely." He nodded vehemently. "But… How come Milord knew you? A human?"
Hotaru raised an eyebrow at him. "Oh, we've crossed paths a few times when he was injured. Though, I've never seen you around during those times."
"That's because he always leaves me behind!" He complained.
"Does that mean you're not reliable?" Rin asked innocently, contently munching on the fish.
"Silence, child! I am the most reliable! That's why I was left to guard you!"
"Hmmm… guard us?" Hotaru hummed, staring into the dark forest. If you think you can… "Well then, tell me more about Sesshomaru. I barely know anything about him."
Jaken's eyes sparkled and he started his long monologue praising Sesshomaru to the heavens, but saying nothing of real importance.
######
"Grh!" Soumei threw a scroll away in frustration, watching as it disappeared in the clouds below the mountain ledge. He knew he would have to collect it, but he was so irritated he didn't care. "Why can't I get it?!"
"It's rare to see you getting this angry."
Startled, he spun on his heel towards… "Zenki?"
Zenki smirked. "So you can get distracted enough to become ignorant of your surroundings."
"I'm stupid, that's all. Nothing new."
He laughed. "It's certainly not so bad, you simply didn't get the training your brother received. Why don't you start from the beginning?"
Soumei frowned and looked at the clouds. "I'll die before asking Ichijou's help. The last tournament… you haven't seen the look in his eyes." He drove fingers through his hair. "I feel like I'm missing a very important piece of information for which I cannot see the bigger picture."
"Why don't you just ask?"
"I won't get an answer. Or father will tell me 'all in its due time'. Ugh…" He glanced at Zenki. "Could you teach me sealing?"
"I am not allowed to practise it. If I become skilled in sealing, the seal, or the curse which restrains my powers will weaken… We all know that one day, when the curse stops working altogether, Sojobo-sama will have to kill me." He said those heavy words with a sad smile, but no trace of self pity.
They watched the clouds in silence for a moment. Everyone knew what was awaiting him in the future once there was no place on his skin where the seal could be expanded, but no one could tell when exactly that would be.
Zenki sighed and pulled at his pierced ear. "I can explain the basics, but I cannot show you. If you want an example you'll have to ask someone else. If you don't trust your brothers, you will have to find a monk or a priestess. A human. The seals work the same and humans, who have significantly less power, tend to be a tad more creative."
"And you can teach me healing tricks." Soumei rolled his eyes.
"Yes." He raised an eyebrow. "I can always teach you healing tricks."
"All right. I am in your hands."
"Go get the scroll first, General. Before the sun disappears completely."
"Tch." Soumei clicked his tongue, but his wings spread and he dove down the mountain to fetch the grandfather's scroll.
######
"Have you really lost your memories?" Jaken asked carefully once Rin fell asleep.
"Mhm." She hummed, not allowing Jaken's question to ruin her calm, satisfied mood. Not tonight.
"And do you even need them? Why don't you just settle down with the kid or follow someone else?"
She rolled her eyes, and decided to provoke the imp. "I'm not sure there'd be some other demon who wouldn't kill me."
"Are you underestimating my lord?! Saying he can't kill you?!"
"Hush. Don't wake her up. I'm not saying he can't kill me. I'm saying he decided he wouldn't. That's different. Besides, I'm also curious why..."
The little imp seethed in anger, then he yawned.
"Sleep." Hotaru chuckled. "I'll keep the watch."
He protested, but soon after, he was snoring next to Rin.
"Annoying, but not too bad…" She hummed and poked into the fire again. I wonder where he went.
######
The fire was long out and everyone else was sleeping, but she couldn't quiet her thoughts and settle down. There was too much to process and the night was the best time to think without being disturbed.
Many thoughts and regrets were plaguing her like wasps. She realised how lucky she was to cross paths with a demon like Sesshomaru. Thanks to him she was alive. She got to live while those she loved didn't have her luck. Maybe that is your payback for whatever you have done… Seeing them all die… That sword of his. Resurrection… No one should wield such an ability so easily. She gazed at the stars in wonder and sighed.
She felt Sesshomaru before he silently landed in the meadow. "You're back…"
Her blue eyes were shining in the darkness reflecting the moon's light. She can see in the dark. "Here." He threw her a bundle of clothes.
"What's… Oh…" A corner of her lips turned upwards, "clothes…" She unwrapped the bundle and examined the pieces. In addition to what she needed, there was a beautiful dark kimono with a sakura pattern with a golden and red obi. She glanced at him in surprise, he purchased her something he didn't have to. Something she never asked for. "..." She wanted to inquire, but decided otherwise and opted for the safer option: "Thank you."
"Hn." Sesshomaru, found a place by a tree, further from them and seated himself into a comfortable position with his arm prompted against his bent knee.
She shifted, unsure how to interact with him. He interrupted her thoughts and now they all seemed inappropriate in his presence.
"Sesshomaru…?" I will learn where the lines and borders are on the go, I guess. "Can I ask you something?"
"..."
She took his silence as a 'yes'. "I know I was the one who asked to follow you but… is there something you would expect of me? Something I can do?" What was your reason to let me? Of course she wouldn't ask that directly.
He looked at her, his gold eyes were too, shining in the darkness. "What did Jaken tell you?"
"Aside from complaining about us being humans. He said that your priorities are building your empire; I guess it could mean your territory and gaining strength. You want to acquire the Tetsusaiga, the sword your half-brother has… and then hunt Naraku, who offended you… And I suppose Naraku takes precedence, under the circumstances."
"You know Naraku." It wasn't a question. The way she said his name gave her out.
"I never met him, but I do know about him. He wiped out the entire village of demon slayers. They were my friends and family after I woke up with no memories. So I too, have my reasons to want him dead."
He nodded. Her reasons didn't interest him, but they had a common enemy. "Did Jaken tell you about Inuyasha?"
"He didn't have to. As I told you before, I've met Inuyasha. I know him and his group." She sighed and rubbed the back of her neck. "I don't care about your relationship, but I'd like to be neutral in your fights, they are yours, not mine. And… the demon slayer and the nekomata in their group are important to me. So please don't kill them if you clash with them again."
"Hn. Good. In exchange… you shall attend to me."
She blinked in surprise. "Attend? You mean-"
"I am missing an arm."
"Right. Attending. Baths. Knots and ties in your clothes. Uhm…" She blushed, but quickly shook her head. What am I embarrassed about? He is a man like any other I've nursed before.
Any demoness would've been overly eager to lend him a hand. The priestess, who had already treated his wounds with no sign of unease, was hesitant. Amusement shone in his eyes. "Nothing beyond that."
"Hm?" She looked at him with the eyes of a scared roe deer. "You can't read my thoughts, right?"
"I can't. But it wasn't difficult to guess."
Is he teasing me? "Sorry." She shrugged and grinned. "I've seen and nursed a fair share of men, in those months I can remember, it's just," her chest panged at the memory of sharing the house with Kou and Saki and how Kou refused her help with clothes; never taking advantage of his wounds. "I never really had to attend to and travel with one for what will presumably be a longer time period and a demon to add."
"Worry not." His eyebrow twitched in distaste. "Inuyoukai are not ones with insatiable hunger. One or another. I will not eat you, nor touch you. You are a human, it would be below this Sesshomaru."
Despite her mixed feelings, she laughed quietly, so she wouldn't wake up the rest. The demon had no ulterior motives and set boundaries right away.
"What's so funny?"
She shook her head. You are one prideful demon… "I'm somewhat glad I'm human. Thanks for reassuring me." It was truly a relief.
"..."
She leaned against a tree and looked at the starry sky. Sesshomaru was stoic, but he was answering direct questions. She smiled. It's not as awkward as I thought it might be. "Ne? There is something else I'd like to ask you."
"What is it?" He tilted his head curiously. Talking with the human was not as bad as he thought it might be.
"Can you tell whether I might be a puppet, or controlled by some other demon?"
By her voice and scent, he knew it had been worrying her. And it was a serious question he should answer for his interest as well. He focused on her. His probing youki enveloped her, washed over her.
At first her spiritual powers bucked, prickling him, trying to fend him off. "Sorry." She took a deep breath and grasped the control of her natural instinct to fight off a demon's energy.
A corner of his lips twitched. It was one strong protective reaction. Once she tamed her purifying energy, he felt it. Buried deep within was the seal and another protective power that wasn't exactly hers, but so interconnected with her, he couldn't decipher its origin so he wouldn't tell her. At least he confirmed one thing.
"No. You are not a puppet. I sense no foreign power attempting to control you in any way. The seal is neutral."
At the mention of the seal the familiar dull pain settled behind her temples. "So I didn't imagine it… What does it mean, neutral?"
"It is not there to harm nor help. It is simply there. I do not know for what reason and I cannot tell who created it." Although it feels strangely familiar.
"Well, but once it breaks, what if then I will turn into a puppet?"
He frowned. "That is a possibility."
"Can you break it?"
"From what I gather, no one can break it forcefully... not without killing you."
"Great. So I'll have to slowly unravel it, while losing my mind in the process. And maybe that's not how it'll work at all." She sighed and drove her fingers through her hair in frustration. "Who could have placed it? A demon? A human? For what reason?"
This fiery side of her was amusing, he had to admit. "I do not hold those answers."
"Right." She lowered her head, dejected. As if she didn't have enough things to worry about. "But… If it was a demon, do you have any idea what kind of demon it could be?" She was more thinking out loud than asking him at this point. "And why? It makes no sense."
A tengu. Was the first thought that echoed in his mind and a shiver ran down his spine. If it was the truth, then it wasn't wise to say it out loud. Those creatures knew, when they were mentioned.
But there were other options too, even inuyoukai or moths or spider demons could place strong seals. The question was, what would a demon gain by sealing off a human's memories? What motivation could there be? He couldn't find any rational reason aside from boredom or revenge or a need to hide something. But even so… She was simply a powerful priestess. Demons would gain by killing her or by erasing the memory, not by sealing it with what felt like a temporary seal.
Hn. It certainly piqued his curiosity. Could she hold some important information? "I do not know."
"Figures." She sighed and moved to lie beside Rin. "At least we have a common enemy if nothing else."
Maybe more than one. He thought grimly as he caught a glimpse of a crow sitting on a low branch across the meadow. It was a messenger crow belonging to one of the tengus from Soumei's clan. He didn't know to whom it responded to, but they were certainly being watched. Perhaps for longer than he had thought.
A/N: Let me know what you think but remember, reviews are appreciated but never necessary.
S.