The next day an azure blue sky washed away the inky night in one glorious sweep of morning. In the freshest light of day the wreckage in the dog demons gardens was catastrophic to behold. The war with Tsumetai had dragged on and on, wearing the castle structure down steadily. The tranquil ponds that once delightfully littered the gardens were now scorched and filled with brackish water. Countless walls had been destroyed and hastily remade, corpses of all shapes and sizes were strewn around the grounds like unwanted rubbish.
Whilst Kikyo and Rin rested through the small hours, Sesshomaru stalked the halls, waking his demon soldiers and demanding that they carry out various tasks. He checked that Rin was sleeping soundly every so often to keep his mind at ease. Rin's safety was a matter that caused him great stress usually, though he would not have it any other way. Rin was sleeping in the bedroom he had built for her for the first time, he would not have it spoilt by her being whisked away by one of Tsumetai's die hard soldiers. Sesshomaru recalled the sweet smile of happiness that gently lit Rin's face, the girl had practically burst with joy as they entered the castle. She truly believed her stay would be permanent, had Sesshomaru not promised it would be? Rin's warm brown eyes had seemed extra bright at the prospect.
Sesshomaru's mind tugged him back to thoughts of Kikyo throughout the early hours of the morning, his futile attempts to resist his musings failing miserably. The priestess had wasted no time in setting her schemes into motion, the consequence being that he had nearly arrived too late to save her. Kikyo had not ventured out of her chosen room since they had arrived back at the castle. She was visibly affected by Tsumetai's mental assault, perhaps she had still not recovered? But her soul collectors had been gathering souls for her tirelessly all night, perhaps she was still rejuvenating her clay body into one of flesh and blood.
Her pale face rose into Sesshomaru's mind once again, dogged determination and fatigue etched into her lovely features. Sesshomaru remembered his admiration for her looks last night and how he had summarised what an appealing human she would have made.
'Unlike the collection of bones and graveyard soil that she has become. Her form may look pleasing but she is still an undead spectre, nothing will change that,' Sesshomaru thought harshly, trying to fiercely to convince himself. He banished long black lashes and umber eyes from his mind. Today, he would broach the subject of Kikyo being Rin's companion. The priestess had the necessary skills that humans insisted on rearing their children with, and she was deadly when she put her mind to it. Kikyo has also made a lasting impression on Rin all those years ago, the young girl seemed to admire Kikyo when they had first met.
Unable to help himself, Sesshomaru strolled to the corridor that held Kikyo's new room. He could hear the unearthly sounds of her soul collectors drifting through the air. Sesshomaru quietly slid the door open and stared inside. The bedroom was filled with a glowing light, as if a dozen will o- the wisps had been trapped in the room. Kikyo's soul collectors floated around her lazily, their crimson eyes fixed on the dog demon with mistrust. Kikyo was slumped on the futon in the centre of the room, her eyes closed in slumber. Her soul collectors had done their job well, Kikyo's black hair shone once again and her pale skin glowed with health. The dog demon's eyes lingered on the priestess for longer than was needed. He closed the door quickly.
For the rest of the morning Sesshomaru threw himself into the rebuilding of his castle, he ordered for lumber to be fetched from the nearest forest, and stone to be carved and added to the surviving structure. He demanded that the more artistic demons in his service repaint each new section, and they began to frantically paint pictures of dragons and legendary demons on hastily repaired walls. One particularly clever demon did a mural depicting Sesshomaru's father Inu No Taisho, hoping to curry favour with the western lord. Sesshomaru ignored that particular demon just like all the others, even though he was secretly pleased with the artwork. He could not abide unctuous flattery.
Whilst his castle was slowly regaining a regal quality, Sesshomaru banded his soldiers together. Most of his soldiers were tired or injured, but Sesshomaru did not care. He sent them out into the dead zone to slaughter any of Tsumetai's remaining forces. He was not surprised when his soldiers returned, reporting that the barren wasteland that had served reluctantly as a battle field was completely deserted. Only the unmoving body of Tsumetai remained, as slack jawed as ever. With no army to fight, Sesshomaru ordered his soldiers to remain in the castle from now on, Rin's safety was his main priority.
Sesshomaru visited the now deserted front line himself and travelled to the dead zone that would now serve as Tsumetai's resting place. He inspected Tsumetai's sleeping form suspiciously. The frost demon was still sleeping, bound by Kikyo's arrow of sealing, and his position has not changed the slightest inch. However the frost engulfing Tsumetai's calves and sword had spread and become thicker than before, encasing the demon in a fine dusting of snow. It was an act of cowardice to cut down an opponent that could not defend himself. Sesshomaru was certain that the frost would act as a shield, preventing an attack anyway.
"How unfortunate that you met your end in such a way Tsumetai, and to a mere dead mortal no less," Sesshomaru sneered at the motionless frost demon, he hoped the ice ridden fool could hear him. Sesshomaru was surprised to find no one in the area surrounding Tsumetai, he had expected this "ally" to try and release his nemesis. But twenty miles in every direction was empty. Who was this ally of Tsumetai's? Would they want revenge? Sesshomaru was sure they would attempt to avenge the northern lord if the opportunity arose. Satisfied that Tsumetai was doomed, Sesshomaru left him there to rot for all eternity and returned to his half collapsed castle.
Sesshomaru flitted to different areas of his castle, determined to make it grander and more imposing than it had ever been before. He also wanted to improve the fortification on his castle, if he had done this beforehand Tsumetai's forces would not have got so dangerously close to swarming his home, which he had treated like an unwanted heirloom. Sesshomaru began to build a wall cutting off the stream from public use. Because he had inherited this castle from Inu No Taisho, the castle was primarily made of wood, as was the fashion back in his father's day. Sesshomaru knew stone would serve his purposes better and ordered for some of the more useless wooden walls to be remade from stone brought in from the Western Mountains.
Despite his overzealous activity, Sesshomaru felt like he was forgetting something that was at the back of his mind, clawing for a way to get out. What had he forgotten?
With a jolt Sesshomaru that stopped him in his tracks, he realised that Rin is a human and that humans needed food. The child was in an unfamiliar castle and did not know anyone. It was almost noon now, the girl would be starving.
Feeling an unusual rush of guilt drench his body, Sesshomaru followed Rin's scent rapidly, expecting to end up outside her bedroom. To his surprise Rin's room was empty. Had she gone wandering the halls looking for food? It was too much to hope that Jaken had provided sustenance for the girl, the imp was next to useless and probably as clueless as he was when it came to the needs of a mortal girl. When they had travelled, Rin had made do with eating berries and roots from the forest.
Sesshomaru followed his nose through the dining hall, leaping over the red silk cushions and low black marble tables. He found himself outside the castle kitchen, Sesshomaru could hear high pitched squeals of laughter coming from inside and entered.
A curious sight met his unflinching, golden gaze. Rin was sitting on the dusty floor due to the lack of tables and chairs in the kitchen, she held a woven basket in her hands and was merrily preparing to steam some grains of rice. Kikyo was handling the iron pot that had sat unused on the stove for years, no doubt she had had to brush cobwebs off the pot before using it. Sesshomaru had not even realised that he had a usable stove in his castle. The stove itself was made of unsteady stones and tiles that looked ancient, like they may collapse at any moment.
Kikyo was once again in her priestess robes with a white ribbon tying her hair back in a low ponytail. The pair of them had already made a selection of dishes to eat, including sweet potatoes, beans and rice cakes drizzled with honey. Some oiled vegetables and salted fish also sat ready, waiting to be accompanied by rice. Sesshomaru watched the two girls cooking until their meal was done, Kikyo handed Rin a bowl then began to make Rin some green tea. Laden with food and drink, Kikyo and Rin were making their way to the dining hall when they noticed Sesshomaru for the first time.
"Lord Sesshomaru! I'm so glad your back! Look what Lady Kikyo has made for me, this food looks delicious!" Rin said cheerfully as she set down her bowl on the black lacquer table in the dining hall, plonking herself on a cushion, crossing her legs with difficulty in her lemon yellow kimono. Rin eyes each dish thoughtfully for a time, before taking a small serving of each plate. Sesshomaru stared at the child in amazement until he realised he was blocking Kikyo's way. Sesshomaru moved slightly and Kikyo slunk passed him with the tea and some finely made clay cups. The priestess settled next to Rin and the two of them shared a smile of equal brightness, a smile full of trust and respect. Sesshomaru ambled into the dining hall after them, giving them sceptical glances. Kikyo bowed her head at Sesshomaru with a solemn formality, the smile that she had gifted to Rin vanishing when she set her gaze on the dog demon.
"Forgive me Lord Sesshomaru, I have used some of the food from your storage. I met Rin in the hall, we were unsure of when you would return, so I took the liberty of using your kitchen. Rin is…quite the remarkable child," Kikyo said, glancing at Rin fondly.
"Are you really Lady Kaede's sister, Lady Kikyo? You must be a lot younger than she is," Rin asked with a mouth full of rice. Sesshomaru remained by the door as they chatted, he noticed that Kikyo's hair was already escaping the low pony tail she had tied it up in. Kikyo did not serve herself any food, instead she merely sat beside Rin for company.
'Of course, she doesn't eat human food any more than I do.'
"I know it's hard to believe, but I am the elder sister. My human body died over fifty years ago. The demon witch Orasue stole my-"
"She's a spectre Rin, Lady Kikyo is not human. That's all you need to know," Sesshomaru interrupted rudely. He did not want to listen to her tragic story of life and resurrection. Hearing the details made her more than a spectre, they made her a being with thoughts, feelings and experiences. More solid than a shade.
Kikyo frowned at his unkind words, her dark eyes blazing. She opened her mouth to protest, glanced at Rin, and then shut her mouth again, nodding bitterly.
'She doesn't want to argue with me in front of Rin,' Sesshomaru realised, the minutest grain of guilt invading his non-existent conscience.
"That's so sad Lady Kikyo," Rin said in a caring voice, patting Kikyo's arm. Rin showed no fear or disgust at all, only an empathy that showed that the wisdom she had was beyond her young years.
"I would dearly love to see my sister Kaede again, but I would appreciate it if you did not mention my being alive to anyone in the village, at least…not yet," Kikyo said to Rin, pointedly ignoring Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru folded his arms, raising one delicate silver eyebrow. Rin nodded slowly at Kikyo's request, looking puzzled.
"But...wouldn't Kaede be happy to know you're here?" Rin asked.
"It's...complicated, but I will tell Kaede and ...and the others when I am ready. I fear that my desire to destroy Naraku meant that I overlooked my relationship with Kaede a great deal. Kaede is an old woman now and the time I can spend with her may be limited, especially in these violent times. She has done well to make it to such an age. How is Kaede faring these days?" Kikyo continued, Sesshomaru sensed she had an ease with children that extended beyond the point of her death.
'So Kikyo is that harridan's older sister. The last time I saw Kaede she was close to death. I guess Kikyo is unaware of this,' Sesshomaru thought, edging slowly further into the dining hall. A pile of cloth-of-gold cushions were piled at the head of the table, the place where he was meant to sit, though in truth he rarely bothered to show up for banquets. He did not sit however, choosing instead to hover nearby. In his mind even sitting near the priestess was breaching his decision to keep a respectful distance.
"Well… … I think she's OK, she has seemed rather tired recently. But she's so stubborn, I think she'll pull though," Rin said in an uncertain voice, struggling to pick up a piece of baked fish with her ivory chop sticks. Sesshomaru watched Kikyo frown at this vague answer, but the priestess did not contradict Rin or question her further.
"I'm not surprised, she is no longer the young girl that I am used to and must have changed in many ways. What about…Inuyasha and Kagome?" Kikyo asked in a hesitant voice, as if she was terrified of the answer. Sesshomaru stared at her anxious face curiously.
He only knew briefly of Kikyo and Inuyasha's relationship. When Naraku had attacked Kikyo at Mt Hakurei, Inuyasha had become so distressed that Sesshomaru almost wondered if he would commit suicide to follow her, he had even accused Sesshomaru of letting Kikyo die . When she did finally die, Inuyasha's tears had clogged his senses with misery. Yes, Inuyasha had certainly loved Kikyo. But Kagome was his wife now, how would Kikyo take that news? And how did Kikyo feel about Inuyasha?
Rin beamed at the priestess, "Oh they are fine! Their wedding was nearly year ago now. Sango and Kaede cooked food for the whole village and Kagome insisted on wearing a fancy white kimono. They seem really happy together. I like to think of that time, because that was when Kohaku was alive," Rin chattered, a hint of sadness in her eyes. Rin chattered about her life in the village and how Kagome and Inuyasha had not have any children yet, oblivious to Kikyo's reaction.
Sesshomaru was not oblivious and watched Kikyo's reaction carefully. The easy smile on her face darkened briefly with despair, like the sudden eclipse of shadow that comes with a crow's wing flying overhead and momentarily blocking the sun. One moment of sorrow alighted on her face, and she closed her eyes with its weight- the next second Kikyo had hardened against the pain and the expression was gone. A benign smile returned to her face before Rin even realised how her words had effected Kikyo. Sesshomaru's sharp eyes could not be fooled though.
'That pain I saw on her face…does the priestess have feelings for my brother?' Sesshomaru mused behind the girls. He hoped she did, then he could go back to treating her like nothing. The thought gave him a mixed feeling of relief and some other unidentifiable emotion.
Rin gathered up the empty plates and cups, dropping her chopsticks in her bowl with a clatter. Looking the picture of happiness, she skipped back into the dusty kitchen. Sesshomaru could hear running water and Rin's tuneless singing as she washed the utensils and bowls.
Kikyo rose gracefully from her cushion on the floor, she looked as calm and composed as ever, as if heartache and melancholy were beneath her. Sesshomaru knew with some certainty, that she would never ask about Inuyasha and Kagome again, her will was as hard and unyielding as the toughest diamond.
"May I have a moment of your attention Lord Sesshomaru?" Kikyo asked in a crisp voice. Sesshomaru nodded indifferently, looking slightly bored. The priestess's warm aura was gone, replaced with a business-like coldness. Was that because of what Rin had said about Inuyasha, or because she was talking to him?
"Is the northern lord still sealed?" Kikyo asked briskly, her deep brown eyes emanating an intense gaze that was captivating and disconcerting all at once.
"Your arrow is still in place, priestess," Sesshomaru confirmed, staring back at Kikyo in his usual stoic manner. He would not look away first, he was the lord here. Kikyo nodded, looking pleased but unsurprised at the news.
"Now that Tsumetai's power has been detained, I will be leaving your castle for elsewhere," Kikyo said. Her tone showed that she was not asking his permission, that she intended to go whether he wanted her to or not. Sesshomaru raised his eyebrows slightly, the only sign that he was surprised. He had not expected this abrupt self-dismissal. After all, where could an undead priestess really reside? Kikyo's wish to leave was ill-timed, when Rin so sorely needed a guardian and companion to keep her connected to the human way of living. Kikyo was the best person for the job, which had been irrevocably proven a few moments ago. Rin's dull life of drudgery before she had met Sesshomaru meant that for all her kindness, Rin was a mistrustful girl with most humans, her harsh life had forced her to be that way. If she sensed a person could be dangerous, she would never open up to them. However she had allowed Kikyo to care for her immediately, trusting the priestess wholly.
If Sesshomaru wanted Rin to stay without hassle and for her needs as a young girl to be met, Kikyo needed to remain with him. The idea irritated him, as he would have to give the impression that he needed her…which of course, he did. Perhaps he could spin his request in another, less weak angle?
"If I remember correctly, our agreement was to kill Tsumetai, not to pin him to a boulder in eternal sleep. I haven't seen any evidence that you have found this ally of his either. You have not held up your end of the bargain, spectre," Sesshomaru said, his expression warning her not to argue with him. Kikyo gave Sesshomaru an incredulous look, the sleeves of her kimono rustling as she crossed her arms in defiance. His comment was unfair, she had done more than enough, and Kikyo knew it.
"The frost demon has been rendered helpless, he can no longer attack your lands. There is no more help I can offer you. I am no spy that is able to seek out this ally, you must know that. The only way you can identify Tsumetai's benefactor, is if this ally comes out of hiding," Kikyo said in a carefully steady voice, as if she was trying to control her temper. Her eyes flickered with an exasperation that she did not bother to hide.
"And whilst this ally roams free, unseen and unknown by my forces, the north could still move against me. Don't be foolish priestess, this war is far from over. Until it is, I will not allow you to leave," Sesshomaru countered, bitterly resenting the fact that he needed a dead woman made from clay to bring up his own ward. Sesshomaru hoped this accusatory tactic would work, he hated asking for favours.
For a moment Kikyo simply looked furious, her irritation developing into an unquenchable fire. But she was not a woman to give into bouts of rage and she managed to hold her composure.
"I have already told you, Lord Sesshomaru, only Kagome and I are able to break that seal. His ally will not be able to break it. Kagome and I share the same soul and that is the only reason she can also destroy the arrow. It doesn't matter who this demon is or how they will retaliate, they have half the power with Tsumetai sealed. You could easily defeat the north now…So please…allow me to leave this place and move on," Kikyo said in a curiously weary voice, her face carried the heaviness of one that has seen too much in the world. His angle was not working, he was going to lose this battle of wills. His options were to either let Kikyo go and return Rin to Kaede, or swallow his unmovable pride and ask for her help.
He did not want to do either, he could not believe this spectre was getting the better of him…
But she was little more than a ghost…where could she go? What village would take her? If she did manage to reside in a human village, surely her secret would be discovered eventually and she would be driven from the area. After all, she clearly did not eat or age, humans were bound to notice that. Kikyo would eventually be chased away by humans carry scythes and pitchforks, cursing her to never enter their village again. The smallest, most wicked smile crossed Sesshomaru's face. Kikyo watched him warily.
"Tell me priestess, what happened at the last human village you resided in after your death? Did you leave of your own accord or were you chased out?" Sesshomaru asked quietly, he knew he had hit a nerve by the shocked look on Kikyo's face. The shock turned to sadness as she admitted the answer.
"...A monk tried to vanquish my soul to the netherworld," Kikyo said in a tight lipped voice.
"I see, and what did you do to him?" Sesshomaru asked.
"I… …I killed him," Kikyo whispered, looking vaguely in the distance, as if recalling an unsavoury memory.
"You can try and join humans once again, but they would only shun you once they found out what you really are. Your hag of a sister Kaede has been badgering me concerning Rin's upbringing... Apparently I don't allow Rin to stay in touch with her human roots, and by staying with me she would not develop as a human child should. She needs a companion, and that companion will be you," Sesshomaru demanded arrogantly, he had only dented his pride a small amount by making it sound like she had nowhere else to go. He did not even feel a shred of guilt this time, the stubborn priestess had deserved his harsh words.
"Kaede is a good child…I mean woman. I'm sure she only had Rin's best interests at heart by suggesting Rin has human contact. Though as you have argued before, I am hardly human," Kikyo said absentmindedly, seemingly lost in thought.
Sesshomaru watched as Kikyo gently bit down on one side of her plump, rosy lips. Her chocolate eyes sparkling with unseen thoughts. He remembered when he had first rescued her, laying her naked on his bed as soul collectors swarmed around them. Her shimmering body had been luscious and he recalled her soft, round breasts and slender legs.
To Sesshomaru's astonishment he felt his manhood stir in response, he had become aroused unexpectedly. The dog demon turned his back on Kikyo quickly and faced the kitchen door, he hoped Rin would not reappear.
'I have no interest in a dead mortal! A mere assortment of enchanted bones and graveyard soil! What is this feeling?' Sesshomaru hissed to himself furiously, feeling like his own body was betraying him.
"Lord Sesshomaru? Have I offended you?" Kikyo asked in a quizzical voice and Sesshomaru realised he must be acting peculiar whilst he battled with his own sexual desires. He needed to distract her until he calmed down, find a way to finalise the subject.
"The village where you used to live has been attacked by the same demon spiders that killed the boy Kohaku, Rin will be safer here under your protection," this information was next to useless, the spiders were probably so weak they were barely worth his attention and it had been decided already that they were not related to Naraku. Sesshomaru heard impatience leeching into his voice.
'I must distance myself from this undead woman as soon as possible."
"…The same clan of demons attacked my sister's village? This is strange news. Perhaps they have a grudge against the demon slayers, an old feud they are trying to settle? In any case, I'm sure Inuyasha can handle a few spiders," Kikyo said, a hint of pride in her voice.
Sesshomaru felt an unprecedented emotion boil to the surface, wiping out his feelings of arousal as effectively as if he were doused in a bucket of water. Sesshomaru turned back to the priestess slowly and realised Kikyo was watching him with mild amusement.
"You are right lord Sesshomaru," Kikyo said, understanding registering on her lush features, "No matter how far I travel, no matter how much I try and help people…all humans would inevitably see me as a monster… …So you can have your wish. I'll stay and care for Rin... for now at least." Kikyo gave Sesshomaru one last curious look, before she strode into the kitchen area after Rin.