InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Ever After ❯ Chapter 3

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Chapter 3
 
~*~Meanwhile, in the castle of the Western Lord~*~
 
“I presume, that you will take good care of Rin while I am away?” He raised his eyes, to a slightly flushed, female demoness, standing in front of him, his face as expressionless as usual.
 
“Hai, my lord.” She answered sincerely. “I will see to it that she is happy and safe, `til you return.
 
“All right then,” the daiyoukai rose, folding the scroll in front of him, before placing them on the shelf, near him. He turned to his toad servant, standing near the door, smiling to himself, a bit proudly. “Jaken?”
 
“Hai, my lord.” He immediately stood at attention, awaiting his master's orders.
 
“Make haste, we shall proceed to the eastern lands at once.” He turned to make his way towards his chamber, passing the demoness without a second glance, who only blushed harder, when his kimono brushed against her arms.
 
The daiyoukai had received an invitation from the eastern lord, a panther demon, to attend his daughter's wedding, to the southern lord. He absolutely detested such ceremonies, but he was obligated to attend it, for the eastern lord, Lord Katsuro, was an old friend of his father's, and had helped them a countless number of times, in their hour of need. The main reason why he hated going there, was that he was perfectly aware of the fact, that the invitation, was a chance for lord Katsuro to get him betrothed to one of his remaining, 23 daughters. Lord Katsuro was famous for bagging the most eligible candidates for his daughters, and Sesshomaru was a real jewel, compared to all others, in his eyes, and he was hell bent on getting him engaged to one of his cubs.
 
He sighed, as he opened the door to his chamber, closing it behind him, to walk to his large canopy bed, before he fell on it, with a dejected sigh. He had to be careful, very careful, or he would end up calling the eastern lord his father-in-law in a few days. He shuddered at the thought. He hated those obnoxious, snobby princesses, who knew nothing more than to brag about their jewellery, dresses and of their father's wealth and bravery. Instead, he wanted someone simple, someone who would understand him; his needs and love him regardless of his position, someone like… He shot up on his bed, into a sitting position, as the image of a monk, scratching the back of his head, laughing nervously, materialised in his mind.
 
`That was odd. Why would I think of that perverted houshi?' he wondered, however, before he could ponder anymore on this, his door flew open and he found his arms filled, with a small trembling bundle. Small arms encircled his neck, as Rin hid her face in his chest, sobbing hard. He too, embraced her, rubbing her back slightly, trying to soothe the distress child. She had been doing that a lot lately, and he had grown used to it. She had began to call him father, and he found, that instead of being insulted or angered, he was enjoying the attentions Rin gave him, and him, fitting into the role of a father, rather easily. He sighed, the girl could draw out the most usual part of anybody…except for Jaken maybe.
 
“P-please d-don't go f-father.” She hiccupped, looking up with tearful eyes, at the amber ones.
 
He wiped the tears off the little girl's face, before settling her more comfortably in his lap. “You, as well as I, know that this trip is very important for the welfare of my state...”
 
“B-but why can't Rin go?” she asked, not understanding the reason behind his denial of her accompanying him.
 
“Because, it is not safe for you there. Besides, I will be back within three days, while you will be with Shizuka…” He saw the slight smile, tugging at her lips, at the mention of the demoness' name.
 
He had very worried about Rin, taking her with him to the eastern lands, would not be safe. She would be looked down upon, and even seen as a threat, to the swooning demonesses. Lord Katsuro was ruthless, when it came to the matters of his daughters, and his personal gain, and Rin would become a prone target for assassination. That is why he had to leave her back at the castle, but the problem arose, of who will look after Rin. There was none, in his eyes, suitable enough, to take care of her, and leaving her with his servants and guard, would not be appropriate. Another reason for his worry, was that Rin had fallen victim to vicious nightmares, after the incident with Naraku, and often the little girl was found knocking at his door, in the dead of the night, trembling and sobbing, asking for sanctuary against the frightening dreams.
 
The thought of leaving Rin with Inuyasha and Kouga had crossed his mind, but it would be a long journey, too hectic for the poor child, and moreover, Inuyasha was nearing his date of delivery, and he didn't want to burden them anymore. Finally, Jaken suggested that there was someone, a young demoness, among the royal consorts of his imperial harem, named Shizuka, who would be appropriate for the job. She belonged to the thunder demon family, however, due the untimely death of her parents, she was sold into slavery, at an early age, ultimately, arriving at the castle, a few month ago, when Sesshomaru saved her from a group slave traders, who were trying to abuse her. Sesshomaru had all forgotten about her, but according to Jaken, she was a polite girl with a kind and caring heart, and was loved by all in the castle, and so, would be an excellent choice for Rin's caretaker.
 
Sesshomaru, although a bit reluctant at first, took Jaken's advice, and allowed her to mingle with Rin, and the result was an instant success. Rin took to the green-eyed demoness very well, the two becoming close, in a short period of time. Thus, finally satisfied with the arrangements (seeing the way Shizuka cared for Rin), he decided to leave Rin under her protection, while he attended the ceremony.
 
“All right.” Rin agreed weakly, while she cleaned her face, in her kimono sleeve, before she looked up slightly, at the lord's face. “But please be soon. Rin don't like it here without you.” This made him smile. He was doing that a lot these days, the famous cold-hearted assassin, had fallen prey, to the affections of a tiny ningen child, and there was no escape… not that he wanted to.
 
“Hmm, now go play. I have some matters to attend to, before I leave.” He said. The girl immediately leaned forward, kissing his cheek and jumped off his lap, running outside. He sighed, he was going soft, and this was not a good sign.
 
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
 
“Goodbye Father.” Rin waved, stifling a sniffle, watching the daiyoukai getting ready to leave. Beside her, stood Shizuka, holding on of her hands, while in the other hand, Rin clutched the reins of Ah-Un, who purred (which mostly came out as loud grunts), trying to soothe the saddened child.
 
“Stay safe Rin.” Sesshomaru wished, before he took off into the sky, along with Jaken.
 
Rin stood at the castle courtyard, `til Sesshomaru, was but a spot in the sky. Shizuka squeezed her hand gently, smiling, before she bent in front of her, wiping her face with a handkerchief. “Now don't worry Rin. Lord Sesshomaru would be back soon. In the meantime, why don't we have some fun.
 
“Fun?” Rin inquired, her eyes lighting up a bit.
 
“Hai. Remember the game you taught me yesterday, come on let's play that.” She suggested.
 
This seemed to cheer up the girl, and she smiled widely. “Okay, let's go then.
 
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
 
~*~The next day~*~
 
The next day started early, with Shizuka and Rin preparing for a small picnic, in the nearby woods. Shizuka, had come up with the brilliant idea to cheer Rin up, and also to keep her occupied. She smiled, as she watched the girl running through the kitchen, annoying the cook, to gather various provisions for the picnic; her idea had worked.
 
“Okay, I think we got everything.” Rin announced, before grunting, as she dragged the heavy picnic basket behind her.
 
“All right then, let's go.” Shizuka smiled, before picking up the basket in one hand, while holding Rin's in the other, they made their way to the courtyard, where Ah-Un stood waiting for them.
 
Moments later, they were heading into the western wood, through the sky way, on Ah-Un. Rin giggled, she always loved to ride Ah-Un this way; the wind blowing her hair, the feeling of nothing under her feet, and everything looked so tiny.
 
Soon they arrived at the chosen place. A small clearing within the forest, by a flowing river, and surrounded by sakura trees, with smooth grass covering the forest floor, along with small wild flowers, growing randomly within them. A light breeze blew, carrying the sakura peals along with it, the place was truly beautiful and quiet ,except for the chitterings of the insects.
 
“Oh Shizuka -san, I love this place!” Rin exclaimed, as she ran to stand beneath a tree, holding out her tiny hands, to catch the petals blowing in the wind. “It's so beautiful.
 
“I am glad you like it, Rin-chan.” Shizuka answered, as she unloaded the basket from Ah-Un's back, before scratching in between his ears, earning a happy grunt in return. “I come here often, it's quiet and peaceful, one of my favourite spots for relaxing.
 
“Hmmm…I just wish Sesshomaru-sama was here.” Rin sighed, her face falling a little.
 
Shizuka approached, placing a basket on the ground, before she moved to hold both her hands, looking into those large, slightly unhappy, eyes. “Well Rin-chan, when he comes back, you can ask him to come here for another picnic, ne?” She suggested.
 
“Hai.” Rin agreed, her face lighting up instantly, making Shizuka laugh. “Well, how about we play here for a while, then we can take a bath in the river and have the food. Do agree with me?”
 
Okay.” Rin nodded, before pulling out of her hands. “Shizuka-san, let's play hide and seek. Now close your eyes, turn around and count to ten, while I hide,” she instructed.
 
Shizuka chuckled, before she did as she was told. They played various games before Rin was worn out, and they decided to take a bath in the river. “Ah-Un, look after the food while we are away,” Shizuka ordered the beast, who whined in response, before adding with a smirk, “and don't you dare think about putting your mouth in it.” Ah-Un snorted.
 
They made their way to the river laughing and talking among themselves. Rin loved every moment she spent with, her Shizuka-san. She was glad lord Sesshomaru had picked such a nice `lady' to look after her. She was kind and gentle, cared for her like her mother, played with her and told her stories, and she was so beautiful, with pale flawless skin, long ebony hair, that reached down her waist, and two emerald orbs, that always glowed with a certain light. Time flew with her however, she still missed her father, but smiled, realizing that he would be back the next evening.
 
They approached the riverbanks, and Rin squealed at the sight of the clear water, rushing lazily, over large boulders, and soft and small stones. She ran to the banks, scooping up small amounts water, in her tiny hands and splashing it on Shizuka, giggling all the while. Shizuka laughed, as she did the same, both engaged in a small water-splashing fight. When they finally recovered from the bouts of laughter, and were almost half drenched, Shizuka asked Rin to get undressed behind a large boulder, so that they could take their bath. Rin nodded, running behind it while Shizuka stretched her senses, making sure that they were alone. Suddenly, Rin screamed, and she turned around, running to the girl. She approached, behind the boulder, to see Rin kneeling over an unconscious man, she was trying to shake the man awake. As she approached the girl, who looked up at her, with a worried look on her face.
 
“Shi-Shizuka-san, it's houshi-sama, he doesn't get up.
 
“Move, let me see.” She knelt beside Rin. putting her hands on his neck. to check his pulse. The man looked bad, very bad, his body had gone a deathly shade of blue, confirming, venom in his blood stream, there was a large wound on the side of the forehead, and his right hand was bent at an impossible angle, probably broken, she would have thought that the man was dead, if not for the light rising and falling of his chest, and the sound of faint breathing.
 
“Is -is he dead?” Rin asked, now on the verge of tears.
 
No,” came the reply. “He is still alive, but barely. Rin-chan, how do you know this person?”
 
“He-he saved me from Naraku, please, please Shizuka-san, please help him.” Rin pleaded.
 
“All right, Rin-chan, get Ah-Un over here, quickly.” She ordered to the girl, who nodded uncertainly, still too shocked to react. “Go!” she repeated, watching the girl jerk awake from her thoughts, before she ran off towards Ah-Un's direction.
 
Shizuka turned her attention to the injured man, inspecting him for the bite wounds; she soon found them on his leg, and tore a strip of her kimono sleeve, to wrap it tightly around the wound. The skin around the puncture marks, had gone a deep shade of purple, with pus mixed with blood, oozing out of it. `Probably the work of a snake demon' she concluded, as she tore another piece, before soaking it with water, to wipe the wound on his head. She wondered how the man was alive, after suffering such injuries; only a human with immense internal strength, could survive such injuries.
 
Soon, Rin returned with Ah-Un, and Shizuka picked up the limp form carefully, using her demon strength, and placed him on Ah-Un, all the while, mindful about the broken arm. She then placed Rin on the beast, before she climbed on his back. “Ah-Un, to the castle and fast.” Ah-Un grunted, as he took off towards home immediately, at high speed.
 
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
It was late afternoon by the time Ah-Un descended on the palace courtyard. Rin suggested, that Miroku should be taken to her room. Shizuka was a bit unsure of Rin's decision, fearing Sesshomaru`s wrath, however, Rin's insistent pleading, and her assurance, that Sesshomaru will not be offended by it, or if he did, she will bear the consequences, made her finally agree. Miroku was hauled, quickly, to Rin's chambers, with the help of some servants.
 
The man's condition, was rapidly deteriorating, and they had to work fast. However, finding a proper healer in the caste was difficult, for demons did not need one usually, their power, letting them heal any wound rapidly, themselves. Fortunately, Shizuka was well acquainted with the art of healing, her mother being a healer to the royal thunder family, before she died. So, the young demoness took the matter into her hands immediately, shouting various orders to the servants, and Rin. Soon, boiling water was brought in, along with small knives from the kitchen, needles, threads, linens and clothes, and the monk was disposed of, his wet, soppy clothing, and laid on the bed carefully, under the warm fur covers. The fireplace was lit, and Rin brought the medicine bag from Shizuka's room.
 
Shizuka set to work, instantly pouring various powders, out of small boxes and strange foul smelling liquids, from glass vials. She poured a pale yellowish liquid into a bowl of boiling water, before soaking the knives and needles in them, and asked Rin to make a paste out of some herbs and powders, while she worked on the monk's head injury, quickly cleansing it, and dressed the wound. Then she moved to his leg, and taking the knife, made a small incision on it. Blood, along with pus poured out, and were cleansed thoroughly. However, Shizuka's main concern lay elsewhere. The swelling and purple colouring of the skin, surrounding the punctures, confirmed that the wounds; the demon had released its fangs in them, which had to be taken out immediately. She used a needle to probe through the wound, and finally dug out the small fangs, before holding them carefully with forceps, and threw them into the fireplace.
 
“Shizuka-san?” Rin called.
 
“Hmmm?” Shizuka wiped the sweat across her forehead, as she stitched the wound together, before applying the salve Rin brought in, slowly, over the wounds.
 
“Why did you throw those things into the fire?” Rin questioned, as she dabbed a wet clothe on the monk's forehead. Miroku still looked bad, but the blue colour was slowly fading from his skin, and his breathing was stronger than before.
 
“It's because, the fangs of snake demons are unique, when bitten by one, the fang stays in the wound, causing the poison to slowly mix with the blood, however, if taken out, it tries to find a new victim to inflict a wound on, unless it is burned.
 
“So, is houshi-sama gonna be all right?” she inquired again, as she looked down at his limp form.
 
“I hope so Rin-chan.” She answered, as she began to bandage his broken arm, before placing it in a sling. “Don't worry Rin-chan, this human is strong, and has survived for so long, with the poison in his body. I am sure he will pull through. Here, hold this.” She handed her a mug of foul smelling medicine, and asked the servants to help her get him up a little, while she took the medicine, and poured it down his throat. “This should counter the effect of the toxin. Now, all we can do is wait.”
 
Shizuka watched from the corner of her eye, the troubled expression on Rin's face. Perhaps the child was wiser than she thought. Although the houshi had great inner strength, he had no demon blood running through his veins, and he had gone too long without treatment, so the venom had spread threw his system. Her treatment would probably save his life, but she feared that he may not arise from his sleep... ever. She only hoped that the monk had enough will to live, to bring him out of the coma-like state, he was in now. It all depended on what Miroku wanted….
 
“Rin-chan?”
 
“Hai?”
 
“Let's go have some food, it's time for dinner and you haven't eaten anything all day.” She saw the girl hesitate a bit, and added. “Let him rest Rin-chan, and come with me, you need your rest too, or Sesshomaru-sama will say that I didn't take care of you.
 
Rin nodded slowly, she didn't want anyone getting into trouble because of her, much less Shizuka, whom she was beginning to see as a mother figure.
 
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sesshomaru growled in exasperation, as he flew with incredible speed, towards the castle. Alongside him, Jaken trembled, he had never seen his lord in such a foul mood, and if he was, he never showed. But today was different, lord Sesshomaru couldn't seem to control his anger and frustration, and he knew that this meant trouble, him being at the receiving end, several times.
 
It seems, Lord Katsuro, had somehow managed to discover a means, to send one of daughters to `visit' the western lord's castle during the ceremony, and now, Sesshomaru had to play the nice host, and endure her for the rest of the month.
 
He snorted, remembering the lord's words, as he took him aside to discuss an `important' matter with him. “My Dear Sesshomaru, I am absolutely enthralled by the way you've taken up your father's position after his death. Without you, my boy, the lands would have fallen into chaos. You really made your ancestors, and all of us proud.
 
When Sesshomaru thanked the lord for his…ahem generosity, he could feel something truly wrong, for the eastern lord's unctuous behaviour, was only the beginning of an enormous storm. His instincts told him to run as far as he could, from the corpulent lord, but he stood, rooted to the ground, awaiting his death sentence.
 
“Oh, do know you that my daughter, Takehiko, was absolutely delighted to hear about you, she had heard a lot about the beauty of your lands, and was very keen on visiting them for a long time…”
 
“Hai…Lord Katsuro…”
 
“I would be happy, if you accompany her sometime. She would love it,” he added, fixing Sesshomaru with a piercing glare.
 
“Hn… perhaps you could tell her to visit sometime…” That's when Sesshomaru realized he had made the biggest mistake of his life, for the eastern lord seized the moment, to weigh of him, the most baneful task of the whole world.
 
“Excellent! Excellent! I am happy to know that. You would enjoy her company very much, she is a spirited and lovely child, and just what your castle needs. I will inform her at once, that she is free to visit the western lands when all this is over, which is probably tomorrow.”
 
If Sesshomaru weren't apt at hiding his emotions, he would've choked on the wine. This was something he had dreaded, all the while. He knew, that once this Takehiko came to his palace, she was very likely to try all means, to become the lady of the castle, something he would never want, as long as he was alive, which was several thousand years.
 
“Lord Katsuro”, he began in his usual heartless voice. “I would be obliged to have your daughter at my palace, but please be so kind as to grant me some time to make the palace befitting, for her arrival. It wouldn't be proper to take a guest of high status and honour, such as your daughter, to come to my castle without a proper welcome.”
 
Lord Katsuro pondered on this for moment, before he grinned widely “Very well lad, I shall give the time of one week, to ready your palace.”
 
Sesshomaru was about to extend the time, when they were approached by some other guests, and lord Katsuro left his side, to talk to them. He just stood, trying hard to get a grip on his instincts to throw the lord in the nearest stone wal,l and then use his claws to rip out his guts, as he crippled the bejewelled wine goblet in his hand. He took a few breaths, calming his anger, and letting the mask of indifference cover his true feelings, once again.
 
So, the next morning he left as early as he could, for he did not want to come face to face the lord, lest he really tear him apart. However, this didn't lift his mood, for once, the emotions showed on his face. Lady Takehiko was the most obnoxious, snobbish, loud-mouthed bitch, he had ever encountered in his life. She had been sticking to him like glue all ceremony, flaunting herself and her dresses, and constantly trying to seduce him. No matter how many cold and deathly looks he gave her, she didn`t seem, unnerved by them as she continued to throw herself at him every chance she got. And now, this demoness was coming to HIS castle, for A MONTH.
 
`How did I let myself fall into this trap. Curse you lord Katsuro, if not for your relationship with my father, and your debts, I would've ripped you apart, for your meddlesome nature' he seethed, his eyes flashing crimson. `However, I shall not allow some lowly, ostentatious, demoness get into my bed.' A vicious smile crossed his lips `Let her come, maybe staying in the castle will clear her conception of her importance and status, in my life'
 
“My lord, My Lord,” the croaking brought an end to his calming thoughts about torturing the visitor, and he glared at his servant, who immediately covered his head in fear.
 
“What is it Jaken?”
 
“My lord, we are nearing your castle,” the hikigaeru informed.
 
Sesshomaru looked down, and saw his castle at a distance, caught up in his thoughts, he hadn't noticed he had come so near. He took deep breaths, calming some of his anger. It would not be good to meet Rin like this, he landed on his balcony, throwing Jaken carelessly, somewhere into his room, before he strode through his bedchamber and living room, to make his way down the hallway to Rin's living quarters. However, as he stepped into the hallway, a certain stench of sickness and injury, together with the odour of herbs and medicines, hit his sensitive nose. He sped up, passing the saluting guards and the bowing servants, without a second look, as concern for his human daughter's health, began to eat at him. He was so caught up in the moment, that he could not even place another familiar scent, that evaded his senses, along with the others.
 
He breezed through Rin's living chamber, to approach the doors to her bedchamber, pulled them open and froze. Lying on Rin's bed, covered by furs, was the last person he wanted to encounter at the moment. Beside him, Shizuka sat, sleeping on the ground, with her hand holding a cloth placed on Miroku's forehead, while Rin was curled up on the couch, under a blanket.
 
His eyes returned the monk's pale face and his shallow breathing. He closed the door behind him slowly, a thousand questions welling up in his mind, as he stealthily moved towards the large bed.
 
“Sesshomaru-sama?” He turned sharply at the voice, to see Rin sitting up slowly, on the couch and rubbing her eyes, as she tried to discern whether the figure before her, was real or the effect of restless sleep, and endless longing for her father's return.
 
“What is the monk doing here?” Sesshomaru inquired, more curious than angry, at the houshi's presence, in the very room of his daughter. He slowly moved towards the couch, fixing the human child with a hard glare.
 
“Father, you're back!” Rin smiled, as she encircled her arms around the daiyoukai, hugging his waist. Sesshomaru sighed, as he sat down beside her.
 
“Rin, tell me what is Miroku doing here, and where are the others?” he questioned, feeling sadness and worry, radiate from her in waves
 
Ummm… we found him down by the lake, in the forest. He was badly hurt, so Rin asked Shizuka-san to bring here, and to my room to treat him,” she informed. “Shizuka-san and Rin had been taking care of him, since last night. Rin thinks that houshi-sama is going to die,” she added, with a sniffle.
 
“Sessho-Sesshomaru-sama! You're back” Sesshomaru turned his attention, to the bowing thunder demoness in front of him.
 
“Hai. Rin, go and wash your face, and get something to eat, while I talk with Shizuka.” Sesshomaru ordered the small child, placing a small kiss on her forehead. Rin nodding slowly, before getting up, to proceed towards the washroom.
 
“Have you been treating the monk?” Sesshomaru turned his attention to the thunder demoness.
 
“Hai my lord, “ she answered. “He was attacked by a snake demon, and its venom now runs in his blood. Rin-chan told me she knows the monk, and since there were no proper healer in the castle, I treated his injury, but….”
 
Sesshomaru looked at her silently, urging her to continue.
 
“My lord, at first he seemed to recover a bit, but suddenly, sometime during the night, he started convulsing and ran a high fever. The poison has been in his blood for too long my lord, and he is but a mere human. I thought my herbs could cure him, but he is dying my lord. He doesn't have much time.
 
A hard sob, made them both turn, to Rin standing on the doorway. Tears ran down her cheeks freely, as she ran across the room, before falling on Sesshomaru's knees. “Please father, save him. I don't want houshi-sama to die.” She sobbed. She looked up, with pleading eyes, towards the daiyoukai. “He-he saved my life, please don't let him die.
 
“Rin-chan?” Shizuka tried to get near the child.
 
“No! Father you've got to save him, I know you can.” She said, stubbornly.
 
Sesshomaru sat there, his eyes travelling from his sobbing daughter, to the prone figure, that lay on the bed. Indeed, the monk was dying; his heartbeats were getting slower and slower, skin slowly taking on the shade of blue. `Humans are such fragile creatures' he mused, as he got up to walk to the bed. He knew about snake demon venom, only strong demons, had the ability to negate the effect, of such venom, while human were too weak to fight it, it was miracle that the monk was still alive. He felt his heart wrench, at the thought of Miroku's death, and it surprised him. Had it been any other time, he simply would have let the houshi die, but now…
 
`Why do I feel so much for the monk? Why does it pain me, thinking of his death? He is nothing but a nuisance, and the world would not miss the death of a mere human, then why is it, that I cannot seem to watch him like this…'
 
“Father, please.” Rin begged again.
 
`Hmmm, perhaps I should consider the means to save him, after all, I don't want to Rin to suffer, but I know not of a way to do so, except…' He turned sharply, after asking Rin and Shizuka to stay there, and made his way to the library. He had heard of something that could be done to cure a human of such venom, but couldn't recall what. It was something his father had done to Inuyasha's mother, when she procured some heavy injury by a snake demon, during one of the raids (a/n: Inuyasha's mother was said to be a demon slayer remember?).
 
He searched through the library, looking through every bookshelf, every corner, for a diary, a diary his father kept, but to no avail. It had long vanished, before his father died, and he did not feel the need to search for it and read it, as he had stealthily done, when he was just a pup. This was one of his most joyous memories, and it vexed the former InuTaisho to no end, that his son always found it, no matter where he would hide it in the castle.
 
Suddenly, a thought came to him, and he moved to the heaviest and biggest shelf, before moving it effortlessly, to reveal the stone wall, with a small panel, with strange intricate designs, of leaves and branches, made on it. He flexed his claws, before using one, to move through the design once, the branches and leaves, shifted and turned, revealing another panel, with an exquisite image of a dog demon, in its original form, carved on it. He concentrated, trying to remember just how, he had seen his father open the lock, many years ago, when he was hiding in the library, under the desk. He eyes travelled through the image, before resting on the forehead, where a sun was neatly curved, a sign of supremacy in the inu family, a sign which Inuyasha now bore on his forehead.
 
He cracked his claws, to obtain a single droplet of poison on his fingertips, and touch it to the sun on the inu's forehead. He prayed that his poison was strong enough to do the job. Soon, the image began to glow, as the sun shown bright green and the poison spread through the entire image, illuminating it, before a large click was heard and the wall slid aside, revealing a small room. He smiled triumphantly, as he stepped into the surprisingly clean room, his eyes stopping in the middle of a golden shelf ,on which lay, the diary of his father.
 
`So, this is where father hid all his secrets.' He moved to take the leather covered diary, in his hands and opened it, hastily searching, until he found the page. He read through it thoroughly, understanding each and every detail before he closed it, and placed it back. He moved out of the room and the wall shut of it own accord, some old magic, the daiyoukai presumed. The method to counter the effects of the snake venom was simple, yet whether or not he was ready to do it, was another question. He recalled the words of his father in the dairy, as he made his way to the Rin's chamber…
 
`A human infected by the venom of a deathly Snake youkai, can only be cured through a blood bond…A bond between a powerful youkai of higher section, with the victimised human. The bond formed, shall bind the human to youkai forever, and also form a telepathic bond, which will allow the youkai to sense and perceive, all his thoughts and emotions. The bond shall bring forth changes, to the blood flowing through the veins of the human ,allowing him to counter the effects of the venom. However, as a result of this he may go though certain changes, which cannot be predicted beforehand.
 
Only a youkai, with the gift of poison, bestowed on him at birth can perform this bond. However, after the bond is formed, the youkai and the human will share the same breath and should anything happen to the youkai or the human, the other will suffer the same consequence as well.
 
The requirements for the performing a blood bond, is, as follows…'
 
Sesshomaru walked through the corridors, deep in thought. `Have I not enough burdens, than to add a perfectly, ill behaved, lecherous and uncouth boy, to my list. Will it be worth it? However, Rin seems to be recklessly determined to save the monk ,and he did try to save Rin's life once, at the cost of his own, therefore it would be good to pay the debt. Moreover, I shall be able to determine how he managed to get himself into this position. However, he would be forever bound to me, will he accept it.'
 
He snorted, since when did he begin to care, what the others would think of his actions? Humans were nothing in his eyes, mere instruments, to be possessed and dominated. He still had his dislike for humans, and except for Rin, none had any value to him.
 
`Perhaps, I should save him. It would interesting to see the bond at work, as long as it is just one way' he thought, remembering more of what he had read from the passage.
 
`Should a mating bond be formed after two weeks of the blood bond, the telepathic link, shall become available to the human as well. But ,until then the benefit of the bond shall solely lie with the youkai, who had performed it'
 
He smirked. There was no possibility of him, mating with a human, much less, a lewd person like Miroku. He would never lower himself to that; moreover, he didn't want to be bound, in the ties of mating. He loved being free, no loose strings attached, and was perfectly contented with Rin, as his daughter and had enough heirs from his brother, to continue his reign after his passing. He didn't need anyone more, neither human nor demon. (a/n: yeah right)
 
`But, it would be a good opportunity to tame the monk. It has been long, since he had some fun, after Inuyasha had settled down with Kouga, he never got the chance to `play' anymore. And the monk would be the perfect opportunity, to provide entertainment. It would be very amusing to see the monk reacting to the new life…very, very, amusing. Yes, that was an excellent idea. Poor monk, he will have no idea as to what hit him. `
 
A certain scream made him snap out of his musings, and he rushed to its direction. He reached Rin's bedchamber, to her screaming like a mad banshee, tears streaming down her wide eyes and fear radiating from her in waves. He followed her eyes, and at once made his way to the bed. Miroku was convulsing violently, as he tried to gulp in air, with his mouth. A small trial of blood, flowed out of his mouth, as Shizuka and others held onto him, watching him helplessly, as he neared his death. Sesshomaru reacted instantly, for there was no time to decide what was to be done. “Shizuka, do you have the mixture you gave him for calming the venom in his blood?
 
“Hai, my lord” she replied, “but it is having no effect on him.
 
“Give it to me and then leave this room. Take Rin and the others with you.”
 
“My lord?!”
 
“Do as I say!” He snapped, making the demoness jump. “Close the door behind you and do let no one ente,r until I say so.” She quickly did as she was told, and ushered the others out of the room, before taking an extremely distressed Rin, along with her
 
He took a mixture and sniffed it carefully, trying to determine the ingredients. Miroku was coughing up more blood, and his heartbeat was becoming slower and slower, Sesshomaru had to work fast, if he intended on saving him.
 
Satisfied with the ingredients of the mixture, he took a small knife, laying on the nearby table; made a small cut in his wrist, allowing the dark blood to blend with the it. When he was satisfied with the amount, he brought his hand up to lick it, the cut, closing instantly. Next, he allowed a few drops of his poison, to mix with it. Then moved to sit beside Miroku, placing his hands on his forehead to utter some words, which made the monk fall in the bed, limply. He picked up the monk immediately, ignoring the fetor of blood and impending death, and held the bowl to his chapped lips, slowly pouring the mixture into his throat. Miroku coughed a few times, but finally managed to swallow all of it. He laid the monk back on the bed, before placing the bowl on a nearby stand, and reached for a cloth, to gently wipe the blood off his lips and throat.
 
`Now for the final part.' He mused thoughtfully; gently bent down, his lips closing over the monk's dried ones, shared a breath with the monk, infusing a great deal of youki with it. His eyes closed in concentration, feeling his spirit, binding with that of the Miroku's, their soul becoming one, as one's heart began to beat in tune with the other's, the dying flame of Miroku`s soul, blazed with a renewed strength. Miroku's eyes snapped open, widening, and he struggled lightly, his body arching into a tight bow, as he fed on the daiyoukai life-force, as his blood burned, defeating the murderous venom from his blood and system, once and for all.
 
Sesshomaru couldn't stop the shudders, that ran rampant, through his entire being. His vision faded, before he found himself, drifting in and out of different phases, each marking the essential moments of Miroku's entire life, both joyous and sorrowful. He saw young Miroku struggling in Mushin's arms, as his father was engulfed by the black hole in his hands, he saw him crying pitiful in his dreams, calling out to his papa, each and every hardship he had to deal with, as he grew up, the village boys running away from him, as he accidentally released his kazaana, engulfing a whole tree. He saw him laughing, as he gulped down jars after jars of sake with Mushin, and making, rather lewd jokes, he as an adolescent Miroku, sitting by a small river, cursing himself slightly, as the girl he once loved, was carried in a palanquin, to her husband's house. He saw him growing more and more fearful, of meeting the same fate as his father, as time passed, and saw him flirting relentlessly, with each and every moment. He saw the time when his kazaana enlarged, and he came to death, the bond he developed with Inuyasha, Sango and Kagome. And finally, came the moment when he saw the monk sigh continuously, looking up at the moon, as a name fell off his lips.
 
“Sesshomaru…”
 
The visions faded, as the real world materialized before him, as Sesshomaru found himself, still locked in a kiss, with the monk. He closed his eyes again, fiercely claimming those soft lips, forgetting that he was quite finished with the bonding. It was only when Miroku's eyes closed once more, and his body went limp on the bed, that he realised what he had done, and released the houshi immediately, letting him fall in the soft cover. He sat beside him in a daze, touching his lips unconsciously, with his two fingers, never noticing, that as Miroku's breathing even out, and his heartbeat grew stronger. He did not even notice a single lock of his mane, bleached white, adding more to his beauty, as he got up without a second look, to stride towards the door, the thoughts in his mind clouded, with the sensations that coursed through him, in that brief moment, the warmth that settled in his stomach, and the molten lava, that ran through his veins, arousing such feelings, as he never felt before.
 
He stepped out, where Rin and Shizuka were waiting, impatiently. “The monk is all right now, you may go inside.” With that, he rushed past them, leaving a bewildered human and a demoness, behind. He dashed through the corridors, reaching his chamber, in the wink of an eye, and closed the doors after picking up a dozing Jaken, and flinging him into the hallway.