InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Surprise my mind ❯ Part VII ( Chapter 7 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

“My love's more richer than my tongue.” William Shakespeare, King Lear

“Love sought is good, but giv'n unsought is better.” William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night

“The course of love never did run smooth.” William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream

“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.” William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream

Chapter Seven, Part VII

Naraku moved restlessly through the forest, before halting at the cliff in which led to the place where Ryukotsusei had once been sealed away by the great dog demon's fang. Now, there was only rubble among the stone and dirt where Ryukotsusei had, no doubt, thrown his tantrum. Naraku smiled to himself darkly, knowing that the demon was becoming more and more impatient - however, they had no choice but to wait for King James' reply. Naraku had promised that he would wait for him to make a decision and he would wait for as long as needed. The only thing that troubled him was Sesshomaru. His eyes narrowed on the rubble. If Sesshomaru decides to act, then Ryukotsusei and I will also act. He smirked, turning and returning to his castle. The dog-demon is becoming attached to that girl, Rin. If I then threaten Sesshomaru, I will have the throne of England to myself! And, with Inuyasha unwell, Kikyo dead, and Kagome at the hanyou's side, I should have no trouble being able to control Japan as well. He chuckled under his breath. But before I take Sesshomaru's young plaything, I shall first decipher his actions. He can be easily read - if I observe him closely. Inuyasha isn't going to be doing much else lately. He'll die from his throat being torn up from his stomach acid before he recovers. “It's foolproof,” Naraku said aloud as he entered his castle. Kanna slowly turned her head to him. “Show me Sesshomaru,” he ordered. The mirror went misty, before showing Lord Sesshomaru in his carriage, glaring at something outside.

Once again, it was snowing. The substance was relentless. Sesshomaru was irritated at being called to the castle so soon after he had woken up. He didn't really need any sleep, but when he did get it, he preferred to sleep long hours. It always seems that the king is interrupting it, too, he added to himself, silently cursing the king and all his ancestors. I would be intelligent to leave him to be feasted on by Naraku and Ryukotsusei, however...However, there was the matter of Rin's safety. If Naraku invaded England and took the throne, he would send demons out to devour every human alive and Sesshomaru knew that he might not be able to keep her alive - especially if he was defending his own life. Either I defeat Naraku andRyukotsusei or...Or nothing, he decided. I will not flee England simply because they believe I'm going to stand back and allowthem to kill her. I've promised to protect her and I will neverbreak a promise. He shot a dirty look at the snow that was falling down. Even if it means losing my pride and dignity, he decided reluctantly. The girl he now had as a guest in his home depended on him completely and Sesshomaru had no problem with her being there. He could almost admit to liking her - but not aloud. Though, if he hadn't grown slightly attached to her, he wouldn't have the problem of needing to defeat Naraku and Ryukotsusei. Why don't those idiotic do-gooders that Inuyasha is so fond of do something? He wondered petulantly. It would save me the trouble of having to `save the day.' The carriage stopped and the door swung open. Sesshomaru stepped out and cast his driver a warning glance. He sweated nervously and bowed his head, saying, “Should I stay and wait for you out here, milord?”

“That would be an intelligent notion, wouldn't it?” Sesshomaru glared at him. Last time the idiot was almost more than an hour late and he had had a pile of snow on his head and was freezing. The impertinent fool apparently didn't know how to tell time. That, or he had been romping with some servant girl. If Sesshomaru found that were the case, he would have his driver out on the streets without a recommendation. The driver's face was white as he shut the carriage door and left to wait for his master. Sesshomaru half-stormed to the palace, his silver hair fluttering against the wind that threatened any who dared to challenge it. Ignoring the guards, the demon strolled into the palace without a glance to the mortals that were wandering the halls. A few who recognized him cowered back from him, but he was in no humor to revel in their fear that day. He was moody, tired, and his whole body was aching at that moment. He threw the doors open and James turned in surprise, along with the many humans that were present. Grimacing, the king smiled a bit shakily.

“Lord Sesshomaru,” he greeted, “you are here. How excellent.” Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed into a spiteful look. The king winced and ushered him over. The humans hastened out of his way and they should have been thankful for their wits. Had any of them simply brushed up against Sesshomaru, their lives would have been taken immediately. James stood up off his chair and left towards a door that led to a drawing room. Sesshomaru followed him, unwillingly curious about what the king could want from him - and when he had an audience, too. When he closed the door behind him, James, without delay, spoke, “I'm glad that you did not dally when answering to my call, Lord Sesshomaru.”

“I had better have a good reason why you interrupted my sleep,” Sesshomaru growled at him, in no mood for small talk. Evidently, James was in no mood for it, either. The king began to pace back and forth, his robes fluttering behind him.

“The fact of the matter is that I have more pressure on me, my lord,” he explained. “Ryukotsusei and Naraku will wait for as long as it takes for me to make a decision, but their demons continue to come into England - to watch me, you see - and they are killing off the human community. The only problem is that I can't prove that it is they. I am only assuming. It's a right justification, though, is it not, Lord Sesshomaru? They are the ones, are they not?” He halted in his pacing and turned to the demon, who was staring at him blankly. “Isn't it?”

“Why did you allow them in England, then, James, if they are Naraku's demons?” The king stared at him, slightly startled. He should have expected Sesshomaru to analyze every possibility and problem.

“I don't,” he replied honestly. “They sneak in here and I'm just assuming that it is them, my lord. There has not been so many mortal deaths in such a short amount of time. Soon, the human population will be completely gone!” Not if I can help it, Sesshomaru thought, thinking of only one human that he intended on keeping alive. “Ah, speaking of humans...I wanted to ask you about young Rin that you are harboring, Lord Sesshomaru.” Sesshomaru merely stared at him blandly, uninterested in what the king had to say about the whole matter between him and his ward. “Don't you suppose you are being a little...Oh, what's the word...?” James smiled to himself, looking thoughtful. “...Domineering of this girl? I mean, I understand your concern, my lord of demons, but is it truly necessary to be so protective of her?”

“...Are you implying something?” Sesshomaru asked, his eyes becoming dark. James' lips thinned and he lowered his eyes briefly.

“I simply think that you shouldn't become too emotionally involved to her,” he told him carefully. He regretted his words, seeing the look of death that Sesshomaru sent him. James swallowed and took a step back from him, smiling shakily. “Don't take me wrong, my lord, it's just that you don't know her as well as you might think. She isn't some kind of - ”

“Emotionally involved,” Sesshomaru repeated, ignoring the words that had followed. “What, James, gave you the idea that I am emotionally involved with her?” The king's face fell and his eyes darted back and forth nervously, before he looked to the demon once again. “Well?”

“...Would you have gone after her enemies if you cared nothing for her?” James asked boldly. Sesshomaru had an odd expression that the king didn't trust one bit. He watched as Sesshomaru's eyes slowly moved from him to the window, almost as though he was regaining his serenity. As James watched him, he saw that he was thinking up an answer to his question. He doesn't know, the king realized. He doesn't have a reply.

“I don't have time for this,” the demon told him at last, his eyes no longer a dark shade. “It's no concern of mine what Naraku's demons do to your humans.”

“Sesshomaru, it is your responsibility to control the demons in England!” James pointed out, his voice taking a high pitch. Panic buried itself in his stomach as Sesshomaru moved towards the door. He had been depending heavily on the demon to defeat Naraku and keep his empire in order, but...

“I refuse to do anything, especially when it doesn't involve my normal clients. However,” Sesshomaru paused at the door and eyed James, “if those demons are foolish enough to harm any human servant in my household, then I will do something about them.” He opened the door and shut it after he had exited. James stared at the door, a bit stunned. In other words, he thought,you will do something only if your girl-child is harmed.

Naraku smiled as he watched Sesshomaru leave the palace. Oh, how transparent you are, Sesshomaru! He thought with a snicker. You believe that no one knows how much you care for the girl that is under your protection, but it is more than obvious to James and I. He waved a hand and Kanna's mirror clouded, before showing Naraku's reflection. Sesshomaru, you don't seem to realize that when the time comes, that girl-child will be your downfall. He smirked. You can only hope that my demons don't think to kill that girl before you arrive home...

Rin peered out the window, sitting upstairs in her new room. It was comfortable enough, but it was so empty and lonely. I wonder when Lord Sesshomaru will return, she thought to herself, watching as carriages and curricles went down the streets. None of them were her master's. That morning, Rin had woken up to the sound of the doors slamming and she had been awake ever since, waiting up for the demon. She sighed and crossed her arms, resting them on the windowsill. She settled her chin on them, staring out the window, beginning to worry about her Lord Sesshomaru. Maybe he won't be back until tonight or tomorrow morning? A shriek came from downstairs and Rin sat up straight. That sounded like Julia! Rin hurried to the railing of the stairs and she peered down, her eyes widening. “Demons...” she whispered to herself. Jaken came scrambling into the corridor and he let a yelp out, before swinging his staff. Rin heard his voice, but couldn't make out the words coming from his mouth, before fire erupted from the mouth of one of the heads on the Jinto-jo (Staff of Two Heads). Rin licked her lips and stared as the demons turned to ashes. But more are coming! Rin crawled away from the stairs railing and hurried to her room, inching under her bed. Poor Master Jaken...I'm sorry. Where are you, Lord Sesshomaru...?

Sesshomaru moved out of his carriage unhurriedly. The driver cast a curious look to the manor and he paused, looking to the driver, who paled and hastily took the carriage away to the stables for the horses to rest up. Frowning, Sesshomaru halted at his doors and stared at the ajar oak door. Something's not right. It reeks of foreign demons. He swung the door open and eyed the bloody mess impassively. He felt careless, until he felt a weight fall on him. Rin. He ran his eyes along the corpses and heard a crash from upstairs and a shout. Jaken's still alive, at least. Sesshomaru hastened his pace, hurrying up the stairs. Jaken went flying past him into the closet door. Slowly, he turned his gaze to the demons that had ganged up against his servant. The demons snarled at Sesshomaru, who glared at them. “Oh. You dare to turn your talons to me?” He asked them. The demons backed away, but Sesshomaru's dokkaso (poison flower claws) killed the demons in an instant. More demons came barreling towards him. He narrowed his eyes and drew his Tokijin. The dragon strike of his sword eliminated the last bit of demons in the hall. He turned to Jaken, who blinked blearily.

“Milord...The demons - some escaped into Rin's room,” he sputtered, standing up. “I don't know - ” A blood curdling scream split the air and Sesshomaru rushed down the hall to Rin's room, where she was being held by one of the demons. Snickers came from the creatures and when they would have torn her into pieces, she was thrown across the room as a bright green light enveloped them. Rin huddled into a ball and when she heard small thumps, she opened her eyes to see that they were very much dead.

“Lord Sesshomaru!” She cried and ran to him, hugging his legs. Jaken limped into the room and blinked. Sesshomaru stared down at Rin, before he sheathed his sword and touched her head gently. “I thought you would never come!” She stammered out, clutching onto him.

“Rin,” Sesshomaru spoke to her resolutely (firmly), but softly, “let go.” She obeyed and stepped back, wiping her eyes hastily. “Jaken, explain to me how they got in.”

“I'm...not too sure, milord,” Jaken confessed. “It was so sudden. One minute I was outside, supervising the new servants, another I hear a scream come from Julia. I ran into the main hall and found demons streaming into the home. They didn't come from the front, but it didn't seem as though they had come from the back, either.”

“Hm...Who is alive, then?”

“Julia, I know fled to the back with other servants. A few younger ones were killed downstairs, but I think the demons were the majority that was killed, Lord Sesshomaru. I did my best to fend them off, but I suppose it was not enough...Thank goodness that you came, though, milord!” Sesshomaru didn't answer his happy exclamation. Instead, he moved downstairs and outside to the servant's quarters. Many of his servants were banging on the doors, screaming and sobbing.

“Enough,” he told them sharply. “Open the doors, Julia.” Julia obeyed, her eyes wide and her skin pale. She looked like a frightened rabbit. “All of you get inside and start cleaning the house. Dispose of the corpses however you wish to, so long as it does not tarnish my name.” Many nods were his response as they scrambled inside. Rin had followed Sesshomaru, clutching her skirts, her eyes still wide and shivering every second or so. “Rin, why are you following me?”

“I, um...” She stared up at him. “Are all the demons gone now, Lord Sesshomaru?”

“Yes.”

“Really? Really, truly?”

“Yes, Rin.”

“...For now?” Sesshomaru didn't answer at first, staring at her.

“For now,” he agreed, turning back to the house. She hurried after him, still clutching her skirts. Rin was sure that if her master hadn't arrived just in time, she would most assuredly be dead. Naraku's demons have made their first step to their demise, Sesshomaru thought to himself darkly, as well as Naraku and Ryukotsusei. I wasn't going to do anything, but they have declared war on Sesshomaru now by putting Rin and Jaken in danger. He glared at nothing in particular. I will have their heads on my wall.

Inuyasha had been catching the scent of Naraku dozens of times through the walls of the house, but he knew that it wasn't Naraku. What his enemy's demons were doing lurking around in London, the hanyou (half-demon) wasn't sure of. It's not as though I can do anything about it, Inuyasha thought to himself bitterly. I have to stay here in bed because of that damned woman down there. He sighed. I guess Kagome's only looking out for me...But I want a window! It's stuffy in here!

“Inuyasha?” Kagome came in and flinched. “It's a bit stuffy in here, huh? Oh, um, you've got a message from your brother.” She handed the parchment to him and Inuyasha sat up, blinking.

“What would Sesshomaru be writing to me about?” Inuyasha muttered to himself, breaking the wax seal and reading through it, his brows furrowing.

My dear, pathetic, and useless brother -

As you probably know, Naraku's demons are migrating into England. I would hate for you to get the wrong impression (for I'm not asking your help,) however, they have attacked my ward and I simply cannot leave England due to my position. Not only do I have to stay here for my ward, but I also must stay here because of the foolish king James, who has caused Naraku to seek him - and you and me - out. What I propose is for your do-gooders to go to England and kill Naraku. I will, in turn, give you the medicine that you desire to become well again and you, too, can do my bidding and go after Naraku. Also, you should be aware that there is the fact that Ryukotsusei is with Naraku and they have created an alliance.

Your better

“My...better?” Inuyasha growled, ready to rip the letter to pieces, until he paused, going over the words once again. I will, in turn, give you the medicine that you desire to become well again. Inuyasha straightened. “Kagome, get me some parchment and a quill - quick!” I'll have to contact Sango, Miroku, and Shippo. Hmm...Since they're still in Japan, they should know about this.

Sesshomaru smiled thinly at the one word on the parchment he had received: Fine. Of course, he had doubted that his brother would have declined. He wanted to kill Naraku just as bad as he did. And I would if I wasn't confined here, he thought, glancing at the door that connected his study to the hall outside. Sesshomaru fingered the bottle of medicine that he had yet to deliver to his brother. I won't go back on my word, he told himself, but I'll give him some time to contact his companions so that they are aware of what needs to be done. Sesshomaru stood up and pocketed the bottle of medicine, closing the door behind him as he left his study. He locked it, before he left upstairs to his room. We will see what happens, Naraku, when you are outnumbered. “Jaken,” he gestured to the imp that had been lingering in the corridor upstairs. Jaken hobbled over to him, blinking his large eyes. “You are to contact the demons in Saigoku (the western nation). Tell them Sesshomaru will need their help here in England.”

“Milord...What of Naraku? Shall I tell them to...?”

“Yes.” Jaken nodded.

“Very well, Lord Sesshomaru,” Jaken began to walk down the stairs, but his master's voice halted him once again.

“Jaken.”

“Milord?”

“Where is Rin?”

“In her room, milord,” Jaken turned, looking surprised. “She locked herself in there ever since this afternoon. I tried to get her to eat, but she refused to come out. She was mumbling about demons earlier, too, so...” He trailed off, and then shrugged, limping down the stairs. Sesshomaru stared at his door for a long time, before he turned and went the opposite way to where Rin's room was located. He opened the door unheedingly and saw Rin sitting near the windowsill, staring outside. He frowned and shut the door with the tip of his toes. She turned her head to him, and then looked back outside, sighing.

“I want to be of some use when the demons come again, Lord Sesshomaru,” she told him, standing up. “Then I won't hide under the bed and leave Jaken like I did today.”

“You can't do anything when it comes to fighting,” he pointed out. “That's just how it is, Rin. You are a female and females can do nothing.” She nodded slowly.

“I know,” she agreed, unhurt by his words, “but I want to be like you and Jaken, my lord! I want to fight and protect myself.” He stared at her, unable to say anything in reply.

“...Go get something to eat, Rin. You'll starve yourself if you don't.”

“But - ”

“Go eat,” he repeated firmly. She blinked, and then beamed at him, nodding.

“All right. Will you sit here and watch for the demons for me, my lord?” He didn't answer her, but simply took her place near the window. She gave another bright smile, before she ran downstairs.

She is going to get me killed, Sesshomaru concluded to himself ruefully.