InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Surprise my mind ❯ Part XII ( Chapter 12 )

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

“I knew that the girl was his weakness, but I never expected he'd leave himself wide open.” - Jakotsu; Inuyasha

“I'd rather give up an eye than give up this sword. Maybe I'm not so worthless then, now am I?” - Inuyasha

“Doubt that the sun doth move, doubt truth to be a liar, but never doubt I love.” - Shakespeare; Hamlet

“But love is blind and lovers cannot see.” - Shakespeare

“I want to stay with Lord Sesshomaru...forever.” - Rin; Inuyasha

Chapter Twelve, Part XII

Inuyasha crossed his arms across his chest, frowning to himself in irritation. He glanced around with a weary frown. The forest was quietly tense, waiting for any sign of action from either side. Naraku's castle was still and as silent as the woods outside it. Jinn had insisted they wait until Naraku made a move. “It would be foolish to run wildly into the enemy's territory,” Jinn had told him. “It's best if we stay outside and wait for Naraku to act first - for as long as it takes.” Inuyasha disagreed, of course, and he had said so, but the “general” had completely disregarded him. He's like Sesshomaru is so many ways, Inuyasha realized as he waited impatiently. Inuyasha glanced at the slightly shorter demon. He looked more like a human than the hanyou had realized when he first met him. He had a dark gray skin tone with ears that were long and slanted upward to a point. His eyes were also slanted and were a strange color of blue. He had claws that were long and deadly and his feet were no exception. Inuyasha frowned in thought, eyeing him more carefully. He wore a kimono, just like some other select demons that looked similar to him. Inuyasha wondered vaguely where Sesshomaru had gotten these creatures.

“Mm?” Jinn's eyes narrowed and he stiffened. “Something's coming this way.” Inuyasha peered through the trees and saw three figures moving forward. Jinn gestured to the other demons and they brought their weapons up in a fierce stance. Some demons skittered up the trees to attack from above. Inuyasha drew his Tetsusaiga and his companions got their own weapons ready.

Wait...That's Naraku's remaining creatures, Inuyasha realized, recognizing Kanna and Kagura. And Kohaku is with them. The hanyou glanced behind him at Sango, who was tense, gazing at her brother. Kagura drew her fan up, her eyes dark. “Prepare yourself, demons.” A smile curled her lips upward and she flicked her fan down. “Dance of the dragons!” The demons growled, keeping in place.

If Naraku is sending out creatures we've already fought, Inuyasha thought smugly, then he underestimates us. Almost as soon as he finished that thought, odd-looking demons charged from behind the three loyal followers of Naraku. Inuyasha's eyes widened in surprise as Sesshomaru's demons were attacked from above, beneath, and around them. Naraku's demons were coming from every possible way, their teeth bared and their claws bloodied from their victims. It was obvious that Naraku knew sending just Kanna, Kagura, and Kohaku wouldn't be enough. The only question for them was...Where did Naraku get all of these demons? It doesn't matter, Inuyasha told himself, savagely hacking away at demons. All that matters is that we defeat Naraku.

Naraku rested in his castle, hearing screams and yells sliding through his walls. He smiled to himself, closing his eyes. The war has begun, he thought. Now I only need the hostage of Sesshomaru's and everything will be in place. Soft taps of footsteps came to his ears and he opened his eyes as Kanna sat in front of him, her mirror in hand, as always. He straightened and bit. “Show me Masao. I must be sure that he got the girl-child.” Kanna's head moved slightly in a downward motion of respect and the mirror's misty contents swirled before it showed the image of Masao in a ship that floated above the sky on hazy clouds. The mirror moved, showing Rin, who was unconscious below deck. The mirror returned to it's normal form and Naraku smirked, a low chuckle rumbling in his throat. Sesshomaru will come, he assured himself. When he discovers Rin missing, he'll find out that it was Julia and kill her before coming to Japan.

The king sighed, pressing the palms of his hand to his forehead. Sesshomaru had dismissed him so carelessly and now he was more anxious than ever. He remembered the last words that he and the youkai had exchanged and it made his skin crawl.

“But what about me? What if your brother fails, dies, and Naraku comes here?” He asked.

“Then you will die, now won't you?” Sesshomaru replied.

If he doesn't care about my life, James thought in despair, then why does he bother trying to try to save it? It makes no sense. What does he have here that is of any consequence to him? A sudden image of young Rin surfaced in his mind and he straightening in the chair, staring into the fire, awareness overcoming him. It had never really occurred to him that Sesshomaru had sent Inuyasha to England because he needed to keep his ward safe. Most demons were cold and selfish and Lord Sesshomaru was no exception. But, if that was so...If that's true, he thought, blinking slowly, it means that he's not doing this for me,but for his ward. Standing up, the king began to pace, his brow furrowing. He didn't mind the deceit. Actually, in this case, he welcomed it. Rin deserved to have such a careful, protective man like Sesshomaru to look after her. She had gone through too many things in the past and James knew that she had never been used to kind treatment. She is in good hands, James reassured himself, the thought briefly soothing his mind. I understand now why Lord Sesshomaru is doing this. Smiling lightly, James resettled in his chair, gazing into the fire as its warmth covered him in a warm blanket.

Jaken opened the doors for the fourth time and sighed in disappointment, seeing that his Lord Sesshomaru had not arrived yet. I suppose we'll have to sup without him, Jaken thought to himself sadly. “Get the table ready and set the food up,” he commanded one of the servants, who nodded and with a curtsy, hurried away. Jaken stood at the foot on the stairs and called, “Rin! It's time to eat!” He paused and heard no hurried footsteps, nor did he hear any response. He frowned and moved up the stairs, moving down the hall to her door. He knocked and said, “Rin? Are you awake in there?” He opened the door and peered in the darkness. Muttering under his breath, he move to her vanity and groped about, before turning an oil lamp on. “Rin - ” He halted in his words, staring at the mess in the middle of the room. A broke teacup and saucer lied on the floor in pieces, tea spilled on the floor. Unfinished tart and tea was on the table and it was obvious something had happened in here.

No! Jaken thought, panic eating away at him, realizing that Rin was nowhere to be seen. No, this cannot be happening! He hurried out of the room and searched the house and asked servants of Rin's whereabouts. His hunt ended in vain and he sat on the stairs, his staff clenched tightly in his hands. Rin...Lord Sesshomaru will kill when he finds out about this! Groaning, Jaken dropped his head in his faces, his heart pumping adrenaline in his veins. She's been kidnapped! Or worse...No, I mustn't think of that. He swallowed, glancing at the doors. Lord Sesshomaru had better come back soon...

Sesshomaru's day had gone badly ever since he first woke up and looked at that maid and that stupid letter. He should have simply ignored the sending, because all the king had done was ask ludicrous (stupid) questions in which he didn't care for. He had intended on returning home immediately, but something had caught his attention as his carriage moved past many stores. A small music box that was decorated beautifully was set in clear sight at the window. Sesshomaru's mind was shifting back and forth as he gazed at it, before he said sharply to his driver, “Stop and pull in over there.” The driver carefully steered the horses to the side. The driver hurried to the door and let Sesshomaru out. The youkai stepped out of the carriage, frowning to himself. He was still debating on whether he should buy such a petty thing. Rin would like it, though, he confessed reluctantly. It was the small things that seemed to impress his ward. Almost in resignation, he sighed through his nose and glanced around, before entering the shop. The shopkeeper looked up and she beamed. “Greetings. How can I help you?” Sesshomaru hardly spared her a glance as he observed the other objects in the shop.

“The music box in the window,” he told her. “I want to buy it.”

“Very well, my lord!” The elderly woman moved past him and moved the curtain that covered the window. She took the music box from the shelf and hurried back to her desk. “Would you like it wrapped and packaged?” He nodded once in reply. Sesshomaru hated buying things for people. He had only done it a few times and he disliked each time. The only thing that forced him to buy this music box was the knowledge of the pure happiness that would light Rin's face up. As much as he hated to admit it, he enjoyed seeing her happy. “Here you are.” The woman set the gift in front of him and told him the price. “It is £ 1300, sir.” (I think I wrote that right, but the pound sign could be after the number...) Sesshomaru paid her and left with the package. He didn't want to be in the shop longer than necessary. The driver hurried to the door as Sesshomaru exited the shop. He opened the door and Sesshomaru settled himself in the carriage. He looked at the package, frowning to himself. What had possessed him to buy something without actually needing to was beyond his comprehension. Besides, he didn't want to dwell on the thought any longer.

Jaken heard the sound of horse's hooves and he swallowed, knowing that it was his master returning. He stood up and opened the doors as Sesshomaru stepped from the carriage. His face was as blank as it always had been. He glanced at Jaken and saw how nervous the imp was. His eyes narrowed on his servant as he tucked the parcel in his coat. “Jaken.”

“Lord Sesshomaru,” the imp murmured, bowing low. “My lord...I have...t-terrible news.” Sesshomaru stared down at him mercilessly. The youkai couldn't see anything wrong. The house was in order, the servants were unharmed, Rin - Rin. Comprehension flooded over Sesshomaru as he realized that his ward was not with Jaken like she normally would be. Sesshomaru grabbed Jaken by the collar, holding him up so they were face-to-face. “M-my lord!” Jaken stuttered, eyes widening.

“Where is Rin?” Sesshomaru asked in a soft whisper. Jaken's face went slack, his olive skin paling dramatically. He opened his mouth several times to answer, but nothing came out. “Jaken. I asked you a question.” His voice dropped to a deadly tone, one that Jaken disliked having directed at him. He swallowed again, hoping that he would be able to reply this time.

“Rin is...She's missing, my lord!” Jaken sputtered out with difficulty. Sesshomaru tossed him to the ground, his face impassive. “I don't know what happened to her or what could have happened to her. She was perfectly fine today and no one came in and we weren't attacked. Then, when I went upstairs to bring her down for dinner, she wasn't there. There was glass on the ground from a teacup and an unfinished lunch, so...” He swallowed.

“Did you check the entire house?” His master asked at last, his voice cool, devoid of any emotion or any hint that would tell Jaken what he was feeling.

“I did, Lord Sesshomaru,” Jaken answered, bowing his head. “I'm so sorry. If only I had kept a better watch on her - ”

“This isn't your fault, Jaken,” the youkai snapped. “There's a traitor in the house. That's the only explanation for Rin's disappearance.” He moved into the house, heading straight for his ward's room. Jaken stumbled after him, wondering what he was speaking about. Sesshomaru paused in the doorway of the room, eyeing the surroundings. Three scents came to his nose: Rin's, Jaken's, and one his maid's - Julia. He turned just as Jaken was at the top of the stairs. Jaken backed away, allowing Sesshomaru to go past him before the imp followed. “Where is Julia?”

“Julia?” Jaken repeated. “In the kitchens, helping the rookies, my lord.” Sesshomaru gave a small nod and headed towards the kitchens. Jaken's brow furrowed in confusion. He didn't understand what Julia had to do with Rin's disappearance. Sesshomaru swung the door open and it slammed against the wall. Jaken flinched, hastily entering after him. Julia looked up, her eyes wide. Sesshomaru grabbed Julia by the throat and her eyes became wider. “Lord Sesshomaru, what - ?” Jaken started, then fell silent, remembering Julia leaving upstairs to serve Rin tea and tart.

“Where is my ward, Julia?” Sesshomaru asked in a soft, lethal voice. The woman clawed at his hand, hoping to release herself from his grip. He tightened his fingers and she stopped clawing at his hand.

“N...Naraku,” she rasped with the breath she had left. “I gave her to...one of Naraku's...demons!” A corner of Sesshomaru's mouth lifted and he tossed her to the ground. She took in deep breaths, closing her eyes, sucking in air. “Thank you, Lord - ” When she looked up, her words stopped as his blade struck her neck, cutting through flesh and bone. The other servants shrieked in horror as her head flew off. Sesshomaru wiped his Tokijin on a wash cloth and turned his cold gaze to the other servants, who had their hands to their mouths in terror.

“If I find anyone to be a traitor like her, then I will not hesitate to kill you. Remember that.” At those words, the youkai turned. “Take care of the body, Jaken.”

“Yes, my lord!”

“And, Jaken?”

“My lord?”

“Get prepared to leave to Japan.” The imp blinked, and then slowly nodded.

“Yes, my lord.”

Sesshomaru lightly opened the door that led to the cellar of his manor. He moved down the steps, his eyes adjusting to the darkness. He touched a stone on a wall and it opened to reveal a long tunnel. He started down it, his eyes fixed ahead. Low rumbles started from the back of the tunnel and Sesshomaru stopped in a beam of light, looking at the two-headed dragon. Ah-Un tilted its head to the side in curiosity as Sesshomaru stood before it. The creature moved forward, bowing its heads in respect. “We are returning to Japan - briefly.” Ah-Un perked up, eagerness flaring in its eyes. Sesshomaru took something from the wall and laid the saddle on Ah-Un's back, along with the reins. I'm not looking forward to revisiting Japan, he thought bitterly, thinking of his hanyou brother, his companions, and Naraku. But it must be done. He took out the gift from beneath his coat and eyed it, before returning it to his coat. He led Ah-Un out of the cellar through a different set of stairs that led outside. “Stay here,” he ordered and the dragon sat on the grass in response. Jaken approached Sesshomaru, saying, “The body is gone.”

“Where is the staff?” Jaken flinched and hurried inside and returned with his staff. “We are leaving now.” The imp nodded in understanding. Sesshomaru fully intended on rescuing Rin from her ex-master.