InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The difference of Martrys and murderers ❯ In the Demon's lair. ( Chapter 1 )

Chapter 2

It took more then half the day before they arrived at a high mountain fortress. The Lord did not once look at her or speak to her. It was as if she didn't exist. She waited at the entrance, unsure on what to do. Minutes pasted, then an hour. Jaken the smelly toad hobbled out. He gave her a once over with a sour expression.

"My lord Sesshoumaru informs me you are Rin's new servant. There are rules you must abide by under the lue of death." He said with self-importance. She watched him with little to no interest. That irritated the toad, "First you must always remain quiet unless spoken to! You will answer to the Lord and me with great reverence. `Yes master,' and `no master' are what your allowed to say to us, understood? You are not allowed to converse with anyone other then your charge. Even then your conversation will be monitored to ensure you do not corrupt Rin. Lastly, you will guard your charge with your life." Jaken wrinkled his nose, "But above all else, you must bathe regularly- Milord detests the odor of Ningens. In fact you should do so right now before you disgust Milord any further."

He began to walk in but when Kagome didn't follow, he reached for a whip. Sesshoumaru however stepped in at the appropriate time. "Leave." The retainer backed up and left hastily. Kagome shifted uncomfortably under his intense gaze.

"Come here." He commanded.

"Yes Master," Kagome said quietly and complied. Sesshoumaru was indeed surprised at her willingness. He was concern that breaking her was in order, but if she continued to be complacent, he saw no need. Was he disappointed, maybe but with her character and traits, he knew it wouldn't last.

"Do you remember what I told when you awoke?" He asked.

"Y-yes… You said you could help me." Kagome fidgeted.

"My word is my honor. I will help you but first you prove your worthiness, in the mean time you will care for Rin." He said.

"Master Sesshoumaru, what must I do?"

"I did not give you permission to speak," His eyes pinned her to the spot. Kagome wanted nothing more then to run. There was a force Sesshoumaru was executing, and she was stuck in its hold. All she could do was bow her head.

"In any case, I will let you know." He said.

Again all she could do was nod her head.

"Undress," He commanded again. His powers surrounding them thicken and centered on her. Kagome hesitated but did as she was told. She kept her undergarments on however. He lifted her arms, checked them with a critical eye. He prodded her ribs and hips. He nodded that she could lower her arms. He circled her partially nude form twice. He felt her stiffen as he came in close and sniffed her. He walked around and grabbed her jaw. He yanked it downward to gaze into her mouth. He turned her face one way then the other way. He none too gently grabbed a handful of her hair to examine it. "You will do… for now. Jaken will tell you the code of conduct and what is expected of you. Tonight, if I have time, I will speak with you again."

"Yes Master," Kagome said quietly. She made a move to put her clothes back on but was thrown a servant gown. "You will wear these for now on." She touched the silk. It was smoother then cream and just as soft. Quickly she dressed.

For reasons unknown to her, she was playing this servant role all too well. Being told to strip down without a fuss puzzled her. There was definitively something wrong with this picture. Heck, having a demon manhandle her like a piece of cattle was very wrong. It went against every ethical bone in her body. She would have raised Kane if it were any other guy.

Any other guy…

That's it! She thought, Sesshoumaru is controlling me in some way. Did it happen when he resurrected me? And why did he do that, what is he planning? I better keep an eye on him. All demons should be dealt with extreme prejudice- especially him! Inwardly she made the mental note to go over these thoughts at a better time. There were just too many questions to deal with right now. Her goal at the moment was to survive, then sleuthing around came second.

Something had harden in her soul. Yes, it was very important that she should survive. There was no way that one guy was going to push her to such an extent ever again. With all clarity she realized that no guy was worth this much pain, even if it were for revenge. Looking at Sesshoumaru, she decided to play the demure slave. In time she would study him, and perhaps learn his patented emotionless demeanor.

In the cold silence of the cave entrance they merely studied each other. He appeared to be in deep thought. Coming to a conclusion, he called forth his ward. The little girl came bounding out. Rin was all smiles when she noticed Kagome.

"This girl will be your personal assistant. If you need anything she is there to serve you." His eyes narrowed at the newest member. Kagome caught the meaning and she bowed her head to the girl. Rin ran over to her but stopped to remember her manners.

"I am very pleased to meet you again Kagome. I am also very glad you are here!" Rin curtsied. Kagome could feel a tug on her heartstrings. Oh god she missed Shippou. To cut off the urge to cry, she forced out a smile, "I'm glad to see you too."

"Are you really going to stay?" Rin tugged on her hand.

Kagome cautiously glanced back at the lord. "Yes Rin, that appears to be the case."

Rin ran over to her parental figure, "Thank you for my new sister."

"She is not meant to be your sister Rin. She is merely a servant, nothing more." He turned to go back inside. Rin frowned at this bit of news. Kagome waited until he was out of hearing range. She knelt down to the girl's level and whispered in a conspirator tone. "I don't have to your sister Rin, because you know what?"

Rin's eyes got a little bigger at the excitement of being secretive. "What?" She too whispered.

"I'll be your friend instead, how does that sound?" Kagome said.

"Yeah!" Rin shouted but calmed when Kagome place a finger on her lips in the universal sign of a secret. "Yeah!" She said again but quieter.

Jaken had come back out looking very suspicious at the two. He huffed again when both girls played innocent. "Come on, don't twaddle!" They smiled and held hands as they followed the miniature Youkai. Along the stone corridors, red paper lanterns lit the way. Kagome was ever watchful, absorbing up any information and keeping mental tabs of rooms. For the most part, there were a few carved out rooms, the inside were empty aside from the occasional desk or chests. The tunnel led down ward, farther and farther. At the end, a bluish flickering light appeared. Soon after the sound of rushing water. The closer they got, the air became humid and heavy with mist. At last they entered into a large cavern, inside there ran an underground river.

Rin ran to edge of the stream to gaze at the glowing fish that swam near the calmer currents of the shore. Kagome could not see the source of light until she noticed a few crevices in the ceiling where many mirrors were place to reflect light from the outside into the room. The light bounced off the water and reflected onto the glittering walls like a disco ball. Jaken half dragged half carried the basket with bathing supplies. Kagome took it from him before he broke his back. The toad was startled at this action, not sure to be grateful or suspicious.

"Remember Rin to come out before you become a prune. Milord says he wants you spotless, understand?" He huffed again when the child didn't respond. She kept giggling as she tried carefully to scoop up a blue glow fish. So instead he turned his bulbous eyes to Kagome, "Spotless!" Kagome was seriously tempted to roll her eyes but nodded her head instead.

Once the hideous creature was out the girls undressed and hoped in. Much to Kagome displeasure the water was only lukewarm. The mist and humid air was false advertisement. She swam over to the little girl.

"So Rin what's it like living with the Great Lord of the Western Lands?" Kagome said as she helped wash the girl's hair. If her observation was going to be effective, she needed to get the inside scoop.

Rin splashed a round, "It's okay, but sometimes it can get lonely," she paused to rub the water out of her eyes "And very tiring!" She added the last part with heavy emphasis that only children know.

"I take it your Sesshoumaru-sama isn't the talkative type on his patrols. What about Jaken?" Kagome questioned.

"Jaken is a poop head. I try to be nice but he's so mean when Sesshoumaru-sama isn't around. He's always hitting me with that staff and calling me names." Rin sniffled. "Today he called me a runt."

"That mean old grumpy good for nothing poop head! He dared to say that to a cute button like you? That's just wrong." Kagome exaggerated to make her laugh a little. "Forget him. He's just jealous because Sesshoumaru likes having you around instead of him."

"You think so?" Rin asked uncertainly. Kagome's smile faltered for a moment. This little child was in real need of love and encouragement. She smiled, this time with sincerity.

"Yeah, I'm positive!" She said. "Dunk." Rin got a mouth of air and popped under. Kagome thought for a moment. Like any nurturing woman, she looked at Rin and saw a crusade. She would do her darnest to make this little kid happy. Just like Shippou.

"What do you around here?" Kagome asked.

"I'm Sesshoumaru-sama official flower picker! He says it's the greatest honor in all his lands." Rin said boastfully. "It's right next to being a retainer!"

"That's awesome Rin." Kagome said. She handed the little girl the cloth to wash her back. Rin grabbed it and started to scrub really hard. "Owie!"

"Sorry but Jaken says this is the only way to get really clean!" Rin said and began with more gusto. Kagome twisted away and grabbed the washcloth.

"Maybe for his sticky warty scaly hide! We are ladies with delicate skin. Now watch me." Kagome lathered up the cloth, "First be start with our arms and legs." She demonstrated by going in circular motions with a little pressure. "Now we do our tummy, and then our back." She stopped to make more suds on the cloth. "Make sure you get in between the toes, belly button, and behind the ears. Got that? You try now." Rin mimicked every thing including scrunching up her face as she twirled (unintentionally) around washing her back. "Hah hah! Okay we dunk three times. Ready?"

"Yeah!" Rin said. In unison the girls went under, laughing and sputtering as they came up.

Kagome got out and handed the child a towel too. They were in the middle of drying off, when Rin turned to her. "I'm really glad you're my friend Kagome. I never had one before." Kagome smiled awkwardly. "I hope you don't go. Promise me you will never ever leave!"

Kagome paused, to consider her words. "I'm sorry Rin, I can't promise that. That's like asking me what's the future is. Nothing in the world stays the same. I will promise I will be there for you."

Rin pouted but nodded her head. "You'll probably go back to the doggie boy, huh?"

Kagome stiffen at the mention of her ex friend. "Oh I highly doubt that."

"Kagome-san, how come?" Rin said.

Kagome tied her obi as she thought about it. She really wanted to tell someone but Rin was only a kid. She pondered that it would be best to be honest to her charge, of course she would edit it a bit. "Inuyasha and I are two very different people. It's only natural for us to go separate ways."

Rin's eye got large and watered a bit, "Oh Kagome, he broke your heart, huh?" Kagome nearly face faulted. How in the world did she get it? Before she could ask the little girl, Rin ran to give her a hug.

"Uh… it's okay really." Kagome said as she patted the little girl's back. This was awkward. Up the corridor, Jaken's squawk-like voice drifted downward.

"You're taking too long! Come out now and I mean right now!" Jaken all by shouted.

Rin placed her hands on her hip and started to mimic the toad. Kagome grin, the kid had him down to a fault. "Come on let's go."

Rin was excused to play outside. Jaken lectured Kagome in the duration. Kagome yawned. So far she was given a list of what she couldn't do such as, no going outside, no touching anything, she is to be seen not heard, where not to go in the fortress, what not to tell Rin, and certainly no visitors and so on and so forth. For the sixth time she nodded her head dumbly. When was he ever going to just shut the hell up?

"You are here for one thing only. To serve the Lord Sesshoumaru! Your loyalty and life belong to him. You do not think, or have opinions here. What goes on here, stays here. Any violations of any kind will result in severe punishment." The toad starred hard into her eyes. "Do you swear on your life that you understand and agree to these conditions?"

"Yes and no." Kagome said as she stretched. "When's dinner?"

All Kagome could remember was seeing stars. She rubbed her head but winced. She settled on laying back down. In the distance she could hear Jaken tattle telling on her. Rin was crying hysterically and accusing Jaken of killing her nanny. She could feel a pair of cold eyes starring down at her.

"Get up." Sesshoumaru demanded.

Her body obeyed even though Kagome was very reluctant to move. A tad wobbly she looked up at him. Guilt and shame was the fore front emotion. Why do I feel like this? I didn't do any thing really wrong. "Yes master," Kagome said red faced.

"Follow me. Rin go outside," Sesshoumaru looked at Jaken "I will speak with you later."

Kagome had no choice but to follow. He led her to a room. In the center was a pole. Immediately she began to get scared when she saw the blotches of rusty, flaky residue on the ground surrounding the pole. This red umber color was also sprayed, smeared, and in one spot the coagulated mess ricocheted onto the ceiling and slid off the wall. The grotesque mess was disturbing but she couldn't tear her eyes away.

Behind her she heard him open an upright chest. There was a clang of metal, the rustle of objects and snap of a latch pulled. There was a sharp crack inches from her ear. She spun around and stumbled backwards.

"Let me make it clear to you. Misbehave," He let the whip snap near her hand, "And you will be corrected. Even though I revived you, it does not mean I will be kind or considerate of you. This will be your last warning."

He tied her hands to the pole and locked the door. Kagome could see nothing in the cold darkness. He planned to leave her there over night. That would be plenty of time for her to think about her situation. The TaiYoukai went to his library. He called his Retainer to enter. The atmosphere was bright with many candles. Pillows were piled in one corner along with blankets. On the other side were scrolls stacked high. In the middle toward the back was a high seated chair. This is where he sat as the retainer bowed before him.

"Tell me Jaken, who is Lord here?" Sesshoumaru asked.

"Why you Milord Sesshoumaru." Jaken said nervously. He knew something bad for his health was about to happen.

"Yes, that is correct. So tell me why you feel the need to undermine this Sesshoumaru's authority? Did I give you permission to carry out discipline on what is mine?" Towards the end of his harangue his voice become threatening.

Jaken flustered with an appeasing excuse, "Milord I was only helping you maintain order with these disobedient ningens since you are too important to be bothered."

"I don't need your incompetent help. Must I remind you that you are also a servant in my service? If trouble arises, I should be notified. From now on you will not harm Rin in any way or form. As for the bond woman, corrections will be dealt by my hand only."

"Yes Milord!" Jaken groveled. Sesshoumaru got up and stepped on the smaller Youkai on his way out.

"Jaken." Sesshoumaru paused at the door.

"Y-yes milord?" Jaken tried to say.

"You stink." Jaken inwardly groan at the untold command to bathe, again!

"Aye Milord." But the Inu-Youkai was not around to hear him.

Sesshoumaru followed the scent of Rin who was nervously braiding flowers to make a crown. She looked up and ran to him.

"Is Kagome alright?" Rin asked fearfully.

"She is fine, but she had been very imprudent. You will not see her for a while. Come inside, it's getting late." Rin held his hand as he led her in. They went into the library. Rin went to her spot among the pillows to continue her braiding as Sesshoumaru wrote in his journal. He glanced at the girl who was unusually quiet. The girl was never this calm.

"What did you do today while I was out?" He asked.

Rin tapped her chin in contemplation. "The same thing I always do. I picked flowers, put them in vases. I watered the garden. Made tea. Took a nap. Picked more flowers when Jaken threw the others out. Fed Ah-Un. Went for a walk. Um… that's it." Rin's nibble fingers weave the ends of the wreath together. "All finished! Sesshoumaru-sama, can I give this to Kagome?"

"Now is not the best time. When she learns to behave then you can give it to her." Sesshoumaru said.

Rin sighed and stuck it on her head instead. "I'm bored. I wish Kagome were here. She's so much fun! Today she showed me how to get clean, and it didn't hurt! She even showed me how to whistle! She also taught me a song, wanna hear it?"

Sesshoumaru nodded and went back to his calligraphy. Rin cleared her throat dramatically. He stopped when he heard the sweetest sound. Rin's voice was clear as a bell and gentler then a bird's call. What caught his attention most were the haunting lyrics and even stranger message.

"Threw you the obvious and you flew with it on your back. A name in your recollection. Down among a million, say: Difficult enough to feel a little bit. Disappointed, passed over. When I've looked right through, To see you naked and oblivious and you don't see me… Well I threw you the obvious, Just to see if there's more behind the Eyes of a fallen angel, Eyes of a tragedy… Here I am expecting just a little bit. Too much from the wounded. But I see, See through it all, See through, And see you. So I threw you the obvious… Do you see what occurs behind the Eyes of a fallen angel… Eyes of a tragedy… " Rin hummed the rest.

"I can't remember the rest. Kagome says it's an a-merry-can song. She sang it in a different language first then translated for me. It's a sad song, but it's very melodic. Don't you think so?"

"Yes, you sang it wonderfully." Rin beamed at his comment. He was always amazed at the simplest remark from him brought such joy for his ward. "Prehaps your attendant will pick a more appropriate song to teach you next time."

"Kagome isn't my attendant Milord, she's my friend," Rin quietly said.

"It would be best not to get too attached to her Rin, regardless of your opinion." Sesshoumaru said.

Rin wisely kept her mouth shut. She nodded her head. "I'm sleepy, may I be excused?"

"Yes." With that Rin walked out to her chamber. She glanced back at him to see if he was indeed distracted. He was for all her childish mind could determine. Stealthy she went to the "Forbidden door." Glancing to her right then her left, she was about to turn the handle when Jaken squawked.

"What do you think your doing!" Jaken snapped.

Rin jumped and fumbled with her flower crown. "Nothing!"

"Indeed!" Jaken hobbled behind her and pushed her to her room. "Go to bed before I tell Sesshoumaru-sama on you."

"Go ahead! I'm not afraid of you. My Sesshoumaru-sama said you can't hurt me." She raised her chin. "I don't like you. I'm not your friend any more." She turned on her heels and stomped off to her room. Jaken glared daggers at the brat. He looked at the door that held the young woman and nearly hissed. These humans were corrupting his lord. He wondered if it was too late for his master. Already his lord had a fondness for the child, but add a grown woman to the mix? There was no way his Lord could escape the witchery that inhibited all females and were especially troublesome when they were human.

He had to do something before his lord fell like his sire. He knew that so long as they spellbound his Sesshoumaru-sama nothing he said would persuade his lord. Sesshoumaru-sama wouldn't let them go. So he had to get them to leave.

Jaken grinned mischievously. The Lord Sesshoumaru said he couldn't hurt Rin, he didn't say anything about the so-called Miko. Technically speaking Sesshoumaru-sama said he wasn't allowed to punish her. So if he accidentally hurt her, he was okay and if he let something happen, he couldn't be faulted. Yes, first the Miko, then the whelp.

If he could get rid of Inuyasha, he was sure in hell he could get rid of the girls. He hobbled off to plan. He lost one Master, he wasn't about to let it happen again. Yes, he was doing it solely for his Sesshoumaru-sama.

To be continued…