Monday, May 16, 2005

The Price You Pay: Cost of Blood
*episode 3*

Sesshomaru sits beneath an old oak and thinks. As he thinks, he sees Rin approaching Kohaku and Kagura. Then he sees Jaken blocking her path. In addition to his duty to protect her from what threat the boy poses, the imp also wishes to shield her from the site of the body. In their months together, Jaken has drawn close to the child; although he would deny it. The lord knows that he feels rejected, and he seeks to control this emotional response. He knows that he feels compassion for the mortal, and he likewise quashes the feeling. He considers the various ways in which the mortal could be of use to him. As he ponders; Rin approaches him. She comes to within five meters; then she kneels and waits to be acknowledged. After several minutes, he looks up and says, “Rin.” She walks to him and bows. “M’lord.” she says, presenting him with an armful of flowers. He examines them, checking the mixed aroma while looking for flaws. Finding none, he nods. She begins to spread them around him. Finally, she takes a particularly large and fragrant poppy and places it above his left ear. Beaming, she steps back and bows again. The ritual complete, Sesshomaru turns his attention from her. At this point, she is supposed to withdraw, giving her lord his privacy. However, she remains. He turns to her and asks, “Something else?” She asks, “M’lord, that is Kohaku, is it not?” He nods and she continues, “M’lord, please do not hurt him. I know that he serves your enemy Naraku, but please let him live.” He says, “Kohaku no longer serves Naraku. But why do you ask this?” The child says, “After I was taken, the first time, he was kind to me.” “He tried to kill you.” the lord says. “M’lord, that’s different.” she says. “How so?” He asks. “He was obeying his lord.” she says. “As I would whatever you commanded me; he tried to kill me because his lord ordered him to.” “If I commanded it, you would kill?” he asks. She pauses. “I would try.” she says. He asks, “Then, if you are so very obedient, how is it that you seek to control my actions?” “I do not m’lord!” she says. “I am asking you to spare him; not demanding it.” The demon takes a moment to ponder the difference. “Why do you care if he lives? What do you desire from him? Do you also intend to choose him over me as Kagura did?” he asks. “M’lord, I do not know why Miss Kagura would make such a choice; or even that she had.” she says. “But you are my lord and I will follow you for as long as you will permit me to. I want nothing from him m’lord; but I would rather not have Kohaku die.” He looks at her in thought. “Remain here.” he commands.
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