The Long Road to Freedom 2: Fire on the Water

Leaving Home

1403 early-Muromachi Period, Spring

Sesshoumaru was in a foul mood this day, lacking even the modicum of patience he sometimes had. It seemed no matter where he went or how he toiled, he continued to come across those who did not yet know his name or reputation, and thus refused to heed his commands. Always, they argued, always remaining in his way. All he wanted was to pass unobstructed, but he was just as happy to put them in their place when they did not remove themselves from his path. As he observed the raging battle before him on his way to the eastern mountains of Musashi, it seemed he would find only more hindrance, and he flexed his claws in eager anticipation.

He paid no mind to the masses of imps in battle against their larger foes, neither did he care that the demon now before him was about to make a meal out of one of them. All he cared was that it was in his way, and in one manner or another he would make it move.

"You're in my way. Step aside." He commanded.

The demon turned its horrid face to him, fangs dripping with saliva as it screamed back at him, ignorant of the being it now threatened. Sesshoumaru found he had no patience to toy with this ignorant creature.

"I said you're in my way, understand?"

He snarled and snapped his whip to life, easily dismembering the ugly thing. His gave into his bloodlust, venting all his pent-up rage on the rest of the demon hoard, all of them simple, pathetic, weak.

The imp, now free, scrambled out of his way as Sesshoumaru resumed his course, shouting at his fellows to clear a path for demon lord. They complied quickly, heads pressed to the ground in reverence as he passed them in silent calm. Behind him, the imps chattered in anger and despair, and he paid little mind to the tiny footsteps that rushed to meet and surpass him.

The tiny imp with the brown robes that had almost been eaten prostrated himself on the side of the path ahead as Sesshoumaru approached.

"Forgive me for following you," he began, still awe-stricken, "It may not have been your intention, but you saved my life! It would be an honor to become your servant."

Sesshoumaru simply continued on, unimpressed by the display.

"Wait, please! A moment of your time!"

The imp once again scrambled to catch up, continuing to beg Sesshoumaru for even a moment's consideration, eventually falling silent when Sesshoumaru did not respond.

'Tenacious thing. So small and fragile, though perhaps he could be of some use. I shall give him a test.'

They walked in silence until, finally, they arrived at the base of the mountains. Sesshoumaru's nose easily found the scent of the river and he followed it to the waterfall where he'd hidden the item he'd come to fetch. The imp once again groveled behind him, waiting as Sesshoumaru drew the nintoujou from its crevice.

He glanced back, considering the creature for once again before tossing the staff to him.

"Here."

The imp looked up just in time to catch it, giving it a quick inspection before thanking him.

"Uh. What is it?"

Sesshoumaru didn't felt any need to explain the details just yet. He would admit, however, that he was somewhat pleased with the imp's countenance, how he seemed to understand his place and station already, and willingly submitted himself to it. The change was more than welcomed, Sesshoumaru decided he would at least give the creature a chance.