Chapter 76

The alliance with the crane clan
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The next day Mai wrapped her obi around the neck like a scarf to hide the hickeys, mostly from Jaken and Sesshomaru. She dreaded, what would happen if the imp asked, how they were made. However, the dog demon's reaction could be even worse. She blushed, remembering the yesterday's misfortune. The whole situation was horribly embarrassing, even more than the time when Sesshomaru saw her naked. Damn, she was beginning to have a new phobia – the fear of hot springs. Every time, she took a nice relaxing bath, something extremely awkward happened and it involved the dog demon. However, this time it was just too much for Mai. For the god's sake, a man was kissing her and touching! True, he was under an influence of some suspicious substance, but kissing was kissing, even if not on the lips. The girl sighed in relief, blessing her reflex and Kohaku for coming in the right moment to prevent the demon from taking her first kiss. She wanted to give it to the boy, she would fall in love with – and definitely not waste it on Sesshomaru, who didn't remember a thing anyway. She somehow managed to convince the inu-youkai, that nothing happened and he seemed to believe her, luckily. How embarrassing it would be, if he knew! Mai's cheeks flushed. The worst thing about what happened was, that she didn't entirely dislike, what he was doing to her. She was scared and confused, but not disgusted. Actually, it felt somewhat good and exciting… She shook her head. No, she must not think of it this way! It was an accident, that wouldn't happen again. She readjusted the scarf and walked beside Ah-Un, who was looking considerably better today.
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The girl was so busy thinking about Sesshomaru's action, that she didn't notice the silver-haired demon stopping. When Mai did, she ran back to Ah-Un, expecting a fight and not wanting to get in the way. The inu-youkai observed the sky. She followed his gaze and discerned an unnaturally big crane flying towards their group, she figured out that it couldn't be possibly a normal animal. The crane landed in front of Sesshomaru and there was a flash of blue light, when it transformed. Mai gasped, recognizing the person.
Before them stood the ethereal demonic beauty – Kasumi. The youkai woman combed lazily her silky raven hair with her clawed fingers and smiled gracefully at the dog demon. Sesshomaru glared at her, not looking particularly pleased with her sudden appearance.
"What do you want?" he demanded. Kasumi laughed demurely. Mai unknowingly clenched her fists. The demoness for some reasons irritated her to the point of wanting to murder her. She felt the urge to wipe that smug grin off her flawless face.
Kasumi stopped laughing and looked at Sesshomaru seriously.
"I did not come here, so you could court me, Sesshomaru. Although it is a pity." She said, sending him a longing look, but after a moment her sapphire eyes went cold like icebergs. "I came here at my father's order. He bequeathed on me the task of reminding you of the agreement between my father and the late Inu no Taisho."
"Hn." The dog demon snorted. "My father is dead. His actions does not interest me."
Kasumi gritted her teeth from anger at Sesshomaru's reply.
"My father and brothers are fighting a powerful opponent now, outnumbered. Inu no Taisho promised to reinforce us in the case of battle. Will his son break his word?" she hissed. The inu-youkai sent her an equally cold gaze.
"It is a promise my late father made, it does not concern this Sesshomaru." He replied. The demoness controlled her anger and sent him a charming smile. Mai had to admit, that she looked breathtaking just now.
"How sad, that my betrothed is a man without an honor. Your father would be ashamed of you." She said, pretending to weep. Her words pulled a string in Sesshomaru. The inu-youkai clenched his fist. Mai got pissed by how easily Kasumi manipulated her boss, taking an advantage of both his weak points – his pride and respect towards his late father.
"Do accuse me of lack of honor!" he snapped. The human girl noticed, frowning, that he didn't deny being Kasumi's fiancé.
"If you are a man of honor, then join the war and fight side by side with my father and brothers!" the demoness cried with passion. Sesshomaru kept glaring at her coldly, but stayed silent for a longer while. Finally, he spoke.
"Very well. Lead the way." He said. Mai wasn't happy, that he gave in to the youkai woman's demands.
Kasumi smiled triumphantly and leapt into the air, Sesshomaru following her.
Mai got on Ah-Un's back, along with the rest of their group and set off as well.
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The girl was tightly clutching the back of the saddle. Unfortunately, she had to sit behind the children and Jaken, on the dragon's backside. She temporarily forgot about her phobia, as he was glaring daggers at the two demons, gliding in front of them. The pair was flying too close to each other, for her taste. Mai didn't like the idea of Sesshomaru helping the bitchy demoness out and dragging all of them into some youkai war. Besides, the presence of Kasumi annoyed her – she admitted, that she was jealous of the other woman's looks. Mai was never the prettiest girl in the class, being hopelessly average and never drawing the boys' attention, but compared to the unnaturally perfect beauty of the demoness, she felt like the most hideous creature in the whole world.
She continued sending the crane-youkai malicious looks, when they finally reached their destination. Sesshomaru and Kasumi landed side by side and Ah-Un right behind them. Jaken slid of the saddle and ran to Sesshomaru. Mai and the kids also dismounted, but stayed close to the dragon. The girl kept Rin close, a little bit unnerved by the presence of the numerous youkai.
They were standing in the middle of a military camp, tents everywhere and various demons striding here and there, sending the humans hungry looks. Mai flinched, as one of them glanced at Rin and licked his lips, like he wanted to devour the child. The girl embraced the kid tighter and glared at Sesshomaru's back. Where did he bring them?
"The lord invites you in, Sesshomaru-sama." One of the demons said and ushered the inu-youkai to follow him to the big tent. Kasumi walked by Sesshomaru's side. The rest of the group went after their leader, but the soldiers with naginatas blocked the way.
"Only demons." One of the soldiers said dryly. Jaken trotted to his master and Mai glared at the youkai, who were in her way.
"What do you mean: only demons? We're with Sesshomaru, so move!" she snapped at them, glancing at the silver-haired demon, counting on him to support her. However, it didn't happen. Sesshomaru merely glanced at her shortly.
"Do not cause me any trouble." He said sharply. Mai glared at him. She was not going to let him leave her with kids among a bunch of hungry demons.
"Take us along." She stated firmly. Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes, displeased by her defiance. Then, he turned to Kasumi.
"My servants are coming along." He stated. The demoness opened her mouth to protest, but the inu-youkai interrupted her. "This is not a request."
Mai smirked at a shocked expression on Kasumi's face and went after her boss to the enormous tent, that was rather a makeshift palace than anything else. She gawked around and admired the luxurious decorations – everything here was dripping with gold. The raven-haired demoness led them to the middle of the tent, where three men sat – the two on the sides were identical twins, who resembled the demoness, probably her brothers. The one in the middle must have been Kasumi's father. The demon had also long silky hair and his face was graced with the same blue demon markings, he wore a magnificent armor. He looked like a stern, but noble person, that should be respected. The demon made a gesture urging them to sit down. Sesshomaru and Kasumi sat in front of the lord and his sons, while the rest of their group crouched in some distance from them.
"It is good to see you, Sesshomaru." Kasumi's father spoke, bowing slightly. The demon didn't answer, but returned the bow. One of the servants brought sake in and placed the bottle between the demons. The beautiful demoness poured sake in two cups. One handed to Sesshomaru as the guest, and another to the lord. Mai saw, surprised, that the inu-youkai accepted the cup and took a sip.
The lord studied the Sesshomaru's face for a while.
"Considering, that you appeared before my eyes, I presume, that you are willing to aid me in the battle against the treacherous snake-youkai from the southern mountains?"
"I am." Sesshomaru answered. "Under one condition."
All four crane demons tensed, fearing what demands he may have.
"Name your condition." The lord said, a little irritation noticeable in his voice. Sesshomaru cast him an icy cold look.
"You or any member of your clan are not to bother me any further. Neither with your battles nor with anything else." He said slowly, making sure, that his every word was heard and understood.
An uncomfortable silence fell. Kasumi and her father exchanged looks. The lord seemed to be uneasy and hesitated before he spoke.
"There was alliance between our clans long before you were born, Sesshomaru. Your father and mother made promises in exchange for my aid in the past. You cannot ignore it!" he hissed, obviously angered by Sesshomaru's demand. The dog demon didn't look impressed in the slightest.
"It is my parents who made the promises, you speak of, not me. Therefore this Sesshomaru is not obligated by them." He said. The crane demons looked furious. The twin brother's faces were red from anger. Mai had to admit, that the inu-youkai had guts, to talk back to them like that.
"Father!" one of the twins exclaimed. "Do not let that dog disrespect you so!"
"How dare he!" the other stood up. The lord glared at both his sons.
"Silence!" he ordered and the two crane-demons sat down, glaring daggers at Sesshomaru, who maintained his emotionless façade. The lord turned his attention back to the inu-youkai. "I understand, that you do not wish to be further involved in our battles, but do you intend to break the promise to marry my daughter as well?"
On Sesshomaru's face annoyance began showing.
"I have no memory of making such promise." He stated. Kasumi made a shocked face.
"Sesshomaru, but…" she began, but her father silenced her with a gesture.
"The dog clan is dying out, Sesshomaru." The crane-youkai reminded the dog demon. "As you know, my daughter is the finest match for your spouse and mother of your children. Is it your wish to forfeit the future of your clan? Maybe you wish to end like Inu no Taisho? I see, that you brought humans with yourself. "
Sesshomaru glared at the lord.
"That is not of any concern for you." He said. "Take my conditions or I will take my leave. "
The crane demons exchanged glances, obviously surprised by Sesshomaru's unyielding attitude. Mai couldn't help admiring how the dog demon handled the negotiations by simply being the ass he was usually. Finally, the leader of crane clan gave up.
"Me and my sons depart to battle the snakes at dawn. You are welcome to join us." He said. "Kasumi will lead you and your… servants to your tent."
The last words he said with noticeable disgust. The raven-haired demoness nodded courtly and led Sesshomaru and his group to a smaller tent. Mai saw, that it had all the luxuries – beds, a bathtub, everything. Apparently the crane youkai were rich bastards.
Kasumi looked at Sesshomaru the last time, obviously pouting, and left without a word. Mai let out a relieved sigh, as the demoness was finally out of sight. Not that the silver-haired demon's private life interested her somehow, but the girl felt satisfaction after he rejected the whole marriage thing. Unknowingly, she wrapped her scarf tighter around her neck.
"So fluffy!" Rin screamed, gaining Mai's attention. The child jumped onto the one of beds and rolled, hugging the soft futons and encouraging Kohaku to join her. The boy blushed fiercely, glancing nervously at Sesshomaru, who sat in the corner, resting. Mai made her way to Sesshomaru. The dog demon was sitting with his legs crossed and eyes closed, Tenseiga leaning against his shoulder. The girl stalked to him and placed her hands on the hips. She coughed to get his attention.
"What is it, woman?" He asked, opening his eyes, in which a glint of annoyance lingered. Mai took the once in a lifetime opportunity to glare at him from above – usually he was the one towering over her.
"Will we be leaving soon?" she asked.
"Tomorrow night." The demon replied. Mai sighed.
"Can't we sooner? Those demons were staring at me and the kids like on the food!" she complained, hoping to make him shorten their visit in the lair of hungry youkai.
"Hn." Sesshomaru closed his eyes. "The reason for that is, that your kind serves as a food for many youkai."
"Food?" she repeated. "Great. First tools, then food. I wonder what else do you think of humans."
The dog demon noticed the dangerous glint in her eye. Undoubtedly another argument was coming.
"I do not see you as a food." He quickly said. Mai felt a little pleased with his answer, but the incident with him unknowingly molesting her and now the visiting that perfect bitch Kasumi made her want to pick up a fight, to ease her anger.
"Oh, nice to know that. I bet, that you ate lots of humans!" she folded her arms. Sesshomaru stared at her, silent. For a while none of the both said a word. Finally, he broke the silence, looking at the ceiling.
"Some…" he muttered.
Mai gawked at him, her mouth wide open. Did he just admit, that… that…
"You ate humans?" she whispered, covering her mouth with her hand and feeling, that she was getting sick. "Oh god, you really did."
Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes, angry at himself, that he let the conversation touch that uncomfortable topic. Now the woman seemed to be disgusted with him.
"It is not that uncommon among youkai." He tried to explain himself. "Besides, I did not do it for a long time."
"That was supposed to calm me down?" she asked, moving away from him. "It's disgusting."
The demon glared at her, suddenly angered by her attitude. He stood up.
"I am a demon. What did you expect?" he hissed to her and stalked out of the tent.
Mai stood in place. He was right. What did she expect? During their journey she didn't really think much about the differences between humans and demons. She saw the both kinds as equals with the slight difference, that the youkai were more powerful than humans. Obviously, she was wrong. Sesshomaru tolerated the presence of humans in his group and showed even kindness from time to time, but that was in reality the same way humans treated animals. They kept some of them as their cherished pets and were eating other. Mai kept a wave of nausea wash over her body. That was all, she and Rin were to him? The pets, he kept for amusement? She clenched her fist, as she felt tears welling in her eyes. Slightly surprised she wiped them with her sleeve.
"It must be out of anger." She muttered to herself and sat down on the bed.
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Mai was laying on the bed, staring at the ceiling of the tent. It was strange, not seeing the sky. Somehow, she couldn't fall asleep, even though the bed was so soft, unlike the forest floor. The girl was listening to the steady breaths of her companions – everyone except her was sleeping like a log. She rolled to the side.
She wondered, where Sesshomaru was – since their fight he stormed off and didn't come back. Maybe she should apologize to him? After all, it wasn't his fault, that he was a demon. We was who he was – she should just accept it. Damn, she felt a little bit guilty for picking up the fight today. She learnt something drastically unpleasant about him, but she shouldn't have asked in the first place. She ought to say "sorry"…
Mai stood up and put her outer kimono on, tying the obi. She soundlessly slipped out of the tent and looked around, searching for Sesshomaru. However, he was nowhere in sight. She knew, that it was extremely idiotic, but she decided to go further nonetheless. The camp was almost empty, everyone was in their tents at such late hour. She made her way to the outskirts of the camp, taking so many turns along the way, that she didn't know anymore, where she was.
Suddenly, she heard voices – and they were familiar ones. She crouched behind a tent and peeked out carefully. Mai gasped at the sight of Sesshomaru and Kasumi, engulfed in the pale moonlight.