InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A new beginning, a new hope ❯ The Winds of Vengeance (Part 1) ( Chapter 42 )

Hey, everyone,

 

Before we start, just a short note. Evil Bunny wishes to speak up for the demon she loves.

 

You see, very common in olden Asian times, in Japan as well, bearing a son for the family she is married to is probably the sole responsibility of a woman. In fact, I read through some research that she will not be accepted into the man's family until so.

 

Particularly in Sesshoumaru's case where he's sort of a warlord, it is even more important that he has an heir to continue the family line. Thus, our proud demon has certainly come a long way to where he is now, possessing so strongly a resolution to take Rin as his sole mate.

 

He could have requested her to become a demoness but he didn't. If he had done so, then perhaps, they wouldn't be in this present fix. And now, he made no hesitation arriving at a decision to choose Rin over his final chance of having a pure breed heir. If I were her, I'd be truly moved. In fact, she probably was. That was what caused her to want to keep his child, knowing how important it actually meant to him and his status as lord of the west. They could have other pups, but they'll never be like this one and Rin knows. It's a tough decision for both but I sincerely believe, for either, it wasn't done out of selfishness but out of love.

 

So I guess that's how it is to love someone so powerful and perfect. I'd love to be Rin. Who wouldn't? But being Rin means being, out of her own will, an obliging silent follower and listener, an ever attentive but never domineering wife, one who respects but not fear her husband, one who knows when to approach and retreat without bearing disgruntle, one who dares speak boldly yet never intrudes, one who's prepared to give up anything for him, even her life. Most importantly, she wouldn't even feel that she is so, and thus she'll never ask anything in return. Hence by knowing the criteria of being Rin, I'm no longer her.. haha..

 

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A half-disfigured ookami demon dragging one of its mutilated limbs scurried into a cave carved into the base of a deep cavern. It squawked with an added agitated exhilaration sighting its commander as it picked up its pace.

 

“Your ladyship, it is done. The small one had been set loose. It is off on its task.” It squeaked in a high-pitched distortion, smacking both its badly maintained furry paws together.

 

“And who is there now watching her accomplish her task?” A feminine voice sang out in a most dissatisfactory hiss.

 

The demon slave stumbled instantly. It had obviously overlooked that part.

 

“Err.. There is no one b…but….” A tremor was apparent. It was scared stiff. Its knees fell with an unceremonious crash onto the ground, begging for forgiveness. “But I'll go now to spy on her. Please do not punish me…”

 

The feminine voice echoed a ringing chain of laughter.

 

“That is not up to me to decide, isn't it, my lordship?”

 

The demon turned with great trepidation only to spot a tri-horn towering figure behind, instantly casting a heinous shadow clearly depicting one pointed ear on the cave wall. It gulped, fearing its end was near. True enough, the last thing it saw was a swift swirl of jyaki before its eyes as its master swung two venomous claws. The slave demon collapsed in three parts onto the muddied ground, its blood spilled in haphazard angles reaching various corners. The sequence of hushed gasps sounded from the out skirts of the cave as numerous others of its kind shrugged and hid in terror.

 

“Stupidity is one thing I cannot stand!” He briefly flicked off the reminiscence of blood on a claw, licking part of it off the other. His gaze shifted to the one beside him. “Get someone smarter to take over. I want the girl HERE by daybreak!”

 

“Sure.” She fanned a little chuckle. “My pleasure. From my memory, she's quite a dear. Perhaps my lordship would be entertained by her company, or even take a fancy.”

 

A jarring uproarious sneer shook the entire compound, sending crumbles of loose rocks and dust falling from their hidden ruts.

 

“Take a fancy? I heard that the Western lady is nothing but a pathetic human girl of the lowest class. I'm no fool like the great lord Sesshoumaru. I do not play with food.” His brows narrowed, an amorous grin curved his purplish lips. “There is no one I want more…” Without a hint of a warning, he dissipated into thin air in a second, reappearing beside his alleged target in the next, swooping her up in an overly forceful sweep. “…than you, my sweet.”

 

He let his tongue run freely down her neck as she fought within herself whether to stop him.

 

“Not here, my lordship.” She choked out in haste, still not daring to show any further hints of rejection. “The others are watching.”

 

“And since when did you care about them?” He let off a clipped smirk, raising his predatory claws instantly tearing her kimono into nothing but fleeing shreds. “I do not wish to hear such insolence ever again. You WILL obey and you will please me.” He lifted a brow. “Or would you rather I give you to them all to enjoy?” He turned to his shriveling minions now cheering in a clattered dissonance. “How's that, my little slaves?”

 

Their chatter intensified mixed with an overlapping of clapping and stamping of feet.

 

She bit her lower lip in spiteful hatred, closing her eyes and prayfully her ears to shut herself out from the raucous whistling of the onlookers as her master forced his way on her.

 

Secretly swallowing her pride, she awaited what she pined for the most, all these years--- Revenge --- Sesshoumaru!

 

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Kagome's lips rainbowed a slight smile as she sighted the back view of her hanyou friend seemingly standing a small distance from the youkai lord's chamber. She strolled toward him at a leisurely pace.

 

“Jinenji-san, what are you doing out here? Isn't it time for Rin-chan's medication?” She frowned in bemusement, noticing the physician's expressions of slight awkwardness.

 

“Kagome-san, err… I'm waiting.” He scratched his hair bashfully. “I think the lord needs some private time with the lady himself.” Undoubtedly, the hanyou had picked up the faint scent of recent intimate activities from the room and hence deliberately not wanting to intrude. “It's no big matter. I'll just stand here for a while. I'm sure Sesshoumaru-sama will not overlook the lady's medication time.”

 

“Alright then.” The miko said as both exchanged an ever-courteous smile. “I'll bring dinner in a while.”

 

Sure enough, the demon lord's enhanced hearing allowed him the edge of clearly defining the ongoing conversation on the other side of the screen door. Of course he was aware of the time. But Rin… He set his gaze lovingly on the girl currently soundly asleep in his arms as he pulled up the covers over her bare shoulders, shielding her from the incoming evening chills.

 

A soft sigh was let loose from the girl's lips as her hand wandered to circle round his muscled waist, snuggling closer into his unclothed warmth. Helplessly, Sesshoumaru looked on, reveling in the simple enjoyment of her naked breasts pressed against his chest.

 

Rin, she doesn't look like she is going to wake any moment soon. He mused while trying not to make any sudden movement in fear that it would jostle her.

 

What should he do? It was getting late and it was time for Rin's daily examination by the hanyou physician. Should he wake her? Immediately, he was reminded of Jinenji's word of caution. Rin is not to be late for her dosage.

 

Still, he didn't have the heart to wake the girl, especially when he had just made love to her on the spur of a moment of attraction a while back. It must have taken quite a toll on her present laden body. Her nap time was significantly extended, he noted.

 

Rin roused at the slight rustling of leaves and the rich forestry scents about her. She rubbed her eyes, opening one only to squint at the radiant afternoon glare. A little disorientated and bewildered, she stood up from the soft grass beneath her. A twinkle flashed in her irises as she realized where she was--- the flower meadow.

 

How on earth did I get here? The girl fought hard to recall. I was with Sessho in our room and we...

 

That just added to her confusion.

 

A warm tingling breeze brought a rainfall of an assortment of flowery fragments and as Rin cleared some away, she heaved a hushed gasp!

 

A distance away from her under a magnolia tree was--- Sesshoumaru?

 

Or rather, she thinks he is.

 

She could only catch the sight of his back. But the long silvery hair, the cream white armor….

 

And lo, he turns!

 

“Welcome, my dear.”

 

It was—Sesshoumaru's Oto-san, Inu-no-Taisho!

 

Rin stood rooted and at a lost of words. She merely stared at him, her thoughts briefly returned to the time where she first met him as a child-- when he appeared before Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha after they had defeated the evil sword Souunga. No one wouldn't have known that they were father and son. Sesshoumaru takes so much after his Oto-san, well, the only apparent difference was the crescent. Sessho, he must have inherited that from his mother.

 

But--- Isn't the Taiyoukai general already dead?

 

Inu-no-Taisho's lips uplifted into a smile as he sensed the girl's unease.

 

“Come here, my dear and let me have a good look at you.”

 

“Hai, my lord.” Knowing who she was now speaking to, Rin joined both her palms neatly on her pale green kimono. Though the girl hadn't the slightest idea how their meeting was made possible, nonetheless, lowering her head shyly, she complied with his request obediently.

 

The girl offered a respectful bow upon arriving at his side as she heard him chuckle. Still, she dared not look straight at him.

 

“Lift up your head.” Rin raised her eyes to meet him at his level only to find that his brows were furrowing with an equal sort of strange entertained curiosity.

 

Minutes of silence passed as the girl bravely held her stance to be examined by her father-in-law, intermittently blinking as her long lashes fluttered in the wind.

 

Then to Rin's utmost surprise, he was… smiling? And affectionately at her?

 

“The lady of the West shall always hold her head high. You will bow to no one, not even your lord.” He pointed one seemingly accusing finger at the girl but chuckled somewhat light-heartedly. “Well, at least not all the time. I know my own son too well. Since a pup, he'd always had his way with everything. I've spoilt him. He has grown too cold, too proud.”

 

Upon hearing that, Rin just couldn't help laughing.

 

“Sesshoumaru's not like that, my lord.” She jumped to his defense so instinctively as she envisioned the one she loved.

 

“Really?” The Taiyoukai general was clearly amused, tempted to test her further. “Then, my dear, what is he to you?”

 

Rin felt her cheeks heating up with embarrassment as she replied to the query. “He's smart, loyal and faithful and honorable. Perhaps he looks cold on the outside, and he even tries to tell himself that he is so. But the fact is that he's not and he can never be. He feels so passionately about things that, I think, sometimes he is afraid.” The girl paused, observing that the general was listening rather intently to her. “Well, he IS proud…” She flashed a grin. “But I think he's proud because he's your son.”

 

Inu-no-Taisho's hearty laughter rang out once again into the woods behind them and the girl waited patiently for his address.

 

“And I thought that my son was merely mesmerized by a too pretty face. I was wrong.” He turned noting the clouded expression of the girl beside him.

 

“You see, when I heard that my son has finally taken a wife, a human girl, I was shocked. We both know how he's like.” He passed her a charming wink and Rin smiled in inhibited agreement. “But now, I finally understood and I'm proud of his choice.”

 

“You are?” The girl was reminded of her weaknesses.

 

The Taiyoukai nodded in affirmation and he held up one of her hands, lightly touching the circular object on her wrist. “This bangle, allows us to meet in your dreams.”

 

Rin's brows lifted in pleasant inquisitiveness. “You mean, we're now in a dream?”

 

“Yes, and it shall forever be a secret between us.” He tapped the top of her palm gently before letting it go. “You will not speak a word of this to anyone, not even to Sesshoumaru.”

 

He watched as the girl flinched ever so slightly and instantly, he correctly guessed what was on her mind.

 

“Is that too much to ask of you, my daughter?” Rin was afraid that she might have offended him but he was just grinning incredulously at her. “You have never kept anything from him, have you?”

 

Rin was silent and the Taiyoukai shook his head. “My dear, you're too soft, too sweet to him. He's sure to bully you.”

 

“No, he'll not.” Even the girl wasn't aware how fast she was to always speak up for her beloved demon. But the general beheld all this in his heart. “He's… very sweet to me.” She ended in a muted whisper.

 

The Taiyoukai heaved a clipped chuckle. “Still, I will have your promise.”

 

“Hai.” Without hesitation, Rin responded. Perhaps, this is a tradition of the Inu-family, passed on through many generations. She'd better be the dutiful daughter-in-law.

 

As though immensely satisfied with her swift reply, the general closed their distance. “How is the little one you're carrying?”

 

Rin gasped as her hand moved to cruise pass her abdomen. He knows!

 

“The baby is fine. We have the finest physician and…”

 

“I know all about this pup. It is the one promised to our line. But are you not afraid? Do you not fear for your own life?” His expressions had turned more stern and solemn.

 

“Sesshoumaru needs an heir.” The girl restated her resolution valiantly though she didn't completely understood what he meant. “And it is my duty to provide him with one. He has made too much sacrifice choosing me as his mate. I have to at least honor him with this child.”

 

A human girl with a brave and brilliant soul huh? The Taiyoukai mused smugly as he scrutinized the girl before him. Truly a worthy companion to my heir.

 

“I have never doubted my son's taste for he picks nothing but the finest, most appropriate to his caliber.” He took one more glance at her teasingly before continuing. “But this time, I have to disagree.” Rin was taken aback, a little confused and dishearten but the general's grin was ever evident. He had something else to add. “Sesshoumaru is too greedy.” He let loose a laugh. “My spoilt pup does not deserve you.”

 

Rin blushed profusely, lowering her head once again. “You flatter me, my lord. I'm.. not that you have spoken of…”

 

“I think it's about time you address me the same way Sesshoumaru does. I've been waiting since we met.” He intercepted her, lifting one eager brow. “After that, I'll let you in on a little secret to save both you and the baby.”

 

Rin gulped. Well, she knew that she had to call him `father' but she just wasn't sure if he'd accept her. And what? He has a way to save the pup?

 

“Do you really have a way to save the baby, Chichiue?” There, she sounded the last word most reverently and he was apparently pleased.

 

“This is our family heirloom.” He held up her wrist once again, displaying the piece of jewelry. “Not only can we communicate through this, it can also protect you and even the pup. Whenever it is fighting you, place it over the child and let the powers tame it. I'll personally make sure you get through this. You have my word.”

 

“Rin…..Anata…”

 

A muted voice arrived and went as a gust of wind blew bringing with it a familiar scent.

 

“Sesshoumaru, he is calling for you. We have to end here, for now.” The Taiyoukai gently squeezed Rin's palm. “I leave my son and heir to you. I have confidence that you'll stay by him always. Also, take care of yourself. Sesshoumaru, he needs you.” His tone became too soft as though contrite. “You complete him… in ways that I never did.”

 

“Rin…” The demon lord placed a careful kiss on the girl's temple as her eyes peeled open slowly.

 

As the image of the youkai became clearer, Rin realized that she was back in her chamber. Consciously, she looked around only to find that her father-in-law was not anywhere near. So, was all that real? Or was it merely a wistful dream of her own? Still slightly flustered and disarranged, the girl concluded that if it were all true, she'd meet him again somehow.

 

“What's wrong?” Sesshoumaru noticed her strange behavior.

 

“I…” Suddenly the girl was reminded of her promise. “Nothing actually. I had a strange dream. That's all.”

 

Surprisingly, the demon lord wasn't interested in finding out more on that, Rin was tremendously relieved. She'd have hated herself even if a white lie is unavoidable. But Sesshoumaru, he had other issues on his mind.

 

“I'm sorry to wake you like this. You look tired.” His eyes were apologetic as he brushed her fringe aside to have a better look at her. “But it's time for your medication and the physician has been waiting outside for some time.”

 

“Oh.” Rin momentarily examined the evening sky outside the window. “I've overslept.”

 

She struggled into a sitting position but let out a soft moan as a migraine attacked her. Drowsily, she kneaded her forehead and the demon wittily deduced what was wrong with her.

 

“Is your head hurting again?” He was concerned, knowing the trend all to well. It was due to lack of sleep and he was probably the one at fault. “Stay. Don't get up.” He retrieved her clothes from under the bed in one elegant swoop, proceeding to assist her in the dressing and then attending to himself. “Lie down. I'll get Jinenji.” He stacked some pillows, helping her lean back in them. “Are you comfortable?”

 

Rin gleamed with quiet contentment watching Sesshoumaru going about his task so tenderly.

 

“And I thought you are only good at taking them off.” She passed an overly cheeky remark despite the pain, arousing the demon lord's gleeful attention.

 

It didn't take long before she totally regretted making that statement so mischievously. The girl squealed as she was pressed down into the pillows in a too passionate kiss. “Is that an invitation or a dare, Anata? This Sesshoumaru turns down neither.” But as quickly as he broke off from the girl, he retracted his advances seeing her hide a writhe while trying to catch her breath. Supplying instead a clipped peck on her nose, the demon got up from his recumbent position. “Be good and sit still. I'll get the physician in.”

 

Rin greeted the hanyou with a polite nod as he entered the chamber, half engaged in a brief conversation with the youkai lord she wasn't able to make out. As Jinenji arrived at the bed, he arranged several herbal bottles on the table with slight unsteady hands and at the same time trying to ignore, to avoid embarrassment on both parties, the telling scents now still lingering strongest here. Surely, he had to train himself get use to this. There're still several months to go before the lady eventually delivers.

 

“My lady, how are you today? I heard your usual headaches is bothering you again?” Even as he spoke, the hanyou skillfully observed the unusually dazed form of the girl. He proceeded to do an initial check, intermittently applying pressure on specific sections, enquiring about the degree of pain. And every time Rin grimaced, the demon lord's heart would inevitably skip an anxious beat. “I hadn't the chance to speak to you about this in the past…” Jinenji began finally. “But headaches of this nature are usually caused by stress or insufficient rest.”

 

At that, an instant wave of remorse swept through Sesshoumaru's chest. Penitently, he awaited the hanyou's advice.

 

“My lady, you can no longer take the herbs I had prescribed to you. Those are too strong and can be harmful to the pup.” He got up and strode to the far end where he had previously created a make shift medicinal storage, then bringing back another assortment of containers. “I'll give you something much milder mixed into your daily dosage. It's not as effective but it'll have to do for now.”

 

Even as Jinenji was carefully proportioning his concoction, he couldn't help but noticed from one corner of his eye that the demon lord had slid to Rin's side, gently massaging the usual acupuncture point in hope to relieve part of her discomfort. That sparked him an idea.

 

“Here, my lord.” The hanyou passed the youkai a cup and as the girl sipped on it from his grip, Jinenji offered his professional recommendation. “That is a good way to help the lady but I can impart you a better technique. The results are more permanent and it can reduce chances of relapse. Also, it'll help her sleep better.”

 

Sesshoumaru nodded in deep appreciation just as Kagome entered the room with her dinner tray. Now that's another which he ought to really thank, her ever extensive patience and sensitivity toward their situation gained his utmost gratitude. Most importantly, the youkai lord didn't wish to picture Jaken taking over the preparation of the girl's meals.

 

“Rin-chan, look what I've made you tonight… carrot and celery dumplings, your favorite!” She proudly did a slight swing showing the girl the contents which was held in hand. Rin's eyes lit up instantly. The miko had out done herself this time. Not only were they totally vegetarian, these Japanese raviolis were molded with love into shapes of water lilies. And floating about the steamy hot miso soup, they looked as life-like as the real thing. Indeed, it was an excellent work of art. “Eat it while it's still warm. If not, it'll turn real soggy.”

 

“Hai, arigato, Kagome-san.” The girl struggled up but the demon lord was too quick to lurch forward to assist her. “They're too pretty to be eaten. Where's Keiko? I remember she loves these too.”

 

The miko shrugged her shoulders rather casually. “I guess she's with Inuyasha. They've gone exploring the whole afternoon.” Right, she had forgotten about her daughter in the midst of all the enthusiasms of realizing her potentials as a creative chef. Still, she knew her hubby all too well. He'll never miss dinner time. They'll be back…soon.

 

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Kagome's breath had gotten more burdened as she hurriedly pressed toward the demon lord's chamber. Finding that the screen door was still ajar, her hand swung open further, completely forgetting the courtesy of knocking.

 

“Rin-chan. Sesshouma….” She couldn't restrain her fretful tone.

 

Keiko was missing!

 

Both her hanyou hubby and her blinked hard at each other in utter disbelief when they met at the dining chamber. Each had the impression that the other was taking charge of the child! They were simply too absent minded.

 

Instantaneously from his seat beside the bed, the hanyou physician raised a finger to his lips in haste, signaling to the miko to be silent as he tip-toed stealthily to her. What are these two men doing so secretly? On a second look, Kagome immediately realized the reason behind this.

 

The demon lord was currently kneading with full concentration on a part of the girl's palm in rather practiced circles and Rin…. She was slumbering so peacefully in his chest!

 

“My apologies but it took us some time before the lady managed to finally fall asleep.” He spoke only in a voiceless breath into the miko's ears.

 

“I'm sorry but I'm just very worried about Keiko.” Kagome was almost in tears causing the youkai lord to pick up her anxieties without fail.

 

“Has something happened to the little one?” Clearly, Sesshoumaru doted on the hanyou kid as though she was his own.

 

“She has been missing since this afternoon and Inuyasha said that she wasn't with him. I've looked everywhere.” The young mother choked out, trying in vain to lower her voice. “We're going to go out to look for her now.”

 

“I'll go too.” The hanyou physician jumped to pack up his stuff.

 

Sesshoumaru's attention was brought back to the one presently lying in his embrace as the girl stirred to his immense disappointment. Still, they had roused her despite all the efforts to speak mutedly.

 

“Sessho…” Rin grabbed a handful of his sleeve as she blinked a few times numbly. “Keiko, is she missing?”

 

She heard them. The demon lord held the girl with a slight increase in grip to prevent her from trying to get up. “I want to look for her too.” Rin was persistent.

 

Sesshoumaru shook his head violently. That was absolutely out of question!

 

Then, right on that spot, he made a decision.

 

“Shh... you are to rest.” Though soothing her with gentle strokes of her hair, his tone was nonetheless firm and resolute. “I'll go.”

 

With great care, Sesshoumaru arranged the sheets around Rin as he pressed a kiss on her temple.

 

“My lord, I'll stay with the lady then.” Jinenji adjusted his plan in an instant, seeking to provide the demon lord some assurance that the girl would be well taken care of and protected in his absence.

 

“Arigato.” It was soft but everyone in the room who heard took a silent second to be in awe. Sesshoumaru had put voice to that one word he had been withholding on the whole of his youkai life!

 

“But Sessho…” Rin squeezed one of his hands.

 

“Sleep. I'll be back latest by daybreak.” Sesshoumaru regarded the lovely form of his mate and he felt it in his gut. Something wasn't right. This mysterious disappearance of his niece and at this crucial time where the unknown evil aura still roamed the western lands. Yes, the kid had her impish moments but she always knew her limits.

 

Also, his heart, it was starting to pound erratically as though it were a form of warning, an intuition perhaps. He had felt this once before long ago, he couldn't recall the exact time off hand.

 

And the moment his lips searched the girl's, he was instantly feeling much worse.

 

Why is he reacting this way? It was as though…. as though he wasn't ever going to see her again.

 

“Sessho, what's the matter?” The girl's brows constricted, sensing this rare unrest in him.

 

Without a word, the demon lord matched her mouth in a frenzied sort of mingling kiss, drinking in her fragrance all at once.

 

“Promise me you will not leave the chamber under all circumstances.” There was a hint of strangle in his voice though he hid it well.

 

“Mm...” Rin acknowledged obediently in a slight nod and then surrendered powerlessly to the weight of her eyelids as sleep took over her.

 

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Hiya…

 

I must apologize for the long wait. I was out almost every night during the Christmas weekend and also after that too. My friends wished to drink their way through to the new year and they ain't letting me off on this. NO WAY! Just yesterday, I had a few rounds of Tequila in an Eskimo bar and it's all icy inside like Alaska. Even the tables and chairs are made of huge ice cubes. Haha.. cool..

 

Actually, the reason why we're in high spirits is because last year at this time, everyone on this side of the continent was moaning for all those who died in the Tsunami. No one had the mood to celebrate so it's kind of a make up this year.

 

K now about the story:

 

At Christmas dinner table, I was sitting next to this Swiss mixed Italian friend and he was trying to convince me that my fic can't end at chapter 43 or 44. He says it's a bad number. Even composers in the olden days withheld from writing symphony numbers 9 because of the fear that they wouldn't complete number ten.

 

Anyway just to appease him, I've decided to end the fic at chapter 45 and because of that, I've included some things that I previously decided to leave out, like Rin meeting her father-in-law.

 

And for the next few chapters that follows, I hope you can pardon me on the language and also some other darker things. I'll be placing the toned down version on this site. If you're not afraid it'll break your heart and wish to read the uncensored, you can email me.

 

So, have a great year ahead! See ya in 2006.

 

Evil bunny