InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Getting to know you ❯ Chapter 19 ( Chapter 20 )

Disclaimer: Don't own nothing… but if I could…

 

 

This installment has probably been the most waited for since the prologue… I know it's been forever and a day since I update this story and I'm glad to say that this came out quite quickly when I got the chance to actually sit down and think it out.

 

 

 

Hope that you all enjoy it! I'm hoping on updating more once I've finished the new chapter. End of the Month at my “job” was stressful and this story helped get rid of some of the nastiness I was feeling…

 

 

Getting to Know You

 

 

By Miztikal-Dragon

 

 

Chapter Nineteen

 

 

Everything was moving fast, servants and other hired help workers running quickly to finish up their needed tasks. It seemed like a dream to Rin and she tried swallowing the thick lump forming in her throat.

 

 

There was a bad feel to the air and it pushed her nerves to the brink and back and though she wished otherwise, it only looked like it was her being overly dramatic. Maybe she was feeling the way she was because of what day it was, but whatever the reason, she was reduced to a bundle of nervousness.

 

 

Something definitely was going on, Rin knew it for certain when she stole glances of her beloved king. Sesshomaru was distracted by something, she could plainly see it in his amber eyes; the way they would cloud over when he believed no one else was paying attention.

 

 

Or the way he had been overly gentle, it wasn't scary, but Rin wasn't used to such treatment, or the mind-numbing feeling that crept over her as he kissed her, his clawed fingertips caressing her cheek and neck. All of it together was extremely unnerving and enough to caused a lot of worry for her and she couldn't wait for the day to end.

 

 

Anniversaries were always meant to be joyous occasions, but the one's of death were something Rin wanted to forget. The constant reminder tore at her heart, yet nobody else was ever fazed by it. They all danced around each other eagerly, large and carefree smiles gracing their faces as they prepared for a celebration no one would forget.

 

 

After all, it would be the night their king finally took a queen and the Western Lands would finally be whole once again. Tonight would be the last time Rin would be allowed by her king's side, the last time they would be allowed to be alone, his amber eyes boring through hers, his body completing hers and just thinking about the loneliness soon to come made her more miserable then she ever dreamed she would be.

 

 

Many youkai women entered the enormous room, bundles of pink fabric flapping and fluttering in their arms and sadly Rin sighed heavily as Nazuna came to her side, the same pink fabric in her arms as well. There was no fighting the inevitable Rin guessed as she was stripped naked and roughly cleaned until her skin was raw. This celebration was just the beginning to more than she could think about and hopefully it would be her last.

 

 

The silk was soft and floated across her skin like fine water and she caught herself daydreaming as Nazuna tightened her sash, stealing the air from Rin's lungs in the process. Extravagant and precious metals were placed on her arms, tiny bells snapped onto her clothing and a large necklace covered most of her throat, spreading wide like waves to the tops of her breasts.

 

 

It was all too much if you asked her and Rin hissed as a few hands tugged and pulled at her hair, twisting it into a complicated design as a large and equally beautiful headpiece was woven with hear and secured to her head.

 

 

It made her head feel heavy and by the time she was fully dressed she felt like a shiny and expensive doll. Everyone else around her was excited, though it only made her frown deepen. She didn't want to be there, not withal the happy and uplifted spirits just waiting for the signal.

 

 

And in all the pinks, and reds, and oranges, Rin found herself staring at turquoise. Kenichi's eyes were bright and huge-- his traditional robes flattering those beautiful orbs from across the room. He was heading in her direction (many of the dancers flowing out of the room and into another until the time came) and she felt herself becoming at ease with herself. Nazuna, however, stayed by Rin's side, her hand placed firmly on her shoulder and it was then that the bad feeling from earlier seized her once again.

 

 

“You look absolutely stunning Rin,” Kenichi said coolly, his long hair braided and thrown casually over his shoulder.

 

 

“The opening ceremony will be starting soon,” Nazuna interrupted before Rin could think to respond, her eyes unblinking.

 

 

“Yes Nazuna,” his voice chilled the air while he switched his gaze to the stubborn demoness. “Which is why I've come to request a moment with Rin.”

 

 

At that moment Rin could feel the fear slipping under her skin, Kenichi's turquoise eyes had narrowed and Naraku merely nodded and walked away from them. It was so uncharacteristic of the female that Rin couldn't help but reach for the demoness, but the look in Kenichi's eyes halted any moment. She felt like a trapped animal suddenly and there was no one there to help her; all of the other dancers had somehow disappeared in the blink of an eye.

 

 

“Relax Rin,” Kenichi said sitting down on a near by chair. “I'm not going to eat you, I just wanted to have a little chat.”

 

 

“A-about what?” Why was she scared of Kenichi? He wasn't the type to attack people -- especially innocents, but then again if looks could kill….

 

 

“About life silly,” he laughed. “About death and about beginnings and ends and the like.”

 

 

“I don't understand,” she whispered taking a step back.

 

 

She wasn't comfortable with the beast Kenichi was showing himself to be. He was dangerous, more so than she had seen in years and the fine hair on the back of her neck was standing on end. Was this the real horse youkai? Was he showing her his true colors or was this some kind of weird joke to keep her performance jitters at bay?

 

 

“Of course you wouldn't Rin,” his hand waived her off like she was a fly. “You were never really the smart type, but that's okay I don't mind spelling things out for you this time.”

 

 

Rin wished that she had a hidden weapon to protect herself, but when Kenichi rubbed his temples his appearance became less terrifying and she found herself relaxing. Maybe her instincts were wrong and it was just the stress getting the better of both of them. Maybe it was something else, but Rin was desperately hoping for the best.

 

 

“There have been many rumors floating around Rin,” he told her calmly not allowing any of his feelings to shine through. “I myself was in charge of quelling them, but there's been little done because the truth does not like to stay hidden.”

 

 

“The truth?” She found herself repeating and Kenichi knew instantly that he had her hook, line, and sinker.

 

 

“Rin, I know about your nights with Sesshomaru. It is one of the worst kept secrets in the castle.” He wanted to rip open her heart, crush her, kill every ounce of life left within her and the look of horror on her face was enough to make him almost give it all away. “However, we all know it will all be ending tonight when he announces who his queen will be.”

 

 

“I kno--”

 

 

“Don't interrupt me!” Kenichi snapped venomously before continuing. “And we all know that your position here will be obsolete. I mean after all I've heard he'll marrying that lovely little princess from the south.”

 

 

Her face fell instantly and Kenichi let a small smirk grace his lips momentarily. “Honestly I'm surprised Sesshomaru keeps you around. Especially after that little scandal with that pathetic human forest boy everyone has told me about.”

 

 

Rin's breath hitched and he felt the giddiness swimming in his veins. It wouldn't take much more for the precious girl to crack; he knew that he was chipping away at her resolve and once she was broken all he had to do was sweep her under the rug. By the time he was finished with her Rin would be ancient history.

 

 

“Sorry if I've hit a sore spot for you Rin,” they both knew he didn't care how she felt, it was apparent in the tone of his voice. “But there's been one thing bothering me since I've come back and it's not about who I am, but who you are.”

 

 

“Who I am?” She was on the verge of tears he could smell them.

 

 

“Yes Rin,” he licked his lips. “After every tragedy that falls this castle you are the only one who comes out more pure than any wild mountain flower. Some how you are the only one who the evils of this world are drawn to and trust me when I say this Rin, no human girl is that precious.”

 

 

Kenichi stood from his chair and closed the space between Rin and himself, his dark colored hand brushing against the paleness of Rin's cheek. At first she flinched and it only made the horse youkai grin an eerie grin. He was enjoying himself at her expense, devouring her hurt as though it was the very air he breathed and he couldn't get enough of it.

 

 

“What I'm trying to say Rin is that you're a cursed soul.” He told her gently, his thumb caressing her cheek with a feather's touch. “Sesshomaru will never love you because you're human -- the lowest of low, and no one cares whether or not you live or die. You're staining him by being here-- tainting his purity with your filthy blood.

 

 

“It was your kind that killed his father and so many other innocents. I bet given a chance any demon in this castle would show you your rightful place in this world. Your kind belongs with the rats Rin, and no matter how much you try and deny it, you're stealing any respect Sesshomaru has by breathing near him. You cursed his kingdom because you lived.”

 

 

His hand stung a little when Rin smacked it away from her, her heartache and self loathing stuffing the enormous room and he didn't have to wait long until the first sob broke free from her throat. He wanted to kill her-- take her life away with his very hands, but this kind of torture was always so much sweeter.

 

 

Turning his back on her, Kenichi walked away slowly. He was basking in the simple pleasure of destroying her with only a handful of words quicker than any natural disaster could even dream of. It was all too easy, but easy was okay because he still had a few tricks up his clearly clever sleeve.

 

 

“You should leave Rin,” he said coldly. “I'm pretty sure Sesshomaru doesn't want you here anyway, not when he's got someone better now.”

 

 

Kenichi didn't even have to turn around to know Rin had fled and like he had done a few other times since he had arrived back to his kingdom, he laughed. It would definitely be an interesting night and he patted the long feather hiding in his pocket, revenge was delicious.

 

 

 

 

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Wearing traditional robes never really bothered him, in fact, he normally preferred wearing them over his less formal attire; however, tonight was a different story. The material chafed his skin, the usually soft silk rough and scratchy. It bothered him so much that his clawed hands dug into his thighs just to stop his skin was from itching.

 

 

This was, of course contributing to his already irritated mood and Sesshomaru was ready to kill the poor fool who made his clothing so he would feel slightly better. The celebration was going as planned and his people were forgetting temporarily and building anew.

 

 

It made Sesshomaru feel like he had actually accomplished something good, but the only thing was why was he in such a fowl mood? Why couldn't he enjoy himself even in the slightest? Maybe it was because he already knew what the problem was, maybe it was just an off day; although, whatever it was, he definitely was not liking it at all.

 

 

He'd already refused a few drinks, his amber eyes' staying alert and unwaveringly focused, yet again that's who he was. Sesshomaru was an icy stoic creature, he valued his space and privacy and most of all his morals, but then why was it that he was following in his father's footstep?

 

 

The truth was that he realized that things weren't meant to stay still, even if it meant his ideals and life long expectations on life. It wasn't that he had somehow fallen short of his mother's preaching and teachings, but exceeding them.

 

 

He was finally understanding exactly what his father had seen in Izayoui, and for the first time he respected his father's love for the human princess.

 

 

Mentally sighing, Sesshomaru shifted slightly in his seat as the music changed, the jingling of bells catching his attention. The dancers raced across the floor, sparkled with life and crackled to a dangerous seductive beat as the music started. They moved in unison, each complicated step amazing the crowds as they cheered.

 

 

He had to admit they were amazing to watch, their perfected talent possible of stealing the souls and hearts from the onlookers. Beneath the silk and fine jewels, however, Sesshomaru looked for one person in general, his eyes seeking the only human girl who seemed to have disappeared with the beautiful madness.

 

 

His fingers tapped on the wood of his throne forgetting about his uncomfortable clothing and when the dance ended he spotted Kenichi heading in his direction, a hidden look on his bronzed face.

 

 

“How is it?” The horse youkai smiled flashing pearly white fangs, a goblet of dark liquid offered to Sesshomaru.

 

 

“Exceptional,” Sesshomaru replied coldly eyeing the drink but deciding not to drink from it. “Though it did look like one of the dancers were missing.”

 

 

“She probably fled in fear or something,” Kenichi sipped at his own drink lacking any real feeling. “It happens all the time. Pathetic that some can't stand the pressure, though there is a reason why the best are labeled perfect.”

 

 

Sesshomaru didn't need an incentive after the comment Kenichi made in order to excuse himself and disappear into the crowd. He had been right when he assumed that there was someone missing and a small part of him knew exactly who it was. He didn't have to push his way through the endless number of bodies, but then again, it wasn't like the parting of a sea either and he silently made his way across the enormous room in a matter of moments.

 

 

The celebration was heading out doors anyway as the liquor was uncorked and served and Sesshomaru merely floated away from it, following both his instincts and his nose. He tried to be inconspicuous, but it was hard disappearing in to the clear river if you were a sparkling gem, not that he was that conceited or anything.

 

 

“You won't find her here,” Nazuna's voice had Sesshomaru turning his head and he saw her leaning against the wall a few yards away, her arms crossed over her chest and a pensive look on her face. “She's been gone for a couple of hours now… I don't think she's planning on coming back this time poor girl.”

 

 

“Rin,” her name left his lips in a soft whisper and he felt his blood running cold.

 

 

The only thought that came to his mind was why and he frowned angrily as he left the cat demon standing dumbstruck in her spot. Rin had fled his kingdom again and this time, however, he hadn't the faintest clue why. He did everything he possibly could to show her that he needed her in his own way and she upped and left him. Was what he was offering not enough for her? Or was it asking too much of the human girl? Had he somehow misplaced himself to make her feel the need to leave him?

 

 

He wasn't heart broken, Sesshomaru wasn't the type to allow himself to sink so low, instead he was angry. Not just angry, he was livid that his vision almost bled red. How dare she leave him, he never gave her permission -- he never once made it acceptable for her to leave his territory since, well since he said so!

 

 

He ignored everything around him, darted passed people and objects alike, his entire body focusing on one thing and one thing only; Rin. The Inu-Youkai was tracking her down, hunting her and he would find her because after all he was the best there was. He was the best!

 

 

It wasn't hard finding the trail, her scent old and stale; however, he followed it nonetheless. He could feel the wind under his hair, taste the oncoming night and the bittersweet tang of her blood. It drifted through the breeze like a dying autumn leaf and it sent a jolt of electricity through his body and he almost lost his footing.

 

 

The scent filled him with a sense of urgency and he easily kicked himself into full gear -- his legs propelling him through the foliage and his claws destroying anything in his way. He was a demon on a mission and nothing would deter him.

 

 

“Rin,” he said her name as if it were a witch's spell, a guttural growl deep in his throat as we weaved and twisted his way around her scent.

 

 

He could hear the howling of the wolves towards the south prairie land, they could no doubt taste his anger and her blood and they would be eager to investigate but too scared to try. The Inu-Youkai king would waste no time ripping them to shreds if they interfered and the leader of the undoubtedly rogue pack should have been intelligent enough to know the same.

 

 

Just what he was planning on doing when he caught up with her he wasn't too sure, but he'd think about it when he got there. Sesshomaru knew he wouldn't physically hurt her, doing so hurt him as well, though he debated shaking some sense into her. Emotional was another thing, if she wanted to leave she could, but on his terms and conditions, not hers. Sure his thinking was a little irrational and maybe even a little adolescent and domineering, but he didn't care. He was king and what he said went, end of story.

 

 

The sun was setting as he flew out of the forestry, his ears twitching listening to her quickly falling footsteps and he caught her onyx hair from the corner of his eyes. She was heading towards the sea, the thick scent of salt filing his lungs and he knew that there would be no sand slowing Rin down, only a drop off and a gruesome rocky death and something inside of him snapped.

 

 

“RIN!” He growled, his chest shaking with the force of it and he felt his heart skipping a few beats watching her succumb to his angry command.

 

 

Her eyes were open wide, her cheeks bright red from the blood rushing rapidly and she looked like a cornered and frightened mouse. Just staring at her made it harder for him to breathe and all of the anger fled from him.

 

 

There was a sudden need to pull her close, hold her to his chest and hide her from the world that swelled in his stomach, and yet no matter what his rational mind said, the feeling was growing stronger by the second.

 

 

“No,” he barely heard her breathless and broken whisper, her eyes having broken contact with his own the moment before. “Please god kill me now, please leave me alone Sesshomaru!”

 

 

Sesshomaru wasn't positive if what Rin said was meant for his ears, but nonetheless he couldn't believe what he had heard. There was no way in hell he was going to leave her alone, let alone allow someone (even god, if there was such a being) to take her from him and into the afterlife. He wanted to tell her how stupid she was being and how delusional she sounded, however, before he could the very ground underneath Rin's feet gave away and she fell backwards toward the rocky watery ground below.

 

 

Her scream was like a siren's song and it scared him. He hadn't reacted with his usual lightning fast precision, yet he didn't stand around like some blubbering idiot either. Sesshomaru didn't think as he jumped off the broken cliff after Rin, there was no time for it. This time failing Rin was not an option he had and he allowed himself to let it all completely go as he clawed hands reached for her.

 

 

“Rin,” oxygen was rushing from his lungs as he grabbed her, almost violently jerking her away from her temporary weakness solution and into his chest.

 

 

He wasn't ready to let her go and he felt the cold spray of the salt water splash on his hands as his youki waxed and waned to translucent clouds of white. She was trembling against him, shaking with an emotion he didn't quite understand. It was her lack of a response that shook him and he was grateful no one decided to follow him on his hunt for Rin.

 

 

The Inu-Youkai king held Rin as though she were a tiny infant and when his feet touched the solid ground he hesitated with the idea of letting her stand. He mentally berated himself, letting her down, yet refusing to let her leave the tight hold his arms had her in. His resolve only grew smelling the salt from her tears and the gentlest of touches her hands made as they slid around his waist, enveloping him in a crushing hug and he returned it tenfold.

 

 

Her onyx hair slipped between his fingertips as he patted her head with his hand. He did not like feeling so helpless, the powerlessness that she had made him experience. He didn't know if he could survive it again and he was no weakling by far.

 

 

In fact, Sesshomaru prided himself at being the single most powerful demon and it wasn't because he was ruling a kingdom either. But this, this was something entirely different. It was more than he was used to showing to anyone, emotions he normally kept hidden under the surface, but now it seemed like a good time to let someone see something-- even if it was only a glimpse.

 

 

“Sesshomaru?” She pulled out of his arms and he wanted to drag her back into them, though he pushed back the urge for both of their sakes.

 

 

For Sesshomaru it had been a good decision when Rin crumbled to the ground in a dead faint. Yes, it was a rather expected outcome to such a dramatic last couple of minutes and silently he heaved a relieved sigh before pulling the unconscious female into his arms. They would be having a serious conversation after this little stunt Rin pulled and Sesshomaru would get to the bottom of this.

 

 

He carried her bridal style all the way back to the castle at a decent paced walk. He was in no hurry to get back to the celebration because it was undoubtedly over for him. And when he returned it was like so many other times, the silent drumming of gabbing lips and rumors would be flying before the twelfth canon fire later.

 

 

After all of this he was certain that every youkai in the Western Lands would know the answer to the biggest question. The king of the West had brought back his queen, with unorthodoxed measures, yes, and yet the only one not smiling in the entire kingdom wasn't any random civilian, though one now brooding horse youkai.

 

 

 

 

E/N: I couldn't help but laugh while typing this up because I kept pointing out how there were similarities in thought patterns between this chapter and the music I was listening to. Then again since a friend gave me the “Sweeny Todd” soundtrack it has been all I've been listening to.

 

 

Can't help myself, though I do have to say my favorite song is “Green Finch and Linnet bird” where Johanna sings because she has remarkable skill and it gives me chills..

 

 

But that's besides the point! I'll update ASAP! And THANK YOU! To everyone who has reviewed this story, I appreciate it all.. good and bad!

 

 

Until next time….