InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Handprint ❯ Chapter 6

Disclaimer: The characters of InuYasha are not mine, they are property of Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan, Yomiuri TV, Sunrise, and Viz. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

 

# Handprint part 6 #

 

For a handful of days, the handprint remained on his clothing, unnoticed by his companions. In that time, Sesshoumaru came no closer to either identifying the source of his problem or the course of action that would resolve it. Acutely self conscious of the stain, his companions found him to be quick tempered and easily irritable. Rin, Jaken, and Ahun took extra care to not incite his anger or draw his attention. Sesshoumaru spent that quiet, tense time deep in contemplation, the adaptations his group made to compensate for his dark mood completely lost on him.

Until Jaken noticed the stain and dared to remark upon it.

“Ah, Sesshoumaru-sama! It's horrible! Rin has left a dirty handprint on your clothing!” the imp cried as he dared to latch onto Sesshoumaru's pant leg. Immediately Jaken turned and gave Rin an impressive glower.

“Look what you've done, filthy human! Sesshoumaru-sama has killed youkai for less offense than this! Beg for your life, or you will surely die!” Jaken continued as he pointed an accusatory finger at Rin, who was perched atop Ahun. Immediately, Rin's dark eyes filled with tears and her wide, fearful gaze sought out Sesshoumaru's impassive face. Her grip on the puppy tightened to a strangle hold; and he could tell from the small, defensive light that flared to life in Rin's eyes that she took strength from the presence of the little toy.

Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

Jaken let out a small squawk and threw himself to the ground, bowing his head profusely.

“Ah, forgive her my lord! She is just a little human! She doesn't know any better! Please, Sesshoumaru-sama! Do not dirty your hands with the blood of a lowly human! I, Jaken, will see to her punishment, if you only will let her live! I—”

“Jaken,” Sesshoumaru cut in coldly. “Silence.”

Choking back his next words, the imp fell silent. He turned worried eyes towards Rin, glancing from his master's stoic face to the little girl's frightened, defiant one. Sesshoumaru's angry, slightly glowing gold eyes were locked with Rin's teary, determined ones.

“Rin,” Sesshoumaru said quietly. “Do you believe I will kill you?”

For a long moment, Rin was mute, her eyes fastened onto his face. Then she shook her head slowly, hugging her puppy to her chest.

“No,” she whispered into the tense, deathly still silence.

At her answer, the ire died from Sesshoumaru's eyes and both Jaken and Rin visibly relaxed.

“That's `No, Sesshoumaru-sama!' to you!” Jaken blustered, covering up his relief.

“No, Sesshoumaru-sama,” Rin obediently repeated, her usual show of protest at having to obey Jaken missing.

Ignoring them both, Sesshoumaru started on ahead. The issue of the handprint remained unresolved, but neither of his companions showed any further inclination to risk his anger in an attempt to broach the subject again.

 

 

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