InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Handprint ❯ Chapter 9

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 9 #

Reluctantly Rin relinquished the puppy into Kagome's care, her face a mask of worry because the other girl had made no guarantees. Youkai blood was very messy, the residual youki in the bodily fluids making the stain resistant to cleaning. Usually, the only solution was to buy new to replace that stained material. Kagome told Rin that the toy was “machine washable” and that there was a chance her mother might be able to get out the stains. She promised, with an awkward smile, that she would get Rin a new stuffed animal to replace the old one.

“Rin would rather have that one,” the little girl admitted softly, her dark eyes shadowed with anxiety.

“But Rin-chan, wouldn't you like a new one? This one's falling apart at the seams! Even if we clean it, that one won't last much longer…” Kagome trailed off as first one tear, then another streaked down Rin's cheeks.

“But it won't be Sesshoumaru!” she protested. “That's the one that looks just like Sesshoumaru-sama in his doggie form!”

“I could find another puppy—” Kagome cajoled.

“I don't want another one,” Rin insisted. “Sesshoumaru's the only one I want.”

“Alright,” Kagome relented, sensing that she was only making Rin more and more upset. “I'll see if I can't get Sesshoumaru—is that his name?—looking as good as new.”

“Okay,” Rin replied between sniffs, her eyes fastened on the bloody toy.

“I'll take good care of him, don't worry Rin-chan,” Kagome assured her, ruffling Rin's dark hair with a gentle hand. “I bet he'll miss you more than you'll miss him.”

“How so?” Rin asked, momentarily distracted from her tears.

“Well, because you've still got the real Sesshoumaru, right? So even though I'm taking Sesshoumaru away with me, you'll still have someone with you, right?” Kagome pointed out.

“Rin won't be alone,” Rin agreed tentatively, testing the words out loud. “Because Rin has Sesshoumaru-sama.”

“And Jaken, and the um, two headed dragon. They'll be with you too, right?”

“Right!” Rin responded, perking up. She wrinkled her nose. “Except Jaken-sama. You can take Jaken-sama with you too if you want.”

“Rin!” Jaken protested in the background, but both girls ignored him.

“Be back soon!” Kagome said as with a wave of her hand she vanished into the well.

With mouths gaping, both Jaken and Rin rushed over to peer into the well. Nothing remained of Kagome, only the dirty bottom of the well was visible.

“That's it?” Rin queried with amazement in her voice.

“Apparently,” Sesshoumaru responded mildly as both Jaken and Rin exclaimed over the mystery of the well some more. “Come,” he commanded as he led the way back to Ahun, expecting to be followed.

“But, aren't we going to wait for Kagome-sama?” Rin dared to protest.

“Stupid! She said she would return in three days. You don't want to spend all that time here, do you?”

“Yes,” Rin replied with a stubborn set to her jaw. “Rin will be fine here. You go with Sesshoumaru-sama.”

“Silly girl! What will you eat? Who will protect you? No! You're coming with us—”

“No! Rin wants to wait here!” the little girl shot back, sitting down with her arms folded.

Sesshoumaru turned, catching the tail end of the exchange. “Rin,” he said quietly, his even tone tinged with warning. “We will return in time to see Kagome's return. Now, come.”

Assured by Sesshoumaru's words, Rin moved to obey, her previous stubbornness gone. Popping up like a bouncy ball, Rin skipped to catch up to Sesshoumaru.

“C'mon Jaken-sama!” the little girl called gleefully over her shoulder. “Hurry up or you'll get left behind!”

“St-stupid!” Jaken panted as he ran full out to try to keep up. “Don't leave meeee!”

The lilting, taunting echo of Rin's laughter carried through the forest, followed by the grumpy shouts of Jaken as both of them followed Sesshoumaru deeper into the wilderness.