InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Her Protector ❯ Settling In - through trials and tribulations! ( Chapter 8 )

Disclaimer: I don't own any characters from Inuyasha, it's the sole property of Goddess Romiko Takahashi, and I cannot take credit for her genius.

 

Kagome is a college student unaware of the mortal peril she is in. He's a bitter silver - haired Adonis with a checkered past and a vow to protect humans. So when the two meet, it's a given that fireworks follow…

 

A/n: Am extremely sorry folks for delaying this chapter. I felt so guilty at not posting this by Oct end as I had originally planned, that despite the festive season, pre-festivity parties and the numerous rites and rituals involved, I managed to finally get this little gem together.

 

I believe this is my best chapter till date. I would realllllllly appreciate if you could write a few words on what you thought of it. Even if you hated it, please let me know and I will strive to do even better for the next chapter.

PLEASE DO REVIEW!

 

A/N 2 - One of the reviews made me realize that this chapter seemed to portray Sesshomaru either developing a split personality or loosing his mind. Have reworked it a bit so that it clear that neither is the case.

 

A/N: As always, am indebted to Rowdyjaner for her invaluable help! May everyone get an awesome beta like her.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 8 -

Settling In - Through Trials and Tribulations!

 

 

Rin looked gloomily at the empty dorm room and grew even more dejected. She had left Sesshomaru's home only a few hours ago and already missed it tremendously. Knowing that this bare room was to be her home for the next few months depressed the girl further. The dorm manager had already informed her that she would be sharing the room with a girl called Sango Watanabe. The look of pity in the woman's eyes as she imparted the information had spooked Rin. Sango had been described as a `hard-headed tomboy' and as a `cold fighting machine'. The descriptions had left Rin filled with dread.

 

Despite the unfavourable comments about her dorm mate, Rin wished that the other girl was here. Anything would have been better than being all alone. `If I can handle Sesshomaru, then I'm sure I can handle this Sango. Besides, she sounds somewhat interesting.' That thought made her wonder how the demon was coping without her. Quickly making up her mind, she took out her phone and called her saviour.

 

An extremely groggy male answered the phone. “Uh huh!”

 

“Good morning, darling!” she chirped.

 

A low growl replied “Rin, you little minx! Let me sleep, this Ses...I mean I've hardly slept in the past three days.”

 

“Neither have I. But do you see me complaining? We both had to do it, Kikyou.”

 

There was a pause and then a female voice answered her sleepily. “And I appreciate all the hard work you've put in. Thanks! So…how are you holding up?”

 

Rin sighed softly. “I'm scared! It's…I…It's just that your house has been my sanctuary, my comfort zone, for so long now. Even when you were not there, I was okay because I felt safe there. Here…it's all so foreign, and so different. And I'm a little scared…I wanted to come here because I wanted to make new friends, and to start a new chapter in my life. To forget all about the past. To prove that I wasn't going to let what happened to me bind me down. But…I…guess, at some level I'm still a little wary. Oh Kami! You must be thinking I am extremely weak and foolish to feel like this!”

 

Kikyou sounded very alert when she replied, “Rin, Rin, Rin! Don't be stupid. It's natural to feel anxious when leaving your home for a foreign place, and then, considering what happened to you...I never want you to feel that you are weak or foolish. A weak person would never have made such a decision at all. A weak person would not have been able to heal herself so well and become so strong inside. Rin, you are one of the strongest persons I have ever known.”

 

“I-”

 

Kikyou interrupted her. “I'm not finished. I am the fool here. You were so focused on helping me prepare for my role, that I never helped you prepare for this. I knew your fears, I should have helped you get rid of them.”

 

“No, you-”

 

“Listen to me, girl. You fear that some human or youkai male would try to take advantage of you. Firstly, despite your experience, not everyone dispenses with the social codes of behaviour. And, even if any human male dares to try something with you, I know you will handle it. After all, I have trained you, haven't I? You are as good a fighter as any human I know. As for the youkai, my scent should put them off. They will never mess with someone who has been claimed - mate or not. Besides, I will be there, so you have nothing to fear.”

 

Rin was silent as Kikyou dispelled her fears with quiet conviction.

 

“Then, you fear that people will find out what happened to you and think less of you. That your friends will shun you. Rin, if anyone thinks less of you because you were raped, then that person is not worth knowing. What happened to you was not in your hands and you are not guilty for it. How can people think less of you, for something you had no control over? And why should you allow it? You are a strong person, and I know that you will not let your fears spoil this wonderful new experience for you. Rin, you will find good people there and make new friends. And they will love you, no matter what. I know it; I just wish you could believe it too. Remember my words and be strong!”

 

Rin's voice wavered as she fought for control. “I will. Kami knows I try but…Thanks Sess- uh- Kikyou.” She took a deep breath and gained control. “Your words were just what I needed, Kikyou. I think you've become more intuitive in your female avatar.”

 

Kikyou chuckled. “After all that you put me through? I better be the best damn female possible. At least this form isn't so uncomfortable anymore, even though I prefer my own form, thank you very much.” There was a short pause and Sesshomaru's baritone came through the line. “Rin, I'm sorry but I really need to sleep. I've got to meet Kaede in the evening and I'm so-” yawn “-damn tired!”

 

The girl giggled “Good idea, baby. See you soon.”

 

In a considerably better mood, the girl quickly unpacked her stuff and put it away. Since this was Orientation week, she had only one class today - `Introduction to Psychology'. Looking at her watch, she realized that she had a few hours before the class started. Exhausted after her almost 72 hour non-stop training session with the demon, she hopped into bed to catch up on her sleep, lest she collapse in class. But, despite her efforts to sleep, her mind was still pondering over the demon lord's words. She acknowledged to herself that he was right. She may look like an ultra-feminine, petite little angel but she was very strong on the inside. Sure, now and then she lost it, like she had after the Poison incident, but then the circumstances for that meltdown had been different.

 

That time Rin had, for the first time after her incident, felt something for a strange male. He had kissed her and she had liked it. She had liked it a lot. But then he had touched her, and had unlocked the floodgate to her fears and uncertainties. On the one hand she had been curious as to how it would feel with him, and on the other hand she had been terrified that she would end up getting physically hurt like before. It had been this jumble of fear, curiosity, pain and desire that had made her cry. She had not understood her own feelings regarding the whole thing. When Sesshomaru had found her, other emotions had been added to the already chaotic bundle of emotions - those of embarrassment and guilt. It was her own guilt at enjoying the hanyou's kisses that had prompted her to frantically remove all traces of his scent from her body. She had not wanted the hanyou to be punished for anything, since, in effect, he had not done anything wrong. But she could hardly have told Sesshomaru the real reason for her tears.

 

No, that had been a one-off thing. An aberration. Besides that one time, Rin had handled herself well, no matter what the situation. She WAS strong. She was a fighter. She would persevere. She would!

 

It was the last thought that reverberated through her head as sleep overcame her.

 

Three hour later, Rin awoke from a surprisingly deep sleep refreshed and raring to go. Noticing the time, she jumped off the bed, quickly changing her clothes and unsuccessfully trying to make her disarrayed ponytail look more presentable. `Kuso! Kuso! Kuso! It's so late, I'll never make it in time. Great going Rin, you'll make a great first impression reaching class late.'

 

She tore out of the dorm building after getting vague directions to her class. The campus was huge, and her destination was quite far from her location. Glancing at her watch, she ran across the fields, praying frantically that she would not be late. She reached the faculty building and had just turned the corner to reach her class, when she ran into a solid figure that suddenly gave way with a loud “Ugh!”

 

Distress etched her face at the sight of the figure at her feet. A boy with jet black hair and wide, violet-colored eyes stared back at her. She noticed, offhandly, the three golden hoops adorning his left ear and the small dragon tail at the nape of his head. His black jeans, mauve shirt and black leather jacket contrasted quite nicely with his light skin. Oddly, it was a purple fingerless glove on his right hand that seemed to hold her attention. And then, she noticed, in utter dismay, the sheaf of papers spread out on the floor around him. Her hands flew to her mouth as she mentally berated herself at her clumsiness.

 

xxXxxXxxXxx

 

Miroku had been on his way to class, when suddenly, a tornado had turned the corner and crashed into him, landing him on his already tender ass and scattering his papers all over. He had looked up at the `tornado', fully intending to give it a piece of his mind, when he processed the vision in front of him. He gaped at the girl above him, from his position on the ground at her feet. She was pretty, he decided, rather pretty. Her eyes were brown and wide open in surprise. She had a lovely face, sporting sharp features and high cheekbones, topped with a cute, if messy, raven side-ponytail. Her firm, toned body was covered in a simple sleeveless, white vest just long enough to skim the waistband of a worn-out pair of blue jeans. Miroku had seen enough girls in college, dressed as beauty pageant contestants, porn stars and plain slobs, to appreciate the girl's simplicity.

 

He watched, almost in slow motion, as her wide eyes flicked across him rapidly and grew wider with dismay. He watched her hands rise to cover her gasp of surprise. He praised the Kamis, in his head, as her action, aided by a sudden errant breeze, raised the hem of her vest, allowing him a peek from his vantage point on the ground, of a firm stomach and a flash of silver at her navel.

 

Due to his infinite experience with all types of women, the boy knew the flash could mean only one thing - a pierced navel. `I have been knocked over by an innocent looking angel with a pierced navel. Interesting paradox! Perhaps I should try to get a closer look for confirmation?'

 

Rin bent, bringing her face down to his level, perplexed at his immobility and the slow smile that was spreading across his lips. “Hey, are you okay?”

 

Miroku noticed that the girl's lips were moving almost hypnotically. He came to with a start as a frown stole across her face, though her eyes still reflected her concern. He grasped her extended hand and let her help him up. Holding her hand and gazing into her eyes, he prepared to turn on the Miroku Charm, when something in the dark depths of her eyes froze the smooth words on his tongue. Something, that caused him to drop her hand and take a step backward.

 

Rin had been uncomfortable when the tall boy had held her hand for longer than necessary. But then he stepped away, a flicker of surprise and dismay flashing across his face, before a smooth smile replaced it. “Wow! You sure were in a hurry. The way I went flying, I thought a tornado had hit me.”

 

He bent and quickly gathered up the papers with her help. Rin tried to defend herself, even though the boy's voice had been light. “Oh, I'm so sorry! It's just that I was late for class and…”

 

She trailed off as she realized that the encounter would delay her further. She was about to bolt, when the boy spoke. “Hmm, would you perchance be late for the Psychology class?”

 

She gaped at him before nodding. “How did you know?”

 

The boy grinned, “Simple, it is the only class today. Don't worry about being late for it. The professor for that class is always late. Besides, you're going in the wrong direction. The class is in the opposite direction. Come, I'll take you, since I'm also heading there.” He hesitated and then bowed formally. “Miroku Takagewa at your service.”

 

Rin giggled at his formality, and then giving him a low bow, answered him with equal formality. “Rin Tais…uh…Tamura at your service. And Miroku-sama, I mostly humbly beseech thee to forgive my transgressions on your person.”

 

He nodded regally and quipped, “I wouldn't mind you making any transgressions on my person. In fact, I expect I will quite enjoy them.”

 

The girl looked at him and then burst out laughing. `Is he flirting with me?' “Down boy!”

 

Miroku gave her the most innocent look he could muster, and then started walking towards the back of the building, a frantic Rin trying to keep pace with him. “Are you from Tokyo, Rin?”

 

“No, I just got here today from Kyoto.” Then she gave a mental sigh `Here it comes. I wonder how he will word it - an invitation to show me the city or a straight invitation to dinner?'

 

To her utter surprise, the boy hesitated a second before continuing on his way. He nodded affably, a small smile on his face, “Kyoto's a nice place. I lived there for a couple of years before coming to Tokyo.”

 

Rin was not a vain girl but she knew most boys would have tried for a date, even if the girl was only remotely nice looking. That either meant that he was not interested in her, or that he already had a girlfriend. Both made her happy, so she smiled and asked him, “Oh, you're from Kyoto too?”

 

“No, I'm originally from Osaka.” He abruptly changed the topic. “If I may ask, what made you take up a dry subject like Psychology?”

 

Rin wondered how to answer the question. `Should I tell him the truth - “Oh, it's just that I was brutally raped a couple of years ago which left me shattered and broken. It was only the affection of a demon that pulled me from the brink and left me whole enough for the shrink to heal me. I guess that evoked a deep fascination for the subject in me.” - Nah, don't think that answer will impress him.'

 

Deciding to bend the truth a bit, she shrugged, “I guess I'm fascinated with the workings of the human mind.”

 

He gave her a cool, considering look as if he had heard her thoughts and knew the truth. Shaken a bit, she smiled and ribbed him. “How come you're taking the subject, if you find it so dry?”

 

He hesitated before smirking. “It was one of the compulsory subjects for my major. What can I say? A guy's gotta do what he's gotta do. Ah! Here we are.”

 

Stopping at a large doorway, he quickly smoothed his hair and opened the door, entering the room with a swagger. Rin waited outside for a minute to catch her breath and consolidate her scattered nerves. Then she stepped through the door and winced as the noise assaulted her ears. The small auditorium-style classroom with ascending seating was crammed with demons and humans - all of them talking, laughing and swearing at the same time. She scanned the room for seating and was disappointed to spot only two empty seats. Both were on the same level halfway up the hall, but were separated by an aisle. While one was next to a demon with brilliant purple streaks in his hair, the other was next to a girl and was being taken by Miroku.

 

Cursing her luck, she slowly made her way to the empty seat, her heart pounding loudly while her eyes were glued to the floor in front of her. Halfway to the seat, she glanced up to see the demon looking at her in a very interested manner. That look was enough to jangle her nerves, and she stopped, flicking her eyes around the class looking for some way to escape. Finding none, she forced herself to take the necessary steps to reach her level. She repeated a mantra in her head in sync with her steps. `Be strong, be strong, it'll all be okay.'

 

As she, slowly and clearly reluctantly, moved towards her chair, she was surprised out of her skin to feel someone pull her arm. Looking up she was surprised to see Miroku looking at her with an indescribable expression. Without a word, he gave her a gentle push towards the seat he had vacated while he sat in the chair next to the clearly disappointed demon. Rin couldn't believe what had happened but she was glad and she quickly plopped herself in the chair mouthing a `thank-you' to her saviour. Just then a portly man swept into the room, introduced himself as the professor and the class began.

 

xxXxxXxxXxx

 

 

Despite his words to Rin, Sesshomaru had not immediately fallen asleep. He had pondered over the girl's fragile state and had sent a quick prayer to the Kamis. “Oh Kami! Please look after my Rin.” Thinking of Rin reminded him of the pure torture that she had put him through. While she had taught him how to act more ladylike, which was difficult enough for him since he was the epitome of masculinity, she had also encouraged him to get in touch with his feminine side so that he could think like a woman. He learnt everything - from simple things like how to button up a `Ladies' shirt without fumbling, how to thread a needle and how to walk in heels, to the more advanced makeup and hair lessons, body language and posture - Sesshomaru, or rather Kikyou, had soaked it all up.

 

Rin had even tried to make Kikyou think like a woman but, time and again, the demon's female avatar would react to the given random situations with markedly male behaviours and thoughts. The inu had argued that she had no need for this training exercise, as she could always be a “tomboy” type of girl. Rin had countered the argument by saying that since being a tomboy was too close to her true nature, Kikyou would be outed in no time.

 

It was only when Kikyou was told that she should think of herself not as an offshoot of Sesshomaru but as a totally different being that some improvement had come. The demon lord had been brought up in an environment that had encouraged him to repress his emotions and feelings, since they were considered weaknesses. Ever since Rin's suggestion, the demon had tried to forget all the hard conditioning that he had been subjected to. And it had worked.

 

Since no one could link Kikyou to Sesshomaru, in her guise he could finally act normally, without constantly worrying how his actions were reflecting on the Taisho surname. The demoness had now become more uninhibited, more cheerful and the male's stuffiness had markedly been toned down. No one would accuse Kikyou of being the perfect woman, but she was softer than what Sesshomaru had been and for that, Rin had been grateful.

 

Sesshomaru sighed and shook his head forlornly. In his feminine form, as Kikyou, he had with Rin's encouragement started referring to his male form as “the old dog” to continuously remind himself that he was not to act like himself. Talk about having an identity crisis. Sighing once more, he closed his eyes letting sleep claim him. “Rin, please look after yourself!”

 

xxXxxXxxXxx

 

 

Rin was peaked. The long lecture had just ended and the other students were quickly making their way towards the exit. She stood, carefully reconnoitering the room before following the handful of students left. As she reached the door, she was surprised to see the purple-haired demon leaning against the doorway. She carefully studied the tall demon as he lazily contemplated the floor in front of him. He had beautiful silver eyes and long white hair with purple streaks running through them. Two jagged stripes adorned the sides of his long face - one silver and the other purple. His black wifebeater showcased his impressively muscled wide chest. Even with her study, the girl was at a loss as to whether the demon would be a threat to her in any way.

 

Just then, he looked up and, seeing her, straightened from his pose, uncrossing his immense arms and stepping towards her with a small smile. Rin's first thought at seeing the smile was to run but with commendable effort, she tamped down on her fear and pasted on what she hoped was a confident smile.

 

The demon had almost reached her, when he stopped sharply as if he had run into a stone wall. His nose sniffed delicately once at her and surprise bloomed on his face. He stepped back and then smiled once again. “Ah! Just my luck. Here I was going to ask the most beautiful girl in the room for a date and it seems she has already been claimed.” He inclined his head slightly. “Still I hope we can be friends. The name's Ryukotsusei. And yours must be Angel.”

 

Rin had relaxed as soon as the demon had moved away. She mentally rolled her eyes at the demon's cheesy lines. “No, that would be too obvious. It's Rin. Umm, what kind of demon are you?”

 

Though it seemed impossible, the demon puffed up even more. “A Dragon youkai. Did you know that dragons are the most powerful of all youkai? Decidedly more powerful and stronger than Inus.”

 

The girl caught the hidden jibe and a spike of sharp anger coursed through her. `How dare he compare himself with Sesshomaru? Why, he is not even worth an iota of Sesshomaru's brilliance.' She glared at him, each word dropping like a hot brick. “My protector is probably way more powerful than you and all your family combined so I would caution you against saying anything against him. Also, I warn you, I will not stand a negative remark - however oblique - against him.”

 

In her fury, she forgot all her wariness of demons and pushed past him to leave the hall. Within moments, she was striding across the fields in a fit of anger, unmindful of the light drizzle that was steadily turning the fields into a slush pit. When she finally cooled off enough to notice the rain, she shrieked in glee and stopped in her tracks, turning her face towards the heavens and letting the raindrops caress it. She simply loved getting wet in the rain and within minutes, the light drizzle grew heavy. She looked around as people hurried to get out of the pelting rain. Others sheltered themselves under bright umbrellas, either shooting her huge grins or strange stares. Rin brushed them all aside avowing that nothing would get her mood down.

 

“Hmm. Nice. Normally I am most appreciative of heavenly sights such as these but I do believe it is not your intentions to openly display such delights.”

 

Rin started at the sound of Miroku's voice and quickly turned to face him. He was looking at her with a strange expression on his face, though his voice had a hint of laughter. At her quizzical expression, he sighed and then deliberately dropped his eyes towards her chest. The girl looked down at her shirt still confused, when she suddenly realized exactly what she - and the world - was seeing. Her rain soaked white vest had moulded itself to her body like a second skin and become alarmingly transparent. Not only was her cream lace bra visible but increasingly she could make out a hint of her pink aureole through it. With a small gasp, she quickly wrapped her arms around her chest. Embarrassment wracked her face as she tried to make herself even smaller, wishing she could disappear altogether.

 

A small sound was the only indication she had that Miroku was still around, and then he was covering her torso with his leather jacket. Grateful at his gesture, Rin quickly wrapped the jacket around her and zipped it. Swallowing a sob, she stammered her thanks to the boy in front of her. “Th…Thanks, Miroku. I…” He waved her words away and smiled brilliantly. The rain had plastered his bangs against his forehead and his dancing eyes had the same odd expression in them. For the first time, Rin felt utterly comfortable with a strange male. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that, for some unfathomable reason, he reminded her of Sesshomaru. It was madness, as they were in no way alike, but still it was undeniably true. Or perhaps it had something to do with the fact that this was the second time that he had rescued her since they had met.

 

He sent her a blatant leering smile. “It was the least I could have done, having already been paid in full - an eyeful.” And then he gave her a broad wink.

 

While the words caused her to blush heavily, Rin was sure that neither the statement nor the sentiment behind it had been true. The male had been looking at her face since the time he had spoken and even when he had glanced at her chest to subtly let her know of the problem, he had quickly averted his eyes. She decided that he was uncomfortable with her gratitude and was trying to lighten the situation. Smiling coyly at him, she said, “Ah kind sir, you sure are a knave to provide such a small service for such a heavy payment. I'm sure that the payment also entailed an escort to my abode.”

 

He only took a few seconds to work it out and laughed. “Ah Rin, we're going to get on just fine. Come, let's get you out of this miserable rain.”

 

 

xxXxxXxxXxx

 

 

Inuyasha was pissed out of his mind. He had come to the University today only because Kagome was supposed to reach here today. And now he had been informed by an extremely irate Kagome that she would be arriving two days later.

 

He snarled viciously, as he flopped onto his bed in the dorm room. Tired, cranky and quite sore after his marathon sex sessions, he was seething with a self-loathing that was corroding his insides. He needed to see Kagome, since just a sight of her innocent face was able to soothe his anger and disgust.

 

Not for the first time, he contemplated leaving the whole male-whore routine. But, as always, the cons for that step outweighed the pros. Since he was a hanyou, it was the ONLY way in which he could earn money. From past experience, he knew that no human or demon would be interested in hiring him for even the most menial of jobs. Further, most of the time the sex was okay, some rare times it was even great. It was only the getting paid for sex part that disgusted him. It made him feel as if the world was correct - that he was less than both humans and demons. That he was lacking in something essential. That he was worthy of their hate, scorn and derision.

 

He growled and shook his mane of silver hair as if to dislodge the depressing thoughts. And wondered, again, where his immensely hentai close confidant was. Looking across the room at Miroku's bed, he wondered how many girls would get better acquainted with the letch on that piece of furniture this semester. And how many would have to make do without the bed.

 

Smiling at the thought, he heard someone knock on the door. As he got up, he noticed a slip of paper that had been obviously slid under the door. Scanning the bright piece of parchment, he surmised that it was an invitation to another of those back to college parties. Even though he was tired, he decided he would drop in for a bit at this party, since it would be a good opportunity to observe the new crop of females at the University.

 

He glanced out of the window while mentally planning out the evening, when he noticed Miroku walking on the causeway escorting a petite girl towards the female dorms. The girl was wearing his friend's leather jacket and though he could not see her face, he knew she had to be quite good looking for Miroku to make his move. He watched with narrowed eyes as she hung onto the human's arm and broke into peals of laughter at something he said.

 

Inuyasha was a little miffed that the letch had forgotten his promise for a boys' night out. Shrugging and moving away from the window, he lay down again and waited for the prick to return. To his surprise, the dripping wet man entered the room half an hour later, looking extremely pensive. Inuyasha decided to play it cool. “Hey, Miro! What kept you so long?”

 

The human almost started and mumbled, “You know, the usual.” Avoiding eye contact with the hanyou, he bent and took off his drenched shoes at the doorway

 

“Hmm? Who was she? And how was she?”

 

This time Miroku flushed as he raised his head to stare at is friend. “Uh…”

 

Inuyasha sat up in surprise. `Since when does Miroku act like this?' He blinked twice and then, incredulously, asked his friend. “Miro…Are you blushing? I don't believe it. You're pink!”

 

The human glared. “I'm not blushing and she's just a friend.”

 

“Since when do you have female friends? Miro, quit bullshitting me. We've always shared everything. Hell, you're the only one who knows the truth about my `profession'.”

 

The human cringed at the hanyou's molten stare. `Not everything, my hanyou friend. Some things are too sacrosanct to be divulged. Oh Kami! I hate keeping secrets from you.'

 

When he remained quiet, the hanyou's glare faded and a contemplative note entered his voice. “She…she must be extremely special if you are willing to keep her a secret from me and risk creating a rift in our friendship.”

 

A touch of heat entered the human's voice as he stood up and stared at his friend. “She IS special. But you won't understand what I mean. Inu, please just drop it. Please don't be difficult about this.”

 

Inuyasha had never thought he would hear his friend say those words in that serious tone. Though he was a little hurt that his friend was keeping the girl a secret from him, he decided to let it slide. He pushed away the small persistent voice that insisted that Miroku was doing this because he was ashamed of the hanyou. Giving him a small shrug and making his voice light, he changed the topic. “So how was `Knockout'?”

 

The tension seemed to leak out of the human. He grinned, “Fantastic! Who knew German girls were so `friendly'? I really enjoyed myself there. Man, you should have been there. It was totally awesome. There were blondes, brunettes, redheads and everything in between. There was even a radical chick with no hair whatsoever - on any part of her body!”

 

The hanyou laughed dutifully as he reclined back against the headboard. “I was talking about the exhibition match.”

 

The man made a small moue “Oh, that. That stupid demon tried his best to beat me to a bloody pulp and I have the bruises to prove it. But, I gave almost as good as I got. Even though he won the match, I made sure that he had to work hard for it. It was bloody brilliant. Man, you should have been there.”

 

Looking at his friend's excited face and wildly gesticulating hands, the hanyou laughed. “And no one realized it was you?”

 

“Nah! I was disguised as a monk and it would have taken anyone a great leap of imagination to connect the flagrant letch with the dignified monk. When I saw Sango at the match, I almost lost my cool. I was sure she would see through my disguise but…even she only saw the performance and not the truth.”

 

Inuyasha's ears pricked up at the words. There was a certain something in the words that gave the hanyou pause. `What was that tone…was it dismay? But why would he be dismayed that she hadn't recognized him as the monk? No, my ears must be ringing! Shaking his head, he watched the man stride to his wardrobe and remove his soaking wet shirt. His eyes widened at the mass of multi-coloured bruises and lacerations covering his friend's torso. A soft growl filled the air as the hanyou's eyes flashed with anger and he sprang up, clenching his fists in fury.

 

Oblivious to his friend's growing anger, Miroku riffled through his wardrobe for something to wear. “She won `Knockout', by the way.”

 

It took the angry hanyou a minute to understand. “Sango?”

 

He threw on a loose sweat shirt as he nodded. “Yeah. She was amazing. It was like watching poetry in motion. She's a great fighter. Obviously not as brilliant as me, but still very good.” The human turned as he noticed that his quip got no rejoinder from his friend. Whatever he had expected to see, a seething hanyou with bloodshot golden eyes was not it. Instinctively he knew what had triggered the inu's fury. “Chill Inu! They look much worse than they actually are. Most of them don't even hurt anymore. Besides you should have seen the other guy.”

 

Inuyasha heard the words and recognized the truth behind them. He knew that his anger was irrational but his demon side had been triggered by his friend's bruises and was struggling to emerge. With a loud growl, he turned and punched the wall to vent his frustration and anger. Miroku eyed the resultant small crater in trepidation, wondering if it was safe to approach his friend. He immediately knew that everything was okay when the hanyou turned towards him with a small smile. “Keh! I should know how hardheaded you are after sparring with you all these years. Still it was immensely foolish of you to deliberately put yourself in harm's way like that. If you pull something like this again I swear I will kill you! You got it?”

 

Inuyasha noted in satisfaction the human's small nod and then smirked. “Come on, boy, we've been invited to a party. You up to checking out this year's pickings?”

 

“Do zebras have stripes?”

 

xxXxxXxxXxx

 

“Is everything ready?”

 

Sesshomaru watched as an unperturbed Kaede stared at him with her eye. “Yes, you will be lodging with the principal, Ms Higurashi. We have also ensured that you are in all her classes. The head of the University Police has been informed of your presence and your role in Ms Higurashi's security. All your papers have been prepared and are with Shippo. Please collect them on your way out.” She paused delicately. “While we have done our bit satisfactorily, it remains to be seen whether you will be able to befriend her as a girl. To be honest, I have a few reservations on the matter. I trust you have studied her file?”

 

Her question offended Sesshomaru's pride. `How dare she think that I would not be totally professional in this venture?' Maintaining a smooth façade, he nodded.

 

The old miko looked pleased. “Oh, very good. You handled that well. I was expecting a raised eyebrow at the very least. My compliments to Rin. I believe she helped you with your female avatar? She seems to have done well. You appear calmer. Whether you can actually pull it off is another matter. Err...Can I see...her?”

 

Sesshomaru rolled his eyes, shook his head negatively and strode out of the room leaving a shocked miko behind. Kaede was surprised at the demon's attitude and decided to give him a tongue-lashing later for his rudeness. Just then, a soft knock was heard. The door opened immediately and a curvaceous female entered the room. She looked at the miko with flustered curiosity. In a rather warm voice, she tried to explain her presence. “Oh, I'm so sorry. It seems I've taken a wrong turn. I was supposed to meet Hiten-sama. Please forgive me.”

 

Kaede smiled sweetly. “Please, do not think of it at all. I am Kaede, the head of Divine Protection. How can I help you, Ms -?”

 

The woman smiled wickedly. “Oh but I think that you know me, Kaede. I'm Kikyou.”

 

Kaede gaped at the woman in front of her. This was Sesshomaru's avatar? Wait, this was Sesshomaru? Finding her voice again, she croaked. “I take back my words. Brilliant! You totally had me fooled.”

 

Kikyou smiled again. “I'm glad you are satisfied with the transformation, Kaede.

 

“Yes! Shippo must be congratulated on his masterful job and you, truly, have outdone yourself this time, Sesshomaru.”

 

The demoness hissed. “Kaede, I am not that old dog. Do not mention his name here in relation to my form. Who knows who maybe listening?”

 

Seeing Kaede's curiosity filled eyes, the demoness bit back an oath. She quickly scanned the room with her senses and then muttered. “Damned power-limiter” Raising her voice, she addressed the miko, “Why don't you make a ward from your ki so that we may converse in privacy?”

 

A brief tingle later, the demoness relaxed. Kaede at once opened her mouth to bombard the inu with questions but the youkai beat her to it. “Kaede, in this form I think of myself as Kikyou and not as Sesshomaru. And that is why I refer to my male form as the old dog, so that I am reminded that I have to act like a female. And, yes, this is the only way in which I can behave in a freer manner. But do not worry, I am, even then, Sesshomaru at heart and mind.”

 

The miko's bewildered look dwindled and she smiled. “For a moment I thought you had a split personality or something. I'm glad that that's not the case here.”

 

Kikyou perched on the edge of the desk, a small smile on her face. “I am the great Sesshomaru, the Lord of the Western Lands. I have been raised to behave autocratically. Do you know how difficult it is for me to smile in public as Sesshomaru? Besides Rin and…HER, I have never let my guard down with anyone else. Now, as Kikyou, I can smile freely because as far as the world is concerned, I am not the taiyoukai. But that does not mean that I have forgotten who I am.” When the old miko nodded her understanding, the demoness smiled. “You had better lower the ward now, lest someone catch the ki.” Saying that, she changed forms, as Kaede lowered the ward. The usual mask of stoicness smoothed Sesshomaru's face as he turned to go. At the last moment he stopped. “Miko, I heard on the news that they found the body of the missing girl in a dumpster, mutilated in the same manner as the others. I may have some information which may be related to this case.”

 

Kaede leant forward as the demon outlined the feeling of evil he had felt at Poison. He also mentioned the mystery girl's reaction to it. When he stopped talking, Kaede had a peculiar expression on her face. The pieces fell into place as the demon growled softly. “You knew this, didn't you? The missing girl, she was a miko. In fact, all the victims were mikos, ne? Is this the danger that Ms Higurashi is in? Why didn't you tell me, damnit?”

 

Despite a wild look in her eyes, Kaede kept her composure. “Yes, you are correct. We, the mikos in hiding, are trying to identify as many mikos as we can, and subsequently, trying to protect the identified girls. However, it is an uphill battle, since the numbers are too great. However, I can tell you one thing with certainty. Kagome Higurashi is the key to it all. She MUST be protected at all cost. Sesshomaru, no harm should come to her. I mean it!”

 

Sesshomaru saw the bleakness in the miko's eye and realized that the stakes had just risen again. “I will take care of her. She will be safe! I vow it!”

 

xxXxxXxxXxx

 

 

Kagome crept along the courtyard taking care to keep to the shadows. It was late in the evening and the dusk was adding a little mystery to her escape. She could almost hear the theme from “Mission Impossible” running through her head as she navigated the distance to the steps. The whole day she had helped her mother clean the shrine for tomorrow's ceremony. Though she had welcomed the physical work as a distraction from the never ending house arrest, Kagome reckoned her hard work had made her deserving of a break. And so she had dressed in dark clothes, climbed through her window to the branch of a tree adjacent to it and then dropped down to the large courtyard. She had decided that, since she was all alone, she would go to a sports bar she used to frequent with Hojo when they were still dating. Not only was the place nearby, but a large majority of its patrons seemed to be rather good looking males. She stealthily made her way down the steps and almost whooped for joy. For one night, she was free and footloose.

 

She drove to the bar, giggling wildly at the wholly-un-Kagome-like behaviour. As she stepped to the entrance, the bouncer at the door gave her a wide grin and shooed her inside. Hojo and she had frequented the place so often, most of the staff knew her by name. Though she had never come here after the breakup, she still liked the place and since it served her purpose today, she would even risk meeting Hojo here.

 

She took a table in the back of the room, ordering a Bloody Mary and settling down to watch people. Everywhere she looked, prize specimens of masculinity milled around - some playing pool, some drinking and others still dancing. A sudden stray thought had her carefully studying the large bar again. The men were all alright, but where were the women? Including herself, there were no more than a dozen women in this sea of men. Thinking back, Kagome realized that it had always been like this. The number of men at this bar had always outnumbered the women drastically. She shrugged it off with a small smile. All the better for her, since that meant more men were free to be ogled.

 

Then she noticed Hojo sitting at a table at the far end of the room. He was hugging someone sitting in the shadow. A pang went through Kagome at the thought of him hugging another woman so passionately. Even though she had broken it off with the oaf, she still had some residual feelings for him. Feelings that seemed to include a strong streak of jealousy which was currently raising its head. Perhaps it was because in all their time together, he had never hugged her with so much emotion.

 

In hindsight, she should have left the place quietly, but some demon in her made her walk up to his table and interrupt the sweet nothings that he was whispering in his date's ear. As he moved away from the shadowy figure, Kagome got the shock of her life. Hojo had been hugging a boy. A rather good-looking boy, she acknowledged, but a BOY! The pieces all fell into place. Hojo, the boy who had been her boyfriend for so many years, liked boys. That is why they had never gone beyond a few weak kisses. He probably didn't even like her. Her stunned mind tried to believe it but somehow couldn't. She had no problem with homosexuals, but the fact that her ex-boyfriend was one, was something that left her feeling hurt and used. “Why?”, she whispered hoarsely.

 

Hojo had the decency to look a little ashamed, but only a little. “Oh Kaggie, I'm sure you can work it out. You know how nasty people can be to people like me. When I found out that I preferred boys to girls, I was afraid that people would be cruel to me. Some of the boys at school made fun of me and I freaked. They had only been kidding but I just couldn't bear it. If they had known the truth, things could have gotten ugly. So I used you as a shield. After all, a boy with a girlfriend couldn't be a homosexual, could he? I'm actually very grateful to you for your inadvertent help in keeping my secret.”

 

Kagome's heart broke as she heard the cold truth from the boy she had once cared for. “What about me…You never once thought about me? You used me, you bastard!”

 

Hojo scoffed, “And you didn't use me? Ice Princess Kagome, that's what they used to call you, till we got together. Hanyou's whore, they whispered, when you walked by with that mutt. That was one of the reasons I chose you. Not only were you sweet and innocent, but I figured you would be relieved just to be out of the spotlight. I protected you, Kagome. Some thanks I get!”

 

Tears sprang to her eyes. “I…I…I never knew…they said those horrible things. But, Hojo, all the time we spent together, all the things we said and did…It was all a sham? Oh Kami! You probably hated every minute of it and I…”

 

A rather repentant Hojo tried to comfort the distraught girl. “That's not true, Kaggie, and you know it. You were my only true friend and I enjoyed every minute of the time I spent with you. Please don't demean it, making it sound as if it was a chore for me. You don't know how many times I wanted to tell you everything. Only the thought that you would probably hate my guts on knowing the truth kept my lips sealed. Kagome, you were the best buddy I could have ever had.”

 

“Buddy? That's all that I was to you?”, she whispered softly. Wiping her errant tears she continued in a stronger voice. “About that I can…I can still understand. With great difficulty, but still I can understand. What I can't understand is the marriage proposal. I saw you buying the ring. What about that, Hojo?” The boy flushed as she continued. “You intended to carry your deception so far?”

 

Squaring his shoulders, the boy replied miserably. “Kagome, I knew I would loose you when we left school. So I thought that if we were married, then you could continue shielding me, even when you were absent. I know it was wrong of me but please try to understand my position. I had no other option.”

 

Kagome rubbed her furious tears with one hand, as she leaned into him. “How dare you fucking stand in front of me and tell me you had no fucking option. Couldn't you be a fucking man for once? I know it would have been difficult for you to come out of the closet but many others have done it before and survived. This is hardly the dark ages, you dumb numbskull. What gave you the bloody right…to destroy my…my life in the process? To use me without any thought for my feelings and emotions?”

 

The other boy, who had been avidly watching the two of them, stood up. “I know it's none of my business, but she's absolutely right, Hojo. We have to come clean.” Turning to the distraught woman, he nodded. “I had no idea that he was going to take it so far. I would never have allowed him to do that. Oh Kami! It was never our intention to hurt anyone. We just wanted to be allowed to live in peace. Yet it's clear that our plan backfired terribly. On his behalf I humbly apologise to you. Please forgive us, Ms Higurashi.”

 

So saying, the boy bowed low to her and held himself in that position. After a moment, Kagome brushed the tears from her eyes, relented and, despite the immense hurt in her, forgave them. As she turned to leave, the boy stopped her. “Ms Higurashi, I know you must hate the both of us tremendously, but I wanted to thank you for everything, especially for your forgiveness. I love this poor fool, and thanks to you today I have realized how wrong we were in hiding our love. Thank you for giving us the courage to face the world.”

 

Kagome gave them a curt nod and practically ran from the room, her heart burning in her chest and tears burning in her eyes. How had this happened? How had she been with a big fat lie all these years and never realized it? How had she been so blind? How? How? How?

 

More miserable than she had ever been in her life, Kagome practically flew back home, hoping to find the answer to the `hows' that plagued her.

 

xxXxxXxxXxx

 

The music was loud, drinks were flowing like water and the crowd of people in the flat would have put sardines to shame. Rin paused just beyond the doorway, wondering if she was making a mistake. She had studiously avoided any place that reminded her of a bar and while this wasn't a bar, it was the next thing to it: it was a college party.

 

She shuddered at the sight of two seemingly drunk boys dancing on a teetering table. When she had seen the invitation in her room, she had on the spur decided that she would just drop in for a short while to just soak in the scene. But now that she had arrived, she already wanted to leave. She was about to back out, when Ryukotsusei stopped her. “Hi Rin! Listen, about this afternoon. Look, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you.”

 

Rin gritted her teeth at her luck, before smiling. “No harm done.”

 

“Oh good, you're not angry with me. Who knows maybe you'll change you mind about me.”

 

The girl gave a blank look at the dragon's blatant wink. As a pounding song blared from the speakers, the demon leaned a little closer to the girl in order to be heard. Suddenly he stiffened, a look of anger crossing his face. Yanking her by the arm, he had almost pulled her towards the door, when she decisively kneed him in the balls. To his credit, the demon merely wheezed a bit, before pushing her against the door and holding her there. “You bitch! You fucking bitch! How dare you hit me?”

 

For Rin this was almost a replay of the events in the alley so many years ago. A surge of fear coursed through her before she swiftly controlled it. “What the fucking hell do you think you are doing? How dare you manhandle me like this?”

 

The dragon shook his head in heated denial, “What the hell you talking about? I was just taking you outside so we could talk about what a whore you are. So, do you actually have a protector or do you spread your legs for just about anyone?”

 

“Wh..What the fuck are you talking about?”

 

The demon sneered at her as he crossed his massive arms and stood close to her, “When you rebuffed me I thought you were claimed and I respected that but now you are reeking of human. So tell me, bitch, what I should think of you. Or what I should think of your insult that you preferred to lay with a human rather than date a powerful demon like me.”

 

Rin's mind reeled as she thought over his words and the events of the afternoon - Rain, wet clothing and Miroku's scent-laden jacket rubbing against her more-or-less exposed skin. Altogether a potent recipe for disaster. “I can explain…You see…uh…”

 

The demon moved closer to her almost pinning her to the door with his body. “Yes, please do explain. Was it better being on your back after being on your hands and knees for the Inu? Was that the reason for your shift in loyalties?”

 

Rin took a deep breath, the demon's nearness scrambling her brains. “Wait a minute, I can explain…its not like that…”

 

Just then a strong force pulled the demon off her in a sudden rush. “I believe what she's trying to explain is that she's Miroku's girl!” Her surprised chocolate orbs locked with molten golden eyes as she came face to face with the hanyou she had kissed.

 

 

TBC…

 

 

 

A/N: Till now the story is going exactly the way I planned it. However my best friend and strongest critic, Jo, has pointed out a number of things that I wanted to clarify - Namely Rin's predominance in the story and the lack of lemons till now.

 

When the story was conceived I knew that Rin and Miroku would be the best characters in the entire story. However, even I am surprised at how Rin has somehow taken over the story. Even though everything that has happened was supposed to happen, Rin's character in this story has emerged stronger than I had originally planned. However, I just wanted to clarify that the story is on track and we will see more of the other characters in time.

 

I have been informed that it is the lack of lemons in my story that have resulted in few reads and reviews. I just wanted to reaffirm, that there will be lemons, just not now. I could hardly have Rin going from a scared little girl to jumping into bed with someone at this point. As for Kagome, there cannot be a lemon with Hojo, obviously. I could put a lime between Kagome and Sesshomaru in the next chapter (even though I had originally planned that they should meet in college). Let me know what you think of it. Unplanned lime in next chapter or full-blown lemon in a few chapters from now?

 

The next chapter will be up hopefully by mid December.

 

Like it, Hate it or just indifferent to it, Please, please, please review. It would really mean a lot to me.

 

Heartfelt thanks to my reviewers who almost guilt-ed me into completing this chapter the way I did:

 

Sovereignty: Ah, my fan number one. Thanks once again for your multiple 10s. It is fans like you that keep me dedicated to my writings. Claire, I'm extremely grateful for your support. :) You rule!

 

Ethereal Siren: Thank you, Anita. I hope this chapter met with your expectations. I would love to hear your thoughts - whether positive or negative - on this chapter. I too am awaiting `a review worthy of my work'. LOL.

 

Kimaya Aya: Thanks. Your wish was my command and pushed me into completing this nice long chapter for you to sink your teeth into. :)