InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ In a Different Light ❯ Insult and Injury ( Chapter 12 )

In a Different Light

Chapter 11: Insult and Injury

He smelled his brother before he saw him.

"Sesshomaru," InuYasha stepped into the clearing directly behind Rin. "Brought her back in the same condition as we got her."

He gave a light sniff to the air, then nodded his approval.

"Well, my job is done," he shoved his hands in his sleeves. "I take it that all of you will be making an appearance tomorrow night."

Jakken was the first to respond. "Our lord has much more important things to do than hang about some human village, listening to their deafening chatter and ear-splitting music."

InuYasha smirked. "And I'm sure you're none too fond of their cooking, either, eh, Sesshomaru?"

"What humans choose to ingest into their own bodies is no concern of mine."

"But you still can't stomach the smell of it, can you?" InuYasha asked.

"I go where I please when I please."

"Then I guess that means we will be seeing you tomorrow night at the festival."

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. Rin hid her smile.

"We shall see," the Western lord finally said.

"Then I'll be leaving."

Everyone watched as InuYasha left the clearing, and his footsteps faded off into the night.

Rin took a seat off to Sesshomaru's left side.

"Did you enjoy yourself?" he asked.

She shook her head.

"No?" he asked. "You didn't enjoy yourself?"

"No," she said. "I'm not telling you whether I did or didn't. Remember what I said? Don't expect me to tell you every little thing that happened when I get back."

"I see. I do recall you saying something to that effect."

She smiled smugly.

"But I do assume InuYasha performed his escort duties in an admirable fashion."

"Escort?" she repeated. "He said he was just there to keep an eye on me, so you wouldn't attack the village."

"I see no difference in definition."

She rolled her eyes. "An escort would be there to dance with me and talk with me, seeing that I'm entertained. InuYasha was little more than a bodyguard. He made me follow him around, so none of the other villagers would bother me."

"Oh? The villagers were bothering you?"

She shook her head. "Not a word from me. I said I wasn't going to tell you, and you said InuYasha would tell you if there was any trouble, so . . ."

His brows knit in concentration, focusing on his brother's commentary on the evening. He hadn't said anything about any trouble . . . But he had said that he expected all of them to put in an appearance tomorrow night. Would such a thing be necessary if Rin hadn't encountered some sort of problem? And he'd said that he was returning her in the same condition he'd received her . . . Was there any doubt that would be the case?

True, he'd threatened the village with blood and bitter vengeance if any harm came to his Rin . . . But this was his brother's territory. No one would trespass against him without good cause. He protected the village, and they permitted him and his mate to live among them.

And, if they could be so tolerant of a half-demon and his growing brood, could they be any less tolerant towards his intended?

It was an empty threat . . . and an unnecessary one, he'd thought. His brother had always had a fondness for human females, stemming from his mother, Sesshomaru believed. InuYasha would no sooner let one of them be hurt than pluck out his own right eye.

He glanced over at Rin who was now feeding more wood to the fire. She caught his gaze and smiled at him. And . . . he found himself smiling back.

She was so warm, so open, so trusting. Even after expressing her dislike of his brother, she still trusted him enough to follow him around the village and let him walk her back to camp. Of course, he'd told her that InuYasha would be watching her. But he thought she'd be a little more resistant to the idea, choosing to fight the half-breed tooth and nail instead of falling into step quietly behind him . . . And she was quiet when she re-entered the clearing, wasn't she?

Something must have happened to her. She must have needed to depend on InuYasha for some reason, and he was now determined to find out why.

"So, you wish to attend the festival again tomorrow night?"

Rin shrugged. "InuYasha said you'd already made plans for him to keep an eye on me. I'm supposed to 'get better acquainted with my future in-laws.'"

He didn't direct InuYasha to discuss such matters with her. But, knowing his brother's nature, he simply assumed that he would. He also assumed Rin would have an interest in such things. "You don't wish to go, then?"

"They seem to be nice people," she said. "InuYasha and his friends, anyway."

His face remained impassive, but his brain was hard at work. "Just InuYasha and his friends? You didn't like the other villagers?"

She shrugged again. "Well, it isn't as if they introduced themselves to me individually..."

"I find it hard to believe that they completely ignored you," he said, paying careful attention to any change in her expression.

"Who said they ignored me?" she asked.

"They didn't ignore you, but they didn't introduce themselves . . . How very interesting."

"Interesting in what way?" she asked.

"If they weren't ignoring you, and they weren't introducing themselves, then they must have been staring."

She didn't reply, but he guessed from her expression that his deduction was correct.

"When you are as well-attired, well-mannered, and well-spoken as we, you must expect to draw some type of attention."

Again, she didn't reply.

"Rin."

"What?"

He noticed a hint of annoyance in her tone. "Will you tell me what's bothering you?"

"It's nothing," she shook her head.

"Does InuYasha know what's bothering you?"

She shrugged.

So, there was only one way he was going to get answers.

"Where are you going?" she asked as he rose to his feet.

"I wish to know what's bothering you. If you won't tell me, and my brother knows, I'll get him to tell me."

"No," she said emphatically. If he found out what they'd said, maybe he would attack the village . . . And if he tried, InuYasha would have to stop him. "It's nothing, Sesshomaru. It can be easily ignored and forgotten . . . In fact," she forced a smile, "I already have."

He glanced down into her semi-pleading face. "You are lying."

She sighed heavily and folded her arms. "Fine, I am lying. But I don't care to repeat the things those people said." And I wish I could stop thinking about the things InuYasha said-tripping, spitting . . . liberties.

He raised an eyebrow at her. "Oh?"

"They didn't do anything," she said. "There was just lots of whispering and pointing and staring, and InuYasha said it's just something I'll have to get used to."

"Did he, now?"

Rin nodded.

"Jakken."

The toad stirred from his rest at the base of an oak tree. "Aye, lord?"

"Go take a walk," he commanded.

"Aye, lord. Right away, lord."

"A long walk."

The toad nodded, scampered to his feet and disappeared down the forest path.

Rin swallowed hard. Now, what was going to happen?

He resumed his seat beside her, turning his head to meet her questioning gaze. "Now, exactly what did these villagers say that InuYasha says you'll have to get used to?"

She bit her lower lip. "Well . . . first I want you to promise not to attack the village."

"I cannot make that promise until you've told me what they've said."

She shook her head. "Promise first, talk later."

He prepared to rise. "If you won't give me direct answers . . ."

She grabbed his sleeve, holding him in place. "Please, sit back down."

"I will sit when you begin talking."

"I don't want you fighting with your brother over this."

"Oh?"

"I'll tell you what they said, you'll get mad and attack the village, and InuYasha will protect it . . . And, besides, you attacking the village would just be proving them right."

"Oh?"

Rin sighed, sinking down into herself. "They think you're a cold-blooded killer and a monster."

"And I should be upset about such a thing?" he asked. "It is my reputation, and it's served me quite well."

"And how will my new reputation serve me?" she asked. "Human whore to the demon Lord of the Western Lands?"

His eyes narrowed. He sank back down beside her. "Who dared say such a thing?"

"It doesn't matter," she shook her head.

"It does matter, and I demand to know."

"Why?" she asked. "So you can go rip their tongues out?"

"That would be a good place to start, I think."

"No," she said. "If you try ripping their tongues out, InuYasha will try and stop you. Then you two will just get into a big fight, even though you're both on the same side on the matter."

"I will not have you insulted. I am responsible for your entire well-being, and that includes your honor."

"Just drop it."

"I cannot drop it. You are upset. Tell me who's upset you, and I'll make them pay."

She scoffed. "I'm not going to incite you into attacking the village. Didn't you hear what I've said?"

"I've heard you replay their insults. I see the pain in your eyes, and I hear the anger in your voice. I can put a stop to all that if you just tell me who--"

"The village headman," she spat out.

"Very well."

She grabbed his sleeve to, again, halt his progress.

"What is it?"

"Is there nothing I can say or do to change your course of action?"

"No."

"Is there something I can say or do to keep you from fighting with your brother?"

"If he chooses to come between the headman and me, then no."

She drew in a deep breath and pushed it out. "By the gods, Sesshomaru, I don't care that he called me a whore."

He raised an eyebrow at her.

"Well, I do care. But he didn't actually call me one, he just insinuated it. And, it made me angry, and I wanted to punch him, but InuYasha got in the way."

"He will not get in my way. Since this 'headman' seems to be of some status, I will simply challenge him to a duel. If he accepts, no one else can interfere while I dismember him for his 'insinuations.'"

"And if he refuses?" she asked.

"Then I'll kill him on the spot before anyone is the wiser. Either way, you'll be avenged."

"You know," she said, "I don't really care that he thinks I'm a whore."

"No?"

"No," she said. "That's not what I got so angry about . . . Well, it was part of the reason I got so angry. But they seem to think you mistreat me."

"Mistreat you?"

"They're under the impression that you beat me and torture me till I submit to your 'devious' sexual desires."

He hid his amusement beneath his usual stoic facade. "Is that so?"

She nodded.

"And that upsets you?" he asked.

"When have you ever mistreated me?" she asked. "Have you ever raised a hand to me, or struck me or kicked me? When have you ever behaved like the monster they say you are?"

"I have no knowledge of the specific events you've just described."

She stood and faced him. "Because they've never happened, and I trust that they never will happen." She smiled up at him. "My lord has more honor in his little toe than that man has in his entire body."

He nodded in acknowledgment. "More reason for him to die, then."

"Sesshomaru."

"Did you not make a claim that I had very little regard for your honor? That I may insult you at will, but if you do the same, I become angered and demand that you immediately apologize?"

"I did make that claim, and then I apologized because you'd already apologized."

"But this 'headman' hasn't apologized, has he?"

"No," she shook her head.

"Then I will demand that he apologize to you. If he does, and you are so inclined, I will excuse him. If he does not apologize, his blood will stain my claws, and your honor will be restored."

Rin considered this. It sounded fair enough, and it was certainly better than him going on a blind rampage in the village . . . especially if InuYasha got involved.

A small smile made its way across her lips.

And after the way Takeda had leered at her, so smug and secure in himself . . . It might be nice to see him grovel and beg at the feet of a demon. And she was sure InuYasha and Kagome would enjoy that as well.

"Rin?"

"That sounds like a good idea . . . But, can we do it tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow?" he repeated.

"Well, I believe some people have turned in for the night, and I imagine that you'd want him to apologize to me in front of the entire village, where everyone can look upon his weakness and disgrace."

"That is agreeable," he nodded. "When Jakken returns, I'll send him to the headman with the duel invitation."

"Is that wise?" she asked.

He glared at her.

"I don't mean to question your strategy, my lord. But he seems like a rather cowardly man. I think he would run off if you gave him the opportunity, and what kind of satisfaction can be obtained from that?"

"None," he admitted. "It would add to his disgrace, but it would do nothing in the way of reclaiming your honor."

Rin nodded. "So, no duel invitation. We'll just show up tomorrow, demand an apology and go from there."

"Agreeable."

Rin sighed. She didn't think for a moment the pig-headed headman would run away from a duel invitation. He'd get the other villagers involved, and then InuYasha would have to get involved . . . It simply wasn't fair to ask him to choose sides in this situation. Yes, Takeda hated him and wanted nothing more than to get rid of him and his family. And, yes, the half-man half-demon had seemed to take a liking to Rin, despite her voiced dislike of him. And, yes, he'd even volunteered to look after her to keep Sesshomaru from stomping the village flat . . . But, he was still obligated to protect the village-including the people he didn't like and didn't like him.

If Takeda had the time and the warning, he would definitely involve the other villagers. So, instead of Takeda facing off against Sesshomaru, it would be the two brothers facing off against each other.

"Rin?"

"I was just thinking what a marvelous idea this is. I've completely forgotten what I was so angry about."

"Good," he nodded. He then sat back down before the campfire, the flames flicking over his face, the bright embers dancing in the depths of his eyes. "Will you not join me by the fire?"

Rin nodded and took a seat beside him.

"May I pour you some tea?"

"Please," she picked up a cup and held it out. She then took a sip. "Mmmm . . . Did Jakken make this?"

"No," he poured himself a cup, then set the kettle down. "I did."

"You made tea?"

He nodded.

She smiled at him. "A monster that makes tea and drinks it from fine china."

He nodded again.

She continued to smile. But that's when it hit her. He'd made her tea . . . That was definitely a Stage Two activity.

"Is something wrong?" he asked.

She shook her head, a slight blush forming in her cheeks. He'd made her tea, and she was drinking it.

"Is the tea not to your liking?"

"Oh no," she said. "It's the best I've ever had. It's really, very good . . . much better than anything Jakken ever made."

Sesshomaru smirked.

Rin laughed to herself. He's happy that I liked his tea. The demon Lord of the Western Lands, who wants to dismember a man for besmirching my honor, is happy because I like the tea he made me.

She turned her head to catch him staring at her. A brighter blush worked its way into her cheeks.

"You are quite attractive when you smile."

She giggled. "Thank you. I wish I could say the same, but you smile so rarely . . ."

"Well, I would think that you smile enough for the both of us."

Rin nodded. "I noticed the same thing about Kagome and InuYasha."

"Oh?"

"She smiles all the time, and he's quite grumpy. And oh! I met your nephews Kin and Tomi."

"Is that so?" he asked.

She nodded. "They were quite cute," she said. "Almost like you without the pointy ears and all the markings."

"Do you dislike my markings?"

"Not at all," she said. "Why do you ask?"

"I'm simply trying to gauge your preferences."

"Preferences?"

"Yes. As I prefer your hair down as opposed to a braid or some other more ornate style."

She subconsciously ran her fingers through her hair. She remembered him saying something to that effect, but honestly, she was too angry to pay much attention to the comment.

"Do you have any preferences towards me?"

She shook her head. "No. You're pretty much the same day in and day out . . . In fact, I've become quite accustomed to the way you look," she said. "I think a woman would be hard-pressed to find a more perfect man." She immediately took a sip from her cup to hide her embarrassment.

"I see you're becoming more forward with your comments."

"I don't mean to be," she said quickly. "You asked and I . . ." Her words trailed off as she found herself caught in his golden gaze.

"It wasn't a reprimand, Rin. It is much-welcomed progress, and will come in quite handy during Stage Three."

If she wasn't red before, she certainly was, now.

"You seem a bit flustered even though it was you who initiated Stage Three."

She chuckled nervously. "That's hardly fair. I didn't know what I was doing."

"I might be inclined to disagree with you," he said. "You seemed to know exactly what you were doing."

"By the gods, Sesshomaru . . ." She giggled so hard she nearly dropped her teacup.

He remained as straight-faced as ever. "But I suppose I should expect no less from a demon's whore."

She set her teacup down and gripped her sides in a fit of laughter. "By the gods," she chuckled loudly, "th-this must be the . . . the torture . . . the v-villagers were talking about."

"If you keep that up, you do realize you'll piss yourself."

She drew in a few large gulps of air in an attempt to quiet herself, tears of laughter streaming down her face. "That's . . . not . . . funny."

"I agree. Human waste is quite disgusting."

She drew in a few more deep gulps of air and pushed them out, stifling a laugh here and there. "I-I don't think I've laughed that hard in years."

"So, it would appear that I am capable of making a joke."

She shook her head, continuing to smile. "You bastard."

The humor of the moment was quickly lost, as his eyes hardened from a soft gaze to heated glare. "I am not a bastard; you are not a whore, and I will kill anyone who says any differently."

She picked up her cup and took a drink. "I apologize," she said.

"Good. Now, finish your tea."

She nodded and smiled up at him. "When do you think Jakken will get back?"

"Why?" he asked. "Am I not pleasant company enough?"

"Your company is quite pleasant," she smiled. "I just wonder where he went."

~ Behind the headman's house ~

Sometimes being small, green and unnoticeable has its advantages.

Jakken raises the Staff of Heads and sticks it through an open window, setting the hut aflame. He then runs off, laughing mischievously as the villagers shuffle to abate the blaze.

Insult my lord and lady, will he?

**************************************************************** **********

Author's Note: I'm not sure when I'll be updating again, so I posted two chapters this time. Hopefully, I'll be able to post another one before the end of the week, but who knows? Real life can be hectic sometimes . . . And if you think Sess was a little OOC with his joking with Rin, just refer back to Chapter 5. Part of the courtship ritual is to determine your future mate's likes and dislikes. That's why he was happy she liked the tea, and he asked about her preferences towards him. And, in Chapter 9, Rin complained that he couldn't "just laugh" things off. So, while Rin was doing the actual laughing in this chapter, Sesshomaru was the cause of said laughter.

For those of you anxious for some more action between the Lord of the Western Lands and his intended, be patient. I'm doing the best that I can, considering the constraints I placed on myself with the courtship ritual . . . But, be vigilant. Remember, Rin did break the rules once, so maybe she'll do it again ;)

Thanks for reading and reviewing, and I hope I didn't disappoint.

theMaven :)