InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Into the East ❯ The First Night ( Chapter 3 )

A/N: So here's the deal… I had this chapter almost finished about a week ago. Then I got bogged down by a bunch of projects and a few exams. After thinking about it some more, I decided that I hated the first half so I rewrote it… and that ended up being an entire re-write. So now, loyal reader (readers? ^_^) without further delay, let's continue our journey into the east.

 

Into the East

Chapter three: The first night

Characters originally appearing in the anime/manga Inuyasha © Rumiko Takahashi

Everything else © me

 

 

 

 

 

Vanessa stared at the receding back of the man who in so short a time had become savior, threat, and then seemingly a guide to her. Sesshoumaru. It was such an odd name, but not entirely unexpected after everything that had happened since she first plunged into this world. First she's attacked by a giant cow, ran headlong into Sesshoumaru while he dispatched the bull-man, Sesshoumaru growled - nearly scaring her to death before she pulled away from him.

 

At first she could only stare. He was tall and had long - exceedingly long - silver hair and wore white silk clothing and some sort of strange armor with spikes or giant fangs protruding from his breastplate and the curve at his left shoulder. Over his right shoulder, he wore a large, furry, pelt of some kind. She noticed then that he had only one arm, yet somehow that only seemed to increase the power of his presence, but what really caught her attention, just as the first time she looked at him were his eyes. They were deep, ageless, intense and an amber-gold that she had never before seen. In a word, he was beautiful. Finally her mouth caught up and she tried apologizing, hoping that she hadn't offended him, but to make matters worse, Vanessa began babbling like a fool. If my mother could have seen me… Though in my defense, prep school didn't exactly prepare me for this kind of situation.

 

It was about then that she had realized that there was a distinct language barrier. As if things couldn't get worse, Vanessa found herself somewhere where no one could understand her. When she had tried to run away, she got hopelessly tangled in her dress and was immensely surprised when Sesshoumaru grabbed her wrist, yet made no other move to harm her. He simply gazed at her with his intense golden eyes, apparently hoping she would understand since he let go and brought the little girl in front of him. Previously, he had stepped in front of her when Vanessa recognized her and tried speaking to the girl. Now she understood his defensiveness as caution when he had no idea what she might be saying. Vanessa quickly understood, or at least hoped she understood, when Sesshoumaru appeared to be introducing the girl. He was definitely a puzzle, though she knew that unless they could speak the same language it would take a long while to sort out all of the pieces.

 

Reluctantly, she brought her attention back to the small girl clinging to her hand. Rin seemed more than excited to have Vanessa there. I wonder if Sesshoumaru is her father. Where is her mother? Of course, those were questions that would have to wait as well.

 

Even though it was growing ever darker, Rin tried to point out various plants and the occasional animal, teaching Vanessa their names. It seemed that Rin saw her as a sort of project, but it helped pass the time anyway, until Sesshoumaru stopped in a small clearing.

 

Since introducing himself, Sesshoumaru had yet to speak another word, though Rin more than made up for his silence with her chatter. Now he turned to Rin and said a few words, after which Rin promptly disappeared through some bushes only to return moments later with a blanket under each arm. As she laid them out on the grass she smiled up at Vanessa and gestured to them, curling up herself in one corner. Apparently we're camping here?

 

Unsure and not quite comfortable with the presence of the strange man, Vanessa glanced at Sesshoumaru who was propped against the base of a tree, his single arm resting on his knee. He looked alert, yet relaxed, seemingly at ease with his surroundings and confident that there would be no trouble. Turning his gaze toward her momentarily he nodded only once before returning to his scan of the surrounding trees. Well, if the child feels safe enough… Warily, she pulled back the top blanket and crawled underneath next to Rin.

 

Certain she would never be able to fall asleep, Vanessa watched Sesshoumaru. He hardly looked fatigued and she wondered if he would stay up the entire night just keeping watch. But, what about tomorrow? Wouldn't he be tired from staying up all night? It made her feel slightly better to know that she wouldn't have to worry about any more hairy beasts attacking, but still a bit uneasy falling asleep with strangers. She must have been lying there for nearly thirty minutes, unable to sleep, when she felt a shift in the blanket and a tiny form crawling in front of her.

 

Vanessa smiled as the barely-awake Rin resettled herself, her tiny fists curling under her chin. As she wrapped her arms around the sleeping child, welcoming the extra warmth, just as Rin must have, she caught Sesshoumaru's gaze as his eyes flicked in her direction. She wasn't sure if he would take it as a threat to the child so she just smiled and shrugged slightly. Sesshoumaru gazed at her intently for a moment before raising an elegant eyebrow and returning once again to his watch. Finally, Vanessa closed her eyes, snuggled Rin closer to her as though she were an oversized teddy bear, and fell asleep.

 

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Sesshoumaru continued his slow scan of the surrounding trees, reaching out with all of his senses, demonic and otherwise, to make certain that no other hostile youkai would disturb him or his sleeping females. His females? When did that come about? Rin was undeniably his human ward, but he had only just met this other female. Sesshoumaru decided then that she would stay only long enough for him to find a suitable village at which to leave her. Until then, he would keep watch over her as he had over Rin. They did not light a fire tonight. The smoke and light only served to dull his senses. It was not overly chilly and he wanted to be certain that this strange new woman did not attract any unwanted visitors. Since the two females slept under the same blanket, he was certain that their shared warmth would keep Rin warm.

 

He could feel the woman's eyes on him as he kept watch and very nearly felt her curiosity, but what could he say? Sesshoumaru was generally not one for conversation, and even if he were, nothing he could say would be understood. Better to keep silent and watch everything unfold. He wondered who this woman really was, how she could adapt so quickly to everything that had happened today. She had certainly been frightened, both of the bull-youkai and Sesshoumaru himself, yet she had always recovered quickly, fear replaced by curiosity. That curiosity of hers will surely be the end of her.

 

Keen ears caught the slight rustle of fabric and on the edge of his vision, Sesshoumaru saw Rin crawl around to reposition herself in front of Vanessa. That child is far too trusting. Still, he gave no indication that he noticed or cared, until he saw Vanessa move. Much to his surprise, she only wrapped her arms protectively around the girl and… smiled at him. She had caught his eye again and looked back at him unflinching and actually seemed rather amused at Rin's actions. Deciding that the woman still posed no threat to Rin, Sesshoumaru returned to scanning their surroundings and presently, the sounds of Vanessa's own even breathing joined Rin's.

 

Rin loved contact with other people - Sesshoumaru knew that. Occasionally, he allowed the girl to spend the night in his lap where she gleefully curled up and snuggled into him, clutching his haori in her tiny fists in her sleep; however, usually she curled up beside him while he sat and kept watch. He still could not understand how she came to adore him so when she knew that he could strike her down as easily as look at her. But… could he? After all the time Rin had spent under his care, Sesshoumaru was uncertain that he could ever abandon her, leaving her at a suitable village as was his original plan. He tried often to act indifferent to her presence, but somehow the tiny human had wormed her way into a heart that Sesshoumaru himself had log ago forgotten existed. It unnerved him to no end that a mere human could stir such feeling and he was certain that it could only be perceived as weakness.

 

As the night progressed he wondered idly how Vanessa would react to Ah-Un. He had told Rin to leave him where he slept outside the clearing. If Vanessa had never encountered a dragon, the morning might prove interesting indeed. Thankfully, Sesshoumaru had left Jaken to handle matters at home. He had the growing suspicion that Vanessa had never before encountered youkai and the little toad with all of his hostility toward humans might put her into a panic. He found it slightly amusing that he was more concerned with her reaction to Jaken than to the twin-headed dragon. The woman certainly was a puzzle.

 

The rest of the night progressed without incident and as the sun crested the horizon and began filtering through the trees. Rin, used to waking at such early hours, stirred and consequently brought Vanessa back to the world of the waking. Vanessa looked about for a moment, regaining her bearings and, with a smile, gave Rin a final squeeze before letting go, sending the girl into a fit of giggles as she ran to greet the still-wakeful Sesshoumaru, “Good morning Sesshoumaru-sama! Did you have a good night? Lady Vanessa stayed the whole night. How long will she be with us? I like how she hugged me when I woke up -”

 

“Rin.”

 

“Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama?”

 

“Tend to Ah-Un. We leave after breakfast.”

 

“Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama! Right away!” With that the girl scampered off to be sure that Ah-Un had food and water nearby.

 

Sesshoumaru had built a fire when the sun's first light shone through the trees. From his travels with Rin, and from the numerous villages on his lands, he had learned that humans prefer their meat to be cooked - and while they traveled, meat would their primary food source unless Rin took it upon herself to pick some berries or wild vegetables. While Rin tended to Ah-Un and Vanessa tended to her own needs, Sesshoumaru quickly hunted down skinned and dressed a pair of rabbits for the humans, and set them each on a spit over the fire.

 

Rampant thoughts surged through Sesshoumaru's mind, barely graspable before moving on to the next, but what stood out the most - what kept returning with every thought was the oddity that sat silently on the other side of the flames from the taiyoukai of the west. It annoyed him that she should plague him so, and yet… he was intrigued also. Neither had yet said another word to one another since their “introduction” the previous night, not that it would have made much difference.

 

Now he watched in fascination as her hands began to fly over her knot of hair - it had grown quite messy as she slept. She plucked countless bits of metal out of her curls and finally the golden cascade was set free. Slender fingers ran along her scalp and shook the worst of the tangles from her hair. Idly, Sesshoumaru noted that he was correct in his assumption that the pale curls would reach to the middle of her back if set free.

 

Vanessa was staring at the grass in front of her as she concentrated on her hair, oblivious to the watching taiyoukai. He tried to be discreet, concentrating on the roasting meat to hide his interest. The simple fact of the matter was that he was curious and he wondered for the umpteenth time how a mere human could so capture his interest. She appeared deep in thought and it seemed more habit than anything else as she pulled her hair over one should and combed her fingers through the remaining tangles. Sesshoumaru noticed her brow furrow in thought, yet she continued her rhythmic combing and seemed almost soothed by her own actions. He wondered if her hands through his hair would have the same calming effect on him. Where did that thought come from? This Sesshoumaru could - would - not possibly fall to such a level as to allow a human to touch his person so intimately. Startled out of his daze, Sesshoumaru turned his gaze back to the pair of rabbits, as though his look alone would make them cook faster.

 

Movement at the edge of his vision caused Sesshoumaru's gaze to wander back in Vanessa's direction. She had begun twisting her mass of hair and coiling it into another knot on the crown of her head. As she re-inserted the bits of metal, she caught Sesshoumaru staring and blushed, giving him a funny little smile. Immediately he dropped his gaze to the roasting meat and, deciding that they were sufficiently cooked, rose to collect Rin. The woman had to go. She had a strange effect on him and he was certain he didn't like it. No, one human charge was more than enough for any sensible youkai. A sensible youkai would have left the child where she lay. Yet not even Sesshoumaru could suppress the flicker of warmth he felt at the sight before him.

 

Rin sat on the ground between Ah-Un's fore claws weaving a crown of flowers for Un to match its twin, already gracing Ah's head. The girl positively could not help herself when it came to flowers.

“Rin.”

The girl started slightly at the sound of her name and grinned brightly up at her guardian, holding out the flowers in her hands for Sesshoumaru to inspect her progress. “Do you like it Sesshoumaru-sama?”

Sesshoumaru gazed down at her, allowing his eyes to soften just a fraction, knowing that the unusually perceptive child would see the smile hidden in his golden depths.

“Come. Your breakfast is ready.”

“Oh! Thank you Sesshoumaru-sama!” she responded, springing to her feet and running to his side and following him back into the clearing.

 

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Vanessa was lost in her own thoughts as she combed her hair with her fingers. Thankfully, the style that she had chosen for the party required more bobby pins than hairspray - it didn't seem as though she would see a shower any time soon. The party… She had wanted to get away, but this was a little bit more than she had bargained for. Wondering how on earth she would get home only led her to wonder where on earth here was. Somehow, she wasn't frightened, only… confused. By everything she had ever learned or experienced, what happened yesterday was simply impossible. People can't just step through a portal and enter another world, and yet she had done it.

 

Determining her hair sufficiently detangled, Vanessa broke from her reverie and began gathering it behind her head to twist it in a more manageable bun. She loved her long hair, but figured that if she would be traipsing through the woods, it would only turn into a hot, sweaty mess. As she began re-pinning her hair, she caught Sesshoumaru staring at her and almost laughed. It seemed that no matter where they were, men were fascinated with the grooming habits of women. She couldn't count the number of times that Bryce would just stand in the doorway and watch as she applied her make-up or did her hair. Bryce… Vanessa wondered what had happened back at the party when she didn't return. She hadn't meant to make anyone worry; she just couldn't contain her curiosity.

 

She watched as Sesshoumaru rose and walked out of the clearing, presumably to retrieve Rin from wherever he had sent her earlier. It was odd. He seemed so distant, almost cold and yet the little girl clearly adored him. More than ever she wished that they could talk, certain that he would have a fascinating story.

 

After a few minutes Rin returned with Sesshoumaru, carrying a half-completed flower crown. The image suddenly popped into Vanessa's mind of a flower crown perched atop the silver head of the severe, stoic man before her and before she could stop herself, she giggled. It was short-lived, however, due to the look she received from Sesshoumaru. How can refusing to show expression… show so much expression? Clearly, he didn't like - or wasn't used to - the idea of someone laughing at him. Still, she couldn't contain the smile that stayed on her lips. He's so solemn. I wonder if he's ever laughed. I may have to work on that. She paused with a thoughtful expression. I sound as though I'm staying for a while…

 

Vanessa didn't have long to contemplate how long she would stay wherever she was due to the fact that Sesshoumaru had motioned Rin to sit beside her by the fire and proceeded to hand each of them a roasted rabbit. They were small, just large enough for a meal and Vanessa wondered if Sesshoumaru would have anything. First he stays up all night and now he's not even having breakfast? She thanked him softly, hoping he would understand the sentiment if not the words themselves and he nodded, very slightly, before settling himself once more at the base of the tree. Sesshoumaru closed his eyes, but Vanessa could tell that he was not asleep; he had the same relaxed-alert presence from the night before, the difference being that his eyes were closed.

 

Having never eaten rabbit-on-a-stick before, Vanessa watched as Rin happily tore into her own. Well, there's a first time for everything. She sniffed the meat and tentatively took a bite. It actually tasted… good! Sure it could use some seasoning, but the natural flavor combined with the slight smoky flavor from the wood fire made it quite tasty. If mother could see me now… Sitting in the dirt in a formal dress eating roasted rabbit on a stick. The thought made her giggle again, earning her a sidelong look from Sesshoumaru. She just grinned and shook her head as if to say that it was nothing important. He must think I'm an absolute nut.

 

After Rin and Vanessa had finished their meal, Sesshoumaru doused the fire while Rin gathered the blankets. All the while, Vanessa felt rather useless. Sesshoumaru and Rin had their routine down so well that Vanessa was simply an extra body. Finally the pair appeared ready to leave and motioned for Vanessa to follow, but when they reached the edge of the clearing, Sesshoumaru hesitated and looked down at her. Funny, he doesn't seem the type to hesitate at anything… He held up a hand for Vanessa to stop and spoke to Rin who promptly disappeared through the bushes.

 

Sesshoumaru took a step closer to Vanessa just as a great, scaly head poked its way through the foliage. Vanessa gasped and very nearly jumped back when she felt Sesshoumaru's hand on her shoulder in a firm, but non-threatening grip. She looked up at him and, heart pounding, turned back to find that a second head had broken through the tree line. This time she felt a laugh bubble past her lips. The second head, while just as scaly, seemed slightly less fearsome with a colorful flower crown atop its head. Satisfied that she was not going to run, Sesshoumaru released his grip on Vanessa's shoulder and gestured toward the twin-headed dragon, saying, “Ah-Un.”

 

Taking in the beast's bridle and saddle as it stepped into the clearing behind Rin, Vanessa assumed that “Ah-Un” must be its name. Rin must have been making crowns for it before breakfast. Imagine that… a real, live dragon. After the initial shock wore off, Vanessa thought that Ah-Un was kind of cute… in a scaly sort of way. No one back home would believe me if I tried telling them what I've seen just in the past twenty-four hours… If I ever get home, that is.

 

Vanessa watched as the dragon knelt down, allowing Rin to scramble up onto its back after first securing the blankets. Sesshoumaru took a step forward and gestured that Vanessa follow suit with Rin before taking hold of Ah-Un's reins. She mounted behind Rin and was amazed that the dragon simply followed placidly behind Sesshoumaru.

 

After a short while, Vanessa removed her shoes and secured them next to the blankets, letting her bare feet dangle while Rin scooted back to lean against her. The gentle rocking of Ah-Un's steps lulled her into a near-sleep daze as various shades of green passed by. Peaceful…

 

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Judging by the human woman's initial reaction to Ah-Un, Sesshoumaru thought it best not to take to the sky just yet. Still, he was impressed by her continuing ability to recover. He thought she was going to bolt when Un came through the foliage, and was immeasurably surprised when she laughed at Ah with his crown of flowers. Admittedly, he did pose a comical sight, but the fear had rolled off of her in waves when she first saw Un. He almost wished that they could speak, just so he could know what in the world went on inside her head - almost.

 

Sesshoumaru was not much of a conversationalist. It required that one be interested in the subject at hand - or at least to be able to pretend. Sesshoumaru abhorred telling lies and as such found little use for the layers upon layers of intrigue that accompanied social gatherings. When asked a question to which he knew the answer would be disliked at best, he would either remain silent - earning him the reputation of being arrogant - or speak the honest truth - naming him cold. Simply put, he had grown too emotionally detached to care. It had been a long, long time since Sesshoumaru had anyone remotely close to what he might call a friend. Leadership and ruling his lands were much simpler when emotion could be locked away.

 

The two females accompanying Sesshoumaru at the moment seemed to display far too much emotion. Twice already Vanessa had burst into fits of giggling for no apparent reason. That is not entirely true… This Sesshoumaru is simply unable to read minds. Once again the thought came that she is a most unusual creature. Unusual creatures seem to flock to Inuyasha… I wonder…

 

Sesshoumaru turned back and found the pair near-sleeping on Ah-Un's back. “Rin. Vanessa.” The pair came fully awake with a start and turned to Sesshoumaru. He looked pointedly at Rin and told her to be sure Vanessa had a good hold on Ah-Un. “We will be taking to the air, be sure she does not fall off.” He waited a moment to be sure the pair were secure and gathered his youki at his feet, signaling to Ah-Un to head skyward. The high-pitched squeal that followed lift-off made Sesshoumaru want to cover his ears, but he turned anyway and saw Vanessa clutching the back of the saddle. Clearly she had not expected this particular dragon to be able to fly.

 

It was too much fun. Not that he enjoyed tormenting the girl, but he was interested to see her reaction to new situations. Sesshoumaru looked over his shoulder once more and caught Vanessa staring at him with her jaw hanging open. He quirked an eyebrow at her and she shook herself and directed her gaze at his feet where a cloud of youki supported him as they rose higher into the sky. A smirk was barely concealed behind his mask of indifference as he watched Vanessa watching him. Content that she was not doing anything to jeopardize herself or Rin, Sesshoumaru turned back to the front and led the way toward their destination.

 

Several hours later Sesshoumaru looked over his shoulder and saw Rin lying on her belly dozing and an awestruck Vanessa gazing at the landscape sprawling below. He caught her attention and pointed to the small village below them. It seemed that she understood, since she nudged Rin awake and took a secure hold on Ah-Un, so Sesshoumaru signaled the dragon to begin their descent.

 

It wasn't long before they were safely on the ground once more and Sesshoumaru thought he caught a brief flicker of relief pass over Vanessa's face, but then she just looked at him expectantly to lead the way. Sesshoumaru took a breath and prepared for the explosion he would soon be facing.

 

They followed the well-worn path toward the village. Just short of breaking through the trees, Sesshoumaru stopped and told Rin to wait for him with Vanessa and Ah-Un, and after a moment's hesitation, left Toukijin and Tenseiga. He didn't want any more conflict than was necessary and knew that even without the demon sword - and his left arm - he was more than a match for his half brother. Sesshoumaru really only wanted to talk for once and hoped that someone would have the insight and take notice.

 

Sesshoumaru stepped between the trees and into the clearing surrounding the village and quickly picked up and followed the scent of his hanyou half-brother. It didn't take long to find the old miko's hut where the group often stayed and before he could announce his presence, the tempest burst through the door, followed at a more reasonable pace by the rest of his party.

 

“Sesshoumaru! What do you want here?!”

 

“Inuyasha. It has been a while Little Brother.”