InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Rin's Smile and Sesshomaru's Decision ❯ The Decision ( Chapter 2 )

Chapter Two: The Decision

 

“Rin, wake up!” a shrill voice cried.

 

Rin rubbed her eyes sleepily.

 

“Huh? What is it, Master Jaken?”

 

“We've got to get going! Lord Sesshomaru is on the move!”

 

Rin sat up quickly. Dawn had barely broken. They didn't usually set out quite so early, but sure enough, Rin could see Sesshomaru disappearing westward into the woods. She and Jaken hurried after him.

 

“Where are we going, Lord Sesshomaru?” Rin asked.

 

“Impertinent girl! It's none of our business!”

 

Rin ignored Jaken. She had long grown used to his sharp reprimands. Instead, she ran to catch up to Sesshomaru, who was walking steadfastly at a brisk pace.

 

“Lord Sesshomaru, where are we going?” Rin repeated.

 

Sesshomaru made no answer and kept his gaze straight ahead.

 

Rin shrugged and backed off. She was used to Sesshomaru acting aloof, but she couldn't help but feel that something was amiss, that Sesshomaru was making it a point of avoiding her eyes.

 

They walked until nightfall, with Sesshomaru never uttering a word. At length they came to the edge of the forest. In the distance, Rin could see a small village not far away.

 

Sesshomaru stopped walking and turned toward Rin.

 

“There,” he said, pointing to the village.

 

“There, Lord Sesshomaru?” Rin was puzzled.

 

“For ten years, Rin, I have looked after you. You are a grown woman now. You don't need me anymore.”

 

“Lord Sesshomaru, I don't understand . . .” Rin began, but Sesshomaru cut her off.

 

“You will go into that village, Rin. And I will leave here. And you will not follow me.”

 

In that instant, all sound seemed to leave the forest. Where once wind blew, and leaves rustled, and creatures scurried, all noise vanished from Rin's ears. It was like Rin had to watch her family's death all over again. She stood there helpless, silent, tears beginning to stream down her face, her eyes filled with horror and pleading.

 

“I have spent the last few days destroying all demon tribes in the surrounding area,” Sesshomaru continued as though nothing were out of the ordinary, “You will be safe here.”

 

He still hadn't looked Rin in the eyes.

 

It was Jaken who spoke up first.

 

“You can't be serious, Lord Sesshomaru!” he cried in disbelief. “You're sending Rin away?!”

 

Sesshomaru silenced him with one steely glare, and then turned back to Rin.

 

“Rin, stop crying,” he said coldly.

 

Rin choked back her tears and implored Sesshomaru.

 

“Why are you doing this? Did I do something wrong?” Rin was confused.

 

“There will be no discussion. I've made up my mind!” Sesshomaru said it as much to himself as to Rin.

 

“Jaken, leave us. I wish to say good-bye to Rin alone.”

 

“Yes, Lord Sesshomaru.” Jaken stumbled off.

 

“You can't make me leave you,” Rin said.

 

“Rin, do as I say.”

 

“I'll just follow after you . . .”

 

“Rin.”

 

“YOU CAN'T MAKE ME LEAVE YOU!” Rin shuddered with tears, gasping. Sesshomaru paused before speaking calmly.

 

“You're a human, Rin. I'm a demon. You can't follow after me forever. You must live your own life.”

 

“But you are my life!” Rin cried desperately, her lip quivering. “I love you!”

 

Sesshomaru looked Rin directly in the eyes for the first time that day. His face wore a look of astonishment. They stared at each other in silence, Rin blushing furiously at her daring pronouncement.

 

Sesshomaru's eyes softened for a moment, but then returned to their cold stance.

 

“No, Rin. That can never be.”

 

“I love you!” Rin cried again, braver now, and she threw her arms around him in an embrace, sobbing firmly into his shoulder.

 

Sesshomaru stood still, but did not return the embrace. It was the first time Rin had ever touched him like that.

 

After a few moments, he released himself from her grasp and turned away.

 

“I'm sorry, Rin,” he whispered. “Good-bye.”

 

He walked away, leaving Rin sobbing, and was soon lost among the thick undergrowth of the forest.

 

Rin did not follow.