InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Snow White and the Seven 'Dwarfs'...Sort of ❯ Worked Up ( Chapter 47 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Penthesileia 
"Eh, that’s alright Boss, Oda knows his ass is mine."
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Comedy / Adventure | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 11.04.2007 | Pages: 4 | Words: 5.2K | Visits: 389 | Status: Completed
"Eh, that’s alright Boss, Oda knows his ass is mine."
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Comedy / Adventure | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 11.04.2007 | Pages: 4 | Words: 5.2K | Visits: 389 | Status: Completed
Important!!!!!
Just as a note, I screwed up (once again) Ayame’s Sayo is NOT the same one Sess beat up. I forgot I used the name once already. (Yeah I know, moron) So they are NOT the same, I repeat NOT the same.
Kagome123- Thank you! I’m still not sure if I should have just made her crazy or not, but I like that it was shocking.
Selenitypotter- Sorry, but I couldn’t let her die that easily. And besides, it makes the story more interesting doesn’t it? (And longer...) Enjoy the new chapter!
Disclaimer-I don’t own Inuyasha or Snow White and I am not making money off this fic.
Rin
Rin and Botan walked under the limited moonlight, Rin tucked safely under her mother’s arm while she waited for her to begin.
"When I woke up the next morning after the attack to find you gone, your father dead, and my body violated, all I knew was misery and fury. Everything I knew and loved was gone, and I wanted some way to find relief. I would have given almost anything to have gone to Kikyo and Naraku and harmed them, but I knew that would have been impossible. I would have been killed by a palace guard before I could get within a hundred feet of the palace, if Naraku didn’t come back to finish the job anyway," Botan paused in her story to reach up and brush Rin’s cheek gently. "I was so tempted to end my life so many times, but I had to stay alive to wait for you. I’ve always known you would come back Rin." her mother told her softly.
Rin swallowed down a fresh lump in her throat, barely having finished crying from the last one. "So were you ever insane?" she asked.
Botan shook her head, "I was mad with fury, and numb with grief, but no sweetheart, I never went insane. Those were rumors Gatenmaru and I started."
"But why?" Rin asked, shocked, "You could have met with other people to plan something out or-"
"No, I couldn’t." Botan quickly denied. "I was never brave or clever like you and Taromaru. I just wanted to keep Kikyo and Naraku’s attention off me. If they believed Taromaru’s old widow was insane and couldn’t talk about what they had done, they might forgot about her and let her live in peace. And as a crazed woman, I was able to let out my grief in ways I wouldn’t be able otherwise. I could throw things against walls, scream all night long, and my madness would be blamed." She explained.
Rin looked up and carefully studied her mother. Her mother had aged much in these past few years, she had faint winkles Rin had never seen before on her, streaks of silver in her long black hair, and a tired look in her eye.
Her mothers suddenly smiled slyly, “And besides, imagine how fun it will be for me to go down and interact with the townspeople again once you’ve gotten rid of Naraku and Kikyo. They’ll be shocked speechless for once."
Rin chuckled, knowing her mother was right.
The smile faded, "That’s why you’ve come back isn’t it? And gathered your father’s group back together?" she asked.
Rin nodded, serious again. "Right now we’re gathering information on Naraku. Kikyo’s dead, one of our allies killed her a few days ago. Why Naraku hasn’t told anyone yet, I’m not sure of." she blinked. "Wait, how did you know Seven was here?"
Her mother’s faint smile was back, "As soon as I heard the broken door hit the floor, I knew it was those seven men come back to visit. I didn’t expect you to come with them."
Rin’s heart sank, hating to be the one to explain to her mother what half of those seven men had done.
"Mama." Rin began slowly, "There’s something you need to know about half of Seven."
Botan reached up to push some of Rin’s hair behind her ears, sensing this wasn’t something she was going to enjoy hearing "What is it child?" she asked worriedly.
"You and father were betrayed by Ginkotsu, Kyotostu, and Mukotsu. We believe Naraku offered them some kind of deal to get new bodies, or new powers in exchange for father." Rin explained softly.
Botan stared at her daughter, starting to lean more heavily against her as shock made her knees go weak. "They...they betrayed us?" she whispered, letting Rin slowly help her to the ground.
Rin nodded, biting her lip anxiously. "The others couldn’t believe it either. That’s why they disbanded the group and left. They’re still loyal." Rin quickly assured Botan, worried she might doubt their character.
Absently, Botan waved the assurance away, "Oh no, I know that." she told her dazedly, still processing what Rin had told her. The men she had let into her home, fed, clothed, looked after and trusted with her husband’s life had double crossed her and for what? So they could buy what they felt they were lacking?
"They really want to see you again." Rin broke into her thoughts, hoping to distract her. "And...and there’s someone I want to introduce you to." she added, ducking her head under her mother’s suddenly interested gaze.
"Oh?" she mused. "And is this someone important to you?"
Rin bit her lip again, "He could be." she said truthfully.
Her mother reached down and tangled her daughter’s hand in hers. "Then you better introduce me to him. Besides, we have to go save Gatenmaru from the men. He always was a bit of a push over." she remarked, standing up as she firmly pushed the three ex members of Seven from her night. Her daughter and her husband’s group was back with them, this was cause for celebration. She would mourn later, because this night was for the living.
And she strongly suspected Ginkotsu, Kyotostu and Mukostu would not be considered under that category soon if her daughter and Seven had anything to say about it.
Rin smiled so brightly Botan had no trouble seeing it. "Let’s go then." she begged, tugging at her hand as she pulled her back to the house.
Kagome
I stared up at the thin sliver of moon, resting my chin on my drawn up knees, to restless too sleep but too tired to spend time to do anything constrictive or useful.
So I just sat outside, my arms wrapped around my legs with the moon and my thoughts as my only company.
I heard a gentle thud behind me, and felt the warmth of Inuyasha’s legs as he came to stand beside me.
"Hey." he said softly, dropping down so he was resting on his back next to me. "Couldn’t sleep either?"
I shook my head, my eyes still on the moon.
Inuyasha sighed, suddenly annoyed. "What’s the matter now?" he asked.
"It’s been five days since Rin and Seven left." I reminded him. "I’m just worried; I thought this mission was only supposed to last a few days."
Inuyasha rested his hand softly on my back, "Feh, chill wench. Sess’ll take good care of Rin. And Seven better be able to take care of themselves or they’re dead meat. Nothings going to happen to them." he assured gruffly.
I sighed, "I know that logically. But emotionally, I’m getting ready to pull out my hair." I admitted.
"Well they should be done soon, isn’t that what the letter Rin sent said?" Inuyasha reminded me.
I frowned, "She said they were doing a lot of work and finding out a lot of information that would be helpful. She didn’t necessarily say she would be done soon." I pointed out glumly.
I finally took my gaze off the moon long enough to see him staring at me. Resolutely, he stood up. "I’ll go make them hurry up then." he said firmly.
My mouth fell open and I stood up, "Inuyasha you can’t go! You would be recognized instantly!" I argued back.
He crossed his arms stubbornly, "Feh. Like any weak human could spot me if I move fast enough. And if getting them home sooner makes you worry less, I might be able to get some decent food around here!"
I snapped back, "Excuse me?" I almost yelled. "I only burnt the food a little tonight, a little. Your acting like that’s some capital crime!"
"When it’s my stomach it sure as hell is! Listen wench, I’m going and that’s that! If I’m not back with them in less then three days, then you can burn my food all you want." he said dismissively, already turning his back on me.
"Oh! Don’t be surprised if you even get any food when you show up again!" I shot back, whirling around as well.
"Whatever wench." I almost felt him pause rather than saw him and a heart beat later, my hair was being lifted off the nape of my neck and a fast kiss was pressed there.
"Later wench." Inuyasha breathed against my ear and then he was gone.
I gently held the spot he had kissed in the palm of my hand, my heart going insane. Finally with a small smile on my face I went back to bed, and slept peacefully throughout the night.
Next Day
The ‘Dwarf’s’
"...one hundred twenty five....one hundred twenty six...one hundred twenty seven...one hundred twenty eight..." Shippo counted off as the dwarf’s watched Ayame walk a track into the floor with all her pacing.
"Will you fucking calm down? You’ve already worn off at least an inch on the floor." Hiten cried.
Ayame waved him off, her red hair spinning around as she whirled and stalked back across the kitchen floor, half anxious, half excited, and a little scared. What if her men had changed while she was gone? Would they like the way she had changed?
She glanced out the window again. Fucking damn it, why the hell did Kaede need this much time to go out and get her men? She should have gone herself...
Kagome watched her warily, wanting to sigh down at the dirty foot prints gracing the floor she was going to be stuck cleaning up, but not wanting to upset her either. "Ayame, why don’t you sit down and I’ll boil you a pot of tea?" she coaxed, trying to save her floors.
Ayame rapidly shook her head, "No thanks, I can’t settle down." she told her, missing the glum look Kagome directed at the floors.
Kagura sighed, her head slightly throbbing in time with Ayame’s loud footsteps. "Calm down, your men liked you once, why wouldn’t they again?" she asked.
Ayame glanced away from in front of her to shot Kagura an annoyed glance. "That’s not it." She told the wind witch nestled on Hiten’s lap. Again. Seriously, what was wrong with a normal, non-being chair? "I’m just jumpy, I’ll calm down when they get here." she assured her.
Kagura only snorted and dug her face into Hiten’s neck, trying to ignore the irritating boot falls. Of all the times she needed distraction, where was Hiten’s kid sister? Not where she was needed obviously.
Though Kagura had to admit, the girl really wasn’t that bad once you got past her controlling Sango’s brother and working for Naraku for awhile. And even if she did get uneasy feelings about her sometimes, Hiten loved her to death, so that had to count for something right?
Kouga stomped in loudly, glaring at everyone has he watched in and dropped heavily onto a chair. Kagome cautiously set a cup of tea out in front of him, thinking he looked like he needed it.
Kouga looked like he hadn’t slept in at least two days, the bags under his eyes were darker then his black hair. He slumped down as he leaned over the table and snatched the mug of tea, throwing his head back and drinking deeply. Kagome squinted at his exposed throat, wondering what that dark spot behind his ear was. It looked a little like mud.
He slammed the cup down hard on the table, nearly cracking it as he scowled at her. "Gimme something stronger." he ordered.
Kagome frowned back as she took the cup away, "Not this early in the morning I won’t." she lectured, ignoring the dark look he sent her.
He looked around, carefully not looking at Ayame’s pacing figure. "Where the hell is mutt face?"
Kagome felt the back of her neck heat up and quickly forced her mind away from that. "He’s gone to meet up with Rin, Sesshomaru and Seven." she told him, trying to focus all her attention on finishing breakfast.
Kouga grunted and went back to ignoring the dwarf’s in favor of glaring at the wall.
"You were blushing." Miroku’s voice echoed from down the hall while Sango chuckled.
"I was not." she primly told him back.
"Oh no? Maybe I should try again to make sure." Miroku said innocently.
"Gah! Miroku! Stop!" Sango erupted into laughter while she backpedaled through the door, trying to avoid Miroku’s tickling fingers.
Sango suddenly noticed where all the dwarf’s interested gazes were and unmercifully kicked him in the shin. He yelped, and she escaped long enough to claim a seat.
"Good morning." she said nodding gratefully at Kagome when she handed out more tea.
Smiling instead of whining about his bruised leg, Miroku settled in beside her, "You were to."
"I was not."
"Were to-"
"Was-"
"Yes you were." The dwarf’s interrupted in unison.
Sango glared at them, and opened her mouth to reply back before Ayame squealed and shot towards the door.
"Sayo!" they heard her cry before getting up and crowding around the window to watch her embrace an older wolf demon happily.
"Lady Ayame, it’s so good to see you well." He told her, looking down proudly at her. "I’ve always known you would not have been killed so easily."
Kouga’s hackles rose as he stared at the three men and Kaede waiting behind Sayo.
He wondered which one of them was the HIM he had to kill.
Kagome was the first to head towards the door, but before she did she could have sworn Kouga mumbled, ‘Bring it on.’ before shooting past her.
Rin
Rin slowly opened her eyes when the morning sun spilled over them, reluctant to get up. Last night had been the first night she hadn’t had to share a room with Sesshomaru, and strangely, she hadn’t been able to sleep well. She was getting to use to him resting next to her, his hand under her neck or gripping her palm. But they had spent the night in her mother’s house, and no matter how much she liked Sesshomaru and hinted how cute little babies with gold eyes would be, there was no way in hell her daughter would be sleeping the same room as an unmarried, very male, very...charming, man.
She stretched out lazily, as she let out a long yawn. As much as she wanted to lull around in bed, she had to get up and get ready for work.
And figure out a way to get out of her house without telling her mother exactly where she was going. She had a feeling Botan wouldn't be to happy with her daughter prancing around right under Naraku's nose.
She pushed the covers back and forced herself to rise, wondering if Gatenmaru had any old servant clothing laying around since she had left hers back at the inn. She quickly washed her face and threw her kimono on over her weapons, knowing if she lingered she would be tempted enough to crawl back into bed.
Someone tapped politely on the door as she was tying the knot in her obi.
"Miss Rin? Are you up? Breakfast is ready." Gatenmaru announced happily, eagerly awaiting Rin's opinion on the meal he had made for her.
"I'll be there soon." Rin promised, loosening her hair from its tight braid.
She heard him depart as she ran a brush down her hair. Maybe she should tell her mother she was going out into the town? Would she believe her? Because technically, that was true, she had to pass through the town to get to the palace gates...
She sighed as she started gathering her hair in one big fistful. Maybe-
"Allow me." Sesshomaru purred from behind her, having entered silently without alerting her, as she jumped and yelped in surprise. Gently he took the mass of hair out of her hand and twisted it up into an elegant bun. He took the length of ribbon from her and immediately let it drop to the floor.
"This is much better." he told her as she felt something long and thin being pushed into her hair to keep the bun in place.
Rin reached up and touched it, almost jumping again when her fingers met smooth wood and some kind of charm hanging from the tip of the pin.
"You did not receive this yesterday. I could not find a good moment." Sesshomaru explained, still from behind her.
Rin turned to face him, fingertips still touching his gift, "Thank you." she said truthfully, "But I can't accept so many gifts, I have nothing to give back to you." she argued. Sesshomaru ignored her, straightening out her obi for her. "I've learned-" he began slowly,"-that there are some things that cannot be bought. What I want from you does not come from a store." he told her, while wincing mentally at himself. Where the hell did that come from?
Rin stared up at Sess, her heart thundering so loudly she was sure her men across the house could hear it. This was it, she had made up her mind, she was going to tell Sess how she felt before she lost her nerve.
She took a deep breath and released it slowly, "Sesshomaru, I want to-"
A knock louder then her heart beat interrupted her in mid sentence "Hey captain!" Oda drawled rudely from the other side of the door, "What the hell is taking so long? Since when does being leader mean you can make your men wait for you till breakfast gets cold?"
Rin gritted her teeth at the sarcastic tone and the question as her determination to tell Sesshomaru her answer turned into a desire to kick Oda's ass.
"I'll tell you later." she snapped at Sesshomaru, marching past him to the door where she flung it open and hurried to catch up with Oda's strolling walk. She cursed under her breathe when the fast pace made her trip over a portraying floorboard and yank her kimono up past knee length.
"Hey!" she yelled, pushing at Oda's back as she finally caught up to him, waiting until he spun around angrily to face her, "Just what is your problem? Since the night I met you, you've been rude, horrible and cruel without cause to me, and I want to know why." she ordered, poking his chest with a finger. Scowling, Oda knocked her hand away from his chest, "You and your father took Jakotsu away from me. Worse then that you put him in danger without me to watch over him." he accused back at her.
Rin stared at him, "That's the stupidest reason I've ever heard!" she exploded after a moment. "Jakotsu is his own person, if he wants to go off and join a rebel group or fight in a war, or go pole dance, that's his right and his decision to make." Rin argued back. "What does that have to do with you?"
Oda’s teeth snapped together and his fists clenched, as if they longed to strike her, "He’s mine, that’s what I have to do with it. If Jakotsu had talked to me instead of running away with your father, we wouldn’t have lost these last years. And now you’re doing the same thing."
"Hey! Jakotsu is not yours, he’s his own person!" Rin shot back, offended for her friend.
"Eh, that’s alright Boss, Oda knows his ass is mine." Jakotsu said cheerfully as he appeared from around the corner and slung an arm around his OTL’s waist.
"And you-" he squeezed Oda’s side to let him know he was talking about him. "Leave Rin alone. She’s right; you shouldn’t blame her for me leaving. Be angry at me. Very angry. So angry we need to go into the nearest room with a lock to...sort out our differences. And then make up. A lot." Jakotsu purred suggestively, reaching up to nibble on his lip.
Rin grimaced, wishing they wouldn’t talk about sex so early in the morning. Even bunnies needed rest, when the hell were these two going to calm down?
Oda smiled slowly in return, "Well, I suppose when you put it that way I should be telling you when I’m upset." he agreed, steadily pulling him down the hall.
Rin rolled her eyes and continued on her way to breakfast, people in love were freaking insane.
And she had the feeling she was slowly becoming just as crazy.
Ayame
Ayame hugged her second in commander tighter, still unbelieving she was finally seeing him again after such a long time.
"Lady Ayame." he whispered, "It is so good to see you alive, my queen."
Ayame pulled back to take a closer look at him, fighting hard not to let the tears gathering in her eyes spill out. His head was still shaved, and shining brightly in the light. New lines and winkles were marring his narrow face, but he was still as strong and healthy as he had been in his youth.
"I'm so glad you're alright." she finally said once she forced herself to stop staring so intently at him.
"I should be saying that to you, my queen. I've never forgiven myself for allowing you to go off by yourself like that." he said fiercely. "If I had gone-"
"Kikyo would have taken over the Northern Mountains and slaughtered the wolves." Ayame interrupted him.” You did exactly the right thing by staying, without you and the soldiers, I wouldn't have a kingdom to go back to when this is all over."
"Speaking of your soldiers Lady Ayame, this warrior would like a greeting from his humble queen also." One of the men interrupted them cheerfully, stepping forward.
Ayame stared at him, her cheeks slightly blushing. He was still as handsome as she remembered, the chestnut brown hair pulled back in a low ponytail, his intelligent brown eyes sparking with warmth and intelligence and his pointy ears, now sporting two stylish gold hoop earrings, every now and then giving one of those adorable twitches that made Ayame want to squeal.
And the body? Mmmm, the body wasn't bad to look at either.
She dropped her arms from Sayo and immediately got wrapped up in his strong grasp.
"I've been so worried for your safely my lady." he whispered tenderly against her ear.
Ayame smiled against his neck, feeling her blush return in full force. "I have to." she agreed, resting her head on his chest.
She pulled away from him, but grabbed his elbow and pushed him forward after flashing a grin at the two other guards who had come with them. "Come on, I want you all to meet the people I've been living with the last few years."
Sayo followed indulgently while Ayame tugged him along to the dwarf's standing outside waiting for them.
"Everyone," she started to announce, "This is Sayo, my captain and second in command of my army." she told them, placing a hand on the older man's shoulder.
She glanced shyly over at him, "And this is one of my oldest friends, and bravest warrior. Hojo."
Rin
Rin patted her head covering one more time, as she walked through Naraku’s gates, still sulking Gaten could arrange her hair better then she could herself.
Though she was glad her mother hadn’t tried to lock her in the house or anything when she told her she was leaving. Though she did scream a lot...
But aside from all that, she had to find something out today. It was so pathetic that in the week since Kikyo’s death, all she had found out was who the three special soldiers were and Mayu. Wooho, big deal. She was the daughter of Taromaru, she could do better then that.
She sighed, of course, with Hari breathing down her neck she was lucky she got her work done at all.
She frowned when she noticed a large number of soldiers and civilians standing outside the palace. It looked like almost everyone in town was waiting for something.
Rin stopped just at the outskirts of the group. "What’s going on?’ she asked a woman near her.
The woman shrugged, "Dunno. Lord Naraku called for an announcement just this morning."
Rin’s frown deepened when she realized she had no idea this was about to go on and looked up to where everyone else was craning their necks up to. A large empty balcony hung from the castle, the banners flapping in the wind.
She didn’t have to wait long, almost immediately a drum pounded and guards started shouting for attention. The crowd soon fell silent, waiting expectantly at the empty balcony.
Rin fought to keep the scowl off her face when Naraku slowly stepped into the public’s view, looking way to noble and solemn for her liking. Maybe he was going to finally announce Kikyo’s death? It seemed like a strange way to do it.
My fellow people-" his smooth voice flowed over the crowd, "Over the last few weeks, many of you have heard of rumors of an uprising against your beloved monarch, Queen Kikyo. I am saddened to tell you; the rumors are true." Naraku paused for a moment to allow the crowd to gasp and cry. "This so-called rebel leader is calling herself the daughter of King Nobunaga, Princess Kagome. But I can assure you it is not the late Princess Kagome who is leading this group of low vermin. She is merely a vile pretender who wants to usurp Kikyo and enslave you all."
Rin wondered briefly how Kag would take to being called a vile pretender while Naraku droned on and on about duty to one’s queen/country, how great Kikyo was, how stupid Kagome was, and that he would need 100,000 volunteers from all the nearby villages.
...wait, a 100,000 people?
‘-Together we can crush this uprising and save our way of life! Three days from now, we will attack at dawn and slaughter them! Long live Kikyo!"
Rin’s stomach drop when she heard the overwhelming ‘Long live Kikyo!" in reply.
If Naraku knew how to do one thing it was how to work up a crowd.
...fuck.
AN: I’m so sorry about the late chapter!!! I know, I suck. I promise the next chapter will be up soon.
Just as a note, I screwed up (once again) Ayame’s Sayo is NOT the same one Sess beat up. I forgot I used the name once already. (Yeah I know, moron) So they are NOT the same, I repeat NOT the same.
Kagome123- Thank you! I’m still not sure if I should have just made her crazy or not, but I like that it was shocking.
Selenitypotter- Sorry, but I couldn’t let her die that easily. And besides, it makes the story more interesting doesn’t it? (And longer...) Enjoy the new chapter!
Disclaimer-I don’t own Inuyasha or Snow White and I am not making money off this fic.
Rin
Rin and Botan walked under the limited moonlight, Rin tucked safely under her mother’s arm while she waited for her to begin.
"When I woke up the next morning after the attack to find you gone, your father dead, and my body violated, all I knew was misery and fury. Everything I knew and loved was gone, and I wanted some way to find relief. I would have given almost anything to have gone to Kikyo and Naraku and harmed them, but I knew that would have been impossible. I would have been killed by a palace guard before I could get within a hundred feet of the palace, if Naraku didn’t come back to finish the job anyway," Botan paused in her story to reach up and brush Rin’s cheek gently. "I was so tempted to end my life so many times, but I had to stay alive to wait for you. I’ve always known you would come back Rin." her mother told her softly.
Rin swallowed down a fresh lump in her throat, barely having finished crying from the last one. "So were you ever insane?" she asked.
Botan shook her head, "I was mad with fury, and numb with grief, but no sweetheart, I never went insane. Those were rumors Gatenmaru and I started."
"But why?" Rin asked, shocked, "You could have met with other people to plan something out or-"
"No, I couldn’t." Botan quickly denied. "I was never brave or clever like you and Taromaru. I just wanted to keep Kikyo and Naraku’s attention off me. If they believed Taromaru’s old widow was insane and couldn’t talk about what they had done, they might forgot about her and let her live in peace. And as a crazed woman, I was able to let out my grief in ways I wouldn’t be able otherwise. I could throw things against walls, scream all night long, and my madness would be blamed." She explained.
Rin looked up and carefully studied her mother. Her mother had aged much in these past few years, she had faint winkles Rin had never seen before on her, streaks of silver in her long black hair, and a tired look in her eye.
Her mothers suddenly smiled slyly, “And besides, imagine how fun it will be for me to go down and interact with the townspeople again once you’ve gotten rid of Naraku and Kikyo. They’ll be shocked speechless for once."
Rin chuckled, knowing her mother was right.
The smile faded, "That’s why you’ve come back isn’t it? And gathered your father’s group back together?" she asked.
Rin nodded, serious again. "Right now we’re gathering information on Naraku. Kikyo’s dead, one of our allies killed her a few days ago. Why Naraku hasn’t told anyone yet, I’m not sure of." she blinked. "Wait, how did you know Seven was here?"
Her mother’s faint smile was back, "As soon as I heard the broken door hit the floor, I knew it was those seven men come back to visit. I didn’t expect you to come with them."
Rin’s heart sank, hating to be the one to explain to her mother what half of those seven men had done.
"Mama." Rin began slowly, "There’s something you need to know about half of Seven."
Botan reached up to push some of Rin’s hair behind her ears, sensing this wasn’t something she was going to enjoy hearing "What is it child?" she asked worriedly.
"You and father were betrayed by Ginkotsu, Kyotostu, and Mukotsu. We believe Naraku offered them some kind of deal to get new bodies, or new powers in exchange for father." Rin explained softly.
Botan stared at her daughter, starting to lean more heavily against her as shock made her knees go weak. "They...they betrayed us?" she whispered, letting Rin slowly help her to the ground.
Rin nodded, biting her lip anxiously. "The others couldn’t believe it either. That’s why they disbanded the group and left. They’re still loyal." Rin quickly assured Botan, worried she might doubt their character.
Absently, Botan waved the assurance away, "Oh no, I know that." she told her dazedly, still processing what Rin had told her. The men she had let into her home, fed, clothed, looked after and trusted with her husband’s life had double crossed her and for what? So they could buy what they felt they were lacking?
"They really want to see you again." Rin broke into her thoughts, hoping to distract her. "And...and there’s someone I want to introduce you to." she added, ducking her head under her mother’s suddenly interested gaze.
"Oh?" she mused. "And is this someone important to you?"
Rin bit her lip again, "He could be." she said truthfully.
Her mother reached down and tangled her daughter’s hand in hers. "Then you better introduce me to him. Besides, we have to go save Gatenmaru from the men. He always was a bit of a push over." she remarked, standing up as she firmly pushed the three ex members of Seven from her night. Her daughter and her husband’s group was back with them, this was cause for celebration. She would mourn later, because this night was for the living.
And she strongly suspected Ginkotsu, Kyotostu and Mukostu would not be considered under that category soon if her daughter and Seven had anything to say about it.
Rin smiled so brightly Botan had no trouble seeing it. "Let’s go then." she begged, tugging at her hand as she pulled her back to the house.
Kagome
I stared up at the thin sliver of moon, resting my chin on my drawn up knees, to restless too sleep but too tired to spend time to do anything constrictive or useful.
So I just sat outside, my arms wrapped around my legs with the moon and my thoughts as my only company.
I heard a gentle thud behind me, and felt the warmth of Inuyasha’s legs as he came to stand beside me.
"Hey." he said softly, dropping down so he was resting on his back next to me. "Couldn’t sleep either?"
I shook my head, my eyes still on the moon.
Inuyasha sighed, suddenly annoyed. "What’s the matter now?" he asked.
"It’s been five days since Rin and Seven left." I reminded him. "I’m just worried; I thought this mission was only supposed to last a few days."
Inuyasha rested his hand softly on my back, "Feh, chill wench. Sess’ll take good care of Rin. And Seven better be able to take care of themselves or they’re dead meat. Nothings going to happen to them." he assured gruffly.
I sighed, "I know that logically. But emotionally, I’m getting ready to pull out my hair." I admitted.
"Well they should be done soon, isn’t that what the letter Rin sent said?" Inuyasha reminded me.
I frowned, "She said they were doing a lot of work and finding out a lot of information that would be helpful. She didn’t necessarily say she would be done soon." I pointed out glumly.
I finally took my gaze off the moon long enough to see him staring at me. Resolutely, he stood up. "I’ll go make them hurry up then." he said firmly.
My mouth fell open and I stood up, "Inuyasha you can’t go! You would be recognized instantly!" I argued back.
He crossed his arms stubbornly, "Feh. Like any weak human could spot me if I move fast enough. And if getting them home sooner makes you worry less, I might be able to get some decent food around here!"
I snapped back, "Excuse me?" I almost yelled. "I only burnt the food a little tonight, a little. Your acting like that’s some capital crime!"
"When it’s my stomach it sure as hell is! Listen wench, I’m going and that’s that! If I’m not back with them in less then three days, then you can burn my food all you want." he said dismissively, already turning his back on me.
"Oh! Don’t be surprised if you even get any food when you show up again!" I shot back, whirling around as well.
"Whatever wench." I almost felt him pause rather than saw him and a heart beat later, my hair was being lifted off the nape of my neck and a fast kiss was pressed there.
"Later wench." Inuyasha breathed against my ear and then he was gone.
I gently held the spot he had kissed in the palm of my hand, my heart going insane. Finally with a small smile on my face I went back to bed, and slept peacefully throughout the night.
Next Day
The ‘Dwarf’s’
"...one hundred twenty five....one hundred twenty six...one hundred twenty seven...one hundred twenty eight..." Shippo counted off as the dwarf’s watched Ayame walk a track into the floor with all her pacing.
"Will you fucking calm down? You’ve already worn off at least an inch on the floor." Hiten cried.
Ayame waved him off, her red hair spinning around as she whirled and stalked back across the kitchen floor, half anxious, half excited, and a little scared. What if her men had changed while she was gone? Would they like the way she had changed?
She glanced out the window again. Fucking damn it, why the hell did Kaede need this much time to go out and get her men? She should have gone herself...
Kagome watched her warily, wanting to sigh down at the dirty foot prints gracing the floor she was going to be stuck cleaning up, but not wanting to upset her either. "Ayame, why don’t you sit down and I’ll boil you a pot of tea?" she coaxed, trying to save her floors.
Ayame rapidly shook her head, "No thanks, I can’t settle down." she told her, missing the glum look Kagome directed at the floors.
Kagura sighed, her head slightly throbbing in time with Ayame’s loud footsteps. "Calm down, your men liked you once, why wouldn’t they again?" she asked.
Ayame glanced away from in front of her to shot Kagura an annoyed glance. "That’s not it." She told the wind witch nestled on Hiten’s lap. Again. Seriously, what was wrong with a normal, non-being chair? "I’m just jumpy, I’ll calm down when they get here." she assured her.
Kagura only snorted and dug her face into Hiten’s neck, trying to ignore the irritating boot falls. Of all the times she needed distraction, where was Hiten’s kid sister? Not where she was needed obviously.
Though Kagura had to admit, the girl really wasn’t that bad once you got past her controlling Sango’s brother and working for Naraku for awhile. And even if she did get uneasy feelings about her sometimes, Hiten loved her to death, so that had to count for something right?
Kouga stomped in loudly, glaring at everyone has he watched in and dropped heavily onto a chair. Kagome cautiously set a cup of tea out in front of him, thinking he looked like he needed it.
Kouga looked like he hadn’t slept in at least two days, the bags under his eyes were darker then his black hair. He slumped down as he leaned over the table and snatched the mug of tea, throwing his head back and drinking deeply. Kagome squinted at his exposed throat, wondering what that dark spot behind his ear was. It looked a little like mud.
He slammed the cup down hard on the table, nearly cracking it as he scowled at her. "Gimme something stronger." he ordered.
Kagome frowned back as she took the cup away, "Not this early in the morning I won’t." she lectured, ignoring the dark look he sent her.
He looked around, carefully not looking at Ayame’s pacing figure. "Where the hell is mutt face?"
Kagome felt the back of her neck heat up and quickly forced her mind away from that. "He’s gone to meet up with Rin, Sesshomaru and Seven." she told him, trying to focus all her attention on finishing breakfast.
Kouga grunted and went back to ignoring the dwarf’s in favor of glaring at the wall.
"You were blushing." Miroku’s voice echoed from down the hall while Sango chuckled.
"I was not." she primly told him back.
"Oh no? Maybe I should try again to make sure." Miroku said innocently.
"Gah! Miroku! Stop!" Sango erupted into laughter while she backpedaled through the door, trying to avoid Miroku’s tickling fingers.
Sango suddenly noticed where all the dwarf’s interested gazes were and unmercifully kicked him in the shin. He yelped, and she escaped long enough to claim a seat.
"Good morning." she said nodding gratefully at Kagome when she handed out more tea.
Smiling instead of whining about his bruised leg, Miroku settled in beside her, "You were to."
"I was not."
"Were to-"
"Was-"
"Yes you were." The dwarf’s interrupted in unison.
Sango glared at them, and opened her mouth to reply back before Ayame squealed and shot towards the door.
"Sayo!" they heard her cry before getting up and crowding around the window to watch her embrace an older wolf demon happily.
"Lady Ayame, it’s so good to see you well." He told her, looking down proudly at her. "I’ve always known you would not have been killed so easily."
Kouga’s hackles rose as he stared at the three men and Kaede waiting behind Sayo.
He wondered which one of them was the HIM he had to kill.
Kagome was the first to head towards the door, but before she did she could have sworn Kouga mumbled, ‘Bring it on.’ before shooting past her.
Rin
Rin slowly opened her eyes when the morning sun spilled over them, reluctant to get up. Last night had been the first night she hadn’t had to share a room with Sesshomaru, and strangely, she hadn’t been able to sleep well. She was getting to use to him resting next to her, his hand under her neck or gripping her palm. But they had spent the night in her mother’s house, and no matter how much she liked Sesshomaru and hinted how cute little babies with gold eyes would be, there was no way in hell her daughter would be sleeping the same room as an unmarried, very male, very...charming, man.
She stretched out lazily, as she let out a long yawn. As much as she wanted to lull around in bed, she had to get up and get ready for work.
And figure out a way to get out of her house without telling her mother exactly where she was going. She had a feeling Botan wouldn't be to happy with her daughter prancing around right under Naraku's nose.
She pushed the covers back and forced herself to rise, wondering if Gatenmaru had any old servant clothing laying around since she had left hers back at the inn. She quickly washed her face and threw her kimono on over her weapons, knowing if she lingered she would be tempted enough to crawl back into bed.
Someone tapped politely on the door as she was tying the knot in her obi.
"Miss Rin? Are you up? Breakfast is ready." Gatenmaru announced happily, eagerly awaiting Rin's opinion on the meal he had made for her.
"I'll be there soon." Rin promised, loosening her hair from its tight braid.
She heard him depart as she ran a brush down her hair. Maybe she should tell her mother she was going out into the town? Would she believe her? Because technically, that was true, she had to pass through the town to get to the palace gates...
She sighed as she started gathering her hair in one big fistful. Maybe-
"Allow me." Sesshomaru purred from behind her, having entered silently without alerting her, as she jumped and yelped in surprise. Gently he took the mass of hair out of her hand and twisted it up into an elegant bun. He took the length of ribbon from her and immediately let it drop to the floor.
"This is much better." he told her as she felt something long and thin being pushed into her hair to keep the bun in place.
Rin reached up and touched it, almost jumping again when her fingers met smooth wood and some kind of charm hanging from the tip of the pin.
"You did not receive this yesterday. I could not find a good moment." Sesshomaru explained, still from behind her.
Rin turned to face him, fingertips still touching his gift, "Thank you." she said truthfully, "But I can't accept so many gifts, I have nothing to give back to you." she argued. Sesshomaru ignored her, straightening out her obi for her. "I've learned-" he began slowly,"-that there are some things that cannot be bought. What I want from you does not come from a store." he told her, while wincing mentally at himself. Where the hell did that come from?
Rin stared up at Sess, her heart thundering so loudly she was sure her men across the house could hear it. This was it, she had made up her mind, she was going to tell Sess how she felt before she lost her nerve.
She took a deep breath and released it slowly, "Sesshomaru, I want to-"
A knock louder then her heart beat interrupted her in mid sentence "Hey captain!" Oda drawled rudely from the other side of the door, "What the hell is taking so long? Since when does being leader mean you can make your men wait for you till breakfast gets cold?"
Rin gritted her teeth at the sarcastic tone and the question as her determination to tell Sesshomaru her answer turned into a desire to kick Oda's ass.
"I'll tell you later." she snapped at Sesshomaru, marching past him to the door where she flung it open and hurried to catch up with Oda's strolling walk. She cursed under her breathe when the fast pace made her trip over a portraying floorboard and yank her kimono up past knee length.
"Hey!" she yelled, pushing at Oda's back as she finally caught up to him, waiting until he spun around angrily to face her, "Just what is your problem? Since the night I met you, you've been rude, horrible and cruel without cause to me, and I want to know why." she ordered, poking his chest with a finger. Scowling, Oda knocked her hand away from his chest, "You and your father took Jakotsu away from me. Worse then that you put him in danger without me to watch over him." he accused back at her.
Rin stared at him, "That's the stupidest reason I've ever heard!" she exploded after a moment. "Jakotsu is his own person, if he wants to go off and join a rebel group or fight in a war, or go pole dance, that's his right and his decision to make." Rin argued back. "What does that have to do with you?"
Oda’s teeth snapped together and his fists clenched, as if they longed to strike her, "He’s mine, that’s what I have to do with it. If Jakotsu had talked to me instead of running away with your father, we wouldn’t have lost these last years. And now you’re doing the same thing."
"Hey! Jakotsu is not yours, he’s his own person!" Rin shot back, offended for her friend.
"Eh, that’s alright Boss, Oda knows his ass is mine." Jakotsu said cheerfully as he appeared from around the corner and slung an arm around his OTL’s waist.
"And you-" he squeezed Oda’s side to let him know he was talking about him. "Leave Rin alone. She’s right; you shouldn’t blame her for me leaving. Be angry at me. Very angry. So angry we need to go into the nearest room with a lock to...sort out our differences. And then make up. A lot." Jakotsu purred suggestively, reaching up to nibble on his lip.
Rin grimaced, wishing they wouldn’t talk about sex so early in the morning. Even bunnies needed rest, when the hell were these two going to calm down?
Oda smiled slowly in return, "Well, I suppose when you put it that way I should be telling you when I’m upset." he agreed, steadily pulling him down the hall.
Rin rolled her eyes and continued on her way to breakfast, people in love were freaking insane.
And she had the feeling she was slowly becoming just as crazy.
Ayame
Ayame hugged her second in commander tighter, still unbelieving she was finally seeing him again after such a long time.
"Lady Ayame." he whispered, "It is so good to see you alive, my queen."
Ayame pulled back to take a closer look at him, fighting hard not to let the tears gathering in her eyes spill out. His head was still shaved, and shining brightly in the light. New lines and winkles were marring his narrow face, but he was still as strong and healthy as he had been in his youth.
"I'm so glad you're alright." she finally said once she forced herself to stop staring so intently at him.
"I should be saying that to you, my queen. I've never forgiven myself for allowing you to go off by yourself like that." he said fiercely. "If I had gone-"
"Kikyo would have taken over the Northern Mountains and slaughtered the wolves." Ayame interrupted him.” You did exactly the right thing by staying, without you and the soldiers, I wouldn't have a kingdom to go back to when this is all over."
"Speaking of your soldiers Lady Ayame, this warrior would like a greeting from his humble queen also." One of the men interrupted them cheerfully, stepping forward.
Ayame stared at him, her cheeks slightly blushing. He was still as handsome as she remembered, the chestnut brown hair pulled back in a low ponytail, his intelligent brown eyes sparking with warmth and intelligence and his pointy ears, now sporting two stylish gold hoop earrings, every now and then giving one of those adorable twitches that made Ayame want to squeal.
And the body? Mmmm, the body wasn't bad to look at either.
She dropped her arms from Sayo and immediately got wrapped up in his strong grasp.
"I've been so worried for your safely my lady." he whispered tenderly against her ear.
Ayame smiled against his neck, feeling her blush return in full force. "I have to." she agreed, resting her head on his chest.
She pulled away from him, but grabbed his elbow and pushed him forward after flashing a grin at the two other guards who had come with them. "Come on, I want you all to meet the people I've been living with the last few years."
Sayo followed indulgently while Ayame tugged him along to the dwarf's standing outside waiting for them.
"Everyone," she started to announce, "This is Sayo, my captain and second in command of my army." she told them, placing a hand on the older man's shoulder.
She glanced shyly over at him, "And this is one of my oldest friends, and bravest warrior. Hojo."
Rin
Rin patted her head covering one more time, as she walked through Naraku’s gates, still sulking Gaten could arrange her hair better then she could herself.
Though she was glad her mother hadn’t tried to lock her in the house or anything when she told her she was leaving. Though she did scream a lot...
But aside from all that, she had to find something out today. It was so pathetic that in the week since Kikyo’s death, all she had found out was who the three special soldiers were and Mayu. Wooho, big deal. She was the daughter of Taromaru, she could do better then that.
She sighed, of course, with Hari breathing down her neck she was lucky she got her work done at all.
She frowned when she noticed a large number of soldiers and civilians standing outside the palace. It looked like almost everyone in town was waiting for something.
Rin stopped just at the outskirts of the group. "What’s going on?’ she asked a woman near her.
The woman shrugged, "Dunno. Lord Naraku called for an announcement just this morning."
Rin’s frown deepened when she realized she had no idea this was about to go on and looked up to where everyone else was craning their necks up to. A large empty balcony hung from the castle, the banners flapping in the wind.
She didn’t have to wait long, almost immediately a drum pounded and guards started shouting for attention. The crowd soon fell silent, waiting expectantly at the empty balcony.
Rin fought to keep the scowl off her face when Naraku slowly stepped into the public’s view, looking way to noble and solemn for her liking. Maybe he was going to finally announce Kikyo’s death? It seemed like a strange way to do it.
My fellow people-" his smooth voice flowed over the crowd, "Over the last few weeks, many of you have heard of rumors of an uprising against your beloved monarch, Queen Kikyo. I am saddened to tell you; the rumors are true." Naraku paused for a moment to allow the crowd to gasp and cry. "This so-called rebel leader is calling herself the daughter of King Nobunaga, Princess Kagome. But I can assure you it is not the late Princess Kagome who is leading this group of low vermin. She is merely a vile pretender who wants to usurp Kikyo and enslave you all."
Rin wondered briefly how Kag would take to being called a vile pretender while Naraku droned on and on about duty to one’s queen/country, how great Kikyo was, how stupid Kagome was, and that he would need 100,000 volunteers from all the nearby villages.
...wait, a 100,000 people?
‘-Together we can crush this uprising and save our way of life! Three days from now, we will attack at dawn and slaughter them! Long live Kikyo!"
Rin’s stomach drop when she heard the overwhelming ‘Long live Kikyo!" in reply.
If Naraku knew how to do one thing it was how to work up a crowd.
...fuck.
AN: I’m so sorry about the late chapter!!! I know, I suck. I promise the next chapter will be up soon.