InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Someone to Protect ❯ The Gift ( Chapter 3 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

/######## STANDARD DISCLAIMER HERE ######### ####### I DON’T OWN INUYASHA IN ANY SHAPE OR FORM#######

 

Author Notes:

This chapter is for my Mother, who died on May 22, 2006. I’m truly sorry guys but with her death, finals when I was in school, and just a plain writers block I wasn’t able to write this chapter up until now. So once again I sorry that the update is so late and I hope you will enjoy it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~ Last time~~~~~

But, why should he care how she acted, Sesshomaru consider. He had no one to protect, all he had was a certain ache he couldn’t get rid of.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now let’s get back with the story…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Later that night~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Damn it!…” cursed Jaken as he stomped out of AhUn’s stable, “Where is that girl now?!” He looked up into the dark sky and guessed from the moons’ position that it had to be close to midnight.

“Why does Lord Sesshomaru always sends me to hunt her down?” He mumble as he walked across the courtyard, “ It’s not like she ever listens to me.”

He was nearing the entrance of the garden labyrinth, when a large flicking light from the hill off in the distance caught his attention . “Hmm, must be some lowly demon encroaching on Lord Sesshomarus’ land again. I’ll show them the penalty for such impertinence with the staff of two heads.” He proudly spoke as he waddled off in that direction.

One hour later, “Ah…ah…ah… I’m getting too old for this.” He panted while clutching his tiny aching chest. It was taking him longer than he thought to get up hill, plus he didn’t realize how truly far he would be outside the safety of the castle’s walls.

When he finally reached the top of the hill, he wanted to celebrate his accomplishment but there was more important matters at hand. He walked out from behind a bush and shouted, “Who dares burns my Lord’s forest!”

“What in the world are you doing way out here Master Jaken?!”

He couldn’t believe it, the very person he spent the last six hours looking for was now right in front of him, “Rin!! This is where you disappeared to!! You know that you shouldn’t be this far beyond the castle’s wall at night.”

“Oh Master Jaken…” Rin rolled her eyes and shook her head slightly, “We both know I can take care of myself. Beside I’m out here doing what Lord Sesshomaru ordered me to do.” She turned her back to him and tossed a black shoe into the blazing fire.

He moved closer to her, “Rin, you could have done that back at the castle’s fire pit. Why come all the way out here to burn your clothing? Stupid girl!” When he was right next to her, he regretted his words. He could tell that she had been crying a lot and for some time. Her eyes were red and puffy, and there were many dry salty trails running down her face.

He knew the girl was fond of the clothing, but not to that extent. “Rin, they’re only clothes. And our Lord has always given you much better and finer one’s to wear.” He was trying his best to console her.

She quickly looked at Jaken and let out a small chuckle, “Master Jaken, I’m not crying over my clothing. Yeah, I was upset when he first told me to destroy them. But like you just said, they ‘re just clothes and I’m not vain woman.”

“Then why are you crying?”

“It’s…” She paused and wiped her eyes, “Lord Sesshomaru is spending me away.”

Jaken fell backward and started laughing uncontrollably. Rin stared strangely at him, then rolled her eyes again and decided to sit down on the ground next to him and wait for him to stop.

“Wh-wh-wh-what make-s-s-s you think such a cr-cr-crazy thing.” He laughed out trying to control himself.

“Well…” She placed her arms around her knees and began rocking back and forth, “During dinner he told me that in a few days, that I’ll be going on a voyage. And to make sure that I have pack all my belongings because I wouldn’t be coming back.”

“Foolish girl! Our master said that because we are leaving this place, and moving into his father’s mansion. Do you not remember this was just our temporary home.”

Rin was so happy, but then she got a confused look on her face, “If that’s true… why didn’t he just tell me what.”

Jaken jumped up, “The Master doesn’t have to explain anything to you! You are just to do that you are told! What nerve!”

Rin looked at him again and started to laugh, then she stood up and dusted off her hakama. “Thank you very much, Master Jaken.”

“What for?”

“Oh no reason.” She said slyly.

“I swear you are get crazier and crazier by the day.” He muttered before blowing out some air, “Well let’s talk about more important things, like the reason why I sent to look for you.”

Rin was busy putting more wood on the fire, “You were looking for me? ”

“Yes!! You think I would be out here on a night like this for my health!” Jaken squawked, “Lord Sesshomaru wanted me to make sure what you remember that Lady Zindzhi will be here tomorrow. ”

“Oh, she is.” Rin said surprisingly as she hurl a huge misshapen piece wood on the fire.

Lady Zindzhi was a lion demoness from a land called Africa, and was quite beautiful. She was six feet tall, with amethyst colored hair. Her skin was dark brown that gave off the most exquisite sheen every time she was out in the sun, but her eyes were her most captivating feature. They were light orange and with specks of red, it was like looking at a sunset when you looked at her.

Rin was ten years old, when Lord Sesshomaru hired the demoness to teach her the more cultured things of life like art and music. And from the moment Rin saw Lady Zindzhi it was love at first sight, she worship everything about her ladyship and treated the demoness like a second mother. The same was true for Lady Zindzhi, she found Rin’s mannerisms the same as her sister that die long time ago.

The two were inseparable during Rin’s younger years, but when Rin started her combat teaching things started to change. Things like music, drawing, and other girly things like that were of no use to Rin anymore. She was determine to be a warrior… strong, and rough.

So even through she hated to do it, she started to avoiding Lady Zindzhi whenever she came around. When Zindzhi figured out what Rin was doing, she decided to give the young woman exactly what she wanted, so her visits went from once a week, to once a month, to not hardly all.

“I thought she didn’t like coming around here anymore.” Her voice cracked.

“Well that’s no thanks to you Rin.” Jaken said angrily, “You’ve treated Lady Zindzhi horribly. Any other demon would have killed you, even if you are under Lord Sesshomaru’s protection.. But for some strange reason she seems to really likes you.”

“So, why is she coming.”

“From what I got gather from the master, Lady Zindzhi is going to back to Africa to be married. She requested from our Lord to see you one last time before she leaves.”

“She’s getting marry.”, Rin whispered out. She then quickly turned to Jaken and grabbed him and lifted him up until he was her height and franticly asked, “Are you sure about that Master Jaken?! She leaving Japan to get married?!

“LET GO OF ME RIN!” He shouted, as he struggle to get out of her grip.

“Are you sure she leaving! Answer me master Jaken! Answer me!” She said more forcibly as she starts to shake him.

“Yes! Yes! That’s what Lord Sesshomaru told me. She marrying some solider of a neighboring clan, or something like that.”

“I have to get her something.” She said as she dropped Jaken to the ground and started walking toward the castle, ‘Why didn’t I excepted her to leave Japan. I’ve been such an idiot. I’ll take AhUn to the village later and buy her a gift.’

She was so focus on her own thoughts, that she didn’t hear Jaken tantrum, “Rin! Where are you going?! What about Lady Zindzhi?! Well, she‘ll be here at ten o‘clock… you better show up! Do you hear me Rin?! ” He just staring at her retreating form when a strange chill ran down his spine, ‘I got a bad feeling that today will not go right for anyone…especially me.’

-------------A few hours later in the village-------------

“IT’S TEN O’CLOCK! WHY ISN’T THIS SHOP OPEN YET?! !AARRGGHH! ” Rin yelled as she kicked the door.

“Rin, did anyone ever tell you that, you’re absolutely beautiful when you’re angry.”

‘Why are crazy people attracted to me?’ She sarcastically thought as she shook her head and turned around to face a familiar voice, “Lord Masaharu…how are you today?”

“I’m doing much better now Rin.” He grinned smugly, as he leaned against store front.

“Just think, I thought I would die of boredom being cooped up in this village waiting for you. But I see what you couldn’t wait until noon to come and see me. Not that I blame you or anything. Ha…ha”

‘Delusional’ She chimed in her mind as she looked at him, “I’m sorry for the misunderstanding Lord Masaharu, but I didn’t come to the village early to see you.”

“WHAT!” He was shock to say the least as he stumble from the store wall. It was the first time in his life a woman didn’t literally hunt him down just to see him again. ‘I knew she was different but …I feel so ordinary.’ He thought.

The look on Masaharu’s face was priceless, Rin had to admit for some strange reason it felt good knocking Masaharu’s ego down a bit.

“So…are you saying that you forgot all about our date today?”

“I didn’t said that. I said …I didn’t come to the village early to see you. I have a good reason for being here.” Then she snapped her fingers, “But I am glad I found you.”

Masaharu‘s ego skyrocketed back to normal, “Really...” ‘I knew she wanted me’

“Yes, because I wanted to tell you that I can’t meet you at noon..”

“Why not for god sake?!” He cried out, his face turning also as red as his hair.

“Because, I have to return home as soon as I find a gift for my friend. And after that I have to pack my belongs because my lord is moving farther into the western lands.”

He calmed down and then looked at her showing a gentle smile, “I guess it wasn’t the best of timing for us to met.” He then looked back at the store then to her, “If you are waiting for this store to open, I think you will be waiting for a while. Since you are under a time restraint, please allow me to take you to another one that not to far from here. Please allow me that much to show my appreciation from yesterday.”

“It’s not to far?”

“No, but first let me get something from my room from across the street.” Rin nodded as watched Masaharu run across to a inn. A few minutes later he was running back to her carrying a small package.

“What is that?”

“I wanted to give this to you over lunch, but since you’re leaving early.” He then got down on one knee and held the package up, “Rin will you….

----Meanwhile at the castle-----

“Jaken, where is Rin?” Sesshomaru asked as he walked into the main living room followed by Lady Zindzhi and a few of her servants.

Jaken dropped down fast to Sesshomaur’s feet and started groveling, “I sorry m’lord, but she left this morning with AhUn. When I found her last night, I told her about the ladyship coming today. That girl is always doing as she pleases.”

“It’s quite all right Lord Sesshomaru…” Lady Zindzhi spoke in a low tone, “I thought that with my leaving she would like to bid me goodbye, but I guess I thought wrong. But if possible, could I leave a gift with you to give her from me.”

Sesshomaru nodded and Zindzhi was about to call one of her servants, when Jaken interrupted from his position on the floor, “I’m sorry to interpose Lady Zindzhi, but can you please wait one hour more for Rin.”

“Why should she do that?” Sesshomaru questioned.

Jaken lifted his head again, “B-b-because my lord, from my talk with her last night, it seemed that she did want to see her today.”

“Well, I guess I could wait one more hour, with your permission Lord Sesshomaru.”

“Do as you please, but I need to take care of some business while you wait.” Sesshomaru told to her, then he turn his attention to Jaken again, “Jaken…once Lady Zindzhi retrieves Rin’s gift, take her to Rin’s room so she can leave it there. Then take her to garden area to wait for Rin there.” He then walked out of the living area.

“Thank you Lord Sesshomaru.” Zindzhi said as she bowed.

“Yes, M’lord!!” Jaken cried out before getting to his feet. ‘Rin where are you?’

---Back at the village------------------

“Do you see anything you like yet lady?”

“No, not yet.” Rin reply as she looked around the store for the second time, “You have some really lovely things here but, I looking for something more out the ordinary.”

“What is this item for?”

“It’s a forget me not present for a very unique individual.”

“Well, I do have something that came in a week ago. I put it in the back room let me go it..”

Rin watched as elderly gentleman went behind a screen and disappear into the back room. She decided to still search the shop just in case she miss something, as she looked her thoughts when back to Lord Masaharu and her fingers began to slid against the gift he gave her.

‘It was very nice of him to give me this…’

Her thoughts were interrupted when the clerk called out,“ Well what do you think miss? ”

She stopped and walked back over to the counter and couldn‘t believe her eyes. He brought out some fans, but they weren’t the typical everyday sort of fans. The tips held large, soft plumes the color of smoke and fire, while on the web section there were different colors of threads intertwined forming a picture of a lion and a lamb looking at a sunset over a ocean, and the handle was gleaming ivory.

Rin picked it up expecting the fan to be heavy, but it was incredibly light and strong.

“Here like me show you something that is special about this fan.” The clerk said as he took the item from Rin’s hands. He then suddenly to throw the fan at a piece wood that was against the door.

Rin looked at him strangely, “ Why did you do that ?”

“Look. ”

She turned around to see a very amazing site. The handle of the fan was plunge deep into the wood. She ran over and pulled the fan out to inspect it. It was amazing, the fan was in excellent shape.

“Amazing.”

“Well not really seeing that, that fan is made at elephant bird bones and feathers.”

“Elephant bird bones?”

“Yes, they were the largest birds around certain parts of different foreign lands, but they were hunted to extinction because of their feathers and bones.”

‘This fan will be perfect for her.’ she thought, “How much is it?”

“It’s a steal at …three hundred gold pieces.” He grinned wickedly.

“THREE HUNDRED GOLD PIECES!” Rin shouted as she dropped the fan as if it was on fire.

“Hey easy with the merchandise lady.” the clerk said, as he picked up the fan and checked it for damage, “Like I said before the elephant birds are extinct that’s why it’s expensive. So, do you want the fan or not?”

Rin paced back and forth in the shop biting her nails, ‘What to do…what to do. I only have one hundred gold pieces. Where can I get the extra money?’ She had a strange feeling when she should stopped in front of the window, then she looked out across the street. There in front of her was the answer to her dilemma.

‘I‘ll do it.’ She turned around to face the clerk, “Mister hold that fan, I’ll be right back.” She then walked out the store and across the street.

------A hour and half later, at the castle--------------

“Please Lady Zindzhi…just give her a few more minutes. Just a few more minutes.” Jaken begged, as he blocked her way at the door. He knew that the moment Lady Zindzhi left without seeing Rin, he would be the one who would be receiving the punishment for her disobedience.

“Jaken!” Sesshomaru voiced firmly, “Remove yourself from the door.”

“Y-y-yes M-m-m’lord.” He reply with a quivering voice. He was about to step away from the door with it flung open, squashing him against the wall behind it. “ARGH!!!”

“WHERE IS SHE ?!?! I DIDN’T MISS HER DID I ?!?!” Rin yelled, as she ran into the castle. She was running as fast that her right foot accidentally caught on one of the corner floor rugs, and she fell forward on her chest.

Lord Sesshomaru stood his ground and just stared at her with his usual emotionless face, while Lady Zindzhi anxiously rush to her side, “Rin are you alright?!”

Rin lifted herself up and gave a quirky little smile to Lady Zindzhi, “ I’m alright M’lady, ha…ha…I always was one for making grand entrances.” She laughing again softly trying her best not to revile how much pain she was truly in.

“No Rin, don’t move you made have broken something.” Zindzhi said, as she help her to sit down on a chair that was nearby. She examine Rin carefully and quickly before saying, “Well so far there seems to be no broken bones, now let me check the rest of your face for any bleeding. Let’s remove this scarf, first of all..”

‘NO!!!” Rin shouted.

But it was to late, the room was suddenly quiet. It was Jaken who was the first to speak the question that was on everyone else’s minds, “ Rin?!?! What did you do to ….”