InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Surprise my mind ❯ Part IX ( Chapter 9 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

“Mother was right, I should have become a ferryman.” - Jaken; Inuyasha

“I'm gonna slit your stomach, take out your guts and put them in a bowl. By the time I'm through with you, you're going to wish it was you who was dead.” - Inuyasha; Inuyasha

“When it comes to humans, I, of course, bare no such weaknesses.” - Sesshomaru; Inuyasha

Chapter Nine, Part IX

What was the reason for Inuyasha's sudden request? Sango, Miroku, and Shippo had no idea. He knew they were still searching for Naraku, so why ask? There was something else about the deal all together that Sango found uneasy. Inuyasha sounded too nice in his letter and she doubted it was because of his sickness. That was another thing: just how could a half-demon get sick? It simply didn't add up. Shippo crawled onto her shoulder and Sango glanced at him, seeing his frown. His brow was furrowed in worry and she assumed that he was thinking of the same thing she was. As for Miroku, he had been quiet throughout the ride on Kirara. It was odd. Inuyasha had told them that he might be in Japan soon, but he was unsure. The letter itself said a lot, but even less, too. He wasn't telling them something and they all knew that. Because of that fact, they were wary. Inuyasha was rarely secretive when it came to Naraku, so why did they feel as though they were being kept in the dark? I guess if we really want to know, Sango thought to herself, we'll just have to wait until Inuyasha and Kagome return to Japan. They we'll ask them.

“Inuyasha mentioned Ryukotsusei,” Miroku spoke up after his long silence. “Perhaps we should target him first. He might be an easier prey than Naraku.” Sango nodded. “However...Ryukotsusei still wouldn't been an easy opponent. What if only the Tetsuseiga can defeat him?”

“We could try, Miroku,” Sango said slowly. “Inuyasha only told us to observe them, to see if they intend on acting any time soon. That doesn't necessarily mean he wanted us to attack either of them. He might want us to wait until he returns.”

“Yeah, but when is that ever going to be?” Shippo spoke up, frowning. “After all, it's been a couple years since we've last seen them. I think it's a little suspicious that he suddenly contacts us out of the blue.” Shippo was right, of course. Inuyasha's sudden request was abnormal in their opinion. Why, after so many years, would he wish to speak with them - let alone, ask help from them?

“He didn't elaborate on the details of why he wanted us to spy on them,” Miroku pointed out softly, “simply that if they mentioned attacking England or something alone those lines that we were supposed to contact him immediately and then attack them.” Kirara suddenly halted.

“Kirara? What's wrong?” Sango asked and then the three spotted many demons headed towards the same region that they were going towards. The demons of Saigoku (The Western Nation in which Sesshomaru is the lord of) were moving a quick speed among the trees towards the place where Ryukotsusei had been placed. “What do you think those demons are doing out here in such a large group?” Miroku shook his head in reply.

“I'm not sure...”

Naraku smiled to himself, watching the demons of Saigoku move through the forest in Kanna's mirror, then halt, kneeling in unison on the ground. They knew very well that they were right outside his castle. They didn't bother Naraku. They were searching for Ryukotsusei right then and he would applaud them if they killed his supposable partner. At that moment, Naraku wanted more than anything for the persistent and impatient creature to be obliterated. The more he complained about wishing for the job to be done, the more Naraku began to resent him. “Kanna,” he spoke softly, “show me Inuyasha.” The mirror changed and his smiled dropped, seeing Inuyasha moving around in the household. Color was back in his face and he was to health. Kagome passed him, frowning to herself in concentration. Inuyasha drew his Tetsuseiga and Kagome scolded him. Wincing, he sheathed his sword, sulking.Sesshomaru...Naraku thought, seething. “Show me Sesshomaru.” The mirror changed yet again and Naraku's stomach stopped churning, seeing that Sesshomaru wasn't doing anything of harm. In fact, he was overlooking Jaken, who was attempting to teach Rin how to cook. It didn't seem to be going well, Naraku observed, seeing burned meat in a bowl on the counter. Jaken gestured, shouting at her and she removed the pan and set it on the counter. She almost tipped the scalding contents on herself, but Sesshomaru steadied it in her hands. Good. The worst of my problems isn't doing anything that could jeopardize my plans. “Now...Show His Majesty, James.” The mirror changed one last time to show the king pacing in his chambers near the fireplace. Naraku smirked at the dark circles under his eyes. The king looked much older than he truly was. Yes...All is well. For now.

Sesshomaru decided that the day had accomplished much. The demon had forced Jaken to taste everything that Rin cooked. There had been only one thing that he had paled at when he ate it and that was simply because Rin had practically poured salt on it. It was amusing to see how Jaken's eyes watered. Now, the imp was resting and Rin was sitting by the fire in his study with him. She was writing something in tiny letters on parchment. She dipped her quill in the inkbottle and continued her writing. From his position behind his desk, all the youkai could see were curls on the parchment.

He turned his attention back to the papers on his desk and frowned. James had been correct. The new clients he had received must be Naraku's. He wasn't sure how the local officials in London were able to the get them to fill out the forms, but apparently they did or he wouldn't be straining his eyes by reading them. A knock from the door broke the silence of the home and Rin looked up, before she set her quill in the inkbottle and hurried out of his study, down the hall to the door. She opened the doors and beamed. “Hello, Inuyasha and Kagome Higurashi!” Sesshomaru glared at the flames in the fireplace. The last thing he wanted to do was deal with his hanyou brother and his fiancée. Rin returned to the study, Inuyasha and Kagome trailing behind her. Sesshomaru gave them a cold look. Rin sat beside the fire once again and continued her writing. The demon couldn't help but noticed that Inuyasha actually had a coat and shoes on - and looked uncomfortable, too. Good, Sesshomaru thought bitterly.

“We're leaving to Japan here in fifteen minutes,” Inuyasha told him. Sesshomaru glanced at the Tetsuseiga and nodded. “Er...” There was something he wanted to say, but apparently didn't want to be the one to voice it. Kagome sighed and decided to speak for him.

“We wanted to thank you, Sesshomaru. Well, mostly Inuyasha, since you got the potion for him. And is there anything...specific? - that you wanted us to do in Japan?” Sesshomaru glanced at Rin, who had stopped her writing and was eyeing Inuyasha curiously.

“There are demons from Saigoku that I ordered to pursue Ryukotsusei and Naraku,” he told them. “They all have red beads around their left wrist. Do not attack them. I have informed them not to attack your or your friends, either. Their only targets are Ryukotsusei and Naraku.”

“You sent your tenants to fight for you?” Inuyasha asked, smirking.

“Inuyasha!” Kagome scolded, frowning. He snickered, ignoring the glare he received from his older brother.

“I could always make you a cripple, Inuyasha, so that it compensates for me giving you that potion,” he suggested darkly. Inuyasha frowned for a moment, and then suddenly leered.

“Yeah, but you're - ”

“SIT!” Inuyasha smashed into the ground at Kagome's shrill voice. Rin caught her inkbottle before it spilled all over the nice Persian carpet. She let out a breath of relief and took her quill out and put the cork in the bottle. Sesshomaru cast a murderous look to his brother.

“Lord Sesshomaru is really powerful, though,” Rin told them with a smile, referring to her lord's missing arm. The three turned to Rin in surprise. She merely picked up her supplies and gave a bow, before she left the room, closing the door quietly behind her. Inuyasha blinked, still rather astonished that the little girl had spoken up in behalf of Sesshomaru. His brother seemed to be considering his ward's words before turning his attention back to the two.

“If that's all you needed, leave,” he said to them, his temper having been tested. Inuyasha stood, frowning.

“We intended to, so - ” Inuyasha began, but Kagome interrupted with a surprised cry.

“Oh! I brought these for Rin...” Kagome took something from her bag and set them on Sesshomaru's desk. “Give that to her for me, won't you?” He didn't seem to be listening to her as he stared at the small package. “Um...”

“Leave now,” he said at last. Kagome winced as they left. As they moved down the hall, Kagome noticed Rin was sitting on the floor in the drawing room, having returned to her writing. I just don't understand their relationship...She thought to herself, then sighed, following her fiancé out the door. She paused outside and glanced up at the sky. Snow sprinkled down upon them. She smiled a bit. In Japan, we hardly ever get snow. Kagome climbed in their carriage after Inuyasha and the driver closed the door. As the carriage pulled out of the property of her soon-to-be brother-in-law's, she looked back at it. When she had first seen it years ago, she found it dreary. Now, Kagome found that, with the snow and other things, it was rather lovely. I wonder if Rin ever gets out of that place?

Sesshomaru fingered the small package that the mortal woman had been insolent enough as to leave on his desk. He picked it up and his hand hovered above the wastebasket, then he found himself reconsidering his decision. Slowly, he set the package back on his desk and leaning forward, resting his chin on his clasped hands. It hadn't been a gift to him, but to his ward. There was no reason why not to give it to her. Frowning, his eyes narrowed and he stood up, taking the package with him out to the hall. He paused and then moved towards the drawing room. Rin was still writing something on her paper, looking perfectly content. She stopped briefly and blew on the paper, drying the ink. She seemed to sense the youkai and looked up. Beaming, she greeted him, “Lord Sesshomaru!” Rin stood up and walked to him, grinning widely. “Is there something you wanted, my lord?” He held the package out mutely and her eyes brightened. “Oh! Is this a present? For me?” Her eyes were twinkling.

“Yes, Inuyasha's - ” She didn't seem to hear him as she continued.

“Did you get it for me? Oh! Cookies!” She had opened the present and was staring at the treats fondly.

“...That woman brought them for you,” Sesshomaru said at last. Rin gave a curious look, before biting into one, smiling while she did. He watched her eat and wondered what was so special about cookies. He never had a sweet tooth himself. Sugar disgusted him.

“Would you like a cookie, Lord Sesshomaru? They're really, very delicious, you know.”

“No,” he said simply. Her mood fell a bit, but she continued to eat the food, smiling to herself in a carefree way, before she bowed, murmuring a `thank you' and returning to her spot by the fire. She set her cookies beside her and nibbled on them further as she scrawled words in elegant curves and curls on the parchment. Sesshomaru frowned at the paper she had wasted already. He wondered what she was working so intently on, but did not question her. If she wanted to waste her supply of ink and paper that was her own business. He left back to his study and locked the door behind him. He sat behind his desk and sighed through his nose, weary of the long days.

He wouldn't lie. Ever day it seemed, in his eyes, impossible to keep Rin from danger. Certainly, ever since the recent incident with the invasion of his home, no demon dared to harm him or his servants. However...However, I cannot leave my post in England if Rin was not near. I would still have that idiot of a king to deal with, anyway. Sesshomaru almost smirked at his next thought; His stupidity truly knows no bounds. Sesshomaru gave a cold look to the papers on his desk and knew that if he didn't file them - or have Jaken file them they would remain under the other work he would receive. I can hardly do anything with this, he thought to himself, standing up and crossing the room to the window. He jerked the curtains open and blinked slowly, twice, clearing his vision. The bright paleness of the snow blinded him temporarily. How is it, he wondered to himself, that Rin has no complained once of being stuck inside the manor? I have hardly taken her out anywhere, let alone allowed her to go out on her own. He frowned. It isn't healthy for a growing female to be cooped up. He turned on his heel and left his study, returning to where Rin was gathering her supplies, apparently finished for the day. “Rin.”

“Yes, Lord Sesshomaru?” She queried, holding her things in her arms.

“...We are going out.” Her face lit up and she nodded.

“I'll get ready, my lord!” She hurried upstairs and Sesshomaru looked at the forgotten cookies on the small coffee table. He picked one up and eyed it suspiciously. What was so special about the revolting, sugar-pumped things? He took a bite and gave a look of pure disgust, tossing it back on the table next to the other ones. He felt as thought he tongue - and teeth - were burning. Damn, he swore silently to himself. It was a rarity for Lord Sesshomaru to swear, let alone show any emotion. That sugar, though, seemed like acid to his particular demon. I hate sugar, he thought mutinously. Rin came padding towards him, smiling. She had her coat, scarf, gloves, and boots on.

“You have not prepared yourself, Lord Sesshomaru,” she observed, still smiling. “Won't you be cold and... `catch your death?'” A vague memory of Rin having worried over his health because of that certain phrase came to mind and he chuckled inwardly. Of course she would use such an expression at a time like this.

A time, Sesshomaru reflected as he pulled his heavy coat on, wrapping his fur around his neck, when such expressions can be taken quite literally.

“Where are we going, Lord Sesshomaru?” Rin queried as they strolled down the street. “Why didn't we take the carriage? Are you sure that it isn't too cold out for you?” Her questions were apparently asked out of curiosity and concern. Her could understand that. After all, he hadn't really given any reason to why they were going out. His mind was, once again, dwelling on the notion of introducing her to society. Sesshomaru himself was no fan on the ruthless ton. Quite the contrary. He despised every one of them. What made this youkai hesitate on the idea of allowing Rin to go to balls and such was that, well, she didn't have the experience. Not only that, the ton was merciless in their gossip. Rin was the perfect reason for gossip. He was informed - thanks to loyal Jaken - that at the moment, Rin and Sesshomaru's relationship seemed to be the subject of all rumors in London - England in general, more like. Eventually, they would grow bored of the topic, but he was well aware that it would take some time. Not too much, I should hope, Sesshomaru thought acrimoniously (bitterly.) The more they talk, the less chance Rin has of obtaining a mate.

That had also come up in his mind quite a bit lately, too. He knew that have a mate - or a husband, to humans - was essential for women in England. Rin was near the age to begin looking, but Sesshomaru saw no reason why she should. No man was worthy of her and since Sesshomaru was her guardian, he would hardly approve of any of the men. After all, he told himself silently, she's not theirs, she's mine. What reasons would a give her away to some brainless fool? He wasn't pleased with where his thoughts were taking him. He hadn't yet answered Rin's question and she was staring at him with the most innocent face he was ever going to see in his life. She was an unintentional deceptive female - in a way.

“Lord Sesshomaru?” She prompted hopefully. “You never answered me...”

“I'm aware, Rin,” he said softly, his eyes moving along the crowds of people. Many were beggars and orphans. The people he recognized that were from rich families or the ton, were in carriages or curricles. Frowning to himself, he turned his attention back to Rin, who was staring at him with large eyes and a worried facial expression. Steeling himself against her inadvertent (accidental) attack to his conscience, he continued, “You are pleased with you life, Rin?”

“It is much better than it used to be,” Rin responded brightly. Sesshomaru hadn't gotten the answer he wanted. Sure, those words were a reply, but not the one he desired. His ward seemed to realize that as a tinge of color came to her cheeks. She bowed her head, watching her feet as they continued down the street. “...I am very pleased, Lord Sesshomaru, with my life.” She hesitated, before continuing, “I am very grateful for what you have done and I know, my lord, that without your help, I would never have been in this position.” She gave a shaky smile. “I am beholden (indebted) to you, Lord Sesshomaru. I wish there was something I could do that would ensure my sincere thanks...” She trailed off and he eyed her, reflecting on her speech briefly.

“You may make a promise to me, Rin,” he decided at last. “It will be your thanks.” She grinned at him.

“Okay!”

“You must promise,” he began, careful with how he worded it, “that you will stay and live with me at my manor until you have found a mate.” He paused, his brow puckering a bit as he considered something. “Unless you have established a healthy career and wish to move to your own estate.” Rin stopped walking and Sesshomaru did as well, watching her over his shoulder.

“But...what if I never find a husband? Or never start a career, Lord Sesshomaru?” She questioned, appearing anxious.

“Do not think too hard on it at the moment, Rin,” he told her, moving forward, ahead of her. “The future has yet to arrive. We don't know what will happen in the following years.” Rin stared after him. His words seemed so philosophical to her. Jogging to catch up with him, Rin could almost feel her stomach drop.

“I promise, my lord,” she assured the youkai, who gave her a short nod in return. “But I...I don't think I will ever find a husband. My reputation is terribly tarnished.” He nodded once again and she tilted her head to the side in confusion. “The future has yet to arrive. We don't know what will happen in the following years.” Rin gave a sad smile to herself. You are right, Lord Sesshomaru, she thought, glancing up at his serene face. No one really knows what will happen in the future...except destiny. She felt tears start in her eyes and she gazed to the sky, hoping to keep them from spilling onto her cheeks. I don't want to leave you, Lord Sesshomaru. You and Jaken are all that I have...Sesshomaru glanced at Rin and saw the dejected expression on her face. He hardened his heart and turned his attention from her. Whatever it was that was bothering her did not involve him - at least, that was what the youkai hoped.

End Part IX