InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Sympathy for the Devil ❯ Chapter 8 ( Chapter 8 )

Sympathy for the Devil

Chapter Eight

By Devon Masterson-Bond

Aoi37@hotmail

 

Kagome smiled cheerfully as she leaned over and kissed her former guardian on the cheek. “Kaede, I can't stay long. I have to prepare for Ryoko's birthday party.”

 

The older woman smiled as she rubbed two little ebony ears affectionately. Ryoko giggled and playfully nipped at her foster grandmother. “Time passes so quickly.”

 

“I know I can hardly believe it.” Kagome sighed then placed a little knit cap on her daughter's head, ironically the cap had rabbit's ears on it.

 

“They grow up so fast .” She handed Ryoko back to her mother then sighed in pride. It seemed only yesterday that she came across the hurt frightened little girl amongst the wreckage on the mountain road. Holy power flowed from the girl naturally. It kept her safe during the accident and drew Kaede to her, thus insuring her survival. A car wreck had taken the lives of Kagome's family and through that misfortune Kaede received a new lease on life. It allowed her to do something, she never thought she do, raise a child.

 

Kaede opened her mouth to comment then immediately shut it. She felt the stir of an old friend. “Don't wait so long next visit, my child.”

 

“I won't.” She waved then turned to leave. A knowing smile flittered across her face as she felt a familiar stirring as well. She was quite surprised by it, but pleased. Her love matching was working after all.

 

Kaede watched Kagome and Ryoko's forms retreat lower over the visual zenith of the shrine's steep steps. She went back to sweeping. “You know if you wished to remain in secret you might not want to approach when Kagome is around. I did train her well despite her bartending occupation.”

 

Sesshomoru leaped gracefully from the leafy branches of an old tree. “I am not concerned with Kagome knowing that I visit here. She has enough taste not to mention it to Inu Yasha who would not hold his tongue.”

 

“That is true,” she replied laying her broom down and sitting on the steps. She stared at Sesshomoru expectantly. A look of annoyance passed over his features as he observed the portly old miko. It was apparent she expected him to bare his soul in some sort of ridiculous catharsis, by the way she observed him with her good eye. A weathered black eye patch adorned her face along with the wrinkles that by no means told her age. He had often wondered exactly how she had encountered such an injury, but did not out of respect for privacy. The subject of his newly regenerated arm was still sore with him and he assumed it was the same for her.

 

Seeing his agitation brought about an amused look on her features. In all of her years of knowing him, this was the first time he appeared bothered by something. Vexed was more like it, he looked utterly vexed. There was obviously something going on that was not falling under his immediate control. “Are you going to tell me her name?” Kaede asked shrewdly.

 

Sesshomoru narrowed his eyes. He hated it when she could read him. It was vexing enough that he was either wasting energy being annoyed by the cursed woman in the first place. “Are you going to depart this earth anytime soon, crone?”

 

An eyebrow rose. Now she was thoroughly amused. He rarely gave into sarcasm and disdain. This woman that had his attention was obviously a tender spot for him which he would see as a weakness. “I am sure I'll be here well after you're dead and gone,” she mused fingering her rosary absently. “So want her that badly?”

 

“You are as incorrigible as the fox,” he snapped. “I have no interest in humans.”

 

“Now this interesting, a human,” Kaede smiled. “I have to say I am surprised. No wonder you came to me for advice.”

 

Amber eyes iced over. “Do not patronize me, Vixen.” The old miko's attitude became grave. That was enough for now, pissing him off before he told her the details was not going to get her anywhere. It was clear now that he was taking pot shots now.

 

“In all seriousness, what brings you by other than to visit old lonely woman?” she asked.

 

8-8-8

 

“This place is beautiful,” Rin sighed taking in a deep breath. She wanted to take in everything. The multitude of colors and life surrounding her, even her personal garden back home could not compare to this. Home…she was on a mission to infiltrate not to be entertained. She had been having difficulties staying focused. It had been unexpected that so many of her enemies would be so… likeable. Then there was Sesshomoru with audacity, coldness, arrogance, eyes like liquid heat, and magnificent silver hair…

 

Rin sat up and shook her head violently. “Having dirty thoughts about me, eh?” Kenji asked.

 

“No, I wasn't,” she answered trying her best to put on her stone mask. It had been difficult to maintain it since she came to Tokyo

 

“Then it must have been about Sesshomoru,” Kenji replied shrewdly. “He's a too stiff for my taste, no I take that back he's stuffy. If he were stiff he would be perfect.” He turned towards Rin's shocked and now crimson face. “Oh what, don't tell me you didn't know that I have male lovers?”

 

“Well I knew, but I…why…” she stammered.

 

Kenji sat up and looked into innocent brown eyes. It was amazing that someone so jaded was so inexperienced. “You're so cute and pure Rin. Want me to taint you?” he grinned as he moved closer. Rin sputtered more and backed away. “I was only kidding though the offer is on the table if you want it.” Rin shook her head and Kenji chuckled. She was so cute when she was not on the defense. He could see why Sesshomoru was so interested she was enigma. She reminded him of her so much. “I'll make it up to you by answering your question. I haven't had a serious lover in five hundred years and no one has compared to her so I entertain myself with the other side.”

 

Rin blinked. Was he being serious? He just shared something sad and profound with her. He had to be joking, but she could see the look his eyes. The usual mirth was gone. He was completely serious. “How did it happen, if I may ask?”

 

The look of seriousness melted away. “You don't want to hear about that.” He stood to his feet. “It's a boring story anyway. I would much rather hear about your life. Why are you so jaded when it's clearly against your nature?”

 

“I'll answer, only if you tell me why you're always jovial, when it's clearly inappropriate.”

 

Teal met chocolate briefly. “I'm a fox, being tricky and elusive is a prerequisite, what's your excuse?” he asked.

 

“I am woman, going on my feelings and changing my mind is a natural prerogative.” Rin smirked as she continued to stare Kenji down. He would not win this.

 

“Oh?” Kenji leaned down so that their noses were nearly touching. His eyes flashed almost predatorily when noticed the crimson flush in her cheeks. She refused to back down despite the close proximity. Rin was a delightful creature. It had been some time since someone stirred him just so, but still she wasn't Kai. The raven haired beauty was tempting him, but he made a promise and besides frustrating her was more fun. “Then you've changed your mind about us. I would be more than willing to tango.” He licked her nose suggestively then stepped back.

 

Rin blinked several times. She could not believe he just came onto her and licked her. Then there was her bodily response which was less than encouraging. “You're a cad you know that?”

 

“Yes, but that's what makes me me.” He grinned. “I find you so amusing. You keep me on my toes, Rin, so I can imagine what you must do to Sesshomoru.”

 

The dark haired woman opened her mouth to respond when she heard foot steps behind them. She turned around and her face paled. A man and woman bowed reverently to Kenji. “I've come to make my report, Lord Kenji,” Miroku said lowly.

 

“Rin is a friend, there is no need to use my title here,” Kenji replied. He turned to Rin who had a curious look on her face. “Rin, this Miroku and Sango.”

 

Miroku smiled and offered his hand. His deep violet eyes appraised her carefully. This Rin was quite a beautiful. He opened his mouth to proposition her when Kenji cleared his throat. “It's a pleasure to meet you,” he said simply. He was disappointed; he would just have to get the details from Kenji later.

 

“Nice to meet you, O-Rin,” Sango greeted. Rin smiled weakly.

 

“Kenji, will you excuse me? I need to use the restroom,” Rin said apologetically.

 

“Of course.” A pale eyebrow rose slightly. There was clearly something going on here. Hmm… more puzzles for him to solve!

 

“I'll come with you,” Sango commented as she linked arms with Rin. One would have thought they were old friends.

 

 

To be continued…

 

 

 

 

© 2005 Devon Masterson-Bond

I think we know who belongs to whom in this fan fiction. The characters of Inu Yasha belong to their creator, Rumiko Takahashi and everyone she leased them out to, me not being one of them.