InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The hearts of Children! ❯ Innocent tears ( Chapter 21 )

Chapter twenty-one: Innocent tears.

{Author notes: For once, I have nothing to say. Just laugh and enjoy the story. Leave a review if you have time.}

D/c: I don't own it.

[Chapter twenty-one starts]

{Dawn}

Rin flutter her eyes open to see her Sesshomaru-sama sitting up reading something besides her. He looked really sleepy though. However, Rin often question the fact if Sesshomaru-sama even went to sleep at all. Though she had remember Kagome telling her that every living thing went to sleep. Even if it was for a little while. Rin closed her eyes each time she thought Sesshomaru was about to look her way. Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow this was one of her little games she liked to play each morning with him. Though he really wasn't in the mood to play game with the insolent girl today. She would never realize that he could by her scent that she had awaken. He was glad that he was the first thing she was seeing as the sun was starting to come up. He turn back to the scroll he was reading; when he remember what he promise Kagome that he would send someone after that foolish brother of his. He rolled the scroll back up and place it aside and left the room.

Rin sigh quietly as he left the room normally her Sesshomaru would have caught her faking by now. He must had been reading something very important. Rin thought about going to over to look at it but Sesshomaru might be mad at her. She was already in enough trouble as is she could tell by the way Sesshomaru had looked at her before she fell asleep. Her only fear was that she would never see Shippo again because of this.

Rin: (softly) Rin better do something good for Sesshomaru then.

Though the trouble was what? Sesshomaru never needed anything though he liked her flowers. She didn't remember seeing Jaken around maybe she could do something good for him too. Wait did Jaken get punish for not looking after her? Even though Jaken said mad things too her and treated her badly Rin still enjoyed his company. She would hate to find out that Jaken got in trouble because of her.

Meanwhile Shippo woke to the soft sound of Kagome snoring. He could tell right off that he was in different clothes and he didn't have his green bow on. He was too afraid to wake Kagome up. One thing he was sure of and that was he was in a lot of trouble. Inuyasha was going to pound him into the ground and Kagome might even get mad at him. Kagome was scary when was angry that was a known fact. He tail twitched nervously he still couldn't believe half the things that happen to him.

He fear was the same as Rin. What if he had done all this for nothing? No way were Inuyasha and Sesshomaru going to agree for them to be friends. Most likely Sesshomaru were going to kick them out today. Maybe he should fake sick a little longer after all he did kind of like it here. The best thing about it nothing could hurt them while they were here. Nearly everyone was scared of Sesshomaru even though Inuyasha could beat him. He could tell Inuyasha had been in the room along with Sesshomaru and other demons. Shippo had a mild headache still but other than that, he was okay.

Silently a lecherous monk tiptoed throughout the many halls towards one of the many hot springs that Sesshomaru-sama had in the castle. He had heard Sango talking to a servant early in the morning if there was any place to bathe. Since everything was back to normal well, he could go back to being himself right? He grin broader down as he quietly slid the door open and crept in. Spying on a naked Sango in the morning is what this monk did best.

At the same time Sango sighed it been quite some time since she enjoyed a bath by herself. Kagome and Shippo were always welcome but sometimes a girl could use some good old R&R by herself. That when she heard a noise she turned around with narrow eyes. She had to keep her guard up she was in castle full of demons and a lecherous monk. Which she had found out earlier that Miroku was next door to her as her luck would have it. She floated over towards he trusted boomerang. If someone was spying then they were going get seriously hurt. She wasn't in the mood for peeping toms.

Miroku let out a sigh he almost got caught that time. Sango had her guard up since she was all alone plus he could she the boomerang in front of her. Darn thing was blocking the wonderful view but a man could imagine. Though he was started to get a cramp in his leg from squatting behind the giant vase that kept him hidden. Though to get caught would mean having a headache all morning long courtesy of his beloved Sango.

Sango finally relax when she didn't hear any other noise near her as she began to hum slightly. Which made he unknown admirer smile from ear to ear. It was going to be another cold snowy day she could tell, as the room started to get a lot colder it would had been.

Sango: I better hurry and get dress though I should wash my hair out.

Sango easy herself out of the spring one as she grabbed the towel and wrapped herself more securely around her. She went over towards the vase and pick it up only to find a goofy monk fall on his face once she did so. Needless to Sango was not in a cheerful mood any more.

Sango: MIROKU NO HENTAI!

Miroku: (slowly sitting up) I-I-I can explain my dear Sango. You see…

{Pow}

{Splash}

Sango: (anime vein throbbing on the side of her head) You'll never learn you lousy leech! (Storms out of the room with her clothing in hand)

Miroku: (sighs) It was all worth it. (Dumbfounded grin on his face) `Wait did she just call me a leech?' I'm not Myoga!

Sango nearly crashed into Sesshomaur who was headed back to Rin's room. He quirked an eyebrow after seeing the state of dress she was in. What was it with these human female nowadays? He only hoped that Rin wouldn't take notice of all the bare skin that seemed to be in fashion. Worst enough the miko was showing everything off; now the slayer was too. Though be a gentleman he was he didn't avert his eyes anywhere but her face.

Sesshomaru: Is there a problem?

Sango: No not at all but you may want to rescue a drowning monk from your hot spring. Thanks for asking Sesshomaru-sama. (Quick bow)

Sesshomaru didn't asks what she meant by that so he thought it best if he saw for himself. He entered the room to see Miroku ringing out his purple cloth and also had a nice big bump on the side of his head. Sesshomaru was now confused to no abound how any of them had survive this long fighting demons and the likes. Surely the two females led the group though they weren't all that smart either but smarter than the average human female.

Sesshomaru: I never met a lecherous monk such as you.

Miroku: It was just a misunderstand I can assure you Lord Sesshomaru.

Sesshomaru: Don't lie to me. I'm not as gullibly as your comrades. I can smell what went on in here monk.

Miroku eyed the demon lord in coy. His feelings hadn't really change about him. Though he would give him credit for not killing any of them. Well expect for Kouga but that wolf was annoying as heck and even he wanted to suck him up in the wind tunnel. Though Sesshomaru perfectionist/egoistic attitude was getting on his nerves day by day.

Miroku: (coolly) I can't help my faults. None of us are perfect.

Sesshomaru: Well keep your hentai thoughts in check monk you are under my roof. I have had enough of the disturbance you vagabonds are causing around my castle.

Miroku: (sarcastically) excuse me for getting to her first.

Faster than Miroku could blink Sesshomaru had his hand wrapped around his neck tightly along with a fierce growl emitting from the demon lord. Baka Miroku this is the end of your life. Dangling from Sesshomaru grip till your head comes off and he was hoping to defeat Naraku. A thousand regrets filled his head in that second.

Sesshomaru: Listen monk. This Sesshomaru has no desire for any human not even the slayer or the miko. This is my castle and you will respect me. Do I make myself clear monk or should I take your head clean off?

Miroku: (hoarsely) crystals clear milord.

Sesshomaru: Good.

{Splash}

Again, Miroku found himself soaking inside the spring once again but at least he was alive. Though he wasn't going to forget getting toss around like some rag-doll anytime soon. He'd admit not being anywhere near Sesshomaru's league but this action against him was going to be taken to at least Kagome. Sesshomaru had left the room as quickly he had came though he was annoyed beyond belief now. That monk had some nerve to question him; as such, he was no hentai. Though now he knew his place within this Sesshomaru' castle.

Rin hear Sesshomaru-sama coming her way. She was already out of bed playing with her dolls on the floor. No use trying to pretend to be sleeping now as Sesshomaru entered the room. Sesshomaru quirk an eyebrow at his young ward.

Sesshomaru: Rin, I see your well now.

Rin: Yes Rin is all better now Sesshomaru-sama!

Sesshomaru: There something we need to talk about come.

Rin: Yes milord! (Getting up)

Surely, she wasn't as confident as she sounded. The poor girl was petrified he could tell by her scent. This might me harder than he first thought not like he would enjoy punishing her. They went inside the library where despite the cold weather it was actually quite warm though it was mainly because of the fireplace. Sesshomaru shut the door firmly behind him.

Sesshomaru: Sit down Rin.

Rin: (sitting down) Is Rin in trouble Sesshomaru-sama?

Sesshomaru: Why did you run off on your own like that? You realize you nearly gotten yourselves as well as the rest of us excluding me killed? You should be ashamed of yourself for all the trouble you have cause.

That all it took to getting Rin to start her waterworks as she rush over to Sesshomaru's side sobbing into his pants. Sesshomaru was mad at her but she had only tried to do go and save them the trouble of looking for Shippo.

Rin: (sobbing) Rin sorry Sesshomaru-sama! Please don't be mad anymore. Rin is sorry.

She would get sick again if she kept this up. Sesshomaru knelt down embracing the girl as tightly as he little human body could stand. He was going soft but he didn't care at the moment. Plus he would do anything to make Rin happy and it was better for his ear. He lifted them both in his chair stroking the girl head as her sobbing started to subside. This was the first time he had held her so closely with such affection and care. As she continued to beg for his forgiveness for being bad.

Sesshomaru: Hush now Rin. I forgive you so stop crying. Just promise never to run off like that ever again.

Rin: Rin promise Sesshomaru-sama.

Sesshomaru: Remember Rin you belong to me and only me.

Rin: yes, Sesshomaru-sama Rin will remember.

Sesshomaru: Good now go clean yourself up I will have breakfast ready in a little while.

Rin: Yes Sesshomaru-sama.

Sesshomaru let out sigh as the small girl let the room after giving him a low bow. Well that didn't go as plan as he ran his hand through his hair. He didn't look his like his usually self he was sure of that. Before breakfast was serve he too better clean himself up he left the library and went straight to his long forgotten bedchamber. Picking a better and different kimono the one he was wearing was all out filthy and would be burn. As he kicked it aside once it slid off his body, he walked into his private hot spring and immediately got in. Sheer pleasure tinged up and down every muscle in his body.

He could tell by the raising noise levels that mostly everyone was up and walking around. The sun was now high in the sky breakfast was going to be a serve a little later than he would have liked. He had hoped that his stubborn brother would have came back by now though he should have known better. That hanyou couldn't act civilized if his life depended on it. He wonder where the baka was this moment.

[Inuyasha]

Through some cruel twist of fate, Inuyasha was sleeping in Kaede's hut. He may be stupid as everyone claimed but he knew that he would have froze last night if he didn't found any shelter. All he told Kaede was that everyone was okay since she had thought the worst of Inuyasha and the others had happen. He hadn't spoken to the elderly miko since then. Finding a small corner to curl up in and fall in a deep sleep thinking about Kagome.

Well until Kaede had woke the half demon up as she serve him breakfast. He ate the porridge without complaint it wasn't ramen but it would have to do. Funny how almost everything made him think of Kagome. Kaede had been thinking how she could approach the hanyou with her questions. He had answer her very vaguely the night before and it puzzle her why he was being so quiet and almost civil.

Kaede: Inuyasha I what to know what happen. How ye found chibi Shippo yet?

Inuyasha: Yeah we found him along with Rin.

Kaede: Wasn't she with you and Sesshomaru?

Inuyasha: That brat! Feh. I tell you all the "wonderful" things we all had to go through.

So after about ten minutes of explaining most of the story. Inuyasha was quick to leave out their time at the cave and the change relationship of him and Sesshomaru. He wasn't ready to talk about Kagome or Kikyo either. Hopefully the old hag would just be satisfied from what he just told her. When asked why did he leave the group he simply said being at Sesshomaru' castle gave him bad memories and vibes.

Kaede: Tis a good thing Sesshomaru allowed you to stay. This is going to be a cold winter. Inuyasha you should not have left. Sesshomaru may be your enemy but he will respect the pact you two have made.

Inuyasha: yeah I know.

Kaede: what of Kagome she is probably worrying about you. You should go back. I notice you have not once said her name once either Inuyasha.

He turned his face away that was true in the ten minutes it took him to tell the story he hadn't mention Kagome's name once nor Kikyo for that matter. It hurt to much to think of either one so he chose not to even mention their names.

Kaede: (sighs) Let me guess you two got into a fight and Sesshomaru interfered that why you left. (Sighs) Inuyasha I told you before stupid is as stupid does.

Inuyasha: (Gruffly) That's all we do is fight. (Crosses his arms insides his sleeves)

Kaede: It would be different if you weren't so ill tempered Inuyasha. You must learn to speak with kindness and not be so crude. Thus, you would not feel the burn of Kagome's wrath.

Inuyasha: (getting irritated) Look, she was the one who made me tell her what me, Sesshomaru, and that dumbass Koga was talking about?

Kaede: and what were you three talking about?

Inuyasha: er…I...um...

Kaede: Let me guess were fighting over Kagome with Koga, Sesshomaru got involved, Kagome wanted to know why Koga left, you told her, and she sat you and that's why you left. There was no reason to lie Inuyasha.

Inuyasha: (growling) Your worst than SHE is! Always assuming things and stuff!

Kaede: Oh, then what was it about?

Not wanting to get any more spells or kicked out into the cold he let out a sigh. What was it with these miko always getting the truth out of him? Luckily, Kaede couldn't sit him just peeved him off.

Inuyasha: Koga went away to be with his pack. He claimed he would stop trying to get Kagome to be his mate but only if…

Kaede: Only if what?

Inuyasha: (growling) I'm getting there already jez! I know you an old hag but you still have some time left. (Sighs) Only if I'll admit I loved her. Sesshomaru tricked me into telling her when I was checking on her since she was supposed to be watching Shippo.

Kaede eye went wide with surprise! He didn't have to say any more. She could figure the rest though she did want to know what was what Kagome reply was.

Kaede: I see and what did she say.

Inuyasha: I don't know I left before she said anything.

Kaede: Why do such a foolish thing? She was most likely shock Inuyasha you need to return there at once. `Baka Inuyasha, I have never seen two people more in love than you and young Kagome.'

Inuyasha: Feh.

Kaede shook her head at the hanyou and turned her back on the him so she could tend to the dying fire. He still didn't know why he came here or why he ran off like that. As he started to argue with himself with his back against the back and his eyes closed.

`Baka Inuyasha you're a puppy. Scared of being rejected that's all. No I am not I don't want Kagome get mad. No, you just scared to love her and admit the fact that the others were right about you. NO! That's not it at all. Look, I might love Kagome but we all know that I'm not go enough for her. Yes you are, he thought heatedly'

`How you know? Because baka I am, you and I see the way she looks at you. She loves you your just afraid of making her your mate and having pups of your own. This stupid why are we even talking about this! Cause your being a scared cat. I'm not a cat! Well your acting like one and go back to her. There is nothing you can do to make me go,' he declared in his mind.

`Oh yeah? Yeah! Hey Kaede, got a cute butt almost like Kagome huh? (Mentally growling) EW! Fine I go just get though disturbing images out of my head! Okay then lets go. Tell the old hag we're out of here,' He mental stated.

Inuyasha: Hey old lady. (Getting up)

Kaede: Yes Inuyasha.

Inuyasha: I'm leave right now.

Kaede: Good and try not to fight with young Kagome or Sesshomaru.

Inuyasha: yeah, yeah whatever. Just don't get sick and die in the cold. We'll be coming back. All of us.

Kaede: Hurry before the snow picks up. I feel a storm coming.

Inuyasha: feh you're that happy to be rid of me.

Kaede: Hai but I have one more question for you Inuyasha?

Inuyasha: Fine. What is it ya old hag and make it quick.

Kaede: What happen to Kikyo? Have you finally gotten over her.

Inuyasha: No use being with someone who no longer in this world right?

Kaede: (shocked) Aye that is correct.

Inuyasha: Well then. Bye ya old.

With that, Inuyasha was out of the warm hut and back in the cold world. Funny how it took less time to get from Sesshomaru castle to Kaede and back again when he was alone. Though he was going to take his time to get back he was very much afraid of what Kagome was going to do to him once he got back. Though Kaede was right the snow was about to pick up so he'd better hurry. Speaking of the old lady during the same time the old miko had wept tears of happiness the silly hanyou finally had dropped his burden with Kikyo.

{Sesshomaru's castle}

Kagome had been overjoyed that her Shippo was okay and feeling much better. Though she would of have felt better if Inuyasha was around. Breakfast was something new for everyone. It was the first time Sesshomaru ate with the group though they didn't know what he was eating. Instead of sitting next to, her Sesshomaru-sama Rin sat next to her best friend Shippo. Miroku was forced to sit by Sesshomaru while Sango sat next to Kagome who was at the other end of the table. Jaken wasn't allowed at the table at all he had to eat with the other servants. Though Kagome thought that was a little harsh on Sesshomaru's part.

Shippo and Rin were told to tell their side of the story though parts of it shocked everyone of how Shippo gotten so clever and strong. Sesshomaru was less mad at Rin even though he didn't understand he reasoning for running off by herself fully. Kagome was shock that her little Shippo even survive all that without a scratch. Though once Inuyasha found all this out that might not hold true. She didn't think she could become more uneasy until….

Rin: Kagome-chan, where's Koga and Inuyasha?

Kagome frowned at Inuyasha's name and lower her head she didn't know how to tell the girl what with on between her and Inuyasha. Miroku had been wondering why the stupid hanyou hadn't came back yet. Since he didn't think, he went out too far anyway.

Sango knew what was going on because Kagome had told her before they came to breakfast. Shippo had asked before but they had been called them to breakfast so Kagome ignore the question. Sesshomaru cleared his throat to get the attention off of Kagome.

Sesshomaru: He left earlier this morning Rin.

Rin and Shippo: WHY?

Sesshomaru: It seems he had some business to take care of. Now no more questions just eat. You two have said enough already.

Rin: yes, Sesshomaru-sama.

The rest of the meal was in silence however; Shippo and Rin were getting off nervous vibes the whole time. Till a servant of Sesshomaru's came and whisper something and Sesshomaru excused himself.

Kagome: Shippo I still can't believe you ran away like that. Even if you didn't mean to take it this far. That was a very bad thing to do!

Sango: It was a very selfish thing to do.

Miroku: Inuyasha may be rubbing off on him.

Kagome: I hope not.

Sango: Kagome, don't worry about Inuyasha he'll come back.

Miroku: Yes he may be a selfish and stupid hanyou but he has reasons.

Kagome: Yeah I know.

Rin: Why did he leave Kagome-chan?

Shippo: Yeah I don't buy what Sesshomaru said.

Rin: huh?

Shippo: (whispering to Rin) I'll tell you later.

Kagome: we just had a little misunderstand that led to miscommunication.

Rin: Did you sit him?

Kagome: Yes. (Sighs)

Shippo: I bet he somewhere's beating up Koga because of that.

Rin: I hope Sesshomaru-sama beats him up. For making Kagome-chan sad.

Sesshomaru: I just might. Kagome I need to speak with you come.

Kagome: Yes. Excuse me guys. (Getting up)

Kagome was led away from here till Sesshomaru was sure not even the fox-child could hear the conversation. The snow outside was picking up quite rapidly. Sesshomaru groan mentally. Where could the stupid Hanyou be and in this weather? After all this was over, he was going to take a very long vacation.

Sesshomaru: My servant was unable to find Inuyasha anywhere. He may be hiding underground somewhere or in a cave.

Kagome: Then we have to go out and find him! What kind of demon did you send out to look for him? It was Jaken was it?

Sesshomaru: A hawk demon.

Kagome: We have to look for him right now.

Sesshomaru: Inuyasha can take care of himself. Like the Slayer said he come back on his own free will.

Kagome: But he could be out there frozen!

Sesshomaru: Listen he survived his whole childhood during the winter. I think he can handle it.

Kagome: His whole childhood?

Sesshomaru didn't answer only turned his heels and left. She didn't need to know anything about the hanyou childhood from him. After he taken a quick rest he might go out there and look for his brother. Hopefully the miko would stay put in the castle and not go off looking for Inuyasha. Sighing quietly, Kagome decided to go back to her friends. `Just you wait Inuyasha your back will be screaming my name by the time I through with you!' Kagome thought as she rejoin her friends.

[Inuyasha]

He was coming nearer to the castle or so he thought. He couldn't believe how stupid he had been well that was in truth an overstatement. Though he still wanted to kick his own butt for playing with Kagome emotions for so long. Maybe if Kikyo hadn't never came back he would have been more open towards her. They could already had became mates if not for her. It was decided Kikyo had been a roadblock in their relationship although he would still hold truth with his promise to Kikyo he would have to let it go and move on. Least he would lose his last chance of having a normal and happy life with Kagome.

The snowy winds were nicking the sides of his faces and he had developed frostbite on his toes again. It didn't matter he deserve to freeze out her in the snow for all his cold heartedness. Maybe deep down he was far colder than Sesshomaru. Nah. That couldn't be it could it. His soul at least was okay. Sure there were darkness in it but it was on the gray side. He hadn't committed any real bad crimes and hadn't stack up too much bad Karma. Right? He padding wearily against the harsh snowy winds though with each step he felt more and more baggage drop as his heart soften.

[Rin & Shipp]

Somehow someway the two manage to escape everyone grasp. True that mostly everyone was asleep the search and rescue had taken a troll on all of them. Though one must it admit that it was a good thing that were catching up on much needed sleep. For Shippo and Rin this was even better for them. Since they hadn't been able to talk since being found. Both feared that this might be the last time the get to talk to each other ever any moment Inuyasha would arrived and they would have to go their seprate ways.

Rin had showed Shippo each and every known secret places where she would hide from Jaken though it was one passageway that led to a small room. It wasn't a nice as the other room it may had been used for storage a while ago. Though it was one of Rin's best hiding spots and she heard conversations throughout the castle form inside or just about.

Shippo: WOW! There's must be a tons of stuff in here!

Rin: Yes but it all locked up with seals and spell. Rin doesn't think we should touch anything.

Shippo: Aw, okay.

Rin: So where's Inu-chan?

Shippo: Aw, he's just somewhere pouting. I think Sesshomaru did something to get him mad and Kagome sat him before he got to rowdy.

Rin: (small voice) Oh.

Shippo: What's wrong Rin-chan?

Rin: We may never be able to see each other again. Once Inuyasha comes back, you'll have to leave and Rin will be taken to Sesshomaru-sama wintertime castle that's very far away and will be all alone again.

Shippo: That's not true we can't give up yet! We bested of friends! Kagome told me that with teamwork anything can be beaten especially Naraku.

Rin: Is Rin and Shippo a team?

Shippo: Yup and we'll tell them all when they wake up that…

With that Shippo stopped, he had to think this out carefully. What kind of agreement could they all come with anyway? The situation was a little more than complicated, there were no way in hell that Inuyasha, and Sesshomaru could ever team up. Nor would Kagome or Sesshomaru trust the other to take both of them for any amount time. It seemed like a hopeless situation overall. So Rin had ever right to be worry their future together look more than bleak. It was down right unfair.

Rin: (sniffing) Why are they being so mean to us.

Shippo: Some adults are stupid Rin-chan.

Rin: Sesshomaru-sama isn't stupid! (Wailing) Or Kagome-chan, Miroku-san, Sango-chan, but maybe Inu-chan but he can't help it.

Shippo couldn't keep up the cool and collective persona he has been trying to keep and broke down crying. Here they were in an old dusty storage room side by side. Their last meeting together perhaps they had been through a lot in just a short amount of time. His bond with her even stronger. As he held his very best friend close to his heart as she willingly cried in his small chest.

Thoughts of running away with in and out of his head. Escape this time was both impossible and foolhardy. Chances were the following: 1) they would be caught by Sesshomaru or one of the guard by the time they reached the either gates. 2) They bumped into Inuyasha and be taken back. 3) Freeze to death.

Kagome had told both of them that failure was a choice not an opinion and there it was that was failure was their only choice and opinion in this situation. At least till they were grow up and see each other. Yet with evil morons like Naraku and his minions running wild whose to say if either of them would grow up. It was a very bleak world these two were living and growing in. Soon sleep claimed them too as the last of teardrops fell from their faces. The world white with snow and snowdrop shaped like the tears of the innocent.

{Author notes: I'm so sorry I made you all wait so long for this chapter. Though my computer had crashed and I could only work with this story on floppy yet that all it could stay. I had no way to get on the Internet nor post this chapter. I will have the next chapter shortly.}

[Next Chapter: Kagome teaches the gang the fine art of a good snowball fight. Will Sesshomaru be subject to join? Inuyasha returns and get his fair share of insults. Shippo and Rin have more chat before the day's over. Will their future together become sunny- side up or will it remain cold and bleak? Find out next time.]