InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Price of Freedom ❯ Decisions ( Chapter 5 )

Ok, here's the next chappy. I hope you all enjoy!!!

 

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I don't own InuYasha or the characters within… le sigh

 

Chapter Five

 

 

To say they were all shocked would be an understatement. Sesshomaru looked at the girls who were blushing, and the guys were just shocked. None of them were making any move to talk, so Sesshomaru took charge. “I recommend that we all go to our rooms for a little while and think of this whole thing in general and then meet in about an hour to all talk in my office.”

 

InuYasha was brought out of his thought by Sesshomaru's talking. “Why should we meet in your office? Don't you think that we should be somewhere more comfortable such as the library? Plus I have some things I would like to do today, make it two hours.”

 

“Fine then, the library it is in two hours.” Holding the door open he nodded to the girls. “Ladies, I shall escort you back to your room.” He waited until they were out in the hall and shut the door. He took Rin's hand in his and walked her to her room. Once Kagome and Sango were inside, he kissed her hand and walked towards his room.

 

Once Rin was inside with the door closed the girls all let out at the same time. They were all talking so fast, no one could understand each other. Finally Kagome spoke up, “Wait, wait, wait, this isn't working. Let's sit down and one by one go around. I'm sure some of us are thinking the same things.” Sitting down on one of the pillows, she waited for the others to do the same. Looking at Rin, she nodded for her to go first.

 

“I love him. So that counts for something. I already feel that I couldn't live without him in my life. I just don't want him to feel as though he has to marry me. I want him to ask me because he loves me and wants to be with me forever, not because he wants to protect me from Naraku. I also don't want him thinking that I will do it so I don't have to go with Naraku. I just don't know.” Rin looked at the other girls for reassurance. They smiled at her.

 

“I think he loves you Rin. I also think that someone like Sesshomaru wouldn't do something he doesn't want to. If what InuYasha told me is true, if Sesshomaru does ask you, it's forever.” Kagome smiled thinking back to what InuYasha had said.

 

Sango looked at the smile on Kagome's face and giggled. “And what exactly did he say to you?”

 

A blush crept into Kagome's cheeks. “I'll tell you later.

 

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Miroku and InuYasha walked into InuYasha's room and sat down on his couch. They were still in shock from what his father had said. Miroku was the first to speak. “Damn,” was all he said.

 

“Yep,” was InuYasha's answer.

 

They sat in silence for another ten minutes before they heard a knock at the door. Looking at each other, in unison they said “Come in.”

 

Sesshomaru walked into the room and chuckled. “You look as though you both just got sentenced to death or something.” He sat down in the recliner and put his feet up. He had changed out of his gi and into a pair of baggy faded jeans and a white, long sleeved t-shirt, he was barefoot.

 

InuYasha stared at him for a moment. When he kept the smirk on his face, InuYasha decided he wanted to know why. “Why are you so damn happy? You, mister, `I'm never getting married.' Didn't you just hear what father said Sesshomaru? The only way to keep them from Naraku is to marry them!”

 

Sesshomaru stood. “Not necessarily brother. Some engagements last for years. Your problem InuYasha, is that you only see what's right in front of your face. You don't see what lies ahead of the path you're on. I have an idea on how to skirt around what father has found. A loop hole, so to speak. Of course, the girls will have to agree on it as well. Of course, they should always know that if at anytime they decide they don't want us, they are free to back out. Eventually, Naraku will give up, if he's smart that is.”

 

InuYasha and Miroku looked at Sesshomaru. The man did have a point InuYasha thought to himself. “What if the girls don't go for it, then what?” InuYasha walked towards his dresser where he pulled out a pair of jeans and a long sleeved t-shirt. He walked into the bathroom and came out with faded jeans, a blood red t-shirt, and a red baseball cap on. His hair had been pulled back.

 

Taking a drink from the soda he got out of InuYasha's mini fridge, Sesshomaru answered. “We'll just have to make them think that they thought of it first.” He said with a smirk on his face.

 

Miroku's eyes lit up. “You're a genius!” He said jumping to his feet. Then he realized he hadn't the slightest clue on how that would happen. Sinking back onto the couch, excitement slowly fading he asked, “One question, how the hell do we do that?”

 

Relaxing back into the recliner with his soda, Sesshomaru looked at Miroku, “Well, I think that talking to them in a group would be best, that way if one of the girls suggests it, the others will go along with her. It would be easy to convince all of them if one of them suggests it. Besides, we have two weeks to convince them.”

 

InuYasha still looked skeptical. “I don't know man. I mean, the whole commitment thing. I just don't think I'm ready for it.” Miroku nodded his head in agreement.

 

“You two seemed more than ready to make them your mates when they walked into the dojo earlier. You know what it means once you mate with her InuYasha. You almost did last night as a matter of fact.” Sesshomaru let a smirk escape when InuYasha turned red and then growled.

 

“That's none of your damn business you asshole. What the hell were you doing spying on me anyways?” His hands tightened into fists as he waited for his brother to explain himself.

 

“I was listening to father and Rin for your information. You and Kagome were just a little loud is all.” He let the sentence stop and waited for Miroku's dirty mind to think what it liked.

 

Turning to look at Miroku, InuYasha blushed as he saw the expression on Miroku's face. “Would you get your mind out of the gutter you pervert! Nothing happened! Damn it Sesshomaru!”

 

Sesshomaru let a small chuckle escape his mouth and then cleared his throat. “Unlike you Miroku, my brother has nothing but respectable intentions towards Kagome. Now then, I suggest you change Miroku. We need to get down to the library before the girls think we ran off.” He walked out the door and left the two arguing about Miroku being a pervert.

 

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The girls had changed their clothes and had fixed their hair. Kagome and Sango had applied a small amount of makeup, while Rin chose a simple gloss for her lips. Taking one last look in the mirror, she decided that this was the best she could ever look. Hopefully, Sesshomaru would be pleased. She chose a simple dark blue Kimono with silver and gold patterns on it. The gold reminded her of Sesshomaru's eyes, and the silver, his beautiful hair. She had pulled her hair up on top of her head, with a few strands falling onto her neck. She wished that she had a necklace to accentuate her neckline, or some dangly earrings, but she had no such possessions.

 

She looked over at Kagome who had chosen a blood red Kimono with silver patterns, while Sango had chosen a mauve kimono with pastel green patterns. Both Kagome and Sango wore necklaces along with earrings and make-up. She could do without the make-up, but she wished she had something for around her neck. She gave a silent sigh and walked out of the bathroom.

 

Kagome and Sango kept talking about what they hoped would happen as Rin heard a knock at the door. “Come in.” She said, but no one answered. Kagome stuck her head out of the bathroom. “What'd ya say Rin?”

 

Rin walked towards their bedroom door. “Someone knocked, but they won't come in.” She opened the door and looked out into the hallway. No one was there.

 

As she was closing the door Kagome noticed a box sitting on the floor in the doorway. “Wait Rin, look.” Kagome leaned down and picked up the box. She looked around but whoever had left the box had long since gone. Walking back into the room she sat it on the desk. “There's a note. It's addressed to Rin.” She looked at Rin whose eyes suddenly looked very sad. “What's wrong Rin?”

 

Understanding dawned on Sango. Walking over to Rin she took her hand. “Rin, has anyone ever taught you to read?” Rin shook her head no and lowered her gaze from Sango's. “Well, if you like, I'll read it to you. Hopefully we'll be here for awhile. Kagome said they have a wonderful library filled with books. I'm sure Kagome and I could teach you how to read.”

 

Rin lifted her face to look at Sango's. “Thank you. I would like that very much.”

 

Kagome brought the note and box over to the pillows and sat on the floor. She handed the note to Sango, and the box to Rin.

 

“Rin,” Sango began, “This box holds something I value over everything I own. It belonged to my mother. Father gave it to her many years ago, and now, I give it to you. Sesshomaru.” Sango looked up at Rin who had tears in her eyes. “Well, go ahead, open it.” Sango urged.

 

Very slowly, Rin opened the box. Her eyes swelled with tears as she gazed upon the necklace. It was the most beautiful thing she ever saw. Slowly the tears started falling from her eyes as she let Kagome and Sango see what the box held.

 

“Oh my god!” Kagome squealed. “It's the most gorgeous thing I've ever seen in my life.” Kagome looked at the necklace. It was a single tear shaped emerald surrounded by smaller round cut diamonds on a silver chain. “I think that answers your earlier question Rin.”

 

Rin lifted the necklace out of the box and held it in the palm of her hand.

 

“Here, I'll help you put it on.” Sango took the necklace carefully from Rin's hand and let the necklace fall on her neck as she fastened it.

 

Kagome grabbed a mirror from the bathroom and held it in front of Rin. Tears kept falling from Rin's face as she looked at herself in the mirror. It was perfect.

 

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“What the hell's taking them so long, it's almost three thirty. Naraku's goon will be here soon.” InuYasha paced the library while Miroku and Sesshomaru sat and sipped at their drinks.

 

“Give them time brother. I'm sure they want to look their best.” Sesshomaru had changed into a pair of navy slacks and a deep gray shirt with a blue tie. Miroku had also changed, as well as InuYasha. InuYasha chose black slacks with a red shirt and black tie, while Miroku opted for black slacks, black shirt and a deep plum tie.

 

“That's it!” InuYasha said with the last of his patience falling away. “I'm going up there, and dragging them down whether they're ready or not!” As he was walking towards the door it opened.

 

Kagome was the first to enter. She looked at InuYasha as the anger drained from his face. “Sorry we took so long, Rin had an unexpected, but pleasant, delay.” She walked over and kissed InuYasha on the cheek. Smiling at him, she turned and walked over to the couch.

 

Miroku and Sesshomaru were both sitting on the edge of their seats waiting for their girl to walk in. Miroku stood as he saw Sango enter. She walked past InuYasha who was still standing near the door dumbfounded. “Hi.” She said softly as she stood in front of Miroku.

 

“Sango,” Miroku swallowed the lump in his throat. “You look exquisite.” She smiled and gave a him a quick peck on the cheek and went to sit by Kagome.

 

By this time Sesshomaru was beginning to panic. InuYasha could see he was terrified and had to keep from laughing at him. His brother, was nervous over a girl? He'd get a laugh out of that for the rest of his life. He walked over to stand behind Kagome. Putting his hands on her shoulders he leaned down and whispered into her ear. “If I were you, I'd remember this forever. My brother has never looked more terrified in his whole life.” He nipped at her neck and smiled when she trembled. “Watch.” He said, and stood back up.

 

Sesshomaru stood with his heart in his throat. Would she be wearing the necklace, or had he acted too hastily. If she had accepted the necklace, then he would feel much easier in asking her to accept him as a possible mate. He had never felt this way before in his life. If she wasn't wearing it, well, he didn't know what he would do. The suspense was killing him. He looked over to Kagome who smiled at him, and then looked towards the door.

 

Rin walked in with her head held high. His eyes were the ones she found first and she didn't take hers from him. She paused in front of the door while searching his eyes for emotion.

 

She was wearing the necklace! A huge weight fell from his chest. Slowly he walked towards her.

 

She saw him make a move towards her, but couldn't make her feet move towards him. He stopped in front of her and touched the necklace that lay against her breast.

 

He heard her intake of breath as he picked the jewel up in between his fingers and let it rest against his palm. “I was worried you wouldn't accept it.” He said as he let the necklace fall back to her chest.

 

“It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.” Looking into his eyes, she saw the love that she felt for him in his eyes as well.

 

“You obviously haven't looked in a mirror lately then Rin. You are the most breathtaking creature I have ever seen.” She tried to lower here head, but he caught her chin in his hand and slowly tilted it to look directly into his eyes. He saw the natural color of rose slowly reaching her cheeks. With a smile on his face, he gathered her in his arms. A single tear fell from her eye, which he caught with his finger. He lowered his head, and captured her mouth with his.

 

InuYasha heard sniffling and looked down at Kagome. Smiling down at her he took her hand in his and gently tugged, “Come here.” He said softly and wrapped her in his embrace. He looked over at Miroku as he held Kagome, and saw that Sango was already crying in Miroku's arms as well. I think this might be easier than we could have hoped for, he thought to himself.

Sesshomaru gently and slowly released Rin from his embrace. He was about to ask her to consider marrying him when the maid burst through the door. “Forgive me my lords, but there is a man in the foyer demanding to speak to you Lord Sesshomaru, he said he is here for his fiancé.”

 

Rin walked into Sesshomaru's embrace. Sesshomaru looked at his brother, and his friend. “It is time.” He said solemnly. “You have two more weeks with us, but then you must decide if you want to be with us.” He decided to tell them, instead of having them suggest a lengthy engagement. Looking at each of the girls, he continued, “Remember, some engagements last for years, plenty of time to decide what you want. By then, Naraku will have forgotten about you, then what you do with your life is yours to decide. You still have two weeks to chose, before a decision must be made.” He kissed Rin and walked from the room to meet with Naraku.

 

InuYasha and Miroku followed after Sesshomaru. The girls stood for a moment and decided to face Naraku alongside them. With all the courage they could muster, they each held hands and walked through the library doors and into the foyer behind the men.

 

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Sesshomaru walked quietly into the foyer where he heard a commotion.

 

“I demand to speak with Sesshomaru immediately. He kidnapped my fiancé and I want her back now!” The maid whom he was talking to cowered in fear for her life. She turned and saw Sesshomaru and was grateful. “I'm sorry m'Lord, he would not wait for you.” She bowed her head, waiting for him to dismiss her.

 

He touched a hand to her shoulder. “It's ok. You can go now.” She bowed and quickly left the hall. “One would think you would show a little more respect while in another man's home.” Sesshomaru said with ice in his voice. “You must be Naraku. I'm sorry to inform you that the girls will not be leaving with you today.”

 

Wrath shot through Naraku's eyes. “I'm afraid you misunderstood my letter then. You see Kauga is my fiancé. We are to be married shortly. She must be returned to me at once.”

 

A smirk crossed Sesshomaru's eyes as the girls walked into the foyer. “I'm sorry to inform you Naraku, that there is no girl here with that name. I suggest you leave at this time.”

 

Naraku saw the girls walk in and took a step towards them. Miroku and InuYasha stepped in front of them as Sesshomaru used his speed to appear in front of Naraku. “If you know what's best for you, you won't take another step towards them.” Sesshomaru raised his hand so Naraku could see it glowing green. “Poison.” He said simply.

 

Just then a squeaky voice could be heard running down the hallway, “Lord Sesshoooomaaaruuuu!”

 

A tiny green imp came running to a stop at Sesshomaru's feet. Out of breath he managed to say, “Lord.. Sesshomaru. I have… the… papers.” Handing them to Sesshomaru he fell to the ground to try to catch his breath.

 

Sesshomaru took the papers in his hand and grinned. “Thank you Jaken.”

 

“No… prob…lem. Ughhh!” He let his tiny green head fall to the floor.

 

“I have here papers. Legal documents saying that these girls are being considered as wives for my brother and I. If after two weeks we decide that we do not want them, they will be returned to you. However, I wouldn't count on that happening.” He tossed the papers at Naraku and took Rin's hand in his own. “I suggest you start looking for another wife Naraku. You will not take this woman from me.”

 

Naraku looked over the papers. A small smile slithered across his face. “It appears as though there was something you didn't take into account. One of these girls will be returned to me, of that you can be sure.”

 

“Don't bet on it.” Miroku said with rage in his voice as he stood in front of Sango. “You may have taken my grandfather from me, but I can promise you this, I will have my revenge on you, and none of these girls will ever be in your possession again.”

 

An evil laugh escaped Naraku's mouth as Miroku looked at him. “You, defeat me? You have no idea what I am capable of. Your grandfather was an easy kill. I have thought back to that moment many times remembering the joy it brought me to kill that monk. I look forward to slaying you as well. I assume that you will be no different.”

 

“Ah, I see that the creature called Naraku took it upon himself to fetch the girls in person.” A booming voice bellowed through the hall. Inutaisho appeared with his wife by his side. “Izayoi, why don't you take the girls into the dojo while my sons and I have a talk with this, this, thing.”

 

In a voice that was small, but courageous Izayoi called for the girls. Rin looked at Sesshomaru who smiled and then leaned down for a kiss. “Go.” Was all he said. “Hai.” Rin nodded and walked towards Izayoi.

 

Naraku took a step towards the girls as Sesshomaru grabbed him by the neck and picked him off of the floor as if he weighed less than a feather. “I told you to stay away from them.” He looked back to his mother and the girls. “Go!”

 

With that they left quickly for the safety of the dojo. When they were out of site, Sesshomaru lowered him to the ground.

 

As Naraku choked and tried to catch his breath, Inutaisho began. “Allow me to introduce myself and my sons. I am Master Inutaisho. I come by my name properly. The blood that flows through me is that of the Mighty Dog Demon himself from a time long ago. I am now head of that blood line. This blood also runs through that of my sons, Lord Sesshomaru, and Lord InuYasha. You will address us each as such. If you know what is best for you, you will leave my home immediately and never return. You will forget that you ever new these girls. As much as I would like to see all three of my sons rip you apart limb from limb, I think that things would be better for all involved for you to just leave.” He watched Naraku pull himself from the ground.

 

“If I was you, I'd listen to my old man. He's much more diplomatic than I am.” InuYasha said as he walked forward.

 

Naraku looked at the four standing in front of him. He knew the odds were against him at the moment. However, surprise was his best ally. “I shall leave. However, I will return in two weeks to collect at least one of the girls.” Walking towards the door, he turned to look at Sesshomaru. “Things are not finished between you and I. I suggest you keep that in mind.” He turned and walked out the door, leaving it hanging wide open, where he disappeared.

 

They won't see the last of me, Naraku thought to himself as he floated upon the air. Sesshomaru and I will have our battle. Kauga will be returned to me along with the head of that filthy dog demon.

 

“That was a little too easy.” Miroku said as he shut the door.

 

“I agree with the lecher on this one. He'll be back, but we'll be waiting.” InuYasha said as he picked up a table that had been knocked to the floor in the foyer.

 

“You boys have a lot to think about. You also need to be keeping an eye on each one of them. I don't want them left alone. There's no telling what that thing will do if he catches them by themselves.” Inutaisho gestured towards his eldest son. “Come boys, I imagine we have some women who could use a little comforting.”

 

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Kagome and Sango were pacing in the dojo. Rin had sat next to Izayoi. Looking at Izayoi she asked a question that she thought only Izayoi could answer. “Would Sesshomaru marry me just to prevent me from being returned to Naraku?”

 

Izayoi smiled at the girl in front of her. Rin had no idea how much Sesshomaru loved her. The necklace that adorned her neck was all the proof she needed. “No Rin, he would not. He will do anything to protect you from Naraku, but he wouldn't marry you just for that. No, not my son. All you girls should hear this.” She waved Kagome and Sango over. “None of my sons would marry in order to protect you from Naraku. If they ask you, it's because they love you and want to be with you forever. Even though Miroku has no demon blood running through him, Inutaisho and I raised him as though he were our own. We instilled many values in him. Despite his lecherous ways,” she added with a sigh, “Miroku values marriage, as much as my sons value their mating ceremony.”

 

The girls looked a little confused when she said `mating ceremony', so she decided to tell them the difference. “Marriage is something that is traditionally for humans. While Inutaisho and I married, we also went through the traditional mating ceremony as well, which is only for the two people who are pledging their lives to each other. During your first intimate encounter, for lack of a better word, you are marked. This mark lets others know that you have been chosen as a mate. Once a dog demon has chosen his mate, he will stay with her for the rest of their lives. There is no such thing as divorce, as there is with a marriage. You probably don't realize it, but I am nearly 450 years old, in demon years, that is. Demons live longer lives than humans, so they age slower. In human years, I would only be in my mid forties. I was 19 when I met Inutaisho, and he was nearly 250 when we met. Part of the mating ceremony includes a spell that ties the two souls together. I will age at the same pace Inutaisho does for the rest of his life. If he dies before I do, once his soul passes on to the next world, I will start aging as a human again until my life expires as well.”

 

Kagome looked at Izayoi with shock on her face. “Wow! You look really good for your age.”

 

Izayoi chuckled. “I want you girls to know, that whatever you decide, I will support you. Know this, if my son's ask you to be their mate, know that they do it because of you, not because of Naraku.” She gathered the girls in her arms and held them in her embrace. “I would be proud to call any, and all of you daughter.”

 

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Inutaisho was the first to walk into the dojo. “Oh Izayoi. Why are you all crying?” He walked over to his wife and saw tears among smiles. “I could live for a thousand years and I still wouldn't understand women.” He said looking at his sons.

 

Rin saw Sesshomaru standing in the doorway and ran into his arms. Kagome and Sango did the same to InuYasha and Miroku.

 

“I think you all need some time with each other. Your mother and I will be in our room if you need anything. This has been along day and I could use a nap before dinner.” Inutaisho nodded to his sons and left.

 

Please R &R Thanks

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