InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ To Choose Another Life ❯ Hidden Revelations ( Chapter 6 )

Demoness: I know this has taken me forever to get out to you readers, but it is now here for your enjoyment. Vacation always helps me get over writer's block and now I'm back and ready to write. I'm going to keep this short and just reiterate the stipulation. No reviews - no seventh chapter! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: *builds small raft and places the rights to Inuyasha on it, then sends it out to sea* Bon voyage!

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Chapter Six: Hidden Revelations

As the last rays of the sun filtered in through the sheer curtains, Rin's closed eyes finally opened. Five days had passed since the collapse and she had remained asleep all the while. After the first day, the worry of her close friends had only increased with each passing day, despite assurances from Shinsei and Shinsetsu. They explained that Rin and her child were perfectly healthy, but her body and mind needed time to recover and adjust to their healing powers coursing through her veins. Though the feeling of helplessness never left, her friends put their trust in the wisdom of the twin demons. They waited by her beside by day, but each night Sesshoumaru ordered them to vacate the room, and stayed with her himself.

However, after five days, even Sesshoumaru started to doubt the words of Shinsei and Shinsetsu. The anxiety in the room rose daily, as they still did not see the deep chocolate color of her eyes, but finally, just as the sun set on the fifth day, their wish was granted and fears laid to rest. Of course, no one even noticed.

Rin lazily sat up in bed, rubbing her sleep-ridden eyes with childlike innocence. As she slowly stretched her body, she felt her joints crack from disuse and smiled feebly. `I wonder how long I was out.' She scanned the room in one pass, taking note of the obvious. `The sun is setting, so I must have slept since the collapse today. All my weapons are accounted for. Hakunetsu is holding Nezumi and they are both asleep, and… Wait a minute!'

Wide eyes locked on the slumbering forms of her friends as she tried to comprehend what she was actually witnessing. Rin could hardly believe it, but there she was, staring at the proud General holding the spy in his arms, and quite affectionately, she might add. Hakunetsu sat in the chair that was presently missing from her desk, while Nezumi sat in his lap, her legs folded over his right arm resting on the arm of the chair. Her head rested on his upper chest, as her red-tipped, black hair fell in waves down her back, covering his other arm that supported her.

Rin crossed her legs and tilted her head the side, inspecting the scene before her. They were complete opposites in nearly every possible way. Hakunetsu arrogantly boasted about his abilities and sexual exploits, not mention he chased everything that had breasts and two legs around the castle twenty-four hours a day. The General carried around his haughty attitude as a perfect shield, but Rin knew that he was quite different away from prying eyes. Before battles, he would tirelessly go over strategies until they ensured that the least number of lives would be lost. He would rather give his own life before he saw any of his soldiers or friends fall.

On the outside, the General looked to be a person of great strength and skill. His hair flowed to the middle of his back and held a color of blue that a clear summer sky would envy. His skin was a light crème hue, which glowed softly in the early evening light pouring in from the open windows. Never really noticing it before, Rin gazed at Hakunetsu's face, which held no markings. He was one of the few youkai who held no markings on the usual locations such as wrists, ankles, or right above his hips.

However, she could remember seeing a red triangular stripe traveling the length of his spine, as well as two hidden marks only the Western Army and those he killed knew of. On the back of his neck were two kanji symbols that read `Forever Devotion'. Though he had never explained the full meaning behind them, Rin knew that he expected loyalty from those he commanded and his friends.

That was one quality they had in common.

Her eyes moved from Hakunetsu to Nezumi, who looked content being held in his strong arms. Nezumi had lived most of her life alone since both of her parents had been killed early on, and therefore put her trust in very few people. She only kept the people who were loyal as friends and who did not treat her as just a `half-breed,' not worthy to be alive.

Rin smiled as she saw the black, mouse-like ears on top of Nezumi's head twitch, most likely in response to her dreams. Her friend acted tough in front of others, but she knew Nezumi was a rather shy person - especially when talking about those she was attracted to.

`She certainly failed to mention this one involving our dear general.' Rin gave a silent laugh and fell back on the bed, only to look into the amused faces of Shinsei and Shinsetsu. The female demon handed her the small vial from before as her melodic voice filled the girl's head. "It is good to see you awake, Rin. With the way those two have barely left your side, you would think that they would be awake at least."

Rin smiled at her friend and took a sip of the liquid, definitely wanting to make sure her stomach did not play any tricks. She placed the cork back in the vial and tossed it back to her friend. "I know how to wake them up," she said softly, moving to sit directly in front of the sleeping pair.

"The Eastern Army is attacking the castle!" she yelled loudly enough to scare them, knowing their reactions would be priceless, and oh, they were.

The slumbering General shot to his feet, wide awake as his hand went to where the hilt of his sword would have been on his side… that is if he hadn't left it leaning against her bed and now was in her possession. He immediately went to the windows to look upon this supposed enemy, while barking out orders.

"Inform the soldiers and have them set up posts around the castle. Everyone is to be on their guard when dealing with these demons. Inform the Colonel that she is needed to help organize attacks and - " he cut himself off and squinted, looking out one of the windows. He hesitantly pulled back the curtains and regrettably realized that there was no Eastern Army and he had fallen right into their trap.

He slowly turned around, only to be greeted by exuberant laughter at his previous actions and words. He clenched his jaw to keep the growl contained that threatened to break free. He would have liked nothing more than to berate them for their so-called joke that would not have been funny in the least if it had been real, but he figured that they would most likely just laugh harder if scolded. He rolled his eyes and pointedly looked to each of them starting with Rin and ending with Shinsetsu, who pointed at something on the ground.

Hakunetsu looked at him quizzically - then his gaze drifted down.

Honey eyes connected with murderous crimson ones as the General realized what he had done. In his haste to confront the enemy, he had dropped Nezumi onto the floor. He could tell from her scent that she was livid and he knew that anger was solely directed at him. Hakunetsu hesitantly offered his hand to help her up, but it was slapped away as she pulled herself to her feet, fixing her black and red uniform.

Nezumi glared at the General for all she was worth and enjoyed seeing the uncertainty in his eyes. She knew that he did not mean to throw her off, but she liked playing games with Hakunetsu since he offered the most entertainment. Suspiciously, the spy looked to Rin with a wry grin. "Colonel Rin, how would you like to move up in rank immediately? I think the General will be relieved of his position fairly soon seeing as I am going to kill him."

Rin crossed her arms looking at Nezumi knowing that she was bluffing and that she wasn't even mad with him. "Oh, is that so Nezumi? How do you plan on killing him? Kissing him to death? I know you would like nothing better than to follow through with that course of action, seeing the way he was holding you when I woke up," Rin said tauntingly.

All Nezumi could do was to stare at her friend with blatant shock. Rin had always been able to do that with anyone she met. She had a sense of who people were and could easily tell they were lying even if they masters of hiding it. The spy had been caught and now she decided to go down with dignity. "I think kissing him to death would be a proper punishment, but that will have to wait." She looked pointedly at Hakunetsu, who was willing and eager to face his punishment. "I'd rather stay here and find out how you're feeling. You gave us quite a scare when we found you after the collapse."

Nezumi sat down on the bed next to her friend as Rin shook her head. "I feel fine, but I feel charged. Almost as if I've acquired another's energy…" He voice trailed off as her eyes widened in panic, placing her hands on her lower abdomen.

Shinsei saw her worry and quickly calmed her fears. "Your child is fine Rin. He has a strong will to live even this early."

Rin visibly relaxed and smiled softly knowing that her and Sesshoumaru's child had not been hurt by the collapse. Their child was the one thing that linked both of them and she would do anything to ensure that she didn't lose him. Wait, did she say 'he?'

Rin looked to Shinsei and Shinsetsu, who most likely already knew what she wanted to ask, and had also prepared the answers.

Shinsetsu looked at her with unseeing silver eyes and let a small smile grace his lips. "You are correct in your thinking, Rin. My sister was correct in saying `he,' since the pup is male. I should also mention that Sesshoumaru was most thrilled with the news that both of you would be fine and that he now has an heir and can stop silently worrying about that situation."

Rin all but gaped at him over his words. Sesshoumaru was worried? And over her and their child, no less. She peeked at Nezumi and Hakunetsu since this was the first time they learned who had sired her unborn child. Nezumi wore a knowing smile and Hakunetsu just gave her a sly grin.

"If you had known all this time, why did you not say something so that I would have to stop being concerned about your reactions?" Rin asked in a huff.

Hakunetsu sat back down in the chair he had previously abandoned and looked at her. "We have not known all this time," he explained, indicating Nezumi and himself. "However, the twin nuisances over there," he pointed to Shinsei and Shinsetsu, "have known this entire time, and have only just decided to inform the rest of us lowly demons, who do not have the capability of reading minds, of that very important detail. Nezumi and I thought that Sesshoumaru might have been the father, but we decided it was better for you to tell us when you were ready. Unfortunately, the collapse occurred and we learned the information from Shinsei and Shinsetsu. After that, we forced Sesshoumaru to tell us all the information he had."

Rin raised an eyebrow at his admission. "I'm just amazed that the entire castle does not know with the way you love to talk, Hakunetsu."

He sighed and rubbed his eyes, filled with weariness, then replied, "I would not talk about this matter unless given permission from you and Sesshoumaru. This is a delicate situation, which must be handled with care. So you do not have to worry over whether or not you will hear whispers of conversation containing rumors of this. Though sadly, you must still endure the ridiculous speculations of who the father of your pup is."

Shinsei listened to the conversation and nodded when Hakunetsu finished. "What he says is true Rin, but Sesshoumaru will not keep this a secret much longer. Even though he has tried to conceal the matter, others have still found out and have already attempted to take your life once. The collapse five days ago was no accident, but rather, an elaborate plan, devised by individuals intent on seeing the Western Lands in ruins."

Rin looked down at her hands folded in her lap, knowing all their words were true and that only they could be trusted with such vital information. Finding her voice, Rin's words were soft and held underlying thoughts. "This has become a volatile situation that will only become worse as time passes. I have put all of your lives in danger, including everyone else's who lives on the castle grounds. If the child that I carry can risk so much, then…then maybe it should be aborted before any of what can occur, does occur," she quietly admitted, only to be greeted by the appalled gasps of the demons around her.

Everyone looked at the girl with varying degrees of outrage that she would even suggest such a thing. Each of them would sooner give their lives for her than have her think she must resort to such an act to keep them safe. Nezumi was the first to speak, and she hid none of what she felt.

"I can't believe that you just suggested killing your child to try to prevent something that will most likely happen anyway, regardless of what is done now. I'm certain I speak for all of us in that we would sooner kill ourselves before letting such a deed be committed," she said vehemently, placing her hands on Rin's folded ones.

Hakunetsu still could not comprehend the words she had uttered seconds before. He knew that Rin cherished her child above all else, and for her to even consider that course of action was troubling. He silently rose from the chair and moved to sit beside her on the bed, resting a hand on her arm to gain her attention. "Rin, I never wish to hear you say those words again," he whispered fiercely. Hakunetsu stared into her eyes and gave her a small teasing smile. "Besides, if we just simply sat here and agreed with you, then I have no doubts that we would lose our lives anyway to the Western Taiyoukai. He would probably kill us first and then use the Tenseiga to resurrect us just so he could torture us for hours on end. So you see, doing what you are thinking of would be in vain."

He smiled when he received a small laugh from her, lifting the tension from the room by the tiniest margin. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched as Shinsetsu led his sister to sit in the vacant chair. Her normal vibrant ivory skin had lost its luster and her eyes were filled with what he would characterize as despair and anger. Rin had also noticed the sudden change and started to get up, before he could even ask if she was all right.

Shinsei waved her to sit back down as her brother stood behind her, his hands resting on her shoulders. Shinsetsu looked down at the top of his twin's head, knowing that it was time for the truth to be told. "Shinsei, we should tell them," he urged as he squeezed her shoulders, trying to reassure her.

All the demoness could do was nods at his words and look up at Rin. Slowly, she raised her hand and pulled off the silver circlet, showing her markings. Rin looked at her with confusion and Shinsei took in a slow breath. "Nezumi and Hakunetsu already know who we are, and Sesshoumaru knows of our past, but you, Rin, know nothing of this."

Rin stared at the markings adorning the demoness' forehead with uncertainty. The young Colonel was sure she had seen them somewhere before, but for the life of her, could not remember where or when. She watched as Shinsetsu also removed his circlet and looked at her as though her he could see her.

His voice was low, but perfectly clear as he spoke. "I assume the best place to begin explaining would be at the beginning," he commented, letting out a small sigh, which was extremely rare. "To be hunted for sport and power is a hideous situation that every youkai has dealt with in some form or another, but fifty years ago, if one was a blood demon, he or she would already be considered dead before even being born," he explained cryptically as Shinsei placed her hands upon his, resting on her shoulders.

"Rin, you understand that there are different classes of demons, even among a particular race. This is also the same with different races. For example, Inu youkai are stronger than Dokuhebi youkai, but all demons are different when compared to Ketsueki youkai, such as Shinsei and myself. Our bodies are filled with unimaginable energy that keeps us alive and feeds our powers. In a sense, we could be considered not even demons and strictly made of energy. Each of us can perform the same basic magic, but in the form of weapons and attacks, we vary greatly," he said, knowing that she understood.

Shinsei looked to Rin with a somber gaze and picked up where he left off. "We have been hunted and killed for those powers since before I was born. Even now, there are still some who insist on killing off the rest of us so we are not able to rebel and reform the North Shore. Shinsetsu and I are the two demons that everyone has been searching for even though we were presumed dead years ago. But then again, we would be the prime targets since we are the rulers. "

Her admission shocked Rin into utter disbelief, causing her to become mute. Rulers? She could understand their need for that detail to be kept a secret, but she wished they had confided in her sooner than now. It was a great burden they bore - too great to have been hidden these long years. She went to say something, but Shinsei raised a hand, halting her words.

"There is nothing that you can say that we have not heard before, though it is appreciated," she told Rin with a small, forced smile. "Fifty years ago is when the hunting escalated into insanity. Since our powers can overcome all others, the rest of the demon world declared that we were too powerful to be left alive. At least that was the formal reason they used to justify their actions. Their real reason was greed. Our powers can safely adapt to another's without interference, which is also the reason why we were able to heal you," she reasoned, as her voice trailed off.

Hakunetsu eyed her with curiosity - which would most likely kill him someday - and asked a question that Nezumi and Rin debated voicing. "I understand all of what you have explained thus far, but what I do not understand is how you came to know Sesshoumaru."

Shinsetsu looked from the three to his sister, knowing that she was debating whether or not to tell them about how they came to be in the services of the Western Taiyoukai. Her aura was dark and filled with anguish as the memories of the past flooded back. His deep voice filled the room as he spoke of the last details.

"Opposing races attacked the main castle in the final battle, and we were forced to flee. The others stayed behind to allow us enough time to gain a safe distance from the enemy, but even their efforts would be in vain. Shinsei was carrying her first child and nearing the end of her pregnancy when we left. Her mate, Matsudai, was injured in our struggle to escape, but he persevered and we moved across the terrain down towards the Western Lands."

He paused and closed his eyes shifting to stare out the window, then continued. "We had been traveling for nearly a week when Shinsei went into labor. The three of us took shelter in an outcropping of caves set into a mountainside, and prayed that we would not be found by the enemy. That dark night, our prayers went unanswered as they found us, not caring what condition my sister was in. Matsudai and I went out to fight them, but their numbers overwhelmed us. He was the first to fall as they mutilated his body and took his wings as a trophy piece. I retreated and forced my powers into a barrier around the entrance of the cave, even though I knew it would not hold for long."

The blood demon's eyes clouded over as he was immersed in the debilitating memories. "Shinsei was having complications with the birth, and I was trying my best to help her. I gave her my strength and all of my remaining energy, taking my sight from me, but I did not care. Minutes later, she gave birth to a small baby boy, just as the barrier collapsed and they came rushing in. Rough hands grabbed us from all sides and dragged us outside. I could only see the outlines of auras around me, and I helplessly watched as my sister was forced to watch the death of her child."

Rin, Nezumi, and Hakunetsu looked at the twins, horrified at what they were hearing, but there was still more. Shinsei raised a hand and pulled down her high collar to show a red scar running across her neck and continued in an eerie monotone voice. "They slit our throats and laughed while they did it. They proclaimed that the North Shore Lands would fall into memory and everyone would celebrate the day that the rulers fell at their hands. The left us for dead and we would have passed on had Sesshoumaru not been on patrol. He told us later that Tenseiga pulsed at his side and he brought us back, but he could not bring back my child or my mate. Shinsetsu has been blind ever since and we have hidden here, but the day of the collapse, we could not sit idly by when we could save you, Rin. You have been our family, more so than anyone else, and we want to have the happiness with Sesshoumaru that was robbed from us so long ago."

She slowly raised her head to look at the three and gave them a small smile. "This is what has been hidden from you, and now that is it out, I hope you do not think ill of us in keeping it a secret."

Rin nearly leapt off the bed and wrapped her arms around Shinsei in a comforting embrace. Tears rolled down her face as she tried to find something that she could say to alleviate her friend's pain, but she couldn't.

Shinsetsu ran a hand through Rin's hair, knowing her thoughts and smiled softly down at her. "You should not feel sorry for us, little Colonel. It is a past that we have lived beyond and though we will always remember, we cannot allow ourselves to remain in that one moment forever," he explained, wanting to soothe her.

Rin looked up and him and nodded as she wiped the tears from her face. Shinsei looked at her and stood up, calling a soft square bundle to appear in her hand. She placed in Rin's hands and smirked. "Sesshoumaru may be the Lord of the Western Lands, not mention extremely intelligent and strong, but sadly, he has taken an approach to dealing with this situation that is ridiculous. The only way he will be able to protect you is to mark you and formally claim you as his mate. He is in the garden and it is time for you to go to him."

The demoness stepped back and looked out the window. "He is waiting."

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Demoness: *Does dance of triumph* You do not know how happy I am to have written this and have it out of my system. Now that this is done, the lemon is coming in the next chapter. *Grins* I hope I've cleared up the confusion concerning the blood demons and you're going to see how they will play into the overall plot. On a side note, my other fanfic, Tears of Blood WILL BE CONTINUED! I would like to keep my life for a bit longer so I will continue writing it and I hope to have a chapter out in the next couple of weeks. Well, I'm off to go sit on the beach. *Walks out the door*