InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Eien Ni Nakunatta Shunkan: A Moment Lost Forever ❯ Chapter 18 ( Chapter 19 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Author's Whacky Ramblings:

Yes --- I know recent manga events have utterly destroyed what was left of the plotline of this story! Well, it was far-fetched to begin with anyway! As I said before, I don't think Inuyasha would take eight years to mull over the Kikyou/Kagome triangle! (I don't think Kagome would let him!) And the Inu-tachi would have had to break the Jewel at least 5 more times to account for a decade passing without putting the final smack-down on Naraku! What can I say? I'm selfish --- I just wanted to play with canon characters (it's so fun to make Hakudoushi 'talk!')!

Oh! Some thoughts on Rin. Yes, I am trying to make her overly naïve. Afterall, she has spent her life in relative isolation, and Sesshoumaru- SAMA!!! is her hero! Why wouldn't she believe him unflinchingly, even despite the fact that he pushed her away at the beginning of the story? Rin WANTS to believe him. She wants nothing more than his love and acceptance. But as we all know, she DOES have a backbone (even when it comes to her haughty little taiyoukai!) --- so sit back and grab some popcorn and watch her find it (er, slowly! Maybe not in this chapter!)

Sorry for any typos --- AGAIN. We re-read these chapters forty million times, giggling and relaxing with glasses of wine, laughing as we tend to even jokingly imitate the voices! Wait --- maybe that's my problem right there!

Warning: "Morning-After" sappiness and fluff abounds. Nothing too daring for most eyes (except poor Jaken's maybe!). However, like I said, there IS some violence at the beginning ---

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Chapter 18: Yakusoku

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The sun shone brightly, filtering down through the lush canopy of leaves to dapple the forest floor with vibrant patches of light. He crouched on a high branch of a weather-beaten pine and inhaled deeply to take in and sort through the many scents carried along on the afternoon breeze.

His wide, inquisitive eyes narrowed in thoughtful concentration.

On this day, the wind carried the distinctive, pungent odors of thick smoke and --- and some manner of creature he had never smelled before. His nose twitched again as he tried in vain to recognize this new scent. Whatever animal it belonged to, the unusual smell was most definitely becoming stronger, indicating that the bizarre creature was steadily moving closer. The unmistakable sounds of snapping twigs and the tramping of undergrowth soon filled his sensitive ears, and, within moments, the clearing below him was filled with a small group of rather peculiar beings. They were bearing large torches, scuffling and carrying on noisily as they traveled along. Each and every one of them seemed perfectly oblivious to the fact that they were being so keenly and intently studied ---

Intently studied by not one but TWO sets of golden eyes.

He absently brushed his silvery shoulder-length hair away from his face and called up softly to the beautiful pale woman resting beside him.

"Hahaue? What are those?" he asked, pointing with his small clawed hand. "What are those funny creatures down there? They don't feel like us." He stood up on the tips of his toes for a better look.

His mother smiled gently, her golden eyes shining with obvious, unrestrained pride. She nodded her fair head, sunlight reflecting from both the ornate jeweled diadem circling her high forehead and the delicate silver earrings dangling from her pointed ears. She shifted her long white braid back over her heavily armored shoulder, and glanced back down at the flurry of activity in the glade beneath them. "Very good, my son," she replied. "How exceptionally quick and bright you are --- as usual!"

He smiled triumphantly, beaming under the warm glow of her praise. He would never tire of hearing her small compliments, no matter how frequently she lavished them upon him. Afterall, Hahaue was the most brilliant, powerful, and, not to mention, the most beautiful woman in the whole wide world --- and --- and if she said he was clever than it TRULY must be so!

"You are right, of course --- they aren't like us --- those are ningen. Humans," she explained patiently. Hahaue bit her lip with a sharp fang, as he looked down his nose at the creatures, trying his best to imitate Father's most intimidating and regal posture.

"Humans?" he repeated, watching in fascination as a tall male prepared to chop at a nearby tree with some manner of iron weapon. Strange, he thought. Why didn't it just use its claws? He gasped in surprise and leaned further over the edge of the slender tree limb. Why, it didn't have claws at all!

He heard his mother laugh at his reaction, as she reached out to gently draw him back. "Careful, love. Yes, Sesshou-chan. Those are humans and they are working. They are gathering wood for their fires." She smoothed down the fluff of his tail and laid her soft, alabaster hand on his shoulder. He turned from her to stare back down at those enthralling, unfamiliar beasts again. Crooking his head to one side, he regarded them critically. "Their ears sure are funny," he stated flatly, wrinkling his small nose.

Hahaue released another quick, quiet laugh, the sound causing an answering smile to light on his own face. He was always so happy to please her --- afterall, she had seemed so sad and somber of late, what with Father always being busy and away from the shiro.

"Yes, my prince, their ears are funny because they are very different from us!" She leapt agilely down to a lower tree limb, her long lavender robes flowing behind her, and beckoned for him to follow.

He grinned, feeling so very proud and pleased that she trusted enough in his abilities and was inviting him in for a closer look. "Different?" he echoed, when he settled next to her again a moment later.

"Yes --- quite different," she answered. "They are not anywhere near as strong as demons like us. They have relatively little power --- no youki --- like you or I or your great Father. And their lives are fleeting --- they grow old and frail in the blink of an eye!" Hahaue snapped her fingers for dramatic emphasis, her long claws clicking together loudly. He blinked and looked down reflexively, fully expecting the humans to have heard that unmistakable threatening sound ---

Yet despite that obvious crack, the boisterous creatures carried on as if they heard nothing at all. His mother crouched on the wide branch as if ready to spring again, yet she remained where she was --- seemingly content to just sit with him in silence.

He shook his head at the ningen in wonder. They didn't hear that noise? When his mother clicked her claws together, he thought for sure that would be a dead giveaway of their current position. He couldn't decide if he liked these humans or not. Though intriguing, they seemed to be rather thoughtless --- afterall, it WAS kind of stupid to be drawing such obvious attention to themselves when they couldn't even properly sense all that was happening around them. He sneezed. And, besides, they sure smelled funny too.

"They seem pretty foolish to THIS Sesshoumaru," he stated with spoiled authority, though he was anxious to hear his mother's opinions on them as well.

Hahaue scanned the tree-line and grinned into the murky shadows. This time, however, her wide smile most certainly did not reach her eyes. "Ahhhh, but just remember, my son.....humans DO have their uses though." Her fingers pressed against her wine-colored colored lips, as she motioned for him to remain silent.

He looked at her questioningly, as her eyes narrowed into predatory slits. Her voice trailed into a dangerous whisper. "For instance, unfortunately for them --- humans --- they make fabulous bait ---"

At that very moment, the earth began to rumble and shake, and he was forced to cling tightly to the overhead branches to keep from falling to the ground. The humans below began to whimper and look wildly around in terror.

"There THEY are," his mother whispered quietly to him, cracking her knuckles and allowing her poison to build on her wickedly curved claws. She gestured to the center of the clearing.

He squinted down to the very spot she indicated. There was some power pulsing beneath the surface, and the distinctive sound of scraping and digging. Before he could identify the source, and LONG before the poor ningen could even register what was really happening at all or mount an adequate defense, the ground split open and a foul looking centipede demon burst through the rift in a shower of dry dust and dead leaves.

Mother had been right, he mused as the humans tried to flee. They WERE truly helpless, and, in a matter of seconds, the demon had popped one into its dripping maw, snapping it in half even before the terrified creature knew what was really happening.

With a cry of feral excitement and outrage, Hahaue stormed down from the trees --- fangs bared and her right hand extended. A fine mist coalesced at her fingertips, growing to form a shifting circle of pure power. The energy continued to gather until it appeared to be nothing more than a harmless dark green ball.

As the ball rapidly increased in size, she released it into the air, hurling it directly at the giant centipede demon just as it cornered a second human. The beast turned in shock, trying to shield its many eyes from the circle of bright light rapidly streaking towards it.

Just before the glowing ball made contact with the hissing, bewildered creature, it exploded into a hail of darts and thousands of needles of pure poison rained mercilessly into its thick skin.

No matter how many times he saw it, his eyes still widened in awe at Hahaue's deadly signature attack. The creature writhed in pain, its armored hide melting away wherever it had been pierced. His mother spun agilely, slashing at the dying beast with her sword, cleaving it down the middle and putting it out of its misery.

She stood triumphantly over her prey, poking at it with her iron-clad toe. She caught his curious, adoring eyes and beckoned for him to approach.

He leapt nimbly to his mother's side, just as the remaining humans raced back to offer her their gratitude, each one throwing itself onto its knees at her feet.

"My lady!"

"Oh, my Lady! Sesseika-sama!"

"You've saved us! Again!"

The whining chorus continued as they each clamored unsuccessfully to gain her full attention.

"Be silent." She ordered the humans back with a sneer, raising her hand in warning.

"Sesshou-chan!" she suddenly shouted, her expression softening as she shifted her words and attention from the simpering humans to focus strictly on him again. "Get back into the trees, my sweet --- right now!"

He obeyed instantly, turning back just in time to see her raise her sword again as she fell into classic defensive stance.

Hahaue smiled proudly up at him, then rolled her eyes and turned back to the humans once more. "Get back --- all of you!" she cried. "There is ANOTHER one coming!"

There was collective wail of terror and the feeble, frightened creatures tried to flee again. Just as before, the ground began to rumble and, within seconds, a second centipede demon slithered up from the deep hole in the earth. This one was larger, more heavily armored, and, judging by the shrill tone of its raspy voice, most definitely female ---

The centipede demoness' gaze instantly fell upon the smoking carcass of her mate and she shrieked in pure, unadulterated hatred and fury. The nightmarish beast reared up into the air, hundreds of legs and sharp pincers waving madly, her many dull black eyes fixing exclusively on the one creature that remained exposed in the open --- his mother.

"Onore! You bitch! You killed him?! You killed my mate!" She glowered down spitefully at the dog-demoness then shifted her heated gaze to the many cowering humans, presently covering their faces and trembling in the undergrowth. "And for what!? You killed him for attacking those whining, mindless animals?!"

Hahaue laughed cruelly, staring up at the other youkai without the slightest trace of fear. "You repulsive thing --- you think I was ONLY defending these humans? I AM defending MY lands, komusume," she mocked sardonically, casting a rude jab at the demon's clumsy bulk. "The Western Lands and everything dwelling upon them are MINE. Your 'mate', that bloated dead fool over there, was trespassing! Trespassing just as YOU are right now!"

The centipede demoness blinked in surprise, and then she roared insolently, revealing rows and rows of rotten yellowed teeth. "Trespassing? Your lands? You are --- Sesseika?!"

Hahaue just smirked in response. "Though I would hardly think it possible, it appears your stupidity even overshadows your ugliness! I am the Lady Sesseika. You should know my name, afterall, you have been raiding our province far too frequently of late. Are you saying you had no clue that you have intruded on the lands of my great husband, Inu no Taisho?"

"Feh! Inu No Taisho! Yes, I have most certainly heard of HIM!" the demoness smiled sarcastically. "Funny, that he should not be here with you now? I shouldn't suppose he is also out defending another ragged band these weak human creatures at the present? I wonder why? Perhaps, my lady, he sees something else entirely in them?" Her wicked gaze roamed over the frightened humans once more, becoming fixed on a pretty young human girl that lay sobbing weakly against a tree. "Yes, Inu no Taisho. Indeed, I have heard tales of soft heart and his --- ahem --- soft appetites!"

Hahaue responded with a curt nod, but from his hiding place in the tree bows he thought he saw her face color in a mixture of embarrassment, disbelief, and pained suspicion. He gasped, utterly perplexed. Just what was that gross old demon implying?

He didn't have time to ponder those strange words any further, in the next instant, his mother had simply vanished, to reappear directly in the mocking face of the laughing centipede. Her hand snapped forward in a flash of green and her claws plunged savagely into that awful grey, scabby flesh, raking out half of the centipede's beady, black eyes.

The creature collapsed to the earth screaming, partially blinded and writhing in pain.

"Be silent!" Hahaue screamed. "And be grateful as well! Afterall, I would have plucked out your lying tongue, if only you weren't half so foul!"

"Forgive me, mistress! Mercy please, my lady!" the centipede moaned, begging for her very life and wriggling submissively along the ground.

His mother sighed, slowly lowering her clenched fist. "Very well. Go now. But the day you ever set ONE foot on the boundary of these Lands again, that day shall be your very last."

The creature hissed in anger and lashed her tail defiantly, causing the cringing humans to leap back again in fear. With one last hateful look, she began to slowly back away.

Hahaue watched the centipede demoness go. Her lovely face was cold, impassive and emotionless. "Sesshoumaru," she barked out, suddenly snapping out of her contemplation.

He jumped in surprise, not used to hearing her speak his full name in a manner so harsh. Her elegant eyebrows were furrowed together as if something were weighing greatly upon her and her dark lips were set into a grim line. He looked around in confusion, shifting his feet reluctantly, trying to remember if he might have done something to displease her. "Hahaue?"

"Sesshoumaru, follow me. Now."

His mother did not look at him, but strode steadily off, heading in the same direction the centipede demoness had fled. "There is something I wish for you to see, my love," she called out in that same icy, dead tone. He lowered his head and raced off after her, trying in vain to keep up with her swift pace.

She appeared to be nothing more than a white blur as she wove through the dense screen of trees ahead. All he could smell was the retreating youkai, as its rancid blood and ichor formed a foul, heavy trail coating the ground. He had just come to the crest of a small canyon when he finally heard her call out to him again. "Stay right there Sesshoumaru --- do not come any closer!" She rushed back to his side, caught his pointed chin in her hand and forced his head upwards, fixing him with her piercing, withering gaze. "Do not come closer, but do NOT look away either! I wish for you to see what I must do now."

With that she whirled around and resumed hunting her quarry.

The final chase was over far too quickly. Bounding athletically from rock to rock along the wall of the ravine, Hahaue easily overtook the wounded beast within the next few moments. The centipede screamed as soon as it saw her lightning fast charge, but whether it was fear or outrage that prompted that terrible wail, he could not tell. The creature looped around to make its last stand, swooping low to engulf the dog-demoness in its slimy coils.

"No!" he shouted, his golden eyes darting in absolute terror to fix helplessly on the place where she had stood. The hideous centipede youkai did not even seem to notice his cry at all, as she stared down in surprise at her seemingly vulnerable and powerless opponent. A great gurgling laugh issued from her throat as she gloated, thinking she had managed to destroy this threat. "Ha! To imagine I might have run from something so pitiful as you! Stupid bitch! The great Sesseika-SAMA, indeed?! You were all talk, weren't you, you arrogant hound ---" The centipede's words were halted in mid-insult and her face contorted in an unmistakable grimace of great pain. Her fat coils bulged outward, and her mottled skin ripped into shreds as a loud baying howl resounded through the air, echoing through the ravine.

In the next instant, the creature's wriggling flesh exploded under a blast of tremendous youki and a monstrous white dog stood to tower over her.

From his position at the summit of the gulch, he jumped back in shock --- he had seen his mother's transformation countless times before. But he had never seen her so frenzied in this, her altered state. The lust for blood had never filled her usually kind and loving eyes so completely. Hahaue's steely jaws clamped down upon her foe and she shook the centipede like it were nothing more than a pile of rags.

When her jaws finally opened again, it was only to reposition her hold and to clench her sharp teeth around the miserable beast's throat. Her long talons tore at its already broken body and she threw her enemy down into the cliff-side with just the slightest snap of her great shaggy head.

He closed his young eyes for one second, appalled by the slaughter and carnage, then remembered her sharp words and dutifully stared back at the battle. In that one instant he had looked away, he found his mother had transformed again, and was now standing on the field in her customary state. Her slender form shimmered with her power. Flawless. Faultless. Soaked in blood.

The dying centipede screamed defiantly one last time.

Hahaue advanced slowly upon it, her sword drawn and held at the ready. "Odamari! Shut up! Fool am I? You are the fool!" she mocked callously. "Did you honestly think I would be so easy to kill?" She leapt into the air and slashed the centipede's foul head from its shoulders with a single blow. That great bloated body shuddered one last time then fell still.

Hahaue stood growling, and lowered her sword somewhat reluctantly as she stared down at her vanquished foe with absolute loathing. He approached her warily, his steps slow and unsteady. He felt more than a bit frightened and puzzled. His mother's eyes were the same brilliant red as the hot blood staining her claws, and the wide stripes on her cheeks had become ragged slashes of deepest violet that extended nearly to the corners of her full lips.

"Hahaue?" he questioned in a small voice, rather intimidated by her uncontrolled fury. He was confused as to why she should wish him to observe such a violent, sadistic spectacle. But equally perplexing was the fact that she had promised this demon mercy and compassion, only to hunt her down with a brutality he had never before witnessed. "Why, Mother?" he murmured. "I thought you told her she was free to leave? I don't understand."

She drew in a shallow, panting breath. "I know, my son. But this is not the first time she has invaded our lands. I could not allow her to escape. She had young --- I could smell them on her. One day, she might have returned with all of them."

She glanced sorrowfully down at her dripping claws. "Yes, she would have returned again. Just as I would have done if anyone had harmed you," she whispered, her voice solemn and nearly inaudible. She took his small hand in her own.

"Our lands, our lives --- the lives of those that we love --- you must always remember, Sesshoumaru, that others will take great pleasure in destroying them." She stared impassively at the smoking, mangled corpse of the centipede. "This creature would have returned with nothing but vengeance consuming her mind and hate eating away at her heart. She would have come back seeking revenge on US."

Hahaue fixed him with a hard, unremorseful look. "What would I do if she returned seeking the life of your Great Father? And what if she tried to claim YOUR life, my treasure? You, the one I adore more than any other?" She tousled his wind-blown hair, and then cleaned her sword on the ground, wiping the gore on a tuft of grass. "That is something I would never permit. I will never allow anyone harm you."

When she turned back to him again, the gentle warmth had crept back into her eyes and he laughed then. "Hahaue," he chided obstinately, as if he thought her fears were the silliest thing in the world. "No one can ever harm me! You are TOO fierce! Everyone is afraid of you! Sometimes even Chichiue, I think!" He paused with a look of deep consideration and then fixed her with a smug look. "One day I will be as strong as you!"

She smiled and kissed the crest on his forehead. "That's right, my son. You will be strong. But remember --- NEVER reveal any weakness to your enemies. One day these lands will be yours. And I..." her next words were interrupted as the frightened humans she had rescued raced into the dry ravine. Once again, they surrounded the elegant taiyoukai, shouting out great sycophantic cries of thankfulness and appreciation.

"Thank you again, my Lady!"

"You've saved us once more!"

"Why, is that the young Lord!? How quickly he has grown! He looks just like his father! How handsome he will be!"

He backed up at the over-flattering words and actions of these strange creatures, finding himself rather sickened and unnerved by the way they stared at him so dotingly. The pretty young woman that the centipede had pointed out collapsed at his feet, babbling out weepy, incoherent phrases of gratitude.

Hahaue growled menacingly, pulling the woman back a bit more fiercely than she probably needed to. For an instant, he saw the same look of confusion and doubt flash over her features as when her defeated foe had mocked her about his Father's intense interest in these humans.

"Release my son at once! Show some respect to the future master of these Lands! And do not mistake the motives behind my actions," she shouted vehemently, whirling to face the small crowd, anger and hurt building in golden her eyes again. "I am not of the same disposition as my lord husband. I have been hunting that beast for months. You --- ningen me! You were all merely lucky this time."

Suddenly, everything shifted and faded in a haze of white.

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Bright sunlight and the din of raucous seabirds brought a rude end to Sesshoumaru's strange dream. That had been hundreds of years ago, he mused. Odd that he should remember THAT day now. With a low moan of protest, he burrowed further under the covers, seeking to simultaneously hide from the blinding glare, to drown out the piercing racket and to shift his thoughts back into the present. He turned slowly, and found himself snuggling closer to the delicious warmth at his side that was --- his human. His Rin.

He jerked upright abruptly, rapidly blinking the sleep from his eyes. That's right. Last night --- they had ---

Sesshoumaru looked down upon the lovely young girl, as if half expecting last night's events to have been no more than another strange, vivid dream as well. Rin's head was thrown back, one arm laying across her own forehead, the other still draped snugly about his waist. Those long-lashed eyelids were closed, and her breathing was measured and even.

Good, he had not disturbed her. The little thing was still fast asleep.

He reached out to gently trace the contours of one smooth cheek with his claw. At the light contact, the young woman's eyes drifted open. Despite all that had transpired the night before, she appeared somewhat astounded to find him leaning over her and he heard her breath catch in her throat. A mere moment later, however, she had reached up to absently run her small fingers lovingly along his jaw ---

As if suddenly taken aback by her own boldness, the girl tried to yank her hand away in embarrassment, but the demon was far too quick and caught her wrist easily. Propping himself up on his elbow, he stared down at her face curiously for another long moment. "Do not --- it is alright. You do not have to stop," Sesshoumaru finally mumbled in a hoarse voice as he sunk back into the blankets again.

Rin cast him an adoring look as he released her hand. Delighted at his somewhat groggy words of encouragement, she cuddled closer still, reaching to trail her fingers along his lower lip next. "Well --- good morning to you too," she whispered sweetly.

Sesshoumaru turned his head towards the window, and drew in a deep yawning breath that ended in an odd, rather animalistic, whine. "I should think good afternoon would be more appropriate," he commented matter-of-factly.

Rin's grin widened, not sure what amused her more --- his flat, sarcastic comment or that strange noise he had just made. "Yes, I am sorry --- I guess I have slept-in late."

"Quite late," he replied easily. "Though, I suppose this Sesshoumaru should be grateful that at least now it has stopped raining!"

At that casual reminder of the weather, Rin merely grunted at the sun in annoyance and rolled to her side, great waves of her hair spilling carelessly over her pretty face.

Most astonishingly, Sesshoumaru found himself smiling in response to her uncharacteristically irritated and charmingly lethargic reactions. "Was last night so exhausting? Do not tell me that you are still sleepy?"

The young woman snorted in reply. "Rin is not sleepy --- Rin --- is just --- comfortable." One hazel eye cracked open just a fraction to glower at the bright sunlight again, as she heaved a lazy yawn.

"This Sesshoumaru knows the perfect way to wake you up," he offered seductively, placing a hard kiss on her throat.

Rin blushed profusely, even as her hands moved immediately to rest on his broad shoulders to draw him closer. She giggled at his lusty behavior. "My lord! You are --- you are terrible!" she teased.

Sesshoumaru stiffened instantly. Terrible? His thoughts immediately flashed to his words and conduct the night before. Though he knew the girl merely spoke in jest about his present amorous actions, those innocently spouted words were just too damn --- too damn uncomfortable.

Rin felt him tense beside her and looked up to search his face in concern. "My lord, what is it? Did I say something wrong?"

The demon's eyes narrowed. "No. It is nothing --- nothing." For some reason, his throat felt painfully tight. Sesshoumaru spared a quick glance down at the bedding, feeling a new surge of guilt as his eyes fell upon a small spot of blood staining the blankets. Yes, he would definitely have to tell her about his true intentions and his decisions for their future together --- and --- and soon.

But NOT now when he was too thoroughly contented, and perfectly satisfied to just lay here with her strangely cool body pressed tightly against him. Perhaps he could tell her tomorrow or the day after that? Maybe?

Sesshoumaru reached out to carefully clasp her chin between two long fingers, and pulled her in again for a lasting kiss. All thoughts and doubts were chased away as he felt her begin to tremble. "How --- how do you feel?" he asked when they finally broke apart several long minutes later.

Rin stretched languorously and kicked at the tangled bed-covers. "I feel perfect!" she answered rather giddily.

"Not sore?" the demon asked, fingers brushing over her thigh in the barest hint of a caress. Another shiver trailed down her spine and Rin smiled playfully, rather glad she had pouted and insisted that they remain in bed.

"A bit," she replied in all honesty. "But --- but not enough that --- well --- if you REALLY wanted to do --- all --- that --- again, I mean, I could ---" She squirmed in embarrassment and stared blankly towards the wall.

Sesshoumaru shook his head, and smiled tenderly, imagining how hard it must be for one so shy make such a blatant invitation. Despite himself, he couldn't help but feel captivated by her naiveté. Listen to her! 'Do all that'? Even now, she was still so damn innocent and adorable. He moved to stroke his hand across her back, and pictured how fiercely she would blush when he finally explained the proper terminology of these new acts to her.

Caught in the moment and slightly dazed by the intensity of his current expression, Rin quickly pressed a swift, chaste kiss to his lips. "Ummm, what now? What should we do today?"

"We should do as little as possible," he answered vaguely, his eyes never leaving her mouth.

Rin eyes widened at his far too hungry look. "That sounds --- nice. But I think I should like a bath," she declared, looking over her form with a small frown.

The taiyoukai leaned closer, his words a breath of temptation across her face. "A bath? Then this Sesshoumaru will join you. Afterall, you interrupted mine with your deliberate, bold STARING last night ---"

Rin blushed again, but felt no real need to protest. A bath --- with him?! She shivered with delight at this thoroughly exciting prospect of further shared intimacy, and leapt animatedly from the bed.

The taiyoukai followed her progress with his eyes. The girl was shouting out some utterly cheery nonsense song, while scampering around his room to retrieve her scattered clothing. Gods - what a difference a few hours made. Rin seemed perfectly relaxed and confident to be in such close proximity now --- she no longer appeared to be self-conscious of her body at all. Sesshoumaru inclined his head to admire the perfect view as she dropped her gown to the floor then turned to raid his wardrobes. She rifled through his old garments, singing to herself all the while.

"What are you doing, Aijin?" he asked.

"Nothing. Well, it's just --- these clothes are easier! It was kind of hard to move in that other thing!" She pointed at the discarded gown. "I mean --- it's beautiful! But how can I follow you through the woods if I'm constantly tripping on some long, trailing scrap of silk!"

"Follow this Sesshoumaru?" he echoed. "Am I to understand that you wish to travel again?" He slowly rose from bed to stand behind her.

The demon watched impassively as the young woman turned in surprise to take in his form for the first time in the full light of day. She blushed timidly, only for a second --- then, with increasing sureness, allowed her gaze to trail over the length of his body. When Rin finally met his eyes again, she was smiling as if lost in a rather pleasant memory. Probably the same one he was recalling at that very moment as well, he mused.

She shook her head slowly and licked her lips, trying to remember what they had been discussing before she had been distracted. "Well, what else would we do, my lord? We always wander! You, me, Aun and --- and even Jaken-sama! I wonder what we'll see together this time!" Her tone had taken on that exuberant, bubbling edge he hadn't heard in far too many years. He found himself turning to hide his own smile.

"Yes," Rin concluded absently, not looking back at him. "All I want is to follow you again. And though the kimono are all beautiful, they're most definitely only for around here! And besides --- I kind of preferred wearing your old clothes anyway!" She resumed pawing through his belongings as if they were her own.

The demon lord shook his head in wonder, silver hair rippling down to his calves. "Is that a fact?" he responded, finding himself amazingly caught up in her lighthearted mood. "Well --- this Sesshoumaru simply forbids you to traipse around the countryside in nothing more than an old haori."

"Well, then perhaps, my lord, you would be so kind and generous to provide me with THIS outgrown hakama as well?" She blinked sweetly, holding up a pair that seemed like they might fit.

Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes at her selection. White, of course. Gods --- how old had he been when he could fit in that damn thing, anyway? He squinted at the fabric, amazed that he hadn't gotten rid of something so damn old. He couldn't have been a day over twenty five when he was able to fit in those! The demon was temporarily lost in thought as he was suddenly reminded about his peculiar dream. He couldn't dismiss the fact that his entire childhood extended for decades longer than this girl's WHOLE life span might have if she were still fully mortal.

"Come here," he stated somewhat coldly.

Rin blinked, wondering what had happened. Sesshoumaru-sama had been responding to her cheery mood so well. She couldn't remember saying anything that would cause this sudden look of melancholy or that frigid snap in his tone.

"Sesshoumaru-sama? What is it ---" She never got to finish her words as she found herself dragged back to bed and into the blankets

"Things will be different now," he began sadly. "Things HAVE to be different now. If you wish to follow this Sesshoumaru again, you must make a promise."

"A promise?"

"When I give an order, you must obey. There can be no more of this sentimental foolishness. No displays of weakness. You have to remember that we have many enemies."

"Weakness?" she echoed desolately, as if she hadn't heard his other words.

"The --- affection --- you feel for this Sesshoumaru. You cannot allow it to blind you to danger any longer."

"But, my lord, I-I think that is the whole point of being in love."

"Never-the-less," he stated absently. "I would have your promise."

Rin gulped, wishing that she knew how the mood had become so sour after all the joy and pleasure she had known the night before.

Sesshoumaru's long fingers tightened about her upper arms, the sharp points of his claws digging into her skin just slightly. His beautiful eyes searched hers. "Onegai?" he whispered.

That soft, small pleading word killed any further protest or argument she might have had. Her throat had gone strangely dry, but still she managed to choke her response out. "Y-yes, my lord. I p-promise. Y-yakusoku shimasu."

As if oblivious to her halting, somewhat hurt tone, the taiyoukai flashed a quick, triumphant smile, perfectly satisfied that the matter was fully resolved. He sighed deeply. "That is it then. You will remain with this Sesshoumaru. These Lands are your home. You can take or discard whatever you wish --- but --- will you keep these? Always." Sesshoumaru reached behind the pillows and Rin smiled as he held out those two ornate silver combs. She gasped at the gesture. Though the combs had already been presented to her, the gift was suddenly so much more real, tender and poignant as she received it from his OWN hand.

"Thank you --- of course, I will always wear these." The girl stared down wistfully at the jewels in her hand. "They are too beautiful --- they are almost too much."

Rin felt the unmistakable building of tears and looked up to search his face again to memorize his expression. Sesshoumaru's smile was typically haughty and smug. But, though at first glance it would appear he seemed far too pleased with himself, she couldn't help but note that his eyes were soft and his lashes were half-lowered in shy, self-conscious embarrassment.

Rin gasped. Was that --- was that the same look she'd seen the hanyou direct at Kagome so many times? Sesshoumaru caught her contemplative gaze and quickly turned away.

"Sesshoumaru-sama, will you --- kiss me?!" she cried out, leaning in to him in invitation. He blinked and turned back to her, but the caring look she had been hoping to see again was gone, replaced by something darker.

"Kuchizuke wo ageru zo!" he growled savagely, rolling her unto his lap.

Suddenly, both their head shot up in alarm, as a loud, panting squawk came echoing down the corridor. "Sesshoumaru-sama!!!! Oh my lord! Come quick! This Jaken has looked everywhere! It is Rin --- Rin is GONE!!!"

Sesshoumaru brushed his heavy bangs away from his eyes. His expression was utterly amused as his glance shifted from the girl above him to the toad's silhouette, arms now flailing frantically outside the door.

Rin failed to see the humor in the situation; she was desperate and anxious about how the discovery of her presence here might play out. She covered her mouth to stifle her worried groan.

Jaken waited outside his master's bedchamber, tapping his clawed feet against the wooden floor as he tightened his grip on the Nintojou. His lord was NOT rousing quickly enough! Perhaps he should convey the true seriousness of the situation. Perhaps he should confess that he shared some rather strong liquor with the girl last night! The tiny youkai clapped his three-fingered hand to his warty face, as visions of his indiscretion and the previous evening's sake drinking episode replayed in his mind.

Damn --- even before Rin had begun drinking, she HAD been rather emotional and upset! What if the little ningen girl did something foolish in her addled state --- something utterly ridiculous like wandering off the cliffs or tumbling into the waves or skipping merrily off the grounds and into the jaws of some nasty youkai!

Jaken scowled. Over the years, she'd proven herself prone to falling into those very situations anyway, even despite his best attempts to play protector and chaperone!!! He didn't even want to imagine what other forms of trouble she could get into while intoxicated! As his thoughts grew increasingly morbid, he suddenly pictured his master cleaving him in two with Toukijin, rather than the Tenseiga this time.

"My lord!" the toad moaned in terror, banging his fist on the doorframe. "I went to rouse the lazy little thing but - but she was not in her room! In fact, her bed was not slept in at all!"

He paced back and forth rapidly. Still --- nothing. No signs of movement!

In a pique of frazzled nerves, Jaken yanked the screen open without waiting for further permission to enter, seeking to throw himself at his master's knees to plead for mercy. "It is all this Jaken's fault!" The small youkai's wails were ceased instantly by a shrill, piercing and obviously female shriek. His head jerked up to the horrible sight of his missing charge, naked and draped rather lewdly across his master's lap.

"GET OUT!!!" Sesshoumaru barked in outrage, pressing Rin tighter to his chest and pulling the blankets up to protect her modesty. Both the toad and the girl had clamped their hands over their eyes in unqualified mortification.

Jaken stumbled back, fumbling for the doorway blindly. "Oh dear! I mean --- I didn't know --- I mean you hate humans! Well, I mean I KNOW you don't hate this girl, but --- well, you do not like her more than she deserves --- " the toad stuttered. "I mean, I thought this might happen but ---"

"DETE IKE!!! I SAID GET OUT!" Sesshoumaru bellowed once more.

As the door slid closed again, Rin looked up sheepishly, suddenly afraid of how her master would respond to Jaken's flustered reaction. She didn't imagine THIS was the way he'd prefer his long time servant to discover the remarkable change in their relationship. In all honesty, the young woman wasn't exactly thrilled herself. She tucked the blankets around her chest and waited for her master to say something.

When Sesshoumaru finally did speak, his first statement did nothing to relieve her amazement and shock. His imperious voice boomed out, his words directed NOT at her, but at the rapidly retreating toad. "Jaken!" he shouted. "Make yourself useful and draw a bath! Then begin moving this girl's belongings to this chamber. It is hers now as well."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sango sighed in exasperation as Kaisei spit her food out in obvious protest. At the current moment, the taijiya mused, her child had MORE 'breakfast' on her chin then in her belly. Kami --- the stubborn little thing was such a finicky eater! And, what was worse, her fussy behavior had grown to extend beyond her poor table manners and eating habits of late --- especially now that she sensed her parents were about to leave her again! Kaisei was a clever little girl, and Sango couldn't help but note that her large violet eyes were firmly fixed on the Hiriakotsu rather than the contents of her bowl right now.

The weak, watery glow of the early winter sun filled the modest hut. They had hoped to leave at daybreak, but --- but daybreak had long since past. Things weren't quite so simple as when they had first embarked on their quest to regain the Shikon no Tama. There were so many more responsibilities and so many new things to worry about now. With a pained look, Sango hurriedly pulled her daughter out of her rumpled nightclothes. Kaisei continued to resist her, squirming and wriggling to get down to the floor where Kirara waited, sprawled on the cool stones of the hearth. The fire-cat mewled impatiently, hoping to receive the child's leftovers.

"NO, no --- down!" the toddler cried grumpily.

"Yes --- yes, down." The demon exterminator repeated with a sigh, silently cursing the day her sweet little girl had first learned the word 'NO'. "But hold still, sweet! Oh, little girl --- where is your Father?"

Kaisei turned towards the doorway, grinning broadly. "Touchan!?" she asked, gesturing outside with her chubby fist.

Sango's mildly disapproving maternal look disappeared at that word and at the delighted look currently lighting her child's face. She brushed at her damp eyes, filling sick with herself for acting like this was all too much. The mundane 'drudgery' of domestic life was no burden, really. Afterall, this would be the last morning at home until --- until she just couldn't say. Within the hour, they would all depart for the Northern Lands, and travel to Kouga's domain, and --- and were they to really encounter Naraku, who knew when she would see her daughter again. If ever.

The child smiled up at HER now, bored with waiting at the entryway for her errant father. As she tried to goad her mother into a chase, or, at the very least, a tickle fight, Sango was forced to turn her head fully to mask her many tears.

This couldn't go on much longer.

Not just for her daughter's sake but --- but for Miroku's as well. Just how much time did she have left with her husband anyway? Sango numbly remembered how aggressively she had pressed Mushin in private with questions about the young priest's father and his tragically early demise. How old was HE when he was consumed by his Kazaana? How much warning did HE have?

The one question she didn't have to ask was whether or not his death was quick or agonizingly slow. Afterall, by now, she had SEEN the answer on occasions too numerous to count and witnessed the horrible truth every time Miroku opened his own wind tunnel. How the enemy would fight and scream, resisting till the last of their strength was sapped, and they were shredded into pieces to disappear down into hell --- never to be seen again. It was pure, terrifying agony for the victim. And --- and if things did not change soon, SHE would have to witness that same fear in HIS eyes when he was ultimately consumed by his own curse.

Her sinister thoughts were interrupted by a small groan behind her.

Sango turned to look down at the source of the noise, eyes immediately fixing on Kohaku in concern. Damn! She'd caught him wincing in pain for too many days now, and she watched in helpless frustration as he put down his own breakfast bowl to press his hands tightly against his temples.

"Kokaku?" she questioned, as he slumped over by the fireside. She raced to his aid, brushing his hands away impatiently to press her own fingers against his burning forehead. "Kohaku? What's wrong? You're not eating? Are you still feeling unwell?"

"Don't worry, Aneue. I'm alright," the boy murmured, staring morosely off into the east. He reached up and loosened the collar of his leather battle- gear, and pulled the tie free from his high, tight pony-tail, releasing his damp, sweaty hair to spill down past his shoulders. Gods --- his back was killing him again, and he felt so drained, as though he had just raced for miles upon miles without stop.

"What hurts?" Sango pressed on. She reached out again to tap her finger against his lightly freckled nose wishing to see him smile again, if only for a moment. "Can I get Kaede-sama to prepare some medicine? Or perhaps we can ask Kagome for some of the remedies from her own world?"

Kohaku forced a small, fatigued grin. "No, no --- It's nothing. I'll be fine."

"Alright," Sango answered uneasily, returning to inspect her weapons and poison shield. The apprehensive woman turned and noted the high position of the sun with growing dread. Any minute now, she would get the call and they would all be on their way. She folded her hands and babbled on easily, mostly just to make herself feel a little less wretched inside. "Inuyasha wants to depart for the northern mountains at once, you know. It will be an exhausting trip. Not just because of the length of the journey, but because when we arrive we'll have to listen to those two bicker constantly!"

The young woman released her first genuine laugh that whole morning. "Honestly, despite ALWAYS possessing Kagome's heart and love --- the way our hanyou still gets around that wolf! I mean, that demon's been happily settled for years now, but Inuyasha will just never forget that Kouga FIRST had designs on HIS little miko --- before he accepted the rather 'insistent and aggressive' proposal of the Lady Ayame's clan, that is!"

She cast another fond glance over their humble home, seeking to memorize every tiny detail, right down to the very grain of the polished floorboards, before continuing in her light voice. "Gods --- Inuyasha will never trust Kouga!" she repeated for emphasis, trying to snap her focus back into the upcoming journey.

"Funny, isn't it then, that the half-breed should be SO careless as to trust me?" Kohaku muttered thickly under his breath. He ran a flat stone along the edge of his sickle blade with deliberate slowness.

Sango looked up in sudden bewilderment, cringing slightly at the high- pitched, scraping noise of the sharpening tool. Did her brother just say what she thought he said? Did she hear him right? Just now, Kohaku's voice had become so dead --- so empty. Her eyes narrowed in unease as she observed that his hands were moving ever so strangely; they were trembling almost as if he had no control over them at all!

"What did you say?" she finally gasped, completely taken aback by his rather gloomy, ominous words and odd actions. "Kohaku --- are you sure you don't want to go to Kaede's?"

The young man shook his head with a start, his eyes and expression instantaneously clear and contrite. "Hmmmm? Oh - nothing, Aneue. I don't know where that comment came from, really," he mumbled. "Bad joke, I suppose."

Sango rose to her feet and hurriedly finished packing her supplies, then moved to clear away the rest of the morning meal. She wiped off Kaisei's tiny bamboo spoon with an especially sharp pang of regret, and placed it in a small travel bag to bring to Kaede's home. Gods --- how she envied every moment every moment the old miko got to spend with her child while she was off fighting. With a small sigh, she grabbed a wet cloth and moved to clean the chubby toddler herself, pulling the little girl away from the now purring Kirara and into her own lap again.

"I can't believe I have to leave her again so soon," she murmured, cuddling her daughter impossibly close. "Especially after all that happened last time."

Kaisei stirred and looked up at her mother's soft words, reaching out to pat her cheek, while babbling happily about her 'kitty'. Sango lay her battle-scarred hand on the child's head, then ran her fingers through her glossy black hair.

"Kaisei favors our family, doesn't she?" she commented. She nudged her brother's shoulder firmly, seeking to keep him from withdrawing again. Kohaku's eyes shot open in utter surprise, and she couldn't help but notice how strangely out of focus they appeared to be.

"Huh? Oh --- un, but she has her father's eyes," he answered quietly. "The boys will chase after her one day."

"Boys?" came a deeper, slightly panicked male voice from the doorway. "SHE will not be allowed near THEM until she is twenty."

Sango's eyebrows arched as Miroku finally entered the hut. "Ha! Listen to these ridiculous rules coming from the most corrupt pervert of all time!"

"Once again your words wound me, my beautiful wife." The handsome priest reached down to scoop up the giggling child dancing excitedly at his feet. With his free arm, he pulled Sango to his side, nuzzling his face into her fragrant hair.

Kohaku grinned at their flirting and tender embrace at first, and then turned away as he heard a soft sob. He watched sadly as the houshi tightened his desperate grip around his sister's trembling shoulders. The moment was very bitter but, somehow, he found he couldn't help but feel so very happy for his older sibling as well, despite the grim outlook of her fate. In her late teenage years, at the height of her profession, he remembered how Sango had often been too serious, severe and grave --- almost too damn joyless. This irreverent young priest gave her so much love. Miroku had made her happy again, if only for a short while.

Kohaku's look darkened. Yes, Sango had found happiness again, even despite all HE had done under Naraku's evil control.

Despite all he had done?! Come now, Kohaku, a sinister voice in his mind suddenly whispered. What did you REALLY do that was so terrible?

What do you mean? I-I killed my own father, he answered in shock.

Yes, but wasn't Father always so harsh, so critical? Really, didn't he deserve to die?

Kohaku cried out and dropped a simple earthenware plate with a resounding clatter. What? Where the hell did THAT thought come from? He swayed on his feet and nearly swooned.

In an instant, both Sango and Miroku were at his side.

"See --- you are sick!" his sister chided testily. "Is that wound in your leg, the one from Sesshoumaru, is it still infected? Come here! I think you have a fever!" She cast a quick glance up at her husband for support. Miroku's eyes were filled with confusion and sincere concern as well. "Kohaku-kun," he whispered patiently. "Maybe Sango is right. Maybe you should stay behind. At least --- at least until you're feeling well enough to travel."

Kohaku collapsed weakly into his sleeping pallet. "Yeah, I think --- maybe you're right."

At that moment, Shippou burst past the reed mat covering the doorway. "You guys all set?" he questioned. The kitsune flashed a wry, sneaky grin and let out a conspiratorial whisper. "Afterall, WAN-CHAN NO OU-SAMA is ready to go."

"Wan-Chan no Ou-sama?" Sango repeated. "The king of the puppies?"

"Yeah," Shippou answered flippantly. "My new secret name for Inuyasha! Damn - he is in a foul mood today. And all because of the prospect of dealing with ---" The fox's deep voice trailed off and, in an instant, his shape shifted and he transformed into a perfect replica of Kagome. "All because prospect of dealing with ---- Kouga-kuuuun!" he whined in a falsetto voice, a perfect imitation of the miko's own. There was a loud resounding pop as he once again resumed his true form and flopped down next to Kohaku. "Ha! You would have loved it!" he laughed, nudging his friend in the ribs. "Inuyasha even got under Kagome's skin! She even tried to sit him once --- though the necklace is history! Between his nerves and her hormones --- bwa ha ha ha!" The kitsune's emerald eyes settled on his surprisingly silent best-friend. "Hey Kohaku-kun? What's the matter with you? You look like hell!"

Kohaku smiled weakly then closed his eyes again with another soft groan. Shippou shot a rather worried glance up at Miroku and Sango.

Sango's breath exploded in an angry huff. "He's not feeling well and he won't go to Kaede's like I told him to! Maybe YOU can talk some sense into him, Shippou-kun."

"Is that true, Kohaku?" the fox asked. "Maybe, I should wait here with you --- for a few hours, at least."

"No --- you go, Shippou," the young man rasped, readjusting his blankets about him and turning into the wall. "Please, I'll be alright. If Kouga is correct --- if he really knows where Naraku is hiding --- then you'd better get to him as soon as possible. It's fine. This probably is just another fever brought on by the wound in my leg." He sat up swiftly. "Just leave Kaisei with me. She'll probably be more comfortable here in our own home for the night. Tomorrow, when my strength returns, I'll bring her to Kaede's, and then I'll come after you."

Sango knelt down beside him. "Alright, my brother, but please only follow us if you're feeling better? Do I have your word?"

Kohaku snorted up at his overprotective sibling. That condescending, stifling, coddling, little show-off --- always telling HIM what to do!! He gasped in surprise at his thoughts, but managed to keep his next words calm.

"Of course, Aneue --- WE, I mean --- I promise."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Glossary:

The names of the MY mini-invented characters - Kaisei is 'sea star' (figured Sango's name means 'coral' so why not!?) Sesseika means 'life destroying flower' (Whatever!)!

Aneue - honored older sister

Chichiue - honored father

Dete ike - GET OUT!

Hahaue - honored mother

Kuchizuke wo ageru zo! - I'll GIVE you a kiss!

Komusume - translated as 'little girl' but very derogatory as in "little bitch!" (Sesseika is general implying that the centipede has a bit of a weight problem. Can't imagine any 'woman' would be happy with that insult!)

Ningen - human (I've used this 70 million times, I guess we all know what it means now!)

Onore - you (very disrespectful, like "you bitch!")

Touchan - "daddy"!

Yakusoku shimasu - I promise.


THANKS NOTOES! THANKS MANON!