AN: Just a quick explanation. A while back I introduced a new female character to 'my Inuyasha universe'. Motoko is totally my invention so don't go thinking you missed something in the anime/manga. If you'd like read about her, please refer to my story titled - Sesshomaru's Fight. Okay, then - please enjoy!
Expectations
Jaken yawned and stretched lazily. Sleepy eyes opened slowly and looked around before Jaken jerkily sat up. He'd overslept! "Awk! I-I'm sorry! Oh, Lord Sessh – !" Jaken froze and broke off when Sesshomaru's golden eyes stared hard at him. It was then that Jaken noticed that they had company. Seeing little Rin leaning over Ah-Un's back watching their lord, Jaken hurried over to the girl to find out what was going on.
"It's a good thing you woke up on your own or Lord Sesshomaru would have kicked you awake - again." The girl cut laughing eyes at him before looking back to Sesshomaru. Picking up a piece of fruit she handed it to the imp.
"What's going on? Who's Lord Sesshomaru talking to?"
"A messenger from the dog demon clan, Lady Motoko's village!" Rin said in an excited hush.
"Ohh!" Jaken blinked then shifted until he could see the messenger. It was a dog demon. He was young though. The boy just reached Lord Sesshomaru's chest and his dark hair only reached to his shoulders. There was even a pelt curving around his right shoulder, falling down to the middle of his back so there was no denying what kind of demon he was. Plus there was this presence about all dog demons and this kid had it.
"What's the message? Is there more trouble? Lord Sesshomaru will be upset if they let themselves get attacked again!" The two stood behind Ah-Un leaning over his back. The twosome ate their breakfast but their eyes never left Sesshomaru and his visitor, even Ah-Un's two heads were focused on the dog demons.
"No, I don't think its bad news. I heard him mention Lady Motoko's name before they walked away." Rin's voice now sounded doubtful. "I hope she's okay." Rin thought back to the time when she'd come across the injured she-demon. Lady Motoko was very beautiful and though Rin knew she was still very young compared to demons, even she could feel the attraction between her lord and the lady. The two of them had grown close while they'd worked to save Lady Motoko's village. Rin didn't want any harm to come to someone Lord Sesshomaru cared about.
Sesshomaru stared over the boy's shoulder then turned and walked over to his companions. "The next time you aren't ready, I'll leave you behind." Cold words flowed over Jaken.
"Y-yes my lord. Sorry. Umm, is there trouble? Is Lady Motoko well?" The imp dared to ask, his curiosity too great to remain quiet.
When Sesshomaru did not speak, the young demon stepped forward and smiled down at the two. "Greetings. My name is Daiki, a friend of Lady Motoko's. Not to worry, she is well. In fact the lady is coming for a visit." He laughed to see their delighted faces. "Yes, she sent me on ahead to find Lord Sesshomaru and to give him the information."
"Ah! Good! It will be nice to see the lady again won't it my lord?" Jaken's smile disappeared as Sesshomaru stared off into the distance. "Uh, well, yes. Daiki, I am Jaken and this is Rin."
"Yes, I know." Again he smiled at them for Daiki had no animosity for humans. My lady spoke fondly of both of you." He was about to say more when he jerked upright and looked in the same direction as Sesshomaru. "My lord?"
Sesshomaru's eyes looked back at Daiki. "So you noticed? There are four hiding in the trees."
"Four?" Daiki lifted his head and sniffed the air and it was then that he detected the rest of them. He'd only been aware of two. Daiki looked over at Sesshomaru in admiration and knew he could learn a lot from him. He wished he could spend more time in Sesshomaru's company. Daiki knew he could postpone the visit to the next village since no one was expecting him but since he'd already delivered the message, what excuse could he use to stay? "Shall we take them on my lord?"
Suddenly Sesshomaru turned his back on the threat and went towards Rin. "No. Let them make the first move. It should be interesting. Rin?"
Rin had been looking into the forest but knew she couldn't see as well as the rest of them. "Yes my lord?" She watched Sesshomaru sink gracefully down to the ground and lean against a tree. "Stay close to Ah-Un."
"Okay! Master Daiki would you like some fruit?" Rin knew that dog demons didn't necessarily eat human food but she was the only female around and it fell to her to be the polite hostess.
Daiki looked down at the little girl. He'd come across humans before and always when they got too close and realized that he was a demon, the fear was instant. He'd even killed some humans when in fear they panicked and attacked him but this little girl showed no fear. This child, Rin smiled at him and treated him with respect. If more humans were like this one, relations between demons and humans would be much friendlier.
"Thank you little one. In fact, I do enjoy human fruit." Daiki laughed at her delight. She reached for his hand and he gave it to her willingly. Together they walked over to Ah-Un where he lay by the fire. It had been cool that morning and the fire was there to chase away the morning chill. Daiki sat and took the fruit she held out to him.
Sesshomaru watched carefully and relaxed his shoulders. He didn't care what others thought of his relationship with Rin but he would not see her hurt by some unfeeling or hateful demon either. Motoko had obviously considered this when she picked out her messenger. Daiki was a good choice; he was respectful and polite to Rin.
The wind blew gently scattering about the dew on the grass and leaves. It was a beautiful morning even with unwanted demons lurking near. Sesshomaru sensed the demons moving closer but an attack was not imminent so he closed his eyes and waited, determined to enjoy the morning and the knowledge that his wife would soon be joining him.
Rin had just asked Jaken what they should have for lunch when Lord Sesshomaru got lazily to his feet. He walked by the others and looked to the mountains in the distance. He spoke quietly, "They come."
Daiki acting as if nothing was happening reached out and ran a fingertip over one of the faces on Jaken's staff. "You say one shoots fire?"
Jaken was about to explain when from down out of the sky, four demons burst from the treetops. "Ahh! Help!" He hollered, grabbed up his staff and ran for cover.
"Ah-Un." Sesshomaru spoke and the two-headed dragon moved to protect Rin from harm. Sesshomaru turned releasing his whip. A huge demon eye was split in two then with a small movement of his wrist a hump-backed demon with two-mouths was diced.
Daiki only released his sword when he was sure that Rin was safe. He twirled the sword once over his wrist then sent it backwards into the belly of a demon. Daiki pulled the sword free and focused on the second demon. He dodged a blow from an ax by a few strands of black hair and sliced the ogre's head off. From his blindside, the first demon rushed to attack again and Daiki only just turned in time to escape a fatal blow. Instead he got deep gouges in his left arm before he cut off the offending hand whose claws were stained with his blood. Raising his sword, Daiki moved forward quickly and before the demon could see its hand hit the ground, Daiki's sword cut an X into the demon's chest.
It let out a startled howl before falling heavily to the ground. Silence overtook them as the skirmish ended. Birds that had taken flight once again landed in the trees chirping loudly and on the wind was the scent of death.
Rin peeked around Ah-Un's body and seeing that the fight was over moved to Sesshomaru's side. "Well that was quick."
"Of course! No weak demons such as these would ever be a challenge for my lord!" Jaken stated as he came out from behind a tree. Boldly he walked over the beheaded ogre and kicked its body.
"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru. You did not move from where you stood and killed both demons. It seems I still have a lot to learn." Daiki bowed and smiled at Sesshomaru before he sat down before the fire and looked at his arm.
"Oh! You're hurt! Master Jaken, please fetch me some water!" Rin commanded as she moved to look at Daiki's injury. Gently she used a clean cloth to mop up some of the blood.
"You should not worry Rin. It'll heal soon enough." Daiki smiled at her tense little face.
"I know but it will heal even quicker if it's kept clean and bandaged." She spoke seriously. Just then Jaken arrived with a bowl of water. "Hold still please. I learned how to do this from Kagome. She's very good at healing." Copious amounts of blood were always hard to deal with so to distract herself, Rin explained who Kagome was. "Kagome is Inuyasha's special friend. Oh and Inuyasha is Lord Sesshomaru's brother." Rin kept talking not really paying attention to what she was saying. "Kagome's really nice. She always treats me like a little sister."
Very methodically, Rin cleaned the wounds, used some herbs she kept with her then bandaged the arm. "There! It'll be better in no time!" She stepped back and grinned at Daiki, very proud of herself.
"Yes, I think it will be. Thank you Rin." He could tell that she was waiting for his approval and he gave it willingly. She was an adorable human child, very easy to like.
"You have a very capable person traveling with you Lord Sesshomaru." Daiki looked up in time to see the demon's eyes move from Rin to look out into the forest. Daiki suspected Sesshomaru had been watching and listening to them but didn't want them to know that.
Indeed Sesshomaru had watched. Rin with her little features concentrating on helping Daiki. She was a simple child and asked for nothing. He was glad that Daiki's minor injury had allowed her to practice the skills she'd learned from that girl Kagome – Inuyasha's special friend.
"Yes." Sesshomaru agreed then looked down at Rin, feeling her eyes on him. "Well done." Golden eyes watched as the girl flushed with pleasure. "Jaken, make yourself useful and dispose of these bodies." Coldness returned to his voice as he commanded Jaken.
Used to his master's ways, Jaken did not take too much offense at having to move the bits and pieces of demons that were scattered around. Sighing he got work as he listened to Rin question Daiki.
"Lady Motoko is coming soon?" She sat again next to Ah-Un and put away the things she'd used on Daiki's arm.
"Yes, in a few days. There was a meeting she could not miss so she did not come with me as planned. We were to travel together because we were going in the same direction. The lady knew of your whereabouts and I was heading for a village past that mountain there." Daiki pointed out a snow peek in the distance. "I have family there but our plans changed when this meeting came up. She sent me on to tell you that she would be coming soon. Since you are always on the move and she did not want to miss you, Lady Motoko asked me to deliver a message saying that she was coming for a visit and requesting that you would stay in this area for a while."
"We will, won't we Lord Sesshomaru?" Rin looked over him.
Sesshomaru nodded his head once. "We will wait for her."
Daiki stood having come to a decision and went to stand before Sesshomaru. "Would you mind if I stay with you until she arrives? The lady may have a message for me to take along to the next village." Daiki found he was nervous as he waited for an answer. Lord Sesshomaru was so unlike the demons of his village. He appeared cold and distant. Most of the demons he knew held themselves with dignity and respect but there was something more to Sesshomaru. Quickly Daiki got down on one knee and bent his head, fearing that maybe he hadn't shown the proper amount of respect to the son and heir of the great dog demon general. He also wished to learn more about the brother - half demon Inuyasha. Daiki's biggest asset or in some opinions, his biggest fault was his curiosity.
Sesshomaru was amused but he did not show it. So the young demon wished to stay as they waited for Motoko? Sesshomaru looked over at Rin who was rubbing Ah-Un's long neck. The boy could be of some amusement for her and protection once Motoko arrived. Sesshomaru wanted some time alone with his lady. Daiki could be a welcome guest for a day or two.
"You may stay and Rin will see to your arm." Those golden eyes stared at Daiki as he spoke.
Daiki looked up and got the message. Both knew that his arm would probably be healed by the next day. He could stay and spend his time with Rin and if he guessed correctly, watch over the girl as Sesshomaru properly greeted his mate. "Thank you my lord. I'm sure Rin will take good care of me." Daiki stood and bowed before joining the little girl at the campfire.
The next two days passed by peacefully. Rin was delighted to have someone new to take care of and talk to. She entertained Daiki with tales of Sesshomaru's battles and of course Jaken had to put his two cents in and compete with the child.
If Daiki wasn't already impressed by just being near Sesshomaru, he was now after listening to Sesshomaru's companions. He also learned that they loved him – it was obvious in the way they spoke and looked at him, though he often wondered at it because Lord Sesshomaru rarely said a word. He was indulgent to the child and cold to the imp. They were in fact a strange little group but…they were family.
The third morning came with a cool chill in the air. Sesshomaru saw Rin shiver in her sleep and got up and went to her. The sun was just coming up and the girl would sleep a few hours more. Gently and with a small smile that no one could see, Sesshomaru pulled the blanket up over the child's shoulders. He smoothed back her hair as she turned in her sleep and at the opening of her kimono, Sesshomaru could see a scar beneath her clothes. A rush of anger so intense flowed through him as he remembered how Rin had received the scar. The bastard was dead but Sesshomaru would love to revive him and kill him again.
Rin hummed in her sleep and her small hand came to rest over his as he gently touched the scar. The anger melted away at seeing her absolute trust in him. In his mind, Sesshomaru heard his father's voice asking him if he had someone to protect. One long finger stroked the child's warm flesh. I will protect what's mine!
Gently Sesshomaru withdrew his hand and stood. There was a wind and with it came a familiar scent. Sesshomaru allowed himself another smile. She was on her way. Motoko, his wife would arrive this day.
Daiki had caught the lady's scent as well when he'd woken up. He noticed that Lord Sesshomaru's eyes were staring up into the hills waiting to catch sight of Lady Motoko.
He looked to Rin and Jaken fussing about who should go pick fruit. The two often argued but it was never hateful and often comical. "You know, maybe you both should go. Lady Motoko will be arriving soon and you could present some to her."
Rin spun around and ran up to him. "Really? You're sure?" Rin bounced up and down on her toes. She would get to see Lady Motoko again! "Jaken! You get the fruit; I've got to make a wreath of flowers for her hair!" Rin yelled as she headed for some wild flowers yards away.
"Rin." Sesshomaru spoke instantly freezing her movements. He watched as she turned to face him a smile conveying her joy. "Come." A kind expression came into his eyes as Rin skipped over to him then sat beneath his arm.
"Yes my lord?" Rin loved being next to him. She felt cherished when he surrounded her as he was now. His hand rested against her small hip and his pelt curled about her feet.
"Lady Motoko will not arrive before afternoon. The flowers can wait awhile. Alright?" Sesshomaru could feel Daiki's gaze and ignored it as he looked down into Rin's face.
Rin felt humbled to see the excitement in Lord Sesshomaru's eyes. He so rarely showed emotion but now he was sharing what he was feeling with her. Both of them could hardly wait to be with Lady Motoko. Rin still wanted to get up and start preparing for her arrival but if Lord Sesshomaru said she would not arrive 'til afternoon, then she would gladly wait here beside him until she arrived. Rin laid her head beneath the spikes on his armor and nodded. "You're right; I want the flowers to be fresh for her. I'll stay by your side." Rin spoke from the heart meaning now and forever.
It was a tender scene and Daiki felt privileged to witness it. His smile soon turned to laughter a moment later. Daiki had to cover his mouth when Jaken tried to act casually as he went over to the pair and flattered his master in the hope of getting a spot next to Sesshomaru too but the dog demon totally ignored the imp. Family yes, but weird.
Motoko had their scents and knew that in a matter of moments she would be with them again. Little Rin with her courage and love to stay beside Sesshomaru without a care as to what other humans thought. Boastful Jaken with his bravado and loyalty to Sesshomaru and Sesshomaru himself. The dog demon who pushed everyone away and did thing his own way. Most thought him cold but Motoko knew the heat that he hid from the world. Her lover, her husband, the demon she loved – Lord Sesshomaru. Motoko could not wait to put her arms around his hard body once more.
She entered the open field, trees at her back and there they were, waiting for her. Sesshomaru stood tall and she could see the love in his eyes. Jaken not to be left out started running behind Rin carrying a bowl of fruit while Rin held a beautiful wreath of flowers. She would wear them and nothing else for Sesshomaru later. And Daiki was there too behind them smiling his welcome.
"Rin! My child, come!" Motoko knelt and caught the girl in her arms. Rin was Sesshomaru's and since she was now his mate, Rin was her's as well. Tiny human arms circled her neck and Motoko felt a mother's love.
"We missed you." Rin whispered in Motoko's ear and felt tears wet her eyes.
Motoko almost wept herself to feel Rin's love. I missed you too. Hello Jaken." Motoko bent down to pat the imp on his head. "Have you been taking care of our lord?"
"Of course, my lady! He is healthy and patiently awaits your arrival!" Jaken bent at the waist and held out a hand for Motoko to walk ahead of him at the same time barely balancing the bowl of fruit in his other hand.
"Yes! He can't wait to be with you!" Rin chimed in innocently.
Motoko held in a laugh and knew that the child spoke the truth for her and for Sesshomaru. She looked to the demon only yards away from her. Would he touch her now or would he wait until they could be alone? And just when could they be alone? There was Rin after all.
Motoko still held Rin in her arms when she stopped before Sesshomaru. She bent her head and curtsied, "My lord, it is good to see you again."
She was beautiful. Motoko his lady, mate and wife. In her arms, she held their…child – Rin. They were his. Sesshomaru reached out his hand and cupped Motoko's cheek. "My lady."
It turned out those were the last words he said to her and it was Rin's name that was yelled before he disappeared before their eyes, his swords dropping to the ground.
AN: The scars Sesshomaru reacts over happen in another story of mine called Discovering New Emotions. In case, you didn't know, all of my Inuyasha stories connect to one another. You don't necessarily have to read the others but in case you wanted to, I thought I'd let you know where some of the information was coming from.