Disclaimer: Rumiko Takahashi owns the characters in this story.
A Journey Forever…Through Time and Wander
Chapter Two- New Discoveries
The walls are a rich red wood, and every beam glossy and beautiful. The floor a rich red as well, and nearly all noises can be heard. From footsteps to conversations, although living amongst dog demons, footsteps are barely heard. The wide corridors are long, and built strong. And the temperature of the halls are not too cold, and not too warm.
Rin pads against the floor gently, humming as she goes. Remembering the walls, as she does every time she returns. Opening the door to the bathhouse, she begins removing the flowers from her hair. This is bliss. Life is blissful for her. More than she could have wanted, and all that she has come to love.
Four Years Ago from the Present…
"I wonder where we are headed?" Walking behind her lord. She glances around and the forest is thick. This place is new to her. She follows him, no matter where he may go. She notices the soundlessness of the place, but focuses on remembering where she is.
They camp that night and travel another day. And there it is, in a large clearing, high in the sky, a castle. She wonders if they've returned to his mother's home, but doesn't ask yet. The closer they get to the stairs, the more curious she gets. Until she leans over and asks.
"Master Jaken, are we returning to Lord Sesshomaru's mother's castle?"
Jaken is wondering the same thing, but notes that while this place is high above like his lords mothers home, the surrounding forest is different.
"Uh…Lord Sesshomaru, who are we visiting?" There is no reply, but they continue ascending the stairs.
At the top, there are guards that bow in respect and Rin is just too curious too resist.
"Lord Sesshomaru, who are we visiting?" She repeats the same question Jaken has asked.
"This is my home now Rin." They pause and look around, shocked and stunned. But Sesshomaru keeps walking, until he notices that they are not following. He turns to look at them, waiting for them to follow, but they don't, they are too captivated by where they are.
"Come. This way."
That snaps them out of their thoughts, and they follow suit. They are brought to an audience room, and he sends for servants. There they wait. After nearly half an hour, the room is busy with people moving about. After a number of servants have come and gone, he addresses Rin.
"Rin, Kameko will be your lady-in-waiting."
There is a woman sitting before Sesshomaru, head bowed in respect. Rin looks shocked, not understanding all that is happening around her. She looks at her lord, reading his face, his eyes, and he is serious. This is a personal assistant, her personal assistant. This strange demoness walks over to her, and gives a polite bow.
"Lady Rin." Her jaw drops, she's never been called 'lady' and she is vaguely aware that Jaken's mouth is gaping open too.
"This way my lady." She says, as she gently grasps Rin's hand to lead her upright and urge her to follow.
Present Time…
Returning from her bath, she enters her room, and begins to dress, only to be interrupted, right on time, by her ladies in waiting.
The room is being lit by the falling sun, no longer at its highest place in the sky. Kameko is assisting Rin in dressing in a beautiful collection of kimono and robes. While Rin's second lady-in-waiting, Azumi, is handing clothing to Kameko.
Azumi is more business than Kameko, but is polite, kind and gentle nonetheless. She is quiet, and is sure that anytime she speaks, it's meaningful. She sits demurely during her task, and keeps her face warm and inviting, despite the little conversation she offers.
Kameko's eyes are blue, piercing and strong. They gleam without light. Her lips are gentle, her features are delicate and her face relaxed. Her hair is blonde, a honey blonde, while her complexion is pale.
Azumi is taller than Kameko, though Kameko is not as short as a human woman by any means. Azumi's hair falls to reach her hips, and is colored in the most unique of ways. While there are definitely strands of silver within her hair, overall, her hair appears to be a light blue, almost matching the sky. While her eyes are narrow and violet.
"How were your travels lady Rin?" Kameko asks, smirking as she anticipates Rin's response.
"You don't have to call me 'lady' Kameko." Rin replies, knowing it is futile. Kameko has called her Lady Rin since she first arrived, and will most definitely continue to do so.
"It is your title, my lady." Kameko responds. This exchange is typical, they never truly argue about it. She begins wondering when Rin will stop insisting that she call her just Rin instead of 'lady'.
Rin sighs, and looks out of the window, admiring the gardens that she is now eager to explore. She has explored them so many times that she remembers every detail like she remembers her lord.
Rin is fourteen now, and taller than when she first came into the world of demons. The crown of her head comes a little above her lords waist instead of his knee. Her hair is beginning to grow longer, now falling to her waist. She still wears a ponytail on the top side of her head. Her features are maturing into that of a young woman, and her body is beginning to fill-out. Curves growing where there were none before.
"Dinner will begin in a short while my lady, don't be long."
Rin smiles at Kameko's observations. Kameko knows that Rin will run into the gardens as soon as she can. Although she doesn't pick the flowers as she used too, she still returns to the gardens and occasionally plucks a flower or two and plants some as well.
"I'll try. Will you come and get me if I lose track of time?"
"As usual?"
She frowns a little, Kameko is being sarcastic. But it's true, once she's outside, she forgets almost everything else. Well, not everything, as visions of Sesshomaru come to mind. Kameko is giggling behind her, and it causes Rin to start a warm laugh, remembering the same days that her friend is remembering.
Five Years Ago from the Present…
"I wonder where we are headed today? Lord Sesshomaru said that he was looking for something again today."
The days sun is bright and the breeze is comforting. She is walking alongside her lord, twirling a lovely flower in front of her face. She was humming a few seconds ago, but decides to recite the song in her thoughts. The grass in the glade is tall, and she's beginning to believe that she knows of where they are.
The more she begins to believe that she is remembering where she is, the less her flower twirls, and the less the lyrics to her song are recited.
A stairway comes into view, and Lord Sesshomaru ascends them without concern. She knows where they are, and though her last visit here was far from a pleasant one, she is still curious to learn and see more of it.
"Oh, Sesshomaru, for what do I owe the honor? Surely it has nothing to do with your sword again?" A feminine voice comes from the very top of the stairs. Rin looks up and sees the woman who is responsible for saving her life a second time.
"Mother." He says slowly. "I have come to claim my right as Lord of the Western Lands."
Sesshomaru stands regally, waiting for his mother's response, his face displaying no emotion. The Lady has a hint of a smile on her face before she responds.
"Oh really? Why now? After all of these years?"
"You have tended to the lands long enough. It is time for me to begin ruling." Silence follows afterwards, and Rin is listening intently.
"Are you sure?" The Lady of the West, Lady Miyu, asks.
He doesn't respond, but the current look in his eyes tells that he is serious. His eyebrow is arched slightly, giving him the look of someone who is pondering the other person's actions, but not drawing any conclusions. He has made his point and is waiting for her to continue.
A smile crosses his mother's face, although in her eyes she is uneasy about handing over the role as ruler of the west, she knows it is the correct thing to do. She gives a slight nod and asks.
"Will you be staying here with your mother?"
"I will claim father's castle." Is his only reply, and now her eyebrow rises gracefully in response before she turns and leads them further into the castle.
------
Two days pass since their arrival and despite some of the comments and remarks that are said, the days are easy.
With the ceremony over, her lord doesn't bother to stay any longer. He is the official Lord of the West now, and leaves to search for his fortress.
Present Time…
Upon their return, Sesshomaru allows himself to be led away, not too concerned about Rin. Whenever they return, she will run off to her rooms, and to reacquaint herself with her friends. Jaken reluctantly follows. He walks the familiar corridors, turning the corners as he needs.
"Katsu" Sesshomaru takes his seat in the audience hall, to meet with his officials. The sun is setting, but he would like to get this over with, and maybe tomorrow won't be so tiresome.
Katsu takes his position before Sesshomaru, back straight and bows deeply.
"Lord Sesshomaru. Your lands have been well." He begins, as he recalls the events that have occurred since his lords last parting.
Sesshomaru listens as much as he wants to. There is nothing-important happening, typical nuisances, and regular annoyances. His officials and General are handling things well in his absence and he makes a note to return more often. They are loyal, but as a ruler, he must keep even better watch over matters than they do. He must maintain his presence here now. Perhaps this is why his mother asked him was his sure all those years ago, or she was being her typical self. He still enjoys traveling than being in the castle nevertheless.
Once his meeting is complete, he leaves the audience hall, and walks a few of the castle corridors before turning to enter the gardens.
He inhales deeply, and scans the grounds. Peaceful, serene. He strides down a few walkways and walks along the winding paths, before he comes across Rin and Azumi.
Azumi is sitting in her usual manner, eyes roaming over the garden, while Rin in knelt before a patch of flowers, selecting and gathering the ones she finds the most beautiful for the day. He continues walking, and Rin looks up and he nods, acknowledging her. She smiles warmly, and bows in response. Since bringing Rin here, she has done her best to carry herself like a 'lady' of the court. Although a noble can tell that she is not born of nobility, he is impressed with her manners and progress. Azumi bows towards her lord and continues roaming the garden with her eyes. She is there to watch over Rin, while Jaken… "Where is Jaken?"
He doesn't care. At least Jaken isn't currently bothering him, or grumbling about Rin. Although she is still kind and caring towards Jaken, there were times when Jaken even tried her patience and Rin snapped at him, though she apologized right afterwards. It was rare, but it happened. It surprised him when she first raised her voice at Jaken. Though he knew what state of mind she was in when she did. It still amuses him to remember Jaken's face.
And despite Jaken's behavior towards her, he has grown fond of her and has respect for her.
As for Sesshomaru himself. While he still doesn't know what compelled him to keep Rin after he brought her back to life with the Tenseiga, he is glad that he did. She has come from being interesting to being important. To bringing focus to his life and he needs no more from her but her friendship. She is loyal, and so is he. Whatever made him keep her, she will not be leaving now, that he is sure of. She will stay as long as she is granted life, as long as possible.
"Yes. Rin will stay with me and I will see to her protection, always."
Seven Years Ago from the Present…
The sun is setting and the only noises are that of the creatures who live in these woods.
It's difficult for me to move as I regain consciousness. Becoming aware of where I am, I hear a rustle in the bushes near by that snaps me fully awake. A child emerges, a girl child, and I respond by attempting to frighten her away. I watch her as she takes a few steps towards me. Braver than she should be.
While I lay there, leaning against a tree, she leaves me water, and later brings me food.
"Mind your own business child. Your generosity is wasted. I don't eat human food." I tell her as she is walking away. She turns and looks at me, but nothing more.
-------
"No thanks" She is bringing me food again. She pauses, and then continues towards me.
"I told you I don't need anything from you." But she thrust the food towards me. I smell blood on her, and notice from the corner of my eye that she is badly bruised.
"Where did you get those bruises?" She doesn't respond.
"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." Still nothing. She must be mute. But suddenly she smiles, broad and bright.
"What are you smiling about? I simply asked a question, I don't care. I'm just curious." And she continues to smile.
-------
Soon I heal, and leave to search for my retainer. Leaving the woods behind. Jaken is talking to himself, and instead of the greeting I am suppose to receive, he is asking me unimportant questions.
A breeze sweeps through the field and I smell blood. I recognize this blood.
I turn and make my way back into the woods. And along the path, I find the source of the blood that I smell. There she is, laying there, the child who tried to care for me while I was healing. Dead.
I stand there for a moment. Then I unsheathe my sword.
"Interesting" I comment. "I can see them, they're from the underworld."
"I'll do another test." I state. Then I cut through the pallbearers of the underworld with my sword.
I kneel and cradle her in my arm, and there her heart beats, and she begins breathing. Her eyes open, and focus on me. She's alive now, so this is Tenseiga's power. I look at her curiously for a second, and then I stand, turn and walk away.
Present Time…
Continuing on his way through the gardens and back into the castle, he ponders a few things from the past.
He walks the property of the castle, observing as much of it today as he can. All seems to be in good condition.
All of those years ago, she's grown fast. She is still her cheerful and kindhearted self. He still observes. As she grows, he learns new things about Rin. Since she turned twelve, beginning her cycle, she has had some mood swings. The very state of mind that brings her to snap at Jaken. When she discovered about her cycle, they were traveling, and Sesshomaru immediately returned to the castle. Letting her ladies in waiting handle the new situation.
She no longer runs around barefooted. She had difficulties at first, wearing geta and tabi. While her features are beginning to mature to that of a young woman, he's reminded that she was a beautiful child. She is more graceful than when she was younger, and he suspects her grace will grow the older she gets. She learns fast, and is curious to know all that there is in the way of knowledge and literature. But she remains to love flowers, which is another aspect of her that never changes.
His appearance hasn't changed at all, but appearances can be deceiving. For now, he is not so concerned with surpassing his father, although he has. He is also not so concerned with building an empire, it will come in time. His current thoughts remain on keeping her protected and well and seeing to the state of the Western Lands.
Now that Sesshomaru looks back on things, this is what his father was trying to teach him. That there are things worth protecting and more important than ultimate conquest.
Seven Yeas Ago from the Present…
The sun is setting and the woods are starting to gain the sounds that come with the dusk.
Walking through the woods, on my daily explorations. I notice something in the clearing. I peep from behind a tree. And there he is, a man, an injured man.
I leave him some water and return to bring him food. Once I place the food near the water that I've left , I turn to walk away.
"Mind your own business child. Your generosity is wasted. I don't eat human food." I turn around to look at him, but he is not looking at me, and I wonder what he means when he says that he doesn't 'eat human food'.
That night I am caught catching fish in the reserve at the village and endure a beating from the village men. But I remain silent; no one will listen if I cried out.
------
The next day, I bring him food again.
"No thanks" He says to me, and I continue on.
"I told you I don't need anything from you." I push the food towards him.
"Where did you get those bruises?" He asks me. I don't respond, I haven't talked to anyone in a while.
"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." Now I smile. No one has asked me about my well-being for far too long.
"What are you smiling about? I simply asked a question, I don't care. I'm just curious." But I am still touched by his question and return to the village light and happy. Happy for the first time since my life has changed.
Once I arrive at my hut, there is a strange man inside, scavenging through my food. He asks if the hut belongs to me and I nod 'yes'. The sounds outside cause him to run out of my hut, shoving me aside. I stand there and watch as he attempts to run but is caught by wolves. Soon, another man shows up, and although I don't know what they are talking about, the one who was in my hut seems very afraid. Suddenly the second man, with a tail, kills the one who intruded my hut. And in one command, the wolves begin to kill the villagers. I watch in horror before running for my own life.
I run through the woods. Down the path. And I see him, visions of the injured man, turning and walking away. I push on harder. Soon I trip, and all goes black.
Eventually I awake, only to look up, and the very man I attempted to rescue at first, has somehow rescued me.
Present Time…
Watching the night sky play across the castle grounds is fascinating in every detail.
The moon is beginning to rise. Setting beautiful shadows and hues about the gardens and its ponds. It's amazing for there to be a castle in the sky, and even more amazing for it to have such natural settings once up here. And just as astonishing is to watch the sunset and sunrise from here.
Rin loves the smell of the grass and plants. The smell of nature. Even here, she can smell nature. Spring is beginning, and although the castle never truly changes a season, Rin believes she can feel the difference as if down below.
She is happy to have found Lord Sesshomaru, and happy to be here with him. She treasures everyday with him and appreciates all that he gives her. She does not wish to return to live with humans and means it. This is her home and her lord is her world. This is where she is happy. This is her family now.
Not every demon here accepts her. But that is fine. Aside from Lord Sesshomaru, Jaken and AhUn, she has Kameko and Azumi, as well as other women of the court, officials, officers, guards, and the General who are accepting of her. Those who do not want her here do not treat her badly or rudely. They begrudgingly accept her. However, she is liked here, and that's welcoming. This has been home for four years now and is the first time in years that she has had a permanent home.
Rin only really wishes to be with Lord Sesshomaru forever…Lord Sesshomaru…
Earlier when her lord entered this section of the garden, she felt an odd flutter in her stomach. She has been feeling this flutter for a while now, and it seems that it's getting stronger. She rarely gets the feeling unless she is near him. Moreover, for some reason she is self-conscious about asking Kameko what it may mean.
"I wonder what this strange feeling is, that I have, when I'm with Lord Sesshomaru"