Sesshomaru and the Songstress: Passion From Within

Chapter Four: Angels Will Fall Without You

Trembling in her own rapture, Rumana could not imagine what was to unfold next. Sesshomaru glanced at her as if she was a weak child who had to be sheltered...then again he glowered at her like a cat tearing apart a fish. They had been walking for days, and Sesshomaru completely refused to open up and tell them exactly what had attacked him, and why he allowed himself to be injured so gravely. Rin warned that it was not wise to continue to badger him, so Rumana decided that for her own safety it was best to let it go.

They had finally reached well into the Western Lands by that point...and the feeling that Naraku could be just around the corner plagued Rumana's mind every hour of every moment. Would Sesshomaru help her in her hour of need...that is...if she couldn't help herself yet? Trust was shaky and honesty was a luxury long gone. Rumana had to become content with the fact that she may never harness her ancient blood...that she may remain a human forever. If she was to die like that, then fate would only be taking its course. Like her dear Mother, the blood that would spill from her wounds would be that of an innocent human, not a creature of worldly powers.

Wolves howled nearby in the distance, and it was obvious that Sesshomaru was becoming ever more tense than usual. Considering Rin's previous incident, which Rumana had only recently learned, it was quite understandable. Clutching the little girl close to her, she only hoped that they would be out the valley by nightfall. But Rin seemed at ease, her heart feeling completely guarded by the wild eyed demon they followed. Rumana wished she could feel the same.

"Lord Sesshomaru! It is getting dark quick, and I believe I hear storm clouds in the distance, perhaps it would be best to take shelter..."

"No, we will continue. Of course, you can always say here Jaken if you please."

"NO oh no my Lord! You are right, we should continue!"

The desperate cry of wolves only grew louder, and the rain began to pour. Grabbing a thick blanket from her knapsack, Rumana placed Rin upon Ah-Un's back and covered her. Jaken pulled out a cloth and bamboo umbrella to shade himself, and Sesshomaru didn't even seem to notice the rain. Rumana, accustomed to nature's harsh hand, barely seemed to notice as well, but thought it would be best to pin her hair up to avoid it from blocking her vision. As the wind grew louder and the thunder began to rumble, Sesshomaru turned to face his group of followers. Pitifully he looked at Rumana, who was completely drenched from head to toe, her once tidy clothes wrinkled from the savage weather.

"Won't humans like you die if you become over drenched?" Sesshomaru said in a sarcastic tone.

"No, fortunately for you rain doesn't make me melt."

"Here take this, I won't have you dying in front of the girl. What a messy sight that would be."

Ripping a long sleeve from his kimono, he threw it towards her.

"Use it, and later sew it back on."

Touched and confused by his concern Rumana wrapped the tender cloth around her head, tying it on like a bonnet. Her chapped face much appreciated the cover from the blowing wind. But the cloth covering her ears did not stop her from hearing the howl of wolves draw ever closer. After another hour of walking in the down pour, Sesshomaru decided that it would be best to camp in a small cave nearby. It didn't take Rumana long to start a fire so the group could warm up. Rin, after eating a bag of leftover goodies from Rumana's knapsack, fell asleep next to Jaken, who was also passed out from the weather. Rumana sat quietly around the fire, pretending that a extremely dangerous demon wasn't sitting in the same room. Closing her eyes she felt her body relax.

"Forget he is here. Concentrate on what matters...you can make it..."

For a while, it seemed that the howls had disappeared and that the wolves had taken a different direction. But the moment it seemed that everything would be alright, Sesshomaru could smell their stench in the air. Standing towards the entrance of the cave, he protected the group from any intruder. Whether Sesshomaru considered Rumana his biggest asset or his biggest burden she did not know. Sleep was not going to happen, her nerves were too unsettled, so she decided to attempt conversation with the silent demon.

"Sesshomaru, do you think they are heading this way? You know, the wolves?"

"Why do you think I'm standing here? For my own comfort?"

"I was just making sure. Thank you for earlier."

"For what?"

"Ripping some cloth from your kimono, so I wouldn't get rained on so much."

"Please do not speak to me. Your voice exhaust me. Go away."

"I am not going to travel with you in complete silence the entire time."

"Then find someone else to guard your pathetic life."

Those words stung...just slightly.

"Anyway...I thought that maybe I would fix the sleeve for you. Since I owe it to you."

"Hmph. Fine. Just do it."

Extending his long arm out towards her, Rumana took a small sewing bundle from her pocket. It only contained a slight bit of thread and an old blunt needle, but it would have to do.

"It would be easier if you just took the first layer of the kimono off." Rumana suggested. He glared at her with wild eyes.

"I think not you lowly human. Now fix it before I lop your head off. I'm tired of your mouth."

Shaking her head in disbelief she started sewing the ripped sleeve back on by hand. It was surreal to be so close to him...it was like taking Death and looking him straight in the eyes. He never looked at her as he held his arm out, he continued to stare out of the cave, watching for any sign of trouble. After a while, Rumana began to relax in their awkward silences. Like Rin said, he must be warming up to her slightly...he hadn't chopped her head off in her sleep yet.

"Are you finished?"

"Yes, I am done. Take a look." Sesshomaru glanced down at his sleeve.

"A illiterate peasant has better skill than you."

"I'll take it you're satisfied." Rumana said, walking around so she could she his face. His eyes pierced through her, but she wasn't as scared as she thought she would be.

"Stop staring at me. Have you gone mad?"

"You are incredibly into yourself, do you know that?"

"Quit talking to me you bastard orphan."

"I wasn't a bastard, I knew who my father was thank you very much."

"If it wasn't for Rin I would love to see your head fall from neck."

"Sure Sesshomaru, you know your threats just seem to become more and more idle..."

This seemed to incite him, for his eyes grew red with anger. Perhaps Rumana went a bit too far teasing him.

"Look, I'm sorry. I'm only kidding with you. Don't you ever take a moment to joke?"

"You are such a useless waste of humanity. I cannot wait until I leave you be and never have to look at you again."

"Fine. If you don't to talk I will go over here with Rin and..."

THUMP!

Realizing that she had been thrown, Rumana thought that Sesshomaru had come through on his warnings, but instead she saw him growling at something outside the cave. His hair bristled and his long nails turned into deadly sharp claws. He had thrown her to save her, for when she regained her composure, she realized that she had long claw marks down her kimono. Those distinctly from a large wolf. Four to five were surrounding Sesshomaru now, growling and foaming at the mouth, ready to consume the fresh meat that laid away behind him.

Quickly Rumana ran to Rin and Jaken, who had now awoken startled and surprised. Rin screamed in pure fear while Rumana grasped onto her small frame, trying to calm her. Jaken stood in front of them, ready to aid his Master in whatever way possible.

More wolves began to encircle the cave, their shadowy figures hardly visible through the foggy mist. But Rumana could see something beyond that...a man. A man was standing at the helm of the group, just waiting to order the attack. It was then that she knew everything would be alright and she promptly stood up.

"Here Jaken, watch Rin."

"What? Where are going you foolish woman? Come back here! NOW!"

But Rumana did not listen. Instead she walked slowly to the entrance of the cave where Sesshomaru stood, ready to maime and murder. His wild eyes barely seemed to register her presence, for he was too focused on his rage and primal instincts. Careful not to set him off, Rumana walked up just to the side of him, and searched for the figure of the man among the wolves. Finally, a gruff voice emitted from the mist.

"It's not possible! How in the hell?"

Rumana smiled. She knew it would be him.

"Hello Kouga."

Out from the mist Kouga's tall lean figure appeared. The look on his face did not even begin to describe the shock he felt.

"Rumana...I didn't even know you were still alive..."

"It's nice to see you Kouga. It's been a long time."

Sesshomaru's claws slowly sank back into his tough fingertips, bewildered he glanced at them both. The wolves instantly backed off and retreated behind Kouga, turning from hungry monsters into placid puppies.

"How are you still alive? I thought..."

"Nope I'm still around."

Sesshomaru glared at them both, and he drew out his sword, pointing it towards Kouga's neck.

"I suggest that someone explain this to me."

"Sesshomaru, calm down. I ran into Kouga and his group a few years ago. My bodyguard, as usual, had left me. He let me stay with him and his pack for a few months. But I was afraid to stay with them too long, I didn't want Naraku to find out where I was and harm them. I wouldn't have been able to live with myself if anything had happened to them."

"I thought you had died! One day you were with us and then you were gone!"

"I'm sorry Kouga, I didn't want to burden you."

"You were never a burden Rumana..."

Despite the fact that Sesshomaru's sword laid dangerously on his neck, Kouga reached out to grab Rumana's hand. Sesshomaru flinched in complete disgust at the gesture of kindness...it made him uncomfortable to see him look at Rumana so...caring like.

"Don't touch her."

"Or what dog boy? You smell like that mutt Inuyasha. You must be his stinking brother!"

"Kouga stop! Please, you need to understand that your pack was about to have us for dinner. Maybe you should reign them in a bit better?"

"I'm sorry Rumana, things have just been so scarce lately."

"We have a child in the cave. They could have killed her." Rumana said, her voice deep with concern.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't know. Wait a minute...a child?"

"Yes a young girl. Her name is Rin."

Kouga's eyes grew large in shock.

"Oh my God. Rumana you didn't."

"Didn't what? What are you talking about?"

"You didn't reproduce with this damned mutt did you? Come on, you deserve better than that!"

Sesshomaru at this point lashed at him, but Rumana quickly grabbed at his shoulder, stopping him from hitting him.

"No Kouga! I didn't say she was OUR child! For goodness sakes, I've only been traveling with them for a few weeks! He has never laid a finger on me...at least not in that way..."

"You disgusting blood thristy wolf. I should rip your eyes out and shove them down your throat. That's a dispicable thing to even suggest."

"I don't see where it's so dispicable. If I wasn't waiting for Kagome to leave that half-demon mutt of a brother you have, I would've taken Rumana as my own mate a long time ago."

Rumana's face turned red with blush, and Sesshomaru's mouth fell wide open.

"I don't find weakling human women to be attractive you worthless wolf."

"Well I guess you're not much a man then are you? Because if I had the chance to sleep near her, let me tell you..."

Kouga didn't even have time to finish before Sesshomaru had knocked him half way across the valley. Skidding in the muddy grass, Kouga finally manage to stop himself from falling backwards. Rubbing his bleeding jaw, he couldn't help but smirk.

"You know, for a man that doesn't find her attractive, you sure do get offended pretty easy."

"Shut up before I dispose of you properly."

"Enough Sesshomaru, let's just leave...the rain has stopped. Let them go own their own way." Rumana said, pulling at his left arm.

"I'm sorry Rumana, I didn't mean to cause any trouble..." Kouga said, strolling back over to her. Proudly taking her delicate hand, Kouga placed a small kiss near the edge of wrist. Sesshomaru could barely contain his rage.

"Remember Rumana, if this thing with Kagome don't work out, your my next choice of mate you hear me?"

Smiling, Rumana only shook her head and laughed.

"Yes I will remember, now get out of here before you cause anymore trouble."

And like a flash, Kouga was gone. Just like that, him and his whole pack.

"Hmmmm.....I didn't know you had history with the wolf."

"I don't Sesshomaru, he was just my protector for a few months. Besides, what does it matter to you? As if you would care? I'm just a 'weakling human' remember?"

Before he could retaliate, Rin poked her head outside the little cave.

"Hey guys, are the wolves gone?"

Neither answered...instead they just glared at each other.

"I just can't believe you would stoop so low as to be in the presence of wolves."

"I didn't have a choice! You are acting as if this lifestyle was my idea!"

"That is just disturbing...."

"Sesshomaru, I didn't do anything! The last time I saw Kouga I was only thirteen!"

"And I suppose he didn't make you any promising offers? He probably tried to make you his child bride..."

"NO! He did not! What is your problem?"

"Nothing...just....nothing...pack things up and let's go."

"Argh! Fine! Just drop the subject!"

Rumana stomped off into the cave and began throwing her items into her knapsack...very loudly.

CLANK!

BANG!

CLANK!

Rin, innocent as ever, tugged on the bottom of Sesshomaru's kimono.

"Lord Sesshomaru? Is Rumana leaving us?"

"No. Unfortunately, no."

Rin smiled and began to hum to herself.

"Oh Lord Sesshomaru, I'm so glad you and Rumana are beginning to work together!!!!"

"Hmmm?" The demon stared down at her, utterly confused.

"Well first you two worked together to get rid of the wolves, and then you actually had a conversation with one another! Oh...this is so exciting! I'm so glad you are letting us keep her!"

CLANK!

BANG!

CLANK!

"Ummm....Lord Sesshomaru? Is Rumana mad at me?"

"No Rin."

"Oh, well is she mad at you Lord Sesshomaru?"

Suddenly, Jaken came flying out of the cave, a huge bump forming on his forehead.

"Oh...look what Rumana did. I guess that answers my question. She's mad at Jaken!"

"THAT BLASTED WOMAN! She has gone insane! She is rabid I tell you! She threw a pan at me just because I was standing in her way. I'm telling you Lord Sesshomaru we should leave her here! She is crazy!"

Sesshomaru...for the first time in a long time...smirked.

"No. Leave her be. Let her finish what she is doing. She's staying with us."

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Later that night the gang had finally found their way through the valley. Sesshoamru was content to sleep out in the woods, as he always had done. But Rin had come across tracks that led to a small village, and she desperate to sleep in a real bed. After a few moments of pleading Sesshomaru caved in, and decided to let them stay in the village's tiny inn. Sesshomaru and Jaken howver, decided to stay back...not wanting their appearance to shock any villagers.

Rumana and Rin posed as a traveling mother and daughter and easily got a room for free. The site of a clean cot with fresh blankets almost brought tears to their eyes. The inn owners even gave them dinner for free...two hot steaming bowls of rice and soup, with an endless amount of herbal tea. It was like the heavens had descended upon them both. Laughing and chattering, Rumana and Rin enjoyed their official "girls night out" together. They seemed to talk for hours on end, each savoring every moment of their special time together.

After bathing and dressing in their nightgowns, Rumana and Rin crawled into their extra large cot...letting their aching bodies sink into the comfortable sheets. It wasn't long before they both fell into a peaceful sleep.

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Sesshomaru knew that Rin was okay...he could see the room they were staying in just a few feet in front of him. He didn't sense anything dangerous around the area, and even Jaken found the village so relaxing that he fell asleep not long after the girls descended into their own beds. So...if nothing was going on...and no one was in trouble...why was he having trouble resisting the urge to walk in their room and just "check on them"? Ah-Un didn't seemed to notice anything out of the way, for both of them had their heads lowered down to the ground, dozing.

"Let it go. You are being ridiculous. Rin is fine. Get a hold of yourself."

He kept repeating that sentence in his head, hoping that he could calm his nerves just enough to where he could relax. But it didn't work. Not only this, he couldn't get the view of Kouga touching Rumana's hand out of his head.

"He just touched her hand. It's not like he outright assualted her and kissed her. Besides, she's just a damn human. Another waste of space..."

Yes, Sesshomaru told himself this, but he couldn't get past it. What was he to do?

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Rumana had never felt so good in her life. For the first time in a long time, her dreams were not turning into a nightmare. No...she was dreaming about her family...about her life before they were taken away by Naraku. She could see them clearly...her mother's long dark blue hair trailing down her shoulders...and her soft, melodic voice. And her father...oh, he was unlike any other. His kindness surpassed any other man she knew, his justice fair and balanced. She could she him now...his dark eyes...his long white hair...how she longed to hug him once more...to breathe in his scent one last time. She coudl almost see their faces...almost...but something was pulling her away from her dream.

"No!!! Oh no...not yet...." Her mind screamed. Oh how she longed to stay in her dream, to live it forever. But something was wrong...her body was forcing her to wake up. Opening her eyes, she looked directly at Rin, who sleeping peacefully next to her. Slowly leaning up...she saw no one. But something felt out of place...something wasn't right...

"I didn't mean to wake you."

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