Chapter 4
SPOV
I went after Rin and caught her in the crook of my arm and pulling her close. " Sessho-maru-sama. " she whispered as she held to me tightly shaking like a leaf.
" Did it hurt you ?" I asked softly as she snuggled closer to me.
" Iie Sessho-maru-sama. Thank you. " she said softly as she nuzzled into my neck gripping the front of my kimono tightly. Suddenly she looked past me and gasped.
" Arashi-chan !" she cried. I turned and saw that Arashi had become too weak and had fallen against a tree with the thing standing above her ready to attack. Suddenly I feel an eminence aura appear. I turn back to Rin to see that she was floating just above the ground. She had pulled from me. A dark purple light outlining her form and her eyes had become a deep purple and her head was tilting slightly to the side. I turned back to the direction that Arashi is when a loud thunder like clap sounded. But it was no thunder clap. It was a crack opening up in the earth. I watched in shock as a dragon the size of half my true form came out of the crack. It's scales were a dark earth tone brown and eyes a deep green. As it stood to it's full height it stretched it wings to amazing lengths. It then turned on the creature. The thing looked up at the dragon and turned to it. The dragon looked down at it before biting down on the creature. I turned so that I covered Rin. I couldn't tell what was wrong with her and I was becoming worried.
" Rin. " I called gently as I reach my hand out to her shoulder. The energy surrounding her flares slightly and I pull my hand back. I turn back to the dragon. Naraku and Kagura had both run and the thing turned on me.
" SESSHO-MARU ! MOVE RIN ! DON'T WORRY SHE WON'T HURT YOU !" Arashi called as she stood. As my gaze turned to her I see that her aura has flare and it is the same as before in it's ever changing color. Her eyes had faded into pure black as her hair begins to whip around her like a cloak. I have a feeling that even I would not be able to defeat this. I quickly grab Rin and move. The energy around Rin flared again but it did nothing to me as it covered my arm. It seemed that it was investigating me like a small puppy would investigate a new person. I land off to the side and then turn to watch what Arashi plans on doing.
She looked as if she hadn't been injured at all as she walked to stand before the dragon. I know that my face shows surprise as two other dragon's appear. One was the same type of the brown one but white with ice blue eyes. The other was a Chinese dragon silver in color and steel gray eyes. " Nigeana ! ( Nah-gean-ya ) Reseal it. Nalla ! Hold him !" she called. The two dragons nodded before moving out. The Chinese one moved faster then lightening as it wrapped around the brown one preventing it from coming towards Rin and I while the white one started making hand movements. Soon the brown one stopped fighting the Chinese one's grip and a moment later it disappeared. I look to Rin to see that she has passed out again. I catch her as she falls forward into my tail and wrap my arm around her holding her gently.
APOV
Sessho-maru turned back to Arashi to see that the two dragons had not left. Arashi smiled up at her two best friends as they became smaller. " Y-ou di-d go-od. " she managed to say before she lost consciousness. Nalla wrapped around his friend as she fell back.
" Nigeana, we need to get her into water. " he said looking at the female dragon before him.
" I know. This way. " she said as she stretched her wings. Both of them ignored Sessho-maru, Jaken and the passed out Rin, Nigeana stopping only long enough to rid Nanatasu of his muzzles, they floated into the forest. Sessho-maru and Jaken looked at each other the surprise clear in both their faces. Then Sessho-maru lay Rin on Au-Un before guiding him in the direction that the dragons had taken Arashi. He stood just out of sight as the two gently took her to a small springs. Carefully they carried her into the water and lay her out. He watched as the dragons became much smaller and started to circle her. He was in wonder as he saw the water form a small cyclone around her and then die down. He blinked in surprise when the two dragons seemed to sink into her. He and Jaken watched as the small waves brought her unconscious form to the shore. They looked at one another the surprise clearly shown on their faces.
CharriesPOV
I look back down at the girl. What had just happened ? I narrow my eyes in annoyance before I crouched down and lifted her damp form into my arm. " Come Jaken, we are leaving. " I said as I start to walk with her still in my arm unable to put her on Au-Un with Rin still unconscious laying sprawled out on the dragon's back.
" Hai, Sessho-maru-sama. " Jaken said as he gathered his torn robe up and began following after me. I couldn't help but look down at the girl in my arm as we walked, she was strange. Her hair went only to her shoulders and was slightly wavy. Her skin looked pale and unhealthy at the moment while I carried her. Shockingly she was almost as light as air and she did not move in my arm unlike Rin who had snuggled as close as she could to me when I had lifted her. Her strange wind twisted with magic scent drifted upward teasing my nose. It was then that I was able to place the wind scent as an autumn breeze. Calm, warm and cool all at the same time.
After I was sure that we were far enough away from the area for us to rest, we made camp. I looked around the small clearing making sure that it was not in danger of being a good pinpoint for danger. It wasn't. Unraveling my tail I lay it out so that it would create a soft bed for both Arashi and Rin. After I lay Arashi out I went to Au-Un and gently took Rin off his back. I listened hard so that I could determine whether or not she was stable. Her heart rate was normal along with her breathing. I sighed as I walked back to where I had Arashi. I couldn't believe how scared I had gotten. To me this was my daughter and myself and inu would do anything that it could to protect her. I couldn't help but nuzzle her hair as I get myself comfortable beside my tail deciding not to release her but hold to me the best that I could with my armor still in place. " Jaken, you will return to the palace and begin to work on any paper work there. You will stay there till my return. " I said coldly looking at the toad.
" Hai, my lord. " Jaken said as he took Au-Un's reigns.
" Au-Un will return after he has dropped you off. " I added looking at the dragon, who nodded as Jaken hopped up onto his back. After a few moments and making sure that he was far enough away I gently lay Rin on my tail before removing my armor and taking her back into my arm holding her gently.
It felt as if I had dropped a couple tons of steel on top my head. As I tried to sit up I groaned at the pounding in my head. I winced as I opened my eyes closing them again instantly. I couldn't believe how bad my head was hurting me and how my limbs felt like lead. It took me a few moments to realize that I was laying on something soft and fluffy. " You are awake Arashi-san ?" came a deep voice to my right which I recognized as Sessho-maru.
" Does the pounding in my head give you an answer ?" I asked as I slowly pried my eyes opened again to look over at him.
" It would seem. " he said coldly. I was unable to move but I forced my head to turn and look at him. He was sitting next to me with Rin tucked into his arm. It was then that I noticed that his tail was missing and as it turned out the thing that I was laying on held his scent of deep oak strongly. " Would you tell me what happened back there and why Rin has yet to awake ?" Sessho-maru asked coldly as he glared at me. I sighed and in doing so got a nose full of his scent, which surprisingly calmed me greatly.
" Rin accidentally summoned her dragon. Or her spirit animal. " I explained. Sessho-maru arched an eyebrow in question. " Everything as an inner creature that they can call on at will. For you, that would be your inner inu, for Rin and I it is dragons. I have an air elemental and phys dragon. Rin, has an earth one. And she accidentally summoned it. " I said slowly making my mouth and mind work correctly. I couldn't help but watch him as he looked down at Rin fearfully. " Don't worry, she's just sleeping. She used a lot of energy today, she'll be fine. " I said with a smile. He looked up at me and nodded before looking back down at her. I could easily see the fatherly look in his eyes as he gazed down at Rin.
"She's lucky. " I said softly as I shifted slightly so I was more comfortable.
" What do you mean ?" he asked not looking up at me.
" To have a father who cares about her. " I said with a smile. His eyes and head snapped up to gaze at me. For only a moment I could see the truth and surprise in his eyes before they froze over to become that icy coldness. I interrupted him when he opened his mouth to speak. " She is your daughter whether you want to admit it or not. I never had a father and the little bit that I do remember, was when he looked at me just like that. Loving fully and whole heartedly. And you love Rin as such. " I said with a smile. He blinked in surprise but said nothing as he looked back down at her. I couldn't help but smile as I looked down at the sleeping child. Forcing my arm to move I lifted my arm and stroked her hair out of her face. I looked up at Sessho-maru when his hand caught my own.
" Thank you. For protecting her today. " he said his voice softer then before. I smiled at him before nodding as I brought my arm back to my side.
It was almost night when Rin began to stir in my arm. Au-Un had come back much earlier and had taken a post up next to Arashi who was able to keep awake through out the day and was slowly beginning to regain her ability to move. First Rin began to shift and then she groaned softly before opening her eyes. " Rin, are you alright ?" Arashi asked as she slowly turned her head so that she could look at her and myself. But then I just acted on my instincts. Wrapping my arm around her as far as I could I pulled her even closer to me burying my nose into her hair.
" Sessho-maru-sama !" Rin gasped. " Don't scare me like that again Rin. " I said softly as I nuzzled her hair. I could feel the shock rolling off her but a moment later she relaxed into my arm and slowly wrapped her arms around my neck.
" Gomensai Sessho-maru-sama. " she whispered into my neck. I could tell that she was still quite weak but she was able to move and talk more then Arashi had been able to when she had first awoken. I saw Arashi smile at me before closing her eyes to rest and give me as much privacy as she could with her still being so weak. As Rin pulled back I found that she was able to sit by herself so I pulled my hand back and stroked her hair gently. She looked up at the sky and her eyes went wide. " How long have I been asleep my lord ?" she asked staring up at the star covered sky. Earlier Au-Un had brought sticks and Arashi had lit them so we had light and warmth for her and Rin.
" You have slept though the day. " I said gently. Suddenly a growl came from her and her hands went to her stomach.
" I'm hungry Sessho-maru-sama. " she mumbled softly as her head bowed and her hands clutched her stomach. Before I could speak another growl was heard and Arashi's eyes snapped opened.
" Well, looks like I'm hungry too. " she said with a slight blush to her face as she looked over at us with a goofy grin. Rin laughed and leaned against me.
" You will stay with Arashi-san while I go and gather food for you both. " I said as I gently stood and lay Rin next to Arashi on my tail.
" Hai Sessho-maru-sama. " Rin said cheerfully as she snuggled up to Arashi, but not closing her eyes to rest. I couldn't help but hesitate to leave her with Arashi, with the older girl in such a state of weakness.
" Don't worry, Sessho-maru-sama, I have enough energy to make a barrier and summon Nigeana if it'd make you feel better. " she said with a small smile. I nodded and walked in the forest.
I rolled my eyes at Rin who giggled as she sat up. " So, Rin, are you feeling better ?" I asked looking up at her.
" Hai, just a little dizzy Arashi-chan. What about you ?" she asked as she stroked Au-Un's muzzle.
" I'll be fine. Would you go and get me a medium sick that's thick and long alright ?" I asked holding my hand up and showing her how thick. She nodded happily as she got up and hurried around the small clearing searching for the right stick.
" Here you go Arashi-chan !" she cried as she came running back to me waving the stick.
" Thank you Rin. Now, watch this. " I said as I focused and released my claws. I wasn't used to having someone watch me so closely as I carved the stick into a flute. ( Native American style ) " It's called a flute. " I said as I adjusted the tune.
" Can you play it Arashi-chan ?" she asked in awe.
" Yea, that's why I made it. " I said as I did the last minute adjustments before putting it to my lips and blowing. I was surprised when the sound that came out was actually not much different then the sound that my own flute back home had. I couldn't help but feel overjoyed as I began to play a tune that just popped into my head. Rin seemed to be enjoying it while she sat next to me. I couldn't help but smile while I played and concentrate on some leaves before me which instantly begin to dance standing on their tips and moving in circles and different types of patterns.
Sessho-maru walked back into camp with the deer that he had found over his shoulder clean of blood along with his claws. He had made sure that it was also already drained of blood and he had, had his fill of meat. He stopped just out side the clearing when he saw many different leaves and twigs twirling around and the sound of a deep flute keeping time with the leaves and Rin dancing with them in the middle. He couldn't help the small smile that played across his lips as he saw how happy Rin was. He slowly stepped out and saw that it was Arashi who was playing the flute. His eyebrows furrowed when he saw that Arashi had become even paler then she was when he left.
" Rin, help me skin your and Arashi-san's dinner. " he said coming up to her. The flute stopped and so did the dancing leaves.
" Hey Sessho-maru-sama. " Arashi said with as cheerful as she could even managing to muster a smile. Sessho-maru nodded his head in her direction in greeting. Rin had fallen back on her back with a big smile and slightly panting from dancing with the leaves and sticks. He walked over to her and looked down at her grinning face.
" Are you alright Rin ?" he asked gazing down at her.
" Hai Sessho-maru-sama. I had fun. " she said as she pushed herself up so that she was sitting next to the fire. Sessho-maru sat next to her as he began to skin and cut, handing the strips to her which she placed over the fire.
I couldn't resist the smile that formed on my lips at seeing the way that they interacted. I felt my side stab in pain. I look down to see that a healing wound had reopened. I quickly, well as quick as I could at the moment thanking the gods that both Rin and Sessho-maru had their backs turned and my ability to hide scents, covered up to my chest with some of his tail. I did this just in time because they finished and Rin fell on her back happily looking at me. " The meat will be cooked in a bit Arashi-chan. Would you play some more ?" she asked turning to look up at me the best that she could. I nodded when I saw Sessho-maru's ears twitch just slightly. I pick the flute up and bring it to my lips. If there was one thing that they would learn quickly, was that I never played the same song twice. This time I was only able to summon enough energy to dance a couple of light leaves, but Rin seemed happy as she showed her Sessho-maru-sama how she could dance with the leaves. I watch Sessho-maru closely as he turned to watch Rin better and saw that same soft caring look from before. I felt my heart yearn for that same look whether it from him or some outside force. I yearned for someone would look at me with that kind of love and caring. I shook my head as I ended my song and began a new one.
I was loosing my strength so bad that I was unable to even summon a light breeze to lift the leaves so, I just played. Rin made up her own dances, the twists and twirls that she did matched the rhythm and tempo perfectly, along with the style of dance that she did. When I played a fast song she picked her pace up from when I played slow songs. " I've got to stop now Rin. I'm running out of breath. " I teased as she collapsed next to Sessho-maru who cushioned her head with his arm.
" That's alright Arashi-chan. I think I ran out of leg dances. " she said with a big happy smile. I smiled feeling bad that I was growing so weak with the loss of blood and covering it so that Sessho-maru would not smell it that it was getting hard to hold the flute up right.
" OH, the meat's done. " she said as she quickly grabbed the cooked meat.
" Here Arashi-chan. For you. " she said happily as she came over to sit next to me and handed me the meat. I smiled at her inwardly flinching at the pain that shot through me as I turned to take the food, but I put a smile on and took it.
I watched her movements closely. Something wasn't right about her. Her scent was unreadable and she kept becoming paler and paler, her eyes becoming unfocused. But she didn't say a word, and it didn't take a youkai to see that she was in pain, though she smiled the whole time Rin told her of the lands. It didn't take long for Rin to fall asleep after that, and Arashi followed quickly behind. The moment that her eyes closed and her mind drifted off the scent of blood filled the area. I blinked in surprise the scent almost knocking me over with it's intensity, yet...it smelled intoxicating. I shook my head and followed it for a moment. At first it was everywhere but then I was able to pinpoint it. It was coming from Arashi. I walked over to her in question and saw no blood stains on my tail which she had drawn up to her shoulder, but when I lifted it away I was shocked. Her entire side was covered thick in blood. How could I have not smelled it ? Seen it ? Then it hit me. She was hiding it. I growled slightly under my breath as I carefully lifted the strange shirt to examine the wound. I couldn't help but wince upon seeing the deep gash in her side. How could a human lose this much blood and still be breathing. There are some things about humans that I will never understand. I finger the wound gently and a small moan of pain escapes her pale lips as her eyes squeezed in pain as she slept. I pulled my fingers back and sat back on my heels trying to think on how I could heal her without waking her. But the only way I could heal, without her being dead, was my saliva. I sighed as I rearranged how she was laying so that I could pull her shirt up where I needed it without showing anything and without having to hold it up. Licking my fingers making sure that they were coated in a thick coat of saliva, I began to gently apply the healing saliva to her wound.
After a few moments I was still working on her wound when she moaned yet again and spoke. " That's not fair. I had no say in the matter. " she muttered as her eyes opened half way.
" Well, you did not give me much choice. Why did you not tell me that you were still wounded. " I asked coldly narrowing my eyes.
" ' Cause it was none of your business. " she muttered looking away from me. She turned back to me when I growled.
" It is my ' business. ' Because you are Rin's teacher and I can not let you die. " I growled as I went back to working on her wound. She was silent and for some reason that was unnerving to me. I glanced up at her and saw that she was looking at me in slight awe.
" What ?" I asked icily. But she didn't even seem to notice my tone because she answered right away.
" I haven't had a lot of people say that, even if it's just to say it. " she said softly. Her scent was laced with sadness yet no tears were in her eyes as she looked at me.
" Say what ?" I asked in a distracted way as I turned my gaze back to her wound.
" Saying that you won't let me die. " she said looking away from me. I glared up at her.
" I said that I can't, not that I wouldn't. " I snap. She turned to me and smiled, which caught me off guard. " Yea, but I trust you. " she said as she closed her eyes now that I was finished.
" Thank you, Sessho-maru-sama. " she mumbled as she fell asleep once again. I looked at her in wonder. What was it about her that always seemed to catch me off guard. Sighing I remove the spare sash that I wore, more for looks then anything else, and lifted her up to prop against my tail and the tree so that I could wrap her wound. Making sure that I did not awaken her again I wrapped her wound and lay her within my tail once again. Looking down at my fingers I noticed that they were covered in her blood. Sighing I begin to lick my fingers to clean them but then stopped. The instant that her blood touched my tongue my senses swirled. Her blood was heavenly. I felt my inu purr in delight as I quickly clean my fingers unable to get enough of it. After my fingers were cleaned I looked over at her wide eyed. Was it because she was a witch that her blood tasted this amazing or was it something else ? I was able to snap out of my daze when Au-Un brushed my hand with his muzzle. I turned to him and stroked it's muzzle.
" Well, Au-Un, it would seem that we have a new annoyance on our hands. " I said with a smirk. Au-Un snorted as if to disagree with me. I chuckled before taking my place back at my tree and pulling Rin on to my lap to rest. I didn't know why, but I needed to know that the young human child would be safe.
I woke to my side feeling numb and the scent of my blood filling my nose. I opened my eyes and I saw the deep purple of the morning sky. Slowly I sit up and look around. Sessho-maru was sleeping against a tree with Rin in his lap. Standing I stretched and winced slightly. Looking down at myself I see that my shirt up to just under my bra was drenched in blood. And pooled around my feet was Sessho-maru's tail that had a huge blood stain on it. " Crap. " I sighed. Looking around I see steam rising not to far away and grin. 'Well, can't help if I need to get clean. ' I thought bending over gently and picking up Sessho-maru's tail when I saw my flute. 'Maybe I'll work on it too. ' I thought as I lifted that with me. Being as silent as I could I tiptoed off to the hot springs quickly as I could. Reaching the springs I discarded my shirt, careful not to get any blood on my, shockingly, black bra. Then carefully I unwound the obi that was wrapped around my wound. Rolling my pant legs up to my knees I slid my feet into the warm water. 'That feels so much better. ' I thought sighing happily. Looking at my side I examined my wound. I could tell that it was almost healed. Leaning forward slightly I began to slowly wash my shirt of the blood and obi. 'Glad that came out quick. ' I thought as I lay it on a near by bolder and the examined the blood stained tail. 'Maybe if I get it cleaned quick it won't stain. ' I thought as I submerged it beneath the water and began to gently run my fingers though the fur dislodging clots of blood.
" What are you doing ?" came that same deep ice cold voice. I couldn't help but jump slightly when he suddenly came out of the bushes.
" Don't startle me like that. I don't know if I might just accidentally blast you with another tornado. " I teased as his eyes narrowed.
" If you did, I would just take your head off. " he said icily. " Now, what are you doing ?" he asked coming slightly closer.
" Sorry, I'm just washing our stuff. Sorry about getting so much blood on your tail. " I said as I turned back to the tail in my hands. " And I thought that Rin liked me. " I said smirking at him.
" Hai, Rin does like you, but if you even think about attacking me I would. I am sure that she would forgive me quick enough. " he said as he flexed his claws edgily. I turn and glare at him.
" Yea, but I would be sure to haunt your ass till the day that you finally die, and I'm sure that you would be quite a long time. " I growled still working on his tail beneath the water. He gave me a threatening growl. My answer was a picking up of the wind as I turned back to my task.
