Disclaimer: I don't own Rin, Kohaku or the gorgeous Sesshomaru. They still belong to Rumiko Takahashi
A/U and the last of in this series.
Reviews welcome, please... flames not. And thanks for reading.
Characters: Rin and Kohaku
Pairings: None
Rating: T for mild language
Needful Memories
"I'm not doing this to be mean. Just following orders." Kohaku said, his voice holding regret. Rin laughed with wisdom beyond her years.
"That's what they all say. Surely you have something more original." Her face was taunting him, daring him to come up with something, anything other than that cop-out of an excuse. He looked puzzled, a hint of something teasing his mind. This young girl reminded him of someone he once knew, someone he was close to.
Struggling with his lack of understanding, he shook his head. If he thought too much about it, he would soon have one killer headache. So pulling on his best threatening face, he glared down at Rin. "Hush up."
She laughed at him. Laughed. "My guardian is Lord Sesshomaru Tashiro. You know the one. You think after living with him, you can scare me?"
He felt the blood drain from his face, the room spinning slightly, causing him to sit down abruptly. "Lord Sesshomaru of the Western House?" he asked. The little girl nodded blithely. "Oh damn." What in the world was his employer thinking, kidnapping this girl? He must have a death wish.
Kohaku, however, did not. He knew if he wnet through with this insane plan, it would be his neck on the line. He subconsciously reached up, touching the soft flesh. Yeah, he liked being alive. Moreover, he had a memory to remember. And being dead wouldn't make finding his past possible.
Yet, the two paths he saw only seemed to lead to death. If he let the girl go, his employer would kill him. If he held on to her, her guardian… he shuddered. That guy had ways of making sure you were gone, and nothing was ever found of you.
What to do? He sat there, beside the chipper girl, weighing his options, while she sat, watching the emotions play across his face like a well read book. She felt sympathy for the poor kid. He couldn't be more than a few years older than herself. What had brought him to this life of crime? Where was his family? She thought about the unhappy time she had spent before Sesshomaru and his wife Kagome had adopted her.
Unaware of the thoughts roaming in his companion's head, Kohaku tried to decide the best way to end this situation, one that didn't involve him ending up dead. He heaved a heavy sigh and leaned his head back against the cold stone wall.
"Did you decide yet?" the girl's voice interrupted his musings. He glanced over at her, wondering how she knew what he was thinking about. He frowned when he saw her smile her toothy grin. How could she be so cheerful, even in her predicament? He admired her strength, wishing he had some.
"No, I haven't," he told her bluntly, checking his cell phone once again. His boss was supposed to call him with more instructions soon. Feeling fidgety, he stood, figuring that moving around might get his brain to work better. Pacing back and forth the length of the warehouse, he glanced at the girl once again. Seeing her eyes following him with sympathy made his fist clench in anger. He didn't need pity from anyone. The one who should be begging for pity was her.
"Arg…" He yanked at his hair, frustrated beyond all reason. He need to make a decision and fast. Each passing moment was bringing him closer to his doom. He just knew it. He didn't want to do this any more. He wasn't even sure why he was here. But, his boss had given him a place to belong to, considering he had no idea where had came from. To turn his back on the man now…
The ringing of the cell phone caused both of them to jump. He checked the number, knowing exactly who was on the line. Hesitantly, he answered.
"Hello. Yes, I have her." He paused, listening to the smooth voice on the other side. His eyes widened. "You want me to do what?" His eyes darted to the girl and for the first time, she felt fear course through her. The look in his eyes told her he felt the same way. "Understood. Yes, sir," he nodded, hanging up. He turned his back on her briefly, trying to compose himself. What he was about to do would undoubtedly sign his death warrant. Spying a small doorway in the back of the warehouse, he made a rash decision. Hurriedly, he ran to Rin, grabbing her hand and pulling her to her feet.
"I can get you out and as far as the corner. Can you find a way to get a hold of your people?" he asked breathlessly, dashing for the back door. She nodded quickly, keeping up with him easily.
Flinging open the door, they sprang through, their feet pounding the slick pavement outside. Time seemed to stand still as they made for the dimly lit corner. As they neared it, he came to a screeching halt. Standing under the blinking light was a mountain of a man. Rin began to yank at his hand, and in his confusion, he let go. With a cry of happiness, she flung herself at the shadow, knowing he would catch her easily.
Kohaku stood with his mouth open. He had heard how imposing Sesshomaru could be, but the stories were nothing in comparison to the man before him, now holding the crying Rin, and sending fiery glances his way. He gulped, wanting to move back. His feet, however, refused to obey, and so there he stood, pinned to the street in horror. He only hoped his death would be swift.
"Rin, cease your tears." His voice held untold power, sending shivers throughout Kohaku's body. The poor boy found himself shaking as the man approached him.
"You're Kohaku, aren't you?" Sesshomaru inquired. Kohaku nodded, unable to do anything else. "I know what your orders were, and of the risk you took tonight in saving my daughter." He paused, cuddling Rin closer to him. "Come. Your sister is waiting for you. I think it is time for this nightmare to end. The memories you have lost, the ones you need… You will find them with her."
Shocked to his core, Kohaku bowed his head in acquiesce, silently following the man he now owed everything to. Time would tell just how much this little family would prove to mean to the sad boy, needful of his memories, dying for love.
