Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha; this is only a fanfic.
Authors Notes: Hi everyone! It's been way too long since I've updated.
Thanks to all my reviewers: katana sohma-demon girl – I had a great vacation, thank you, shippousangoffe, ezap3 – you may like this, bestofbothworlds – chapter 11 will answer all your questions… I hope and Geredian Knight Rhiannon – welcome to this fanfic. To my anon's: Kohana – glad to have you back and Peppercorn – thanks for the review and welcome.
Chapter 10: Moonlight and Orchids
"You told her what!!!"
Kohaku shouted and jumped from his sitting position to tower over his brother-in-law. The two men had arrived back at the main house and now occupied the front room. Miroku sat with a smug look on his face, clearly undaunted by the taijiya's outburst.
"I told young Rin that you had made plans for tonight," the monk stated.
"But… but, I haven't made any plans, Miroku-sama!" Kohaku cried out in exasperation. "Why did you tell her that?"
"Well, let's see…" the monk began and appeared to give it some thought, "Heisuke and I did happen to stumble upon you at the most inopportune time last night. Today… not only did I notice, but Sango did as well, that you could not seem to keep your hands off the girl."
"That's not… that's…" Kohaku stopped abruptly at seeing Miroku lift an eyebrow at the denial about to spout from his lips. "It wasn't like that," the taijiya murmured, not wanting to lie.
"It sure looked that way to me," the monk chuckled. "Relax, Kohaku-san, it's clear you enjoy spending time with Rin... don't deny it." Miroku held up his hand as his brother started to protest.
With a sigh, Kohaku resumed his seat, leaned forward and cupped his face in his hands. "Of course I want to spend time with Rin-san, but I wouldn't begin to know what kinds of plans to make."
Miroku looked over at his little brother and smiled. It was true; Kohaku was definitely taken with Rin and it was clear that the young woman felt the same. Due to the taijiya's unusual life, he had not had the opportunities of the average male. Most men his age were already married and starting families; Kohaku had yet to have his first outing with a woman.
"I can see you were not paying attention last night," Miroku said and gave a snort. "How can you instruct your students on that if you don't follow the example?"
"I was doing fine until you decided to get explicit," Kohaku muttered and then sighed. "What am I supposed to do now," he said more to himself.
"Alright, maybe I did get a bit carried away, but Heisuke was a most receptive audience," the monk admitted. "I guess I owe it to you to offer my assistance now."
"Thanks, Miroku-sama," the taijiya smiled his relief.
"You may not want to thank me just yet. I'm only offering advice and leaving the details to you."
"What?" Kohaku looked perplexed.
"The first step is to 'know your woman'," Miroku said with a gleam in his eye. "What are Rin's interests?" he asked.
"I… ah… I don't understand."
With a look to sky for patience, Miroku plunged ahead. "Let me give you an example. I've decided to plan a nice intimate evening with Sango and…"
"Um… Miroku-sama… do I really need to hear this?" Kohaku grimaced.
"Just be quiet and listen," the monk said impatiently. "Now… where was I… oh, yes, I want to do something that I know my wife would enjoy so…" Miroku turned to Kohaku with a questioning look. "I would take her to town, to one of those fancy places to eat and lavish her with gifts."
Kohaku's brows drew together. "You're kidding, right?" he smirked. "That's not at all what Sango would want. If I guess correctly, she would prefer a night with you, under the stars, in the lily field."
As the taijiya thought about what he had said, he blushed profusely. "It's not… ah… not that I would know or anything," he stuttered.
"Ah… but, you are right, Kohaku-san." Miroku was not offended, but pleased that the young man knew his sister so well. "Now… take that knowledge and apply it to Rin," the monk said. "You two are reacquainted and have conversed. By now you should have an idea what she likes."
"I see!" Kohaku's face brightened. "I understand now," he said with confidence. "Thanks, brother!" He slapped the older man on the back.
"The rest will come naturally," Miroku said. "Just enjoy your time together."
Both men looked up as Sango walked into the room. "How is Juun-san?" the monk asked his wife.
"Still sleeping," she responded. "He was exhausted." Turning to her brother, the taijiya asked. "Are you sure this boy is human?"
"According to Rin, he is," Kohaku answered.
"He may be human, but he is a descent of the air deities," Miroku stated.
"How did you know that?" Both Sango and Kohaku asked in unison.
"The boy told me himself," the monk shrugged nonchalantly. "Actually, he was hoping that I might help him continue his training."
"Training?" Sango asked. "What kind of training and why did he ask you?" This earned her a glare from her husband.
"The Kazaana," Kohaku said suddenly. "The boy can control the winds, so it makes sense that he would seek Miroku-sama's assistance." The taijiya pursed his lips as he thought about Kikyou's visit.
"I would like you to train my sons."
As he recalled her words from that day, Kohaku realized that, once again, the woman had planned ahead. Speaking of planning…
"Well…" Kohaku began and rose to his feet. "I should get going; I have some things to do. Please let me know when Juun-san wakes up."
"Alright," Sango responded. "Otherwise, we'll see at dinner."
"Ah… no, I won't be joining you," the taijiya said and looked in Miroku's direction. "Just start without me." With that said, Kohaku left abruptly before his sister began the inquisition.
Tilting her head to the side, Sango watched her brother's hasty departure. "Houshi-sama?" she questioned. Not receiving an answer, the taijiya turned to her husband and found that she stood alone in an empty room.
xXxXx
Watching from the doorway, Hisa smiled as Rin tried to hide her elation. She had just received word from Shippo that she was to meet with Kohaku later that evening. The girl was clearly excited, but instead of fluttering about the room, as she would have done, Rin simply began preparing while humming a tune.
Hisa noticed the young woman did not fuss over what yukata to wear, nor did she bother about her hair or react in any way a normal girl would at being asked out. On receiving the parchment from the kitsune, Rin's hands shook as she read the invitation and sounded breathless as she accepted. After Shippo had left with her answer, she had reverted to this serene mode and the melodious humming.
"Does that relax you?" Hisa asked, curious.
"Yes… it does." Rin stopped and turned dark eyes on her friend. "I'm not nervous… well, not really," she corrected and continued, "… I'm just excited and… a bit anxious to see Kohaku again."
The older woman could only blink at Rin's straightforwardness. "I hope you have not expressed that to the young master," Hisa said shocked.
"Uh… no." Rin blushed. "I guess that would not be appropriate, but… it's how I feel, Hisa-chan," the younger woman sighed. "I cannot help it."
This time Hisa could only smile as she recalled her first courtship. As a girl, she had always been shy. It was not until she met Naosuke that she had begun to come out of her shell and enjoy life. Her husband was loud, boisterous and he made her laugh, but he was also adventurous and took a lot of risks. The day he had died, she felt a part of her had died too.
Since that day, Hisa went no further than her garden or the well from her small cottage. Last night was the first time she had gone beyond that point or visited another's abode. There was no doubt that Rin was responsible for that outing and Hisa wanted to thank the young woman for opening her eyes.
"I enjoyed myself last night," Hisa began. "Lady Sae is a gracious hostess and the food was wonderful. Your brothers are nice, Rin-san, and so well behaved. Naoichi had so much fun with them that I feel that I have neglected him having a normal upbringing."
"I'm glad you came, Hisa-san," Rin said sincerely.
"I am too." The older woman blushed embarrassed, she turned the attentions to someone else. "Don't you think it's strange, Rin-san, that Naoichi has become so attached to Ikuyo-san."
"I don't find it strange at all," Rin stated and thought of herself and Sesshomaru. "Naoichi simply sees something in Ikuyo that you do not."
"It seems he must," Hisa sighed. The child became so animated around the strange woman and Ikuyo was very attentive towards him. "Not that one," Hisa said suddenly as she saw Rin reach for the soft yellow yukata. "Maybe a darker shade."
Moving into the room, Hisa began helping Rin prepare for her outing with Kohaku.
"In these surroundings, you may want to wear a darker color and you must take a wrap; the air will turn cool later," she informed the younger woman. "I remember walking with Naosuke down by the river…" Hisa stopped suddenly and sighed. "Well… let's make sure you're ready when Kohaku comes calling."
"Hisa-chan," Rin said softly and placed a hand over her friend's.
"It's alright." The older woman forced a smile and engulfed Rin's hand in hers. "What I said earlier… you know, about telling Kohaku how you feel?" At the younger woman's nod she continued. "Life is too short to worry about what is appropriate. If you want to tell him your feelings, then tell him. Don't ever be afraid to let someone know you care."
xXxXx
Standing in the middle of the food storage shed, Ikuyo noticed the same disturbance as a month ago. No one knew this area better than she, as she kept account of the weekly rations for the village.
Turning slowly in a circle, Ikuyo saw that two bags of rice had been left conveniently by the shoji. That had happened before, but she had dismissed it as an oversight. However, when the next inventory was taken, it was revealed that the bags of rice were indeed missing. Instead of reporting the incident, Ikuyo had kept quiet. She had her own suspicions and had decided to wait to see if it would happen again and… now it had.
However, this time they would not get away with it. After closing up, she planned to return later tonight and catch the culprits red-handed. The stupid thieves, Ikuyo thought, no one stole on her watch.
"Is everything accounted for, Ikuyo-san?"
The woman turned to find two workers hauling in the last crates of vegetables. Towering behind the men was the one responsible for the fresh produce.
"What's he doing here?" Ikuyo inquired of the two regular workers.
"Oh… ah… it's just Heisuke-san, Lady Ikuyo," the worker stuttered at her authoritative tone.
"I know who he is," she snapped. "I asked what he was doing here."
"I just wanted to make sure my goods arrived here unscathed," Heisuke answered before the men could search for an excuse. "The mushrooms are very delicate and they bruise easily," he continued, unperturbed by her unwelcoming glare.
"Well, they are delivered now," Ikuyo stated imperiously as she walked over to inspect the crates. "Therefore, you can leave."
Instead of doing as she bid, Heisuke stood and observed the woman as she made calculations on the counting device. The beads clacked in rapid succession as long slender fingers moved rapidly over them
Staring down on her, Heisuke realized that this was the closest he had ever been to Ikuyo. The woman was tall with an abundance of ebony hair, which was piled high in a topknot with dark tendrils trailing over her brow and down her back. The perpetual frown she wore deepened as she concentrated on her numbers.
Ikuyo was beautiful; very pleasing to the eye, but her temperament left much to be desired. A few men had actually tried to woo her, but backed off after a condescending rebuff. The only person that had any chance with Ikuyo was Kohaku. As headmaster of the village, the woman had set her sights high.
The abacus gave a final snap as the last cabbage was counted. With a sigh, Ikuyo turned, collided with and bounced off the hard wall that was Heisuke's chest. Stumbling back, she gasped and felt an arm snake around her waist to prevent her falling.
"Are you alright?" Heisuke's voice hovered above her head and she looked up to find his brown eyes assessing her.
Surprise swiftly turned to anger and Ikuyo hissed, "Get your hands off me!"
"Sorry," Heisuke said smoothly and released her. "I thought you'd prefer not hitting the ground."
"Idiot!" she snapped. "It wouldn't have happened if you would have left when I told you! Now… get out!" She pointed towards the entrance where the two workers stood cowering. They had been on the receiving end of the woman's temper before and decided not to interfere.
"I'm going." Heisuke retreated sulkily, but turned as he reached the shoji. "By the way…" he paused as he looked deep into her sable eyes. "You're welcome," he smiled and turned to head out the door.
The clacking sounds of the abacus beads alerted him to Ikuyo's intentions as she retaliated. Heisuke ducked just as the counting apparatus flew over his head and landed somewhere in the dense foliage.
xXxXx
"Glowering at him is not going to make him wake up, Suire-chan."
The girl taijiya turned glittering blue eyes on Shun'ei, as he and Awasumaru entered the room.
"How long is Juun-san going to sleep?" Suiren inquired testily; her question was directed at the hanyou.
"I don't know." Awasumaru shrugged and sat next to the girl. "It depends on how much energy he used. I remember he once slept until the next morning after a sparring bout with our trainer back home."
Suiren sighed in frustration as she turned back to the still boy on the futon. If not for the steady rise and fall of his chest, she would have thought the worst.
"Don't be so impatient, Suire-chan," Shun'ei admonished gently. "You'll be able to thank him soon enough."
"Shut up," she muttered and sent her brother another glare. Her twin knew her; only Shun'ei's eyes smiled as he met and held her gaze. He was right, she was waiting to thank Juun for helping her pass the trials; however, that was not the only reason. Suiren had a lot of other questions.
First of all, how was Juun so powerful? Was he really a human or did he have demon blood running through his veins like Awasumaru?
With his blindness, how could he counter attacks with such accuracy? How did he move the way he did? He did not have a lot of power and his hits were soft like a girl, but they were very effective. She had never seen any woman fighter move with such grace, as he did, not even her own mother.
She was so happy to have won today, that she had neglected to thank Juun like a true partner should have. By the time she finished celebrating with Shippo, Awasumaru and her brother, she had turned in time to see her father carrying the boy away on Kirara.
"Hey, kids!"
Suiren, Shun'ei and Awasumaru looked up at the sound of the monk's voice and saw him tiptoe inside the room.
"Where's your mother?" Miroku asked, looking around.
"She's fixing dinner," Suiren answered. The little girl's eyes narrowed as she noticed her father sneaking around. "What did you do now, chichi-ue?"
"Whatever do you mean, Suire-chan?" Miroku's lips twitched nervously and he straightened immediately from his creeping position. He also tried to sit as quietly as possible amongst the children without alerting Sango to his presence.
"What you're doing is pointless, father." Shun'ei shook his head. "You cannot hide from her forever," the boy stated reasonably.
"That is true, my son, and nor would I want to," Miroku began in scholarly fashion. He was just not ready for the interrogation regarding Kohaku's dinner plans. "However, I would much prefer to talk with her later than sooner," he laughed. "How's Juun-san?"
"He's still asleep, Houshi-sama," Awasumaru piped in, amused that the monk was intimidated by Sango-sama.
The twin's parents were very different from his own. Awasumaru could not imagine his father cowering in fear of his mother. In fact, it was not uncommon for Sesshomaru to tenderly provoke his usually serene human mate into a verbal sparring match.
"Tell me, Awasu-san," Miroku began. "Who originally began Juun-san's training?"
"Oh… that would be our grandmother, Natsumi-sama," the hanyou informed the monk. "She was an air deity descendant too, but not as strong as Juun. She began teaching him to control the winds when he was just a baby."
"I see," Miroku said thoughtfully, looking down on the boy. "I will need to talk with him as soon as he awakens. I will need to know what type of training regime he was used to."
"Does this mean you plan to help him, chichi-ue?" Shun'ei's tone was flat, but his father sensed his interest.
"Yes, my son." Miroku smiled. "Between your uncle and I, we will come up with something similar to his prior training."
Shun'ei smiled inwardly, but Awasumaru gave a loud whoop of glee. Suiren, however, was torn as she turned and looked down on the sleeping boy. Although, she was happy that Juun would have someone to help him achieve his goals, she wondered why that person had to be her father.
xXxXx
Kohaku's mouth watered, as the aroma from the food filled his nostrils. He had come to ask Bokkai's wife to prepare a meal for his outing with Rin and she had accepted readily.
"I really appreciate this, Lady Teruyo." The taijiya blushed and bowed before the woman. "As your food is the best, I thought of you immediately. I want… everything to go well tonight," he gushed.
"You're so kind." the older woman beamed a smile at the young master. "This Rin is a charming young woman and she seems special to you, Kohaku-sensei."
The taijiya's entire face turned beet red, eliciting a deep sigh and an "Aww… how sweet" from Lady Teruyo. The young man's hands even shook as he took the offered food. His bow was a bit stiff and he backed away murmuring his thanks.
"Those freckles are so adorable," Lady Teruyo tittered, watching the young man hurry down the lane. "Ah… I think our headmaster my be in love, Bokkai-kun." The woman turned to her husband that had watched the exchange in silent amusement.
"You just may be right, Teruyo-chan," the senior taijiya put an arm around his wife's shoulders and they both watched Kohaku's departure. "I didn't know the boy had it in him," he said slyly, "His timing is perfect, you know; it's a full moon tonight." Bokkai looked up to the darkening sky.
"So it is," Teruyo's seductive purr had him looking down on the petite woman at his side.
"I would be honored if you would stay up to watch it with me?" His voice also took on a suggestive quality.
"Of course." Teruyo slid an arm around his waist. "And… here I thought I was going to have to ask you."
"I may not be young like our headmaster or have adorable freckles, my dear," he laughed and playfully tousled his wife's short crop of hair, "… but I am not dead."
As Kohaku headed to Hisa's cottage, he mentally reviewed all preparations. He wanted tonight to be special, perfect and for nothing to go wrong. But… most of all, he wanted Rin to be pleased.
"Meow!"
"I know… I know, Kirara!" The taijiya felt the neko companion on his shoulder nuzzle his ear. "I'm worrying needlessly… I hope."
With Shippo's help delivering the message, Kirara transporting him around and Lady Teruyo cooking, he had time to bathe and change his clothes. His white keso and dark blue hakamas were fresh, his hair was neat and he felt presentable.
Approaching the small abode, Kohaku's steps suddenly slowed and an image of Naraku flashed in his mind.
"What are you doing, Kohaku?" His voice was sinister. "Do you not remember, boy, that your life, belongs to me? You do not deserve happiness… you killed your father, your comrades. You are… unworthy!"
Kohaku froze in his tracks. The voice was right; what was he doing here? Why was he trying to live as normal human being?. He was a murderer… no… he was worse. He had killed his own father and slaughtered countless others, all innocent of any wrongdoing. He did not deserve to be happy nor did he deserve Rin.
With a sigh, Kohaku took one last look at Hisa's cottage and then turned away. A confused Kirara's eyes darting from her master's hung head back to the small abode they were moving away from.
"He's… he's leaving," Hisa gasped from the window. The woman had discreetly watched Kohaku approach and had alerted her charge to his arrival.
"What?!" Rin's voice was a mere whisper and she rose hurriedly from the tatami mat.
"I don't know what happened." Hisa turned to her with a frown. "He looked fine and then he suddenly stopped and… well, he seemed in pain before he just turned around."
Hisa may not know what happened, but Rin certainly did. Before she could consider if it was appropriate and before her friend could stop her, Rin threw open the shoji, flew down the lane and called out to the man she had been waiting for all afternoon.
"Kohaku!"
The taijiya stopped, but did not turn around. What could he say to her? Could he tell her that this was a mistake. Could he tell that, although he was falling in love with her, they could only continue to be friends? With sad eyes, he turned to tell her just that.
"You were not going to leave without me; were you?" Rin's musical voice touched his heart as she caught up with him.
"Rin… I…" he began, but the touch of her hand across his brow stopped him.
"If you tell me to go back I will, Kohaku-kun," she whispered. "But… I don't want to go back, I want… I want to be with you."
Those trusting eyes and loving hands caressing his heated skin decided for him. He could no more deny her than he could himself. Her nearness removed all doubts and wiped the menacing voice from his head.
"You brought food." Rin noticed the parcel he carried and gave a wobbly smile. "It smells wonderful." She waited, still unsure of his answer.
Sighing in resignation, Kohaku reached up and captured the gentle fingers on his face. "It is wonderful, Rin-chan," he said and returned her smile. "You haven't tasted anything until you've tasted Lady Teruyo's stew."
Suddenly, Rin's smile brightened. "I can't wait," she responded and linked arms with the taijiya. "Well… then let's go; shall we?"
"Yes." Kohaku relaxed and pulled her forward. "Let's go."
xXxXx
Finally, it was dark. Dressed completely in black, Ikuyo crawled out of the window of her room and entered the dense foliage. She wore hakamas that were tied from ankle to knee and her long hair was pulled back into a tight bun at the nape of her neck.
Having lied to her parents, Ikuyo claimed a headache and retired early to her room to prepare for tonight. Equipped with her father's sword and staying in the shadows, she was now headed to the storage shed in hopes of apprehending the thieves.
Actually, Ikuyo did have a headache. It was because of that buffoon earlier… the farmer. What was his name again, she wondered? Heisuke… that was it.
The nerve of him, she fumed as she remembered his arm sliding around her waist. After regaining her balance, she was surprised by the concerned brown eyes looking down on her. Suddenly, she realized he was holding her too close, so close she could smell his manly scent and feel the warmth from his chest. He smelled of soil and verdure. His hands were calloused and his nails dirty. However, she had found the smell somewhat pleasant and his touch made her skin tingle.
Argumentative, opinionated and confrontational she may be, but she was not a violent person. To think that she had actually thrown the abacus at the man; she was usually more composed than that.
Reaching the storage shed, Ikuyo stayed low and slid into the shadows of large tree. From where she sat, she had a good view of the entrance. The only thing left to do was wait.
xXxXx
Chikao and Yoshimatsu sat at the tower looking out over the village. It was Heisuke's watch and his friends had stopped by to have a few words with him.
"We heard you had a consult with Houshi-sama the other night, Heisuke-san." Chikao rubbed his hands together anticipating second hand information. "Come on, buddy, it's time to share," he said with Yoshimatsu nodded eagerly in agreement.
"Now, now guys." Heisuke waved a finger in caution. "I cannot speak on the subject. If you two have questions, Houshi-sama will be more than willing to talk with you… most willing," he added.
"Aw, come on, Heisuke-san," Chikao whined. "We've been waiting all day. Can't you tell us something… anything?"
"You two are hopeless," the gardener laughed and turned back to look over the village. "Trust me, the best thing would be to ask him yourself. I will tell you, the monk knows what he's talking about."
"I can't believe you're holding out on us," Chikao said huffily.
Heisuke smiled as he leaned over the railing and tuned out his friend. It was going to be a long night. He had left the tower at dawn and headed straight for his garden. He had worked there until noon gathering the ripe produce, washing them and then packing for storage. After that, he had the most titillating altercation with Lady Ikuyo; one that left him unable to sleep the rest of the day.
It was not Houshi-sama's reputation with women that had spurred Heisuke to seek the monk's advice. Since the day Miroku returned to the village with a wife and children, he had taken an interest in the couple or rather… with Sango-sama.
The female taijiya had a commanding presence; she was strong and feminine at the same time. Sango-sama was a fierce warrior; an excellent mother, and most of all, Houshi-sama adored his wife. What he wouldn't give to find happiness with someone like her and then he noticed Ikuyo.
One day last spring, he had helped the workers take the produce to the storage shed. While standing outside, Heisuke had watched the young woman take charge of food distribution. She calculated and divvied rations and ordered the workers to make deliveries to the several cottages.
Heisuke found Ikuyo fascinating; she was intelligent and refined, but was clearly not interested with anyone considered below her station.
One of the workers had informed him that Ikuyo's father was once a vassal to a high lord. For some reason, Genpaku had fallen from the lord's favor and he and his family had ended up here at the slayers village.
Knowing nothing of women, Heisuke simply kept his distance and worshipped Ikuyo from afar. However, he had gained enough confidence to come and meet her today based on his conversation with the monk…
"What is the method of courting a woman that most men are intimidated by?" Heisuke asked.
"Ah…" Miroku looked closely at the gardener. "A man who likes a challenge. I must say you surprise me, Heisuke-san. I would have thought you preferred the pretty and docile type."
The gardener's only answer was a wide grin, which the monk responded to, each understanding the other.
"When courting an autonomous woman, one must have the utmost patience, Heisuke-san," the monk began. "These women have surrounded themselves in barriers of self-reliance and it will take a lot of perseverance to penetrate it."
"If it is the woman's strength that attracts you," the monk continued solemnly, "I must warn you, Heisuke-san, that they also come with weaknesses they keep hidden deep within. Are you willing to accept and invest your time to help them overcome those weaknesses, my friend?"
"Yes!" The gardener cried fiercely and leaned forward. "I have sensed a loneliness about her and have wondered about it. If I could somehow find out why and to… and have her share it with me. Maybe…" Suddenly, Heisuke stopped, realizing he had already said too much.
"Well… it seems you have answered my next question," Miroku said with a knowing gleam in his eye. "It seems you have a specific woman in mind, but are not ready to reveal her identity just yet. I will respect your privacy, my friend, and not inquire further," the monk informed him. "Just know I am available if you ever need to talk."
"Thank you, Houshi-sama." the gardener sighed with relief and bowed.
Detecting movement from his peripheral vision snapped him from his musings. Chikao's voice droned on in the background as Heisuke peered closer into the foliage below the tower.
Someone was down there, moving swiftly and keeping within the tress and bushes. Mentally cursing himself for daydreaming while on watch, Heisuke grabbed his yari and barked orders to his friends.
"Chikao… Yoshimatsu!" Out of habit, both men rose hurriedly and stood at attention. "Keep watch on the tower; I'm going to check on something," the gardener informed them before jumping over the side.
The two friends ran to the rail, watched Heisuke bounce from the beams of the tower to land safely on the ground and then disappear into the dark.
"He's crazy!" Yoshimatsu cried.
"Yeah," Chikao agreed. "But… I wonder what he saw."
xXxXx
They shared Lady Teruyo's dinner in a secluded area at the edge of the fortress. Kohaku was sullen for a while, but Rin kept plying him with antidotes of her growing up in the Westernlands. She told him about the antics of Awasumaru, Juun and Idzuna - the kitsune servant that was also her friend.
"She sounds a lot like Shippo," Kohaku commented after laughing soundly at one of her stories.
"She is," Rin laughed too. "Idzuna-chan also knows fox magic. Honestly, between her and Yoippari-sama, I don't know which one scares me more with their incantations."
"I hope she's not as bad as Shippo," Kohaku teased. "His illusions can be somewhat trying at times. Oh… I almost forgot." The taijiya jumped to his feet and held out a hand for Rin to join him.
"Please… come with me, Rin-chan," he said. "I have a special place I'd like to show you."
The young woman rose without question. Rin was simply happy that Kohaku allowed her to stay with him. They left the fortress and took the path leading to the main road; even then she never questioned him. Reaching the end of the path, the taijiya grabbed her hand and turned towards the river.
Before they reached the water, the two came upon a massive tree that stretched high into the sky with its trunk the breadth of two cottages.
"Goodness," Rin gasped, looking it over. "It's huge."
"I know." Kohaku smiled at her expression of awe. "It been here as long as I can remember," he said and moved forward to touch the wood's bark. "Sango, Kirara and I used to play here as children. Do remember 'kakurenbo', the game I taught you to play?"
"Yes!" Rin's head bobbed excitedly, as she remembered their time as children. "I taught it to Awsumaru, Juun and Idzuna." .
"Years ago, while playing hide and seek with my sister, I found this perfect hiding spot," Kohaku said and turned to Rin with a sly smile. "If I remember correctly, you are not afraid of high places; am I right?"
"Of course not," Rin laughed. "The way I enjoy riding Ah-un."
"That's good," the taijiya said with a gleam in his eye. Before Rin knew what he was about, he bent down and hoisted her over his shoulders like a sack of grain.
"Kohaku!" she screeched.
Holding his prize securely, the taijiya crouched low, pushed upward and jumped to the first branch of the tree. He kept going until they were less than midway from the top. Settling on a thick branch, Kohaku lowered his passenger to her feet.
Rin held tight to her transport's forearms while trying to balance herself. After a few wobbly attempts to stay upright, Kohaku finally placed an arm about her waist and helped lower her. Looking down, Rin noticed that a trench had been carved into the tree limb. It was deep enough that one could sit or recline inside of it.
"Did you do this?" Rin asked in awe.
Kohaku simply nodded and went on to explain. "Wherever I hid, Sango would always find me until I found this place," he told her. "From here, I would hear her calling out to me. Sango would search for hours, but this place is my secret refuge." Settling Rin in front of him, Kohaku continued.
"I wanted you to come with me here because…" he paused and turned her shoulders gently, "… there is no better place to see the sights than from here," he whispered and pointed to the full moon looming above them.
"Oh…" Rin breathed. That was the only word that came to mind as the young woman drank in the scene before her. The moon appeared so close that it gave the impression one could reach out and touch it. Lifting her hand, Rin spread her fingers over the reflection as if to test that theory.
"It… it's beautiful," she whispered.
"Yes," Kohaku sighed, but he was not looking at the moon.
Rin's face was bathed in its glorious light, adding an ethereal glow to her skin. Studying her profile, Kohaku sighed again. What was he going to do when it was time for her to leave? In a few days Awasumaru and Juun's initiation would be over. The boys could then travel back and forth from the Westernlands to the village, just like Suiren and Shun'ei. Would Rin return with them when they came for their training, he wondered… would she miss him as he would her?
As if sensing his thoughts, Rin turned to him and whispered, "Thank you for showing me this, Kohaku-kun." She smiled a shy smile and added, "I could stay here forever."
Kohaku's hands reached for her of their own accord. Pulling her against his chest, he tilted her head back and planted soft kisses across her brow, down the end of her tilted nose until he captured her lips in a searing kiss.
Like a man thirsting for water, the taijiya plundered Rin's sweet mouth. He was unusually aggressive, but then so was she. Her hands slid up over his cheeks and buried her fingers in his hair, pulling him closer not wanting to let go.
Lack of experience had them both coming up for air too soon. Releasing her lips, Kohaku breathed deep and held Rin tighter against him. "Orchids," he said softly. "You smell like orchids."
"Do I?" The blushing woman responded breathlessly. "I was… helping Hisa-chan in her garden today," she said dreamily.
"Will you?" Kohaku asked, suddenly and his hands shook as they stroked her hair.
"Will I… what?" Rin looked up to the taijiya's query.
"Will you stay?"
xXxXx
While some took pleasure in the full moon, from her position outside of the storage shed, Ikuyo cursed it. With the area bathed in light, the woman had to resort to lying under a bush to prevent being seen.
"Come on," she muttered impatiently from her hiding place. "Where are you thieves?"
She had only been waiting a short time, but it felt longer. Stifling a moan, she extended a leg to release a cramp.
"Well… well…" A voice said from above. "I finally found you."
Ikuyo froze. Her eyes grew wide as she considered her position. The thieves must have arrived before she did and spotted her before she went into hiding.
"Get up!" The voice demanded harshly.
It was best to stay silent and do as he bid, Ikuyo decided, but only until she found a way to gain the upper hand. Inching from under the bush, she noticed the man take a step back to allow her room to stand and that's when she took a chance.
Lying on the ground, she swiftly unsheathed her father's sword and aimed for the man's shins. Her blade was blocked; she should have known that the bandit was armed. Rolling from her side to her knees, Ikuyo raised her sword to block her opponent's overhead strike.
Ikuyo was no amateur when it came to swordplay. Before her family was banished, her father had allowed her to practice with the best students at the Ryu dojo. Her training was kept secret, as it was not considered a ladylike endeavor. However, no matter how skilled, it was clear her opponent was stronger.
Her arms shook as the man's weapon bore down on hers at full strength. Kami! He was a powerful one, she thought. Lifting her head to get a look at her attacker, she gasped and then grew angry. Her attackers eyes grew wide and he gasped also.
"You!" They both said at the same time. Ikuyo in anger; Heisuke in surprise.
"What the hell…" the gardener swore and then recalled a lady was present. Removing his yari from Ikuyo's blade, he stepped back and put out his hand to help her to her feet.
"Get away!" She slapped his hand and stood up.
"I'm… sorry," he said lamely and then Heisuke's shock wore off. "What are you doing out this late?"
"That is none of your concern," Ikuyo snapped, pushing tendrils of loose hair out of her eyes. "Now go away!"
His eyes were drawn to her face bathed in moonlight. That perpetual frown was in place, her expression was mutinous and Heisuke thought she looked quite lovely. His eyes traveled lower and he noticed her attire.
Dressed in all black, the woman painted an alluring picture. The obi tied at her waist accentuated her slender curves and the wrapped hakamas hinted at trim ankles and calves.
"Why are you dressed that way?"
A sharp retort rose to Ikuyo's lips, but before she could utter them, she heard someone approaching. It had to be the thieves, she thought and not wanting to scare them off she grabbed hold of Heisuke.
"Get down," she ordered and dropped to her knees. As Heisuke still stood stupidly, Ikuyo yanked him face down on the ground. As the gardener was wearing a light colored keso, she threw her dark clothed body over is back.
"Hey! What are you…"
"Sshhh!" The woman pressed his face in the dirt to shut him up. Leaning close to his ear, she hissed, "Just stay still and be quiet; I won't have you messing up my plans."
Heisuke nodded and Ikuyo released the pressure enough to allow him lift his head. Tilting his head to the side, he saw her face was just inches from his as she leaned over his shoulder. Her eyes, however, were trained on the storage room shoji.
Reluctantly, the gardener's gaze strayed from her person on hearing someone approach. From under the bush, Heisuke turned to the sound and saw two sets of feet directly in front of him. He made to speak, but the woman on his back clamped a hand firmly over his mouth.
The two watched as the shoji slid open and the feet disappeared inside. Heisuke felt Ikuyo inhale deeply as the feet reappeared and the shoji snapped shut. Before he could react, she had hopped from his back, brandishing her sword and confronted the culprits.
"Drop those bags!"
The two workers from earlier that afternoon flinched guiltily, but held tight to their prize.
"Lady Ikuyo!" they gasped. "What… why are you here?"
"I'm here to capture a couple of thieves," she snapped and felt Heisuke come to stand at her side. "Meaning the two of you!"
"Heisuke-san!" one of the workers looked relieved. "She doesn't understand. We were just…" he finished lamely, as the gardener looked no more sympathetic to their plight than the woman overseer. "We… we can explain."
"Maybe you can," Heisuke shrugged, feeling sorry for the men. "But… I'm afraid you will have to plead your case to Kohaku-sensei," he said. Moving forward with his yari in hand, the gardener instructed them to return the bags of rice to storage. "I will escort you both to the main house," he ended.
"Oh no!" Ikuyo said angrily. "I will escort them to the main house," Ikuyo emphasized, offended by his highhandedness. "You cannot just take over," she sneered. "I caught these two thieves, not you."
"Ikuyo-san, that is not important right now," he informed her. "This happened on my watch, I must bear the responsibility."
"You're too soft," she spat. "I wouldn't be surprised if you let them go. Those two need to be punished and I mean to see that they are. Besides," she added to taunt him, "… you are less than presentable with your face full of dirt?"
Heisuke looked at her as if she had grown two heads; after all, it was because of her that he looked that way.
This was about more than bags of rice, Heisuke realized. For Ikuyo, this was personal. As she was in charge of the village rations, he could understand that she was upset. However, something told him it went deeper than that.
Recalling the monk's words about strengths, weaknesses and patience, the gardener relented. "Fine," he sighed. "You can take them in, but I will accompany you."
"Good," Ikuyo sheathed her sword. "Let's go!" she ordered and turned to head to the main house.
xXxXx
Rin's eyes stretched wide and she wondered if Kohaku realized what he was saying… what he was asking. In what capacity, did he want her to remain at the slayers village? With her heart thumping wildly in her chest, Rin decided it was best to be practical.
"Are you… are you asking me to move here, Kohaku?" Her voice trembled. "To… become a resident?"
"No," the taijiya gasped and pressed his forehead against hers. "I want…"
"That is all she can ever be!" That voice returned, interrupting him. "Do you mean to taint the girl with your filthy past, Kohaku!"
"I mean… yes!" The taijiya was unaware that his fingers dug into Rin's shoulders as he tried to force the voice from his head, but it would not go away. With a sinister laugh, Naraku's voice continued to mock him.
"Yes… Kohaku, allow her to stay!" More laughter. "She can serve as a sacrifice to seal your allegiance with me!"
"Damn you!" Kohaku hissed as if in pain. "Get out of my head!" he cried.
Rin knew what was happening and she wanted to help him, but what could she do? Kohaku's head was buried in the crook of her neck responding to the voice in his head. His hands were crushing her shoulders, but Rin's fear for him was greater than her own as her mind raced to find a way to help him.
She began to hum and then to sing, a light, harmonious melody to soothe the soul. Rin's lyrics expressed the innocence of new love and untouched desire. She felt Kohaku's hold loosen and she continued to sing.
The taijiya responded immediately to the soft sounds flowing from Rin's throat. The voice in his head grew dimmer until it faded into nothingness. His mind cleared, his body relaxed and finally, he released his hold.
With Rin's hands caressing a pattern on his back, Kohaku found himself snuggling deeper into her warmth. She felt good, she smelled good; he never wanted to let her go.
"Rin-chan," he sighed with pleasure.
"Rest," she instructed in a whisper; she had stopped singing only to resume humming a tune.
The taijiya felt himself lowered to the curved section carved into the bark of the tree. He made to sit up, but Rin gently urged him to lie down. Stretching out next to him, she tucked into his side with her head cradled on his shoulder.
"It's late," Kohaku said softly, enjoying having her next to him, but knew that they must head back.
"Just a little while." Rin's voice was barley audible as she lifted her head to look into his eyes. "Let's stay this way… just a while."
"I'm sorry," the taijiya said softly into the night. "After all this time and although he is dead, Naraku still haunts me. Other than my family, I have not allowed myself to become attached to anyone." He plunged ahead. "I have secretly feared that one day he may return… that he was not really dead. That had to be the only way he could continue to have a hold over me."
"He still controls my life; his evil follows me. Even here… in this place, with you," he continued. "I have tried to fight him, but he invades my sleep… my dreams. I will never escape." He swallowed hard and threw an arm over his eyes.
"You will tonight," Rin said with assurance and pushed up on her hands to look down on the man she had fallen in love with. "He will not enter your sleep tonight or your dreams, Kohaku-kun, because I will be here to protect you."
The young man made to speak, but found his eyelids had suddenly become heavy. Rin would protect him; that was his last thought as he drifted into a deep slumber. "Sleep." He heard her say from somewhere far away and relaxed as he felt a familiar warmth return to his side.
"I'm here," Rin whispered and laid her head on his chest. How long she lay there listening to his deep breathing, she did not know. Pushing back, the young woman lifted her head to look into Kohaku's sleeping face. A frown appeared on his brow and his arm tightened to pull her close. Only then did his face relax and he become settled.
With a smile, Rin made herself comfortable. They were here for the night; she did not plan to disturb the headmaster's rest; however, she would see to it that he made his class in the morning.
Burrowing deep in his side, Rin felt sleep creep up on her. Tomorrow, she and Kohaku would talk. Without the moonlight, the lulling sounds of the river and in the clear light of day, would he still ask her to stay? By the time her eyelids drifted close, Rin had already made her decision.
To be continued…