Sunday 1AM at the hospital
Hojo was getting ready to go home when he heard an obnoxious tapping coming from Sesshomaru's room. He went inside to investigate.
"Mr. Taisho? Is everything alright in there?" He took one step inside and was slammed against the wall by his neck.
"Do you have a cell phone?" He asked with a rough growl.
Hojo nodded as a small squeal escaped his lips.
"Call Rin."
"B-b-but it's so late. She may be asleep."
Sesshomaru squeezed his neck tighter until he could feel Hojo's racing pulse beneath his fingertips. "Call. And hand me the phone."
Hojo reached into his pocket and dialed her number with his trembling hand.
Sesshomaru snatched the phone and let go of his neck.
"Y-you can keep the phone."
"I planned to."
Hojo quickly rushed out and stood in the hallway panting.
"How...is Rin...not afraid of him?"
Rin woke up to her ringing phone. She reached over, grabbed it and answered without looking at the screen.
"Hello?"
"Have you found out anything?"
She recognized that dark voice. It was so distinct and emotionless. It couldn't have been anyone else. "W-wait. Sesshomaru? How are you calling me right now?"
"The eccentric one lent me his phone."
"Really? How'd you get him to do that?"
"I told him I missed you."
Rin smiled at his sarcasm. He seemed to be opening up to her and she thoroughly enjoyed it. "You beat him up didn't you? I asked you not to hit anyone!"
"I did not hit anyone."
"Oh. Well. I haven't found out much. Nothing significant anyway. Just the background of these slayers. I know their leader is probably someone older than the followers since most of them are high school age."
"I see."
"I'm sorry. I'll keep trying later today."
"I have a question for you."
"Yes?"
"If you do not find this 3rd suspect, will that prevent you from requesting my release?"
"That depends. Can I trust you?"
Rin heard nothing on the end of the phone.
"Hey." She said.
"What?"
"This is a phone call, you know. It's a bit awkward if you don't say anything on the other end."
"This phone is interesting. It only has one button."
"Yeah. Hojo has an iPhone."
"iPhone?"
"Technology has advanced a lot since you've been in there. We have touch screen phones, tablets, 3D televisions. You'll see!"
"Hmm…"
"Do me a favor."
"It depends."
"Return Hojo's phone, okay? I'm going back to sleep. I need to wake up early and finish investigating this case. Then, first thing tomorrow, I'll put in the request for you."
"What a foolish thing to do without having an answer to your question."
"Your silence spoke loud enough for me. Goodnight, Sesshomaru. I'll hang up since you don't know how to use that phone."
Rin hung up and put her phone back on the nightstand. "He's actually very nice. I hope other people will be able to see that." She sighed as she lied down. "I just wish he would stop hurting people. It's not necessary." She sighed again and turned over. "I guess we still have a bit of a way to go."
Monday morning, 9 AM
Rin arrived at work earlier than usual to pick up a request form for Sesshomaru's release.
"You back again, Dr. Asano? You're on your fifth rehabilitated patient. Who is it this time?"
"Sesshomaru Taisho."
The woman dropped the stack of papers in her hand. "You're serious?"
"Very serious!"
The woman hesitantly handed her a yellow form.
"What's this?"
"A form designed for dangerous criminals. You have to fill out where he'll be staying and who will be supervising him for one year in part 3A and record any and all incidents that occurred while you were his psychiatrist in part 3B."
Rin looked at part 3A
"Please attach a notarized letter from immediate family member or caregiver who will supervise patient for 12 months upon release date."
'Who am I going to ask for this? I never had this problem before.'
"Uh. Can I bring this back tomorrow by any chance?"
"Sure. If I'm not here, just drop it in this box right here." She said as she pointed to a clear plastic box on her desk.
"Okay. Thank you."
Rin headed towards Sesshomaru's room, thinking about what she could do.
When she got inside, she saw him lying on the bed playing with Hojo's iPhone.
"Hey! I thought you were going to return it."
Sesshomaru shrugged. "He said I could have it."
"What are you doing on there anyway?"
"Reading his emails. Did you know he has an account at a website called ? He's been matched with some very classless women." He told her as he showed her the email.
Rin quickly looked away before she could see the email. "Uhh...I don't need to know anything about his personal life."
"What is that paper in your hand?"
"Your release request form."
"So I take it that means you found something."
"No. I think this suspect is going to be impossible to find. Or maybe I'm just a terrible detective who should stick to my day job. I'm really sorry."
"I see."
"So...What do you plan to do once you're out of this hospital?"
"I want to find my mother's killer."
Rin waved her hands in the air emphatically while shaking her head. "No! You're not supposed to hurt anyone else!"
"I want her brooch back. I have no other interest. I don't mean to seek revenge."
"I understand." 'Still, he should leave matters like this to me.'
"How long will it take?"
"A week."
"That gives you time to continue your detective work."
"But..."
"I don't believe anything is impossible for you. You graduated high school at 16, finished College and got your PHD at 21, top of your class."
"How did you know all that?"
He waved the phone at her. "Google."
Rin had nothing to say in response. 'He was researching me. He wants to make sure he can trust me.'
"I-I suppose it's safe to assume you have faith in me and you trust me."
"What would you do if I agreed?"
"I would continue to be trustworthy."
"Hmm."
Rin smiled sweetly. "I have a few things to take care of today. Hold onto this." She said as she gave him an iPhone charger. "Call me if anything. Even if it's just to talk."
Sesshomaru gave her a rude glare before waving her off.
11 AM, Ibi Alternative High School
Rin showed up at a bad time. There were students all over the halls fighting and throwing things at each other. A lot of them were bigger than her and it made her feel nervous. She began to squeeze through the hallway, trying to make her way to the main office.
"Get the hell outta the hallway! Unless you want detention until 8 tonight!"
The students quickly scattered into classrooms and the lunchroom.
Once the hall was empty, Rin and Inuyasha had a clear view of one another.
"You sure know how to clear a hallway." She said as she let out a relieved breath.
He chuckled. "Yeah I guess. What're you doing here, anyway? You come to see Kagome?"
She shook her head. "Actually, I'm here to see you."
"O-okay. Follow me." He said as he lead her to his office.
Rin sat in a chair by his desk when two girls began to scrutinize her.
"Mr. T, who's this? A new teacher?" One girl asked with a finger pointed in Rin's face.
"She's a psychiatrist. I wouldn't mess with her if I were you. She'll put you in a little room where you hug yourself for the rest of your life. Now get out! This ain't a hangout."
The girls quickly ran out.
"Sorry. The kids here are really fucking nervy. Now, what'd you wanna talk about?" He asked as he slouched in his chair.
"Your brother."
"Obviously."
"I'm releasing him from the hospital."
Inuyasha's jaw dropped open. "Wwwhat?! You can't do that! He'll just start killing again! He tried to kill me, remember?!"
"No. He didn't. Sesshomaru and your father told me the true story."
Inuyasha raised an eyebrow at her. "My father? What the hell is goin on here? What do you know that I don't?!"
"You were in full demon form and blacked out. You were on the verge of killing your mother and Sesshomaru acted impulsively. He claims he had no intention of trying to protect you but I believe he's just in denial. He even took Kagome home because he knew you were going to change that night."
Inuyasha placed his head on his desk and groaned. "Why did everyone have to lie to me? I just don't understand!"
"I'm sorry. Perhaps they were just trying to shield you. Maybe they didn't want you to know you almost killed your mother."
"Damn!" He cried out as he banged his fist on the table. "I've been holding a false grudge all these years. What do I do now?"
"Well you can atone for your anger by writing a letter stating that he can stay with you under your supervision."
"But he can't stay with me!"
"Why not?"
"Kagome and I leave home at 6AM and get back at almost 8. I cant supervise anything! Why didn't you ask my father?"
"To be frank, I don't exactly trust him. You and Sesshomaru constantly talk about how he hides things. I can see a nasty altercation happening if Ms. Tono ever comes up."
"Hmm. So what can you do?"
"He can always stay with me!"
"No! That's not a good idea?"
"Why not?"
"Remember what I told you?"
"Just a bit of advice. Be careful around him. I may only share half of my blood with him, but I know what he's capable of. There are other ways he can get to you without killing you. Be strong."
Rin nodded. "Yes, I remember. But I am strong. I can handle this." She said confidently.
"You're in over your head! I don't even think you're allowed to do that!" He argued.
"Please? Just fax me a notarized letter stating that you'll do it. I just want to help him."
He hesitated before responding. "Fine. I'll fax it in the morning."
"Thank you!" She exclaimed graciously. "I'm going home to fill the rest out! Please tell Kagome I said hi!" She said as she rushed out.
Inuyasha let out a defeated sigh and picked up his office phone.
"Hey, couldja do me a favor and watch the kids for the rest of the day? I gotta step out…it's a family emergency."
12:30, At the hospital
Shiori trembled as she walked through the hallway. "Again, I have to go to his room! I know Rin said I'll be safe but he's so scaaary."
Before she knew it, she reached his room and gulped before going inside.
"M-Mr. Taisho?"
"What?"
"Y-you have a visitor. Please follow me to the visitor's area."
He slowly sat up in his bed and walked towards the door. Shiori took a deep breath and began leading him to his visitor. 'It's only a few more feet, only a few more feet.'
She led him to the table and he sat down. He glanced up at her and she felt terror strike through her.
"Is that it?"
"O-oh! Y-yeah!" She stammered before rushing back to the front desk.
'He doesn't seem as scary as before. Maybe Rin really is changing him.'
Sesshomaru sat at the table, assuming he had another visit from Jaken. When he saw the white haired, dog-eared half demon walk in and sit across from him, he was more confused than angry.
"What are you doing here?" He asked in an irritated tone.
Inuyasha took out a deck of cards and placed them on the table. "Let's play that stupid game you made up so you could cheat me out of my allowance when I was little. Deal the cards."
Sesshomaru began to deal the cards as he recalled the game they used to play.
20 years ago…
It was a cold Friday afternoon. Inuyasha had just gotten home from school and began playing his Nintendo when Sesshomaru showed up.
"Did father give you your allowance today?" He asked.
"Yeah, daddy said I can buy a new game tomorrow."
"I know a way you can double your allowance and get two new games."
"Really?! How?"
"We can play poker. You bet your allowance and I'll bet mine. Whoever wins gets the other's money."
"B-but iono how to play poker!"
Sesshomaru took a deck of cards out of his pocket. "You know how to play 'go fish' don't you?"
Inuyasha nodded.
"Well, we're going to play a game called 'poker fish.'" He began as he dealt the cards. "You ask me if I have a card and I'll either give up the card or say go fish. If I say go fish, you have to determine whether or not I'm lying. If you think I'm lying, you say 'poker fish!' but if I'm telling the truth, you have to go fish twice. Whoever has the most pairs wins."
"Okay. But did you make this up, big brother?"
"Of course not! Everyone in my school plays this game."
"But you were lying, weren't you? You're a damn good liar. And you knew I was a bad one. So you cheated me out of my allowance."
"It's not my fault. Every time you said "go fish," you would laugh."
"I have an interesting wager: If I win, I'll write the consent letter for your release. If you win, well…tough luck."
"So my freedom lies in your hands, huh? I see you've finally grown some balls."
"Shut up and take your turn!"
The two went back and forth, playing the game.
"You still haven't told me why you're here. I'm sure you didn't simply want to play cards. What is it you want?"
"Go. Fish." He said in a stern, competitive tone as he pointed to the deck.
Sesshomaru sighed and picked up a card.
Once the entire deck was gone, they counted out their pairs and Inuyasha had won by a landslide.
He dropped the cards in the middle of the table and sighed heavily. "You let me win."
"Isn't that what you wanted?"
"Huh?"
"I just wanted to win! I didn't care about the money!" Inuyasha wailed as he placed his allowance in Sesshomaru's hand.
"Better luck next time, kid."
"Now, since you've won. The least you can do is tell me why you've come here."
"Rin told me what happened when I was a kid. How you stopped me from killing my mother."
"So?"
"I'm not dealing with it very well. I haven't talked to Kagome about it yet. I just don't understand what was going on."
"It's simple. You were weak."
"Why you—"
"When was the last time it happened?"
"Uh…it never happened again after you left."
"I see."
"Oh. And another thing. You know once you leave this hospital, you have to be under strict supervision, right?"
"And?"
"You're not the type of man who would be very fond of that. I want to know what you're going to do. Are you gonna kill Rin and disappear? Don't drag her into this. She's a good person and—"
"I know."
"You know what?!"
"Don't worry about Rin. She doesn't need you to worry about her."
"Rin said you're going to be staying with her. Don't fuck this up. If you do anything to her I swear I will—"
"You'll what? Kill me? You think you're a tough man now, protecting all the damsels in distress, don't you? Get a grip, Inuyasha."
"Listen to me, you stupid jackass. Rin is Kagome's best friend. We've lived with her, she stayed at our father's house after my mother died, and she helped me grieve. Rin. Is. Family. If you hurt her, I will kill you. You think she wanted your case for her ego? To make herself look good as a psychiatrist? You inspired her. She wants to save you. I don't know what she thinks she can do, but she wants to try. You'd better respect that."
"You're such a soft, sympathetic creature. You make me sick."
"You've forgotten who you used to be! You're this icy, cold, heartless, empty shell. You're a waste of a life. I came here to try to patch things up, hoping we could be brothers like we used to be when we were younger."
"I haven't seen you in 10 years, Inuyasha. What was it you were hoping for?"
"I—I don't know."
15 years ago…
"Sesshomaru!" Inuyasha ran into the house frantically looking for his brother.
"What now?" He asked in an annoyed voice as he called out from the kitchen.
"Help me!"
"I'm not taking you to the video store today."
"No! I want to talk to this girl at school! She's really pretty, smart, funny. I sit next to her in class a-and…I know you've been with Kagura for a while so maybe you can help me."
"Pfft. I can't help you talk to girls. You're an awkward goofball. You don't have a chance."
"I do have a chance! I could write her a letter, or walk up to her and introduce myself. O-or maybe I can send her a carnation on valentine's day!"
Sesshomaru sighed and lied his head down on the counter. "Why wait until Valentine's day to get her flowers? Why don't you go get them now?"
"Good idea! Thanks!" He said as he rushed out the door.
"I wasn't the only guy who wanted to ask her out. If I had waited a day longer, I might have lost her. I respected every word you said. You used to have a soul once. Maybe not an empathetic human one, but you…you were so much like dad. That's why I looked up to you. You were his image. He always bragged about you and how I should take after you and follow in your footsteps. But every fucking time I tried to be your brother, it wasn't what you wanted. Have you ever considered that half the shit that went wrong was your fault?!"
"My fault?!"
"Why did you kill all of those people? Because you're crazy? You enjoy blood all over your fingers?" Inuyasha shook his head and chuckled. "No. That's just what you told yourself. You wanted to rationalize what you did, right? You wanted to believe you were the monster everyone thought you were, didn't you?"
"Shut up."
"Didn't you?! Tell me that's what it was! Just fucking say it!"
"I won't say something just because you want me to. Now leave. I don't care if you want to write the letter or not. Just get out of my face."
"Fine. I'm used to you resenting me and pushing me away. Nothing new." Inuyasha slammed an envelope on the table and walked away.
Sesshomaru opened the envelope and took out the contents.
"These are the things I wanted to forget."