A/N : Many thanks again to everyone who reviewed/favourited this story. Feedback is my treat, and I feel like I'm being spoiled these days, please keep going :) Answers to anonymous reviews can be found at the end of this chapter.
Yup, I stole a famous sentence of George RR Martin in this one. A cookie to whoever finds it!
Chapter 12 : Trust
Rin walked quickly in the wide corridors, skirts flying gracefully around her, not caring about the okobos or the make up she had on anymore, her only priority was to look proper, and hide her nervousness! She tied her hair, in an attempt to give herself some serious look. How would it look if a voting councillor walked around with flowers in her locks, walking barefoot as she liked to do in her spare time? She even put magenta lines on her eyelids; in a desperate attempt to look a bit more…intimidating…She had no idea if it was going to work, though…
She didn't have to push the door of the study open, as the guard did it for her, bowing lowly as she got in. She had to refrain a gasp as she noticed she was one of the last to get inside. And she thought she was early!
She walked past the Lady Mother, who was already sitting at the long table were all the discussions were held, her lemony eyes glancing up.
"Hmph…. I suppose you should sit at the other end of the table", she said quietly, with a sly smile.
Rin nodded with a smile, trying to ignore some hostile stares coming from a side of the table. She felt like the baron Hatsuno and the wind warrior Tatsumaki really despised her, but she supposed it had to be expected, considering why she was asked to attend.
"You should pay attention today. This is not an informal meeting like you attended to before about the wedding or after you were back from the eastern borders. This is an official reunion, like the one you gracefully interrupted on your first days here…", explained the Lady Mother, matter-of-factly.
"What's the difference?", inquired Rin, raising an eyebrow.
"These can last for days…and it's not just about your master barking orders around. There can be some heated debates", the Lady Mother informed her with a gleam of mischief.
Rin gulped, not sharing the Lady Mother's enthusiasm about the prospect of staying days in the same room, debating of things she knew nothing about. She did have some needs, like eating, and sleeping…
"Well I hope I can meet your expectations this time, Sasori-sama", Rin said, frowning.
"Oh, but I don't have any. The expectations are behind you, little Rin", the demon woman replied with a smirk.
Rin startled, and stared over her shoulder, to glance at a pair of familiar amber eyes, Sesshomaru staring with soundless impassiveness.
"My lord…you are such a silent walker!", she exclaimed with embarrassment. He always surprised her like that. ALWAYS.
"…Come with me. There are a few things I must say to you before we start", he stated aloofly.
Rin nodded and bowed at his mother, before following him, nodding at Nozomi and Kireru, who had stood up as they passed by. Rin strategically ignored the others. As expected…she sat next to him, at the far end of the table, in front of Jaken.
The youkai lord looked briefly at her, noticing her agitation.
"Were you conspiring with my mother, just then? ", he asked with an icy mask.
"N-no, not at all. We were just talking!", she replied defensively.
"Hmph…As you say…", he replied nonchalantly. "You are not allowed to speak before your status as substitute is announced and confirmed. After, you are free to comment as you please, but I advise that you to use that right wisely…", he informed, than darted a sideways glance. "Though…as I said yesterday, you can be silent as well. You don't have to speak unless you feel confident enough…"
…She was quite sure the last part was triggered by the fact she couldn't stop playing with her quill in nervousness. She tried to smile reassuringly.
"One last thing", he said, in a low voice. She blinked and leaned over, intrigued at the change of tone.
"…I broke two glasses and an armchair when I held my first meeting…"
She gasped. "No way!"
"Yes I did. You can't possibly do worse than I did", he said, with smiling eyes.
She giggled, feeling a little less worried already.
Then he looked in front of him, and she resumed at her seriousness, looking at her hands.
"I, Lord Sesshomaru of the Western Lands, on this fifth day of the Month of Books, hereby announce the beginning of the hundredth official reunion of the council of strategic affairs", he announced solemnly.
Everyone nodded.
"I shall interrupt the usual schedule with a request from Tenmaru, regarding his substitution during his leave…"
"Great…", muttered the red eye woman, glancing at her neighbour.
"I have signed a decree appointing Rin as Warden of the Northern Frontiers. Although Tenmaru has a castellan for trivial security issues, she shall take responsibility for his obligations as advisor and will represent the Northern borders' interests during his absence."
Rin felt all the blood leave her face. Warden of the Northern Frontiers?! Now that sounded important! How the hell was she supposed to represent the northern borders' interests, when she had never set a foot there? What did she know about them, aside from the fact Tenmaru and Kishiko lived there, and that they were a bunch of polygamists dog demons?!
That function sounded much more important than what Sesshomaru made it seem like the day before…Maybe she should have read the terms after all…
Tatsumaki frowned, apparently fuming.
"What did you do to get your pretty seat, human?", she asked furiously.
"She did solve the Kizuisen puzzle, Tatsumaki", retorted Sesshomaru with annoyance. "What did you do, during these debates, except talking of beheading them all?"
"That was beginner's luck", the woman protested.
"I heard she was very helpful during the negotiations with them", the Lady Mother added.
"And we still haven't heard the details of that famous tale", Tatsumaki retorted.
Rin gulped, not wanting to reveal the racy details of that story…
"I must say, even though we have no say on this matter... that I am not even sure this is by the rules. Inu Taisho never meant for this to happen…", commented Hatsuno.
"How do you know?", asked Sesshomaru, frowning.
"He did the changes to the rules, so hanyous could attend, not humans…", the baron explained.
"You err Hatsuno. My late husband may have been thinking of hanyous when he changed the rules, but he kept the new formulations broad to allow humans as well", added the lady Mother.
"If I may be so bold, you didn't even attend to these meetings…", he retorted.
The Lady Mother raised an eyebrow. "And you think I know nothing of my consort's intentions?"
"I can only confirm Lady Sasori's explanations. In fact…Hatsuno, I can't believe you forgot what were Inu Taisho's explicit opinions during these changes", retorted Kireru, frowning. "I believe he was even questioning the notion of demon lands…"
"No need to remind us of the most insane parts of that era, Kireru", the Lady Mother retorted.
"Enough with your pointless twaddle. If I hear other protestations on this nomination, the dissident is free to come to me and solve this the old way", Sesshomaru threatened with very clear annoyance.
Everyone stopped talking. Rin wondered what was the old way… She supposed it must imply violence.
"Now if we may finally start. I expect reports regarding inspection and security of the lands. If you have any urgent tale to tell about, speak freely", the demon lord ordered icily.
"I will have to start, my lord", answered Nozomi, looking down. "You've requested me to find out if the North was taken. I can only say…it seems so."
A long silence ensued, some people looking at each other with dark looks. Only the Lady Mother and Sesshomaru remained impassive.
"What makes you think so, Nozomi?", he asked.
"Lord Hikaru's forces were nowhere to be seen. I have observed blue troops as well… hordes of the Central Lands…some were securing the borders… I saw others march towards the northern part of our lands". She gulped. "They are still far, and not moving very quickly because they are numerous, but if they keep going in the same direction, they might be on us before Tenmaru's return. Maybe in two weeks, or even before…"
"Hmmm…That may require moving troops to the North", Sesshomaru thought out loud. He looked displeased.
"Oh no worries now, we can send our new warden to lead the army", suggested Tatsumaki with sarcasm. Sesshomaru glared.
"Tatsumaki, I do not have patience for your pointless remarks today. If you disrespect Rin again, I will personally solve soothe your temper the old way as well", Sesshomaru retorted with visible irritation.
Red eyes blinked. "...Oo-okay…", the wind demon said, looking a little taken aback by his sudden outburst. Rin thought she saw her murmur to her neighbour something in the lines of "he works himself up early today"…
"How many fighters can we expect to march on our lands?", Sesshomaru asked the kitsune.
"Two hundreds, no armours. Those marching towards us weren't of the Heartlands' official army…"natives tribes" again. No stony snakes.", Nozomi added.
"Who will you send, Sesshomaru?", asked the Lady Mother. "It should have been Tenmaru's responsibility, maybe we can write to him…"
"No. I shall go myself with a few warriors", Sesshomaru said with a frown. "Do we have other good news?", he asked grumpily.
"Nothing to declare for the eastern parts. Nothing on my fief, Katashi and Kachikimaru are behaving as well. Everyone is warned and ready for whatever apocalypse may happen", added Tatsumaki quickly, wanting to get rid of this as quickly as possible.
"No other snakes lingering?", insisted Sesshomaru, raising a suspicious eyebrow.
"None. The last one I killed was three days before the wedding. They seem to remember where they are supposed to live, all of a sudden", Tatsumaki commented with a smirk.
"Maybe Sesshomaru's courteous conversations with Lady Amane were more fruitful than it seemed", commented the Lady Mother out loud.
Courteous…Sesshomaru wanted to laugh.
"I am afraid I do not share your optimism, mother", he retorted, then he glanced at the baron.
"I-I have nothing serious to announce, my lord. Although…there have been an abnormal number of travellers from the sea, humans and demons and in betweens alike…They were peaceful, but their intrusions are still a bother…we are not used to so many…beings of the sort…"
"When did that start?", inquired Sesshomaru.
"Three days ago", the vassal replied. "I believe they all come from the Kon'Ketsu Islands. I know we aren't supposed to intervene directly when civilians are just marching on our lands but…they are bothering my subjects, my lord…"
"Your tales are interesting Hatsuno. The master and I have seen leftovers from a sea merchant's goods scattered on one of the main path very close to the southern borders. The merchants must be from Kon'Ketsu then?", wondered Kireru out loud.
"This is so odd… These gipsies always used the sea to get to human lands before…", commented the Lady Mother.
"Hmph…", was Sesshomaru's only reply. His mother glanced at him.
"Do we have reports from Kon'Ketsu?", she asked.
"None for almost a moon cycle", he answered, frowning.
"We stopped receiving reports from the East once it got conquered by the Heartlands too", she commented.
"We have no confirmation of the East's demise yet", he retorted with annoyance. "Hatsuno. You have no idea as to why they started marching on the Western Coast?"
"I prefer not to rely on what human or half breed merchants say, my lord, they are always exaggerating and contradicting themselves", he said carefully.
"What were those exaggerations?", Sesshomaru insisted.
"I was told some complained about the islands are being plundered on a regular basis. Others complained the southern sea is closed…"
"Human seas closed? Impossible! We would have noticed!", replied Nozomi with a frown.
"I do not know for sure. These are mere anecdotes, but I received many reports of complaints since they started marching. We cannot simply let them use our lands like a highway to human territories", protested Hatsuno.
"Killing them would be pointless, and might provoke uproars from humans again", retorted Sesshomaru.
The vassal looked taken aback. "Since when should we care what the mortals thinks?"
"Oh don't be so closed minded, Hatsuno. You know we're surrounded by the Heartlands now, we would be very lonely if we started taunting humans now…", protested Kireru.
"Nozomi", started Sesshomaru. "On your way back, did you march along the Western Coast?"
She blinked. "Yes. Why?"
"Have you noticed signs of any fleet going south?"
"W-well I haven't noticed anything…but I didn't bother looking, my lord, since my mission was complete…"
"My lord", interrupted Hatsuno. "We should expect dire news from Kun'Ketsu. I know the safety of our coast was never a very big concern, but it may be time to tighten security…"
"What are you thinking about, Hatsuno?", the lord asked.
"Well, I believe we should firstly plan land troops to repel anyone marching on the coast…"
"Hmph...Your other idea?"
"We…we should get a fleet, my lord", the vassal said.
"A fleet? Wouldn't that be a waste of coins, based only on a few half breed's tales?", asked Sesshomaru with scepticism.
"Do you really think Kun'Ketsu will stay neutral for long, my lord?", Hatsuno asked, frowning.
"Maybe we should find out before doing impulsive moves, Hatsuno", retorted the lord, frowning back to the vassal.
"If I may be so bold, I would like to hold a ballot", replied Hatsuno neutrally.
"A ballot? Why for?", asked Nozomi with surprise.
"First ballot should be on the complete closure of the Western coast to foreign trespassing. Presence of intruders, including humans and possible spies on our lands is too risky", Hatsuno explained.
Jaken cleared his throat. "The poll is casted upon voting members. "
"Pro. I agree with the spy part. Humans and half breeds are easily corruptible, it would be a poor move to let them wander around", said Tatsumaki.
"Con. That would be spillage of resources based on speculations", said Sesshomaru with nonchalance.
"Con. We foxes do not want trouble with neighbouring humans. Kon'Ketsu islanders are useful to them and do not bother us", said Nozomi.
Rin blushed as she realized it was her turn to say something.
"Hum, con…", she said hesitantly.
"What, no justification?", asked Tatsumaki, trying to hide her smirk.
Rin frowned, trying to process a coherent answer. "Well…based on Nozomi's worrying report about the troops to the North, I can only assume the energies should be put there, instead of chasing seashell merchants…", she replied boldly.
She saw the Lady Mother smirk from the other side of the table, but didn't dare a glance back at her lord.
"Ahem, Hatsuno's motion is repelled then", announced Jaken.
"I have another request for a poll", said Hatsuno with a frown.
Sesshomaru glanced at him defiantly.
"This request concerns not only my fief, but other's as well. I request new aid from the main domain, regarding the border's safety. Dire times request enough resources for emergency plans and reactions on our end."
"Requests should only concern your fief, Hatsuno", reminded Sesshomaru.
"I shall do it for my own then, and Tatsumaki will do it for hers after", he replied.
"Yeah, let's say I'll do that", the demoness said with sarcasm.
"Show a little conviction!", the baron exclaimed.
"No. Your attempts are pointless because of…", but Tatsumaki didn't finish her sentence and glanced at Rin's direction.
Rin assumed she would have finished it with something related to her being a pawn, but it still felt pleasant to know the red-eyed vassal couldn't openly insult her because of her Sesshomaru's threats. She refrained a smile. It was enjoyable to be respected…
"So the vote is first requested by baron Hatsuno, asking for more men to secure his lands, on the basis all the vassals should do the same?", inquired Jaken.
"Yes.", insisted Hatsuno.
"Well…yeah…pro. Sometimes it is tricky to react quickly enough with the quantity of warriors we have…", Tatsumaki said with a pout.
"Con. Considering we aren't officially at war yet, this request is premature. Besides, you almost always have the mainland's support when you are under attack. Third, you pretend all vassals should get access to more resources, yet you know nothing of the situations of others…", retorted Sesshomaru sternly.
"This need is judged necessary by two of us", defended Hatsuno.
Rin frowned: she had no way to know if their request was justified or not. She glanced at Nozomi, who looked hesitant a little, but Kireru said something to her ear.
"Con. Based on our own experience, we have no need of permanent interventions coming from Lord Sesshomaru's resources at the moment. Sporadic help is enough", the kitsune said.
"We don't have Tenmaru's views on this. The human ward's vote shouldn't count", retorted Hatsuno.
"So you think Tenmaru would vote for your motion, Hatsuno?", asked Sesshomaru, passive-aggressively.
"Considering the situation of his lands at the moment, maybe he would", the vassal mused.
"Even if I already agreed to an intervention to the North led by myself?", inquired the inuyoukai icily.
"We do not know, he is not here!", exclaimed Hatsuno.
"If he were so adamant about having more resources on a permanent basis, would he have been the one to warn me there would be people scheming with plans of votes, to snatch my personal guards, while he is away?", asked Sesshomaru defiantly.
Hatsuno and Tatsumaki frowned.
"You say Tenmaru knew this motion was coming?", asked Hatsuno.
"He knows who is the leader and he knows staying in my good graces is the wisest thing to do during uncertain times. He is aware our resources could be depleted on very short notices as well. I also find irritating that you call into question Rin's judgement, even though she already answered you fairly on the first ballot: the northern borders' situation is alarming and should be the priority. I share the view Tenmaru would not agree to an unconditional right to supplemental troops for everyone, when his own territory is clearly the one who needs the resources you want to take for yourself", retorted Sesshomaru imperiously.
Hatsuno opened his mouth and shut it back, apparently giving up. Sesshomaru's flawless arguing stunned Rin as well: refuting the questioning on her judgement and Hatsuno's arguments all at once.
And she was also a little shocked by the length of his answer!
"Rin…your vote", reminded Jaken.
"Hum…con…for…well, Lord Sesshomaru said it all, dispersion may not be the best plan at the moment…", she said shyly.
"Motion denied", announced Jaken.
"Are you done with your attempts at democracy and other idiocies, Hatsuno?", asked Sesshomaru, raising a daring eyebrow.
"Yes my lord…", he said with frustration.
"Anyone else has delighting ideas for votes?", the youkai lord asked with annoyance, with a threatening sideways glance at Tatsumaki.
"Don't look at me!", she exclaimed defensively.
"Good. Now back to serious topics. Is there anyone else aware of relevant information regarding the situation of the Kon'Ketsu Islands?", Sesshomaru asked.
There was no answer. Rin frowned, wondering what Sesshomaru was thinking about.
"You are all dismissed until noon", he stated blankly.
Everyone…well almost, stood up and left the room in a hubbub. Rin saw Sesshomaru stand up, walk slowly towards the balcony door and slam them open, apparently eager for something outside, but she was unsure if it was just air…or a prey to kill. Rin thought it would be wise to leave him alone. She smiled at Jaken, still there, scribbling on a parchment.
"Master Jaken, why does Sesshomaru look so angry?", she asked in a whisper.
"Clearly because of his vassals' arrogance! They questioned all of Lord Sesshomaru's views, and forced him to waste his breath…I dare not approach him… I'm afraid I may not survive to what his seething mind may be inclined to do at the moment ", the toad observed, worriedly.
"Why are they doing that? They're worried because of the Central Lands?"
"Obviously! I don't remember the Western Lands being in such a precarious situation since I started my service for the lord…I swear all these conflicts will shorten my life even more…I can't believe I looked forward to this a while ago", he complained with a sigh.
Rin frowned. Of course, that must be why Sesshomaru asked her to be there. He knew the implications of the votes were important today. She hoped everything would end up fine. Then she stretched, stood up and walked towards the balcony carefully, she wanted to leave Sesshomaru alone, but she also wanted to know if she had mail from Kagome or Inu-Yasha. They hadn't answered yet; she hoped nothing bad had happened. However, as soon as she opened the doors, she was stopped by the Lady Mother, already standing outside. She made her usual icy smile, when she saw her get out.
"So…how does it feel to be even more powerful than the Lady of the Western Lands?", she asked with a smirk.
Rin's eyes widened. "Aren't you exaggerating a little, Sasori-sama?"
"I have no voting right", she said with a smug look.
A blush crept over Rin's cheeks. "Hmm… But I thought these votes were rare…"
"Indeed… I was just teasing you, little Rin…I think you have done well", she commented, earnestly.
"You think so?", Rin asked, looking embarrassed.
"Of course, you haven't said much, but just enough to justify Sesshomaru's choice…using the bits of information you just heard at your advantage. I am sure he is pleased as well…"
Rin smiled. "Well I'm glad if I can be of use! Now I just have to go…"
"Don't go far, little Rin", warned Sasori. "Because I am in a good mood, I will tell you a precious tip…"
Rin raised her eyebrows, intrigued.
"Never go far, during the breaks. This is always during the breaks that he makes the important decisions…", she whispered playfully.
"Oh…really? All by himself?", inquired Rin.
"Only with those that matter the most. Stay close and you will see…", she said in a low voice.
Then they stopped talking just in time to see Sesshomaru walk back in their direction, deep in thoughts. He only noticed them when climbing the stairs, thoughtful frown turning into suspicion as he saw them both, smiling at him.
"Conspiring again?", he asked.
"What? What are you talking about, Sesshomaru?", the Lady Mother asked innocently.
"Hmph…Never mind…", he retorted with annoyance.
"Oh your accusations deeply trouble me, will you just stop assuming I am always up to something!?", she asked dramatically.
He didn't answer and glanced at Rin, features softening a little.
"You have mail", he announced, and then frowned doubtfully. "With little hearts on it…"
"Oh let me see, let me see!", she said excitedly.
Rin snatched the letter from his hands and opened it eagerly, noticing two pieces of paper, Sesshomaru only raising an eyebrow at her excitement, before going back inside.
Dear Rin,
Thank you so much for letting us know what was going to happen! There was indeed
a horde of lizards marching towards us. Inu-Yasha spoke with neighbouring villages and
we succeeded chasing them away before they could reach us. No casualties!
What is going on, Rin? There have been a few attacks lately… maybe Sesshomaru knows
something. Could you ask him for me, please?
I'm glad you write so often. We never have the time to get worried. Sota and Iza are looking
forward to see you. I think Miroku and Sango miss you too, with the bunch of kids they have!
They miss their favourite babysitter, and often ask about you…
Also, you haven't told me anything about the wedding, was it fun? How is it going with
Sesshomaru?
Take care!
Xx Kagome xX
Ps: don't worry with Inu-Yasha's warnings. I haven't told him much, but he always arrives
to the worst conclusions…
Then Rin looked at the other letter…
Rin,
Thank the bastard for me. For once, he was useful.
Don't mess around. We want you back in one piece next fall.
And stay away from him! Kagome says weird stuff.
I think he's up to no good.
Inu
Rin smiled, amused by Inu Yasha's gruff note. She was relieved everyone was okay. She folded the letters, hid them in her obi and got back inside.
"My lord, Inu-Yasha and Kagome send their words of thanks, about the warning we gave them", said Rin with a smile, but she quickly noticed he wasn't listening at all.
She saw him look at something on the table, talking quietly with Jaken, with the Lady Mother not very far. She approached them.
A huge map was unfolded on the table, showing territories, with their borders, and the sea around it.
Rin frowned, noticing how the Western Lands…weren't so big after all. Compared to the Heartlands or the Northern Lands…only the Eastern Lands were smaller! The Western lands were triangle shaped… she didn't imagine it would be that way. They were narrow shaped, especially towards the north, with a parcel of land looking larger towards the south. But it was by far the lands that had the biggest access to the sea. And now that all the rest was apparently conquered by the Heartlands, Rin could only frown…Lord Sesshomaru's lands looking pretty small next to Lady Amane's…
"Son…why are you so obsessed with the Kun'Ketsu Islands? If you don't want to bother with a half-breed bloodbath, just impose them a tax for permission to walk on our lands. They'll be so outraged they'll just find another route, they're merchants after all!", the Lady Mother exclaimed.
"Hmph… These islands always stay neutral during conflicts. Why would someone bother attacking them?", his son thought out loud.
"I tell you, there is nothing interesting there. You should focus on the North's situation instead", she argued.
"These islands may be fighting with the Heartlands as we speak…", Sesshomaru thought out loud again, ignoring his mother.
"Who cares? This is not our problem", she argued. "I say…they are just be bothered by a bunch of pirates. Why would Lady Amane trouble herself with these remote islands, when she already have access to the sea by the North, and possibly the East?"
"Maybe there is something there that she can't find elsewhere…", supposed Jaken.
"What could possibly be so precious on these lost islands, little toad? I just don't see it!", she protested.
And then, Jaken and the Lady Mother continued debating, but Rin noticed Sesshomaru wasn't paying attention anymore, frowning at the map. Rin approached them, and stood next to him. She looked at the map closely too.
"I didn't know such a big part of the Western Lands are connected to the sea…Is this why you are so concerned, my lord?", Rin asked with curiosity.
He glanced at her with sudden interest. "We have a vast access to the sea, and yet we have no fleet…", he commented.
"Why is that?", she asked.
"Boats are a human invention. Demons haven't used them very much, until the East started letting mortals live on their lands. Humans then requested for ports and boats…for commerce. Shortly after granting them these rights, the Lords of the East noticed it was in fact, a useful asset, and started using boats for war purposes. The North followed shortly after, because they got attacked by boats from the East many times in the past…", he explained. "And now…all these lands might very well belong all to the same…empire…leaving only the West without a fleet…this is a nuisance…"
"So you are afraid the Heartlands may attack by the sea? Wouldn't it be easier for them to just…cross the eastern frontiers of your lands? It is a neighbouring territory after all…", replied Rin, blinking with curiosity.
"Our lands are well watched. The sea though…It is clearly our weakest link at the moment…especially now that the Heartlands own the Northern Territories…"
"But the Heartlands could already take their boats from the north and go down, right?", asked Rin. "I don't think I heard anyone say they have done that yet…"
"No, they haven't, we aren't at war yet…but there is also the fact that crossing the western sea is not so simple. Some of the Kun'Ketsu islands are close to the Northern Lands…which means, if Amane wants to bring boats from the North towards the South West, with the intention to attack us… she needs permission from the Islanders to sail on their seas. But you see, Kun'Ketsu is mostly inhabited by half breeds…They hate demons from the lands… And you know what is Amane's opinion about humans and hanyous. Now that she owns the North, I am sure she would rather have them out of the way…"
"But…I mean…if these Islands fight against Lady Amane…that makes them allies, even though they are hanyous. What are you going to do, Sesshomaru-sama?", Rin asked, full of curiosity.
"Baron Hatsuno is right on one thing: having no fleet has become hazardous. But we have no idea how to operate them…We cannot simply purchase these things and use them wisely…", he replied, then darted a sideways glance at her. "However, the Kon'Ketsu Islands apparently possess quite a fleet…"
"Oh!", Rin exclaimed, suddenly understanding where all of this was going...
"If these neutral Islands with a strong fleet were truly under attack… what do you think would be the smartest move for me?", he asked, glancing at her with curiosity.
"You seriously want to make them your allies? Even though they are hanyous?", Rin replied surprisingly. She honestly didn't think he would want that…
"I do not feel like I have a choice", he replied with frown.
"This is not a choice, my son, this is a waste of time!", protested the Lady Mother, icily.
"Why?", he asked, raising an annoyed eyebrow.
"You think you are such a genius? Inu Taisho tried this before and he failed. The pirate she-wolf leading this place is a wild dirty-blooded beast…"
"You are talking about the negotiations he tried to make during the feline invasion?", he asked, half smirking.
"Exactly! He came in peace on their islands in hopes to make a pact, and he came back with nothing, except a terrible headache and a very bad mood! This so called Lady Miyah made his stay a living hell! And as you know, Inu Taisho was a great talker, with a lot of charisma…"
"You think I cannot do it?", he asked, a little vexed.
"You do not have your father's charm, my son. Unless you have very strong arguments for this she-wolf half-breed, your efforts will be in vain…", she said, clearly annoyed. "Why would you want to make a pact with hanyous anyway?"
"To protect the coast…and give Lady Amane an enlightening lesson", he retorted, frowning.
"Your pride gets on the way again…Why do you want to provoke her so much? Must I remind you we aren't at war with the Heartlands yet? ", she replied.
"It won't take long…", he muttered.
"Are there things you do not say, son?"
And then the doors opened, letting the other vassals get in.
"What's going on? Lord Sesshomaru taking decisions during the break again?", wondered Kireru, with a knowing look.
"Let's resume", the youkai lord, announced. "We need to discuss details about an upcoming mission…"
They all sat down, intrigued.
"Hatsuno…Where is the landing point of the islanders?", asked Sesshomaru.
"Somewhere on the sunset peninsula. Why? You intend to visit the half breeds?", he asked.
"My lord, if I may be so bold…I know the potential of an alliance with the Kun'Ketsu Islands is tempting, but Inu Taisho failed miserably when he tried this the last time", commented Kireru. "I was there, Lady Miyah does not negotiate with demons…"
"She is in poor situation to be closed-minded. The time is ripe for another try", Sesshomaru announced. "Jaken, send a letter. Inform them of our arrival in the short term…Kireru, you met their leader already, you will come as well…"
The fox demon frowned, looking unhappy, but his expression changed quickly. "Understood, my lord."
"Tatsumaki…", said Sesshomaru.
"Wh-what?! Why me?", she protested. "I'm not buddy-buddy with humans and half breeds like Kireru!"
"I don't want you to talk, I want you to fight if we meet enemies…", he explained stoically.
"Oh…okay, I can do that…I've been craving for some blood lately", she said with a smirk.
"I am glad we are on the same page this time", Sesshomaru said, slightly annoyed. Then he glanced at his ward.
"Rin…"
"Oh I can come too!?", she asked with a grin, unable to control her enthusiasm.
"I think a human presence will certainly lower their suspicions", he explained, matter-of-factly.
"Oh great! Thank you Sesshomaru-sama!", she said, thrilled.
"We need to prepare right away, so we can be back before the troops to the north get too close", Sesshomaru announced. "You are all dismissed",
…
Rin hummed to herself, while listening to the pleasant song of the waves crashing against the boat, the calm, yet powerful sound of the water was something to be impressed by, when you heard it for the first time…there was something mesmerizing about the sound…
She stared at the moon with a smile and took a deep breath, enjoying the smell of the sea, while walking on the deck. It was so soothing! She was just a little disappointed she hadn't glanced at the beach under a clear sky; Kagome had told her the water would have been a clear blue, but instead, it had been a bland grey…
She felt bad for her companions that didn't enjoy their travel so much. She found out, only a short moment after leaving the land, that both Kireru and Tatsumaki were terribly seasick, either complaining and mumbling against "this unnatural means of transportation"…breathing heavily and running for the closest access to the sea to throw up. So Rin had spent the first hour trying to find a way to help them…but they seemed hopeless cases.
By the time she gave up trying to find some miraculous way to relieve them of their misery, she realized Sesshomaru was gone, hidden somewhere he wouldn't be found. She was slightly annoyed, because he had been busy discussing strategic approaches with Kireru on their way up the coast, and Tatsumaki was not very talkative with "filthy humans"…Their travel to the sea may only have taken about two days, it was still way too long for her likings…
And worse than everything else: all this travelling with two vassals she didn't know that well prevented her to spend time with Sesshomaru. Of course, both Kireru and Tatsumaki had made some allusions in the past, but Rin had no idea who much they knew about their involvement…so she opted for a careful approach. She only exchanged banalities with her lord and barely glanced at him on the way to the sea. She had no idea if their involvement was supposed to be secret or not, but she assumed from the fact that he hadn't come to her that she was right to be discreet about it.
The good side of Kireru and Tatsumaki being seasick was that they wouldn't notice if she approached her lord with controversial intentions… Rin blushed, she had discovered to her detriment that only two days without any closeness was hard to bear…especially with this brief episode of them fooling around, that had occurred the eve of her first meeting…in the inner courtyard…
Rin sighed, annoyed with the loneliness, as she searched for Sesshomaru. She assumed she should try the miraculous tip from her childhood once again…But before she could shout so unceremoniously his name, she found him almost magically, sitting on the ground, back resting against a mast, gazing at the horizon. She frowned, she was sure she had come across that spot before, but she hadn't seen him. She smiled.
"There you are!"
He glanced at her absently.
"You are done trying to cure the others?", he asked with mild interest.
"Yes…I wasted my time…", she said with a frown. "I mean…I don't get it. You demons are supposed to be strong, and powerful and all…why do they get sick like that?"
"Hmph…We are not used to boats", he commented absently, glancing back at the horizon.
"But it's just a few waves!", she exclaimed playfully.
"…I suppose some of us are more sensitive to these things", he observed, slightly frowning.
"Maybe so…", Rin looked at him worriedly. "I hope you aren't sick too, Sesshomaru-sama?"
He looked slightly annoyed. "Do I look sick?"
"Well…no…but I suppose you could have some brilliant way to hide it…", she supposed thoughtfully.
"Hmph... No… I never get sick", he felt compelled to specify.
"Oh…good", she said with a smile.
She walked towards the ramp to glance at the clear night sky. Then she looked down at the waves, and stretched a little to look at them crash against the hull. She felt a pair of hand hold her waist.
"Don't do that", Sesshomaru said with a low voice.
"Why? The ramps are safe…", Rin answered with a pout.
"They are narrow, you could still fall. Even I could lose you with this tide…"
As if calling bad omen, the boat caught some unusually high wave.
"Whoaa!", she exclaimed, losing her balance a moment, clutching at his shoulders.
"Careful", he said, pulling her away from the ramp, towards the walls of the boat's cabins.
"Sit down", he ordered.
A bit annoyed by his insecurities each time she was concerned, she just did as she was told, knowing he wouldn't leave her alone until she obeys. He sat down next to her, returning to his contemplation. She darted a bothered sideways glance, before replacing it with her sweetest smile.
"Say…Lord Sesshomaru…Why do you bother with the armour on a boat?", she asked innocently.
He raised an eyebrow, not understanding the meaning of her question.
"I mean…wouldn't it be hard for you to swim with it, if we were to run aground or something?"
"Playing the bird of ill omen again?", he inquired, while eying her suspiciously. "Do not underestimate me. I am not some human who will sink like a rock because I wear metal…", he replied, matter-of-factly.
"Oh…right…", she whispered. "I tend to forget we are different, sometimes", she explained shyly.
And then she sighed and crossed her arms, displaying some disappointment, which didn't go unnoticed…
"Rin…if you have something to ask…why are you so shy?", he asked, with a knowing look.
She glanced at him and noticed he was removing his armour. She looked away with a blush.
"I wasn't talking about the armour because…"
"Rin, I could feel your longing for closeness a mile away ", he cut her off, with a hint of smugness.
She blushed, and stared at him mischievously. "I think you crave for it too, my lord…"
"Hmph...Maybe so…Come now…", he said, sliding his arm around her waist and pulling her against him. She didn't need more coaxing and just snuggled against his chest, and laid her head against his pelt, while he held her protectively with one arm. She smiled, thinking it was becoming some sort of routine of theirs, now.
"I should have brought you on the council before", he commented, matter-of-factly.
"Why?", she asked innocently.
"You know why. You did good…", he said to her ear.
She felt butterflies fly inside of her, savouring the compliment. "You think so?"
"You had no preparation and barely know anything about my Lands, but you are capable of quick reasoning…", he explained.
She grinned. "Thank you my lord!"
Then she gasped as she heard the sound of footsteps nearby, and tried to pull away, but the arm around her waist didn't lessen its protective hold.
"What is it?", he asked blankly.
"There are people nearby!", she whispered with panic.
"No…not really", he replied absently.
"But I heard them!", she protested.
"Is there something you don't want them to see?", he asked nonchalantly.
"W-well…it isn't that much about me…", she stuttered, blushing. "I mean…it's…for you…"
He raised a questioning eyebrow.
"My lord! What would the people think if they saw us like that?", she asked worriedly.
"You ask me what a bunch of half breed sailors would think of a demon holding a human?", he asked in reply, with a hint of derision.
"And your vassals, don't you care a little?", she questioned with a frown.
"Hmph. No", he said neutrally. "I am not ashamed of being with you, Rin."
She gasped, and blushed a little. Did he really just say that, she wondered?
"But…but…they will talk, and they will…"
"Words are wind", he interrupted, glancing at her blush, and then at her lips. "What do you expect them to do? Riot? Throw us into the sea? I don't think their attempts would be very successful…"
"But I still think it could maybe…bring unexpected consequences", Rin insisted, completely oblivious to Sesshomaru's features clearly displaying annoyance. "Some of them were really mad because you announced I would replace Tenmaru for two weeks. What would they think if they realized something was going on and…"
And then he effectively shushed her with a kiss.
She felt his lips on hers, and all the rest became a blur, slight moan escaping from her mouth, as he deepened the kiss, but he pulled away much too quickly for her likings.
"And what do you think they would have done, if they had seen this?", he asked, raising a daring eyebrow.
"F-fine I get it…just stop talking Rin", she muttered self-consciously.
"Talk all you like…just don't overthink things. This isn't you…", he whispered, eyes displaying amusement, while caressing her cheek.
She felt herself melt a little, as she glanced at his warm gaze. The possibility of not caring about appearances was truly tempting.
"Really? You wouldn't mind if all your vassals knew something was going on?", she asked in a whisper.
"These sorts of topics are complicated and controversial. I do not intend to taunt my subjects with this matter, but I will not pretend I am ashamed and hide either", he explained. "Most of them know already, anyway…"
"You think so?"
"Have you forgotten the dance, my dear Rin?", he asked, with hints of playfulness.
She blushed and felt more butterflies, not hating at all to be called like that.
"About that…I was wondering…Why did you agree to dance with me in the first place?", she asked hesitantly.
His expression grew inquisitive for a brief moment. "Because I wanted to", he replied matter-of-factly.
She blushed furiously, not wanting to ask the rest. "O-kay", she stuttered.
He looked at her suspiciously. She noticed and cursed mentally.
"And I am supposed not to be curious as to why you ask this question?"
She sighed. "Fine! What I meant to ask was…Was it your main reason? Or did you do it mostly to anger Lady Amane?", she asked with a blush.
He looked at her seriously. "What do you think now? That I merely consider you a tool at my disposal?"
"W-well…I did feel like I was your little pawn sometimes…using me to anger your mother at first, and Lady Amane, and then your vassals…"
He looked at her thoughtfully. "I make you feel this way? Like some puppet?"
She looked down. The way he said it really made her feel bad. "N-not all the times, just sometimes, when…you know…when you have reasons to do it…"
She felt his warm hand caress her cheek affectionately, and then she saw some people walk past them, but she tried to ignore them, and glanced back at him.
"Now that I think of it…You were indeed a central part to my schemes a few times …", he mused out loud.
"…So I am a little pawn", she said with a pout.
"Do not use that derogatory word. I would say…a valuable asset", he replied defensively, and then he frowned. "I shall not do it again…"
She blinked, surprised by his reaction. So he didn't do it intentionally?
"Well…actually, I do not mind it so much, I-I…"
"I would never do something, knowing it can hurt you", he cut her off in a low voice, getting closer to her, still caressing her cheek. "Now can I do anything to redeem myself?", he asked.
Rin blushed and looked down…thinking he was quite affectionate that night. She certainly didn't mind it. Maybe he missed her too…
"I…well…" She thought a moment, and then she blushed profusely. "Maybe one thing", she whispered, looking away.
"Speak."
"I…I-I want to kiss you", she confessed, closing her eyes in embarrassment.
She felt him get close but she stepped away a little. "No…not like that. I mean…me kissing you, not the other way around", she explained in a whisper.
He raised an eyebrow, silently wondering if there was something wrong with his way of kissing her. A sheepish look from her confirmed she expected an answer.
"Of course you may", he replied.
"O-okay", she said with embarrassment.
He looked at her get closer, very slowly…wondering how long it would take for her to just dive in…it did take him some self control to avoid breaking the space left and get the waiting over with.
Rin looked at him hesitantly, a little distracted by his expecting gaze, but after a while he must have understood, because he just closed his eyes. She blushed, suddenly thinking her idea was ridiculous, but finally gave up and just dove in, pressing her lips so gently against his.
She just wanted to exchange a kiss that wouldn't end up in some lustful frenzy. His way to be with her had been passionate and intense until now, but for once, she just wanted to kiss him tenderly, in hopes she could pour some of her love into him, to make him understand how he made her feel, how important he had become to her…
She had just sought comfort in his arms at first…and without even asking, he gave her wings to fly. It wasn't supposed to happen right now, at this odd and sad moment of her life, but it did anyway, and she could only be thankful…
She wanted him to be in the same state as her. She felt like he was so close sometimes, he might already be there with her already, somewhere in the sky, but he was still so hard to decipher…He must be hidden in the clouds…somewhere…
And then she realized he hadn't really kissed her back so and she just pulled away, looking at him. He opened his eyes slowly, still partly indecipherable, yet his relaxed feature told her it couldn't be that bad…but she felt very insecure anyway…
She smiled shyly, staring at sea. "It was not the best kiss…was it?"
He made her look up at him with a finger under her chin, and laid his forehead against hers. "It was…soft…", he commented in a whisper. "Is this how you like to be kissed?"
She looked down with embarrassment and nodded. "Sometimes…", she said evasively.
He didn't inquire further and just kissed her back…softly like she did, teasing her delicately only, not trying to deepen the kiss, not trying to make her lose balance or build her lust. He found out he didn't mind the softness she longed for: it was pleasantly soothing…it did get hard not to give more, but he quite acutely understood what she was asking for was a more chaste kind of affection, so for once he just dropped the battle for dominance and desire and submitted to her delicate needs.
After a while though, he heard her trying to repress a moan as he kept kissing, and her hands wander in his hair, and then he had to quit her lips to avoid deepening the kiss, and just aimed for her neck, but the sound of her sighs informed him that his attempts at giving her only uncorrupted softness had failed.
"I suppose I should stop", he observed in a whisper.
"…mmm-hmph…yes…people might see…", she whispered back, in an attempt to rationalise.
He didn't feel like arguing over this matter again and just pulled away, resting his back again lazily against the mast, and stared at the horizon
She tried to retrieve her composure, a little upset at how even she slightest mark of affection made her feel this way, she felt weak each time he got close. She just wished she could be a little more in control; for once…She glanced at him and noticed how he stared at the moon again, seemingly deep in thoughts.
"Why do you always do that?", she asked naively. "Stare at the moon…I mean…"
He glanced at her silently.
"Does it help you think? Do you like its sight? I mean…I don't know, why are you doing this every night?", she asked with a smile.
He frowned, looking back at it, musing silently. At some point she just stopped waiting for his answer.
"…I suppose it is a bit of both", he answered thoughtfully. "I enjoy its appeal and constancy. It helps me ponder…"
"Ponder about what?", she asked, full of curiosity.
He glanced at her before going back to the moon. What did he think about? About everything… About his heritage, his empire, his future…Recently, mostly about the risk of a war, bigger than anything he had to manage before…but his did think a lot about her, mostly regretting things he said or did, or things he hadn't said or done, but the worst was the harassing reminder he wanted her close, yet he didn't know how exactly… Time was running out, an important part of summer gone already, and he hadn't any answer to that.
He often wondered if she had chosen her path already…and if all his ponderings had a point. They would most certainly have no point if she decided to go back to a human life. Yet, he wondered if he would even be able to let her go back to such a life and find another human boy. He frowned with frustration, hating the idea that she could possibly find happiness another time with some human …
He frowned deeper, did it have to be a human boy? Maybe it would actually be easier for him to be involved with her if she was living with humans. Her village was very open minded towards hanyous, contrary to his lands, and she already had a place in the human world, he could come visit her and…
He chased that thought away. That was absurd. He had sent her away for the biggest part of her life, he couldn't possibly keep her away like this again, only to suit his practical needs. He needed to find her a place in his demon world...and he had to be quick about it…
And why did the prospect of having hanyou children hadn't brought any repulsion to his mind? He should really avoid more half-breed in his bloodline …
He glanced back at her and noticed she had been staring all this time. A cool nightly sea breeze blew and made her shiver. He instinctively put his pelt around her shoulders. She gripped at it and laid her head against his shoulder.
"Someday…I will find out what is going through your mind all the time at night", she said in a whisper.
That prospect didn't please him. He glanced back at the sky, silent for a while.
"Have you ever wondered just how far the moon is, and what it is exactly?", Rin asked spontaneously, voluntarily changing the subject as she stared at the moon as well.
"…Who knows…there are a few old demonic myths speculating about this", he said evasively.
"Oh really?", she asked with sudden interest. "Tell me about it!"
"These are just old stories to amuse the children and the elderly", he said boringly.
"Oh please…You brought it up! And I know nothing about demon culture and all of that!", she insisted, with pleading eyes.
Because he couldn't refuse anything to these eyes, he just obeyed…
"In old demon legends, they call it the door of deliverance…It is said to bring anyone who touches it in mysterious holy lands..."
"Do you believe that?", she asked in curiosity.
"…It is said some tormented demons have tried to fly as high as they could to reach it, some going over the highest clouds…to no avail… Most were never seen again…But the ones who came back claimed the moon is simply unapproachable, asserting the air grew scarce and cold as they got closer, and that attempts to touch at the moon brought more despair than any sort of relief..."
"So no one knows what is really up there?"
"The holy lands are supposed to be a place of salvation and liberation. However, some people believe it is only attainable to those who have reached redemption before they leave the earth."
"And how do you do that?"
"Nobody knows until they die. If redemption is achieved, the soul can fly until it reaches the moon…"
"…And what about the underworld?", Rin asked, with a little bit of dread. "I thought this is where the dead goes…"
"The underworld is for those who have not attained redemption", he explained, matter-of-factly.
She snuggled closer to him, thoughts of that dark place bringing back bad memories. He slid an arm around her shoulder, making her lay against his chest again.
"You shouldn't worry. I will make sure you do not visit this damned place again", he said in a low voice.
She smiled in reassurance and closed her eyes. "I know. You have all my trust, Sesshomaru-sama", she whispered.
And then her slow heartbeat and steady breathing confirmed she was fast asleep. He frowned, thinking about her words, wondering if he truly deserved her unconditional trust…when he didn't even trust himself around her…
…
Sesshomaru opened the eyes as he saw a flash of lightning through his eyelids; forcing him to leave his peaceful state…he had almost fallen asleep…
He frowned as he felt strong gusts of humidity. He glanced at the sky. A storm was coming…again!
He glanced at his sleeping ward, looking so peaceful in his arms.
"Rin…", he whispered to her ear.
She moaned and burrowed her face in his pelt. His lips twitched in a mocking smile.
"Rin", he tried a little louder.
And then there was thunder, and she woke up with a start.
"Wh-what? What is it?", she asked, breathing heavily. She glanced at the sky worriedly.
"I suppose we should find a roof…", he said blankly.
"Y-yes!
However, as soon as they stood up, it was obvious whatever was coming wouldn't be quiet, the demon instinctively sliding an arm around her shoulders, as he was worried she might lose her balance…the boat balancing with protuberance from one side to the other.
"What is going on? Why is the boat moving so much?", Rin inquired worriedly.
Strong gusts of wind blew on them, and more lightnings were seen. "We should find the others…", he replied.
A sailor intercepted them abruptly.
"What are you doing here? Get inside, a storm is coming!"
"And I suppose staying in closets is the safest option?", inquired Sesshomaru with annoyance.
"I am afraid so, sire. Let us do our work…the boat is already far too unsteady for any traveller to stay on the decks…", he replied.
"Let us go my lord. And we can also make sure Kireru and Tatsumaki are okay…", she whispered encouragingly.
"Hmph…"
Rin soon guessed Sesshomaru had a deep hatred for small spaces, looking sullen as soon as they got in the ship hold…but she already had her suspicions in the past, considering he rarely got inside Kaede's hut when he visited her. She had thought it was simple disdain for human habitations back then, but now that she thought of it, the high walls and large rooms of his mansion might be another demonstration that he may be a little…just a little…claustrophobic.
However, she found out that even sullen, he was more composed then the others…
They found Tatsumaki half passed out, lying on the floor, her arm lying on her face dramatically, while Kireru sat not too far, apparently trying to read something he had dropped on the floor, while holding his knees, face greenish. Rin felt sympathy at the sight of them, they looked exaggeratedly miserable…
"Rin…Sesshomaru…", observed Kireru, with a total lack of energy. "You look well…"
"Alas Kireru…I'm sorry for your pain…", replied Rin with a compassionate smile.
Then Tatsumaki lifted her arm to glance at them. "How come he's okay like that? He must have a bit of human blood in him…", she muttered.
"Care to repeat that?", asked Sesshomaru dryly.
"Leave him be Tatsumaki, his father was the same…I think most dog demons are fine on water", observed Kireru, frowning.
"You better get prepared for more movements, a coming storm seem to have unpleasant consequences on the tide", observed Sesshomaru coldly.
"We could barely walk straight on the deck", added Rin.
"No worries…our bowels are completely empty, my lord…", retorted Tatsumaki, with a mix of agony and sarcasm.
"Let's hope it doesn't slow us down. We are supposed to arrive at the capital island by dawn", observed Kireru.
"Yeah I can't wait to get out of this hellish floating piece of junk", insisted the red-eyed demon.
All of a sudden, they stopped talking, as a sinister creak was heard…and then the boat started to tilt so much, Rin took a few steps back to lay against the wall, even Sesshomaru was forced to step back of two or three steps.
"There it goes…", muttered the fox demon.
And then another creak and the boat started to tilt on the other side.
"Let's just sit down, Rin", suggested Sesshomaru, looking truly annoyed.
But the third time, the tilting was so intense and so quick; they all lost balance and fell on the other side of the boat, Tatsumaki falling unceremoniously on the Sesshomaru, who glared quite aggressively.
"Ahhh please gods save us!", complained the wind demoness, completely oblivious.
And then the boat started to tilt again on the other side. Sesshomaru had some bad feeling and decided to get away from Tatsumaki that had been clinging to his back and he took Rin in his arms.
And then the boat leaned so violently they felt as if they were falling in emptiness, boat pulled on one side by some violent force, all of the occupants thrown against the other wall, some of them screaming, only Rin spared of the violent shock against the wooden surface. She noticed Sesshomaru's jaw tighten.
"OWWW damnit! What about me!?", complained the wind demoness.
But before they could recover, they felt the boat starting to tilt again, quickly, and were thrown on the other side again. Rin not so well protected this time hissed as her left ribs hit the wall, a loud wooden resounding sound informing them the boat had hit something solid.
"Enough. We get out of here", ordered Sesshomaru angrily.
He just made a swift jump at the stairs, holding Rin, while Tatsumaki and Kireru crawled towards them.
"Hold my hand", he ordered her as he climbed the stairs first. Rin held him with one hand, and the banister with the other, but at some point the boat tilted so much she realized her feet were close to leave the ground.
"Quick!", barked Sesshomaru, kicking the door with a foot.
She made a jump to finish the ascent, and gasped as her hand clung at the wet doorframe, her body hanging in the air, but Sesshomaru pulled at her hand to make her get out at once.
"Don't ever let my hand go", he ordered.
"What is happening, where is the crew?", wondered Rin, glancing around her. There was no one around…the rain heavy pouring on them.
They made a few steps, shuffling against the walls and masts and anything they could cling to, until the reached the rudder, to find to captain dead, a lance protruding from his back, mix of water and blood dripping from his body.
"Oh no!", exclaimed Rin, overwhelmed, the sight was ghastly... "What happened?"
"Look ahead. We can see the land", answered the demon impassively, not her shock.
Then the boat tilted again, both held on the helm. They could hear panicked screams of people going out as well, Rin thought she heard the splashing sound of a few people fall into the sea…
The sound of swords was heard. Sesshomaru glanced behind his shoulder and saw a pack of gaunt lizard looking warriors attacking the people trying to get out.
Afterwards it was a piercing scream of some furious beast…they glanced up to see a bird demon with fiery red eyes, making circles around the boat. Sesshomaru wondered briefly how could this thing fly with such a violent wind and rain, but he supposed the size of its wings could explain it. Then the beast charged straight at them, opening its claws threateningly.
Sesshomaru unsheathed Bakusaiga.
"Rin, step back."
She obliged and closed her eyes as his sword stabbed the beast, another piercing scream heard. But then the boat started to tilt in an unusual direction, its nose was now going straight into the water. Rin gasped.
"Sesshomaru-sama!"
And then they were underwater, Rin clinging to him as he held the helm, trying to ignore the burning sensation of the water in her eyes, the water red a brief instant because of the slayed beast. After a short moment, the boat was pulled in the opposite direction, momentarily going back up.
Rin took a deep breath as they reached the surface, grimacing at the salty taste on her lips, and then she instantly felt the heavy weight and narrow shape of her kimono restricting her movements. At least, their bodies were completely out of the water again. Sesshomaru glanced around them with concerns; the boat wasn't as high as it was before.
"We are sinking", he observed.
"Wh-what?!"
Other screaming birds were heard. The demon frowned.
"Rin…can you swim well?"
Her eyes widened a moment, before she regained her composure.
"I…y-yes. Why?", she asked worriedly.
"These beasts are attacking the boat and will keep doing so until there is nothing left from it. The best thing you can do is leave this thing at once."
She glanced behind her shoulder and gulped as she saw the distance she had to swim. She supposed it could be done, but…the waves were so high!
"Rin can you do it?", Sesshomaru asked, with a tad of concern.
She gulped again.
"Y-yes I think so…", she stammered
He raised an eyebrow in doubt. Then she frowned in determination.
"Yes. Trust me Sesshomaru-sama, I will be fine on my own."
"Then go. Reach the beach and wait for me."
She glanced back again and nodded. She instinctively untied her obi and removed her kimono.
"What are you doing?", the demon asked with confusion.
"My clothes are too heavy", she said, as she tore a part of her hadajuban to allow free movement of her legs.
She made a few steps to stare down at the water, and gulped.
"Do you need help to go down?", he asked, following her closely.
"N-no…I can jump, it's okay", she said reassuringly.
Then she glanced back at him, gleam of doubts in her eyes, which didn't calm his doubts at the prospect of leaving her in wild waters during a storm, but her expression switched quickly to determination again.
"I will see you on the lands", she said with a smile.
"I'm counting on it", he replied with piercing eyes.
And then she did what she had to do to feel better. She kissed him fully on the lips, in attempts to steal a bit of courage. He was surprised for a brief moment by her odd timing but just decided to play along.
A piercing scream of wicked bird was heard again. She pulled away with a startle.
"Go now", he ordered with a frown…before he could change his mind…
She nodded, and without glancing back, she ran and she jumped.
Sesshomaru looked down with a frown of concern, but the bird forced him to look away before he could glance at her going up the surface.
…
Rin's lips tightened as she felt the burning sensation in her eyes again, but she had to look so she could know where she was exactly, the current so unpredictable she had no way to know if she was going up and further down the water. The sea was so deep…
Much to her relief, it seemed the current was rather pushing her towards the lands. She swam to get out of the water, her lungs starting to burn as well, and took a deep breath as soon as she found the surface. But it was only for a short moment, as heavy rain entered her mouth and a wave engulfed her for a brief moment, making her cough and choke, the burning water in her throat and nose now…
…She decided she liked the water of the icy rivers more than the damned sea…
She swam more, never glancing back, but she found out that as she got closer to the beach, it was getting harder to move forward, the vicious waves apparently trying to pull her back into the ocean. She saw flashes of lightning and wanted to scream, but she decided to keep her mouth shut instead. She fought, as best as she could against the tide, ignoring the wind and the blinding flashes of light, because she had no idea what else she could do. She hated storms, she wasn't used to deep waters…and it was her first time swimming in the turbulent sea…but she had to be strong… If he thought she shouldn't simply be his ward anymore, she had to behave as such…
As she was being engulfed by a wave again, she heard piercing screams coming from the boat. When she was able to glance up, she noticed some bird monsters were now flying towards the beach, which was not good news at all. She had no means of defence. She had lost the habit of bringing a dagger with her…
She wondered what was worse between the sea or these birds, and decided the waves were much worse. At least with the birds, she could see the threat coming. The sea was a fake refuge; viciously trying to drown her for a lapse of time she had a very hard time to estimate. It felt like she had just jumped…yet it felt like it had been hours as well…
She looked back again to see how far she had swum, and saw a flash of green on the now faraway boat. She felt dread, Sesshomaru must have used Bakusaiga.
But then her knee hitting something sharp underwater brought her back to reality. She whelped in pain, and tried to hold her leg, but another wave pushed her and made her lose her balance, making her fall against a few sharp rocks underwater.
She felt her body graze against some rocks and sand, and other waves washed over her. She was quite sure her hadajuban must be ripped at a few places, now…she might even have cut herself… She tried to stand up, but the waves were so strong…and her muscles were numb…The water wasn't even deep anymore and she felt like she was drowning.
But then she felt a pair of hands snatch her from the nasty waves and rocks, forcing her on her feet and pulling her towards the beach, after sometime she found her balance and made a couple of steps, and ran with the person, while looking down at the foamy wavelets…after a while her frame now completely out of the water…
Rin stared at the sky now illuminated with a new dawn. She sighed in relief as she realized it was over, as the soft sand clung to her wet feet. She glanced up to see the person who had helped her and her eyes widened.
"Kireru? H-how is this possible?"
"No chit chatting! Run!", screamed a female voice, that Rin instantly recognized the wind demoness, a few steps away from them, holding a lance.
They ran on the beach, Rin glanced back and saw the woman was struggling with a bird, but a windy attack made the beast lose its balance, and she succeeded assaulting it in no time.
"Rin, are you okay?", asked the fox, bringing her back to reality.
She glanced back at him, looking a bit lost.
"Here, take my cape", he said self-consciously, looking away.
And then she remembered she had dropped her kimono earlier, and she realized the sight of her with her wet hadajuban clinging to her body must not be appropriate at all.
"Th-thanks", she stammered. "I don't understand. How could you reach the beach before me?"
"I suppose our eagerness to leave the boat made us swim very quickly", he said jokingly, then he frowned. "We were worried…you took a long time"
"Yes…I did…struggle a bit, I never swam into the sea. In fact…I'm not a very good swimmer", Rin confessed, looking down.
"You should have told us. We could have helped", answered the fox demon. "I'm not sure Lord Sesshomaru would be happy to know that…"
"Please…don't tell him", Rin whispered. "I…I had to do it. I knew I could do it…"
"You know… Your survival should be your priority. I think he would prefer that you take your strengths and weaknesses into account, rather than try to impress him at all costs", Kireru argued.
"Yeah well…sometimes I wonder what are my strengths… around you all", she muttered sheepishly.
"MOOOVE!", yelled Tatsumaki, as another piercing scream was heard.
They only had the time to glance up and see another beast charge at them. The fox took out his sword defensively, but before any of them could attack, a flash of green annihilated the flying attacker, leaving only a few fuzzy feathers, blown away by the sea breeze.
Rin looked down swiftly.
"Sesshomaru-sama!", she exclaimed happily, as she saw him approach the group, sheathing his sword, wet from head to toe, and annoyed!
"Well it was my prey…sort of", said Tatsumaki nonchalantly.
"Hmph", the lord replied with total lack of interest. He glanced at Rin. She might be grinning, but he thought she looked a little shaken up. He frowned and approached her. Her clothes may be wet, but he was affirmative there was a slight smell of blood on her. She was definitely hiding an injury.
"Are you alright?", he felt compelled to ask.
"Hmm-mmm, yes, my lord", she said in a low voice, with a reassuring smile.
"Are you sure?", he insisted, with a frown.
"She is a tough one", replied Kireru reassuringly. Rin mentally thanked him.
Silently comprehending she had no intention to speak front of the others, he let the matter go…for now…
"…I've found something interesting, on one of the warriors", said Sesshomaru, as he took out what looked like a bracelet from his pocket.
Rin glanced at the azure colour…wondering if it was what she thought it was…
"The Heartlands colours", observed the fox demon.
"No way! So the blue pain is really behind the attacks?", commented the wind demoness.
Rin refrained a smirk as she heard the nickname.
"Indeed, though Lady Miyah may know already…", observed the dog demon.
"We have to find her as soon as possible. She may be in danger…", commented Rin worriedly.
"Oh I think she must be fine", retorted the fox demon with a frown.
"Who knows? Come on! Let's go!", insisted Rin, running out of the beach, the three others glancing at her, with varying degrees of surprise at her sudden outburst.
"She is far too energetic for her own good", observed the wind demoness.
"We call this enthusiasm, Tatsumaki", retorted Sesshomaru with annoyance. "Let us go", he ordered, as he moved forward, quickly catching up with his ward.
The wind demoness looked at them sceptically.
"Meh…I really don't get these two…I mean…what does he see in this human brat?", she wondered out loud with exasperation.
"Hmm…", replied the fox nonchalantly as he glanced at them walk alongside. He couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity at the sight of them…though his late master Inu Taisho never had the guts to travel with his human princess in potentially dangerous missions like his son did with his ward…Inu Taisho didn't give her a decisional position on his council either…
Inu Taisho had questioned the mere concept of demon lands long ago. Even if most of the people on the Western Lands still mocked that notion, Kireru personally thought the concept was only logical…After all, they were in a mission to negotiate with half demons, to insure their own safety, it could be a sign that the world was changing…
But he never would have thought that he, Lord Sesshomaru, so disdainful of humans barely a decade ago, would be the one triggering these radical changes for the Western Lands. Indeed, if Inu Taisho's son kept going, he shall not only to surpass his father in strength, but also in forward thinking… the fox demon wondered if the lord was aware of that…
…End of chapter…
A/N: Yup…writing about thunderstorms and boats and beaches. Meanwhile in Canada, it's like…-1000 outside and covered with 1 meter of snow on the ground…I think I hate winter X)
Now…call me cruel all you like, but I feel compelled to tell you that…if this chapter was almost perfectly chaste…next one is all the contrary…Yes, the next one will be M in all the senses of the term! I have to admit I even have a few second thoughts about some of my evil schemes…but yah…I think it will pass *evil grin*
Don't forget to review! I need fuel to keep going!
And yup, answers to anonymous reviews here. Again a few guests, so I will just number you by who reviewed first…hope that won't be too confusing…
Jj: Yup…one step after the other…she progresses…let's see how far she goes ;) Thanks for the faithful reviews!
Guest1: I suppose you're talking about Amane, now right? Well…we'll see! Thanks for the feedback!
Kat: Yes last chapter was all about reflections…but I felt like I couldn't just stop it in a spot with too many doubts, that would have been cruel :) Thanks for the regular comments!
Guest2: Yup, denial is the right word sadly. I wonder how long it will last…Thanks for the review!
Guest3: Yes, I know it was a bit sad that he wouldn't see her as a mate yet…but what happened the day before was a bit spontaneous…so…yeah. Of course, we don't know yet, when the loss of innocence will occur, and the attraction is so great it could be anytime now, but we'll what happens ;) Thanks for the compliment, and the review :)
Mteagle128: Thanks :)
Gingersnaps: Yeah I know…I have some sick habit with my endings, sorry about that! Yes, Sesshomaru putting her on the council was overdue now, wasn't it? We'll see how good she becomes at her new function ;) Thank you for the feedback :)
Guest4: I think the number of reviews for a story is an unpredictable science. I suppose the length of my chapters is not for everyone…What I know, though, is that I appreciate all the reviews I have :) I'm glad you like my portrayal of Rin and Sesshomaru, it is one of the things I focus the most on with this story…Thanks for the review!
