Chapter notes:
"Your father is the beat in your heart."
The Lily of the Valley signifies "The Return of Happiness"
Disclaimer: The depictions of the characters in this story are completely fictitious. In no way does this represent the views or the story arcs as envisaged by the original copyright owners of this franchise and its characters. The ownership if the characters and the original concept are sole properties of Rumiko Takahashi.
Chapter 14 – Shoulder ride
The sun is still below the horizon. A weak sunlight appears slightly dissolving the darkness of the skies to indicate the approach of dawn. A pair of warm golden eyes continues observing the human girl who is still in peaceful slumber with her pup wrapped securely under her arms. Rin's sleep was quite peaceful and the demon lord is please with it. She didn't steer much the entire night, although there were several occasions where the girl's expression started to show discomfort due to some nightmares but the demon lord managed to ease her pain off. He constantly combs the girl's hair and lightly pats on her arms to make sure his Rin feels his presence. Aito, on the other hand is sleeping like a wild animal hibernating during winter, at peace and calm.
The bed is pretty small and although it fits the three of them really well, a small movement from the demon lord will disturb the duo and that is why the taiyoukai remained in the same position for the entire night. While Sesshoumaru is about to move his hand away from the girl's waist, he catches the boy changing his position and is now facing the demon lord. The kid moves his right hand closer to his face and scratches his cheek. His hand then turns into a loose fist with his thumb stretching out as he pushes it into his mouth and sucks on it.
The demon lord almost chuckles at his son's gestures; he moves one of his hands and brushes the side of the kid's face. While the boy continues sucking his thumb happily, a thought crosses the taiyoukai's mind. He is wondering about how the kid looked like when he was born, how much the boy weighed when he was a baby, when did he start to crawl, to walk and most importantly when did he start to speak. The thoughts somehow saddens the dog demon, the fact is that he has missed so many valuable moments to watch his son grow up and his heart is despondent thinking over it. He never thought that watching a kid grow up would be this contenting and joyful. Of course not until he has one by himself.
Dawn is quickly replaced by morning, as the darkness disappears the sun is now shining warmly through the windows lighting up the small hut. Bird's starts to sing as the roosters are busy waking the world up. Aito has dropped his thumb away from his mouth and is continuing to sleep.
Sesshoumaru is about to rise to a sitting position but spots the boy steering and stretching his arms straight up to the top with a yawn. His eyes partly open and attempts to view the vision in front of him. After several blinks his blurry vision is clear as he sees the taiyoukai laying close beside him. The boy shoots his eyes wide open as he quickly rises to a sitting position. The demon lord follows suit and rests his back at the edge of the bed with one of his hands stroking the kid's messy hair.
"Lord Sesshoumaru! You are still here?" Aito blinks his sunset eyes as he asks curiously.
"Why wouldn't I be here?" The demon lord answers coolly with his hand combing the kid's hair down to his waist line.
"I tho-thought you might be leaving." The kid's voice fades, almost sounds like he is afraid to speak out. Aito lowers his head and stares at his lap but steals a glance at the taiyoukai's face.
"I promised your mother to be here when she wakes up. I do not wish to disappoint her." Sesshoumaru rolls his golden eyes to the left to check on Rin. She is still sound asleep, peacefully. He sighs in relief. Aito observes the demon lord intensely. When the sunset eyes clashes with the golden orbs, the kid returns his gaze to his lap. Sensing the curiosity clouded over the boy's head the demon lord inquires.
"What is bothering you?" Aito's head snaps up in surprise at the taiyoukai's ability to read his mind. He sends the demon lord a toothy smile with one of his hands scratching the back of his non-itchy head.
"I was wo-won- wondering my lord," Blinking his eyes several times the kid continues, "Do you love mother?" Sesshoumaru stares at the boy in astonishment. Aito maybe about 4 years old according to the demon lord's own calculations, but he has a higher level of observation compared to ordinary kids. He might not know how to use all his senses but the boy's smartness is definitely inherited from the taiyoukai.
"Yes, I do. Always do."The last words were unspoken. Aito's eyes widen with his mouth slightly parting as he stares at the dog demon in amazement.
"How much? As much as Aito loves mother?" Sesshoumaru almost chuckles at the boy's eager expression. He places one of his hands over the boy's shoulder and answers the kid with an emotionless face.
"Much more than that." Aito's mouth pops wide apart with his eyes shot wider than before in awe. He did not expect someone else to love his mother more than he does.
"Aito will love mother as much as Lord Sesshoumaru do. Much much more than that!" The boy exclaims happily with both of his hands stretching high up into the air. The demon lord couldn't help but smile a little at his son's reaction. The kid certainly doesn't know the type affection he has towards his Rin. He is very innocent, just like Rin. The taiyoukai whispers as he watches the boy clap his hands happily.
"Do you feel hungry?" asks the demon lord as he attracts the kid's attention back to him. Aito nods twice, he then turns to face his mother.
"Aito wishes to hunt for mother." The smiles of joy leave as his gloomy gaze falls on his poor mother. Last night's incident is still fresh in his memory. Sesshoumaru tenderly pats over the boy's shoulder as he turns to face the demon lord.
"Would you like to catch yourself some fish?"
"Yes!" Aito answers with a big smile on his face. The taiyoukai lifts the boy up and puts him down on the floor.
"Do not wander too far, you understand?" The kid nods in agreement as he runs and jumps merrily towards the wooden door and leaves the hut. Sesshoumaru then turns to Rin, he is finally alone with the girl. Not that he thinks the kid is an intruder but he wishes badly to hold the girl in his arms. Lying closely next to Rin, the demon lord slips one of his hands around the girl's waist and pulls her closely to his chest. With their faces almost inches away, the taiyoukai brushes his lips over the girl's forehead while enjoying the scent of his precious Rin.
Meanwhile at the river...
Aito splashes some water onto his arms and face. He feels so refreshed after washing his face. When done, he wraps the scarf around his head. Suddenly his sensitive ears catch a very familiar tiny high pitched voice not far away from the river. As the voice closes in, he can hear the words clearly and he recognizes the voice. Jaken? The boy wonders as he rises and tries to check the direction of the voice.
"Lord Sesshoumaru, where are you?" The green kappa shouts in a rather tired voice. He then catches sight of a boy waving his hand not far away from the kappa's place. He runs towards the boy's direction and sees Aito standing at the side of the river.
"Master Jaken what took you so long to catch up with Lord Sesshoumaru? He was here the entire night." The boy's statement obviously hurt the toad's pride as he crosses his arms around his chest and looks away.
"You silly kid, what made you think I was catching up with my lord. He sent me away for some duty and I am here now to report that the mission has been accomplished." Jaken lies proudly with his chest puffed out. Aito narrows his gaze in disbelief.
"You sound more like a lost servant who was searching for his master than what you have claimed." The boy's further comments are really getting on the little toad's nerves but he tries to stay cool. He knows that if he shows his anger it reveals that he is indeed lying. All of a sudden, he feels someone poking his nose. Jaken turns and spots the kid laughing out loud.
"What is so funny boy?" The toad inquires.
"You nose is expanding!" Aito is now rolling on the floor and continuing to laugh at the toad.
"Nonsense, there is nothing wrong with my nose so stop that annoying mirth."
"Look JAKEN your nose is growing longer now! Mother told me if someone is lying their nose will expand and I just saw that happen on you." The boy continues poking the toad's nose and laughs whole heartedly.
"Stop accusing me kid! I have no time to deal with you." The green kappa walks away from Aito and is about to head to the hut. But the boy immediately runs past the green toad and blocks his tracks with arms stretched wide apart.
"Step back, toad." The boy commands seriously.
"Move boy, I don't have business with you. I want to see my lord." Jaken steps forward but the boy makes no movements, instead he sends a deadly glare over to the kappa, that reminded the imp so much of none other than the great Lord Sesshoumaru.
"Mother is still sleeping with Lord Sesshoumaru, you are forbidden to intrude them." Aito replies firmly. The green kappa's eyes widen with his mouth popped open in shock. Does the boy really know what is he talking about? Jaken ponders curiously. Of course the imp knows the relationship between the taiyoukai and the human girl is close but to think that his lord left him behind just to come here and 'sleep' with the girl sounds a bit ridiculous.
"Explain." Is the only word that comes from the imp's mouth. Aito blinks his eyes several times in confusion.
"Sleep means sleep, what is there so much to explain? Don't make such a simple thing become complicated." The boy is puzzled. Jaken crosses his arms around his chest with his eyes shut as he smirks at the kid. He thinks that this is the best chance for him to become a hero.
"Listen boy, sometimes you need to be a bit more specific. I know you are still young but being lazy is not an excuse t..." The green kappa feels he is being dragged. He turns to find out that Aito is dragging him by his collar completely ignoring what he was saying earlier.
"What are you doing boy?" The imp tries to release himself but fails, Aito is way stronger than the little toad.
"Well you know I don't really like long stories. Come on we will go fishing." Jaken eyes widen in astonishment at the familiar comment. Young Rin once said the same thing to him when he was about to tell a sibling story about Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha. Like mother like son. The little kappa thinks to himself as he is reluctantly being dragged away by the kid.
"Let me go! Lord SESSHOUMARU!" The voice from the toad fades away into the distance.
Rin's eyes shoots open with the familiar voice. Her vision is blurry as she tries to scan the surroundings. Sesshoumaru narrows his golden orbs in annoyance at the voice of his loyal companion. He decides to punish the toad later for waking his Rin up with that disturbing high pitched voice. After few a blinks, the girl finally regains the clear vision. Her startled hazelnut eyes widen. Sesshoumaru! She screams in her thoughts at the distance between the demon lord and her. So close. She also feels a strong arm wrapped around her waist which sends a blush over the girl's cheeks.
Rin tries to moves backwards but feels that her arms are aching. Pain is written all over her face as she bites her lower lips with her eyes shut instantly.
"Rin do not move too much. You are suffering with minor bone fractures which will take some time to heal up. For the time being you have to stay on the bed." Sesshoumaru rises as he helps the girl to sit up with her back rested on a pillow. He is relieved at the sight of the girl's face showing some relaxation as he moves to the side of the bed and faces the girl.
"Do you feel any discomfort other than the bones?" He asks out of concern with his hands firmly pressing on the girl's. Rin shakes her head a bit indicating 'no' as she speaks softly.
"The pain from the wound has reduced and I feel much better after a long sleep. Thank you my lord." Her lips curl into a small smile. She then stares around the hut but her son is no where to be seen.
"My lord where is Aito?" The girl asks.
"He is off for hunting but won't be wandering too far off." The demon lord assures. Rin smiles sadly as she turns and looks at the taiyoukai's hands still firmly pressing on hers.
"It is my duty to prepare his meal, but I failed to do so." Her unclear voice fills with a lump in her throat. Sesshoumaru tenderly strokes on top of the girl's hands.
"You're injured Rin and you failed no one." The demon lord tilts the girl's chin up to face him with his claw finger as he continues, "Besides the boy loves hunting. He inherits your skills in catching fish." Rin raises her eyes brows; she is confused at first but later chuckles slightly, remembering the day she let her son go out for hunting. It was the day when the girl woke up late and the taiyoukai sent her off to the kitchen.
Sesshoumaru relaxes a little, pleased with Rin's reaction. He does not want the girl to shoulder all the blame despite her current conditions. He wants to ensure that the girl gets plenty of rest and lots of good food for her speedy recovery. Only by then he can focus on pursuing the duo to return to the western fortress. But most importantly, she has to stop working at the kitchen. Releasing his finger from her chin; the demon lord rests both of his hands on top of Rin's shoulder.
"Rin, tell me who are those bastards attacked you and Aito last night." Her shoulder stiffens at the thought of the incident that happened. Sesshoumaru gently squeezes the girl's shoulder assuring her no harm would come her way. She relaxes a little and attempts to reply.
"I bumped into those brothers yesterday on the way back to the kitchen after my lunch break. I didn't know them but Tsuyu san told me they are the Geisha house's loyal customers. We are not used to encountering any customers during day times but I was told the brothers weren't pleased with one of the girls at the house." Her voice is shaky out of trauma.
"I assume the brothers showed their interest in you after the incident. But if no one revealed about your whereabouts, they will not be able to know." He deduces firmly. Rin frowns, she couldn't think of anyone in the kitchen who would have done such a thing. Suddenly the girl feels something isn't right in her lord's statement. She snaps her head up and stares at the demon lord, dubiously.
"My lord you are not suspecting Tsuyu san are you?" She asks seriously but no reply comes from the taiyoukai. Rin's eyes widen in disbelief.
"Lord Sesshoumaru, Tsuyu san will never do such a thing. She cares for me so much just like my mother. She will never ever betray me. Please don't harm her my lord, please." The girl grabs on one of the demon lord's arm and pleads desperately.
Sesshoumaru nods lightly, he does not doubt the girl's ability in judging others. But Rin is naïve and innocent. Unlike demons, the ugliest side of the human clan is that they are willing to sacrifice another for their own benefits. Since Rin is more given than received, she might be falling into the traps of her own kind. The taiyoukai decides to sort this matter on his own without worrying his precious ward.
At this moment, Aito storms into the hut with his left hand holding 3 fishes while his right is still on the green kappa's collar. He then drops the toad on the floor and runs to the demon lord's side.
"Mother, you are awake. How are you feeling?" The boy asks with eagerness.
"Much better my son." She smiles at her son who is jumping merrily. Jaken closes up to the trio as he looks up at his master with his signature expression; teary widen eyes and a huge smile on his face.
"Mi lord I was worried about you, why are you leaving without informing me?" Sesshoumaru sends a deadly glare to the green kappa. The toad is instantly on his knees apologizing. Aito's eyes narrows at the kappa's question.
"I thought you told me Lord Sesshoumaru sent you off for a duty?" He slams. Few drops of sweat are now visible at the side of the kappa's face.
"I KNOW! You are lying!" Aito exclaims as he continues with his hearty laughter before he adds, "I knew that you were left behind."
"Aito, don't be rude to master Jaken." Rin immediately ends her son's bragging. He then curls his lips to the left to show his dissatisfaction. The girl shakes her head at her son's behavior.
"Jaken, help Aito to get the meal done now." Sesshoumaru instructs as the duo leave the hut to prepare the fish. They return in 30mins with the roasted fish served on the dining table. The demon lord carries the girl to the table as she and Aito begin to have their breakfast peacefully.
After the meal, Rin is back laying on her bed resting. Sesshoumaru decides this is the right time for him to find Tsuyu and have a few words with the lady.
"Rin, I will be back shortly." The girl nods without question. He then turns to the boy and the kappa. "You two will remain here. Jaken do not create trouble." With that the taiyoukai heads for the hut entrance and leaves. Aito watches on curiously. He wishes to follow the dog demon but doesn't dare to ask his permission. An idea sparks in his mind as he jumps off from the chair and runs to his mother side.
"Mother, Aito wish to go with Lord Sesshoumaru. I will be safe, don't worry." Rin can only nod besides she knows that the demon lord will ensure her son's safety. The kid runs to the door but is interrupted by the green kappa.
"Hey boy, mi lord said you and I have to stay here. Come back." Jaken yells. The kid turns with a dissatisfied look as he shoots the toad an annoying gaze.
"You will obey your master and I will go. Unlike you, Lord Sesshoumaru is my mother's best friend and he won't be mad at me. Take care of my mother." Aito waves at the toad and his mother as he quickly leaves the hut.
"You fool I wil-..."
"Master Jaken." Rin interrupts the green toad. He turns to his back and notices the girl smiling at him.
"Please forgive Aito, I know he is rude most of the times but he doesn't mean it. My son doesn't have friends and the villager's kids always insult him. I know deep inside his heart; he is seeing you as one of his best friend, someone who he can play with freely without worries about being bullied." She pauses a while and swallows hard before continuing, "You wouldn't be mad at my poor baby right?" The girl pleads melancholy. The little kappa watches Rin intensely, looking into her eyes; he knows that the girl has suffered more than he can think of. He then crosses his arms around his chest as he replies.
"Nonsense, I don't have time to anger at the little kid. I am Lord Sesshoumaru's most loyal follower and I have way more many important duties to handle than to piss at the small kid."
Rin chuckles at the toad's gestures, she misses the green kappa so much. It reminds her a lot of the days they used to travel together. In those days she was just a small girl, no worries and burdens. As long as the demon lord is around she fears nothing in this world.
"Rin." Jaken's voice brings the girl's attention back from the day dream.
"Yes?" She smiles delightfully. A moment of silence ensues before the kappa speaks.
"You will not go anywhere without a word again. We Lord Sesshoumaru was so worried about you. Do you know how long we have searched for you? Crossed four continents and how many restless nights we have went through."
"Ma-s-ter Ja-ken ..." Her voices fades slowly as she becomes speechless. Her brown eyes are getting heavier and she knows she will break down anytime.
"Don't ever do this again you understand girl? If you don't wish to tell my lord, come to me and I promise to keep the secret." Jaken added. The girl only manages a couple of nods without a word. The green toad isn't satisfied but chooses not to further pester the girl.
"Master Jaken if you don't mind may I rest now? I feel tired." Rin asks and the green kappa inclines his head as he leaves the hut. When the wooden door closes, tears stream uncontrollably and wet the girl's cheeks. Jaken on the other side of the door senses the girl's wails. He too is trying hard to hold back the tears.
In the forest...
Sesshoumaru notices some gestures around the bushes. He knows Aito has been following him not long after he left the hut. The demon lord easily catches his son's tracks; after all he is only barely a 4 year old kid and knows nothing about hiding himself properly. He can master the skill with me in time. The taiyoukai smirks proudly.
He increases his speed and pauses abruptly on purpose which causes the boy to overrun and he can hear his son panting heavily trying to catch his breathe. When he is satisfied in teasing his son, Sesshoumaru turns to the left and walks closer the bushes. Aito freezes in his steps, immobile and holds his breathe. The demon lord stretches his mokomoko and wraps it around his son's body and pulls him out of the bushes. Aito is released in front of the taiyoukai as he shamelessly smiles to his lord.
"My lord how did you notice me?" The boy asks innocently. Sesshoumaru frowns as he almost laughs at his son's question.
"Boy your moves are very obvious." He replies coolly. Aito sticks his tongue out at the lord and he earns gentle strokes from the demon lord on his head. The taiyoukai then pulls the scarf away from the boy's head. Aito eyes widen, astounded.
"You look better without it" Is his only statement. The kid sends him toothy smiles.
"Why are you here?" Aito snaps his head up to stare at his lord.
"I want to know where Lord Sesshoumaru is going and what you will do. My lord please brings me along with you, please!" The boy's pleads with his gloomy puppy eyes. The demon lord is unable to reject his poor son, he then drops to one knee and lifts his son into his arm.
"Let's go." Rising on his feet, the taiyoukai resumes his tracks with Aito smiling happily being be able to follow his lord.
In the kitchen...
Akemi is busy washing the vegetables, there are two more bushels left and she still hasn't prepared the soup which was assigned to her this morning. Rin had a day off and Tsuyu has taken an emergency day off since her granddaughter was sick last night. The kitchen has lost two of the most efficient workers and they are struggling to keep their duties on schedule. I wish Rin was here. At this moment she feels someone taping on her right shoulder. She jerks up and turns to find Aito standing next to her. Her eyes widen in shock.
"Aito dear, why are you? Is Rin coming along with you?" Akemi asks excitedly as she thought the gods heard her wishes.
"No, mother isn't coming with Aito. Akemi san, where is Tsuyu baasan?" The boy asks as his eyes scan around the kitchen.
"She is not here today because Minako was sick last night." Akemi answers as she continues her task.
"Why are you looking for Tsuyu san?" She gets no reply. Akemi turns and finds that the boy has gone. She then rushes to the outside and sees Aito being lifted by the fierce demon lord as they leave the kitchen. Akemi's eyes widen in shock, she wishes badly to follow the duo but the work in the kitchen can not be abandoned as well. Reluctantly she returns to her work with doubts clouding her mind.
At the village...
Upon arriving at the village, Sesshoumaru instructs Aito to stay behind as he pursues further down into the area. After passing several huts, he encounters a lady who has just walked out from a small hut with a bucket of clothes in her hands. The bucket falls from her hands as she looks up to see a fierce demon standing before her. Her eyes widen in astonishment, her mouth gaps but no voice comes out.
"Where is the lady name Tsuyu?" The taiyoukai asks seriously. The lady's heart almost stops beating as she quickly turns and runs into another hut which the demon lord believes belongs to Tsuyu.
A moment later, the same lady comes out from the hut accompanied by another one. This lady looks to be in her fifties. Her hairs are mixed between more grey with lesser black. She wears a simple plain maroon kimono. Her wrinkled face looks generous and she smiles to the demon lord.
"Young lord, I heard you are looking for me?" Tsuyu asks softly.
"We need to talk about Rin." Sesshoumaru's serious tone jerks the old lady up.
Meanwhile at the entrance of the village.
Aito feels so uncomfortable to wait on his own. He doesn't want to be here nor even wish to stay longer in this village. He has had enough bad memories here and wishes not to remember all that again. When he decides to catch up with the demon lord, his ears catch the painful word that he doesn't wish to hear again in his lifetime.
"Hey monster, why are you here again?" There come three boys from the village. Aito recognize their voices clearly. They are the kids who use to insult him and his mother. He pretends not to be hearing anything and continues to walk away. But this time another kid yells at him.
"Hey you monster, don't ever come back with your mother. We don't welcome a monster like you and a woman who bedded with a demon. Oh and you both behind were left behind. So go elsewhere." Aito's clenches his fists but choose to ignore them. He has promised his mother to not mess with the villager boys and he will obey it. Besides Lord Sesshoumaru isn't far away and all he needs to do is run as fast as he can. Still with his back facing the kids, Aito is now pacing as fast as he can in the direction of the demon lord. Suddenly, he feels a tiny rock hit on his back; he ignores it and speeds up his pace. A moment later, another rock hits on his back again and this time Aito stops without turning back. Fists still clenched tightly.
"Are you deaf or what? We are talking to you monster. Such bad mannered boy, no wonder your father left you." Another boy insults and this time the three of them throw stones at the same time. When the stones fell onto the grass, with the hurtful words are locked in Aito's head. He turns to face the kids with his reddened eyes glaring furiously. He roars fumingly.
Back to the hut ...
Worries fill in Tsuyu's heart when the demon lord mentions Rin's name. She moves closer to him and stretches out one of her hands gesturing the dog demon inside the hut with a small bow. Sesshoumaru declines the offers as he speaks.
"Our conversation will not be long." Tsuyu nods and patiently waits for the demon lord to explain about his earlier statement.
"Rin was attacked by two bastards last night. I found Aito in the forest; apparently the guy has escaped when I arrived. Unfortunately, the other guy was still in the hut, almost defiled the girl. I came in time to save her dignity." Sesshoumaru notices Tsuyu eyes widen astounded as she covers her wide open mouth with her hands.
"Is she alright now?" The lady asks in concern.
"She was beaten up badly with minor bone fractures on her chest. I have tended to her wounds and it has healed quite a bit but the bones will need a month to be healed." He answers emotionlessly. Tsuyu sighs in relief.
"Thank god. My poor Rin, she has suffered too much." Tsuyu sniffs a little as she pulls out a handkerchief and wipes the tears away from her cheeks. Sesshoumaru observes carefully as he tries to read the lady. A moment passes without words.
"Rin told me this morning, she had bump into these guys yesterday outside the kitchen. I believe you were there as well. My concern is that someone must have revealed her whereabouts to have caused such a tragedy." Sesshoumaru glares sternly at the lady. Tsuyu is not feeling comfortable with the stares; she picks up the hint from his statement.
"And you think I did it?" The lady narrows her eyes in annoyance.
"It could be someone from the kitchen." That's his only answer.
"Impossible, everyone in the kitchen loves Rin, there is no way they will betray her. I can assure you that with my life." Tsuyu presses on firmly but Sesshoumaru instantly replies.
"That doesn't mean the owner of the Geisha house won't do it. Humans tend to sacrifice one another to achieve their own benefits. I wouldn't be surprised if she is the one who revealed it." Tsuyu is startled by the accusation. She has known Onna for quite long, and she believes the lady will not do such a thing for her business sake.
"I believe the owner of the house will not do such a thing, but I will personally investigate this matter to clear all the misunderstanding." The lady assures as she sees the demon lord nod and turn to take his leave.
"Wait a moment." Tsuyu calls out. Sesshoumaru pauses but didn't turn to the lady.
"Who are you?" she asks cautiously.
"Who am I is not your concern." When the taiyoukai is about to walks away, another lady shows up and runs hurriedly to Tsuyu's side. She looks to be in quite a worried state.
"Tsuyu san, the demon kid is attacking our village boys. You have to stop him before he harms the kids." The girl pants heavily.
"Aito is here?" Tsuyu questions as she looks up at the demon lord. Sesshoumaru walks away instantly without bothering to know the details.
Aito is charging on one of the boys when Sesshoumaru arrives at the spot. His son growls angrily and keeps punching at the boy's chest while the other two manage to escape and hide behind their parents. Villagers are now flooding at the area and they are surprised at the presence of the dog demon. The taiyoukai steps closer to his pup and tries to draw his attention.
"Aito release the boy." The demon lord instructs but the kid continues to attack the village boy.
"AITO you will listen to what I said. Set the boy free now!" Sesshoumaru snarls. This time Aito seems to hear the demon lord. He stops punching and turns to face the taiyoukai with his redden eyes and upper lip raised to bare his teeth.
"Come here" Aito inclines his head as he releases the grip on the village boy and walks to the demon lord's side. A couple runs from the crowd to their son's side and checks on his condition.
"How dare you hurt my son?" The mother speaks looking down at her wounded son. His cheeks were swollen and a small blood drop is dripping from his mouth.
Sesshoumaru pays no attention to the humans; he drops to one knee and wraps his right hand around his son's waist as pulls the boy closer to him. His left hand strokes the kid's head gently. Aito regains his own self slowly; his sunset eyes return and his sharp teeth turn normal, he then looks up to the taiyoukai with his sore eyes.
"My lo-rd ..." He can barely speak as he starts sniffing. His sunset eyes glass over with unshed tears.
"What had happened? Why did you attack the boy?" Aito cries with the question as he throws his arms around the taiyoukai's neck.
"Tell me son." He whispers into his son's ears.
"Th-ey they said mother bedded with a demon and father left us behind. No, it is not true. Father didn't leave Aito, he will be back. He will, right my lord? Please tell me yes, please my lord, please." Sesshoumaru's heart is despondent with what his son had just said. He is the father of the kid and yet he can not reveal the truth. Watching his son painfully the demon lord tries to console the heart broken kid.
"Your father never leaves you. Take a look around; he is the sunshine in your hair, the shadow on the ground, the whisper in the wind and the air that you breathe. Remember he is always watching you no matter where he is now. He will be proud of you. He will come back to you, soon. Very soon my son." Aito pulls away a little and stares at the demon lord. Sesshoumaru smiles at the kid as the boy nods in agreement.
Sesshoumaru then rises with Aito wrapping his arms securely around one of the demon lord's legs. The taiyoukai sends a deadly glare and roars furiously at the villagers. The crowds step backward but Tsuyu steps up and runs to the demon lord's side.
"Please young lord, this is only some small misunderstanding. They are only kids and they don't mean their words." The lady defends.
"Oh, so Aito is not a kid?" Sesshoumaru snarls. Tsuyu shakes her head a little and explains.
"I did not mean it that way, it is just that I wish to sort matters without violence." The demon lord narrows his eyes in annoyance as he turns his gaze to the villagers. His fuming golden orbs scan each individual intensely.
"That's how Rin and Aito ended up living in the abandon hut. You people despise a poor girl. Is that how you treat your own kind?" He growls in resentment.
"But the kid is not a human, he is a monster!" One of the villagers yells out loud. Sesshoumaru's eyes immediately turn red and growls angrily at the man.
"My son he is not a monster!" Aito's grips tighten around his lord's leg as he speaks.
"Lord Sesshoumaru, I don't want to stay here, can we go home?" The taiyoukai turns to his frightened pup. Gently stroking over the boy's head the demon lord guides his son and both of them turn to leave. Aito follows closely without turning back. As their shadows finally vanish, the lady turns to the villagers and keeps shaking her head.
"Do you people really need to treat the boy this harsh? A monster you said? Who is the one saved our village when the bandits attacked?" Tsuyu questions while the crowd are silent. She shakes her head again and walks as she speaks.
"Ryuuki saved us and he is a demon. Talk about monster huh?" When the lady disappears into her hut, the villagers turn and look at each other shamelessly.
In the forest ...
Sessoumaru leads the path while Aito follows closely behind. The trip to meet up with the lady name Tsuyu has turned out to be a bad move but the demon lord is glad that at least he was able to know the reason to why Rin isn't living at the village. Although the Taiyoukai isn't quite satisfied about the kids who were insulting his pup, he knows very well not to use his power to punish the villagers because it will only upset his Rin. Besides, the girl and his pup are not going to live here anymore so why waste his energy on useless matters.
Aito on the other hand is still trying to overcome all the bad words he has heard in the village. Though he doesn't know the reason why the demon lord needs to be there, but he is glad that he didn't hurt anyone or else his mother will be very upset. The kid then glances at the back of the Taiyoukai and sigh in relief. His lord has once again rescued him when he could barely control his own self at that moment.
The boy's pace has decrease due to his tiredness and he finds it hard to keeps up with the demon lord. He knows the exhaustion is strongly related to the moment he lost control of himself. Although the incident doesn't happen quite often, he knows it used to happen only when he started to get really irate about something. He feels so tired, his legs have given up and he stops in his tracks. Sesshoumaru notices the change in his son's scent as he turns to see the kid's pale face. He walks to the kid and bends at the boy's side.
"Are you not feeling good?" He asks in concern. Aito shakes his head lightly.
"I am just tired my lord, can we rest a while?" The boy inquires. The Taiyoukai nods and sits next to the kid. A short moment of silence falls as Aito keeps stealing a glance at the demon lord. He wishes to get back to the hut and hug his mother but at the same time his stamina has reached its limit. It is at this time his mind keeps rewinding back to the day when he was at the village. Those villager's kids used to get shoulder rides with their fathers whenever they were tired. Aito always wished to have a shoulder ride with his father. By thinking of that his sunset eyes glasses over with unshed tears. Father, Aito miss you so much. Where are you? The boy sniffs at the painful thought. He then feels a strong hand pat on his shoulder and he turns to see the demon lord watching him in concern. Aito manages a simple smile to assure the Taiyoukai that he is fine. When the kid catches Sesshoumaru returning a small smile, he feels brave enough to ask a favor from the demon lord.
"I- was wondering my lord..." but he is still afraid to complete his request.
"What is it?" Sesshoumaru asks while watching his son's odd reaction.
"I was thinking if I-I urrphhmm ..." Aito gulps nervously as he bravely completes his sentence. "My lord can I ride on your shoulder? Aito wishes to get back to mother but I am so tired now." The Taiyoukai astounded at his son's request. Aito quickly turns away from his lord and stares nervously at his own lap with his hands turned into fists and grabbing on his own hakama. The boy's heart is pumping really fast when the demon lord didn't reply. When he is brave enough to turn and look up, he finds out the Taiyoukai is now kneeling very close to him with his hands stretched forwards. Aito's eyes widen in shock.
"Come we will leave now." Sesshoumaru stretches out his hands inviting his son. The boy smiles broadly at the offer, he really didn't expect that his lord would agree and he is just too happy to think of anything at the moment. Quickly the kid moves himself to the awaiting hands as the demon lord carries his son high up and rests the boy's legs on both of his shoulders.
Once at the top, Aito is amused by the view in front of him. When the Taiyoukai stands up and starts walking, the boy feels like he is flying in the skies. He can see every single thing at the front and he feels so proud of it. His arms naturally spread wide apart as he starts to cheer out loud. Sesshoumaru is pleased with his son's reaction; he didn't know such a simple ride would mean so much for the boy. If this pleases my son I shall do it more often. The Taiyoukai smirks at his own thought.
With the boy singing happily at the top and the demon lord enjoying every moment of it, the duo walks slowly back to the hut. Unbeknownst to both of them, their father and son journey has just started at this very moment.
Chapter end notes:
I am sorry for not being able to update this before I went for the holidays. I will definitely try to reduce the time period in updating my story.
My story will move very slowly from one chapter to another. The reason is I don't like to jump scenes and I love details when writing. I hope I did not bore anyone with the slow moving scene.
Don't worry, I have bought a time travel machine and I have decided to use it now. If you are done reading chapter 14 and reviewing it, come and hop into this special custom made 'Lily time travel machine'. Once all readers have checked in, we will start our journey and jump to a month after the 'shoulder ride' moment.
So don't be left behind, be sure to check in fast! See ya!
P/S – Congratulation to 'Stelra Etnae' you are the 100th reviewer of the Lily of the Valley.
Thank you to all the reviewers who stayed loyal to my story. Without you all I could have never achieved 116 reviews, 41 story alerts, 38 favorites and 9,683 hits. You guys are my strength and support. *hugs* and *kisses* for everyone.
Anonymous review reply:
Naala: Awww thank you so much for your review and wishes. The holiday was great and I enjoyed it. It was my pleasure to have you check on my story in daily basic. I will definitely reduce the time period to update this story. I promise and enjoy chapter 14. Stay tune dear
Jolie: Thank you for your review dear Jolie. I am glad that you love the family scene. It was tough to write and express what I wish to tell and I am glad it turns out good and the reader feel the bond between them. Exactly, Rin doesn't have reason to reject him and Aito certainly needs to know about his father. I promise to reduce the time period on updating. Thanks for being patient with my slowness. Job hunting is tough and I have given up though, I shall stick with my current job then.
jellisa a.k.a rin: Hi jellisa, thank so much for stopping by to read and review my story.
Divine Rose: Awww Di, you are so sweet for reviewing all my chapters. I see what you mean by Ryuuki and we are not done yet with him. The leopard will return and maybe in 2 more chapters. Thank you Di, your details reviews encourage me to write more. I know my chapter 14 didn't pay off the long wait. I am sorry for that.
elusivequeenbee: Hi dear, thank you so much for your 'twice review' I feel bad that you have came and check on my recent update and didn't see one. Sorry dear please forgive my slowness in updating ok? I know this chapter didn't pay off the long wait. I will work on the next one real soon.
Glad that you love the scene between them as a family. I know what you mean about laying beside your lover without thinking adult things. Sesshoumaru's heart was broken when Rin injured so with all the worried and cares he manage to control himself very well. I tried my level best to picture the scene and glad that it turns out well.
Oh no problem about the paragraph. You are right about it and I actually agree with you too. So I have made several changes about it. Let me know if it is easier to follow now? You can tell me anything if you think it is not comfortable while reading my story. I set no barrier around me. Feel free to tell me anything. If you have an account you can message me. I will certainly try my best especially in explaining about Aito.
You're welcome. I am glad that I was able to share my imagination with all Sesshoumaru/Rin fans. Enjoy the chapter.
songhamitra: Hi there thanks for your review Yes lovey-dovey in Sesshoumaru's way will be there. I will try my best to write it. Oh by the way what do you mean by 'that way'? You mean Sesshoumaru shouldn't sleep at Rin's side? He shouldn't hug her? Or do you refer to the wound cleaning? Let me know which part you feel uncomfortable I shall try to explain to you. About the demon who kisses Rin , Ryuuki will be back. You want him to be a bad cat? Lol well basically, he is not really a negative character. He is just a man who loves Rin and wish to take care of her. Is more like a one sided love. If I make him the real bad cat, Sesshoumaru might end up killing him. In fact 'Lily of the Valley' is mainly about the return of happiness. I shall see what I can do with Ryuuki. Thank you for your suggestion. I appreciate it.
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