(Sorry it took a while to post! The holidays proved to be busy and with very little privacy to be able to write. Did not help that I got a little OCD about the writing too. Thank you guys for being patient, I do want to start off by saying I hope everyone had a good holiday(if you celebrate one around this time of year that is.)! And then also I wanted to say that my story does not change based upon reviews or comments. I'm doing this for fun and for my own creative energy and I don't want to get discouraged from continuing the one thing I have left that's like.. my own thing. Between getting sick and family drama and all that mess that is my own life, this is really just the one thing I have to myself and I share it with you guys because most of you appreciate it. Literally no one I know personally knows that I write at all much less write fanfiction so it's kind of a bit of a special thing that I do for me. Thanks again guys for being great!)
Chapter 21: Kohaku's Greif
Kohaku stood there in silence for a few minutes but it seemed like hours, watching the silhouette of the young woman he used to admire. Only she had matured so much since the last time he had seen her face. He saw scars and lines that had not been there the last time he laid eyes upon her. But in all her changes, she had not lost an inch of her beauty. Her long hair swayed in the wind as she watched him in return. He didn't know how to respond to having her at his doorstep, so he simply looked on.
A small cat popped out from the cabin, sporting two tails on its backside. It stretched and yawned as though it had been napping. When it saw the dragon, its hair stuck up on it's back and it hissed angrily. Ah Un looked on at the little cat curiously.
Rin studied Kohaku's face, and smiled when she saw the burly look of a beard on his chin. He had done some more growing himself since the last time she had seen him. His chest and shoulders were huge and tanned. The thin boy was long gone, and he had been replaced by this boulder of a man.
"I'm sorry I did not give you notice." Rin said, waiting for him to speak.
Kohaku sighed and leaned up against the side of the door, he hid his face in his hand for a moment and then looked back up at her with a small smile on his face. "Didn't I tell you I never wanted to see you again?"
Rin smiled, taking a few more steps towards him until she was a mere foot away from his face. "No, If I remember it right I think what you said was you were going to leave and I would never HAVE to see you again. But I am choosing to see you now, and here you are."
"And who says you're welcome to come traipsing around here?" He shook his head, only half-serious. There had been a long time between then and now and he really was happy to see her again. "Maybe I don't want any troublemakers like you around."
"We've known each other far too long for me not to know that you will invite me into your home and be a gracious host." She teased him back.
He let his hand slide down the side of his door, moving his large body aside for her to enter. He motioned for her to enter, and she smirked, gliding past him. Kohaku looked to the cat and Ah Un. The little cat was still hissing defensively at Ah Un.
"Kirara, come now. Surely you remember Ah Un. Be nice." He scolded.
The cat stopped hissing and looked at Kohaku as he disappeared into the cabin. She looked back at Ah Un, and took a few steps towards him. Ah Un let both of his heads lay on the ground to be at the cat's level, watching Kirara as she sniffed him, and sat down contently next to him.
"Have a seat. I fear my dinner is half eaten and I wasn't expecting any guests, so I don't have much to offer you. Tea? " Kohaku said as Rin sat down cross legged.
"I am not hungry, thank you. Tea would be nice." She said, her eyes following him as he went to sit across from her.
He looked at her and shook his head. "Of all the faces I would expect at my door, yours was the last. What brings you all the way out here?"
"I need your help finding a reputable swordsmith. Your sister directed me to you for this information."
"Ah, my dear sister Sango, I fear I haven't visited in about 6 months. She's not pregnant again, Is she?" He joked.
Rin smiled. "No, not as far as I know. I don't think she can handle anymore."
Kohaku laughed and rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah I think I could help you with that. Gee, Rin, what do you need a sword for?"
"I have my reasons." Was all she replied.
"So I see that you are still associated with Sesshomaru." Kohaku said, his smile fading a bit. He knew she would not be with Ah Un otherwise.
"Yes." She said, not sure whether to tell him or not the true nature of her relationship with Sesshomaru. He was still a demon slayer, and would probably refuse to help her if she told him.
"Well, that's your choice, I suppose." Kohaku shook his head again. "You are so different now. Something about you has changed, and not just your looks."
"That's funny, I was going to say the same thing about you."
Kohaku laughed, looking down at his figure. "It's true. My father was a large man, therefore I am. It all happened overnight, really."
"And such a manly beard. You are quite the catch nowadays, aren't you? I'm surprised you haven't settled down. The girls must be knocking your doors down." She said, flattering him.
"Not too many girls around these parts. Although, on my business trips, I may get a little attention. You know, being a handsome demon slayer and all.." He said jokingly. "And what of you? I heard you went and got yourself married to a rich young Lord. I didn't peg you for that type."
A frown came over her face and he knew he had said the wrong thing.
"Oh." Kohaku said embarrassedly. "So you are?"
"I was." She said, looking to the floor.
Kohaku figured by her tone, that she must be referring to him as if he were no longer living. "Oh. My apologies."
"Don't worry about it, Kohaku. I don't want to talk about it. Let's talk about you." She said, inviting him to talk more about himself.
"Well obviously, I am still and always will be a demon slayer. I do some weapon repairs on the side, and some training for young men who are interested in the field. But there aren't many. So when I'm not busy, I am here in the old demon slayer village, just existing on my own. Well, not on my own. I mean there's Kirara."
He got up and began to pour hot water into the teapot he had out, and Rin found herself staring into Kohaku's chest, which was on display through his loose clothing. It was big, chizzled, and hairy. It was different than she was used to seeing, but it had it's own beauty to it. He was such a beastly man, she couldn't help but notice. She caught herself and brought herself back into focus.
"I am glad to hear that things are going well for you, Kohaku. Perhaps if you can help me with what I need, I am sure I can be more than kind monetarily."
"I don't care about your money, Rin. I will do you this as a favor for a friend, and you can thank me later." Kohaku said, handing her the cup of tea.
"Understood." She said, taking a sip.
He looked at Rin and thought of her when she was a little girl, huddled up next to him for comfort after Naraku had her kidnapped. Even in such a dark hour, she always seemed to keep a good outlook.
"Well, I don't plan on making any trips today, as the sun will be going down soon. So I can set you up in the spare room for the night." Kohaku said politely.
"I do not want to intrude, I can always set up camp outside with Ah Un." Rin said.
"Rin, what kind of gentleman would I be if I let you sleep outside? You will sleep in the spare room."
"I can't argue with that." She said, smiling. "I feel so happy that you are going to help me. I was so certain when I showed up that you were going to send me away."
"Well, what happened back in the village was in the past. I was young and irrational and I apologize. I should have known you were not ready for such a change. I should have been more understanding."
"No, don't be sorry. I should be the sorry one. I was such a naïve girl." Rin argued. She shook her head and smiled in thought. "In a way, I wish I had decided to take the path you had opened up for me. It would have saved me from a lot of pain and suffering. And for what it's worth, I think we would have been very happy together."
Kohaku looked at Rin, her words bombarding him with sadness. There was a lump in his throat, and for the first time in a long time, he felt like he could cry.
"Alas, there is no point in harping on what could or could not have been. Life must go on." She continued, shrugging her shoulders.
Kohaku nodded in agreement, stroking his beard gently with his left hand. He could not believe that he was having this conversation.
"The past is the past and it must stay there." He said calmly. "But I hope in the near future I may call you my friend."
Rin smiled at Kohaku, her eyes bright with the realization that her old friend still cared for her. "I hope so too."
…
"I thought I had everything I wanted. My love by my side, a baby on the way.. But there is something amiss here and things are not as picture perfect as I expected them to be. In fact, they aren't perfect at all. After the battle that maimed my lord and love, I thought maybe things would improve with time. But I fear they've gotten worse. After his recovery, I was happy to see him up and back to his old speed. This has changed. I curse myself for wishing he wasn't as capable as he has become. He obsesses over finding Rin and destroying her. So far he's just sent out a few of his mena dn scouts to find out her whereabouts. She went from being the one he pined after, to his bitter enemy. Akio relays to me his plans for her, and it frightens me. I have never heard such gory things leave the mouth of my lord before. He hates her, which he should, as she is the one who maimed him. I hate to admit it, but I am starting to sympathize with her. He has changed so much from when I first met him. What happened to him is beyond me, but I am certain his missing limb is not helping his disposition. If one thing is for sure, it doesn't impede his strength. He lashes out at his men and a few of the servants. A few days ago, he attacked one of his men and left him severely injured. Over what, I haven't a clue. Appearances are nothing anymore. People are scared. There have been many run-aways in the castle lately, that I can link directly to his outbursts. His parents can not tame him.. his father is far too old and his Mother hides herself away in her room, avoiding him. I am useless, as I grow large and am less capable of calming him. I am afraid that I do not want this anymore. What does the future hold for us? For our child?"
Ami rubbed her baby bump before sitting up, and looking to her right at Akio, who was sound asleep. She was careful not to make any sounds as she stood up and tip toed over to the mirror. She looked at herself for a moment and then looked away, not wanting to see herself. Her self worth was so diminished, she did not want to think of her appearance. She thought she looked too pale and tired from worrying.
She heard a small creak and she looked to the door. Kai's hand was on the other side of the door, motioning for her to come out. She nodded and slowly got up, walked over to the door, making sure to close the door quietly behind her. She looked across at Kai, and when she saw the young girl's face, she looked away. It was clear as day that Akio had had a violent episode, and her friend had been the target. Ami's hands began to shake, and Kai reached out for them comfortingly.
"Not you, too." Ami's voice was shaky.
"Shhhh. Ami. Be silent." Kai chided quietly, looking to the closed door. "I just wanted to tell you goodbye."
Ami nodded her head, her eyes red and sunken. "I understand, Kai. Good luck."
Kai looked sadly at her friend and quietly pleaded with her. "Ami, come with me, please. We can find a new village and get jobs together. I can help you with your baby. You can't stay here."
"I can't just do that, Kai. I carry his child. Besides, he hasn't touched me. He won't." She replied.
"He's not stupid, Ami. He wouldn't risk his child." The girl looked at Ami harshly. "When the baby is no longer within you, do you think he will hesitate?"
"You suppose I do not think about these things already." Ami replied somberly. "I'm sorry, but I can't go anywhere in this shape. Besides, I have to keep hope that once the baby is born things will get better."
Kai turned and grabbed a tea tray that she had sitting nearby, shoving it in Ami's arms. "Fine. I can't stall any longer, Ami. I only brought this so there would be no suspicions until I am long gone from here."
Ami paused for minute and nodded. Kai's safety was more important than Akio's trust, and she knew this. "I will try to buy you as much time as I can. Good bye, Kai."
"Good bye, my friend."
Ami nodded and watched Kai as she disappeared down the hall. Kai was still very young, and it made Ami's heart bleed to see her desperate enough to leave. Her cheeks turned red with anger as she re-entered the room. Her eyes glared at the sleeping Akio. It was almost as if he didn't realize all the detriment he was causing around him. Seeing her friend leave had left her so upset and angry, she could not hide her frustration. Ami let the tea tray slam as she placed it down on the table. Akio jerked up from his slumber, looking around to see what had caused the noise. He saw Ami with a sad, angry look on her face, pouring tea into a cup.
"No Kai this morning?" He said tiredly, reaching for the cup she had just poured.
"No, she did not seem to want to enter the room this morning." Ami said angrily, shaking her head.
Akio sighed, knowing that Ami was upset about the way he had attacked Kai. "Kai is not some innocent child, anymore, Ami. She is defiant to me and speaks of me when my back is turned."
Ami couldn't have this conversation with him. She made her way over to the seat by the mirror and hunched over, holding her own head in frustration. Her hair hung over in a stringy fashion over her face and lap. She breathed shakily, afraid she might have her own outburst if he spoke anymore. Akio sighed and took another sip of his tea, staring at Ami who was clearly very upset with him.
"Ami.." He tried to get her attention, placing his tea down. "Ami."
"Just don't speak to me right now, please." She managed to say through her hands.
She could feel his eyes darting to her before she even lifted her head. Her eyes were red and filled with tears as she looked at his reflection in the mirror. She watched as he stood up, and stood there with his hand rested on his hip. He looked as if he were waiting for her to take it back. She stood up and turned to look at him.
"I can't live with this indiscriminate violence. You are going crazy. I love you but I can't take it anymore!" She shouted, shaking her head. "Please, you can still get better. It is not too late to lay aside your hatred for others and live peacefully."
Akio's arm loosened and rested at his side. A look of surprise came over his face, mostly due to the fact he had never heard Ami raise her voice before. Akio was not unaware that he had lost it. He knew in his heart that he had become obsessed and deranged. He once wanted the admiration of his men, his servants, and the villagers, but now that things were getting out of hand all he wanted was their fear and respect before he lost everything. He didn't want to lose his power, so he was fighting for it. He looked into Ami's eyes and knew she was at wits end. His was conflicted, and his hand shook at his side.
"What have I done? Even Ami, the most loyal girl I have ever known, curses me. I can stop all of this now, I can get better." He told himself, looking into her pleading eyes. But then another feeling overtook him, and darkness took a hold of him. "No. You cannot let people walk all over you like Rin did. You were kind and gave her everything, and all she did was disobey you and love another behind your back. Ami will do the same if you let her. They are all the same, aren't they? I cannot allow this."
Ami saw the confliction in his eyes and the sweat coming off of him after her outburst. For a few minutes, he was just standing there, looking at her with bloodshot eyes. She became concerned and began to walk to the door.
"Ami.." He said as her hand touched the door. Her eyes closed tightly, and she sighed as she turned around to face him again. "Don't walk away from me."
"I don't want to, but you are pushing me away." She said, a single tear running down her cheek. She held her stomach close with one of her hands.
"Are you implying that you are going to leave me?" He queried.
"What? No, I.."
"You will run away from me? Just like her.. You are just like her." He said irrationally, turning his back to her.
"No, I'm not. I love you." She said defensively.
"Don't lie!" He grabbed up the teapot and threw it at the opposite wall, and it smashed into a million pieces. The hot liquid sizzled as it ran down the wall.
Ami shouted as she began to reach again for the door handle. Akio stomped over and grabbed her wrist, pulling her to him before she could leave.
"You are not going anywhere. You have no right to leave. You will come and go as I say. You are mine, and so is the child." He snarled.
Ami covered her mouth to stifle the cries that came forth from her vulnerable position, her eyes never leaving his. When he saw her do this, he immediately sofetened, his face dropping its angry demeanor. Now having gained her fear, there was no need to waste his energy. He let go of her wrist and shook his head, sighing.
"What am I thinking?" He said aloud, shaking his head. He began to run his fingers through her hair, and brushed away her tears with his large hand. "Of course you're not going anywhere. You would be a fool to think you could. And you are no fool. Right?"
She nodded her head violently, wanting only for him to stop this tirade.
"Besides, even if you decided to and were successful, where would you go? Even if I let you walk out on me, there wouldn't be anywhere for my sweet little Ami to turn. No village would take you or even want to take you in. Look at you. No village wants some young, unmarried, pregnant whore among them."
"Stop, please." She whispered, his words stuck right into her like a knife in her chest. Her heart was breaking as he talked about her like she was nothing. Her breaths were ragged and inconsistent.
He pulled her into him, wrapping his arm around her possessively. Now that he had pummeled her self worth back down to nothing, he felt secure in his position. He kissed her forehead, in an attempt to calm her.
"Breathe, Ami. I am not going to hurt you. I am merely trying to drive some sense into you. IF I did not care for you, I would not fight for you like I do. Just the thought of you leaving me drives me insane. Nobody can care for you as I do. No one else will."
"Yes, I understand. I'm sorry." Ami cried, desperate for his silence. She would have said anything to make him stop. She did not want to hear any more excuses. She let him wipe away her tears as she nodded her head. She knew that her situation was not ideal, but she also accepted what he said as the harsh truth. That she had to be compliant for her own benefit and the safety of her unborn child.
"It's true. I have no other options. I have to accept his words. I have to accept him. I have to accept everything. I can no longer afford to dream that he will ever be his old self again. I have learned my lesson. Life is cruel. But I cannot give up on it. There is a child within me, and they are the most important thing right now. I will have to believe Akio, even though I don't think I can anymore. I have no choice."
….
"Hey." Rin woke up half asleep, to the sound of a deep voice, and a large hand tapping her gently on the leg. "Rin."
"Huh?" She yawned, rubbing her eyes. Rin let her head fall back and her eyes re-close.
"Hey you." The tap came a little harder this time and her eyes shot open as she jerked up.
"Oh, hey Kohaku." She whispered, relaxing. "Thank you for waking me."
"It's late morning, lazy bones. I tried to get you up earlier but you are like a log when you sleep."
"Forgive me." She said, rubbing her cheek. "All this traveling makes me tired."
He was already half way across the room when she said this. He tossed an apple her way, and she fumbled catching it in her tired disposition. Taking a bite out of it, she stood up, her skinny legs wobbly from lack of use. She watched as he grabbed a bag and his weapon, re-entering the room.
"Ready?" He asked. "We are a good walking distance from my friend, so we'd better get going as soon as possible."
"Couldn't we just take Ah Un? I know you aren't afraid of the big softy." She argued tiredly.
"I am okay with Ah Un, Rin. But my friend will not be. I cannot bring even Kirara around him. He is not fond of demons, dragons, anything. If he sees the dragon, he will refuse to do anything for you."
"He sounds understanding and reasonable." She said, grabbing her bag and tossing it over her back. They began to walk outside.
"Well, he isn't. But he is the most talented swordsmith in the West. Except for maybe that old demon Totosai."
"Tell me about it." Rin said, shaking her head.
"You know Totosai?"
"Well, I sort of asked him first."
"That's funny." Kohaku laughed.
"Why is that so funny?" Rin put her hands on her hips.
"No offense, Rin. But you would never be able to handle anything he made."
"Not you, too." She rolled her eyes. "All of you men are the same. You have no reason to believe that I couldn't."
"That's true that I've never seen you in action before. Maybe we can face off when we get back to my place." He joked.
"You're on." Rin said, smirking.
Ah Un was sitting outside, and looked towards them. Rin rubbed him comfortingly.
"I will be back soon, Ah Un." She whispered. She let out a small laugh when she noticed the little creature resting on his neck. She leaned down and laid a small kiss upon the head of a sleeping Kirara.
"It would seem the dragon has fallen for the cat." Rin laughed, looking over to Kohaku. "What an odd couple they would make."
Kohaku shook his head, laughing. "Watch out, Ah Un. She's more high maintenance than she looks."
The dragon looked over to Kohaku and then back to Rin. He watched as they both disappeared into the distance.
An hour later, Kohaku and Rin were still walking on their way to their destination. They chatted along the way, not speaking of anything important. They joked and teased each other. Kohaku sighed, looking at Rin laughing. It was good to see her happy face again. Although, it made him wonder.
"So.. Rin.." he coughed.
"Yes?" She asked, smiling.
"I hope you don't mind me asking. What happened to your husband?"
The smile on her face faded a bit, and she took a moment, looking to the ground.
"Kohaku, I am only going to tell you this because I trust you and we've been through a lot together.. Sesshomaru chose him for me. I never wanted him. But he insisted I take a life of luxury over a life with love, for my own sake. I thought I could learn to love him, and sometimes I think there were traces of it there. But he was never more than a friend in my mind. I was not meant to be his wife. Things got very bad between us. He became irrational and violent."
"Oh.."
"I cut him really deep. I don't think he lived."
"What do you mean you cut him?"
"He was attacking Jaken. So I took a sword and cut him. There was so much blood." She said shaking her head.
Kohaku put his arm around her shoulder. "Well, it sounds like he had it coming to him."
Rin looked up at Kohaku and she felt like she had just gotten so much off of her back. She started to feel better about it.
"Here we are." Kohaku said, pointing to a cute little cabin that was past some trees. It stood alone, in the middle of the woods. It was a cute secluded little place. Rin smiled when she saw it, relieved that their walk was over. She took a deep breath and dropped her bag.
"Keiji! We've got you surrounded! Come out unarmed and we'll take you alive!" Kohaku shouted loudly, making a voice to disguise his own.
"Is that so?" A voice came from inside. Rin watched as a large man exited the home. He was not much larger than Kohaku, but was much more burly looking. He was carrying a sword, and Rin thought it looked almost as big as her. When he saw Kohaku, he stabbed his sword into the ground and smiled. "Kohaku, you ugly bastard, I haven't seen you in a dogs age!"
The men exchanged slaps on the back and laughed. "It is nice to see you, Keiji!"
Rin stood quietly, smiling and waiting for Kohaku to introduce her. But Keiji noticed her before Kohaku had the chance.
"Oh my stars. What a little fox we have here. Kohaku, is this your girl?"
"Keiji, this is my friend Rin. She's an old friend, so be nice. I know how hard that is for you."
"Oh, he's just joking around. I'm always nice." Keiji said, approaching Rin. "It is nice to meet you, miss Rin. My, I must say, I haven't seen anything as lovely as you in a while."
"Charmed, I'm sure." Rin said, smiling a polite smile. "It is nice to meet you, Keiji."
"So.." Keiji said, turning to Kohaku. "What can I do for you this time , Kohaku?"
"I am not the customer this time, Keiji. It is Rin who needs you to craft a sword for her."
"You want me to make a sword for a woman?" Keiji laughed. When no one else laughed with him, he began to cough. Rin stood there with her arms crossed, unamused although she didn't say anything.
"Surely, you must put aside your close mindedness, Keiji. For once. After all, my sister was a great demon slayer in her career."
"Yes, yes. You've told me of her. Perhaps. But look how skinny this one is. Could she even carry a sword without falling over?"
"You can speak to me, and the answer is yes." Rin said, moving to look him in the face. She looked like a pip squeak next to him, but she had to display some dominance if she wanted this man's respect.
"Feisty, feisty. I'll make you a sword, alright. As long as you can afford it. You're going to have to pay good money for it."
"I can afford it. Who says that your work is worthy of such a great reward?" Rin challenged him.
"Hmph. I'll show you." Keiji said, making his way back over to the sword he had placed in the ground. Grabbing it out, he held it up so Rin could get a good look at it. He brushed past her roughly, and she watched with her arms crossed, making sure to look unimpressed.
Keiji found a nearby tree and stopped. He pulled back with the sword and in one single blow, the tree was disconnected from its roots. Rin gasped as he pushed the tree with his foot, making it fall in the opposite direction so it wouldn't fall on them. He twirled it around his arm and then stabbed it back into the ground, looking at Rin. She was impressed, and it shone on her face. She looked to Kohaku and then back to Keiji.
"Um, I think we can uh.. arrange something." She said, trying not to lose her indifferent position.
Keiji smiled. "I don't care what you do with it, as long as I get my dues. I will have to make a little smaller I presume, so you will be able to hold it." He reached out for her hands, inspecting them. "Such small hands. It will be a different job, but I will take it."
"Thank you, Keiji," Kohaku said, smiling.
"Although I have to ask, what is such a pretty little thing like you getting a sword crafted for? Surely, there must be a man more than willing to put himself on the line for you. Why, if I had a girl like you around, she would never have to worry about protecting herself."
Rin couldn't believe how haughty and obnoxious he was. "I do not want a man to put himself on the line for me. I just need the sword. If you want my money, you will treat me with a little more respect."
"Touchy, touchy." Keiji replied. "Alright, well give me about two weeks time. Of course, I will need a deposit."
"Keiji.." Kohaku started.
"You will have it, then.." Rin said, grabbing her bag.
When Rin slipped Keiji his deposit, he smiled widely and shoved it into his top. "Looks like we are in business, princess."
"Don't call me that." She sighed, looking over to Kohaku who had an apologetic look on his face. "I want to go now."
She turned to Keiji, and nodded. "Good bye, Keiji. So great meeting you." She said sarcastically before throwing her bag back over her shoulder and taking off the opposite way. It was clear that she was not happy. Kohaku sighed and looked over to Keiji with a desperate look on his face.
"I told you to be nice." He said. He shook his head.
Kohaku began to run after Rin, and Keiji chuckled and shook his head.
When Kohaku caught up with Rin, he took her hand gently to turn her around. "Rin.."
"What do you want, Kohaku?" She turned, her cheeks were red form embrassment.
"I'm sorry about my friend, Rin. He is the best swordsmith money can buy, but he himself is a little hard to deal with."
Rin sighed, feeling bad that he was the one apologizing to her. "It's okay, Kohaku. It's not like you agree with him or anything."
"So we are still on?" Kohaku said, trying to lighten up the conversation.
Rin smiled and gave him a light punch on the arm. "You bet. But you better not go easy on me just because I'm a girl."
"I wouldn't dream of it."
…..
"I really hope he holds off on telling the others about the human girl. There is so much at risk here. It's best we keep quiet for as long as we can."
The Lady Mother's dainty white hand sifted through neatly cut papers. She grabbed a wooden tool and dabbed it in ink. Her words looked so elegant as she wrote out her notices to the many allies that would be attending this meeting at Sesshomaru's new estate. She sighed heavily. She could not stop thinking about her son's recent decision regarding a mate. He was following in his Father's footsteps, and it didn't sit well with her. It was not her wish to see him with a human, but it was also not her wish to see him unhappy. So being the devoted mother she was, she accepted it. She was caught off guard when she heard a large thump down the hallway.
"Who could be making this kind of noise in my home?" Her eyebrows tightened as she gently placed everything down.
She stood up and began to walk down the hall, and as she did, she began to hear two familiar voices going back and forth. It was Gina and Monomaru speaking, and she could tell by Gina's tone that she was not happy. The Lady Mother became curious. The two had been speaking in their native language, and she only understood a few words that they were exchanging. She folded her hands together and watched them from a distance. Gina's voice became louder as she began to push and shout at him.
"Gina, calm yourself." He interrupted her, with a harsh tone.
"Why should I? Do you have no loyalty to us, Father? Does it mean nothing to you that we are your daughters?"
"Do not question my devotion to you and Hana. I have given the both of you everything."
"So you will not denounce our alliance with him?"
"How could I? The Eastern and Western dog demons always have and always will be allies. This cannot be denounced over a petty quarrel. I don't know what happened to start this argument. But I know you two have a way of starting trouble like no other. This will not escalate to violence because I will not allow it. You will both have to learn to behave normally and get along with him."
"You do not side with us. I am angry with you, Father." She said, crossing her arms.
"Well, be angry at me, then. This does not change anything." He rubbed his forehead tiredly. "Where is your sister anyways? She must also know this."
Gina's angry disposition shifted a little and she shrugged. "She's not feeling well, she couldn't come with me."
"Hana is ill?" Monomaru raised an eyebrow curiously. "Then I shall return with you."
"No!" Gina objected. "You can't come back with me."
"If my daughter is ill, I will go to her. You are one to speak of loyalty."
"You're not coming back with me! Neither of us want you around if you aren't going to be a man and take our side." Gina shouted angrily.
"You test my patience, Gina. As always." Monomaru growled. "This old man does not want to lose his temper, so I suggest you leave."
"I am not afraid of you, Father." Gina said, turning on her heels. "Not anymore."
The Lady Mother stood perfectly still as she watched Gina walk towards her. She stayed silent as the young dog demon realized that she was standing there, not stopping her persistent path towards the door. Just before Gina brushed by, she turned her eyes to look at Sesshomaru's mother. She glared at her and continued by without a single word, heading for the door. The Lady was shocked, as she hadn't seen so much animosity in a long time. She didn't know quite how to respond to it. It had been a long time since she challenged any other demon to a battle, as most around here knew that she would prevail. But there were social obligations that kept her from calling out the young female for her glares and rudeness. The Lady Mother watched as she left and then turned back to see Monomaru taking a seat, rubbing his head. She started towards him slowly, not wanting to look too eager. She placed her hands on his shoulders gently.
"Monomaru.." She started. "What could that possibly have been about?"
"It would appear your son and my daughters do not get along. I hoped that things would not be this way, but I would be lying if I said I didn't see it coming. My daughters are troublemakers, as their mother was. And just as headstrong."
"I see." She said, taking in the information. "My son is just as headstrong. It is no surprise their personalities would clash. I didn't even know that they really saw each other outside of this palace. Sesshomaru never spoke of it. What could they possibly have to fight about though?"
"It was something he said to Hana. Gina didn't really get into the details, she was too busy jumping down my throat to get me to call off our alliance with the both of you. I don't see how she thought she would be successful. I will do no such thing. I have no clue what is going on, but we will soon know."
The Lady's eyebrows tightened as she thought about Sesshomaru, Hana, and Gina. She puzzled over something he could possibly said or done to make Gina so angry. Surely, he wouldn't insult them without reason.
"Perhaps we kept them from each other too long. I know the plan had always been to introduce them, one of the girls would take to Sesshomaru, he would succumb and settle down. With our families joined, there would be hope for our kind."
"Hope is not lost. There are others. We will see them all soon enough. Besides, Plans change. Did ours not?" He teased, brushing her hair with his hand. "I came here to unite our families once again through my daughters. But then I saw you. And I haven't stopped thinking of you since." He paused. "If our children must hate one another, let us love each other more."
He stood quickly, lifting the Lady with ease into his arms like a bride on her wedding night. Her arms wrapped around his neck, she smiled leaning in to kiss his lips as he carried her off down the halls of the palace.
…
It was still bright out when Kohaku and Rin made it back to his home at the old demon slayers village. The two were glad to see that they were finally back. Ah Un and Kirara were there waiting for them. Kirara was now large, and her huge fangs shown through her mouth. The dragon and the cat demon were both chewing on a large bone together. Rin laughed and shook her head.
"Ah Un, you've been hunting for food without me." She teased, rubbing him gently.
"I got it handled. I will head to the nearby river and catch us some dinner. That is, if you will stay the night."
Rin turned to Kohaku, and the smile on her face seemed to dissipate a little. She turned to Ah Un and then back to Kohaku.
"I do not want to impose, Kohaku. You don't need to do these things for me." She said.
"Rin, you are my guest, and I don't get many. Please, your sword will be finished in two weeks. Just spend the passing time here with me. Where else will you go?"
"Perhaps you are right." Rin said, nodding. "Okay. I will stay but you have to accept my help around here."
Kohaku smiled, nodding. "Of course."
"Besides, there's still time yet to find food. You challenged me earlier, and I do not want you backing out under the guise of being polite." Rin's mischievous smile shone through her thin lips.
"Oh, you think I forgot about that, now?" Kohaku laughed.
He disappeared into his home, and Rin shook her head, turning to Ah Un. She rubbed his nose tenderly, before planting a kiss on him.
"My handsome friend." She smiled at him lovingly. "Do you think we should stay a little longer?"
The dragon nudged Rin, and looked to Kirara before going back to chewing on the bone.
"I see you are happy with this. You big flirt."
She heard the sound of two big feet coming towards her and she turned.
"Let's see what you've got." Kohaku said, before tossing a weapon in her direction.
Rin snagged it out of the air, moving away from Ah Un. She smirked, skillfully holding the sword in his direction. It was a tad on the heavy side, and not what she was used to. Kohaku swing in her direction and she blocked it, pushing back as hard as she could, making him take a step backwards. He didn't even flinch as he swung it again in the other direction. They continued on, swinging and blocking each other's attacks, although it was very clear Kohaku had the upper hand as Rin was breathing loudly and shouting with her swings and he wasn't even breaking a sweat. Ah Un and Kirara watched them, and turned to each other as if they were annoyed by the two humans interrupting them. Rin swung one last time at him, grunting as she did. Kohaku blocked her swing with his sword and she pushed down. Kohaku smirked as he lifted his foot, pushing Rin to the ground with it. Her sword flew in the other direction as she fell onto her back. She moved quickly to get up but stopped in her tracks when she saw Kohaku standing over her, sword pointed in her direction. A smile crawled onto her face.
"Not bad. Not bad at all. You exceeded my expectations although you could use some work." He commented, dropping his sword and leaning in to extend a hand to her. She grabbed his hand, letting him help her up. "Do not forget, Rin, I've been training since I was a young boy. So don't let me discourage you. A few more years of training and you could be very good."
"Perhaps you are right. I just wish I had more time." She agreed.
"Well listen, you and I are going to spending a little time together over the next two weeks, why not let me give you a little guidance?"
Rin thought about it for a moment and nodded. What would be the harm in letting Kohaku give her some pointers? She breathed out, her legs sore and tired from the day already. She cursed herself for letting her skills become rusty when she was inbetween training with Eito and now. But then her eyes trailed to Kohaku who had picked up both of the swords, and was walking towards his cabin. He was the image of brute strength, and all around masculinity. She thought about how any other girl in her position should want to jump his bones. She laughed silently to herself and shook her head.
…
Jaken was resting outside of the castle, soaking in the sunlight of the day. It had been a while since Sesshomaru had gone off without him and he was left behind with nothing to do but keep watch over the empty estate of his Lord. He enjoyed this time of peace and quiet, knowing that it would not last long. He closed his eyes and breathed out, smiling.
"Gee, I hope Rin is alright." He said aloud to himself. "She never said how long it should be until she returns. That silly human girl is getting herself into trouble, if I know her. I'm afraid the whole while she was spending her childhood years with us, she should have been among other people, and all of this would never have happened. Although I must say, Sesshomaru has grown more empathetic and reasonable ever since he revived her as a young girl. I guess her intrusion in our lives had a purpose. But now he intends to have her as his mate, and I don't know what to think anymore."
When he opened his eyes, he saw a faint shadow in the clouds in the distance. He recognized this shadow as his Lord, coming back from his errands. He saw the great dog demon sailing through the sky at great speeds and stood up, preparing himself to greet him. The wind picked up the closer he got. There were the huge thuds of his paws hitting the ground and then a tornado wind surrounded him. When the wind dissipated, Sesshomaru stood before Jaken.
"My lord!" Jaken chimed happily, but then his eyes widened when he got a closer look at Sesshomaru's face. It had been cut into, as there were several red stripes on his face. The cuts had been deep, but were already starting to heal. Jaken took one guess as to what it was from, knowing that Sesshomaru had meant to pay a visit in the East. "Lord Sesshomaru, your face! It does look like you've been attacked."
"Jaken, is that not obvious?" Sesshomaru rolled his eyes, moving towards the castle.
"Well, of course it is, my Lord. I'd assumed neither of them would be too happy with you. But gee, she really cut you up good."
Sesshomaru glared at Jaken.
"But then again, I'm sure you came out on top of that fight, my Lord. A female dog demon is no match for Sesshomaru!"
"It is not my intention to fight either of them. If I destroyed them, the alliance between the East and West would be destroyed forever. Not exactly a wise decision to make as a new leader."
"You mean you just walked away after she did that you?" Jaken argued. "Sheesh, you are a merciful one."
Sesshomaru rolled his eyes as he strolled past Jaken and into the establishment. He made his way up the stairs of the castle, letting his fingers linger on the ivory rail. When he made it to his chambers, he shut the door behind him and closed his eyes. He wanted more than ever for Rin to be around, but thought it was also better for her to be away for now, as his situation with the two dog demoness' was turning sour. He did not want either of them finding out about his human mate quite yet, as they might go after her if they did. If it were another demoness, he could count of them backing off. But he knew how much Hana and Gina despised humans.
He opened up a small chest in the corner of the room, and reached inside of it. He took out the beautiful kimono he had gifted to her when she was there with him. Slowly, Sesshomaru lifted the fabric to his face, taking a deep breath in. He enjoyed smelling her scent where it lingered, and wished now more than ever that she was at his side.
"I do hope you find what it is you are looking for." He thought, letting the image of Rin burn into the back of his mind.
…
Rin was lying around in the grass, looking into the bright noon sky. She had been training with Kohaku for a few days now and was enjoying herself. He was a tougher teacher than Eito, seeing that he was much younger and more able bodied. But she enjoyed the challenge. She wanted to be as fit as possible before moving on from here. Kohaku seemed to be enjoying himself as well. She saw a shadow coming towards her and threw her fingers over her eyes to better see it. Kohaku sat down next to her and sighed.
"Rin, might you be ready?" He teased, giving her a small tap on the shoulder.
"A few more minutes of this sun, please." She smiled.
He smiled back, letting his back hit the grass. They stared up into the sky together for several moments in silence.
"Kohaku.." Rin spoke softly. Her gaze fixed on a passing cloud.
"Yes?" He looked over to her.
"Why is it that you choose to live alone like this? Surely, you must get very lonely."
"Well.." He started. "Living within a village isn't for me. I prefer to be on my own, not surrounded by other people."
"Is that why you have not found yourself someone yet?" She asked.
"I suppose so. Any girls that have taken interest become scared at the idea of being away from their childhood villages, where their families and friends are. I can say I understand that. I miss my family a lot."
"You still have Sango."
"Yes.. but I am still plagued by what happened all those years ago. I have a hard time being around her, even though I love her so much."
"I understand…" She said, there was another bit of silence before she spoke again. "Kohaku?"
"Yes, Rin."
"Do you remember a lot from being under Naraku's control?"
The question hit him pretty hard. His eyes grew sad.
"I remember everything." He said, his voice deepening.
"That must have been horrible. I apologize for being so forward." She said.
"It's okay. I know that my hesitance to be around people has everything to do with him. He forced me to kill my family, and tons of innocent people. My body was under his control, but I was still there inside of my body, watching these horrible things happen. And with my own hands no less."
"Do you want to talk about it?" Rin rolled to turn to him, resting her head on her hand.
"It's just.." Kohaku paused. "I am the only one who survived being under his control. As a human boy, I should have been the most likely to perish. But I didn't. Now I have to live with these terrible memories for the rest of my life. I saw the things he did, that went on in the castle and out. Things that can't be forgotten."
"You were working against Naraku in secret with Kagura, were you not?" Rin asked.
Kohaku looked to Rin. "Yes.. I wish I could forget her. When she found out I was no longer under Naraku's mind control, she spared my life. Knowing that she suffered so much does not being me any comfort."
"Sesshomaru was there when she died, he said she was smiling. Perhaps she was at peace." Rin suggested, trying to make him feel better.
"If you knew the kind of cruel creature Naraku was, you'd know that couldn't possibly be true." He said, sitting up and hugging his knees.
Rin watched him do this, and for a moment saw the young, scared boy that Kohaku once was. It was obvious his days under Naraku's control still haunted him greatly. She placed her hand on his shoulder in an act of sympathy. He accepted her kind gesture with a smile and then stood up, extending a hand to help her up.
"Come on, then, let's get to it."
…..
Time flew by at the little cabin at the old demon slayers village, and Rin could hardly believe that the time had come to go. Her time here had been nice, and she was glad to have been able to reconnect with Kohaku. She had always had an odd closeness to him as children. Both being young and in such a hostile environment had given them common ground. She watched him stroke his beard in thought as he got a fire going to boil some water. She smiled, and looked outside.
"I am excited to see the finished product." Rin said.
Kohaku nodded, poking the small flame with a stick. She looked out the window and saw the little cat Kirara kneading on Ah Un's back. The dragon's heads rested on the ground as she did this, accepting the little tug of her claws.
"I feel awful separating those two, though. They've taken to each other quite well." She continued.
Kohaku looked out the window and smiled. "They are good friends. It is disappointing they should separate so soon."
Rin shook her head, because she knew he was not speaking of Kirara and Ah Un. He obviously was depressed that their time together was coming to an end. Rin herself was a little disappointed. She had learned a lot from him and he had always been such a good friend to her.
"If I stick around, things will get complicated. I cannot let myself be led astray."
"I'm sorry, but I must move on after we collect my weapon today."
Kohaku dropped his stick and turned to her. "You have been very silent about your intentions, Rin. I would like it if you shared with me the purpose of all that you are preparing for. It is obvious you have reason to arm yourself. What are you doing, Rin?"
"That is my business, Kohaku."
She saw his face turn, as he became offended. "Surely, you can seek out my help and accept it. Spend two weeks with me and find out my deepest and darkest fears.. but when it comes time for you to open up, you refuse. Why do I bother?"
"Kohaku, please, I am your friend. But there are things about me that I know you will not understand or accept."
"What could I possibly not understand?" He argued.
"Kohaku, I have promised myself to Sesshomaru." She said abruptly.
Kohaku was silent for several moments, watching the water react to the heat of the flame.
"Of course you have. We all should have known this day would come. That you would choose him over a normal life."
"Don't speak to me of normal." She said defensively. "We both know that you are just as strange as I."
He stood up, pacing back and forth a little as if he had something to say. Rin's lips curved into a frown, knowing her reconnection with Kohaku was soon going to fall by the wayside. She had feared this moment for the two weeks she had spent with him.
"Still, your relationship with him makes me sick to my stomach. He's had you on your knees since you were a child. You worship the ground he walks on."
"That is not true, Kohaku. You just don't know him like I do."
"I spent enough time with him to know the kind of man he is. You are caged. You wait for him then and you wait for him now."
"You don't know what you are talking about.. He is the one who waits for me. If I was caged as you say I would not be here. I would be with him." She said, standing up, her voice becoming shaky from a mixture of anger and sadness.
"Well, why don't you just go home to him then? Why are you here?" Kohaku went on. He threw his hands up in the air, as if to signal he was giving up.
"Kohaku.. Why must you say such hurtful things?"
"Why must you come back into my life and taunt me with what could have been?" He retorted. "To know that you still are and will always belong to Sesshomaru destroys me. You have so much potential to be so much more than his prized possession. This freedom you have is merely in your head. As soon as he decides he cannot wait for you, he will pull you back by your chains and you will not look back."
Rin felt her neck grow hot with anger. She stomped over to Kohaku, and lifted her hand, bringing it across his cheek in a large slapping motion. His reddened face turned slightly, as he stood there with his arms crossed. She took a step back, looking nto his face. His eyes were half closed as he looked off into nowhere. She hadn't meant to lose her temper at him. She stood there, feeling conflicted. She wanted to apologize for striking out at him but she was so angry at him.
Kohaku's eyes closed and she saw a little tear forming in his eye. It made its way down his cheek, and Rin felt her heart turn. Striking out at her friend who cared so much for her, no matter what he said, was not something she ever wanted to do. As soon as she saw it fall to the floor, she reached out for him. She pulled him into her, and he fell to his knees. His face buried into her, the soft muffled sounds of cries could be heard from Rin's kimono. She held him there, not letting him go.
"I'm sorry." She whispered, knowing he did not cry because of her attack. The large man she held was still the sensitive boy she knew.
She felt like a monster for coming out here and accepting his generosities. She knew very well that he was likely going to start to get feelings again. It was not as if she didn't have them. Kohaku was the kind of guy she should have seen herself with. But unfortunately, love is not reasonable. It does not adhere to any rules or standards. And she did not love Kohaku as she loved Sesshomaru.
Kohaku stood, and turned his back.
"I apologize. A man should never cry like that." He said softly. "My words were cruel. For you to come back around causes me great pain."
"All men should cry like that. I am sorry, Kohaku, I will leave by myself. I know where I need to go." She said, turning.
"You don't have to."
"I cannot stand to hurt you. I want nothing more than to hold you and love you as a friend. I hope you understand."
"I understand, Rin." He whispered.
Kohaku never turned, and after a few moments she turned away from him and began to walk out of the cabin. He heard her footsteps. When he no longer heard them, he looked to the window. Outside he could see Rin somberly separating Ah Un from Kirara. The dragon was hesitant but relented, letting Rin climb atop him before he took off. The cat watched them leave and slowly made its way inside, jumping into the arms of Kohaku. He held her close to his face, rubbing his nose into her warm fur.
"You want some lunch, sweet girl?" He asked, letting her climb his shoulder.
He walked over to the boiling pot, and threw in some ingredients. He sighed, taking a spoon and stirring.
"Maybe I shouldn't have let her go alone like that. I should have gone with her.. But of what help would I be to her? Best I leave it alone and pick up where I left off.. But yet I can't fight this bad feeling."
((Oh my gosh, I meant for so much more to happen in this chapter but then I was like 4 or 5 weeks in and 10,000 words and I couldn't let you guys wait any longer. A lot more to come next chapter. Again, please if you leave a review try not to guess whats gonna happen next or stuff along those lines. Because nobody knows what I have up my sleeve! Even things that seem obvious could go in a whole nother direction. Thanks for reading! Now that things are back to normal next chapter shouldn't take as long! Thanks xoxo.. OH and check out my other fic The Dark Castle if you have time I just posted the second chap to that thankkkksss)