Who wants to see some more of Sesshomaru and Rin? I really liked the change of pace. I'm going to try and start checking in more with other characters as well. Like Miroku/Sango, Koga and his wolves, Sesshy and his two dependents, etc. let me know your thoughts!
Chapter Eighteen
Miroku, Sango, Shippo, and Kirara were all sitting in a clearing waiting for Inuyasha and Kagome to return. They'd taken off to see Tōtōsai and get the Tetsusaiga sharpened. Miroku sighed once again and Sango gave him an exasperated look.
"You aren't making time pass any quicker, you do realize that?"
"I know, I know."
"Say, Miroku?"
"Yeah?"
"What did you and Inuyasha talk about the other day? You've been acting a little strange since then."
"He told me that if I want on your good side, it starts with respect."
"No not that," she scoffed. "Inuyasha already told me that part. I mean why are you acting so strange around Kagome?"
"Probably because I came an inch from having my throat ripped out."
"You can't be serious."
"Oh yes, I'm serious. I took my inquiries a little to far and offended Inuyasha." He pulled his robe aside from where he'd adjusted it farther up his neck to cover the bruise. Sango let out a small gasp as she ran her fingers lightly across the two day old bruise. A clear outline of Inuyasha's hand. With four small scabs on one side and one scab on the other side of his neck.
"Did he mean to scratch you?"
"I think it was more of a warning. And no it was no scratch. I felt him dig his claws into my neck."
"Have you told Kagome?"
"No! And you mustn't tell her either! Please!"
"Why?"
"Because then Inuyasha will tell her what I said. It was very out of line. Please don't make me repeat it."
"Okay fine. As long as you feel you got what was coming to you."
"Absolutely."
...
Rin was still sleeping soundly when Jaken awoke and took in the scene. Sesshomaru hadn't moved an inch except for to smooth the girl's hair when she stirred. She sneezed twice and coughed once, making Sesshomaru bring his sleeve up and wipe her nose. He was studying her face with such a peaceful contentment that he almost didn't notice Jaken staring. Almost.
"Jaken. Do you have something to say?"
"No, my Lord."
"Good. Go and find my half brother. Bring the girl to me."
"But why, my lord?"
"Fool, do not question me. But if you must know, Rin needs warmer clothes. It seems the cold has gotten to her. I don't want her to be sick."
"Do you suppose I could just ask the girl for them?"
"That would work too. Something warm, maybe a few layers even. Oh and Jaken?"
"Yes?"
"Nothing dull either. Rin likes bright colors and they make her easier to see anyways."
"Of course."
"And bring the girl some shoes while you're at it."
"Yes, my lord. Where shall I meet you?"
"Just come back here. I'll wait."
"Of course. Do you have any idea where Inuyasha might be?"
"Check with Tōtōsai and Myouga. They seem to know his whereabouts most of the time."
"Yes, My Lord. I shall return."
"Take Ah and Un with you. It'll be faster."
"Oh, yes."
...
Jaken sat the dragon down a few beats behind Tōtōsai's place, not wanting to be mistaken for coming in malice. He snuck up the sides and around to the front of the giant beast in which he made his home.
"Uhm...hello? Anybody home?"
"Who's there?" Fire flew out of the mouth, causing Jaken to balk.
"Jaken, Tōtōsai? Is that you?"
"Jaken? Who the hell?" The old man came stomping out of his home and looked down disapprovingly. "Oh, it's you. Aren't you that toad that follows Sesshomaru around?"
"I'm not a toad; I'm an Imp!"
"Whatever. What do you want?"
"Lord Sesshomaru has sent me to find Inuyasha."
"Sesshomaru wants Inuyasha? Is this another one of your guys hair brained schemes to steal the Tetsusaiga? It's in there on the table if you'd like to go ahead and try it. Least you won't get a knot on the head from Inuyasha. Sword will shock you though."
"If Inuyasha's sword is here, then where, pray tell, is he?"
"I assume he's at the base of the mountain...Kagome can't come up here she'd be incinerated."
"Which way?"
"Probably the way you came in. So you aren't here for the Tetsusaiga?"
"No...I'm on an errand for Lord Sesshomaru."
"Suit yourself. Hey when you find Inuyasha, let him know it'll be a day or two on his sword, will ya?"
"Oh why not." He stomped off, jumping on Ah-Un and ascending. It wasn't long before he was able to track down Inuyasha. He was sprawled out in a tree on a large branch at the base of the mountain, Kagome curled up against his side as they both watched the clouds and whispered to each other.
"Damn...they aren't going to be happy for the intrusion. But Lord Sesshomaru's wrath outdoes Inuyasha's ten fold. Let's get this over with." He led the dragon down and landed with a thud. Standing at the base of the tree, Jaken called you to them.
"Uhm, Inuyasha? Kagumi? Are you up there?"
"It's Kagome!" He came crashing down on Jaken's head with her on his back.
"Oh right, my apologies. Anywho; Lord Sesshomaru has sent me for you, Kagome."
"What does he want with her?"
"Oh don't be silly, Inuyasha. He doesn't want her specifically. But wants the young Rin to have some new clothes."
"You're joking."
"No I'm not."
"Inuyasha, quiet for a minute. What exactly does he want me to do about it?"
"Rin has told him all about you being from a different world. My guess if he figures it would be far easier for you to find her clothing. My Lord is very picky."
"I suppose I could go and find her something. We aren't far from the well..." she looked at Inuyasha expectantly.
"Yeah we can do that. Just let me run up the mountain and see how long this old geezer is going to have my Tetsusaiga. We have to stop and let Sango and Miroku know what we're doing first."
"Yeah you're right."
"Tōtōsai said it would be a day or two."
"Okay well that saved me a trip, climb on Kagome. Jaken, go let Sesshomaru know to meet us by the well at sundown. We should be back by then."
Without a word, he climbed on to Ah-Un and they took off in different directions.
...
To clarify, this chapter and the previous one take place about a week after Miroku and Inuyasha's "talk" in the woods. Please review :)