Rin was making the final touches to her attire by putting on a pair of pearl studs on her earlobes. She was very excited about this dinner. Much delighted that she'll be seeing Kagome again. Rin was informed yesterday that she would be picked up by a private vehicle owned by Kagome's husband's family. Rin found it interesting that the estate was so far out from the city, but she was up to the adventure of leaving the city.
If only for a little while.
Rin walks out of the hotel entrance and steps onto the sidewalk. She stands there in a black dress with sleeves that falls off her shoulders, thick straps rest on her shoulders covered by a white, floral lace wrapped along the neckline. A black strap is tied around her waist in the front, and she wore sparkly silver flats on her feet.
Rin waits patiently as the sun was beginning to set. She peers down to see the clock on her mobile showing 6:27 PM. She glances up and notices a black car pulling up to the sidewalk. The driver steps out and walks around the car facing Rin.
"Miss Hashimoto, I presume?" He addresses her politely, bending forward at the waist. His brown eyes held dark circles around them when he straightens up with a friendly smile.
"Yes, that's me." She smiles kindly with a nod.
The driver steps over to the back passenger door and opens it for her.
"Lady Kagome awaits for you inside." The driver declares as he directs his hand inside.
Kagome lifts her head and waves at Rin with a bright smile.
"Wow, Rin. You look great!" Kagome exclaims excitedly with her hands together.
Rin climbs into the backseat as the driver closes the door gently behind her and returns inside the car.
"There are some chilled drinks if the two of you need some refreshments." The driver informs the ladies through an intercom.
"Thank you, Hachi." Kagome replies with a smile.
Kagome opens the cooler compartment under her seat and grabs a chilled juice as the car began to move forward onto the road.
"Are you excited?" Kagome asks with a smile.
Rin nods her head.
"It's nice to get out of the city every once in a while."
Kagome takes a sip of her juice as she leans forward and grabs another and offers it to Rin, who happily obliged and began consuming the sweet beverage.
They have been driving for a while when Rin looks out the car window. The sun had set behind the trees they were heading towards. She notices that they were crossing a bridge over the Aki River. They enter an area full of luscious green trees; the estate resides up in the mountains. They drive past a local shrine and soon enter a hidden road that was gated off from the public. Hachi stops the car and pushes a button outside the gate to open them, and they drive in and onto the paved entrance.
In the distance, Rin sees a magnificent manor that was surrounded by tall walls, and a grand, zen garden placed in the middle. Rin was in awe of the home that held elements of a traditional Japanese castle mixed with some minor westernized modern modifications. Hachi drives along the paved driveway that looped around the garden and stops the car at the front entrance. He steps out and walks around the car to open their door.
"Welcome to The Palace, Miss Hashimoto."
"Thank you, Hachi." Rin replies kindly.
With Kagome stepping out last, Rin allowed her to take the lead as she steps behind her as they walk up the steps to the front door. Rin notices them passing through two statues of Inugamis in a crouching pose. At the top of the steps, the two women are greeted by two elderly-looking men in a traditional black-tie uniform.
"Good evening, Lady Kagome." The smaller gentleman with buggy eyes and balding hairline declares with a bow.
The taller and oldest-looking gentleman with bulging eyes approaches Rin and observes her.
"Ah, you must be the guest Lady Kagome was talking about." He indicates as he bends his waist towards her.
"Why yes, I am." Rin replies with a warm smile.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Hashimoto." The gentleman proclaims with a thin smile.
The first gentleman stands up straight but was still much shorter than his taller counterpart.
"My name is Myoga, and this here is Totosai."
"Nice to meet the both of you, Myoga and Totosai."
Totosai offers his arm to lead Rin through the doors as the doors are pushes opened./p
"Right this way, Miss Hashimoto."
Rin takes Totosai's arm while Myoga locks arms with Kagome. The gentlemen lead the women down the long entryway that transitions into a hallway. Rin observes her surroundings and notices ink paintings of more Inugamis on the walls and becomes curious about the artistic choice of the "Higurashi" estate.
At the end of the hallway was a grand staircase. The gentlemen release their arms and leave the women to return down the hall to the front entrance.
pWith a smile, Kagome turns to Rin.
"Let's head upstairs!" Kagome exclaims with excitement as she takes Rin's hand. Kagome leads Rin up the staircase with giggles and glee. When they reach the top, there were several hallways to go through and Kagome leads Rin towards the hall in the east wing.
"Where are we going?" Rin asks curiously. This mansion was so much bigger than she had expected. Kagome stops in front of a large door at the end of the hall and pushes it open. Inside was an enormous study, with many shelves filled with books and scrolls, and an elegant carved desk by the window. Rin stared in awe at the number of books in the room as Kagome leads her to the soft, blue couch inside.
"I'm so glad you could make it, Rin." Kagome says softly, sitting down on the couch.
Rin sits down beside her and returns her smile.
I'm happy to be here, too."
pKagome's smile starts to fade and she breaks eye contact.
Rin tilts her head in confusion at her sudden shift.
"What's wrong, Kagome?"
Kagome shakes her head and chuckles.
"Well, I have a bit of a confession to make, " Kagome admits with her hands laying together in her lap, "I had a hidden motive in inviting you here tonight."
Rin swallows a knot in her throat, growing nervous to hear what Kagome had to say.
Kagome notices the tension on Rin and places a hand on her shoulder.
Don't worry, it may not happen anyways. He never got back with me to see if he was coming."
Rin blinks slowly. Him?
"Who?" Rin utters with interest.
"My brother-in-law. I was wanting you two to meet."
Rin arches her brow at Kagome's strange admission. Why did he want me to meet this man?
"I hope you're not mad. I wanted you to come for me mostly, but I figured it would have been good for him to meet someone like you." Kagome continued as her cheek turn pink.
Rin smiles and places her hand on the one that was resting on her shoulder.
"I'm not mad, but I am wondering: What kind of man is your brother-in-law?"
Kagome smiles and sighs softly, feeling relieved that Rin wasn't upset.
"To be honest, he's pretty cold and prideful," Kagome waited before she continued, "I'm not sure what made me decide to have you two meet though. I just had a good feeling about it."
Suddenly the doors swing open and a woman with smooth brown hair, wearing a flowy white blouse and long black skirt, enters the room.
"Lady Kagome? You're needed in the-" The woman notices that Kagome had a guest with her. The woman's eyes widen with surprise as she bends forward at the waist, "Forgive my rudeness, My Lady. I was unaware we were having a guest tonight."
Kagome waves her hand in a relaxed motion.
"Oh, it's okay, Sara. I didn't have a chance to tell you ahead of time." Kagome stands to her feet and turns to Rin, "I will be back as soon as possible, okay?"
Rin nods her head as Kagome made her way out of the study. Sara stands straight and allows her Lady to walk by her. Without Kagome noticing, Sara glares at Rin with coldness in her brownish-red orbs. She slowly closes the door behind her, leaving Rin alone in the study.
Bumps appeared on Rin's skin analyzing the woman's stare. It reminded her of the man and woman from the other day. She was quickly growing impatient, she couldn't just sit there and wait. She stands to her feet and walks up to the door and opens it, venturing out into the hallway.
Rin had been wandering around for a while and was having trouble remembering which hall leads back to the study. She turns around to walk towards the east wing when an image catches the corner of her eye at the end of one of the hallways. She stops and turns into this hall to have a better look at what she was seeing on the wall.
Rin reaches the end of the hall and is amazed at the painting of a massive dog with white fur, large fangs, claws, and red eyes. Markings under its eyes were jagged and purple. She stood there observing this painting for quite some time, unaware that someone walked up behind her quietly.
"It's an interesting portrait isn't it?" A man's voice suddenly speaks.
Rin jumps up startled, turning to the source of the voice.
Behind her stood a tall man with tan skin and silver hair tied back in a high ponytail. His golden-yellow eyes with thin slit pupils captivated her. Her eyes widen when she saw the purple markings on his cheeks and noticed a striking similarity between him and Sesshomaru.
"Are you-you're-" Rin was stuttering, unable to form a complete sentence.
The man gives a big grin, flashing a fang. He chuckles steps beside her, taking her hand gently with his clawed on. He holds up her hand to softly press his lips on the back of her hand. His thick brows contorted into a pleased glance.
"I am the Lord of this Palace, and the Head of the Taisho Clan, Toga Taisho." The man declares himself, releasing the young woman's hand, "However, I don't seem to know who you are."
Rin was shocked to see THE Toga Taisho standing before her, the father of her boss. The dots had connected; she was invited to "meet" Sesshomaru.
She gulps softly and clears her throat to speak.
"I-I'm Rin Hashimoto. I was invited by Kagome Higurashi."
"Higurashi?" Toga raises his brow before bursting out into laughter, "My daughter-in-law sure knows how to make things confusing."
He glances up at the painted portrait that had captured Rin's attention, and takes a step forward.
"Kagome is your daughter-in-law?" Rin inquires curiously.
Toga smiles looking down at the young woman by him.
"She's married to my youngest son, Inuyasha Taisho. My eldest son is-"
"Sesshomaru Taisho." Rin interjects under her breath.
Toga's eyes peaked in curiosity.
"Oh? So you already know of Sesshomaru?"
Rin didn't know if she needed to clarify that she works for his son or not. But she decided to keep that information to herself for now. Toga chuckles as he returns his gaze to the portrait.
"I haven't seen my eldest son in a long time... I had hoped he'd come tonight, especially with you being here."
Rin's heart drops to her stomach.
What did he mean by that?
Toga starts turning away, making his way back down the hallway. However, he stops suddenly bringing a hand to his mouth as a wheezing, dry cough forces itself out of him. It was so violent that he had to lean against the wall for support. After a pained groan escapes his lips, he looks down into the palm of his hand to see it stained with dark blood.
"Dammit." He breathed harshly.
Rin turns and steps towards him with concern washed all over her face.
"Are you okay?" She says to him kindly.
Toga hides his hand and turns towards Rin with a smile on his face, hiding the pain.
"Don't worry about old me." He replies to her with a soft voice, "I hope to see you at dinner, Rin."
He makes his way down the hallway and turns towards the staircase.
Rin was concerned for him. Something serious was wrong with Toga, and she felt helpless.
Was this why Sesshomaru was keeping his personal life private? She wondered. She turns around looking at the portrait one more time. What other secrets does this family have?
Rin continued to wander for a little while until she hears a familiar voice calling out behind her.
"There you are Rin! I've been looking for you." Kagome was apologetic that she'd left Rin alone for so long and grew concerned when she couldn't find Rin in the study.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I got myself lost." Rin chuckles nervously with her hand behind her head.
"Well, you're in good hands now. Unfortunately, I'm pretty certain now that big brother won't be coming, so you may not get the chance to meet him." Kagome explains with a sigh.
"Ummm actually Kagome, about that. I-"
"My dearest Kagome!" spoke a woman's voice behind them.
Both Kagome and Rin turn around and see a very beautiful woman with long ebony hair, pale skin, and bright brown eyes walking up to them with a smile. The woman eagerly grabs Kagome's hands into hers.
"I'm so glad you made it in time, Kagome. Where is my dearest son, Inuyasha?"
Kagome smiles holding her mother-in-law's hands in hers.
"He should be here any minute now."
"I see... That son of mine sure is a handful, isn't he?"
"Most definitely. Oh! Where are my manners? Rin, this is my mother-in-law, Izayoi."
"Nice to meet you." Rin greets with a smile.
"Oh, you brought a friend? How wonderful!" Izayoi exclaims joyously.
Rin was curious about this woman. Was she both Sesshomaru and Inuyasha's mother? She didn't see any resembles of her in Sesshomaru whatsoever so she was uncertain. Izayoi grabs Rin's hand suddenly which causes Rin's cheeks to turn pink.
"Are you staying for dinner, Rin? My dearest husband and sister will be excited to meet you."
Rin blinks slowly at this women's excitement. She smiles and nods her head. Izayoi smiles and leads them down the staircase.
"Dinner should be ready any moment now. Sister should already be in the dining hall waiting for-"
A servant approaches Izayoi as they made it down the last step. They inform her that there was an issue in the kitchen and her assistance was needed. Izayoi acknowledges and turns to Kagome.
"Take Rin to the dining hall, would you dear?"
"Of course! We'll see you there." Kagome replies with a smile.
Izayoi nods with a smile as she walks away with the servant. Kagome takes Rin's hand and leads her down a hall down towards the west wing.
Rin's heart was pounding. She didn't know what she was to do in the predicament she was now in; she was unintentionally in her boss' family home. Even though Kagome informed her that Sesshomaru wouldn't be coming, Rin still wanted to make a good impression on his family. In the chance of Sesshomaru finding out.
As the two women walk down the hallway, a ring sounds from Kagome's mobile. She pulls it out of her pocket and sees the name "InuYasha" flashing on the screen.
"Sorry Rin, I have to go take this. The Dining Hall is just behind those doors." Kagome directs Rin as she turns around walking away, bringing her mobile to her ear.
pRin stands there and swallows a knot in her throat.
"Everything is going to be just fine." Rin assures herself as she takes in a deep breath before she opens the double doors into the dining hall.
Rin enters the dining hall and sees a woman with long silver hair sitting in the chair at a beautifully carved mahogany table. She sat near where the Head of the Table would sit, ignoring the person who just entered the large room. Rin motions closer to the table quietly and stands a distance away from the woman.
"Ummm, excuse me?" Rin says sheepishly.
The woman was holding a purple, opera-length cigarette holder with a clawed hand that were painted red. She turns her head as she reveals her golden-yellow eyes with thin slit pupils. She had zig-zag magenta markings under her eyes, along with a purple crescent moon in the middle of her forehead. The woman scowled at the young woman when she acknowledged her presence, slowly blowing out the smoke she held in her mouth.
"And you are?" The woman asks coldly.
If Rin were to assume, she figured this woman was the one closely related to Sesshomaru; possibly his mother. According to how both their demeanors are so similar to each other. Rin inhales slowly and bends forward at her waist.
"My name is Rin Hashimoto. I am a guest invited by Kagome Higurashi."
The woman takes in a slow drag and blows smoke out the corner of her mouth through her red-stained lips.
"Is that so?" The woman spoke with interest.
Rin straightens her posture as the woman removes herself from the chair and sways towards her, now towering over the young woman. The woman was beautiful and elegant, wearing a sheer golden robe with the sleeves and train fluffed with faux feathers and glistening rimstones. The woman stared into the eyes of the much smaller woman that stood before her. Rin was frozen in place as the woman looks her up and down, observing her a bit too closely. The woman takes in another drag of her cigarette and blows the smoke towards Rin's face.
"How ordinary you are, human. I had hoped you had some kind of special power within you, but you possess none. How boring."
Rin was confused by the woman's statement and grew nervous.
Human? Special power? What on earth does she mean by all of that?
The woman chuckles, breaking her gaze. She turns on her heels and returns to her chair. The doors swing open as Totosai steps into the room.
"Announcing the arrival of the young Lord Inuyasha and his wife, Lady Kagome." He proclaims confidently, arms folded behind his back.
Stepping into the room was Kagome with her arm wrapped around her husband's, Inuyasha. She looks over to Rin and smiles at her, waving at her to walk towards her. Rin blinks as Kagome grabs her by the hand.
"Come sit with me, Rin." Kagome declares with a smile.
She drags Rin along as they made their way to the other side of the table. Inuyasha pulls out Kagome's chair to allow her to sit down. Rin was about to pull out her chair when Kagome stops her by tapping her forearm.
"You're a guest, Rin, you don't need to do that." Kagome looks up to Inuyasha with a cheesy smile as he sighs harshly.
"Fine. I'll take care of it." Inuyasha groans stepping over to Rin's chair, pulling it out for her. Rin takes a closer look at Inuyasha's face and immediately recognizes him from the other day. Inuyasha notices her staring and he tilts his head.
"Whaddya staring at?" He asks her with his white ears beginning to twitch.
Now Rin was focused on something that she had never seen before, and her eyes widen with childish amusement.
"Are those real?" Rin mutters softly as her hands slowly reach up and grab onto each of the soft, fluffy canine ears on the top of his head. Inuyasha was stunned and blinks quickly with a growl rumbling in his throat.
"Hey! Stop that!" He warns with his brows knitted together. Rin removes her hands with a giggle and quickly sits down in her chair.
Kagome crosses her arms over her chest and glares up at her husband.
"Don't be so rude, Inuyasha!"
"But-she was touching me!" Inuyasha whines as he made his way to his chair.
Kagome ignores him and shifts her attention to Rin.
"Please forgive my husband, Rin." Kagome apologizes softly, "He's a bit ill-tempered towards new people."
Inuyasha's jaw drops and is astounded at his wife's mildly accurate accusations.
"Wha-Nevermind." Inuyasha shakes his head, plopping down in his chair. Pouting with his arms crossed over his chest.
A few minutes go by and Rin becomes more uneasy, noticing that the woman across the table kept making occasional glances at her. Her eyes weren't necessarily cold, they seemed more curious than anything. Rin leans over towards Kagome and taps on her arm.
"Ummm, Kagome? Who is this woman at the table?"
Before Kagome could utter a sound, the woman speaks up plainly.
"I am the First Lady of The Taisho Clan. You shall address me as Madam or Highness." The woman takes a drag of her cigarette, tapping on the holder to drop the ashes onto the ashtray.
Kagome chuckles nervously as she turns to Rin.
"She's my brother-in-law's mother and Inuyasha's aunt." Kagome clarifies.
So Rin's suspicions were correct: this woman was indeed Sesshomaru's mother. Rin assumed now that Sesshomaru and Inuyasha only share the same father? Does Toga have two wives?
"How interesting." Rin utters aloud.
pKagome tilts her head curiously.
"Did you say something?"
Rin perks up from her thought.
"Oh no, I was just thinking is all."
Kagome shrugs her shoulders and resumes her conversation with Inuyasha.
"What do you mean you know her?" Kagome whispers.
Inuyasha looks over Kagome's head and sees Rin.
"I'm not sure, but I know I've seen her somewhere recently before." Inuyasha spoke confidently.
Kagome sighs shaking her head.
"Maybe you saw her in the streets back in Tokyo."
"Maybe, but..." Inuyasha didn't finish his thought. He pondered on it more on why Rin looked so familiar to him.
Then the doors swing open again, and this time, the smaller gentleman from earlier enters.
"Announcing the arrival of Lord Toga, Head of the Taisho Clan, and his Second Lady, Izayoi." Declares Myoga with his chest and arms folded behind his back.
Entering the hall, Toga and Izayoi were locked arms with each other as they slowly walked towards the table. Izayoi sat on the left side beside Inuyasha, while Toga took his seat as the Head of the Table. Toga looked over at Rin with a smile.
"I see you've met everyone else, Miss Hashimoto?" Toga spoke as he turns his head towards the empty chair on the right, "Well, almost everyone."
pKagome sighs softly as she looks over to the empty chair as well.
"I'm sorry. I tried to get him to come but-"
"No need to apologize, my dear Kagome." Toga interjected with a smile, "Sesshomaru is busy nowadays, after all, I wasn't expecting him to-"
Everyone became quiet when a ruckus could be heard down the hallwa. The doors suddenly swing open loudly as two tall identical men with dark hair and tan skin step inside in black suits. Everyone stares as they watch a man enter from behind them. A soft gasp escapes Rin's lips when she immediately recognizes him: Sesshomaru.
I had to separate this onto two parts or it would have been WAY too long for a single chapter. I hope you enjoyed it though!
I'll be taking a week hiatus so I can prepare for SessRinSmutWeek. Be on the lookout for those fics if you're interested.
Find me on Twitter: avannawolfe