Chapter 9
The sun rose high that morning as it began drying the wet earth around it. Rin and Sesshomaru had already awoken. He had escorted her to the stream nearby to collect fish for breakfast. He figured he might as well let Kagome sleep considering he knew they were not far off from the village. Just a few more miles of following the water and they'd arrive.
He watch Rin excitedly prancing around the water. Arms flailing as she missed several times, soaking the bottom of her clothes. Though the sunlight would dry them. She'd giggle at the dragon flies hovering above the current. Getting distracted and chasing them instead of nourishment. But. Like he knew, they had time.
He stared at her leg. The large gash Inuyasha had made was clear. Yet healed, it left a very obvious scar across her youthful skin. One that was not necessary if his half brother would not be such an idiot. It angered him again. Remembering as he fled his demise like a coward. The day would come when he'd finish what he started. And finish it with his death.
The darkness be bestowed upon Tetsusaiga only further proved just how unworthy of a son Sesshomaru always knew he was. Unworthy to be called his half brother. Unworthy of having their fathers blood flow through his veins. It was maddening. When the time came, Sesshomaru would rip away everything he grew to know and love. For whatever he had lost now, it was his own doing. Though Inuyasha would always find someone else to blame. The man was born ignorant and irresponsible.
Rin yanked a fish out of the water and raised it over her head, pouncing eager for praise.
"I caught one My Lord! A big buddy to eat up!," She hollered his way.
He nodded approvingly to her. She gave a toothy smile coming out of the water and placing it down, to go back and get another.
These were the nice days he wish he had more of with her. Becoming stronger and fighting were always on top of his list. But he'd make sure to remember his wards quick mortality. And the times spent together like this were much needed.
Brought out of his thoughts, a sharp tremble streaking down his body. He could feel her. The priestess was awake. Moving about on his tail. But she was doing something else….this familiar sensation. She was… petting it?
Goosebumps fluttered across his skin. He was no where near her to make her snap these actions. It felt amazing yes, but he had no need for it was unnecessary.
Kagome had awoken to an empty cave. She rubbed her eyes roughly and sat up to look around.
"Hello?," She called out. No reply. She sighed, thankfully the morning would start off quiet at least. Without needing to abruptly move to continue traveling immediately upon waking up. It was a rush that she was not accustomed to anymore, since settling down in the village with Kaede.
She looked over where Sesshomaru had slept. A small indent was left behind. Stretching her back, she laid back down. There wasn't a need for anything strenuous right now. If anything he'd want her to rest before heading out anyways, since she hadn't been in the best of shape lately.
She began to daydream. Thinking of her family, and how much she missed them.
"Oh mom… I miss you so much. And grandpa. And Sota…," She said to herself out loud.
Nuzzling her face into his tail once again, she held back tears. Gently stroking the soft fur that proved to be her only current comfort.
There were a lot of things she missed. She missed Sango, how strong of a woman she wished she could be.
She missed Shippo. His positive nature and neediness made her feel like she had at least somewhat of a purpose aside from tracking jewel shards.
She missed Miroku. The monk was a wise man. Able to heed her in any mental troubles she ever had. And always stood up for her when Inuyasha left for Kikiyo.
But even then…She missed Inuyasha. Maybe not his current person. But who he used to be. With a strong passion to rescue her. The power of Tetsusaiga awakened solely from his want to protect her. Now she needed protecting from him. And by his half brother at that.
It was knew. Standing behind a man she never thought she would in her life. Though their travels were brief, he had more than proven himself to be a good leader.
No wonder why Rin admires him so much. He actually gives a damn whether the people in his group are alright. Unlike Inuyasha ever did.
A gust of wind coming from outside had brought her back to reality. She got up, walking to the edge of the cave.
"Oh Kohaku! A-un! What're you doing here?," She asked the two.
Kohaku was on A-un, holding the reigns. He looked tired but smiled to her.
"I'm glad to have found you Lady Kagome. I had been searching in the forest for you and Rin. It was getting late the other day and neither of you came back from where ever you were. A-un luckily found me on brink of exhaustion," He said to her smiling.
He looked around, taking notice that she was alone. He frowned, "is everything alright? Where is Rin?"
Kagome shrugged. "I dunno," She replied. "I'm just waking up. Both she and Sesshomaru were with me but I'm not sure where they are now…"
He looked away disappointed. He was still injured, but he wasn't about to go back to the village without her.
"Well alright. They must not be far. Take care Kagome, I am going to scout for them!," He said waving goodbye.
She waved back, crossing her arms over her chest. Looking down she had forgotten she was still adorning Lord Sesshomarus top. She felt comfortable in it. Raising the edge closer, she sniffed it again like the previous night.
He oddly smells good for a man thats constantly on the move outside. Just like a dog.
Smiling to herself, she walked back further into the cave.
Kohaku flew not too far off to stumble across the pair by the river. He saw Rin jumping around in the water, Lord Sesshomaru leaning against a tree not too far off.
"Lord Sesshomaru! Rin! I have found you!," He yelled down, bringing A-un to a dive landing.
He jumped off the beast and ran over to the edge of the river. Rins grin became huge as she ran fast out of the river and dove right into Kohakus arms.
"KOHAKU!," she screamed happily, wrapping her arms around his torso pulling him close. He returned the favor smiling sheepishly.
"I am glad to have finally found you Rin… I thought something bad had happened to you.," He whispered. Though he grimaced suddenly, pulling his injured hand out from under her. He winced and the two heard.
"Kohaku, you're hurt! What happened?," She inquired.
He stared down at his hand, feeling worried as to how to answer with Sesshomaru present. But he felt his eyes staring from behind, clearly eager to know as well.
There was no use hiding it.
Sesshomaru sniffed the air around Kohaku.
"So it appears you came into contact with Inuyasha. He did that to you with his claws."
Kohaku nodded sadly. "He didn't mean it. He tried to tell me to get away from him. But I did not listen. And he cut me."
Rins expression looked horrified. She looked at Sesshomaru, as to hint the recent problems Inuyasha had been reaping among friends.
"Take Rin on A-un and go to the village, seek medical help. If he is there, return immediately. I shall head the same way with the priestess.," He said to them before walking off heading towards the cave.
Rins head bowed in sadness at the news.
She did not hate Inuyasha. But she knew he didn't Want to do these things either. Arguing with her Lord was not an option though. She would follow his lead best.
Kohaku grasped her hand as he helped her into A-un. Hoisting himself behind her, they lifted. Flying off to the village.
Inuyasha acted erratically. Clawing anything within distance. Stones, trees, dirt even. The anger thrashed inside him as his demon once again took over. It seemed as though the more people he was able to hurt, the stronger it grew against him. He was aware of everything happening to some degree. Mentally phasing in and out, only able to see the destruction left in his wake. But still unable to control his body.
Kohakus blood surged the wild inside of him, yearning for more. Though these instincts felt good, he knew it was wrong. And struggled each motion to gain the reigns back on his own flesh, straining his arms and making small mental notes to halt his legs movement.
The last time he had temporary control, he ran far away. Watching Kohaku run away from him, he did the same. Putting much distance between himself and the direction of the village. He figured if he couldn't have much control over himself anymore, then the best solution would be to leave. And go as far as possible until this thing all sorted itself out.
Kagomes face flashed before his eyes. The look on it when he grabbed her so hard, drawing blood. And to think the first thought that came to mind was of how useful it turned out to be in his favor. Yes there was guilt. He didn't Intend to hurt her. It happened. But he felt guilty, for not regretting it if that made sense. At least it was the only way he could come close to explaining himself.
He screamed high at the sky above. Arching his claws at this sides and flexing. The burning sensation inside was becoming more tolerable he noted. Though unsure if that was a good thing.
His nose picked up a scent close by. He stopped, sniffing around to examine the area. Tetsusaiga began to pulse at his side at the thought of finding another foe.
But before he could move swiftly enough, a sharp smack to the side of the head sent him flying hard to his side on the ground. He growled low, rendering unconscious. The only sound behind him was a staff, that he could make out.
"Hello Inuyasha. Seems you are in need of assistance, my old friend," Miroku said looking down at him.
Kagome paced around inside the cave. They had been gone for quite some time and in all she never was the kind of person to enjoy being left alone. Especially after her encounter with Inuyasha. It'll be nice in a way, some much needed attention from the trustworthy Lady Kaede would help. And Rin had been keeping her mind very occupied as of lately. Only now alone she grew restless, earlier thinking about her dead companions and the other who left her. Then her best friend, betraying her like so.
She wondered how Rin fared after the moment with Inuyasha. How he physically managed to get a hit in before their escape.
But the point had no need. Rin had seen much in her young life, and experienced more.
I forgot she did die once.. Sesshomaru brought her back. Being mauled to death by wolves.. How awful…
The thought made her stomach twist. And to know Koga was the one to have commissioned such an attack. If he had not changed his ways, she'd surely hope for Sesshomaru to have slain him.
A shadow moved in front of her as she turned to meet it.
Sesshomaru entered finally, taking steps towards her. He eyed his shirt she still wore, holding it in her hands together by her breast.
"Are you ready to make way to the village?," He asked her.
She slowly nodded. Looking around him she replied, "where's Rin? Kohaku came looking for her a while ago."
"He found us. I allowed Rin to ride back with him. It shall be quicker now, just the two of us."
She nibbled her lip slightly. Sliding the shirt off one of her shoulders, he stopped her. Placing his hands on hers and moving them back up. She stared at him nervously allowing his touch to instruct her.
"Keep it for now. My speed will chill you. Wear it around until your shirt which Rin carries is clean and dried. She has dirtied it quite much."
She smiled to him, nodding thankfully as she enclosed it tighter around. He opened his arms to her as she snaked her arms back around his neck. The same move he used last him to carry her.
She gulped as he flashed away, moving gracefully through the trees. It was nice really. Having him do this for her. She almost felt special considering he hated humans, a thought she sarcastically made to herself.
Sesshomaru jumped branch to branch following the direction he knew Kohaku to have gone. He'd arrive shortly with the priestess in tow. A mission that was not supposed to have taken so long. But a nuisance as it was, Rin must have learned her lesson to never lie again after this ordeal.
He sniffed slightly into her shoulder as he carried on. She smelled like him now, having slept with his tail and the new shirt she wore for the moment. He was not used to this, having anyone else aside from Rin in such close proximity. And this woman dared to attempt to touch him last night. His face. She was becoming too comfortable that much was for sure. The only positive thing about any of this, was knowing there was someone like Rin, who was genuinely not afraid of him.
They were close. He could sense the humans up ahead.
They landed close by, a dirt path leading it's way into it. He set her down gently, taking her place by his side as they set off together.
The roofs were in sight over the roads horizon, smoking peering from the fires.
She smiled to herself, ready to be back. Hopefully no one had worried too much.
The meadow came into view with it, reaching vastly. It was a nice touch to the area, that much she always loved about it here. How lovely things around were.
She glanced over at him, his tall figure walking stoical as ever. The long silky white hair he had was breathtaking. She could just picture running a brush through it one day.
He looked her way, raising a brow at her. But she quickly looked away in a pathetic effort to seem serious and distracted. He could sense her uneasiness as he stared her down.
He sighed. "What is it now priestess?," He asked.
She snapped back to him noticing the attitude in his tone.
"Could you try not sounding so bothered when you ask me questions?," She huffed.
"You bother me. With your ridiculous emotions. There has yet to be a time when you are not nervous. Speak your mind boldly or put your thoughts to rest," He simply stated.
Before he could snap at him, she stopped herself. Pondering the words. It was true though. She Was always nervous around him. And he had been fairly kind to her as of lately.
If she was gonna die by his hands, she'd do it bravely.
With a deep breath, she asked, "can I brush your hair?"
"No," He replied.
Not accepting his answer she persisted.
. "But why not? It's so long and pretty. And I promise to take good care of it!"
"I already do. I do not need your assistance or human hands making it dirty.," He replied.
"My hands are not dirty! See my hair!, it's NICE! Cause I take care of it!," She snapped.
He grabbed a piece of her hair and ran it through his fingers. She blushed, yanking away from his contact.
"Just as I concluded, it is dirty. That isn't including its smell the whole time I carried you.," he sassed back.
She blushed harder only in anger. As she went to open her mouth to say something, he dashed forward. Leaving her to cough on a cloud of dirt he left in his wake.
She stomped into the ground heaving hard for air.
"YOU'RE SUCH A JERK!," she screamed at the top of her lungs. But he was already out of sight, though the village was now in clear view.
Many villagers turned her way at the sound of her screeching.
But she dare not look in sheer embarrassment.
Making her way into the area, she spotted his moko moko dragging behind as he entered Rins hut.
She moved heavily that way. Annoyed at how he dirtied her further. When she finally approached she stomped on the end of the moko moko before it fully entered the hut, and continued on her merry way.
His aura spiked fiercely behind her, not turning to greet him. He peaked through the sliding to see who did it. Watching as she continued stalking off, fist balled at her sides.
At least this boldness is a change from being nervous all the time.