AN: Assuming Inuyasha is T-rated, this chapter should also be fitting for its rating.
Chapter 9
With the arrival of morning came movement from the soldiers around the base, and Rin knew Taro would awaken soon.
Wrapped in his arms, she had no choice but to plan how to get out of this ordeal.
There were two options. The first being she'd wake Taro up and immediately ask what the hell his problem was. Growing up with him, she knew Taro was patient, but his buttons could be easily pushed and he'd unleash his temper. If she couldn't be strong and stand her ground against him and leave the base, Rin had a plan to strike and knock him out. Sango had long ago taught her a few tricks in case things couldn't be solved diplomatically, and because her friend Sayo had also shown her how to pierce skin with her kanzashi, Rin had little to fear.
Of course, Rin only hoped she would result to violence should he become violent.
Taro, violent? Yeah, he's a soldier and has seen his great share of war but…
Rin took a peek at him.
Unlike her with a racing heartbeat and frantic thoughts, Taro was at bliss. Black hair covered a bit of his face once more, hiding the handsome visage from view. His tan skin was warm against hers, heat hugging all the curves in her body every time he pulled the beauty close.
With his arms around me like this, this man is much more daring than violent, I'll say.
This man, this warrior, this general of an army, was also her friend.
When Rin had left the village, her goal was to find Taro alive and well, and alas, here he was! And though the current situation was uncomfortable, there was a piece of joy in her nervous heart that she couldn't deny.
It was crazy to think she planned to hurt him, but after all, she went through just to find him, there was no way Rin could hurt Taro.
Okay…second option, she sighed defeated.
Moving her body a bit, Rin scanned the vicinity around them. Apparently the men hadn't cleaned up after dinner last night, and scattered were two bottles of sake and few dishes. There were also broken fragments of cups glistening in the faint light, giving off the aura of danger. Nevertheless, Rin dismissed it, hoping to find another body asleep in the tent, but was disappointed to find out it was just them.
Alone.
Strange, where did Kohaku go?
Next to the changing screen, the maiden spotted the demon slayer uniform that was still folded neatly on top of her torn kimono, exactly where they had placed them after they changed into fine attire the night before.
If he had sensed danger, Kohaku would have changed into it, no matter how ripped up it was.
Comfort swelled within her, and Rin relaxed back into Taro's arms.
Ugh, Taro's arms.
The second option was simply speaking to him after breakfast, explaining once more that a warlike scenery was not ideal for a woman such as herself. Regardless of what Taro would say, Rin would find Kohaku and Kirara, and return to the village, proceeding to act like nothing happened when Kaede asked how the trip was.
And especially when Sesshomaru arrived at the village.
It sounds so easy, but will it be? Rin closed her eyes and sighed, hoping things weren't as complicated as they seemed.
— — —
Sometime while Rin was lost in her thoughts, a couple of soldiers marched outside the tent. They were chatty but sounded worried, wondering if Taro was up yet. None were brave enough to find out.
"Do you think the general is awake?" a soldier asked.
As if responding, Taro snored in Rin's ear. The beauty rolled her eyes.
No, he's still asleep.
"Well," another grumbled, "seeing as how he missed this morning's meeting, I doubt he is."
"Perhaps one of us should wake him up!"
"Good idea, private! Go on ahead and shake up the boss!"
"N-n-no! Not m-me, sir," the soldier quivered.
"Do not hesitate to complete an order from an outranking soldier, private. Go on before I push you in!"
"Y-yes, s-sir."
Rin shut her eyes as soon as she heard the steps of the entering soldier.
"Whoa," he gasped, obviously from the view of the two on the futon. "He sure is sleeping well…"
Clinking steps approached the futon, and Rin felt the soldier shake Taro's form.
"General? S-Sir? Please forgive me, but I have a message for you."
The shaking was enough to wake up Taro, and he groaned bitterly, releasing his grip on Rin while turning to the soldier.
"Ugh, what is it, private?" Taro asked annoyed, voice heavy with sleep.
"You've missed your daily meeting, sir, so we came to check on you."
Another groan escaped Taro, and the maiden heard him slapping his forehead. "Crap. T-Thank you. Let the others know to meet me at our usual tent in a few. You're dismissed."
"Yes, sir."
The soldier left the tent, leaving Rin and Taro alone once more.
"Ugh, my freaking head is pounding… can't believe I missed the damn meeting," he complained, noisily getting out of bed. Rin could hear his feet touch the ground and he made a few steps before stopping completely.
Hm… Why'd he stop? The beauty's heartbeat raced wildly as the seconds past, hoping to appear in deep sleep.
"Man, this morning is already too eventful for me," Taro chuckled darkly before letting out a pained noise.
Rin heard him moving about the tent again, getting dressed.
"Exactly why I hate drinking with Kohaku," he muttered, "fucking bastard stays sober and I blackout. Now Princess Rin's going to kill me for climbing into bed with her, but I didn't even mean too! Ugh."
So it was an accident?! How glorious! I knew my friend wouldn't betray me!
The beauty's heart burst with glee, but she remained still while the sounds of Taro changing filled the air.
Daring to take a peek, Rin spied Taro washing his upper-body with a wet rag, clattering his teeth from the cold. He continued to mumble as he dried up, and once satisfied, Taro reached for his kosode and fixed it into place.
Both the formal hakama and kosode were tailored according to his bulky and strong body with the purpose of showcasing the muscles underneath them. He tied his long hair into a ponytail, appearing content with himself while studying his form in a looking glass. Taro pressed a finger to his temple, whining.
"I need this hangover to disappear quickly. I can't be leading men feeling sick as a dog," he scowled. He appeared to be ready to leave the tent, and Rin closed her eyes in anticipation. Should Taro turn around any moment now, he'll think I'm still asleep.
Heavy steps approached the futon again, this time belonging to Taro, and the close sounds of fabric shifting meant that he was now kneeling beside her.
Rin held her breath while his fingers tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.
"I do hope you'll forgive me, princess. It wasn't my intention to fall asleep next to you," his voice was sad, apologetic. "Sleep well."
There was some hesitation in his movements, which sounded like he was rocking back and forth, but then the general let out a groan when another soldier called for him to come outside.
Rin only assumed by the absence of noise meant she was finally alone in the tent, and she peeked an eye open again, satisfied to see she was right.
"Finally," she sighed in relief, getting up. "This morning has also been too eventful for me."
— — —
Rin sat across Kohaku, watching him through narrowed eyes.
It annoyed her to find him overly cheerful while she was conflicted. He had apparently slept well enough that he was cracking jokes with Taro, even though he was still covered in bloody bandages from the night before.
The beauty sighed in discontentment.
"Isn't this broth wonderful, Rin? Haha, joyous morn- Rin why the hell haven't you tried your food yet?" he barked.
She rolled her eyes. "I'm not hungry actually."
Earlier when she had left Taro's tent, the soldiers immediately directed her to where Taro and Kohaku were having breakfast. Rin was surprised to find the men in deep conversation, not even noticing her presence when she walked in, but brushed it off as she hoped to have a moment with Kohaku once he was finished. Nevertheless, the men continued their talk, drawing out maps of sorts to ensure a victory for the good lord's army that Taro commanded.
It was Rin's mistake to sigh heavily when she noticed that the men weren't going to acknowledge her, and Kohaku's serious demeanor turned into a cheerful one as he turned back to his food.
That is, until he saw Rin's untouched tray.
"You need to be strong in this cold weather. Eat and drink, I cannot have you go back to the village weak. Lord Sesshomaru will be most unkind to me," Kohaku frowned, taking a sip of his tea.
An opportunity.
"Come on Kohaku, don't get angry with Princess Rin. Maybe I co-"
"Ah yes, dear Kohaku, you're certainly right! My strength must not waver!" Rin interrupted cheerfully. The men exchanged a confused look. "Does my dear friend have a moment to spare? We need to discuss some things about this cold weather."
Kohaku gave her a curious glance. "Of course Rin." They stood up, pardoning themselves while Taro smiled, and walked to the outside of the tent.
"What's with you, Rin? You're being strange," Kohaku spoke slowly, not wanting the guards listening in their conversation.
"Look, I don't know how to say this, so I'll just blurt it out. Taro, in his drunken state, climbed into my futon last night," Kohaku's eyes widened at the words. "So I just want to know how the tent ended up with broken dishes and the general snuggling beside me. I expected you to protect me," Rin stared at him angrily.
"Rin... Rin I'm sorry, truly I am. Let me explain. After you went to bed, Taro and I were playing a drinking game. We betted on who would get the warmest futon in the room, but I saw Taro being his usual light-weight self and my damn heart couldn't let him grow weak from sake," Kohaku said sheepishly. "So I called off the bet and let him win, and he celebrated by throwing some dishes on the ground. I was sitting closeby, so a couple of shards hit me, sending me to the medics again where I ended up knocking out."
"So basically it's your fault for that uncomfortable awakening," Rin said, folding her arms.
"Rin, forgive me," Kohaku look down, not wanting to meet the beauty's eyes.
Rin shook her head, waving her hand about. "Even though I know the story now, it doesn't change the fact that I want to leave. Let's fetch Kirara and return home. We found Taro alive. Our goal was accomplished."
The demon slayer sighed. "I wish I could say yes, but I made arrangements with Taro and need to accompany him to the battlefield for a while. It'll just be for today and we can leave tomorrow afternoon when I make another strategy for Taro. What do you say?"
"You mean," her eyes widened, "that I have to be at this base alone with all these men that entire time?!"
"No, no! We'll be leaving for a bit and returning this evening. I've made arrangements for Kirara to stay behind with you during the day."
"Kohaku, please let me go with you," Rin insisted, "I don't leave me here." The maiden could see the resistance in his eyes and he shook his head.
"Your presence will bring too much atten-"
"Lord Sesshomaru will be most unkind to you," she warned, using his words against him.
"Fuck yeah he will be when talk about the 'beautiful princess' on the Northern battlefield reaches his ears."
Rin gritted her teeth as Kohaku stared her down. Like hell I'm going to lose to him right now.
"Are you trying to lose your head, Kohaku? Milord's concern lies in my wellbeing, so he'd want me to be in your vicinity, a man whom he trusts."
A moment passed by and Kohaku raised his hands in defeat, sighing bitterly. "Fine. Let's go finish breakfast so that we may leave quickly."
Rin grinned triumphantly, reentering the tent with Kohaku in toll where Taro, as expected, still sat in the same spot drinking tea. Rin kneeled before the low table, realizing that there was different food on her tray now.
"Princess," the maiden met Taro's stare, "I've asked the chef to quickly prepare you some rice and seaweed. I know it's not much, but maybe you'll like this better than the broth."
Rin glanced at the food, feeling ashamed. This whole time I've been distrusting of him, angry with him for violating my personal space even if he was drunk, yet he remains a gentleman. Maybe I've been wrong for making a big deal about it...
"Is everything all right, my lady?" Taro asked concerned.
Rin smiled sweetly before bowing. "Thank you for the kind gesture, friend. Your hospitality does not go unnoticed."
"Anytime," the general grinned. He turned to face Kohaku. "Let's get going. I need to organize the men."
Rin ate her rice, watching Kohaku fold his arms and shake his head.
"No, we must wait for our lady Rin. She'll be joining us."
Taro's happy demeanor fell. "What? No. Princess Rin stays."
"Sorry pal, but Rin is coming. I have orders from Lord Sesshomaru to keep my eyes on her."
Taro sucked his teeth. "We just can't allow women to enter the battlefield! The men need to be sharp, not distracted!"
"Because you don't want them ending up like those in the landslide, huh?" Rin asked, becoming irritated at his disdain. "I'm not trying to get their attention, I just want to accompany the person I came with. And if your uneasiness lies on my looks, Kohaku informed me outside that kimonos are not ideal for weather like this. He suggested I wear a hakama," she lied smoothly. Kohaku sipped his tea, keeping his eyes on the maiden.
"Ugh, this talk is triggering my hangover," Taro sulked. "I won't argue with you then. Back at my tent there's a hakama laying around. I doubt it'll fit, but something is something, right?"
"Right," Rin agreed, smug smile sitting on her face as she ate.
"We'll be coming up to the base shortly, so don't be alarmed when the demons or warriors come greet us. Just let me handle everything."
Rin nodded at Taro's words, following close behind on horseback. They had been traveling for a short distance in a large group, but the cold air and freezing winds made the trip unbearable. Not to mention that the silence between their party was so cringeworthy that not even Kohaku tried to crack a few jokes.
Obviously they're pissed I had to tag along, Rin observed. Kohaku had become a pouty mess while Taro masked his emotions behind commands.
Rin watched Taro bob on his black stallion, the same one he had left in the day he asked her to marry him when he returned. Same horse, same long black hair, same face, same voice, same attire, but a different man.
War changed him. Though he's warm to me, he's cold to everyone around him.
"Rin catch up," he ordered. Well kinda warm. Douchey in front of others because he's a "general" now.
"Yo bastard, how much more? It's about to start snowing and we haven't even approached the first tent," Kohaku whined, shivering in a large shawl on top of Kirara.
"Stop acting like you've never endured snow! Just a few more steps up the hill," Taro pointed forward. Rin kicked her horse to a trot and caught up on Kohaku's side.
"Your boy sure is being rough on us all of a sudden," the maiden whispered. Kohaku rolled his eyes.
"It's annoying as hell, but I understand why. Taro can't be soft around his men anymore, especially after losing so many in the landslide. He talked to me last night about all the hardships he's been through up here."
"Well bipolar Taro doesn't sit well with me," Rin scoffed. The demon slayer shrugged and patted Kirara when he noticed Taro slowing down.
"My lady and gentlemen," Taro announced, stopping at the mouth of a field, "we're here. Stay put while I speak to a comrade."
"Yes, sir," soldiers responded.
Rin took a quick note of her surroundings. Nothing out of the ordinary, she thought, looking at the ratty tents. She saw Taro coming view again, calling them forward and splitting up the soldiers to a few small tents while Kohaku, Rin, and Kirara followed him into a larger one. It wasn't as fancy as the one that belonged to him back at base, but it was kept pristine for a man of his stature. Another man was there waiting for him and Taro urgently unscrolled a map and began strategizing with the soldier.
"My friend Kohaku is a skilled demon slayer that travels to and fro and inferred that the enemy is using weaponry with demonic powers. If we can gather them up instead of destroying them, then a monk can exercise the malignant spirits from them and we can finish the war swiftly. Let's send group A here," Taro said placing his finger on the map, "and group B south of them. Victory will be ours soon!" he exclaimed.
The soldier looked at him astonished. "My, my, general, these are excellent plans! We'll carry out the orders right away."
Taro grinned smugly, turning to Kohaku and Rin who stood behind him. "It's thanks to my friends who made an unexpected trip. Please tell the chef to prepare a hearty lunch for us today."
Rin opened her mouth to protest, thinking he was demanding too much from his tired men, but Kohaku shook his head, stopping her. "Taro just wants to pamper us. Let him," he whispered. He stepped forward, joining the men in war talk. They continued speaking, writing in scrolls, never once turning to the maiden.
I feel so out of place...
The beauty raised her hand to her temple, feeling a headache about to form. Ugh, I don't know how much more I can endure here.
While the demon slayer pointed at dots on the map, Rin headed to the opening of the tent.
"I'm going to ride my horse for a bit, I don't feel so well," she announced. Kohaku waved at her without looking up, a signaling he trusted the vicinity. It was all Rin needed to see and she rapidly made her way to her horse, climbing it and leading it into the woods, away from the tents, from everyone.
Snow blanketed the ground by the time Rin's headache had subsided, and now that she felt better, she decided to head back.
The maiden hadn't gotten far from her place when she noticed Taro riding his horse towards her, an expression of worry on his face.
"Is everything alright?" Rin questioned, feeling concerned herself. There was no one accompanying him, and she wondered if something happened to his men.
Taro slowed down, stopping the stallion in front of her. "Yes," he panted, clearly out of breath, "I-I just wanted to make sure you were doing fine out here."
"Well," Rin looked down, smoothing the black hakama she wore, "I seem to be managing fine by myself. I was just heading back actually."
"D-Do you mind if we take a stroll for a bit, m-my lady? I just haven't gotten to spend some time with y-you," Taro stuttered. My, how his persona changes when he's not making orders.
"Where's Kohaku?" she asked skeptically. Though she had played innocent around Taro that morning and didn't mention nor act bothered with him, Rin didn't want him to grow bold as he had the night before.
"He's getting rebandaged and afterwards he'll be talking to the demons that are helping us. Don't worry about him," he said confidently. Taro guided his horse in front of her, looking over his shoulder to address her. "So what do you say?"
Rin chewed her lip. Why am I making such a big deal out of this? He's my childhood friend! "Well okay, lead the way, general," she replied.
Taro smiled brightly at her answer and turned around, leading them deeper into the forest and into a clearing. Rin stopped her horse beside his, admiring the peaceful scenery.
"I know how much you like snow and flowers," Taro said, still smiling, "so I wanted to show you this field during spring, but winter is greeting us instead."
"And how do you know I like the snow?" Rin cocked an eyebrow, playful tone in her voice. It felt nice to let her guard down around him.
"Well, I do recall watching you make snowmen with Lord Sesshomaru whenever he visited the village in winter. You looked so happy during those times!" he laughed.
Lord Sesshomaru...
"In fact, you've always been happy when he stops by."
Because I'm in love with him...
"But sad when he departs," Taro spoke in a serious tone. Rin gazed into his black eyes. He was remembering the time he found her crying after she banished Sesshomaru from coming back to the village.
She looked away, focusing her eyes on her stallion's black mane. "The reason those snow days at the village made me so happy was because it reminded me of the time I traveled with milord. It snowed so much once that he bought me boots to protect my feet and Kohaku and Master Jaken played with me while milord rested. It's been so many years since Naraku died," Rin smiled, looking back at the general, "but the snow always takes me back to those days."
"I'm glad for it then," he said, content. They sat there quietly for a bit, only the horses making a few noises here and there.
"That day I found you crying..." Taro began, looking at Rin. She nodded, encouraging him to continue. "Well that day, I promised myself that I'd never hurt you, never make you shed a tear. But I've failed and the proof is you being here in the war-ravaged North," he said sheepishly. "So now, I promise myself that I'll make you as happy as you get when it snows," he blushed.
Rin watched him afar, knowing where he was taking this. "But you do make me happy, dear friend."
"No, not the same happiness you have when you see me or Kohaku or Lady Kagome. I crave to see the same happiness that blooms within you each time Lord Sesshomaru visits you."
Does he know!? Did Kohaku tell him!?
"It's different with milord, Taro. No one could ever come close to how he makes me feel," she admitted, keeping her eyes on the sleeves of her pink kosode. Hope he gets the message.
"I know that he means a great deal to you princess, so that's why when I get back home, the first thing I'm going to do is speak to him. Princess Rin," Taro said, placing his hand on her shoulder, "I fully intent on fulfilling the promises I wrote in the scroll. I long for you."
"Ah, yes," Rin shifted uncomfortably, causing his hand to slide off, "you wish to live out your dream of us walking hand in hand around the village." Rin eyed him. Taro blushed slightly, fingers drifting through his mane.
"I do. When I win the war, I'll go home and make you my wife. I know our last talk at the village wasn't pleasant, but I'm a different man now. A man of status and wealth. A man worthy of you," he said softly.
Rin gazed into the clearing, trying to hide her emotions from him. He was so in love with her, but she loved someone else. Someone who completely loved her back too.
"I can't become anyone's wife, Taro," she declared. Taro looked confused and she sighed, hating to go back on the topic of marriage. "Lord Sesshomaru does not want me to marry anyone. He claims there is no man worthy of me, and I agree."
"Nonsense Rin! You will let his lordship decide your life for you!?"
Rin laughed darkly. "I wouldn't even have a life if it wasn't for milord."
"Rin... I-I love you."
"...And that's problematic..." she sighed.
Taro led his horse in front of hers, blocking her view of the clearance. "I don't believe that will bring you happiness. A woman such as yourself should already be married, should already have a family waiting for her at home, should-"
"So you want to decide my life for me, Taro?" she interrupted, pissed. "I was brought back to life by Lord Sesshomaru and ever since we've been inseparable. I plan to die following him. I'll follow him into hell if I have to," she said defiantly, pulling the reins on her horse, leading him in direction of the tent.
Taro gasped behind her. "My, it sounds as if you've fallen for a demon, Rin!"
Oh kami, I didn't want to have this talk here.
"All you need to know is that I will be with Lord Sesshomaru forever. His plans are just and fit," she said without turning to look at him. The sounds of hooves catching up penetrated the silence, and Taro galloped his horse to stop in front of hers once more.
"Let me be the one you find happiness in. You will be miserable following a demon, my lady. No man will want to marry you if you continue to have the demon lord by your side, and you deserve a happy ending," he ended coldly, staring her down.
"And that's exactly why there is no man of my worth. Do me a favor and don't press this matter anymore. You won't get far," she scowled. Rin tried maneuvering her horse around him, but he continued to block her path.
"What is he planning to do with you? Answer me," he snarled. Rin jerked her head, frightened by his tone.
"I don't even know myself, Taro, but my lord concern lies on my wellbeing," she echoed her words from before, "so I have the uttermost faith in him."
The general sat there, black eyes distant. Rin gulped and looked around, unsure if she was safe anymore. This conversation turned sour so fast, I just need to end this.
A dark chuckle escaped him, rustling his armor about. Cinnamon eyes locked with his once more as a mocking smile formed on his face. "So," he laughed, "I was right to be angry with you at the village. 'What guy will ever have you' I had asked, and you brushed me off like I've been some commoner. But then I told you that I will make you my wife one day. And I don't ever give up, Princess Rin," he mocked. "Should it by love or arranged, you'll be mine."
"Taro?" Rin said, squaring her shoulders. He cocked his head towards her, watching he carefully. "Don't ever forget who I am. I won't stay here getting laughed at by an imbecile. As you call me, I am Princess Rin, lady of the West, lady of Lord Sesshomaru. You will not make me do anything," she spat, and jerked her horse to gallop towards the tent. As expected, Rin could hear the heavy armor clinking right behind her.
"Rin, we haven't finished our conversation," Taro grumbled behind her.
"I don't care, I only came up North to find you, not be talked down to."
"Then let me apologize for my words."
Rin stopped her horse in front of the tent where Kirara stood. "I don't need to hear it. It won't be sincere, and I know you were speaking from the heart. I'm going home." Taro began to protest loudly, causing a bewildered Kohaku to exit the tent, standing in front of Rin's horse.
"Why are you making a scene, general? And Rin, what's with the face?" Kohaku asked.
"I want to leave. I mean it this time, no and's, if's, or but's." Kohaku scrunched his brows.
"What occurred out there?" he questioned. Rin opened her mouth to speak, but was cut off by the sound of armor approaching.
"Nothing happened Kohaku," Taro stated, getting off his horse to stand in front of them. The demon slayer narrowed his eyes at him.
"Tell me what happened," Kohaku gritted his teeth. Taro shrugged, evidently annoyed.
"We were talking and she got angry."
"It's more than that. He just doesn't drop the subject of being his wife. I don't want to be his. I won't be his," Rin barked.
Kohaku shook his head, releasing his tension. "Taro, being so persistent will never work."
The general frowned, folding his arms. "I believe I deserve the most beautiful maiden in the land and that gives me enough strength to pursue her still," he turned back to his horse, climbing on top and circled them. "If you've already spoken to the demons, let's go," he directed Kohaku," I have much to do at my base."
"Good. I'll gather my stuff once we get there and we'll be on the way," Rin decided.
Taro huffed angrily. "Do as you please, my lady." And with that, he rounded up his party, disappearing into the woods.
When the group arrived at the base that evening, Kohaku informed her that he needed to get bandaged once more, since his wounds had reopened when he ran out the tent. Rin was displeased, but waved him off and walked in the direction of Taro's tent.
He's in there, Rin thought, observing the guarding soldiers at the entrance. The soldiers gestured her to go in, and with some hesitation, she stepped into the tent. At the end of the tent, Taro, shirtless and hair down, was standing by a scroll, drinking sake. He turned to face her, instant frown forming on his face.
"Thought you were leaving," he said, taking a sip.
"Kohaku needed medical help again. You know, since your men beat him so bad," she retorted. She watched Taro close his eyes and take another sip.
"Last night, I was so glad to see you. I had envisioned your stay to be different, but the tension between us is too great now to ask you to remain here."
Rin walked to the looking glass, stopping there to be across from him. "Well, it is what it is, Taro."
"I'm sorry," Taro said, raising his palm when he saw she was about to speak again. "Though my true feelings surfaced in our talks, I shouldn't have spoken to you so harshly. Just like in the village, my emotions get the best of me."
Rin eyed him as she stood next to the looking glass. "I guess I'll forgive you this time as well. I don't want to return to the village with a bitter taste in my mouth."
"How about a sweet taste then?" Taro suggested, finally grinning. He gestured Rin to come forth, but she remained still. "Relax, it's only sake."
"I don't drink."
"Fair enough," he said, walking towards her. He picked up her bags from the floor, handing it to her while taking another sip. Rin thanked him, turning back to the looking glass to fix her appearance. In the reflection, Rin could see Taro studying her with half-lidded eyes, and though it made her feel tense, she continued to work her hair into a bun, hoping she finished quick enough to leave.
The tent was poorly lit tonight, leaving the beauty to struggle and start over a few times. "Could you lighten up more candles? I can hardly see," she confessed sheepishly. Instead of replying, Taro stood right behind her, setting his cup down and running his fingers through her hair.
"Let me be of assistance, my lady." Rin stiffened at his touch, unable to speak while he combed her mane.
"I can do it myself if you just light some more candles, general," she mentioned again. Taro shook his head.
"Can't. My men told me we're bringing too much attention to the base. Perhaps the enemy has spotted this place. And besides," he said, tying her hair into a ponytail, "I also have long hair that I always fix in the darkness."
Rin stayed silent, letting him do his work. He grinned happily in the reflection, as if all the stress of the day hadn't even occurred. She envied him for that.
"Done. Tell me what you think, my lady," he pointed at the looking glass. Rin studied herself, impressed with how her perfect the bun was held by her deadly ornaments.
"It's lovely," she remarked, smiling into the looking glass. Taro grinned again, picking up his cup to drink some more.
"Good to hear, princess."
Now that her hair was done, she turned around, only to face Taro's bulky chest. "You're in my way," Rin huffed.
"You're forgetting something," he arched a brow. Rin looked up at him, confused. "The hakama. It belongs to me."
"Oh yes. I'll give it to you right away," she informed, trying to slide through a crack. Taro stood still, trapping her in place. The maiden arched her own brow this time. "If you want your hakama, I need to change out of it," she hissed, patience lost.
"Well then change, my lady. Unless you need help disrobing," he whispered.
A chill ran down Rin's spine.
The combination of sake, ill-lit tent, and shirtless man did not appeal to her in any way. Rin shook her head, pushing his chest aside. "Just give me some privacy so I can go."
"Don't you have helpers that dress you? Let me help you undress," he breathed, running his hand to the front of the hakama.
Her heart began to race wildly, and she slapped his hand away, pushing him with all her might, finally able to get out the corner. Taro stared at her stunned.
"How dare you suggest such things to me! I am not like those brothel women you lay with!" Rin shouted. Taro frowned, walking towards her. She finally noticed why he was so bold again.
His eyes were glassy from the sake.
He's drunk.
"All you've done is get mad at me today! I'm sick of this! I need a damn walk," he complained. Taro picked up his kosode from the floor, tying it up messily, and headed to the exit.
Rin rolled her eyes. She didn't want to fight a drunken man. "It's been all you today. You just don't know your boundaries."
Taro looked at her for a moment while he put on his armor. "If I don't see you again tonight, have a safe trip. But if you decide to stay..." his voice trailed and Rin followed his stare to the futon in the middle of the tent. She looked at him in disgust. "You can sleep there again tonight. If you wish."
Fat chance. "No thank you."
Taro gave her a disappointed smile as he gathered his helmet, and left.
Because night had finally fallen, the only light in the base was thanks to the reflection of snow. Rin shivered into the medics' tent and spoke to the men there, only to find out that Kohaku never made it. It troubled her greatly, and she made her way back to the place they had parted ways.
There weren't any signs of struggle, but Rin knew that if the men still held resentment over his attacker's death, they would kill him. And it wouldn't be too hard to get Taro's approval neither since there was tension between them.
Crap.
Rin walked away from the base, tying her shawl tightly to shield herself from the cold. "If he's still in that weak kosode, he'll probably lose some fingers and toes tonight," Rin grumbled as she walked deep into the woods.
An hour passed by before the beauty finally spotted him next to a river. "Kohaku! Kohaku, you bastard! You've made me worried like crazy! I'm going to kill you!" she laughed, running to him. He turned around, causing Rin to stop in her steps.
"A gift from kami, I see." Not Kohaku! Not Kohaku at all!
Rin stepped backwards as the armored man stood up, and when she saw that he pulled out his sword, she made a run for it. "Princess, come here," he crooned.
Taro?! Is it really you? Unsure, Rin slowed down and the armored man caught up, sheathing his sword to embrace her. Rin squirmed in his grasp, desperate to get away from him.
"You're mine," he laughed, stumbling them to the ground. He pressed his body on hers, holding her arms above her head.
Maybe one day she would have feared being in this position, but instead relished in the fact that Sango taught her self-defense for this exact purpose.
Rin jerked her knee up with all her might, aiming at his groin, and the man hollered in pain, releasing her. Wasting no time, she pulled out the ornaments from her hair and stabbed his neck, quickly getting out from under him.
"You bitch, how dare you!" he shouted in pain, unsheathing his sword.
The kanzashi should have done the trick! Rin gasped as he charged towards her, and she ran back into the woods. The laborious breaths of the man were always behind her, and she miscalculated a turn, giving him a chance to corner her.
"Damn wrench, I have you right where I want you," he chuckled darkly. The man swung at her and Rin screamed, closing her eyes. She expected to be in pain, but instead he was grunting, trying to pull the sword out of a tree. Rin took the opportunity of use her last kanzashi and stabbed his hand, and when he released the sword and screamed, she took it from him and pointed it at him.
"Don't fuck with me, bastard!"
"Give me my damn sword back!" he howled, lunging at her. Rin swung it, hitting armor.
"I said don't fuck with me!" Another swing, this time making contact with his arm. The man screamed and lunged for her again, punching her. The hit stunned her long enough that she lost her grip on the sword, making it land in a puddle of blood.
"The minute I get my hand on my sword, I'll finish you off, princess!"
Rin snapped out of shock, throwing herself on the ground to wrestle the sword from the man's grasp. "Give me the damn sword!"
"Man I hate women who fight back!" he barked in pain. They rolled on the ground, battling for dominance, when suddenly he punched her again, and Rin felt a sharp pain on her side.
The maiden looked down to see he had let go of the sword, and she reached for it, pinning the man's arm with it. The punch had left her disoriented, and Rin stood up, leaning on a tree for balance.
Her breaths came out labored, but she tried to listen for any movement the man would make. Pinned as he was to the ground, the man struggled for a bit, choking on blood, but after a few moments, no sounds left the man anymore.
Rin looked over his bloody form with hazy eyes, realizing she had killed him. "Oh kami, you'll forgive me, right?" she asked, falling to her knees. Tears formed in her eyes, and she reached into her kimono to retrieve her handkerchief to wash them off, an act that brought her comfort, only to notice she was tainting it with blood.
The man's blood.
"The river..." she panted, getting up her feet. "I need to wash off..."
Her steps were weak and small on her way to the rushing waters, obviously from the all the fighting she had done. Her head was still so disoriented that when she finally made it to the river, Rin only laid on her back by the shore. The cold water began to wash off the blood on her body while she watched the night sky. A star was traveling quite fast and suddenly it falling down towards her.
"My, nature is frightening," she mumbled. Rin closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, she realized it wasn't a star, but rather Kirara galloping to her.
"Rin!" Kohaku screamed, jumping off and picking up the maiden. "What happened?" his voice cracked.
"I came to look for you...the medics said you never got there, and I-I-I got attacked by a man..."
"Oh kami, Rin, Rin," he cried, hugging her. "A soldier wanted to return my weapon to me and wanted to talk to me. Rin, I'm such a fuck up, I swear I'm the worst person in the world!"
"Shut up, Kohaku," Rin said weakly. "Let's leave now before someone finds the dead body."
Kohaku gulped and nodded, helping her climb up Kirara's form. Rin leaned back onto his chest once they were in the air, groaning from the pain she was in.
The demon slayer wrapped his arms around her tightly. "What's the matter?" he asked concerned.
"Before I killed him, he punched me so hard that I can't see straight now..."
"Rin, I'm so sorry for this. Every time I turn my back on you, something happens. Fuck, I promise I'll never let anything bad happen to you again."
The beauty smiled, nodding her head. "I just hate that I got one of my favorite working kimonos dirty. You can make it up by buying me another," she teased weakly.
Kohaku laughed nervously. "Of course, a kimono that bad needs to be destroyed."
"Yes..." Rin agreed, sleepiness creeping in. When she shivered from the cold weather and wet clothing, Kohaku took off his shawl and covered her.
"Rest now. You're safe."
Rin nodded, eyes falling to her lap. Even though she had been partially submerged in the water, a large pool of blood was still present on her clothing. "I'm so serious about you buying me another kimono, bastard. This one is soaked in blood."
"Soaked?" Kohaku questioned. Rin turned to face him and his eyes widen with fear.
"Holy shit Rin, you've been stabbed!"
Rin gasped, placing her hand on the side where she felt the pain coming from. Instantly, she felt it being covered with a warm liquid, and to her horror, it was blood.
"Rin, Rin!" Kohaku cried, panicking as he held her. The maiden began to shake, applying pressure to the wound to make it stop bleeding.
"Am I going to die?" she cried. For once, Kohaku didn't have an answer for her, only his sobs filling the night sky.
I-I-I can't die! Not now!
"I want to see my lord," Rin yelled out. Kohaku shook his head.
"He's fighting the fire dem-"
"Lord Sesshomaru! Come for me, please," Rin screamed with all the strength she had left, "I need you!"
"Rin, don't work you-"
The beauty placed two fingers in her mouth, whistling as loud as she could. "My lord, my lord, come for me now!" She suddenly felt so weak again, sleep coming for her.
"Stay awake, Rin!" Kohaku sobbed, "Don't die on me!"
"I-I c-can't..." She closed her eyes, unable to fight the darkness anymore.
Her form slumped in Kohaku's arms, and she could hear his voice shouting her name in the distance. She could also hear another voice calling for her, rich and deep, but by that time, the darkness had engulfed her.
Coldness swept in every part of Rin's soul, completely different than what she imagined hell like.
Isn't hell hot? Or have I always been lied to?
"Would you something to drink, milord?" a tiny voice asked.
I am not a lord, Rin huffed.
"No." Wow, what a pleasant voice.
"It's been two days now, milord, surely I co-"
"I said no, Jaken."
Jaken, Jaken... Oh, Master Jaken! He is in hell too?
"Ah, a-alright. Please call me if you need anything, milord."
If that's Jaken, then 'milord' is none other than Lord Sesshomaru.
Rin felt something warm cover her and heard him sighing, voice breaking. He sounds so distressed...
"I've never been someone who heeds to humans, but please, wake up Rin. Please," Sesshomaru begged. Warmth wrapped around her body again, and Rin concluded that she hadn't passed away a second time.
She opened her eyes, coming in contact with armor, the same color armor the man who attacked her wore.
Maybe this is hell! Rin screamed in fear and tried to scramble out of his arms, afraid the man would kill her this time.
"Rin! Rin! It is I, Sesshomaru, you have nothing to fear," the voice assured her. The maiden cocked her head in his direction and broke into tears when she found out he was telling the truth.
"Lord Sesshomaru," Rin croaked as he pulled her into his arms.
"Rin, my Rin," Sesshomaru said sadly. "Did you think I was going to hurt you?"
"I thought I was in hell and you were the man I murdered," she confessed through tears. Sesshomaru pulled her back to look at her. His golden eyes were full of sadness as he studied her, and he pulled her into a hug again.
"I'm so glad you're alive..." he confessed.
In between his words of love and gratitude, Rin swore she felt a few tears touch her forehead.
Rin had discovered that in the time she was sleeping, Sesshomaru had been the one to completely heal her and take care of her. He had let no one come close to her in her home, Jaken told her, and she was always in his arms as he waited for her to wake up.
The first day had been the hardest for her, and Rin had become completely dependent on him. She wasn't steady on her feet, so she needed to lean on him whenever she wanted to walk around. If she grew hungry, Sesshomaru would summon Jaken to retrieve whatever she liked. The biggest issue, however, fell on the fact that he didn't want anyone coming close to her, and Rin heard Sesshomaru fighting with Inuyasha outside the home frequently.
"We're worried about her too damnit! Get the fuck outta my way!" Inuyasha yelled.
"I will kill you without hesitation if you continue, half-breed," Sesshomaru scoffed.
Each time their fighting got that bad, someone stepped in (probably Lady Kagome or the honorable monk) and Inuyasha would leave. Sesshomaru would reenter the main room, pissed off, but as soon as his eyes fell on the beauty, he'd smile and sit next to her, offering her a cup of tea or something to eat.
On that very first day of waking up, Rin learned that Sesshomaru had successfully defeated the fire demon's kin and obtained a healing gem from their lair, which he used to close her wound with. It left her side neat, as if she had only been scratched at. But it was only meant to be used once, which meant the weakness in her legs had to go away on their own. Nevertheless, Sesshomaru was grateful to have saved her life with it.
"That's the kami's work for you," Rin half-joked, and Sesshomaru shook his head at her jokes.
Rin assumed that eventually he'd bring up how angry he was with her for leaving the village, but Sesshomaru never mentioned it, only relishing on the fact she had life.
Some days went by, and Rin finally regained the strength in her legs to walk on her own. Sesshomaru took the chance to walk outside with her, hand in hand in broad daylight, to their favorite sitting spot under the sakura tree.
"It's covered in snow now, but in the spring, she'll be so gorgeous," Rin pointed out. She glanced at the demon lord who stood to her side, catching his golden gaze locked on her.
"Gorgeous you say," he repeated, a small chuckle escaping him. Rin cocked a brow in confusion.
"Well milord, this tree is gorgeous to me. Alas, beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
"And the world beholds your beauty," he added, squeezing her hand.
Rin blushed, leaning onto his fur. "How I've missed coming here with you."
"Same here, my Rin," Sesshomaru said, leading her under the branches to view the river.
"'My Rin', huh? And what should I call you now?" she laughed happily. Her being was overflowing with love.
"Hm?"
"Well, something only I can call you. Just as no one else may call me 'their Rin', I'd like something special for you too."
She watched his golden stare soften up at the words, his hand coming up to caress her face. Rin remembered how tired he appeared that first night he came back to the village after two years, but now Sesshomaru appeared so lively. And happy.
"How about 'great dog demon'?" Sesshomaru suggested, pressing his forehead to hers. Rin laughed.
"I believe the entire world knows you as such, milord."
"Hm, how about aiding me, then Rin?" he gazed into her eyes. His lips found hers, and she melted into the warm of his mouth, wrapping her arms around him.
More than anything, she had wanted this kiss. Sesshomaru hadn't been overly affectionate with her during her recovery time, so the kiss was a "kami I've missed you" kiss instead of their usual "I'll miss you".
His mouth was careful, loving in every way between soft intake of breaths and Rin couldn't stop herself from falling more in love with him.
But she knew that it was him who had fallen farther than she had.
He pulled back slightly all too soon, golden eyes studying her blushing face. "I thought of something," Sesshomaru said, lips brushing against hers.
"Tell me, my lord," Rin smiled, placing a quick kiss on his lips.
"Anata."
.oOo.
AN: Sorry for the delay! Hope this chapter was worth it. Upcoming chapter is all about love, so prepare yourselves.
To clarify some stuff:
1) Rin cusses in distress or to Kohaku, who she sees as an older brother. 2) Sesshomaru's cold heart has been broken by Rin's warmth. It's only fitting that he's loving to just her. 3)Reminder: Taro calls Rin "princess", a nickname he gave her based on looks. This was mentioned in chapter 4. She has no royal blood nor married for an official title. The nickname caught on with most villagers over the years.
A thank you to those who message me and review the fic. You guys encourage me so much!
