*Disclaimer - Takahashi Rumiko is a freaking genius! Who in their right mind would try to claim her work as their own? I know I wouldn't, everyone knows I couldn't come up with anything as great as Inuyasha.*
Sequel to "Theft Through Seduction"
"You may deny your fate, but you cannot escape your destiny."
For Rin: Chapter 8 - His Competition
Rin awoke early the next morning, hoping to make herself presentable to Sesshoumaru. It was rare, Naname had told her, for a woman to court a man. But because she was dealing with Sesshoumaru, whom she had learned never approved of youkai and human relationships, it was what she had to do to make her feelings known. She was sure he suspected them, but she was completely unaware of his attitude towards them. She had thought that he might leave her in the village when he failed to pick her up at sunrise, but his arrival, though it was a late one, told her otherwise. So she would do all she could to make Sesshoumaru love her.
She began with a nice long bath in hot springs. She grinded a mixture of flowers to create a blend that she rubbed into her fresh skin, ensuring that she would attract his sense of smell. And as she dressed, she kept her kimono and armor a little loose so that he would have a slight view of her breast. And as she planned to spend most of her time in Sesshoumaru's presence, she hoped he would enjoy the lovely voice Naname told her she had. But she doubted these things alone would make Sesshoumaru love her.
To make things worse, it seemed that Sesshoumaru would not have time for her anytime soon. With important guests arriving by sunset, he would barely have enough time to even look at her. With such terrible timing, what could she hope to accomplish? She had intended to be by his side all morning as he prepared, but she found that she was in the way because she had no task. So she dismissed herself, waiting to steal another moment with Sesshoumaru.
But sunset was drawing near and so were Sesshoumaru's guests. She could see them coming now, down the long path that led to the castle. There were two of them, each with pointy ears atop their heads. They followed after Jaken, their orange fur resembling the orange and gold sun. Perhaps she could please Sesshoumaru by giving them a proper greeting as any lady would. Pulling lightly on the reins, she turned her horse towards the visitors.
One of the men looked up, suddenly drawn to gaze at the setting sun. He stared in awe at the fair maiden riding sidesaddle atop the horse. Her pace was slow but her long black hair danced at the ends as she moved. He thought for a moment that she had descended from the sky with the bright sun behind her, illuminating her as if she were an angel. His eyes quickly adjusted and he saw a gorgeous face with chocolate colored eyes. Never had he seen such an extraordinary human woman.
"Jaken, I did not know that Lord Sesshoumaru had taken a mate."
Jaken turned to the man and looked at him questioningly. "He has not taken a mate."
The man turned his attention back to the woman as he spoke. "Then who is that wonderful creature?"
Jaken turned away, a small frown upon his features. "Oh that is only Rin, an orphan child Sesshoumaru-sama has shown pity upon. As if Sesshoumaru-sama would take a human mate."
Confusion overwhelmed than man. "What is wrong with that? His father and his brother did the same."
"Sesshoumaru-sama is far different from his father and brother."
Jaken stopped as Rin drew near, wondering what the woman could want. She walked to them now, leading the horse by its reins with a small smile upon her face. She bowed deeply when she reached them, noticed how the two men resembled cats. How strange for cat youkai to come visit a dog youkai. But business was business and despite quarrels simpler creatures may have, she knew that these men would overcome them.
"Rin. This is Lord Suboshi of the Southern Lands and his son Aamiboshi."
Rin bowed again and smiled at each man. "It is an honor to meet you. Welcome to the Western Lands and Sesshoumaru-sama's castle. I hope your stay is enjoyable and productive."
Aamiboshi spoke up, wanting only to answer the sweet sound that came from Rin's lips. He stared at her intensely, as if entranced, then forced himself to lighten his gaze. "We thank you for the kind welcome my lady."
"I am sure you are eager to rest from such a long journey. Please, do not let me keep you any longer."
Rin bowed again as they departed, her lips curving up in knowing. She had recognized the way Aamiboshi had looked upon her. Naname had pointed out such looks that had come from young men in the villages. It meant that he was attracted to her and because he was, she quickly found a way to use him in her plans.
Though she told Sesshoumaru that she believed she had misplaced her parting gifts, she had not let what really happened to them go unnoticed. As Naname predicted, Sesshoumaru had not approved of the gifts she had received. Rin had placed them at his feet as they rode off on his cloud that night, had said nothing as he slightly moved his foot sent them falling to the ground. Surely this was a sign of jealousy Naname had told her about. And wasn't it just perfect that she may be able to use Aamiboshi to try to make Sesshoumaru jealous again? She felt as though she should feel terrible, but apart of her rejoiced at the idea of using her female powers.
So she turned, the stables her destination, and returned to her room for a long night of planning.
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"As you know, cats have always had a taste for birds, but I think this breed believed that we would be too disgusted by their appearance and leave them be. Of course, cats will be cats, especially the less civilized, and many of those birds were hunted and made for food. These cats that attacked their tribe do not live within my territory, but I still believe the incident could spark trouble."
Sesshoumaru sat at the head of the table, his hand lightly tapping its surface. "I should not doubt it. These creatures hold no regard for authority."
"My thoughts exactly. I recalled in a meeting I had with Jaken that you yourself had run into some trouble with these creatures. I hoped we could both find a way to dispose of such annoying fiends."
"I have no interest, as of yet, to take any action until they force me to do so. But as you said yourself, they fled the area near your lands and it would seem as though their numbers outside of my territory is growing. Any future attack on their behalf is inevitable."
"I see. Is there any reason why they would oppose you?"
"Petty reasons that any youkai lord would expect a lesser youkai to have. I allow a human female to live in my presence and there was a time I only had one arm. Both weaknesses in their eyes."
"That woman, Rin, she does not appear to be weak. And if you were truly ever without an arm, it is clear that it has been restored. You are far from a weak Lord."
"Clearly. This Sesshoumaru is not worried by what they think. But still, let us speak of ways to fix this little problem."
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Aamiboshi stood outside the guest quarters, glad that the meeting with his father and Lord Sesshoumaru was over. Because he was the oldest son, he was obligated to participate in each important matter so he would be prepared when it was his time to take his father's place. So he sat with them, nodded as if he was paying attention when he felt something important was voiced and tried not to loose focus. But his mind had been elsewhere the entire time.
Rin. What a faire name for a faire beauty. He had been pleased when she joined them for lunch, when she stayed after to speak with him before he was dragged back into another meeting. And now that they were done for the day, he watched for her, hoping to have another moment to hear her voice. There was something captivating about the strength and innocence he sensed from her. As though she were strong yet fragile at the same time. All male youkai wanted a mate who was powerful but still needed to depend upon their mate. Rin would make the perfect mate for any youkai.
"Daijobou, Aamiboshi?"
He turned quickly, gazed into concerning brown eyes. "Rin. Arigatou, I'm fine."
"You seemed as though you were in some far away place."
"I was merely wishing I was not confined within these quarters. I do not think it is safe for a stranger to be walking around alone on someone else's lands. Perhaps you could show me around before dinner?"
Rin smiled and bowed, pleased that he had asked. "It would be my honor. Please, this way."
Rin led Aamiboshi out towards the forest, hoping to spark talk amongst the gate guards that would surely be able to spot them, even at such a far distance. She spoke lightly about the area, brushed up against him ever so slightly, and laughed at each of his jokes. The young cat youkai was really quite handsome. His eyes were narrowed and light green, accenting the lovely orange color of his short fur. He wore strange armor and clothing, nothing like she had ever seen before. His tail twitched this way and that, making her want to cuddle him as if he were a common pet.
"Rin, how old are you?"
"Eighteen, and you?"
"Twenty. Have you lived here all of your life?"
"No. I met Sesshoumaru-sama when I was six and we came to live here when I was fifteen."
"I see. His lands are very beautiful, a very good location as well. Do you visit the hot springs often?"
"More often now that it is becoming cooler. But this is where I spend most of the time."
Rin stopped as she gazed upon the large garden. Fall and winter flowers of all species bloomed along the pathways, in patches near the river. She was grateful for such a beautiful place of tranquility. As they walked through it to return, Rin picked up a flower and twirled it between her fingers, planning to keep it by her bedside to remember this day. She was pleased when Aamiboshi selected a special looking flower and handed it to her. And to please him, seemingly forgot the flower she had picked, and placed his flower in her hair.
Sesshoumaru passed the garden as he was going to sit for dinner and was not at all pleased by what he saw.
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Things are kind of moving along slowly, but I guess you can see just where things are going. I initially had no intention of making Sesshoumaru jealous (I'm not really sure if its possible...), but the idea struck me as something that would work since I planned to bring back the birds and some people from some other land. In the end, it works out well for the overall story. Of course you won't find out why until later. But we'll see where it brings Sesshy and Rin's relationship. ^_^
And Liz, I'll get you an episode summary ASAP. I'm leaving in three weeks for college and things have been kind of hectic around my house. Anyway, thanks for the reviews!!
-~Rabid Anime Gurl