DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters in this story expect Tristis, Astoria, & Maaya. They all belong to Rumiko Takahashi, I just borrowed them.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Chapter Seven is here. I might rewrite this because it seems very rushed. However I do hope you enjoy this. Once again thank you to all those that review! *Hugs* It makes me feel so good that someone actually likes my babbling. ^__^ For those that read "Who Do You Love?" I'm working on it!! I swear! It's just harder than I thought. Also I'm considering writing a Nightwalker: Midnight Detective/Inuyasha fanfic. We'll see though. Anyway enjoy and please review!
Chapter Seven-Out in the Open
The scent of flowers sent her mind reeling. She sat on the grass, wanting to leave the wonderful scent but couldn't find the will to stand. So she let the smell led her mind to the tall beautiful demon lord that she lived with.
"Look Aunt Rin! Uncle Miroku and Aunt Sango are coming! Wow she got big!"
Rin glanced to where Tristis was screaming for her to look. Thank goodness she didn't have Sesshoumaru's or the boy's parents' hearing. His joyous cries of glee often hurt her ears so she could image how the demons of the household felt.
When she caught sight of the two he was so over joyed to see she felt an eyebrow raise. Tristis comment was due to the fact that Sango was heavily pregnant. Even though this was the second visit the two had made to Inuyasha's home while she had been living with them she was still surprised by the fact that Sango was pregnant.
She could only recall a distant memory of seeing a woman actually pregnant but she hadn't remembered the stomach growing so large. She put a hand to her own stomach but quickly removed it when she realized what she was doing. To take her mind off it she looked down at her charge. "Perhaps you shouldn't say such things to Sango."
Rin was awarded with a confused expression. "But why? She is big!"
"I know and she probably knows that too. So why don't you be extra nice to her and don't mention her size? Tell her how pretty she looks."
The little boy really didn't understand why he couldn't say anything about how big Aunt Sango had gotten since the last time he had seen her. But his Aunt Rin always knew best so he'd do as she asked. She was so cool too. She could run almost as fast as his mommy and daddy and she was just as tough. He had even seen her kill a big spider demon all by herself when it attacked the village.
'Aunt Rin is so cool. I wonder why Daddy doesn't like her. Uncle Sesshoumaru seemed really nice too.'
Tristis' opinion of his uncle had increased even more with stories from Rin. He started to learn some of the special attacks that she had learned from him. Attacks that he had created himself. And of course he was filled in with every little detail of their many journeys across Sesshoumaru's territory. That and he now begged his parents to let him visit his castle.
"Lady Rin. Always a pleasure to see you. Tristis are you keeping your stubborn father on his toes?"
The pup grinned at his Uncle Miroku. "Yep! Are you gonna stay longer? Mommy said you were cause Aunt Sango is going to have her baby really soon."
"Well if your father doesn't have any objections I believe we will."
Rin disregarded the rest of the conversation and started out into the forest. She heard the curious trio whisper and though she couldn't make out the words she knew it concerned her. It wouldn't be the first time Inuyasha's circle of friends had talked about her, nor would it be the last. She just didn't fit in with them.
A sigh left her as she continued her unknown path. Miroku and Sango were as human as her yet she felt superior to them. Shippo couldn't stand her equal, though she couldn't deny his crafty skills or the gorgeous features that age had given him did tempt her to lower her standing. And at the same time she felt far above Inuyasha's family as well. She adored Tristis and Kagome was such a strong powerful woman but it wasn't enough. The future priestess was powerful but lacked the deeper wisdom Rin craved.
'I can't go back to Lord Sesshoumaru without it. We're running out of time. I was lucky the first time but now... it feels the same. If my "condition" is back again then I can't return. I can't go home. And I can't stay here. Inuyasha can't stand me.'
The two clashed because of a man that hadn't been present in a month. The half demon's older brother's presence stood between them and for that they couldn't get along. They only played nice when Tristis was around.
'How foolish. If he only knew the true reasons. It's not even Lord Sesshoumaru he hates. His mother turned him against his brother. But he's as blind to that as I've always been told.'
She sat against a tree and shredded the grass that laid beside her. She herself felt like a half breed. It was true, Rin had truly felt all the emotions Inuyasha had when he was growing up. Though perhaps to a much lesser degree. She had, had the privilege to have Lord Sesshoumaru watching over her so she didn't have to hear remarks from ignorant humans or demons.
The young woman sitting on the ground was neither human nor demon. She couldn't belong to only one world and she couldn't belong to both. It was only in Lord Sesshoumaru's home or just in his presence that she felt acceptance. Before she had to keep quiet, left alone and hope no one would lash out at her. Now she could walk freely among both species but still left alone.
Only under the demon lord's watchful eye did she feel comfortable. Rin could take care of herself and had even been granted her "freedom" from her lord. For the first time she pushed a gift from Sesshoumaru away. It wasn't right. She belonged to him and always would. Being with the dangerous lord was her sanctuary.
'I want to go home. I want the big forest surrounding the castle. I want to hear Jaken kissing up to Lord Sesshoumaru. I want those nights back....'
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"Inuyasha you really need to stop. Rin's been with us for over a month and I've never seen her do one terrible thing. Well unless you count the time you guys fight."
"Can't you sense it? There's something wrong with that girl!"
Kagome ran and covered his mouth. "Shhh! She'll hear you. Listen this is probably as hard on her as it is on you. I mean this is the first time she's been gone from Sesshoumaru for so long. Besides it probably won't be much longer."
The former monk and exterminator shared a look before the former spoke up. "Kagome's right. I don't sense an evil presence from her at all. I think you're just scared of your older brother."
"What?! Me scared of that little mutt! I think Sango gave you too many blows to the head before she finally married you, you pervert!"
Shippo sighed and continued his card game with Tristis, "Ten minutes into the visit and already Inuyasha is giving insults. I suppose things will never change."
History repeated itself as the fox demon was rewarded with a lump on the head. Tristis on the other hand decided to keep quiet while the adults talked. He had learned long ago that if he pretended he wasn't there then his parents wouldn't tell him to leave the room. So the little pup continued his card game and listened to what they had to say about his Aunt Rin.
"I think you're letting your hate for your brother get to you. Everything has been fine during Rin's stay," remarked Sango.
The half demon growled and walked out of his home. 'What a bunch of morons. When was the last time I was wrong about something like this. She may not be evil but there's something wrong I can feel it. There's something not right about her.'
Before he could reflect on his thoughts anymore an ear piercing scream destroyed the peaceful forest.
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This is why he hadn't allowed a females to be with Rin during her childhood years. He worried that she'd become a boring wench like Lady Astoria. Sesshoumaru walked with her in his gardens as she informed him of the latest gossip making their rounds in the dog clan circles. He couldn't care less. He ruled the western lands and he rarely made contact with the other so why should he care who was mating with who.
In truth he wanted to fling the annoying bitch to the ground and go collect his human. He still felt ill at ease not having the girl by his side. To make matters worse the demon couldn't find a polite way to order Astoria out of his home and life. Normally he would have told her exactly what he thought of her, had her out of his life, and continue on as he had before.
But his mother's blood ran through him with a vengeance. From her he had learned patience and a sense of honor. For her memory he couldn't be as rude as his younger brother. He had been raised better than that and would make his mother proud of him.
So he half listened to the quite dull chatter of his guest. He never thought the sight of Jaken would cause him such joy. But it did as he saw the little imp running towards him with his ever present staff in hand. "Lord Sesshoumaru! Your father's will has arrived. I had it put in your study for you to look at when you get the chance."
Sesshoumaru nodded and then turned to the clearly annoyed female. "If you'll excuse me Lady Astoria. I have quite a deal of work to do. Feel free to explore the rest of the garden for yourself. Come Jaken."
The two left, the former running desperately to keep up with his master. That and to get away from the angry bitch. Astoria glared at their retreating forms but silenced her cries of rage. Instead she did as the lord had suggested and explored his garden as she pleased.
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"Does the will contain what you hope to find? Would your father have known how to..."
The toad was interrupted, "I know not but that's why I have his will. I believe time is passing us quickly as Rin stays with my brother. She has changed once again."
Jaken's already big eyes widened even more. "But I thought that mountain witch said..."
"She was wrong."
The smaller of the two kept his mouth shut until an uncharacteristic surprised cry left the striking demon. "Lord Sesshoumaru what's wrong? Are you ill?! What should I do?!"
"Shut up Jaken."
He rolled up the will and glanced out the window again. What had he heard? He had been studying the will for any clues when he felt a woman's scream in his mind. What really disturbed him was the cry of fear and pain sounded too much like Rin's.
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"Damn low level demon! Thought you could attack a helpless woman in the middle of the forest!"
Rin's right shoulder bleed heavily but she still clutched her sword, trying to fight back. Only problem was that her sword fighting skill wasn't as good with her left hand. The centipede chuckled and rushed at the petite woman. It had already took a large chunk of flesh out of her shoulder and had lashed out at her legs.
"Sankontessou!"
She saw a blur of red fly past her as she forced her legs to stand. The attack had pushed the demon away from her but now it decided the half demon would be its prey. "Inuyasha watch out!"
The older one rolled his eyes. "Just sit there and shut up! Don't you dare die on me! I thought you said you could take care of yourself? You're not going to leave Sesshoumaru yelling at me!"
He made a move for Tetsusaiga but was thrown against a tree before he could touch it. The low level made another move at the girl and this time bit her stomach. Rin screamed in utter pain but thrust her sword upwards. She wasn't even aiming for anything but as luck would have it she struck the head.
Inuyasha cursed under his breath as he stood up. "Dammit! I defeated Naraku and I couldn't finish off a worthless thing like that!"
He was about to growl some more when he heard a weak moan. His focus went to the fallen Rin who looked at her bleeding stomach in horror. "No! I can't lose another one!"
She passed out after that. Leaving Inuyasha to pick her up and run back to his home. 'It can't be. Sesshoumaru would never.... Shit I have to get Kagome and Kaede to tend to her wounds right away. If I think what's true then.... Shit!'
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"But Lord Sesshoumaru would on earth could be so important for you to leave? Why can't a servant tend to this matter?"
Sesshoumaru almost snarled at her but kept it in. "I must see to this. Stay if you'd like but I want you out of my home before I return."
Astoria's features showed shock. "Lord Sesshoumaru... I would never disobey but may I ask why?"
"I plan to bring back my mate and I don't want another bitch in her rooms. My servants will attend to your needs."
Once again he left her, with Jaken trailing behind him. Of all the insufferable things she was forced to suffer during her stay. And now he was bringing a mate! No she wouldn't allow it. She, Astoria, was the one who was going to rule over the western lands with Sesshoumaru.
"Maaya!"
A little blue fairy flew into the room, panting slightly. "Yes Lady Astoria?"
"I want you to follow Sesshoumaru and find out who his mate is. Learn everything you can of the disgusting thing. I want to known weaknesses! Also work on a spell to put him under. I don't want his pretty eyes to see so much blood."
The raven haired fairy paled slightly and stuttered her reply. "Yes madam."
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After a great deal of screaming and fussing Rin's bleeding was stopped. Tristis had wailed at her condition and begged to stay with her. However his parents had decided that she needed her rest and forced him to stay in his room. Kagome, herself had wanted to stay to keep her company. But like Tristis she was asked to leave at the request of Inuyasha.
He closed the door to her room and sat down by her sleeping form. He knew the others were listening outside but that really didn't concern him. Questions had been brewing in his mind and as he spied her neck and seeing the faint scar only confirmed his fears.
"Rin wake up. You haven't been completely honest to us."
The injured exterminator turned her head to look at him with tired eyes. "Of all times to talk you pick now Inuyasha. What the hell do you want?"
"How long has Sesshoumaru been taking you to his bed and how does he feel to having a half breed for a child?"
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Was it wrong to end it there? Sorry but that seemed like a chapter ending. Don't worry I'll have the next chapter out as soon as possible, if I don't have to rewrite this one. Please tell me if this chapter doesn't seem good enough, I'll gladly work on it again. *~Ashley~*