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Author's Notes: Sorry for the long update… ;
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Disclaimer: I do not own this Sesshomaru
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THIRD TIME'S A CHARM
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CHAPTER THREE: SIBLING LOVE
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"Wow, it's beautiful!" Rin whispered in awe as Kagome handed the sleek weapon to her.
"Happy Birthday, Rin. It's a Kuroi Tatsujin Katana," she replied indicating the elegance yet simplicity of the light blade. "It's supposed to portray the ancient warrior's master of the sword." She paused with a wry grin. "But then, this sword might not be for you."
"Hey! I'm not that bad!"
"Sure, you're not," she rolled her eyes sarcastically. "And pigs can fly."
"It's not as easy as you think." Her fingers were gently caressing as though it might break.
"No, it isn't," Kagome spoke quietly with a distant look in her eyes. But the look was gone as quick as it came. She smiled to cover it up. "You're only bad because there are just so many distractions."
"Distractions?" She stared up at her sister with a puzzled expression trying to discern her meaning while sliding the brand-new weapon back into its scabbard to set it aside.
"Boys," Kagome pointed out simply. "Fencing is a man's sport. And you're only doing it so you can be submerged with men. That college crap you told me on the phone has nothing to do with it." She grinned wickedly as Rin turned a bright shade of red. "Rin, I'm disappointed. I mean, I thought you out of all people wouldn't be desperate enough to join a fencing club!"
"Oh, pleeeaaase. That is so not true!" Her cheeks were burning now. "There aren't even any hot guys at my club and besides, most of they guys are my friends. They'd never look at me like that."
"Well, that's what you think right now, but people change. And guys are pretty good at hiding and bottling up their feelings," she chuckled softly. "Almost as good as girls, Rin. Let's just say I wouldn't put it past any of them—"
"Kagome, wait a second," she interrupted; a sudden thought occurring to her. "If you thought fencing was just a joke, you mean that you gave me this," she waved the katana up in the air. "As a joke as well? Is it even real?"
Kagome looked away unable to contain her laughter. "I'll let you decide that for yourself…"
"UGHHHHH! Kagome, one day Buddha's going to punish you for all of your little pranks, do you hear me?! Maybe he'll snatch your soul up or something, so you'll learn to be a little more thoughtful with your gifts!" she nearly shouted while kicking the sword across the room. "I was expecting something really nice from you this year! And you're calling that a birthday present?!"
"Hey, calm down! Don't do that! It may have been a joke, but that sword is still a priceless artifact! I bought it at an auction. It cost a lot, you know," she tried to explain. "I thought that you enjoyed nice things-- you know, history-related stuff!"
"Oh, go hang it over the fireplace then if it's so rare."
The doorbell rang that very moment ending their dispute. It was followed up by a sharp rap on the door.
Kagome sighed lifting herself off of the floor and moving to answer the door. "That must be Hojo. Always checking up on me even before the sun has risen," she murmured in a slightly annoyed tone. "Rin, do me a favor and go wake Souta up so both of you can walk to school."
"Well, all right..." Rin looked away letting out a long and heavy sigh. "Um, how come Mom or Gramps can't drop me off at school? Or even you?"
"Mom told me when I got home last night that she had to drive Gramps to the hospital early in the morning so the doctor can look at his back again. They won't be home for awhile. And I can't take you because…well, I don't feel like it," she answered innocently before opening the door for her intended.
"Good morning, Sleeping Beauty," winked a smiling Hojo. He held a bouquet of fresh flowers in one arm while using the other to ring the doorbell. "I thought I'd stop by this morning for a quick visit to see if you're feeling any better. That headache you had yesterday seemed quite severe." After setting the flowers down on a nearby chair he pulled her into a tight hug and planted a wet kiss on her cheek.
"Oh, hello Hojo." She gasped from his embrace. "And is that all you came for?"
He released her from his deadly grip to scratch the back of his head. A guilty smile crept at the corners of his mouth. "Okay, and the fact that I can't seem to stay away from you for even a day."
"Hojo…" Kagome gave him a weak and caring smile. "Why, don't you come inside and I'll make you some breakfast."
"Wow, thanks, Sweetheart!"
'Does he always have to call me Sweetheart? It makes me sound like a child.'
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She let him step inside and helped him remove his coat while Rin pounded noisily up the stairs. Not only was she late, but now she had to walk to school. She'd probably miss all of first and second period--not that she minded skipping algebra and chemistry…
"Why, couldn't you look at Gramps's back, Doctor Kagome, and let Mom drive me to school." She huffed to herself while jogging up the stairs. She continued on until she stood right outside her brother's door.
"Souta!" Rin banged as loudly as possible. "Get up lazy, git! It's time to go to school!"
No response.
"Souta! I swear, if you don't—"
The door swung open this time and Rin, who was practically leaning her whole weight into it, would have fallen smack to the ground if Souta's arms hadn't been there to catch her. He held her for a few seconds before she pulled away.
"About time!" she snapped. "I was starting to think that you'd gone and died in there."
"What's got you so upset?" He stared at her indifferently.
Rin could tell by his school uniform that he was ready to go before she had even come to him. "We have to go now. I'm already late as it is…" She took a step back when he took one towards her.
"Let's go then." He wore a serious expression on his face. Souta wasn't a very serious person. Normally he was bright and cheery, but today he seemed a little bit off.
"Are you…all right, Souta? You seem kind of, well…" She looked away from his eyes. "I dunno—just forget it."
"I'm fine." He smiled weakly before walking past her and stepping lightly down the stairs.
After shrugging off the strange feeling that came whenever he was around, she turned to follow after him.
Rin could tell that Hojo was nagging Kagome before they even stepped into the kitchen.
"What do you mean you don't eat bacon and eggs?!" Kagome's voice carried throughout the room.
"It's not that I don't like them, Sweetheart, it's just that they have too much grease and cholesterol—and you know that's not good for my blood pressure!"
She was tapping her arm none too gently with her spatula. "And what does that have to do with not being able to eat my pancakes?" She threw him cold and piercing stare.
"Um, actually, I don't eat pancakes unless they happen to be made with skim milk," he replied simply. "I'm lactose intolerant. I can't eat just any pancakes, Kagome."
She gaped at him speechless. Here she had gone out of her way to do to cook him a wonderful meal and he wasn't even touching it; barely looking at it. Could she really survive living with this man?
With the absolutely dumbfounded look she was giving him, he felt inclined to move over and comfort her. "Ohhh, don't be sad Sweetheart, I'm sure your breakfast was delicious even if I can't eat it. I know how much you enjoy the fatty foods, Kagome, but you should really consider joining me on the Atkins Diet." He smiled triumphantly at her like he'd just found a cure to all their problems. "After all, we'll be living together soon—buying the same foods and enjoying the same meals—you know, rubbing off on each other like husbands and wives tend to do."
"The Atkins Diet? A-Are you calling me, fat?" she whispered hysterically.
Rin and Souta arrived just in time to see Kagome nail Hojo in the head with her spatula. Hojo was one of those guys who still hadn't learned the rules of women—rule number one being: never suggest a diet plan for a girl. He also was defending himself poorly from her assaults. Not that anyone could blame the guy. While Kagome strong and overbearing, Hojo was scrawny and easily pushed around when it came to fights with Kagome. This was probably why he was so perfect for Kagome and her temper.
It seemed that Kagome had lost interest in the spatula as she tossed it aside while at the same time, reaching for her finger like she was going to chuck the wedding ring he gave her at his face. But by the bizarre look on her face, Rin could tell she didn't have it.
"Where is it?!" she stared blankly down at her hand. "Where's my ring?" This was all Hojo needed to recover himself.
"You mean the wedding ring I let you try on late last night?"
"Yes, you dolt! That ring!" she cut in angrily feeling the need to whack him on the head some more. "I had it on last night and then…and then…I'm sure I didn't take it off!"
"Kagome, you should really be more careful when you decide to misplace a thousand dollar ring. I mean," he spoke with a tinge of pride in his voice; a weak smile creeping onto his rather ignorant face. "I can always afford another one, but I'd prefer not to spend another three hours shopping with you and waiting for you to pick out a different one."
Somewhere during the time Hojo spent lecturing, Kagome's face had turned a beet red color—and it wasn't anything close to a blush. "Come on," Souta whispered to Rin. "Let's leave now before it gets any uglier."
"Hai," Rin nodded still fascinated by their conflict. She ignored the hand that slipped quite innocently into hers and guided her out of the house from the bitter quarrel.
As soon as they were out, he reluctantly released her. They walked through the busy and crowded streets in complete silence with Souta commenting every now and then on the different vehicles passing by. He was fascinated with cars.
"Yeah, and I'm gonna get one of those as soon as I graduate," he pointed out excitedly as a silver Ford Mustang GT drove past them. "At least when I get a job."
"Good luck," she smirked at her older sibling's remark. "Have you decided where you want to go next year?" She was referring colleges once again. They turned into a shortcut ally that was more secluded than the rest of the streets. Rin's school was just up ahead, but Souta would still had to travel several more blocks.
"Um, not yet," he shook his head in disappointment continuing to stare straight ahead.
Again, silence.
Souta cast an unsettling glance in her direction before his gaze reverted back to the public school just up ahead that seemed to captivate his attention. It wasn't just the school though; everything except Rin looked interesting.
For just a split second, Rin could have sworn she saw a pained look in his eyes with just a hint of desperation. Was he apprehensive over his future? It wasn't something he should worry about. He was a bright kid, and he'd have no trouble applying anywhere. Whatever was bothering Souta, he did well to cover it up.
She was about to offer him some comforting advice before he suddenly took her hand in his once again. His audacious move caused Rin's entire body to go cold. Her heart nearly jumped out of her throat when he squeezed it in response to her stiffness. Wasn't this exactly what she had been afraid of this morning? Wasn't this a reasonable explanation why Mom should have taken her to school instead of letting her walk with Souta alone?
Though it was hard, Rin tried her best to remain calm.
"Souta…what are you doing?" Dang, her voice was all shaky.
"Rin," he stopped quite suddenly and turned to face her. His expression was unreadable, but Rin knew what he was about to say before he even said it. After all, this certainly wasn't the first time he'd looked at her like this.
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"I love you."
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She had known about it for a long time, but hearing the actual words coming from his mouth was completely different from what she'd imagined. With pure horror stamped all across her face, she pulled away from his reach. "B-But…just as your sister…right? I mean I love you too…but not like that."
He furrowed his eyebrows to think about her question, before responding with a hesitant, "No." He moved closer to her until her he had her pinned to an ally wall.
"Okay, that's enough," she forced a smile "You just don't say that kind of crap—stop kidding around!"
"Oh, it's no joke, Rin." His head was very close to hers now—his dark eyes penetrating deep into her own, his lips just mere inches from hers. "I love you…I've loved you for a long time."
"Shut-up! Who are you? What have you done with the real Souta?" Rin choked—the realization of the truth in his words becoming quite evident now. She didn't like the way his arms held hers. "Just because you go to an all boys' school doesn't give you the right to make a move on me! God, Souta! I'm your sister!" A salty sting was building up in her eyes as. This was too much. Why couldn't she ever control her tears?
"It's not like we're even related! You aren't even my real sister!" He blurted out angrily trying to make her understand. "I don't see what the prob—"
"Just shut up! I know you don't mean that, Souta," she pleaded desperately. "The problem is that you're freaking me out!" By now, she was covering her ears and shaking her head from side to side in disbelief.
Souta, who was scowling, finally seemed to take the hint and backed off. "Look Rin," he gestured his arms. "Rin, look. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. I-It's just that—"
"Please. Just be quiet," she whispered softly; her words a backlash in his face. He hated it when she was upset, especially when she started crying. "I'm not even sure I want to hear your excuses." Her eyes were shimmering in desperate need of reassurance—the kind of reassurance that a brother would provide.
Souta obediently shut up. But he offered her no words of this brotherly reassurance she wanted so badly. He was starting to fall into Hojo's league when it came to women. Rule number two being: Comfort in times of sadness. Souta wasn't comforting. He was just staring at his shoe in self-pity. She couldn't take this anymore. She had to get away.
She stumbled out of his reach backing into a trash can in the process. He continued to stare at his feet though he winced when she almost fell. After recovering herself, she began sprinting to school, running blindly into people without a second glance behind her. How could someone she cared for so much hurt her in so many ways? Why were men so frustrating? Couldn't he see he had just messed up their entire relationship? She could never return home without feeling awkward now. Life would never be the same around her and Souta again. Would they ever be able to have a decent conversation together much less be able to look at each other without feeling embarrassed?
"Damn," she cursed under her breathe. They wouldn't.
It was a poor start to her last day of school. And she had a distinct feeling that it wasn't going to get any better.
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"Here, my Lord," exhaled the small worn-out toad. He had spent the last ten minutes helping his master with his armor, but it would have taken even longer for his lord to do it himself especially since he had only one arm. Jaken held Tokijin with raised arms to his master. "To defend yourself in case they decide to attack you."
Sesshomaru cast him a sideways glance that seemed to say, 'Why do I bother?'
Any look from Lord Sesshomaru that distinctly resembled a sign of annoyance or boredom warned Jaken to retreat a few steps.
"I will not be relying on Tokijin's strength today, Jaken," he murmured serenely as he stared up at the wall of all the priceless swords he had collected over the ages. These valuable but by no means delicate weapons were hung in display right above his grand fireplace; much like a hunter would hang the heads of game inside their house. Unlike a hunter though, he had at least a hundred or so weapons in his possession. But these weren't just any ordinary swords.
Despite Tenseiga and Tokijin who had already earned their place on his wall of fame, Sesshomaru possessed legendary weapons from some of the most renowned fighters. Take Hiten's Raigekijin for instance. This extraordinary weapon released bolts of lightning that could sever an entire army with one swing. When he had heard that his pathetic brother had defeated both of the Lightening brothers, Sesshomaru had gone out of his way to find the remains of the blade and re-forged it according to his own preference. He had a thing for collecting the valuables of his brother's enemies.
Of course his most prized possession was the enormous and magnificent Banryuu belonging to the deceased leader of the Shichinin-tai. It had taken him weeks to find it in the depths of Mount Hakurei, but he had done it. It was the most magnificent and captivating weapon in the entire room. He kept it in the special place right above his fireplace in the center of the room. The gigantic halberd gave a sense of opulence and formality to his castle, but Sesshomaru wasn't completely without a sense of humor.
In the far corner of the room was the stuffed baboon pelt of the departed Naraku that never failed to entertain his guests. It made the Lord of the Western Lands chuckle every time he glanced in the coat's direction. So what, if his brother defeated them all. That just proved they were that much weaker than him; especially if he could whip the half-breed on any given day. Yes, his trophy room was complete—except for that bare space right above Banryuu.
He was still without Tetsusaiga. It was the only weapon he was missing. It....bothered him. He had meant to take it a long time ago, but he was on a tight schedule: maintaining his position foremost, attending the affairs of the court, and making sure certain villages paid their debts on time. He just hadn't had the time before. But, he supposed he could squeeze some time into his hectic schedule to take the powerful sword from the hanyou after he was finished with his little meeting in the demon slayer's village.
No, he was not proud of his pathetic and slightly obsessive collection. It may have interested him somewhat, but it was mostly for mere decoration in his otherwise plain stronghold. He strived for perfection. And Tetsusaiga was preventing him from reaching that state. There was no reason to doubt that his place wasn't lavish enough or didn't meet up to the expectations of other lords and members of the court however, he admitted he could use a feminine touch to his dark and dreary rooms; but according to Jaken, that time would come soon enough. In the meantime he would enjoy his gothic castle. In certain ways, it corresponded to himself.
"Jaken." He focused his gaze back on the pathetic creature that had tarnished the reputation of its race long ago. "Bring me the new blade that Totosai has recently forged for me. I would like to explore its hidden power." There was a brief spark of fire that seemed to engulf stronger demon's eyes that could best be described as pure excitement.
"Your Dokuga reiken?" sputtered the green toad with a very catchy hat. "But My Lord, it hasn't even been tested yet. You don't even know what it's capable of! With just a simple wrong command, it could backfire on you! That cunning Totosai never explained the sword's abilities! It might be a trick, my Lord you must be care—"
"Jaken, do me this simple favor of closing that ridiculously large and deafening thing of a mouth that constantly goes against my orders." He rubbed his temple as if the toad had suddenly given him a headache. "I am losing my patience with you."
"Forgive me, Lord Sesshomaru." The toad revealed the item in question. It was a relatively plain sword and sheath if one could not sense the strange dark aura emitting from it. It was intoxicating for the demon. He could feel its sheer power pulsating from within.
"So this is the sword that's supposed to rival Tenseiga." The youkai stared at it in wonder. "I hear it's the complete opposite in fact…" With much reluctance Sesshomaru slid it back into the perfectly fit scabbard. He fastened it upon his hip along with Tenseiga. They were a perfect match for each other. The mighty youkai felt stronger than ever. He was fully equipped both defensively and offensively.
The Lord of the Western Lands made his way to door before making a last remark to his faithful servant.
"If you are going to hold this tournament," he spoke referring to their earlier conversation. "Make sure only demonesses compete. I want them to fight to the death. I'll have no sore losers stalking me desiring a rematch after there is clearly winner. If I am to have a mate, I must have a strong one." He paused for a moment considering his words then continued. "But make sure, their physical appearance is bearable…something that I can stand to look upon on a daily basis. And don't, under any circumstances let humans compete in this, Jaken," he spoke emphasizing these last few words. "You know I can't stand humans-- remember this." And with that he was gone.
Jaken remained near the fireplace to restore Tokijin to its proper place next to Banryuu that took up most of the wall. He heaved long and thoughtful sigh that seemed to echo throughout the castle. Lord Sesshomaru's place was so quiet. He rarely invited people over or held parties that might lighten the place up a bit, but that was all nonsense to his master. The only parties he held were for political gains. Like acquiring lands or improving a title. If he wasn't reaping some type of materialistic benefit, then it was incongruous.
Jaken let his gaze drift up to the ceiling for a few seconds.
'He didn't always hate humans. There was a time when he might have risked his life just to save just one clumsy not to mention completely naive human. But, no the poor stupid girl had to get herself killed.'
Shaking his head from his thoughts, he returned to his earlier preparations for the tournament. He would need to alert all of his master's servants to make sure the castle was ready. A fighting ring would need to be created and fast. He had less than a week to make all of the necessary arrangements. With one final look at his lord's collection he too was off.
'Rin was always so troublesome for Lord Sesshomaru…even if at times she actually made him smile.'
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I just want to say that this is not a Rin and Souta fic! Trust me—that will not happen!
And I want to apologize for the long update. I've just started another story—Dreamers- if any of you care to know.
I've also been very busy lately with all of the golf tournaments and stuff, not to mention I've had a slight reader's bloc—that's not a good sign; having reader's blocs on the first few chapters of story. shakes head
Well, anyways thanks for sticking with this little fic of mine. I promise to make it more exciting in the future chapters, believe me, Rin and Sess will meet so don't get all riled up.
Like always, just send the reviews; all the good and bad
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