500 Years and Waiting
By swirly87
Disclaimer: Sesshoumaru, Rin, and all characters of Inuyasha are the property of Rumiko Takahashi. All characters that are mentioned in this story, but are not part of Inuyasha are either my creations or are characters that have been changed a bit from their respected anime. This includes the characters of Rurouni Kenshin and any other anime that is recognized.
Chapter 7: Youkai Lessons to learn
At the large dining hall, dinner was served quickly and the atmosphere was somewhat tense. Everyone consumed his or her dinner politely and quietly, even Inuyasha. Everyone had something in their minds that they were thinking about. Each of them was thinking about the day's events. Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha were worried, especially Inuyasha for obvious reasons. Rin and Shippou were quiet because their guardians were quiet. After dinner, they bid each other "good night" (except Sesshoumaru, he just nodded) before heading to their rooms for their well-deserved rest.
The next day
A small beam of light could be seen through the window. Rin stretched her arms in the air and yawned. It was another beautiful day. As Rin got up and washed her face, she couldn't help but notice the pile of scrolls next to her bed. She was too tired last night to read them so tonight she planned to start getting through the scrolls and start learning. She chose her kimono for the day, which was a nice soft yellow color with orange flowers.
As she brushed her hair and tied them up into a low ponytail, she recalled the days of her childhood when she would only tie up a random bunch of her hair. She giggled at those memories of when she didn't know how to take care of her hair and therefore always had to keep it short. She was glad that she knew how to care for it now or else she wouldn't be able to have the nice long hair she had now. Of course, her hair would never be as beautiful or soft as Sesshoumaru's hair, which was beautiful blueish white and felt like silk. Rin looked at the mirror at her own hair. She remembered how Sesshoumaru would brush her hair every night and how she would help him do the same to his hair. For someone who couldn't take of her own hair, she could definitely take care of another's.
When Rin was done with her hair, she stepped out of her room and headed straight for the garden. She needed to see if there were any flowers left in the garden to put in her room. When she reached the garden, she saw a distinctively tall white figure standing beneath the now dead looking sakura tree.
"Ohayo! Sesshoumaru-sama!" cried Rin as she ran up to greet her master good morning. Sesshoumaru nodded his head in greeting and continued to stare up at the tree.
Every morning, Rin would go out to pick flowers in the garden. And every morning, Sesshoumaru would stand and stare at the sakura tree. Rin would say good morning and Sesshoumaru would greet her back in his own way. Then Rin would pick some flowers before standing next to Sesshoumaru in a comfortable silence. After awhile Rin would begin talking about something and Sesshoumaru would nod once and awhile and might make a comment about it. It was a comfortable and enjoyable routine for the both of them every morning. However, today was different as Rin decided to talk to Sesshoumaru first before picking her flowers.
"Sesshoumaru-sama?" asked Rin. Sesshoumaru nodded his head again to show he was listening before Rin began again, "Ano…I was wondering what we are suppose to do today? Do you want to start planning today or umm…tomorrow? And what about Inuyasha-oneesan and Shippou-kun? Aren't they suppose to be up now? Do they not have lessons to attend to?"
Sesshoumaru stood quietly for awhile and thought about Rin's sudden stream of questions before answering, "I thought we could use a bit of a break today before planning the ball. It has been awhile since we were back. As for Inuyasha and his ward…they are to have their lessons today. A servant has already been sent to wake them up."
As soon as Sesshoumaru had said that, a loud shout could be heard coming from the bedrooms. A soaking wet Inuyasha and a laughing Shippou could be seen walking their way. Inuyasha glared at his laughing ward until Inuyasha punched Shippou's head, in which Shippou was then forced to nurse his head instead of his laughter. Rin couldn't help, but giggle at the scene. Sesshoumaru glanced at the giggling Rin before looking back at his soaked brother and couldn't help but smirk. It was a hilarious scene after all and Rin looked adorable trying to hide her joyful giggles.
"What was the meaning of sending a servant to throw water at me to wake me up?!" demanded a furious Inuyasha. A very young tanuki youkai could be seen walking cautiously behind him, his head lowered in fright.
"Ano…Sesshoumaru-sama. Nothing else seemed to wake up Inuyasha-sama. Shippou-sama said that the best way to wake up Inuyasha-sama was to throw water at him…so I did. I did not mean to make him so angry. I was merely following your orders to wake him, Sesshoumaru-sama," said the nervous male youkai.
"Didn't mean to make me mad?! Of course I'll be mad. I'm soaked! Why I outta…" threatened Inuyasha as he shook his fist at the cringing tanuki.
"Stop it Inuyasha-oneesan. It's ok Taki. You were just following your orders. You can leave now. It's alright. I'll make sure Inuyasha-oneesan won't hurt you," assured Rin as she kneeled down next to the little youkai who was shaking with fright and sniffling, trying not to cry. Taki nodded his little kawaii masked face before he scampered away.
"Inuyasha-oneesan! For shame! You shouldn't have scared Taki so! He's only 4 years old!" scolded Rin at Inuyasha. Rin narrowed her eyes and her face was red with anger. Her voice began to rise as the now scared-looking Inuyasha looked at her; he had never seen Rin so angry before. Rin pointed her finger at the backing away Inuyasha and she continued to scold him on his immature and frightening behaviour to a young child. Shippou giggled at the scene until Rin turned her finger at him and began to scold him for his suggestion in pouring water on Inuyasha. Inuyasha looked relieved in the background, glad that Rin has stopped scolding him and had moved on. Inuyasha couldn't help, but grin at the cornered Shippou who he felt deserved Rin's angry finger. However, Inuyasha's victory was short-lived as Shippou bumped next to him and Rin began to yell at the both of them at the same time.
Sesshoumaru watched with amusement in his eyes as Rin screamed at the two. He knew that Rin cared a lot about the servants and was especially fond of children whether they were youkai or not. He couldn't help but think what a wonderful mother she would be for their children, seeing as she was so protective of kids.
When Rin was done with her ranting and had finished blowing steam, she immediately reverted to being her normal, calm, happy self. She smiled at Sesshoumaru and asked him they should head back in for breakfast, completely ignoring Inuyasha and Shippou. Sesshoumaru, who understood Rin's sudden change in behaviour, nodded and the two headed back into the castle. Inuyasha and Shippou could only watch with their mouths open at her sudden change of moods. One of the servants, the red squirrel youkai from the day before who had delivered the scrolls to them, walked up to the gaping two. He had watched the entire scenario and decided that he should explain to them his lady's behaviour.
"Rin-sama is very protective of her servants and especially the children. She completely adores children and is normally not that short-tempered. She is usually calm and happy. Only when something threatens those she cares about does she get protective," explained the young bushy-tailed male. He also added, without thinking, "We are all fond of our Rin-sama. We think that Rin-sama will make a great mother someday and will be a great mate for our Sesshoumaru-sama."
"I would have thought you youkai would disapprove of the two," snapped Inuyasha, who recalled the days when these same servants looked down on him.
"We would if we had never met Rin-sama, but we have cared for her since she was but a young pup. She has a way of melting even the coldest of hearts as you can see in our Sesshoumaru-sama. He has never been this happy since his father was killed. For that we are very grateful to her. Although Sesshoumaru-sama has spoiled her, she is not at all snobbish like other royalty would be. Instead she cares for everyone, even us lowly servants. She learns quickly, is a skilled fighter, and actually quite strong for a human. She is perfect for our Sesshoumaru-sama," commented the little squirrel. Inuyasha and Shippou looked at the youkai, amazed that the servants knew so much about their masters just by observation.
"Excuse me, but was there a reason for you to come? Not that I didn't enjoy the story and compliments about Rin, I did. It's just that…well…I would have thought that all the servants in this household had something they had to do, some sort of chore required of them for the day," commented Shippou.
"Oh, but I do have something to do Shippou-sama," chirped the squirrel, "I, your humble servant Taka, was ordered by Sesshoumaru-sama to teach you about the ways of the youkai."
Now Inuyasha and Shippou could only stare in shock, their jaws hitting the ground, as they stared at their new teacher. As Inuyasha and Shippou stared at him in disbelief, they finally realized the full impact of his words. Their new teacher was a good head shorter than Shippou and looked kawaii enough to be considered a stuffed animal if he wasn't so energetic. His voice sounded warm, but kind of high for a male's voice. His eyes were large and were the colored of rich brown almonds. His fur was a bright red and his tail was so bushy, it looked like a soft pillow. Despite the fact that he was probably a century older than they were, it was hard to believe that this little guy was Inuyasha's and Shippou's new teacher.
"If you would be so kind as to follow me Inuyasha-sama and Shippou-sama. We will begin our lessons right away," said Taka as he began walking toward the castle in the opposite direction of Sesshoumaru and Rin.
"What about breakfast? I'm starving. Not to mention…I'm still soaked," complained Inuyasha.
"Sesshoumaru-sama wanted Inuyasha-sama and Shippou-sama to begin their lessons in the morning starting with breakfast etiquette. As for the clothes, there is a spare pair in the room we are heading toward. Inuyasha-sama can change there," replied Taka as he continued to lead the way.
"Taka-sensei, you can just call me Shippou and Inuyasha Inuyasha. You are our sensei after all and it would be weird to have you call us –sama," suggested Shippou as he followed Taka with a grumbling Inuyasha next to him.
"I should not do that Shippou-sama because that would be disrespectful, but if Shippou-sama and Inuyasha-sama insists…" started Take in thought as he walked.
"We do…ne Inuyasha?" said Shippou as he nudged Inuyasha.
Inuyasha who was not really paying much attention, replied, "Huh? Oh sure, whatever."
"Then it's agreed," chirped Shippou.
"Very well, Shippou-sam…I mean Shippou. Let us head toward the brown room to begin the lessons," replied Taka as he opened the brown door to a giant room. Inuyasha and Shippou looked at each other in confusion. What kind of room was called the brown room?
Later that evening (after dinner)
An exhausted Inuyasha and Shippou plopped down on the chairs of the tearoom where Sesshoumaru and Rin were seated. The two had gone through a very tiring day, trying their best to memorize every complicated aspect of royal youkai behaviour. They would have never thought that such a little squirrel youkai could be so dangerous. Although Taka looked very adorable and kind, he was very strict and had made Inuyasha and Shippou repeat everything until things were done right. He never yelled at them or threatened them, but his soft voice was just as scary. Inuyasha and Shippou hoped that they never had to make so many mistakes again.
And the brown room! Now they knew why it was called that. The room was absolutely hideous! Its walls were a disgusting dung-brown color. The items in the room were very old. And although they were well polished and taken care of, the furniture and the paintings in the room were so ugly, it was hard not to look at them and not puke. Whoever had designed the room had no taste or sense of style at all. Both Inuyasha and Shippou were sure that the room had been used as a room for torture before, for it was unbearable to be in there for long. The fact that Taka was able to teach in such a room without being affected at all made them respect Taka and fear him at the same time. How could anyone not be affected by the room?
As the two laid on the chair exhausted, Sesshoumaru and Rin were calmly sipping their tea. Rin watched as the two canine youkai gasped for air; the whole scenario amused her. It had only been the first day and already the two were exhausted. Rin couldn't help but giggle at the two. The two being watched just glared at her.
"I take it your first day of learning went well?" teased a giggling Rin.
"It was torture," complained Inuyasha as he let his head fall back on the chair. A loud thump was heard as his head collided with the chair.
"And what did you do the entire day? Whatever you did must be better than what we've been through," stated a tired Shippou as he laid still on his chair.
"Well, Sesshoumaru-sama and I just walked around the castle today to make sure everything was alright and running as it should be. Tomorrow we'll be discussing about the ball. Today was making sure everything is alright day," explained Rin who was happy she was able to spend the whole day with her beloved Sesshoumaru-sama.
"Lucky you," replied Inuyasha sarcastically. Rin merely smiled at this and finished her cup of tea. She then stood up from her chair and smoothed out her kimono before turning toward the three sitting youkai.
"If you would excuse me, Sesshoumaru-sama, Inuyasha-onnesan, and Shippou-kun. I would like to head back to my room now to read through those scrolls," declared Rin as she bowed her head at the three and left the room. As soon as Rin left the room, two pairs of eyes were turned at the youkai lord who was calmly staring at the fire.
"Well, Sesshoumaru. When are you finally going to ask her to be your mate?" asked a curious and suddenly re-energized Inuyasha with a twinkle in his golden eyes.
"…" was Sesshoumaru's silent answer.
"You should at least tell her the situation and see if she will accept it," suggested Inuyasha, who was actually thinking for once.
"And how am I suppose to do that? What if she…rejects me?" snapped Sesshoumaru, as he whispered silently the last two words. The two other youkai in the room could obviously hear him, but the words were still quite quiet, even for them.
"You could always ask her indirectly," suggested Shippou to Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru thought about the kitsune's suggestion and thought that it might be worth a shot. As Sesshoumaru was thinking about Shippou's suggestion, Inuyasha and Shippou slowly stood up from their chairs.
"Well, I think we should call it a day. See yah tomorrow!" interrupted Inuyasha as he and Shippou headed to their respective rooms, leaving Sesshoumaru to his thoughts.
Later that night
After an hour of thinking, half the time in the tearoom and the other half in his private bath, Sesshoumaru had finally made a decision about Rin. Sesshoumaru rang up for Taka and had ordered him to get a certain scroll. When Taka returned, Sesshoumaru had then ordered him to ask Rin to come to his chambers.
As Taka went to retrieve Rin, Sesshoumaru gently took out a beautiful sakura flower from his kimono. He had picked it up while he was fighting with Inuyasha; he did not want such a beautiful flower to be ruined during the battle for it had reminded him of Rin: soft, beautiful, and delicate. As he looked at the flower, Sesshoumaru found it a bit odd that it had not begun to drop any of its petals after being in his clothes for so long. He quickly ended that line of thought as knocking could be heard outside his door. Sesshoumaru quickly, but gently placed the flower in the scroll as his chamber door was slowly opened.
"Did you call for me, Sesshoumaru-sama?" asked a puzzled Rin as she approached Sesshoumaru.
"Here's one more scroll for you to read about Rin," said Sesshoumaru as he handed the scroll to Rin. Sesshoumaru watched as Rin's delicate and soft hand took the scroll from his clawed one. He subtly sniffed Rin's scent which smelled like a mixture of flowers, mainly sakura, and a something that was uniquely Rin.
"If that is all Sesshoumaru-sama, I will be leaving now," declared Rin. Sesshoumaru nodded his head and Rin bowed her head before she turned around and left his chambers. As soon as Rin closed the door, Sesshoumaru gave out a soft sigh. It was getting harder and harder to control his urges when Rin was nearby…especially when she did not tie her sleeping clothes as tightly as she should have.