Rin's Encounter
By: LadyWhitewolf
Hello my faithful readers. I'm sorry to disappoint you for so long. But I was re-reading my story. And heavens to Betsy it's awful. I appreciate all of you saying the story was good. But I'm afraid I've improved over the years. (As you could see as the story went on. My writing got better.). I took one look at the first chapter and nearly screamed. So incomplete and so……..so…………innocent. It's right awful.
So I rewrote it. Here is the new and improved chapter 1, now called "Rin's Encounter"
You will notice several things. Amaya's tail is there from the start. She has two ice blue eyes, not one gold and one blue. Kata will not being dying in the story. And Azize has now been split into five different wolves. There are a lot of changes. But it will have some what of the same derogative. (That's not the right word. I KNOW it's not glares at it what word WAS I going for….). Amaya is still running from wolf demons of the north, ruled by the demon Kitaro. There are so many changes. I can't begin to tell you them all. So I should just write them.
For those that liked the first series better. Don't worry. I'll save it just in case
Early in the morning, when the grass was still wet with dew and the birds were only just starting to wake, three travelers and their pack animal could be seen making ready to leave. A two headed dragon protested as a small chattering toad tugged feebly at its reins. His annoying voice growing more and more annoyed the more the animal refused to rise. A tall white dog demon casually glanced over his shoulder at the toad. Indifferent golden eyes, in a serious yet bland face, stared at him for a moment. The toad became frantic. Picking up its two headed staff, and threatening to hit the dragon to get it to move.
"Here Jakken-sama, let me try." An energetic young voice called cheerfully.
A young girl, with long black hair, large brown eyes, and dressed in an orange and cream kimono, ran over to take the reins from the toad.
"Silly human girl! What makes you think it will listen to you!" Jakken's nasally voice shouted in annoyance.
The girl didn't seem to notice Jakken's annoyance, tugging once on the reins. Smiling brightly at the pack animal as she spoke to it cheerfully.
"Come on Ah-un, the sun's up and Sesshoumaru-sama says it's time to go."
The girl smiled as the animal groaned, and rose to its legs, long tail lashing behind it. Jakken huffed and crossed his arms, turning his back on the girl. The girl just shrugged and started forward, leading Ah-un. The white dog demon, Lord Sesshoumaru, turned his gaze forward again and silently moved on his way. The girl fell into line behind him, the dragon behind her. It's long scaly tail flying through the air and smacking Jakken in the back in passing.
Jakken squawked, falling on his face upon the ground, his staff falling a few feet away. He rose quickly, pattering on his stubby legs to gather his staff, and then rush after Lord Sesshoumaru.
"Hey now Rin! Can't you teach that dragon some manners!" he wheezed.
Rin looked over her shoulder, "Rin is sorry Jakken-sama. But Ah-un is trying his best, really he is."
Jakken grunted, and kept a safe distance away from the dragon's tail, muttering about incompetent young brats. Rin didn't seem to notice, as she walked cheerfully along, humming a soft tune to herself. It was a nice tune, one she had made up about Sesshoumaru-sama and her. She started to dance to the tune in her head, skipping and twirling, laughing when Ah-un raised its heads to keep the reins from wrapping around her. Rin turned her wide brown eyes to Lord Sesshoumaru, and smiled to herself.
The morning was just starting to break, so soft rays of sunlight were piercing through the mists of morning. In the half light half shade of the forest, they walked through cool grass and silent trees. The light dancing off the dew covered earth which still slept from the darkness of night. Then there was Lord Sesshoumaru. He stood like a white beacon in the new light of morning. His hair shimmering softly, his white clothes covered in an unearthly glow. He seemed more like an archangel then a demon. But a demon is what he was; it was what he would always be. Rin didn't care. She thought Sesshoumaru-sama was brilliant and, despite her only being seven years old, he was the most handsome demon she had ever seen. Like right now, as he walked through the mists, and as the shadowed trees seemed to bend out of his path, he was amazing. Rin was sure there was no other like Sesshoumaru out there in the great world. (A.N: My god……is that foreshadowing……..I think it is)
Rin didn't realize, as she watched her Sesshoumaru-sama lead the way, that she had fallen behind a bit. Jakken was now in front of her, walking directly behind Sesshoumaru. Ah-un was in no hurry, and slowed down for the benefit of the girl. Though it wouldn't be long until…
"Rin….don't fall behind." Sesshoumaru's indifferent and cool voice called from up ahead.
Rin started and smiled, "Yes Sesshoumaru-sama!"
With a gentle tug on the reins, Rin ran forward a few steps. Ah-un only picking up a faster walk, not having to go much faster to keep up with the small steps of the girl. Though it did make its own groaning noise as Rin picked up the pace. Ah-un wanted to sleep some more. Rin smiled even more, turning to pat the dragon's leg as they broke from the forest.
The flowers were wet, the dew no longer in droplets upon the grass but now coating the grass with water. The mist turned into a some what dense fog that hung low over the fields and meadows before them. Flowers, still waiting for the sun's warmth to warm them, lay closed upon the ground. Rin looked at them a bit longingly. Though she knew when they stopped for a break later in the day that the flowers would be open, she wanted to pick them now. But she knew she mustn't, for to pick them now would kill the flowers, because they didn't have time to show their brilliant colors and feel the sun's warmth. So she just stared at them, eager for the afternoon break that was sure to come.
The sun had not yet hit fully the northern boarder, where forests quickly turned to mountains. A dense fog rested upon the rocky ground, sheltering any morning travelers or early hunters. A snake demon, lurking in the shadows of a crevice, waits for its chosen victim to pass. So far only a deer had passed, and this proved to unsatisfactory for the demon, he continued to lie still.
Pattering feet alerted the snake demon of a traveler. Their soft soled shoes hitting the stone path softly. It moved to get a better look, and hissed in delight. A tall human girl, perhaps around thirteen years old, walked along quietly. The fog rolling off of her like freshly spun silk. Her kimono was a soft gray, the exact color of the stone which she walked upon. Her long black hair was bound in a pony tail that hung down her back, and a satchel was slung over her shoulder. A merchant's daughter perhaps? Or maybe a young maiden heading off to her love's village. Which ever, it didn't matter to the demon; it was human flesh he wanted.
The demon lied in wait, his smooth black scaled body coiled and ready. A few more steps and she would be with in striking distance. A faint scratching sound reached his 'ears'. Claws against stone. He hissed to himself, wondering if this maiden was being hunted by another. They could not have her, she was his breakfast. He heard the sound of her shoed feet coming closer, and prepared to launch. A flutter of grey fabric, and the scratching sound was closer and more numerous. He saw slightly tanned legs and the hem of the kimono, and launched from his hole.
A searing pain was the first thing he noticed. Upon launching from his hole, something had clamped around his neck. Fangs, a huge set of fangs along with razor sharp teeth. Quickly recovering from the shock of being attacked, he noticed four other sets of jaws locked on his body. He turned his head to look at his captor.
A wolf, though larger than any he had ever seen, stood patiently with its jaws buried into his neck. He could feel the powerful mandibles closing, closing off his wind pipe, and digging deep into the jugular. His eyes registered powerful shoulders, and rippling white fur. They registered four other wolves, though not as big as the behemoth that held him. And he saw the girl. Standing behind the wolves, staring at him with a rather calm expression. As he felt his life start to fade, as his vision started to blur, a white she demon came up beside the girl. Like a beacon of light in the shadows of the rocky pass. Then all went black.
"Kage…" the white women called softly.
The large wolf which held the neck of the dead snake demon, turned to face her. His ears erect and listening intently, tail fanning slightly.
"Take that thing off the path to eat." Her voice was cool, filled with undisguised disgust. Though it wasn't the wolf she was disgusted with. It was the demon. Such a lowly, pathetic creature. Weak and powerless, so easily over taken by her five mighty wolves.
Ice blue eyes looked at the other four wolves. The second largest in the pack was a female by the name of Aisu. She was alpha female, refined yet dominant. Her mate was Kage, the largest of the group, and obviously Alpha male. The other three were all about the same size, though larger than normal wolves. Buke had a scar over one eye, though still had sight from it. He was a fidgety, testy animal, but fiercely loyal. He had played his part in the killing and was helping Kage drag the snake demon off the path along with Kyoukan. Kyoukan had four brown slash marks like stripes of fur on each shoulder. He was even tempered, and serious. It wasn't over till it was over to him. The only one not helping take the victim off the path was the youngest of the group. Geki by name, she was hyper active and puppyish. Though she had learned by now to stay out of the way as the more adult wolves attended to some task. Geki was currently beside the human girl, and licking her hand gently. The ice blue eyes turned to the girl. Her servant was a tall, slender young sorceress who specialized in the art of healing. Her powers were strong, and though she was human, she made herself quite useful to her demon mistress.
"Kata, you may go find something to eat," The she demon ordered calmly.
The young girl turned to look up at the she demon. The white women stood an even 6 feet, well above the girl. A celestial being if there was ever one. Upon the women's head were two wolf ears, covered in soft white fur. Long snow white hair fell around a heart shaped, high cheek boned face. She had three sharp, thin light blue stripes upon her cheeks and a cobalt six point star upon her brow. The nose was just the right size, not to pointy, not to wide, though it was slightly up turned. Giving the women a constant appearance of aloofness. Her eyes were of ice blue, deep chilling pools which never showed more than slight annoyance. Her skin was alabaster, as white as her hair, and as soft as a lily's petal. And she was slender too. Thin and graceful, moving with practiced regality and aloofness that suited one of her royal blood. And behind her, the girl heard the movements of the long four foot tail. Stray beams of sun light caught on the wafting tail as it fluttered in some imaginary breeze, the light dancing off iridescent strands of silky white.
The lady's kimono was made of the finest of silks. Tight around her waist and chest, down over her hips, to flare in smooth rippling folds at her knees. The flare hid her long legs and shoed feet, just as the sleeves hid her arms. Tight to the shoulder then coming down in fluttering folds around slender arms, hiding slim delicate hands. Silver and blue embroidered birds danced down across the lady's chest to the obi, and around the hem line. Even upon the sleeves. The girl, Kata, bowed to the lady deeply.
"Yes Amaya-sama, I won't be long."
Kata turned and rushed off, knowing she must hurry. She closed her eyes as she passed the place where 'the five' breakfasted upon the snake demon they had just killed. Her one good fortune was being under the servitude of Amaya's kind. Not one of the white wolf race ate humans. There were too few humans in the northern forests to see them as a food source. There were, however, plenty of demons and normal animals. This also made up the steeple of the white wolf's wolves diet. They trained their wolves to hunt demons and deer. And the Tai-youkai, like Amaya-sama, practiced feeding their wolves the best demon meat available. This was why Kage was so massive, and all the others were larger than normal. Amaya-sama's intelligence. She even killed some of her kind, those that dared to defy her, to feed to her wolves. In this, Amaya had excelled, and created the largest demon fed wolves in existence. Even so, the five wasn't that discreet with their meal. Blood ran over rock and dirt, innards were strewn over stone. It would all be eaten, for they had not had time to eat in over two days. Only Kata, who could grab something and eat it on the run, had been able to eat.
Amaya watched Kata disappear around a bolder, and then glanced towards the five. They were muzzle deep into the body of the snake demon. Gorging them on the meat. The demon was a meager meal, but it was satisfy them for now. She smirked, as she recalled Kata running by with closed eyes. The sight of the carnage disturb her. Amaya was used to it. She was, after all, a demon. Though not just any demon. She was a White Wolf, the highest of the canine races. Her brilliance was rivaled only by that of a god, she was sure. And though she was aware there was at least one demon that was stronger than her, she knew she was the strongest of the white wolves. There was no other as strong as herself.
A snowy ear flicked, catching sounds that bounced off the stone around her. The sound of the wolves eating echoed in the silence of morning. The dense fog as being broken by morning light, which struggled to climb over the piles of rocks, and into the pass where they traveled. She had to be alert. For she had entered The Western Lands this morning. Lord Sesshoumaru's lands and it was he who she believed was stronger than her. Even so she knew they had to travel further into the lands. For behind them normal, lesser wolf demons harried them. They were a good three days travel behind Amaya and her group, but delays gave them an edge. And the last Amaya had caught their scent was the afternoon before. They could be closer now.
Amaya sighed and glanced around, spying a smooth rock on which to sit. Her ice blue eyes looking down the rocky pass in the direction they had come. Watching the fog rise from the cool granite and disappear into the warming air, she breathed in the fresh air. Smelling the scent of the damp earth, and the healthy growing plants that grew near by. They were at the base of the mountains, a good two to three miles into the western lands, and there was a forest just starting to encroach upon the rocky landscape. These were beautiful lands, and if she saw the great lord Sesshoumaru she would tell him so.
They reminded her of home.
Her ice like eyes drifted to her wolves. Though seeing something that only Amaya could see. A massive valley surrounded by mountains. Snowy peaks that seemed to touch the sky. Dense forests of strange trees, and wide open meadows. It was one of the few places in feudal Japan that actually got snow in winter. And more often a lot of snow. It was because of the mountains, that snow fell. The mountains sheltered them from the warm winds of the south, and encouraged the cool winds of the north. Spring still held flowers, and summer was still warm, but things were different in the Northern Forests. All this aside, the lands which she sat still reminded her of the north. And for a moment she allowed herself to miss it. She missed the monthly hunts. She missed the scent of snow lily that, even though it only grew in the Northern Forests, followed her faintly here in the west. Most of all she missed the solitude. Though her kind lived in one large city in the center of the valley, she preferred to be away. With only her wolves at her side. No such luck would follow her here. Too many humans. Too many demons.
She frowned, speaking of demons. She began to wonder about the where abouts of those that chased her. The morning breezes brought no hint of their scent to her, and she heard not faint calls of wolves. It might be days before she heard of them. Though why the would follow this far was unusual. She wasn't that great of a threat was she? Yes her kind might only reside in the northern forests, and yes they might be dying out. But she was not leader yet. Her mother still lived, and until her death Amaya could not take control. Yes she was the only heir to the throne. But if they were able to chase her out of the lands, by sheer numbers only, why follow still. Could it be……..fear? Her frown deepened. Fear of what, if it was that. Fear that she might be the legend? The perfected? She wanted to laugh at the thought. The perfected was only a legend. One that her mother was supposed to have fulfilled. Though……Amaya now recalled……..her race did act oddly around her. Deciding to end that train of though, Amaya rose to her feet. The sound of Kata's feet rapidly approaching drew her attention. Kage, sitting and grooming himself by the carcass, lifted his head in the same direction. Then after a moment, turned to look at Amaya. With out a word, Kage rose and walked over to his mistress, bowing his proud head. Amaya touched his shoulder gently, and then looked to the others. Aisu and Geki were lying down. Buke as knowing a bone, while Kyoukan was attempting to clean his face. Kage turned his head towards the others. All four heads looked at them at once, and then rose to their feet just as Kata arrived.
Kata bowed before Amaya, breathing a bit heavily, "Gomen Amaya-sama, I took longer than expected."
Amaya just looked at her, then moved forward and around Kata, going the way the girl had come, "we will travel slower today."
Kata gulped and nodded, adjusting her satchel and falling into place behind Amaya. Kage was striding in front of Amaya, Aisu on his right and Geki on his left. Kyoukan strode behind Geki to the left and Buke behind Aisu to the right. The fog curled up and around them as they moved, giving way to the scenery before them. A dense forest where the birds were only just starting to rouse themselves. Amaya didn't hesitate as she entered the forest, her attention fixed on the path before her. The sun hitting her white frame occasionally, painting her with a brilliant glow that stayed soft in the shadows. In the distance, a wolf called.
The sun shone directly over head when Rin heard Sesshoumaru say they would stop for a break. The sun burned down hotly upon Rin's tired body. Though not yet summer, the sun was still warm, and Rin had been traveling in it for several hours. Her feet were tired and, as she ran out upon the softer grass of the meadow before them, she delighted in the cool feel beneath her feet. She didn't have to worry about rocks, or sticks out here. It was one large meadow, surrounded by trees, and filled with flowers. She plopped herself down to rest a moment amongst some white petaled violets, and enjoyed their scent.
She flopped back, lying upon her back, and looked behind her. Sesshoumaru-sama was resting at the base of a tree, not exactly watching her, but keeping an eye on the surroundings about her. Jakken was actually sitting down beside Ah-un, probably asleep. The stupid toad. Rin took a deep breath of the smells around her and laughed. Rising to her feet and running away in the direction of a brook that ran at the other side. She heard Sesshoumaru move and glanced back at him. He was actually watching her now with an almost, uneasy expression. Rin paused a moment. She hadn't seen that look upon his face before. She saw him open his mouth to speak, and turned around to face him.
"Rin…..get a drink then come back here."
His voice didn't sound uneasy. Maybe she was imagining things.
"Yes, Sesshoumaru-same!" she called happily, waving then turning back towards the brook.
The brook was running clear, and Rin could smell and feel how cool it was. She touched the water with a finger, and shivered at the ice cold feel of the water. Then she dipped her hands in, cupping them and brining them out to drink the water from. She repeated this action until she wasn't thirsty any more. Pausing only a moment to glance at the water. Her reflection rippled in the flowing clear liquid. And she smiled upon seeing it. There was a bit of dirt on her face, she scooped some water and rubbed it off, watching her reflection as she did so. Then she froze. There was a second reflection in the water. The reflection of a wolf. A big black wolf. Slowly she lifted her head, staring at the other side of the bank.
Sure enough, a large black wolf stood there. Staring at Rin with hunger in its gaze. Rin leapt to her feet with a startled cry.
"KYAH! Sesshoumaru-sama!"
She turned and ran. Sprinting for all her might. She could hear the wolf leaping the span of the brook easily. She also heard the sound of lord Sesshoumaru whizzing past her. She made to slow down, when a dark shape leaped from the forest. Rin cried out and dodged to the side. Another wolf, just as black and hungry as the last was there. She ran full tilt into the forest. Past Jakken and ah-un. She heard Sesshoumaru call her name once. But she didn't dare stop. She could hear the sound of the wolves running around her. She kept running.
Her sides ached, each breath burned as she fought to take it. The wolves still hadn't got her, and she wouldn't let them get her now. If she kept running, and stayed in the forest, they would have a harder time catching her. She glanced to the side and saw three wolves running to keep up with her. Their long pink tongues hanging from their mouths. She looked to the other side and there was four more. She dared not look behind her. There was too many of them.
Her breath finally failed her. And her body started to scream. It hurt too much to take another breath, and she was tiring. Just as she burst into an open meadow. The wolves bounding behind her, she heard a loud thundering howl. Startled, she tripped and fell to the ground. She struggled to rise, looking behind her. The black wolves had stopped, skidding to a halt just a few feet behind her. Confused she looked in front of her. She took a sharp breath, and if her body hadn't needed that precious air, she would have screamed.
For running at her were five large wolves. Long legs pounded at the ground before them. Their bodies stretched and sailed over the ground. Eyes of blue, and fur as white as snow, the were surging towards them. Lead by what had to be the king of all wolves. Just before they were upon her, Rin winced and closed her eyes. A rush of wind hit her face, and an agonized yelp reached Rin's ears. She opened her eyes. The white wolves were not before her. She looked behind her, and saw each one of the five white wolves slaughtering the black ones. Killing them as easily as if they were butterflies. She watched as the king wolf snapped the neck of the last black wolf and let its body drop to the ground from its large jaws. Its large head turned to look at her. jewel bright eyes stared at her for a moment, before the massive wolf turned his great bulk and walked towards her. Rin scooted back, and made to stand up, but she knew that she couldn't run from this lord of wolves. He came to stand over Rin, looking down at her from his amazing height. The other wolves came to circle him, cutting off any escape she had. A wolf howl rang through the forest. All five heads lifted to stare in the direction of its origin. It was a faint call, but the sound of it triggered something in those wolves.
The lord wolf lowered his head, and Rin closed her eyes, ready to be bit. When a warm tongue touched her face. A large paw was nudging her, and flipped her over. She felt a warm breath on her back, and suddenly she was being lifted. By the obi of her kimono. Rin's eyes flew open and she looked over her shoulder at the wolf. The other wolves were running towards the way they had come, and he walked after them. She struggled for a moment, trying to loosen her kimono from his mouth. But he merely placed her on the ground and grabbed hold again. So she hung there quietly.
Where he was taking her, was the first thought in Rin's head, as they entered the forest. She needed to get back to Sesshoumaru-sama. Surely he is looking for her. Though, she also wondered why the wolves hadn't eaten her yet. They had killed the other wolves that she knew were going to eat her, so were they going to eat her instead. Rin didn't think so, since they probably would have done so already. Maybe they were taking her back to their home. Maybe they thought Rin was their puppy or something. Rin wrinkled her nose. That thought wasn't satisfying. Since she couldn't find an answer for the strange action of these wolves. She took a moment to look at them. There was one who had a scar over one of his eyes. He seemed to be keeping as far away from her and the big wolf as he could. Then there was another one near the scared one, who had four brown stripes of fur on his shoulder. He was looking at Rin with one eye. Not turning his head to look at her, but observing her curiously. Rin turned her head to the other side. There was an other wolf right beside the one that carried her. It had a slender muzzle, gentle eyes, and a more dog like appearance. Rin wanted to pet this one. She reached out a hand to touch the muzzle of the wolf, but it shied away from her and an other one took its place. Rin found herself touching the soft wet nose of a wolf that looked like it still was a puppy. Its tail fanning the air and a laughable smiling look to its face. Rin laughed and patted the nose gently. And was rewarded for it with a round of licks from a very wet tongue. This made Rin laugh more. Just as the broke from the trees. Rin looked in front of her, and gasped in shock. There were two women standing there. A black haired girl much older than Rin, wearing a soft grey kimono with a darker grey obi. On her back was a satchel, and her hair was braided into a long pony tail that hung down her back. She was standing respectfully beside a tall white woman with white wolf ears upon her head.
Rin had almost taken her for human, until she saw those ears. Then she looked at the woman's face. Her skin was as alabaster; her hair was so white it seemed to be spun from the stars. Her body was slender and tall. And Rin saw markings upon the woman's face. Three thin slash marks upon her cheeks of a soft blue color and a dark cobalt six point star upon her brow. The woman's face was angular, high cheek boned and beautiful. Ice blue eyes slowly opened to regard her silently. A snow white tail came to rest at the woman's feet, and a clawed hand drew her snowy hair from her face. Rin gulped. So this is why the wolves brought her. To be fed to a demon. But she was such a beautiful demon. She couldn't possibly be bad. She was absolutely amazing, even more beautiful than Sesshoumaru-sama. Rin watched as soft pale pink lips parted, and a smooth voice hinted with pack song spoke.
"Kage….why do you bring that human girl here?"
Rin was to busy staring to notice when the wolf set her upon the ground. She just sat there, staring at the woman. She did notice when the great wolf who the woman had called Kage, went over and placed his great head against her side. The woman placed a hand upon his head, and glanced at the girl. The girl glanced back, bowed to the woman, and then rushed forward. Kneeling before Rin, and touching Rin's arm with a gentle hand.
"Are you okay little one?"
Rin gulped down a breath; eyes still looked on the lady. She nodded dumbly. Rin heard the girl chuckle softly.
"That is Lady Amaya, I take it this is the first time you have seen one like her?"
Rin nodded dumbly again, though finally finding her voice, "Amaya-sama is more beautiful than Sesshoumaru-sama!"
Her exclaimed proclamation caused the girl to gasp, and look cautiously at Amaya. Amaya only stared back at the child.
"What is your name?"
Rin took another breath, holding it for an unbelievably long time, before breathing out, "Rin."
That this wondrous demon took even the tiniest of time to speak to Rin was amazing. Her voice was lovely, flowing like a wolf's howl in the night time sky but melodic like the song of a bird. Amaya herself was lovely. Everything about her was beautiful. Even her very expensive looking kimono was beautiful. Amaya smiled a bit at Rin. It was an amused smile, but a smile.
"Do you travel with Sesshoumaru-sama Rin?"
Rin nodded.
"Why?"
The question was simple. But it made Rin pause. The reason why was so simple, but not simple to explain. Sesshoumaru-sama had saved Rin. He had been nice to her when no one else was. He liked Rin.
"Because Sesshoumaru-sama is nice to Rin. Rin likes Sesshoumaru-sama."
Rin answered hesitantly, taking her gaze off Amaya and looking at the ground. A wolf howl in the distance made Rin tense.
"It's okay……they won't get you."
That was the girl talking. Rin looked at the girl who was still kneeling beside her. There was a smile on her face, and she reached up to pat Rin upon the back gently.
"Not while the Five are around at least." The girl motioned to the five wolves.
"They saved Rin!" Rin exclaimed suddenly, sitting back on her heels, and pointing at Kage.
"Do not shout Rin. It's not good manners, "the girl scolded her gently. Rin covered her mouth quickly.
"Rin is sorry."
The girl nodded, and then looked at Amaya.
"Milady, if I may?"
Amaya stared at Rin a moment, as if looking deep into Rin's soul, and then looked at the girl.
"Yes Kata."
Kata nodded, and then looked back at Rin.
"Rin, the five are wolves of the north. Amaya's special body guards almost. They eat no humans. Only demons and other animals. Kage, the big one who carried you here, is the alpha male. Or lead male. And he happens to have a soft spot for kids."
Rin looked as the great wolf turned his head and looked at Rin. Staring at her with jewel blue eyes. His great tail thumped upon the ground once, and then he turned his head away. Rin looked up at Kata and smiled brightly.
"So he saved Rin because he likes kids?"
Kata nodded, and Rin could see she wanted to laugh a bit. So did Rin. But Amaya's presence seemed to keep them from doing so. She didn't seem to be one of good humor. Really serious, just like Sesshoumaru-sama. Rin looked around the clearing.
"Rin should really get back to Sesshoumaru-sama. He'll be looking for Rin."
Rin stood up, looking at Amaya. She wasn't looking at Rin. She was looking at some trees a few feet away.
"No….he won't be."
Rin frowned, hurt by the thought, "Why wouldn't he look for Rin. He likes Rin!"
"Because he's here." Amaya answered simply. Her ears were pinned against her head. Kage was looking behind Rin, and his lip quivered, showing off pearly fangs. A rumbling growl, like a peal of thunder from above. He rose to his long legs, his powerful shoulders reaching to Amaya's waist. The others rose to, coming to stand around Amaya, snarling, growling and baring white fangs. Rin turned around, and saw Sesshoumaru standing at the tree line. She broke into a wide, excited grin.
"Sesshoumaru-sama!" Rin made to run to Sesshoumaru. When his voice stalled her.
"Don't. Move."
His voice was amazingly cold. Rin came to a quick stop and looked at him in alarm.
"Kata…to me." Came an equally cool voice from behind Rin. Rin looked back at Amaya-sama. Seeing Kata rise quickly and rush over to the lady's side. The wolves took a step forward.
"Be Still" Amaya ordered them firmly.
All five heads ducked and tails tucked, as they looked back at Amaya. Whining softly, but she did not speak to them again. Her ice like gaze was on Sesshoumaru. Watching him warily. Her ears were no longer pinned against her head, but pricked forward. Her tail lashed once or twice every few moments. Rin looked back at Sesshoumaru-sama, and saw him staring right back at Amaya. There seemed to be something going on, yet neater demon seemed willing to give in. After a moment both demons broke the gaze at the same time. Rin watched as Amaya turned and strode away. Her wolves coming to ring around her, Kata scurrying to keep up. Her movements were fluid and elegant. Her attention was completely upon Sesshoumaru as she left. As she entered the shadows of the forest, she seemed to disappear. Vanished was more the word, the wolves and she just sort of melting into the trees.
There was a presence beside Rin. She looked up to find Sesshoumaru standing there. Looking in the direction of the departed Lady Amaya. Rin turned towards him. Looking at his face.
"Rin?" he called softly.
"Yes?" her voice just as soft, almost meek.
"Who was that?"
He sounded confused, Rin frowned. He had never ever been confused before.
"That was Lady Amaya. Kata-Chan didn't tell Rin what she was the lady of."
Sesshoumaru narrowed his golden eyes, still staring after the departed she wolf that had been standing there. His eyes still seeing a creature he had never seen before. Elegance, beauty, refined grace. That she demon had been magnificent. And her power was startling. She was strong, he gave her that. Possibly even stronger than him. He couldn't forget this creature, he knew that. He was going to remember her. For now he was curious. What matter of demon was she? Why was she here? Why was Rin with her? And more importantly, what did she want? If anything at all.
Yet, as he looked down at Rin. Part of him was relieved. That she demon had shown no malicious intent towards Rin. Matter of fact, she had seemed a bit annoyed at Rin's presence, but was tolerating it for the sake of the child. And that girl traveling with her was human as well. Possibly a servant. He frowned a bit, though his outward expression seemed not to change. Maybe he should seek out this demon, and actually speak to her. It would be better than waiting for some ill fated act to befall him. Plus, he wanted to get a second look at this demon and her wolves. It was just good fortune he had an excuse.
"Rin."
Rin looked up at him and grinned brightly, "Yes!"
"Let's go."
Sesshoumaru turned and walked back in the direction of camp. Hearing Rin running up to walk beside him. Humming a new made up song to her. As the entered the forest, Rin sang softly the words of her new song.
I don't fear them
Not any more.
Wolves don't scare me
They don't do any harm.
Kage is friendly.
And Amaya-sama is pretty.
Let us hale, the northern lady.
