Title: Love Is A Funny Thing
By: Youkai No Rin
Disclaimer: Sadly enough I do not own Sesshomaru, why not Inuyasha you ask? Because I don't like him! I do but not after what he did in my story! LOL. Anyways, that's it!
Rin: PLease enjoy his chapter it was fun writing.
Yasha: Hell yeah it was.
Chapter 4: Market Day
Kagome walked behind Rin as they made their way down the hall towards the dining hall. Rin skipped happily making Kagome wonder how such a small girl could be so happy living with such a monster like Sesshomaru. Rin stopped at a large double door; pushing it open Rin bounced into a huge room. A long oak table was set in the middle, many chairs surrounded the table, and plates, cups, and utensils were laid in front of each chair. The ceiling was covered in mythical creatures paintings giving the room an old look. Sesshomaru sat at the head of the table; Kagome figured it was his spot anyways since he was the lord and master of the palace. Rin ran to Sesshomaru and sat herself in the chair to his left. Kagome stood for a minute before she too made her way into the room and towards the table. Moving to Rin's side Kagome was stopped by Sesshomaru's voice.
"No Kagome come sit on my right." He said casually pointing to his side with han hand.
Kagome looked up at him and then back down. Not moving Kagome thought frantically. What is he doing? Shaking her head lightly Kagome changed direction and moved to Sesshomaru's right side. Sitting down she settled her gaze down onto her empty plate.
Servants came in and piled food onto their plates and Kagome couldn't resist the urge to eat. It all looked so good she wanted to eat all of it in one bite. But knowing her manners Kagome watched Rin to see what she did. Sesshomaru picked up his fork and began to eat. Rin then quickly did the same; she too seemed to be hungry. Kagome getting the idea started to eat. Note to self eat when Sesshomaru eats. Kagome told herself.
"Rin what are your plans for today?" Sesshomaru asked emotionlessly to Rin. He seemed to not care but Rin didn't notice she eagerly replied, "I wish to go to the market today is that okay?"
Sesshomaru shook his head; "No I am going to a meeting so you will be staying here at the palace with Kagome. I'm sure you can find something to entertain yourself with, while I am away."
Rin nodded sadly and looked back down at her plate. Her eyes seemed to have lost that sparkle they held earlier in the day. Feeling bad Kagome also looked away. She had a soft spot for kids and seeing Rin sad brought memories back of Shippo and his motherly affection for her. Then a sudden thought hit Kagome. Looking up at Sesshomaru she said.
"Sesshomaru what if I took Rin to the market that way she could still go and you can still go to your meeting?" Kagome suggested hoping he would say yes.
Sesshomaru looked up and so did Rin, Sesshomaru stared at Kagome deeply with his strong golden eyes. They reminded Kagome too much of Inuyasha, and she quickly looked down afraid of what he would do to her.
"Forgive me." She whispered quickly.
"Fine, you and Rin may go but you must be back by sunset, understood?" Sesshomaru said leaning back. His tone was laced with a threatening sound. It made Kagome shiver.
Rin jumped out of her seat and ran to Sesshomaru. Giving him a tight hug she smiled her toothy smile. Then she turned and ran out the door excited. Kagome stood and turned to leave. Almost at the door Sesshomaru's voice once again stopped her.
"Kagome don't ever suggest something after I have said no to it." He said coldly.
Kagome felt anger rise inside her. But she knew that yelling at him would only cause trouble that she really did not need. Taking a deep breath she nodded knowing he was watching and then she left the hall quickly. Walking down the hallway she made her way towards her room. Opening the door she sighed and fell against it. Those haunting eyes, Kagome thought. Closing her eyes she tried to clear her mind. Surely I won't be here for long right? Kagome asked herself, trying to convince that it was true.
Feeling the tears come faster at the thought of Inuyasha coming to get her she slipped down the door and onto the ground. Just when Kagome was about to break down and cry a soft knock came on her door. Standing up quickly, Kagome dried her eyes before reaching for the door and opening it. There stood Rin smiling her toothy smile up at Kagome.
"Rin is ready to go, if Kagome is!" She exclaimed holding out her hand.
Kagome straightened her kimono out, happy that Rin couldn't sense that she had been crying. Smiling weakly back at her she took Rin's hand aet het her lead her out of the room and down the hall. Rin's hand tightened around Kagome's as she pulled her faster down the hall and stairs. Stopping finally in the front hall, Kagome almost ran into her. Looking up Kagome saw Sesshomaru standing by the door of the palace.
"Rin and Kagome are ready to go Sesshomaru!" Rin said coming to a stop before her father figure. She still held Kagome's hand, and Kagome noticed she did a little tighter when she was around Sesshomaru. Looking up at him she scrunched her eyebrows. He wasn't showing any emotion. It was so hard for Kagome to read him even when she was a miko. But then again reading a persons youki or aura is different then their expressions. She could always read Inuyasha's face, so how could he be different; he was his brother after all. Kagome shook her head trying to stop herself from thinking of Inuyasha but those golden eyes reminded her so much of what she had lost.
Sesshomaru saw Kagome shake her head and suddenly smelt salt coming from her . . . Taken back Sesshomaru stared at Kagome. He had smelt the same smell come from Rin whenever she was mad at something, or when she hurt herself tripping over a root. The thought hit him, she was crying.
Rin tugged on Kagome's hand and he saw her quickly wipe her eyes. Smiling down at Rin, Kagome said trying to sound cheerful, "Okay Rin, let's go."
Her voice brought him out of his thoughts and he looked at the two humans. "Yes, you may go. But be back by sunset. Understood?"
Rin nodded quickly and letting go of Kagome's hand she took off out the door. Kagome stood shocked but smiled slowly. Looking to Sesshomaru she whispered, "Arigatou Sesshomaru."
"Do not think you are free Kagome. I keep watch over everything in my lands. You cannot escape with out me knowing. Remember that." The Demon Lord said trying to keep his cool. Turing he too walked out of the palace doors his annoying servant, Jaken right by his side.
How dare he think that I would be that low! Kagome thought irritably. She stood there for some seconds her mouth hung open in anger. Then the door opened again and Kagome thought for one second that it might be Sesshomaru back to apologize for his mean words. Instead it was Rin with her big smile on her lips. Grabbing Kagome she pulled her out of her stance and out the door. Sesshomaru was no where to be seen.
Kagome had to literally run to keep up with Rin's pace. How can someone this little run so fast? She wondered. Duh! She lives and travels with that baka Sesshomaru. Kagome answered herself.
Rin dragged Kagome to another house, made of wood this time. Letting go of Kagome's hand she pulled open the heavy door. It was dark inside and Kagome stood a second letting her eyes adjust. Rin on the other hand threw herself into the building and Kagome lost sight of her.
"Kagome! Hurry up!" Rin's little voice shouted from inside.
Kagome slowly walked inside. She squinted her eyes to slits to hopefully see better in the dark. Suddenly a light came on to her right. Rin's smiling face looked dark and evil in the candlelight. Behind her this ugly two-headed beast stood just over her shoulder. Kagome screamed and suddenly wished for her arrows that she knew Sesshomaru had taken from her.
"Rin! Get away from that beast!" Kagome yelled reaching for Rin's hand while staring into the beast's four eyes.
"Huh? Oh! You mean Ah and Un here? They won't hurt you promise!" Rin reached behind her and patted the beast's head. It closed its eyes in contentment. Kagome sighed and put her hand over her heart. What other surprises does Sesshomaru have here? She thought, taking deep breaths to calm her heart beat.
Rin started walking towards the door and Kagome. The "beast" gladly followed. Kagome scampered out of their way. Though she was somewhat convinced it wouldn't hurt her she was still a little scared.
As the "beast" walked out into the sunshine, Kagome realized that it wasn't a "beast" after all it was in fact a youkai or a demon. Getting up Kagome walked a few feet behind them. Eyeing the creature she walked towards Rin.
"See Kagome! Ah and Un would never hurt you." She smiled at the demon whose eyes seemed to smile back.
"Tell me Rin how did you come to know . . . Ah and Un here?" Kagome asked curious.
"Sesshomaru gave him to Rin after a few months Rin met him. Rin thinks it's because Rin couldn't keep up with Sesshomaru." Rin shrugged and patted the demons head once again. "After that Ah and Un, and Rin have gotten along great. Sesshomaru doesn't complain anymore."
Kagome nodded, trying to understand everything. "Are we riding this- Ah and Un all the way to the village, Rin?" Kagome asked afraid of the answer.
Rin nodded and smiled widely. "Yep, come on Kagome jump on!"
With those words Ah and Un bended it's front knees and let Rin climb onto it's back. It's four piercing yet gentle eyes looked to Kagome, as if waiting. Hesitant Kagome slowly moved closer to the demon. Grabbing a hold of Rin's small hand and a bag on the demons back Kagome quickly climbed on. Just as she was settlhe dhe demon rose and started towards the woods. It had a steady gait and Kagome quickly got use to it. Settling behind of Rin she let out a breath.
"So tell me Rin all the times I've seen you, it's with Sesshomaru. Does he take care of you?" Kagome asked. She was going by what she had once heard. Know your enemy.
"Oh yes Sesshomaru takes very good care of Rin." Rin answered.
"Does he show love to you like a father would?" Kagome asked again. She hated using Rin to understand more about Sesshomaru, but Rin was the best candidate. She sure couldn't go up to Jaken and ask. He would go ahead and tell Sesshomaru which she really didn't want.
"What do you mean?" Rin asked from in front.
"Like does he hug you? Give you things to play with? Stuff like that." Kagome named.
"Sesshomaru doesn't hug Rin, but he does let Rin sleep by his side when it's cold some nights. He gives Rin kimonos when Rin needs them. And Rin has a doll that Sesshomaru gave Rin when she was younger." Rin said turning her head to smile at Kagome.
"That's nice of him Rin. But does he hit you, or hurt you in anyway?" Kagome asked looking into Rin's big brown eyes. She knew she was asking the same question she had earlier but maybe she could get a different answer.
From the front Rin became silent, then shaking her head she said, "No Sesshomaru has never hit Rin, or hurt her anyway. He protects Rin. Like when we were traveling this demon pack tried to attack Rin. Sesshomaru came and saved Rin."
Kagome thought for a moment. So he protects her, gives her things and treats her nicely. How can he be so nice to Rin and yet so mean to Inuyasha and I? Kagome pushed the word Inuyasha and all things that went with him out of her mind. She did not want to think of him right now. Maybe never. Kagome sadly thought. Shaking her head Kagome looked back to Rin.
"Rin, how did you come to know Sesshomaru?" Kagome asked. This was what she had really wanted to know. How had such a small human girl come to live with Sesshomaru, and not be killed in the process?
"Sesshomaru saved Rin's life." Was the short answer Rin gave Kagome before becoming silent.
"How Rin? How did Sesshomaru save your life?" Kagome pushed farther.
"Rin was attacked by wolves. That's all Rin remembers, but when Rin woke back up Sesshomaru was holding her, looking down at Rin. He saved Rin's life. So Rin is forever, in Rin's eyes, grateful to him." She said trying to sound all grown up.
He saved her life? She was attacked and he saved her. God that's hard to believe. Kagome wondered.
"Rin why didn't you go back to your parents instead of staying here with Sesshomaru?" Kagome asked, but immediately regretted asking.
Rin became real silent and looked away from Kagome. She gazed out into the trees and her eyes became glazed over. "Rin never knew her parents. Rin knows she had some but Rin cannot remember them. So when Rin met Sesshomaru, Rin now thinks of him as her father."
She looked at Kagome and then turned back to the front. Kagome's heart was breaking. This poor young girl had gone through a lot and here she was living with one of the most feared youkai's. And he was treating her well! Kagome's mind was a whirl. How could it be that she was happy and content with this demon Lord? Looking to Rin again she noticed Rin's shoulders were slumped and she was looking down at her hands. Worried that she had hurt or made Rin sad Kagome wrapped her arms around Rin's small body and pulled her close to her chest.
"I'm sorry Rin please forgive me." Kagome whispered into her hair. Rin's quiet sobs reached Kagome's ears and Kagome's heart really did go out to this little girl.
They sat together for some minutes before their ride gave a snort and Kagome looked up. Ahead there was a clearing and in the clearing were many huts and people. A short distance from the village Ah and Un let Rin and Kagome get off. Rin patted the demons head and he turned to head back into the forest.
Seeing Kagome's questioning gaze said quickly, "Don't worry he'll be back in a hour or so."
Taking Kagomes hand she pulled her off into the crowds. For an hour they shopped with the money Rin had somehow had. Kagome guessed from Sesshomaru. They picked up a basket of fruit to eat on the way home, and Kagome had bought R new new kimono and some fabrics to make a few scarves out of. Since winter was coming up she guessed that of course Sesshoamru would most likely still hold her captive. Sadness fell over Kagome's heart when she thought about her captivity and how long she would be held. But when Rin tugged at her hand all of that disappeared and Kagome tried to forget about it. But it was always there . . . waiting to sadden Kagome more and more.
As they headed back towards where Ah and Un had dropped them off, Rin ate happily on an apple from their basket. Kagome smiled as she held Rin's hand and in her other their purchases.
"Time to head back Rin." Kagome mentioned looking off into the distance where the sun was beginning to go down. She knew with no stops they would reach home way before dark. Ah and Un was standing where they had left him. This time Kagome easily climbed onto Ah and Un's back, trusting him. As they headed back towards the palace Rin and Kagome chatted easily.
"Tell me Rin what do you want to do when we get back to the palace?" Kagome asked munching on an orange.
"Ummm, Rin don't know, what about you?" Rin asked swallowing her bite of apple.
Kagome shrugged, "I don't know, but we'll think of something. Ok-" Kagome stopped when she heard a laugh.
Looking up she saw three youkai's standing in front of them a smirk on every single one's face. Ah and Un tried to side step them but one of the youkai's stepped in front of him blocking their path. Quickly they were surrounded. One of the youkai's stepped forward, "Well, well, well. What do we have here?"
"I don't know but I'm liking it." The second said earning a laugh from the third.
Kagome pushed Rin behind her back, who was whimpering in fright. "What do you want?" Kagome demanded.
"Why my pretty I thought we had made it clear. We want you." The first youkai smiled mischievously.
Kagome's heart froze but her mind was racing with ideas of how she and Rin could escape this alive. Her eyes darted around, looking for escape routes. Making a quick idea of what was going on she made a conclusion that the first youkai seemed to be the leader. The other two were like servants of him doing exactly what he said. They were hunters by the looks of it. Each carried a sword and knives, strong legs and arms and long claws. Kagome knew they weren't Dog or wolf Youkai but something else. In instinct Kagome slowly reached to her back. Nothing.
Crap! She thought angrily. That's right Sesshomaru did take my arrows! I have nothing to fight these youkai's with. I know for sure Ah and Un can't out run them to the palace. Even if Ah and Un could, Sesshomaru's not there to stop them from taking over.
Kagome blinked wishing for an idea to come into her mind. But none came. Kagome felt Ah and Un back up.
That's right there's no one behind us! Kagome thought excited.
Suddenly a blur appeared and one of the youkais disappeared. Kagome heard a sudden laugh behind her. Rin screamed and held onto Kagome tighter.
Turning her head Kagome saw that one of the youkai's blocked their path behind. Cursing to herself Kagome now for certain didn't know what to do. Sliding Rin's little hands off of her waist she said to her, "Stay here Rin I'll be right back, okay?"
She didn't even wait for Rin's answer. She softly climbed off of Ah and Un. The demon turned his eyes to her. For once Kagome understood him. He was worried for her. Patting the demon gently. "Guard Rin please." She whispered into its ear.
Looking to the youkai leader she said, "If it's I you want come and get me."
He smirked and walked towards Kagome. She fell into a fighting stance. Man am I crazy! I can't take on a full demon! The youkai walked even closer, and Kagome backed up a few steps. If only there was someway they could call for help!
Suddenly the demon jumped at Kagome and hit her onto the ground. Cursing Kagome kicked up at the demon. He flipped over her and she quickly stood. Her ribs hurt but she took a few deep breaths to ease the pain. The demon smirked again, "So the pretty lady can fight huh? This shall be interesting!"
He ran at Kagome and grabbed her around the waist. The impact of his grabbing hurt enough but when he smacked her against a tree at full force, Kagome lost her breath. Falling down the tree the demon caught her by the throat right before hitting the ground. Pushing her up he laughed. Kagome struggled but accomplished nothing. She couldn't breath and she could start to feel her lungs burn for air.
A sudden high pitch scream filled Kagome's ear as her vision became darker and darker. Rin . Kagome thought. Getting an idea Kagome swung out her legs and used all her remaining power to kick the youkai in the stomach. The youkai barely moved from Kagome's weak hit but in anger he threw Kagome down to the ground. Opening her eyes Kagome saw in blurs and spots. Blinking her vision cleared and she saw one of youkai's struggling with Rin's kimono. Staggering to her feet Kagome tried to make her way to Rin, but was suddenly slammed to the ground.
"You can't get away, little missy. Your mine!" The demon whispered in her ear. Kagome could tell he was smiling and it sickened her.
"Let me go!" Kagome yelled into the dirt.
"No, I think I shall keep you." The youkai said, and Kagome could suddenly feel the demons hands creep towards her chest.
Kagome screamed, and in the midst of her screaming she heard Rin scream too. Images flashed through Kagome's mind, Rin screaming and crying, the three youkai's, the hand touching her, his breath on her neck. It all became a blur and mixed together in Kagome's mind. Then everything went black and in the distance there came a light. Kagome seemed to open her eyes and she reached for the light hoping it would bring comfort to her pain. Kagome reached the light and stepped into it. A warm feeling surrounded her, filling, completing her. Kagome never felt better.
Sesshomaru sat in a dimly lit room with the other three Lords of the lands. They were discussing the matters of the Shikon Shards and how they were really becoming a nuisance. Sesshomaru sighed, they honestly don't know anything do they? Sesshomaru knew that this Kagome held the Shikon Jewel, well at least half of it anyways. Smirking to him self he wondered, maybe I can make this Kagome work to my advantage again. She was proving to be quite useful. Suddenly Sesshomaru's senses were hit with this incredible power. The other lords must have sensed it to for they were standing up on their feet also. Sesshomaru turned and left the room, the other lord following.
"What was that?" asked Yuki, The Lord of the Eastern Lands.
Sesshomaru continued to walk not bothering to answer; he knew what it was. It was a miko, a strong miko at that, and she was in his lands. Ryuu the Lord of the Southern Lands ran up to Sesshomaru.
"Sesshomaru why such the rush, we have much to talk about here." Ryuu said putting his hand on Sesshomaru's shoulder stopping him.
Sesshomaru pushed the hand off. "This power you are all feeling is coming from my lands. Now I would like to go see just what is causing all this power. I'm sorry but I will have to here this conversation another time."
Sesshomaru then turned and headed out the door. He called for Jaken and as soon as he appeared, around Sesshomaru's feet foamed a cloud. They took off towards Sesshomaru's lands the three Lords staring after him, wondering why he was so worried about this "power".
As Sesshomaru neared the source of this power, he noticed that a pink glow was coming from a clearing in the forest. His senses picked up the scent of three youkai's and blood mixed in with a humans. Rin! Sesshomaru figured out. He knew she was alive just by reading her scent but...where was Kagome?
Landing in the clearing he widened his eyes in shock and surprise. A pink bubble stood in front Rin the the outline of a figure floated inside. Rin had backed up into a tree her mouth gaped at the bubble; he saw that Kagome was nowhere to be found. Blood lay everywhere and Sesshomaru had to control himself from passing out from how much there was. Looking over he saw the remnants of three youkai's. Their bodies covered in blood, Sesshomaru only had to look at them to know that they were dead.
He tried to take a step towards the bubble and Rin but a force held him back. Damn it! Sesshomaru cursed. A mikos shield was blocking him. Usually Sesshomaru could get past the shield but this one was strong. No miko this strong lived in his lands with out him knowing. He would kill this one for not telling him. Suddenly the pink bubble disappeared and so did the shield. The figure fell from the sky and onto the ground with a loud thud. Rin screamed and ran to the figure.
"Kagome! Wake Up!" She cried into the figures hair.
Sesshomaru blinked. No. . . She didn't just say Kagome? Did she? He thought surprised. But yes she had, Rin continued to yell and cry at Kagome's fallen body, she shook her and screamed for her to wake up. Sesshomaru slowly walked over to the two humans but stopped a few feet away. The humans body was covered in blood, a blue mark showed on her neck and her hair was mangled and dirty, as was the rest of her.
Sesshomaru closed the remaining feet and bent down. Rin was crying into Kagome's body saying things like, "You promised we would do something when we got home." And, "Please don't die I don't want you too die!"
Sesshomaru touched Rin and she flung her head up in reaction. Her eyes were red from crying and her cheeks stained with the tears; she too was dirty. "Sesshomaru please make her live!"
Sesshomaru was stunned at the young girls plead. He could so easily let the human die here, but then he would lose that sword of his brothers. If he saved the human many would start to wonder if the Great Lord of the Western Lands had gone soft. Sighing to himself he placed his hands under Kagome and lifted her up into his arms. Rin climbed to her feet and smiled at Sesshomaru.
"Thank you Sesshomaru!" She said happily. He nodded at her and turned, the cloud once again formed around his feet and Rin climbed on and rested next to him. Jaken gave her a dirt look that Sesshomaru silenced with a look of his own. As they headed off to his palace, Sesshomaru looked down at the unconscious human in his arms. You have a lot of explaining to do human. He thought.
TO BE CONTINUED!
Rin: I liked this chapter.
Yasha: Hope you all did as well.
Rin: Please review!