A/N: I'm baaaacckkk! Ahem, ok, so I've always wanted to say that. I hope nobody's mad at me for making them wait this long (ok, so I don't know how long I've made you wait, 'cause I've typed this entire story already and am just posting it in pieces. I know, that's mean.) So, does anyone want me to keep babbling? I didn't think so. Onwards!
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. I fantasize, but nothing ever comes of it. Oh, and I realized that I've forgotten to claim those I do own, so, here's the list (as of this chapter): Chikara (IY & Kag.'s daughter), Kohaku (Sango/Miroku's son) and Rika (their daughter), Ubenomaru and Taka (Lord/Lady of East), the entire snake family (Hebi, Uroko, Dokueki, Reikoku, Suberiyasui, and Doku), and the original Lord/Lady of the South Morumotto and Nezumi. There, what a long disclaimer.
Someone to Protect
As Uroko literally flew towards Sesshomaru, he realized, too late, his mistake. Sesshomaru very calmly pulled his Tokijin from his sheath and waited for Uroko to fly into it. He even allowed himself a small smirk at the frightening simplicity of it. Uroko let out a frightened hiss as he flew into the blade of the demonic sword.
With a simple flicker of his wrist, Sesshomaru had managed to slice Uroko neatly in half. He watched in satisfaction as the overconfident snake demon disintegrated before him. The anguished cry of his family caused him to look over at the other snakes. The two males were injured and seething at what had just happened to their father. The women were sobbing and glaring simultaneously, most likely hoping their glares would frighten him. Flicking his sword to remove the blood that stained it, he asked monotonously, "Do you wish to continue this fight? Or will you plead for your lives and hope I heed my upbringing?"
"How dare you? You've slain my mate, and you deem yourself worthy to mock my family! I shall devour you and your human in honor of my fallen mate!" Hebi hissed as she pulled herself to her full height and moved to step forward.
"No, Mother! Dokueki and I shall fight him, and he will pay for what he's done to father! Come, brother, let us slay this filth that has so disgraced us!" Reikoku declared, stepping in front of his mother and sister. His twin followed his lead obediently, eager to slay their father's murderer.
Sesshomaru almost found it amusing. They commit the original sin, and then get indignent when he retaliates. Had the situation been different, he may have smiled at the audacity of it. Still, it didn't really matter. The twins were already injured, and though he'd seen demons fight well with such wounds, he didn't hold a very high opinion of these snakes. They're no more than vermin in my way. And this fight has gone on long enough; Rin is waiting. With that thought, he tightened his grip on Tokijin and lunged to meet his adversaries. It was obvious neither were expecting this move.
As he neared his targets, they prepared for his assault. Of course, that didn't change the fact that, especially injured as they were, they didn't stand a chance. Reikoku braced himself; he'd seen what that sword was capable of, and he'd heard rumors of it's power, so he had no intentions of sitting back and letting it destroy him. Dokueki was a bit more naive of Tokijin's true threat; and, he was more greatly injured than his elder twin. Therefore he wasn't swift enough to dodge it.
At the last possible second, Reikoku shrunk his size and slithered out of the way of the mighty sword. He didn't bat an eye at his brother's death. He heard his mother and sister hiss again, and knew Dokueki had, indeed, been slain, just as their father had. Then he heard Sesshomaru land. "Clever manuver, Snake. However, do you truly believe that it will aid you in the long run?"
Returning to his full size, Reikoku turned around. "It doesn't need to; you'll be slain before the sun rises." He threatened before gliding towards Sesshomaru and swiping at him.
Sesshomaru, of course, was faster than Reikoku. The first swipe missed entirely, the second barely grazed his shoulder and he paid it no mind; it would heal quickly enough. Spinning quickly, he slashed once with Tokijin and watched as another snake fell, lifeless, to the ground before disintegrating just as the other two had done. Then he turned to face the mother and daughter.
"You will not take another from me! Die, you wretched dog!" Hebi shouted, flinging herself at him with no concern for her own well-being. She clearly thought that she could at least take him down with her.
"Have you learned nothing from watching this battle?" Sesshomaru asked rhetorically; he didn't actually care, anyway. Bracing himself for her impact, he noticed the daughter move to launch after her mother and try to double-team him. Since it was too late for him to dodge the assualt, he let it connect. The force of both their bodies drove him backwards a few feet, but not before the mother, Hebi, had nearly impaled herself on his sword.
"Mother! Do not let this-this dog destroy us! You cannot die as Father and my brothers did!" Suberiyasui shrieked as her mother fell, not quite dead, to the ground and gasped for breath.
"I am not going to live much longer, Su, but you must find a way to avenge us! It is your duty as a member of this family!" Hebi choked, spitting blood onto the floor and clutching her chest in pain.
"You need not worry, Mother. He will be slain; that I promise you!" Then, turning to Sesshomaru, she continued. "Sesshomaru! You've slain my family, but I shall be the one to slay you! Do you hear me!"
"I hear you. But you are mistaken. Do you truly believe that you can slay me, where your father and brothers could not?" He replied, watching as her mother finally died with one final hiss of agony. He looked up at the daughter, noticing that the scent of salt in the air was coming from her. She was crying over a family that probably wouldn't have cried over her.
"I will kill you, even if it kills me."
"That was your mother's policy, as well." Sesshomaru said coldly. His comment had the desired reaction; Suberiyasui screamed wildly and launched herself at him, just as her entire family had done before they'd died.
Sesshomaru had been perfectly prepared for her assualt and wasn't even remotely worried about it, as he could tell that she wasn't a threat of any kind. What he hadn't anticipated was how she'd died. Half-way through her flight, she became engulfed in flame and let out an ear-splitting shriek as she burned to death. Her scream was replaced with a familiar, screechy, voice.
"Lord Sesshomaru! Thank goodness we finally caught up with you! Have you found Rin yet, m'lord?" Jaken asked, immediately regretting that question, realizing Rin was no where to be seen. He stepped back involuntarily as his lord turned and sheathed Tokijin.
"No, Jaken. I want you to leave this region at once; go outside of the borders of the South, I shall find you after I have found Rin. Do I make myself clear?"
"Ay, m'lord!"
"Good." Sesshomaru said, heading down what remained of the hallway. That took entirely too long. Where is Rin?
------
Jaken sighed as Sesshomaru walked away once again. "Well, that could've gone worse. Come along, Ah-Un, we have our orders. It's time to go." Good luck, m'lord. I do hope Rin's ok. Jaken thought, grabbing hold of Ah-Un's reins and leading him outside. He barely noticed the dragon's initial resistance, prefering to go after Rin. Ah-Un eventually surrendered to the imp and followed him out.
--------
Rin had been half-sleeping in her corner when she'd first heard sounds of a quarrel from above her. The noise had startled her out of her slumber instantly and she focused on it, trying to determine if it would be a threat to her, as well. Of course, she had no way of knowing exactly what was happening above her; the snakes had made many enemies, after all. It could, realistically, be any one of them. And if it was not her lord, she would surely be left to starve in the underground cells. Oh, please don't let that happen. I know I'm only human, but the other lords know me; surely they would not abandon me! However, they would not necessarily check these cells; and more likely than not, a servant or warrior would check, and they may not care about my health. Oh, what is going on up there? Hnf, there goes dinner, Rin. Not that I would've eaten much, anyway. She thought wryly, sighing and returning her focus on her surroundings. It wouldn't do to be drifting way like that in a situation like this.
She was just beginning to relax a bit, seeing as the noise abover her had ceased a few minutes ago. It had sure sounded like a battle up there, but she had no way of knowing for sure. Just as she was allowing her eyes to drift shut again, she heard the noise. Metal scraping stone; but slowly this time. As if the new-comer was being cautious. When the noise finally stopped, she tensed herself, wondering whose light footsteps she was hearing. Then she saw the silhouette of his shadow, and a small voice in the back of her head insisted that she knew that shadow. Though she didn't dare allow herself to hope, her breath caught in anticipation none-the-less. Could it be-?
---------
Sesshomaru had wandered the entire rest of the palace without a trace of Rin. Her scent had been strongest in a back hallway, he'd noticed, though it had been wrapped around that of one of the snakes he'd just slain. The very same snake who claimed to have tortured her, I believe. That would lead me to believe that she is this way. He thought, turning down the hallway and was almost immediately greeted by a stone staircase. Preparing himself for the worst, he began his decent downwards.
When he reached the end of the stairs, there was a small landing and then a steel-barred door blocked his advancement. After being certain that no one was around to try to attack him, he grabbed hold of the bar nearest him and slowly slid it backwards, nearly cringing at the offensive sound the action created. Once the door had slid all the way open, he proceeded forward. There was a row of cells, about three on the side he could see and who-knew how many around the corner. He could tell easily that Rin was not on this side, so he made to turn the corner. He heard a small, slightly pained, intake of breath as he began to turn it. Rin. I've found her, but she is, indeed, injured. And though he was glad he'd found her, and that she was alive, he was angered at her pain. He also knew that it would only get worse when he actually saw her, but he would have to worry about that later.
--------
Rin saw the shadow round the corner, and just as she could clearly make out Sesshomaru's tail, she saw him. Or, rather, his silhouette; it was too dark to see him. If she'd had any doubts, his voice destroyed them instantly, and she no longer cared for her bloodied appearance; she was safe. He was there, and she'd be home soon.
"Rin." Was all he could say just yet. Though most of her blood was dry and the room hadn't been cleaned in ages, he could smell her blood without a problem. He could see, with his advanced sight, the bruises and cuts and the bags under eyes. She wasn't well, but that wouldn't last. He refocused as she made to stand on shaky legs. She was obviously weak from her recent attack, as she quickly lost her balance and had to lean into the wall.
"I'm sorry, my lord. It seems...I'm...still in...pain. Forgive me." She mumbled, barely audible to human ears, as she blinked to clear her vision.
"I've told you before; do not apologize. Now stay there, I shall assist you." He said, deftly slicing the rusted bars into pieces and tossing them into another cell. With the cage out of his way, he crossed the small 'room' in two strides and was by her side. She cringed unwillingly as he placed his hand on her shoulder. "When I get you outside, I will want to take a proper look at these wounds, Rin."
"I...understand." She replied, surrendering to herself and collapsing against him. She expected to be allowed a moment to catch her rest, and then to be partially carried up the stairs. She was, therefore, a bit surprised when one of his arms encircled her shoulders and the other one slipped behind her knees a moment before she was being carried out of the dungeon. "Th-thank you...my lord..." she said as her voice trailed, indicating that she'd fallen asleep.
-------
Sesshomaru looked down at the now-sleeping woman in his arms. She was injured; though, fortunately, not fatally. And she was exhausted. Obviously her exhaustion had caught up with her now that she knew she was safe. Which he had no doubt she knew. When he hit the hallway above the staircase, he increased his speed until he was hardly visible and then, suddenly, he was outside and a fair distance from the palace. Slowing down again, he took a deep breath and turned northwest to follow Jaken's scent. Once we've cleaned her up a bit, I'll find us a decent place to rest for a while to allow her to recuperate.
----------
Jaken and Ah-Un had collected some logs for a fire, and Jaken had just started it, when Sesshomaru arrived with Rin in his arms. He landed silently from above them, and the two-headed dragon rose to his feet, and the imp snapped to attention. His large eyes widened considerably when he realized that Rin was not in good health. "Oh dear." he mumbled.
"Gather some healing herbs, Jaken. And something of substance for her to eat when she awakens."
"Right away, m'lord!" Jaken squeaked, scrambling to do his master's bidding while he was still being civil. I'd better watch what I say tonight; one slip-up and I'm as good as dead! He thought, searching for the herbs. It was then that he noticed that Ah-Un had not come with him. Oh well; he's probably more concerned over Rin. I do hope he'll keep a distance, though. Lord Sesshomaru's bound to be a bit...testy right now.
-------
Sesshomaru gently laid Rin down on a patch of healthy grass, noting the dragon's presence in the background. Carefully, he reached down and gently moved a stray strand of her raven colored hair out of her face. He noticed her head incline ever-so-slightly towards his clawed hand as it grazed her face. He had to fight the smile that threatened to show at this simple, subconscious gesture. Though he knew he should begin cleaning her cuts as soon as possible, he was unwilling to leave her alone (even with Ah-Un) to go get the water to clean them with. Therefore, he decided to wait for Jaken and make him go get the water.
--------
Jaken returned a little bit later, having anticipated his lord's orders, he'd gone to the nearest creek and refilled his canteen with fresh water. When he walked up, he tried not to balk at the sight of his powerful lord kneeling beside a sleeping mortal woman with an almost sad look in his eyes. Not that it was on his face, of course; that never happened.
Clearing his throat, Jaken spoke. "Um, m'lord. I have the herbs and dinner you've requested; I also took the liberty to gather some fresh water for cleaning."
"Thank you, Jaken. Do not begin cooking the rabbit until I have cleaned her wounds. I shall summon you when it is time for your assistance." Sesshomaru replied, not actually looking at his servant.
Jaken hesitated, not sure he'd understood what he was supposed to do. "What is it you'd like for me to do now my lord?"
"Take Ah-Un and secure the surrounding area, then find yourself something to eat. I should be ready for you when you return."
"Very well, come Ah-Un." Jaken instructed, leading the reluctant dragon away from their chosen camp.
-------
Sesshomaru knew Jaken would be suspicious as to why he'd been sent away for Rin's cleaning, but he no longer cared. Rin came first and Jaken would eventually have to learn that, anyway. If he hadn't already. I am becoming my father. Isn't that ironic? He thought sardonically, before clearing his mind of all unnecessary thoughts.
Taking one of three cloths that he'd removed from Rin's travel bag, he poured the cold water onto it and moved to begin with the more obvious cuts on her arms and legs. She had three on one arm, four on the other, and five or six on each leg; possibly more. Not to mention a few on her face, neck, and most likely chest-area. Some, he discovered, were far worse than they'd seemed, and many were just surface scratches, intended to inflict pain without causing massive, or even minimal, blood loss. Every now and then, when he'd begin cleaning one that was particularly painful, she would groan and try to roll away from the pain.
------
When he was done with her arms and legs, and the larger wounds were bandaged, he moved to her face and neck. He'd saved these because he knew it would probably wake her. He was careful, of course, as he didn't particularly want to wake her; but you can't be that careful when pressing a cold, wet, cloth to an open wound on someone's forehead. As he did this, she cringed and groaned before her eyes slowly drifted open. He met her sleepy, unfocused, gaze with his own and she tried to smile, but then cringed from the effort.
"Relax, Rin. You will most likely be in pain for a few days. But you are safe, and you will heal."
"I know." She whispered, her eyes smiling for her.
"Hush now." He scolded lightly, continuing to wipe the blood from her forehead. When that was done, he moved on to her other face wounds while she watched as best she could from her position. He tried to ignore both of their reactions when he began lightly dabbing at the small cut on her lower lip. She parted her lips slightly to allow him better access to the cut, and that simple action gave him urges he'd never had before in his rather long life. He, of course, ignored them. Or, rather, pushed them aside to save for a later date. When she wasn't injured.
-------
Eventually, she was as healed as she was going to be for the time being. Most of her cuts had been small and insignificant, though some had been rather deep and unhealthy; Sesshomaru had bandaged those. He'd even handled her bruises fairly well; at least when compared with what he wanted to do. Rin hadn't seen his reaction to them; he'd stiffled the territorial growl that had risen deep inside his chest when he'd seen half of the bruise that covered a large space on her chest. He was, however, a bit more calm now that she was cleaned up and no longer bleeding or cringing at everything. He knew she was still in pain, but it wasn't quite so bad anymore. It was a step in the right direction.
After she'd been cleaned and bandaged, she slowly sat up and took a deep breath. She knew what was coming next, but first she had a question of her own. "Did-did you slay them all, Lord Sesshomaru?"
"Yes, Rin."
She was silent at first, then, finally, she mumbled "Good." just loud enough for Sesshomaru to hear it. Then it came.
"Rin, tell me what, exactly, happened before I arrived."
"Okay." Taking a deep breath, she plunged into the story, hoping to get it over with.
-------
Jaken arrived with Ah-Un shortly after Rin had finished her tale. When they got there, she was trying to hold back her tears, obviously hoping no one would notice. Sesshomaru stood and placed a clawed hand on her shoulder, squeezing it gently. "It is alright, Rin. You must be hungry; Jaken, prepare her dinner."
"Ay, m'lord." Jaken said, moving to cook the rabbit.
They waited in silence while Jaken cooked; Rin crying silently and Sesshomaru standing behind her with one hand on her shoulder, his thumb rubbing comforting circles over her skin. Jaken was intentionally pretending not to notice this, knowing any comment would get him slain. When dinner was ready, he handed it over to Rin, who'd managed to stop crying.
"Dinner, Rin. I hope you like it."
Rin smiled, her eyes still teary, "Thank you, Master Jaken. It smells delicious." she replied, and then she began eating, grateful for the good food and even better company. She smiled between bites as Sesshomaru sat down beside her on the grass and ate the food Jaken offered him. He wasn't near in the mood to hunt just then.
After dinner, Rin again thanked Jaken and then asked Sesshomaru if she could head to the hot springs and wash off the dirt that she'd accumulated in the underground cell. She could tell that he was reluctant to let her go, but agreed, after demanding she take Ah-Un, knowing she'd been planning to, anyway. Part of him, the part he was still intent to ignore for the moment, wanted him to follow her. Go with her. He, of course, did not. Rin returned later, clean and changed with Ah-Un following behind her. Sesshomaru made no secret of watching her prepare for sleep. He nodded at her when she'd looked over at him and smiled before laying down to rest for the night. "Good night, my lord." Her heard her whisper as she drifted off. Only then did he allow himself the same luxury.
------------
A week later, they were safely within the Western Lands. Rin's wounds had mostly healed; only two remained, but they were no longer bandaged and wouldn't last much longer. No demon's had attacked them while they'd traveled, and now that they were on Sesshomaru's land, they were as safe as they could be. It was mid-afternoon and Rin had wandered into a field of flowers to indulge in her former self and begun picking some flowers. Fortunately, she refrained from stringing them together. Instead, she was only picking one or two and admiring them. Jaken had stopped a bit ahead, waiting beside Ah-Un under the shade of a tree. Sesshomaru, however, walked over to her.
Kneeling down in front of her, he allowed himself, just this once, to act on impulse. He lightly placed his hand over hers and waited until she'd locked eyes with him. Then, never breaking eye contact, he gently pulled them from her grasp and placed them behind her ear, brushing her hair out of the way. He then allowed his knuckles to graze her jawbone before standing and turning abruptly, saying nothing.
Rin sat there for a minute after he'd walked away, barely resisting the urge to place her fingers on her jaw where he'd touched it. He'd been acting a bit odd lately, a good odd, but odd none-the-less. What's going on? I don't understand; he's never been so-so...caring before. What am I missing? She thought, standing and moving to catch up with them. I don't suppose I'll ever find out; not unless he tells me. I suppose I'd better stop thinking about it.
-------
Why, exactly, did I allow myself to do that? Now is not the time to lose control of myself; I must not indulge in such small urges, for it only increases the larger ones. Perhaps I should talk to her...perhaps. He thought, taking his place at the head of their group. He could still feel her skin against his knuckles; so smooth; so...perfect. Rin. What have you done to me? I used to think humans repulsive; then I took you in and you've slowly changed my opinion. At least of some. But he knew he shouldn't dwell on that just yet; he had a little more ground he wanted to cover before nightfall. He was still undecided about whether he wanted to spend any time in his own land; it wasn't like he could really call it home, after all.
---------
A couple of hours later, Sesshomaru had found them a suitable place to rest for the evening. It was near a creek that was alive with fish and broke off, one side forming a small hot spring. It also had a nice spot in between four trees that was just large enough for a campfire and the four of them to sleep comfortably. Once he'd settled on this spot, he instructed Jaken to go fishing and Rin volunteered to gather the firewood. This was what she always did, but lately, it hadn't seemed right; not to Sesshomaru, anyway. As a compromise, he decided to go with her. She agreed, of course, and they set off to find wood.
-----
Rin was leading the way, silently wondering why he'd decided to join her; hunting for firewood was beneath someone of his status and power. That said, she found herself enjoying his company, even if he wasn't speaking. Still, why is he doing this? He already declared the area safe, and I am much better than I was a week ago. Perhaps...I should ask him. Would that be inappropriate? Probably. But, still... Her thoughts trailed as she bent to pick up two good logs for their fire. As she moved to shift them so she could comfortably carry them, he stepped forward and held out his hands to take them from her. Curiousity getting the best of her, she asked the question.
"Forgive my curiousity, my lord, but, why are you helping me gather wood? I have been doing this since I was young, surely you do not think I'm incapable?" Her eyes dropped shamefully to look at her feet as she finished her question, and she was about to tell him to ignore her words when his free hand gently tipped her chin up until she was looking directly into his beautiful golden eyes. "So-" She began, but his thumb was pressing against her lips, preventing her from apologizing.
"I am assisting you in gathering firewood because I feel that, even though I cannot sense any demons nearby, I will only worry about your well being if I had stayed behind. While I realize that I will not always be able to avoid such worry, this particular situation was easily rectified. I know you are completely capable of gathering adequate firewood; I am simply insisting on helping this time." He explained, removing his thumb, but not his hand. He could still see the confusion in her eyes, as she obviously didn't fully comprehend why he was so worried. After all, he hadn't explained that.
"I appreciate your help, Lord Sesshomaru. However, I still do not understand something. Why are you worried about me so? It seems...unusual."
"I have my reasons, Rin. I am simply not quite certain, at this moment, how to express them adequately. You will have to wait a bit longer before I am able to answer that question." He didn't particularly like that answer, even if it was every bit the truth. That was probably the reason he disliked it so much; it was an inadequate answer. He could see in her eyes that his answer had surprised her, seeing as how it wasn't like Sesshomaru to not know how to express himself. Or even care how he expressed himself.
"I...understand. Thank you for your honesty, my lord." She replied, turning to gather more wood as he released her chin from his clawed grasp.
To Be Concluded...
A/N: Guess what? There's only one chapter left! Isn't that sad? Lol. I hope I didn't over-do it this chapter. I really wanted an 8th chapter, y'know? So I felt the need to stretch it out a bit. Hopefully it turned out ok. You'd tell me (nicely) if it didn't, right? Hope so. Anywho, I hope you liked this chapter (and all the others, obviously). Haven't decided yet how long you'll have to wait for chapter 8; if I'm in a good mood, I might post it simultaneously with this one. Maybe. Maybe not. Well, enough of me! Review and read on! See ya soon!