Wow, it's been awhile since I've updated. Sorry, but hopefully you enjoy this chapter. Please let me know if you like the new character I introduce in this chapter. He is like Miroku, but I did that on purpose.


Wanton Monk of the Mountain

"There it is Ahun, Mt. Hakurei."

After nearly a day of traveling, Rin and her mount had arrived at the mountain. Rin was exhausted because they had traveled through the night. She had slept a little on Ahun's back, but had gotten little actual rest.

It had been nearly ten years since she had last seen Mt. Hakurei, but the mountain looked as massive and imposing as ever. Quickly, she urged Ahun onward, with renewed energy. They were almost there.

Coming up to the path up the side of the mountain, Rin spotted a small hut.

Maybe we could stop for a short break here.

Stopping Ahun next to the hut, Rin dismounted. Stepping up to the door, she knocked.

"Hello, is anyone here?" She called.

"Yes, I'll be right there." A muffled voice replied.

The door opened to reveal a young monk, slightly older than herself. "I have not had a visitor in a long time, and never one half so pretty as you."

Not even paying attention to the compliment, Rin greeted the monk. "Hello Sir. My name is Rin. I come to you on a quest and I was hoping you could help me."

"I would be glad to help you with whatever you need to do. My name is Jomei. Please, come in and rest."

Rin hesitated. She had wanted to take a rest, but she could not afford to waste time. If she did, Sesshoumaru would…she couldn't even think about it.

"I'm sorry Jomei, but I really am in a hurry. I must get up this mountain."

"No, I insist, come in." He said, taking Rin by the arm.

Having no choice, Rin followed Jomei inside. There, they sat down next to each other at the table.

"Would you like some food? A beautiful girl like you deserves some." Jomei asked.

"No thank you." Rin laughed nervously, as Jomei inched closer to her.

"Well, how about a nap then. I only have one bed, but I'm sure we could make do." Jomei said, arching his eyebrows suggestively, while sliding his hand down Rin's back towards her butt.

"Lecher! I want no such thing! I am leaving, NOW!"

Storming out the door, Rin leap onto Ahun's back. She prepared to spur him into motion, but Jomei jumped in front of them.

"Rin, wait. I'm sorry. I get very lonely at times. Is there any way I could help you in your quest?"

Rin glowered at him. "Why should I let you help?"

"Because, I know this mountain better than anyone else. I'm sure I could help you find whatever you're looking for."

"Do you know the Nikko tree?"

"Why yes! I found a grove of them long ago and have tended them ever since. I would be happy to guide you to that glen."

"Then, I suppose you may do so. Let's go, I don't have much time. However, you will have to walk"

"I am happy you will forgive me for my indiscretion. Don't worry about me though, I have a horse. Let me fetch him."

I have no intention of forgiving him. Why must all monks be such lechers? If Sesshoumaru was here, he would already have torn this monk limb from limb. But, Sesshoumaru is not here, Rin reminded herself.

Jomei returned quickly and they set off. The road was relatively flat for the first few minuets, but then it began to grow steeper. Rin was glad for Ahun's sure footing, because the climb would have been treacherous without out him.

"The climb will get dangerous soon. Be prepared for anything, youkai are quite common in these parts." Jomei warned, breaking the silence that had been present for nearly an hour.

"Okay," Rin returned despondently.

Still trying to make conversation, Jomei spoke again. "If you don't mind my asking, what do you need from the Nikko tree?"

"Its blossom."

"I meant why do you need the Nikko tree's blossom?" He corrected himself.

"For medicine."

"Alright Rin! You know what, I won't try to talk to you anymore." Jomei yelled, exasperated.

Rin turned her head towards Jomei. She hadn't realized she had been so guarded. She had just been thinking about how much she had to do. Even though the monk had hit on her earlier, she still felt sorry for how she had acted. After all, he was just trying to be nice.

"I'm sorry Jomei. I didn't realize I was being so impolite. Is there anything you want to know?" Rin apologized.

"No, it's okay. I shouldn't pry."

Even though Jomei said it was alright, Rin still felt guilty. She knew that she wasn't being a particularly good travel companion. Normally she was more socially oriented.

"Well Jomei, since I was so rude to you earlier, I'll tell you about my quest now. The medicine I'm gathering ingredients for is for my lord. He is gravely ill, and will die if I don't succeed in this quest. After the Nikko tree, I still have two more ingredients to get."

Jomei looked at her and frowned, "I'm sorry Rin. By any chance, would I know the lord you serve?"

Rin smiled to herself, "It's unlikely," since he is a youkai, she added silently.

For a few minuets Jomei was quiet, but Rin could tell he was burning to ask a question. She gestured for him to ask it.

Eagerly he spoke, "Rin, how is it that your lord sent you, a woman? Almost any lord would send a man on a mission as vital as this on. It would make more sense for your lord to take you to wife, then to send you off on a dangerous mission."

"My lord is like no other, and he has few retainers. I have known him since I was little, and it seems, he trusts me with his life. However, he would never marry me." Rin said, a little sadly.

They chatted for awhile after that, and Rin realized it was better to talk than be alone with her thoughts. Every now and then, Jomei would say something lecherous, and she would yell at him. But, in general, they had time.

After awhile Jomei called back to her, "We are getting close."

Rin grinned happily. They were going to get the blossom within a day. That meant she still had almost eleven days left. Perhaps she would save Sesshoumaru with time to spare.

Up ahead, she heard Jomei's horse slip, "Rin watch out!"

Looking up, she saw what he was warning her about. Ahead of her was a giant badger youkai. She could see its eyes were glazed over, and it was furious. Ahun slid to a stop, not wanting to put Rin any nearer to the beast.

"It's alright, I'll be fine," Rin whispered to her mount, as she dismounted.

Drawing her sword, Kaitou, which Sesshoumaru had given her, Rin stepped forward. Jomei, who had dismounted too, stood beside her. The youkai charged them, and they barely managed to dodge in time.

Spinning around quickly, Jomei threw sutras at the monster's back, but they had no effect. "I always knew my sutras were too weak" he muttered to himself.

Meanwhile, Rin had also launched her attack. She plunged her sword deep into the youkai's side and it screamed in pain. She knew she had done damage, but it would no be fatal. She needed to strike the beast's heart.

"Jomei, distract it." She yelled to the monk.

Rolling to the side, as it charged again, Jomei swung his staff at the badger's legs. He hit them hard, but the badger youkai barely even broke stride. Still, it was enough for Rin to launch herself into the air, and lodge Kaitou in the monster's side.

Pulling her sword free, Rin leapt from the youkai, just as it started to fall. As she rolled to the ground, the badger struck the cliff. The crash resounded through the air. The beast struck the wall with such force that rocks began to fall.

They were small at first, but they grew in size. The rocks pummeled their way down the mountainside, right towards Jomei and Rin. In pure terror, the two humans and their mounts fled up the mountain path. They hoped against all hopes that they could escape the oncoming rocks.


I'm not generally fond of cliff hangers, but this chapter was getting to be too long. Don't worry I'll update soon.