Chapter Seven: Rin?
I began to awake after that bright white light caused me to blackout moments ago. My head was throbbing, almost like a headache, but I knew that I couldn't lay here, and wait for someone to show up to save me. I needed to get back to the cabin, before the serial killer could find me again, and get medical attention from mom. I know she and dad would be there by now and if it means a trip to the emergency room then so be it. Mom would be able to get me the help that I would need without even waiting.
I ever so carefully stood up, with sharp pain shooting down my back and climbed out of the old well. It was lightly raining, and my clothes were slightly damp. I knew after my trip to urgent care, I would get a nice, long, and much needed hot bath, with bubbles. Then I would have mom run her fingers through my damp, clean hair. But most of all I want her homemade cooking, instead of going out to eat.
When I was out of the well, I checked my surroundings and I didn't see or hear anyone. A good sign. I just hope that the serial killer is long gone. How do I break the news to mom and dad that I was almost killed by the man. They wouldn't let me go out on my own again without one of them, mostly dad. Even Kiyoshi. I know that he will be worried sick when I tell him here soon. I want to be in his arms and hear him tell me that everything would be okay and that the killer would be caught soon.
I held my hand that held my engagement ring against my chest. I came so close to having it ripped off my slim finger. I would have been devastated if it had been taken from me. My ring means so much to me.
I made my way up the path towards the cabin. I watched each step that I took and made sure that I didn't trip again. I'm just grateful that I didn't twist my ankle earlier when I tried to outrun the masked killer. I would have been raped and killed right there and my body placed somewhere I wouldn't even been found. Just thinking of that word sent shivers down my spine. I hope that it never does happen and I can live a happy, safe life with Kiyoshi.
When I finally broke through the trees I froze in place. Where my family's cabin once rested was replaced with open fields. "This is the right area, I'm sure of it." I have walked this path plenty of times and I know I didn't walk in a different direction. Or maybe I did. So I back tracked and looked for a certain sign that told of the housing developments in each general area. My family's development is called Midokrio Lane.
When I knew I was in the right area where the sign would be, all I saw was trees, trees, and more trees. Now I was getting worried. "What's going on?" I either took a wrong turn. Or ended up in a field not far off from the cabin. The only option that now came to mind was to retrace my steps back from the castle. I just pray that I don't see the killer on my way there.
I know it will be a few minutes walk, but right now it feels like time has slowed down or stopped. The trees didn't seem to move past behind me. More like my legs didn't want to move with the pain that I had. I hope the owner I met earlier will allow me to stay inside until my parents can get me… crap! My phone! I dropped it earlier after I wacked the serial killer in the head to get him off of me. Hopefully I can find it and it doesn't have too much damage and call mom. I at least kind of remember where I dropped it. If I find loose dirt, almost a body implant of my back in the ground, that's where it would be.
More dark clouds began to cover the sky. Another round of storms were approaching fast. At least I wouldn't get too soaked from the rain, thanks to the coverage of trees. Though the temperature dropped a few degrees, I had to hold myself to keep myself warm. "I hope the owner wouldn't mind if I could have a cup of tea." I'm in need of one.
As I walked, I noticed the path had more small rocks crunching beneath my feet. Strange? I don't remember this being here. The paths I knew of had black tops. Did I take another new path I haven't taken here before? One that I shouldn't be taking. All I know I could be on a private driveway.
The rain began to come down in sprinkles, along with cool air. "I think it's best that I head to the castle, take the same path where I know I dropped my phone, and then go back to the castle again, and explain my situation." I hope the owner or the staff understands. "Or maybe I should explain my situation first and then go find my phone." I'm getting a headache just thinking of my options… that's strange, the ground felt like it just shook. I looked in front of me and then behind me and there was nothing to be seen to cause that. I just put it off as a mini earthquake.
More time passed and the ground shook again. It has to be an earthquake, right? From the way it felt, it was coming in front of me. "I wonder if I headed in the direction of a new community being built and that's what caused the ground to shake?"
Roar… "that doesn't sound like a construction sound. That sounded big, possibly quite large, and was coming my way." I dashed into the bush beside me and hid by kneeling in the wet earth. I peeked through an opening of the bush and waited for whatever was coming to pass by. But what on earth would make that sound? I don't think a bear would be that loud, not unless it's a newly undiscovered animal that's about to grace itself with its presence.
"A-Un, why did you drag me out here with this incoming storm?" A squeaky voice asked. "There is nothing out here. Let's get back to the castle at once! I do not want to get soaked!" Through the gaping hole of the bush, a small green man, wearing odd brown clothing, stopped right where I could see his face, but he couldn't see me. In his hand was a stick with two heads. He… he looks like the man from my dreams! "We need to get back before Lord Sesshomaru returns."
The beast that I heard earlier was now beside the little green man. All I could see was dark green scales and large claws. My eyes followed up the beast to see that it had two long necks. I'm seeing the same beast from my dreams! "What the fuck is going on?" Crap! My voice echoed.
"Who's there? Show yourself!" The little man with the crazy stick was now facing my way. What do I do now? "I said show yourself or I'll set you ablaze and let you burn to death.
My eyes jolted at his words. Forgetting that I was on my knees, I tried to stand, and run in the opposite direction, but I fell over backwards, and tumbled down, screaming. I made the whole forest echo, until I hit my head on what felt like a sharp rock. "Ow," another injury to add on a possible concussion. If I keep getting hurt like this I'll end up staying in the hospital overnight or several days for mom's sake.
I cautiously sat up just as I heard, "guards come quick! We have an intruder on Lord Sesshomaru's land!" Me? An intruder? I would never… I looked up to see the little green man pointing towards me. "There she is!"
Behind the little green man I saw the guards. They were dressed in… imperial armor? What the hell? Last I checked we were in the twenty century and no one wears this anymore. I jumped to my feet, tried to make a break for it, and I was going to run downhill again, but the guard was so quick, almost like Speedy Gonzalez, and grabbed both my arms. "HELP!" My voice echoed in the forest once again. "Let me go, please!
"No! You are now a prisoner!" The guard informed me. "When the Lord returns, he'll decide your punishment. He doesn't take well to trespassers so close to his home." My hands were now cuffed in shackles and salty water dripped down my face. Prisoner? Punishment? I don't want to die!
"Please, I beg you! Let me go! I'm in so much pain and I was attacked by a masked man," I cried out.
"Masked man you say? Kenshi, Masaji, go forth and find the other intruder, known as a masked man. I'll be taking the female prisoner to the castle," the same guard holding me against my will ordered.
"Yes, Captain Morio." All I heard after their agreement was running feet going back up the hill.
Minutes later I was locked inside a dungeon underground, chained to the wall, and sitting on the wet stone cold floor on my knees. I was feeling a lot worse than I was earlier. If I don't get out of these wet clothes soon I'm going to catch a cold. My body was getting chills, snot dripping down my nose, and I felt like I was developing a fever. "Mom," my tears came again, "Dad, help me," I hid my face into the stone wall, fearing my fate with death soon.
The few hours were what I needed to get my mind off of things. Especially with the ghost-like figure of that older girl. The only ghost-like figure I always saw was Rin roaming around. "It's most likely my mind once again playing tricks on me."
When I landed outside my studies, I had to deal with one thing that annoys me more than seeing ghost-like figures, "Lord Sesshomaru," damn you Jaken!
The little green imp who has been following me for over fifty years, rounded the corner wailing, and waving his nintōjō I had retrieved behind a waterfall. "What is it, Jaken?" I don't have time for his squeaks.
"My Lord, welcome home," he bowed at my feet. "I have to inform you that we caught a female intruder outside the castle near the well," he screeched.
My eyes grew red. My lands are forbidden for anyone to walk around this close. "Where is the female intruder?" I demanded. "Where is she!"
He saw the anger within my eyes, "she's in the third cell underground. Two of the guards are out looking for a second intruder that the girl called 'masked man'." Jaken was literally shaking within my presence. My aura warned him I was in a foul mood.
I didn't even respond to him. I bolted for the dungeon in a flash. Humans and demons who trespass this closeby on my lands are usually kept there till such time, or killed depending on who they are, and why they were out there. Inside I could smell wetness, dirt mixed with something I can't figure out, blood perhaps?
I stood by the door where two fūjin guards were guarding. They are useful for being fast, just for being wind gods. "Open the door now! I wish to see this female intruder," I demanded immediately.
With the cell door opened, the only light shining through was the small window up above the girl's head. I looked towards her. She had her head down between both her chained wrists. I looked at her more. She had an odd bag on her back. Now I need to know who she is and who sent her out here. "Look at me girl! I need to know who sent you out here. Your life depends on it."
"Please!... I need…. to go….home. I was cut by some cruel man," she cried out.
So she's going to be one of those types of people and disobey orders! "I said look at me! I didn't ask if you were hurt." I was ready to take my poison claws out on her. "One last chance girl! Look at me or you'll die by my hands." My hands began green.
After a few seconds, she turned her head and all the anger that I had built up faded away. "Is… this… the ghost-girl from earlier?"
"Please? I need medical attention from a doctor. Just let me go and I won't say anything to anyone," her familiar brown doe eyes were begging me to let her go. She looked fatigued and weak.
I wasn't going to let her go just yet. There was one way to determine if this was the same girl I saw earlier today. I gently grabbed her black locks and lifted it up and got my answer immediately. Rin has finally returned and now I am furious. "Bring me the keys now!" I turned towards the guards, showing the anger I have for locking her up. I let go of her hair, "who is responsible for locking Rin up? I want answers now!" Whoever was responsible will be facing hard labor. I went back to look at her more and all I saw was fear and panic in her eyes. I don't understand why. She never once showed fear towards me. I may have spooked her that day when she was a child, but she swallowed that fear away quickly and came towards me when I was at my weakest.
When her hands were released, "Captain Morio is, My Lord. We didn't… know it was Rin. She is wearing strange clothes and Master Jaken is the one who found her first," the guard informed me.
Damn you Jaken! "Find Captain Morio and have him at my office immediately. Then return to your post." I will deal with him later myself.
With my back to Rin, "my name… is… is not Rin…" I heard a slight thud right after.
"She must have fainted"? I turned around and sure enough I found Rin passed out. She needs medical attention immediately. "What does she mean her name is not Rin?"
Before I moved her, I removed this odd bag from her back. Then I very carefully lifted her up and saw the injury she was talking about. From what I see it wasn't a deep cut on her lower stomach and I know the head caretaker could take care of this gash.
Once I had Rin balanced in my arms, a cold chill shot through me. She was soaking wet from the storm. I'll see to it that she has a proper yukata and kimono to wear. Plus whatever else she would require.
I was getting ready to walk out of the prison cell when I heard Jaken come before me. "Lord Sesshomaru… I just heard… I'm sorry. I didn't know it was Rin. Please… forgive me!" He was quivering with fear and bowed to me.
I didn't want to deal with him at this time, "take Rin's bag and bring it to her room. Have the head servant clean it up and have it ready for her to sleep in," I ordered and left him behind.
The head caretaker was on the backside of my castle. Completely far from Rin's room. Asuka was a wolf demon from the north. She descended down from the mountains twenty years ago and has been working under my care since. She is a cousin to Koga's wife Ayame. She's reliable for knowing what plants can help treat any time of issue and I know she'll treat Rin properly.
I found her inside making remedies out of tea tree oil. That stuff would help Rin out the most for treating and preventing skin infections. She looked up with an expressive look in her blue eyes, "Lord Sesshomaru? Who is? Is that?" She knew who I had in my arms.
"Rin has returned, Asuka. She needs to be treated for injuries she has received. She was cut by someone along her lower stomach," I explained.
"Lay her down here, Lord Sesshomaru," her hand gestured to an open futon. I could tell she was shocked. Asuka has treated Rin multiple times when she was younger and up until that day she vanished.
Rin loved to play and run out and around the gardens, even outside the castle. She would return with scraped knees and Asuka would treat her and Rin would be off laying in the gardens. But that all stopped when Rin took up a new hobby of art.
As I laid her down I quickly ordered, "clean her up the best you can. If Rin wakes up, lead her to her private bath house to bathe." She smelled of dirt, sweat, and dry blood. "Have Nagisa set out the pear-vanilla soaps for Rin."
"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru." Asuka began to examine Rin's injury. "From what I see it will only take a few minutes to treat this gash on her stomach. Luckily the remedy I was working on will treat her cut." She looked up to me and I knew she had more to say. "Lord Sesshomaru, it's strange Rin's returned after these past five years. She looks to be in good health and in strange clothes?"
I knelt down beside Rin and noticed she does look to be in good health. Except for a few small cuts and scratches all over her body. She was sixteen when she disappeared and today she would be twenty-one. Would she still have the same personality from all those years? Does she still paint? Did she find new hobbies to entertain herself? Did she find someone to claim her heart? When she's rested and gains all of her energy back, I'll be asking her all sorts of questions. "Have Nagisa come get me after Rin's rested."
"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru."
Back in my studies, Captain Morio waited outside for me. Unlike Jaken who was scared of my presence, Captain Morio was calm. "Lord Sesshomaru, I have been informed who the girl was. I must apologize for my actions. If I had known it was Rin, we would have treated her better. My men and I will take any punishment that you think we all deserve." He now knelt before me on one knee and lowered his head.
I could only think of one thing that could fit the punishment. I came out and ordered, "extra patrol. No breaks. Did you find the other person who attacked Rin?" They would receive death for harming her.
Captain Morio stood back up, "no we haven't. But will keep searching till this human or demon is found. You have my word, Lord Sesshomaru. We are also trying to find out what caused the white light to reappear."
"Good. White light?" The same light that engulfed Rin five years ago? "Was Rin found in the well?"
"No, we found her down on the embankment, near the open field. Just north of here," he informed me and pointed in the exact direction of the well. I knew of the area he spoke of. Had she been living out there this whole time? But I would have found her sooner.
I'll need to examine the area later. "For now go and when you find Rin's attacker, come for me immediately," I wonder if this attacker is the same one who sent Rin away?
Captain Morio saluted me and left at a very fast pace. As I stood there my ears perked up to several voices and I could hear communication coming from Asuka's station. The voice that was communicating with her was alert and scared. I had a feeling who it was. She was asking all sorts of questions. The biggest one that caught my attention the most is when she asked why she was being called Rin.
I was gonna go confront Rin now, but Nagisa and Asuka led her to her private bath house. Later today I'll speak with her in private after she's cleaned up. I'll have her favorite fish made, along with roasted vegetables the way she likes them.
I want to thank some amazing people to help me make this chapter to where I needed it to go. Elohiniar, thank you for helping me with going the distance and going more in depth with Rin being spooked by A-Un. Guys, please go give her a follow and remember to have blankets and boxes of tissues when you read her stories. You will need them.
I also want to thank the amazing anime fanfic chat group with the two options I was stuck with. I couldn't decide which options to go with and they helped me with choosing the one that made the story feel more intense.
I hope you all are having a wonderful Christmas and Holiday. This is my Christmas gift to you.