Chapter Twelve: The Right Path
It didn't seem long after we jumped through the well, when Kagome, and I landed on our feet, on her family's property. It was the same property my friends, Kiki, Oakley, and I visited recently. A day before I came back to the feudal era. We didn't peek inside to see the well, but just looked at it from afar. "How does it feel to be back home, Rin?" Kagome and I both climbed out of the well when she asked me.
"Happy and sad in a way," but I have found happiness within this world. "I have a family that took me in right after they found me by the lake and adopted me months later. I have a loving fiancé who I can't wait to marry next year. I have so much to be grateful for; like the hospitality Lord Sesshomaru had provided this short while I was with him again. I will miss being in the other world, even Lord Sesshomaru, but I have found my forever home in this world." I truly have and I never want to leave it again.
"You know you can always come back and visit?" I don't think that will be possible.
"I know, but…" My mind went back to that morning I left…
…Lord Sesshomaru and I left early in the morning hours before the sun was out. I was riding upon the double headed dragon A-Un. The same dragon I thought was an animatronic, was actually a real-life dragon. Though I don't have many memories of them, only from what I saw in my dreams, they are just as friendly in person as they were in the fields of flowers, chasing after me as a child. I know I have one drawing of them in a pad back home, possibly in my closet.
The little green man, known as Master Jaken, rode on the dragon's back, behind me asleep. I wasn't mad that he had me arrested that day, thrown into a cell because it had been five years since he last saw me, and the only memories of him were from my dreams too and him telling me not to run far off. When he apologized a few days later I accepted it immediately. I am not one to hold grudges.
This journey from what I was told, would take till tomorrow mid-morning until we arrived within the village. I could handle it. It would give me time to think of a plan and come up with what actually happened to me and how I ended up back in the city. I will be going back home in a kimono. Another explanation I'll have to come up with. I unfortunately was unable to save my clothes because they were cut from me that day I was found and being treated for my injuries. The only thing that remains is the scar I received from the knife.
Lord Sesshomaru's servants packed us, well mostly me, a meal for the journey, and a wooden bottle of water that I will need to refill here pretty soon. Hopefully around noon we can stop to take a break, so I can also stretch my legs, and maybe have a picnic with everyone. Though I have a feeling picnic weren't something they would be into. I just hope they join me today, before I leave tomorrow afternoon.
The sun was slowly breaking through the trees when we came upon an old, abandoned village. It kind of looked like the one from that memory I recently had. The same dream that reminded me who I actually was. Homes looked to be desecrated from a fire many years ago, caused by the same bandits that took the lives of everyone, and my family. Some of the homes were still standing and not touched by fire. One of which caught my eyes, that I leaped off of A-Un, and walked up to the old home. Something told me that I needed to enter right now. Something spiritually that has a connection to me by heart. "Rin?" Lord Sesshomaru was by side very quickly.
"I… I just need a moment, My Lord." I entered the old home alone. Stepping inside, I examined the small place that once housed a family. Something deep inside me knew this was once my home, I just had to be sure, by checking one area. I walked up to the raised platform and ran my hand under the boards till I found the one that was looser than the others. I lifted it up and looked down to find an old wooden box. Placing a few fingers up the dusty wood, "is this?" I pulled it out, putting the board back into place, took a seat, and placed the box within my lap. Something antique resided within this box. Something that was once passed down within my late family on… my mother's side.
Just as I was about to open it, "Rin?" I heard him call my name again. I looked up to see Lord Sesshomaru standing in the doorway, "what do you have there?"
I stood up and met him halfway. "My Lord, I believe that this is… what's in this box once belonged to my family." I opened it up and pulled out, "a kanzashi." The point of the hair pin was made out of actual silver, the decorative piece was in the shape of a pear, and the stone was gypsum. Along with the stone were silver tassels. "It belonged to… my mother's, mother, mother." A part of me that I can take back and keep with me always. Including the box, "A part of me that I can wear on my wedding day."
When I showed my family's treasure to him, Lord Sesshomaru lifted it from my palm, and placed it within my hair, alongside my right ear. "A part of you that you can wear now."
I looked towards him, confused why he placed it within my hair, that I walked over towards the old mirror, and looked at my reflection. I don't recall if I ever wore my family's heirloom before, but it did look absolutely beautiful on me. When I turned back around all I could do was smile at him, "Thank you." He nodded his head as a welcome.
When we had this small time alone together, we left my old home, and I placed my box inside my bag, "Rin, do you need assistance getting back up on A-Un?" This time I wanted to stretch my legs.
"No, but thank you." I turned back to face him. "I want to walk for a bit." If I had my running shoes, I would go for a jog, thanks to Kiyoshi pushing me to be more active. But they were gone, tossed away with my ruined clothes. "Maybe in an hour we can stop and rest to eat?" I was starting to get hungry.
"We'll stop once we make it over that mountain," he pointed up ahead.
I looked to where he was pointing and it didn't look to be that far from where we stood and I could wait that long but, "I just need to fill my bottle with water real quick." There was a stream nearby. The same stream I went to wash my hands as the village was being attacked. "I'll just be a minute." He would allow me that time. Even a few extra minutes.
"Take your time and take A-Un." He handed over the reins. "We'll leave right after."
"I will," Lord Sesshomaru I believe has become or has always been a very patient demon through the years. I wish I could remember more about him, but nothing comes to mind.
I led A-Un down to the stream, which was several yards away, with Master Jaken asleep on their back still, and allowed them to have their drink, before I filled my own bottle up. I petted the one closest to my left's neck and somehow found myself humming a tune. The same tune from the other day from when I was drawing in the garden. I hummed it till the very last note.
A-Un lifted their head and I smiled their way, "did I used to do that around you?"
They both nodded their heads and rubbed them along mine.
I petted them both, "that makes me happy. I guess we can count that as a returned memory." One of them lightly roared, as I lowered myself to my knees, and I filled my own bottle, took a few sips, and filled again. I would save the rest for later for my meal. Rising back up onto my feet, "let's be off A-Un."
Night fell as we would finish our journey in the morning. I was growing tired and needed my sleep. I had walked the rest of the way from when we had left my old village till we reached the peak before the next mountain of the village where we were headed to. My aching feet called for a hot spring just to soak them in for a tiny bit. I took a bath yesterday, and I would wait to take one when I am back home with mom and dad. Luckily there was one nearby and I just brought my pad and pencils along with me to help make time pass. I would soak my feet for a few minutes, have a small bite to eat, and then rest for the night.
Last night I started to draw a new sketch of the garden again, but from a different angle. I just had to add some finishing touches to it of the same white speck within the flowers. When I opened up my pad, I was looking down to the first photo of Lord Sesshomaru from my dreams. It was dated from earlier this year. I had woken up from the same dream I've had repeatedly for the past five years.
I traced my finger along the paper, and then I looked back to see Lord Sesshomaru was over by the cliff, sitting on a large boulder, looking at the valley below. This would be our last night together and I wanted to make this night even special and finally show him my memories of him. Would he allow me to show him? Would he hate my drawings?… No! He wouldn't hate them. He had my one gift hanging up on his wall back at the castle. He said he could read the story within the painting I had created. I know he would say the same thing with these drawings. "Okay, I'm ready!" I left the hot pool after I felt like they had soaked up enough heat, and I made my way over towards him.
I kept my eyes on Lord Sesshomaru's back, his silver hair glistening as the gentle wind blew it around. In my dreams I had found myself running my fingers through his hair. That was the same dream I found myself curled up beside him nude from love making. Thinking of that memory, I found myself blushing, and that will be something I will not tell him about.
When I was close, he turned around, and looked at me with those glistening golden eyes of his. So beautiful and so handsome he… Yes, I do find Lord Sesshomaru handsome, and that's okay. But my love will always be for Kiyoshi. "Rin, you should be resting."
"I will be here soon. I… I have something to share with you." I took my seat beside him and placed my sketch pad in my lap.
"Show me what?" I know he'll appreciate these drawings.
Before I opened up my pad, I looked up to him, and announced, "my memories." I swallowed the small lump in my throat and started to explain, "during those days I had vanished, and with no memories of who I really was, I had dreams of you almost every night." I will not tell him that it was a daily thing. Multiple to be exact because I took a lot of naps. I opened up the first page of him sitting under a tree. A tree that grew pears.
I watched as his clawed fingers traced the paper. He remained quiet as I turned the next page of a drawing of himself, looking into his own reflection of a pond. I should tell him more, "every time I dreamt of you, I had to sketch what I saw. At that time, I thought you were just a mythical being my mind created." I really did! Since that day I was brought to the hospital.
"Is this the only thing you have drawings of me in?" He finally spoke, pointing at my sketch pad.
When he looked at me for the answer, I just smiled and shook my head no. "I have many more back… back at the home I lived in for five years. I even have some on a tablet where I can enhance my drawings in new ways than what you see here." I turned him into a cartoon character in a way, but I've created him in many different ways you would not even imagine.
He took his time, looking over every page in the pad I turned to, and not saying one word. I guess he could tell each drawing had a story and he was reading it. I could read it too. I knew what each drawing read. The last drawing of him was a portfolio shot of him facing head on. That one took me super long to draw, it read that he would keep watch over me always… "My Lord, I wish for you to keep these, as a memory of me." Since I would be leaving for the other era tomorrow, I wanted Lord Sesshomaru to keep me in memory by keeping this sketch pad. He can look at these photos over and over and cherish them forever.
"If that is your wish?"
"It is!" I looked up to him and found his face almost close to mine. Almost lip to lip reaching distance. "Umm…" My heart raced within my chest. A pulsating motion that I've never felt before. I stood up fast, not wanting what quite possibly might have happened, and turned my back on him. "I'm going to bed, goodnight." I started to walk back towards camp.
"Rin!"
I stopped after just taking two steps. "Yes?" It was more of a whisper that I knew that he could hear me.
I could feel him right behind me. "Rin, turn around."
I counted to three in my head, along with each breath, and turned around to face him fully. "Yes?" I watched as his hand moved to cup my cheek. I could feel my skin heat up from his touch. A feeling that I never felt from Kiyoshi's touch.
He lifted his other hand and I noticed my hairpin, "you drop this," he explained and placed it back into my hair.
"Thank you." Why did I think he was going to kiss me?
He only nodded, "you may go rest."
By the time I closed my eyes to sleep to the sound of crickets playing their beautiful music, I found myself waking up to the sound of baby birds chirping already for their morning breakfast of regurgitated worms. I opened up my eyes to see that the sun still wasn't out yet, but I did find Lord Sesshomaru at the same spot from last night. He remained looking ahead of the mountain we rested upon. I don't recall if he ever sleeps or if just stays up all night keeping watch. I turned to my right to find A-Un awake, but Master Jaken was still fast asleep. The double headed dragon noticed I had awakened, and I put my fingers to my lips to let them know to stay quiet.
I knew after I freshened up by the lake, I would be ready to leave, and continue on towards the village. But first I will bid Lord Sesshomaru a good morning and let him know that I am awake and would be ready to leave here shortly. I rose to my feet quietly, but I knew he could hear me, and proceeded towards him. I watched as his head turned as I was a few feet behind him. "Rin," he greeted me in a calm voice I'm used to hearing.
I stopped walking, bowed the proper way, and greeted him, "good morning, My Lord." When I lifted my head, I just smiled at him that I knew he was used to seeing from me years ago. "I come to let you know that I am awake and will be ready to leave here shortly and continue our way towards the village."
He remained where he sat, "take your time," was all he told me and turned back to look at the horizon.
I wasn't going to be more than ten minutes at most. I just needed to splash my face with some cool water and brush my hair out. Near the hot pool was a small lake that I knelt down, scooped up some water, and got a quick drink in. It was cool and refreshing. When I felt refreshed, I splashed my face several times, and even damp my hair down a bit so I could comb it out with my fingers. I wasn't going to do much styling wise and place it into a long ponytail with the ribbon. When I get home later is when I'll get the much-needed shower, but not before mom brings me to the hospital for an evaluation that I don't need, even though I have recovered…. well except for the gash on my stomach, but I am totally healed from everything else. But the biggest issue I have is the lie I have to come with and how I supposably escaped my captor. I know I definitely can't say, "mom, dad, this may come off strange, but I was in place… a world that was once my home, and I reunited with the ones who were my family." I'll just lie and say I escaped during the early morning hours, not checking the location I was in, and say I ran for my life when my said kidnapper left or fell asleep. If they end up asking how I ended back in the city, I'll also lie and say I was drugged.
When I had a somewhat thought-out plan, I finished getting myself ready to go, and made my way back over towards the camp to find Lord Sesshomaru with A-Un's reins within his hand. Jaken was awake, rubbing his eyes. "Are you ready?" Lord Sesshomaru asked.
I was, "I am." Though I felt a little hungry and I could hold off for now. But I have a feeling the ones in the village I would re-meet again would want me to have a meal with them. I'll have to think about it. I really do want to get home.
A-Un was ready to go, and Master Jaken was in and out of consciousness as he jumped down to grab the reins. I greeted him quietly as I got onto A-Un's back side saddled, and he just waved without saying a word. I returned a smile, and then faced forward to see that Lord Sesshomaru was too ready to go. "Let's go," was all he said.
The way he spoke didn't seem like he was in a rush, and I was fine with that. That would give me a chance to prepare to re-meet everyone who I still don't remember. I'm hoping when I see their faces something will come to mind. I was informed the other day that their names again were Inuyasha, Lord Sesshomaru's younger half-brother, Kagome, Sango, Miroku, Shippo, a fox demon who I was told would be away, and the village elder, Lady Kaede. Though I was a bit excited to meet them all, I would only be meeting with them for a short while as I will be going back home after our quick reunion.
The sun was coming above the trees and a gentle breeze came too. Though it wouldn't last long as it is summer, and the heat would be blazing in just a few short hours. I couldn't wait to get in my summer clothes when I got back home. Mostly a dress. They were more relaxing to relax in… I still need to come up with how I came about in a kimono…
…I must have been in deep thought and not paying attention to the time when I felt A-Un come to a complete stop and heard Lord Sesshomaru say, "Rin, we're here."
I looked up from where I've been staring at for the past who knows how long and found us right near the well he spoke of. The same well that will take me back home to the future. This one was a lot different than the one I came back through. The one I came through was nothing but a hole in the ground, but this one had a wooden body built around it. I wonder if they put it here to prevent people from falling in.
"Rin, you and I will head to the village from here. Jaken you will remain here with A-U," Lord Sesshomaru ordered.
"Okay," I jumped off A-Un and grabbed my bag. Before I walked off with Lord Sesshomaru, I bowed to Master Jaken, who was still holding on to A-Un's reins, and said, "goodbye, Master Jaken."
"Goodbye, Rin," he returned with a bow himself. "I wish you great luck with your new life and future with your soon to be husband."
His words brought joy to my lips, "thank you." I am going to have an amazing future with Kiyoshi. Being a mother was one thing I was looking forward to becoming. I know Kiyoshi will be an amazing father, though we have never talked about kids yet. But I know he'll cherish every child I carry for him and spoil them very much. I looked towards the well, knowing I'll be traveling soon through it and I couldn't wait to see everyone on the other side very soon.
Lord Sesshomaru and I left soon after Master Jaken took A-Un to get a drink of water down by a river. We walked in a different direction onto a clean dirt trail that I don't recollect yet, but I hope the village does. Part of me wants to explore the village some, but I don't want to waste any time. The faster that I get home soon, the faster things can get done today, and I can get back to my regular life with my family and fiancé.
This will be Lord Sesshomaru's and mine last travels forever, last time walking side by side, and whatever conversations to come before I travel through that well and never return again. It makes me think, will he leave after we meet up with others here any second? Will he be there to see me leave with Kagome? I'll accept whatever comes about and I need to remember that his priorities come before mine, even though he stepped away from his own duties to come all the way out here for me.
When we rounded the corner, I saw two figures standing before us. I stopped in my tracks. There was something awfully familiar about them. Especially the boy with silver hair. Could this be Kagome and Inuyasha? "See, I told you Kagome. The girl was Rin! I know a familiar scent if I haven't been around, it in years."
My mouth dropped. They were the ones who I saw that day at the shrine. I could feel Lord Sesshomaru's glaring towards me. He must be curious or wondering what happened not long ago. What the hell is a scent? "Alright, Inuyasha. You were right and I was wrong." The girl, I know now as Kagome, glared at him, and then turned her attention back to me. "Rin," she held her arms open for me. I hesitated for a second, but stepped forward, accepting her hug. "It's good to see you again after all these years… well, a few days."
I wanted to laugh, but I held back. "It's good to see you again too." Nothing comes to mind seeing them again still. "Where are the others?" No one else was with them and I thought there would be more.
Kagome pulled back, grabbed my hand, "they were all called away last night. Miroku and Sango got ordered to purify some demons for a lord in the south. So, they won't be back for some time. I'm sorry you'll have to miss them. Lady Kaede went to visit a good old friend and his mother to get minerals for medicine. So, it's just Inuyasha and I." Bummer, but it makes it easier to leave here soon.
"So, you want to see the village, or are you more eager to get back to Kagome's world?" The familiar silver haired boy, who I know now is Lord Sesshomaru's younger brother, Inuyasha asked. "In my honest opinion, you're better off here than that world."
"Inuyasha, sit boy!" All I saw was dirt flying and Inuyasha lying face down in the dirt.
Lord Sesshomaru stepped forward a little, and I could feel an ominous presence coming off him that he was mad at what was just said. "Inuyasha, it is not in your place to say such things. Rin has found her purpose and if being in the other world is where she wants to be, then we must allow her to do what's right." Part of me wonders if he's thinking the same thing as Inuyasha.
"Sorry, Rin. I told him to be on his best behavior and not say anything that shouldn't be said."
"It's okay," Deep down it does hurt. "Umm… I do appreciate the offer of seeing the village, but I wish to return back to the other world. My family… The ones who found me five years ago, I know, are worried for my safety, and are fearing the worst. Including my fiancé and best friends." To be in their arms is all I could ask for.
"You're engaged to be married, Rin?" Kagome covered mouth as she did not expect me to say that.
"Yeah," I don't know what else to say.
"Engaged? What the hell is that?" Inuyasha was back on his feet so close to hovering over me that I had to step back closer to Lord Sesshomaru. He moved his arm in front of me, so Inuyasha didn't overstep himself.
"It means Rin has someone that she loves and will marry soon, Inuyasha." It still doesn't feel real to me. "Stop trying to hover her." She turned back to me, showing off a calming smile. "Let's head to the well, Rin. Sesshomaru, you can follow if you like? But if you're in need to return to your home, we can handle it from here. Rin is no danger walking a couple hundred feet."
"I'll leave Rin in your hands from here." It's sad he won't be here to see me disappear through the well, but I understand why.
"My Lord," I got his attention. When he faced me, I had to tell him, "Thank you." Say something more stupid. "I'll cherish this small amount of time we had together." Most of it was being a total ass towards him and his staff.
He nodded his head, "take care Rin," and walked off back to where we came from.
I watched him disappear through the thicket of the trees. "Goodbye," I whispered, hoping no one could hear me.
Kagome was right beside me again and took my hand in hers, "ready, Rin?"
I turned back to where Lord Sesshomaru disappeared, hoping he would come back, but he didn't. "Yeah. We can go."
"...I will come visit whenever I get the chance, Kagome." With my busy life, I will never see them ever again, even though I still don't remember them very much. I have to finish my last year of college, plan my wedding, pick my honeymoon destination, and much more. I'm going to be living the life of a housewife and an artist soon.
Kagome hugged me, then led me up the stairs, to which I found the doors slightly ajar. "Ready?" Kagome had her hands on the door, when we heard the sound of crunching rocks just right outside, and I froze up to familiar voices. "We'll wait till whoever that is, passes by."
"Okay," I peeked through the crack to make sure my mind wasn't playing tricks on me, and I found Kiyoshi and… Kiki? Why are they here? "Kagome," I whispered her name ever so quietly. "That's my fiancé and my best friend from high school." I don't understand why they are hanging around together. I thought Kiki would be with her boyfriend. Are they here to pray for my safe return? I don't want them to see me right now. I need to wait till they leave the property… I still haven't even thought about how I'm going to explain to my parents how I arrived back in the city yet. Maybe say that I was brought back by the shikon park killer, held in a basement somewhere in the city, and escaped at night to which I don't remember the street I was on. There's a big chance they could buy my story. Then there's the explanation of the kimono I was wearing.
"Rin? What is it?" I ignored Kagome and kept my eyes on Kiyoshi and Kiki. Something didn't seem right, and I could feel it deep within my bones. The reason I knew this was because they were holding hands together.
"Babe, I can't believe that bet your soccer buddies planned actually worked! Hana was such a fool to fall in love so quickly on the first day of school for her, Haha." Bet? I was a bet? "Or I should say the bet I set up when I explained to the boys to bring it up towards you!" I could feel my heart sink into my stomach and tears forming in my eyes. "I'm glad I sent you that text the day I found out about her on that stupid vacation five years ago my parents dragged me to."
"Haha, I know right? My buddies all chipped in and paid me sixty-two thousand yen just to take her out for five years and make a fake proposal to her at that restaurant, with a cheap ring that you can get from a scheming dealer in the back alleyway," No! They both stopped where I could see them fully and Kiyoshi pulled Kiki so they could be face to face. "But the true ring sits upon your finger, my lovable, and beautiful bunny." He lifted her hand and kissed the ring that sat upon it and then to her lips last. No! I can't believe what I am seeing!
"Just think, by next year we will be married on White Day, and vacationing in Italy at your family's villa," Kiki took his hand again and they walked off the way they were heading, still talking with each other.
I didn't want to hear anymore. I turned around, took a seat on the steps, and cried into my knees quietly. Kagome quietly closed the doors behind me, and was right beside me, pulling me closer, to give me comfort. "He lied, Kagome! He never truly loved me." What do I do now? "How can I be such a fool and fall in love with a guy like him?"
"It happens all the time, Rin and I'm sorry that it happened. No one deserves to go through that, including you," she still held me and allowed me to cry. "If you want to wait here till they leave and then head home, we'll just wait here till then."
I don't know what I want to do. "I am unsure of what I want to do from here, Kagome." If I leave to go back home, mom and dad will call Kiyoshi and tell him I have returned home. I already know he'll act fake by being surprised, happy, and sad to see me, but I truly know he'll act nonchalantly deep inside. The same with Kiki. I am unsure of Oakley now. I don't know if she was a part of it, but they never mentioned her.
"It's okay, take the time and allow your heart to decide what path you wish to choose, Rin."
We sat here, in silence, hearing them leave, and more guests walking by to pray for their most desired wish. I, on the other hand, remained silent, going over the best option for myself. I did truly want to see mom and dad, but part of me still predicted what I thought earlier. If I were to return to the past through the well, I would want to go back with Lord Sesshomaru, because I don't want the chance of me coming back here and causing a scene. The farther away from this well, the better I'll move on with my life, and hopefully I can find my actual true love. But I would have to find a way to catch up with Lord Sesshomaru. Maybe Inuyasha could bring me to him?
I rose to my feet and Kagome followed suit, "have you decided, Rin?"
"Yes," I walked down the wooden steps of Honekui no Ido. "I'm going back, Kagome. I'm going back to the world that I was born in. I'm going home!"
"Are you positive that this is the choice, Rin?" I was one-hundred percent positive that this was my right choice.
"Yes. I'll miss the ones I love, but it's best that they all remember me in memory," if I ever want to return one day, it would be years from now. Hopefully with a family of my own. I will cry these tears I have built up when I'm back in my room of Lord Sesshomaru's castle. With my hand on the well, "I'm ready to go home, Kagome." My real home.
Kagome's hand laid over mine, as we both exchanged soft expressions, "home!"
What do you see happening now? Do you think Sesshomaru and Rin will develop a connection for one another?
Taraah36: Are you relieved to read that Rin made the right path to live in the feudal era? Do you think Sesshomaru and Rin will start a stronger bond together where they could fall in love? You'll have to wait and see if it was him or not.