Sesshomaru had left to Mt. Hakurei alone. It was better that way. I wouldn't get in his way, and I could watch Rin so that he wouldn't have to save her when he came back because the thing that follows him is useless. That's just how I feel. Maybe I was holding a grudge; maybe I was just venting my anger at the world on him. Either way, I'm completely fine with both. I played games with Rin as we waited. After some time, we went to a river to fish. I let Rin enjoy herself, but made sure there was something to dry her and for her to put on as soon as she was done.
Mt. Hakurei was supposed to collapse around this time. It would be less dangerous. Demons would go into hiding in hope that Naraku would not seek them and absorb them, right?
"Kasumi-san, look at what I caught!" Rin exclaimed.
I was surprised. I expected a medium sized fish, but she had actually caught a large one.
"Great job Rin! That should last a couple of days if it's prepared correctly."
I hate the thought of preparing fish, but someone has to do it. I took the scales off of it once it dried and cut it into fillets. Thank goodness Rin had packed a knife. After taking out the bones, I went and found some herbs to season the fish, then let it roast over the fire. I smoked the rest of the fish the same way and wrapped it in the cloth used to store food. The first thing I did when that was done was take a bath and change. I felt better after doing that, a lot less disgusting. The fish was ready by the time I got back. I gave a piece to Rin and the thing, and then took one for myself. I had to eat. I was starving, and beggars can't be choosers.
The fish was actually pretty good. Maybe I would enjoy eating this. After eating, I put Rin on Ah-Un to sleep. I covered her and she was asleep. The green toad was asleep also. I sighed and looked up in the sky. Conveniently, there was a crescent moon out tonight. The sight of it made me feel rather lonely. I never realized how attached to Sesshomaru I was until now. Talk about a cliché. I fed the fire to make sure it would go all night. I took a light sleep, not letting my guard down. I woke up to the sound of something snapping a couple of feet away. My eyes narrowed in that direction.
A little human boy stumbled out of the forest. I was surprised. I went over to him. When he saw me, he was instantly terrified. I was in demon form, so I can't blame him.
"There is no need to be scared." I told him. "Why are you alone in the forest?" I asked him.
"I-I got lost on my way back home from the river." He told me. "Mama and Papa must think I'm dead."
The little boy was on the verge of tears. I carried him from where he sat and took him over to the fire. I sat him near it so he would warm up. I took some of our water and damped a piece of cloth. With it, I wiped the dirt and grime off of his face and hands. I tended to his wounds with some herbal medicine.
"Thank you." He said to me.
"I will take you to your parents when morning comes." I told him as I sat against a tree.
The boy came over to me and sat with me. I held him in my arms to help him retain heat. Was this how Sesshomaru felt with me, only with the care and love that a lover would have? That didn't matter right now. What matters is the protection of those near me.
Soon, morning had come. I left Rin in the care of Ah-Un. I instructed him to fly away with Rin if trouble came. I took the young boy gently by the hand, and looked for a scent similar to his own. I found one about three miles south of where we had camped.
As I walked with the little boy, I found out about him. His name was Haru, and he had two parents and an older sister. That was all he would tell me. I could tell that he didn't want me knowing about him. It made me curious, but I did not pry. After a mile, Haru's feet started hurting so I carried him. I was able to go faster like this. I didn't bother changing into a human once we reached the village. I let them stare at me as I carried the little boy to where his parent's scent was being emitted.
I entered a large house. Haru must be the son of the person in charge of the village. The house was gloomy. I walked straight to where his parents were. At the sight of me holding their child, they started to panic. I put Haru down and started on my way out. Unexpectedly, he held onto my kimono.
"She's the one that saved me last night. I would've died without her." Haru explained.
I looked at Haru, and then at his parents. They bowed and thanked me. They also walked me out of the village, and proclaimed my good deed to the villagers. I was bestowed with fruit, rice, and medicine. I tried to give it all back, but they would not let me. They said that I was welcome to come back whenever.
I sighed as I left with the newly acquired goods. At least Rin didn't have to eat only fish now. I hurried back to the camp and found everyone okay. I was relieved until the ground started to shake. We all looked toward Mt. Hakurei and watched it cave in on itself. Loads of demons fled from the mountain. Was I wrong about them going into hiding? This is why I should have checked the anime again…
They didn't bother us, maybe because we were too close to Naraku. I turned into a human. I didn't want Naraku coming after me. Kikyo is presumed to be dead… the second time. I didn't want to think about the heartache Kagome and InuYasha were going through. I took Rin into my arms and sat near Ah-Un. I didn't want her getting out of my sight or reach.
Once all of the demons had fled, I released Rin. We stretched and waited. Eventually, Sesshomaru came back. I sighed from relief. The whole "Protector" job doesn't suit me, but was that how Sesshomaru felt too? Was he relieved that we were okay?
We traveled away from the remains of the mountain. I didn't really care about where we were going until Sesshomaru handed me another kimono. He pointed in a direction with his eyes, and I followed it. As it would turn out, he wanted me to bathe in a hot spring. I must have still smelt like Haru. I stripped and got into the waters. They were soothingly warm. It reminded me of the showers I took at home. I was so comfortable that I stayed in the water for too long.
I ended up getting dizzy and hot headed. I was able to put on the clothing Sesshomaru gave me, but that was about it. Luckily, Sesshomaru had come to check on me.
"I may have stayed too long." I said to him as I put my head on his back.
I closed my eyes and tried to shake the dizziness away. That didn't work. I didn't even notice Sesshomaru pick me up until I put my head on his shoulder.
"I'm so useless." I said. "I must be bothersome to you, Sesshomaru."
He looked at me once, acknowledging my question but refused to answer. That's Sesshomaru alright. Good old Lord Sexiness never lets me down! I remember when I first started calling him Lord Sexiness, I think it was on the episode towards the beginning when Kagome broke his armor and he was all like "InuYasha, control your wench before I kill her." I'm a bad liar, I don't remember at all. I have really bad memory. Sesshomaru sat me down next to him. Rin and Ah-Un were asleep, so I didn't really care. I put my head on his shoulder again. I didn't mean to make him a pillow, but he was so comfortable. My own Sessy pillow… that actually sounds nice. I fell asleep to the thought of a Sessy pillow.
