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I Do Not Own InuYasha
Ichariba Chode
行逢りば兄弟
"Though we meet but once, even by chance, we are friends for life"
IV: 28
Year 839...
Akai Taiyō Castle...
She stood on the engawa, her eyes tracing over the yōkai realm's landscape as the last residual aspects of the blizzard blew away. Her long hair was loose, a few black strands danced on the winds as she carefully fingered the hot porcelain in her hands. The furs that Odate-sama had given her were warm against her body, but they didn't smell right, still, it was better than freezing. A small sound behind her had her ear twitching as a small smile pulled at her lips while she sipped her tea. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end, still she kept herself relaxed as she remembered the antics of her youth with Sesshōmaru.
Sesshōmaru came flying at her from behind, she ducked as she slipped out from under his launch, turning as she focused on not burning her hands with her tea. Sesshōmaru stood before her with a bamboo bokken as his eyes narrowed, his mokomoko lashed out in irritation and balance.
"Keep your feet closer," she chided as she dodged his blows carefully.
He growled a little.
"Power comes from the breath, do not waste it growling!" she scolded as she spun away, pulling the sheathed kaiken from her obi as she caught his blade. Sipping her tea she finished the cup. Sesshōmaru's yōkai strength pushed her back, she twisted, her feet hitting the post to let her leap over, rolling before she was on her knees, twisting to block the blow which was aimed for her head.
"Very good," she praised. "But keep your eye on my free hand," she reminded him as she grabbed her hairpin and slashed it through his defenses, the pup stumbled a step back but looked interested as she got to her feet, keeping her stance low.
His mokomoko lashed behind him and she smiled as she took the offensive, he blocked her blows with determination, trying to use her weight against her, she was fluid though. Finally his foot caught hers, she leapt to roll, getting to her knees when the bokken rested on her throat.
"Very good, my lord," she praised as she stood giving him a small bow. He preened, there was a loud clap which had her looking to Odate as he walked over.
"Very impressive!" He praised. "You have been trained well, Rin, your lord must be very proud. And you, you will be the finest warrior for Tsukuyomi-kami," he informed Sesshōmaru. "You need more patience though."
Sesshōmaru preened more and smiled his small smile which had her smiling even more broadly in turn.
"Storm has passed," she sighed as she looked out at the clearing skies.
"Hai, you will need to leave today, there will be more coming, and the Westerners will have followed or attempted to follow your trail. I will send the missives to Kimi-sama immediately," Odate promised.
"Rin?" Sesshōmaru tugged on her sleeve.
"Hai?" she drawled out looking at the pup.
"Do we have to go?" he asked her.
"Hai, we do, my lord, your mother wants you back, and I have to continue on with my quest to save my lord."
"I will arrange things with Kimi-sama for you to return," Odate promised.
"See, that'll be fun!"
He scowled, she chuckled as she ran her fingers through the silvery locks.
"I'll inform the staff you are to be prepared to leave immediately, the border between the mortal and yōkai realms will be weakest after this storm," Odate explained.
"Thank you," she murmured as she and Sesshōmaru walked into the shiro. Rin pulled the furs around her a bit tighter.
"How'd you get so good at fighting?" her lord's voice pulled at her attention then as she peered down at the pup.
"When I was about nine, the first winter I returned to my lord, he felt I would need basic instruction in self-defense, at the very least be able to fend off an attacker. I had been an orphan, I already knew how to take a beating, but I didn't know how to fight back beyond biting, and as a child, biting is effective, to a degree, but it comes at a massive risk because you have to be close to your attacker, which usually means they already have you.
"He taught me religiously that winter, as did his mother. I had a natural affinity for it, and one that my lord's mother encouraged I pursue, my lord was more than happy to teach me and give me instruction."
"Oh," Sesshōmaru mouthed as he looked at the bokken.
"I was not great, my lord, like you I had much to learn, and I still find myself learning; always. You can never fully know something, merely pursue it to the best of your abilities. You are a daiyōkai, with patience and training I think you'll become the greatest warrior the world has ever witnessed," she smiled at him.
"You're the greatest warrior though," he informed her.
The laugh tore from her chest before she could tame it, which had her smiling at him. "No, my lord, but thank you for your faith in my abilities."
"What's your lord like?"
"He's… quiet, very tempered, he does not like words nor is he a politician, he's very patient, but very decisive when he decides to act. He's unyielding, unwavering in determination, he's also fair, and just, arrogant because he is the best at what he does and knows it. But his confidence and arrogance has been earned, and even he's been humiliated to possess a degree of humility. He is cruel, but also merciful, he's learnt to balance his warring natures which for a daiyōkai will always be the most difficult task. But he is also gentle, despite or because of his brutality, to whichever it is, he is a strong alpha and a fair one, one that the Clan looks to for strength, for morality, for ethics, and he is always open minded despite his prejudices. He's insanely curious about everything, despite his indifference towards the world in general," she informed Sesshōmaru. "Just remember, just because you are the best though does not mean you cease learning, remember that, because if nothing else, a continuous student of the world will far outclass the wisest of men. Learn things, never stop, never stop being curious, innovative, resourceful, never stop, my lord, because when you believe you know it all, the universe will surprise you in the most unexpected ways."
"Are you always a student?"
"Always, my lord, there's always something to learn, and life is far more interesting when you have an open mind," she smiled. "Now, let us pack, I think it's time for you to meet an old friend of mine," she chuckled.
Year 1309...
Setsuna Castle...
Izayoi walked through the snowy gardens, the snow was heavy this year, and she felt cold seeping into her bones. Even now, wrapped up in the finest furs, the chill was seeping into her bones. Before she knew it there was a warm, pulsing fur draped around her which had her head snapping over to Tōga who towering over her.
"Takemaru is expected home soon," she murmured.
"And?" he prompted.
"I will not be letting him every put another child in me!" she hissed. "I never want to experience that again."
"I do not blame you," he murmured softly. "Sesshōmaru is my only living pup," he said. "But… there were others."
"Nani?" she whispered.
"Kimi is my alpha bitch, not only because she is the most brilliant general of her Clan but because she has given me my only living heir. The loss of a pup, it is a harrowing experience," he admitted.
"How many have you lost?" she asked him.
"Many," he admitted.
"Did you… you know? Stop?" she asked uncertainly.
He barked a laugh then. "No, no, I have never stopped trying for another child," he admitted.
"Why?"
"It's most pleasurable," he smiled a snaggle toothed smile which had her frowning.
"It's disgusting and hurts!"
"If done properly the bitch will not hurt," he stated firmly. "In fact, if anything, the bitch will come, many times, she'll be dripping for her alpha when he decides to come in her."
"That's revolting," she gasped. Admittedly there was something about the way he was looking at her which had the bottom of her stomach disappearing. He also was heating her cheeks; what would it be like if it felt good? So far Takemaru had only made her feel disgusting, and when he came in her, she wanted to die. But the way Tōga was talking the act was supposed to be pleasurable, Rin had mentioned something similar. "And women don't come!"
"Oh, by they do," he chuckled. "And it feels damn good, as well as tastes divine, proper alphas love it."
"I don't believe you," she warned.
"I'll prove it," he offered.
"As if, you just want another bitch in your harem!" she snorted disapprovingly.
"Mmm, if that was the case then would you like it if I steal you away from your mate to be my bitch, I'm sure Hoshi would be happy to show you the ropes," he purred.
"No," she swatted at his chest. "And I am a lady of breeding, I will not be your… what is it?... bitch? No, I won't be."
"Bitch is a term of endearment and affection for a mate," he explained.
"I don't care, anata," she stated and then felt her face heat up dramatically as the term of endearment slipped from her lips.
"I think you will, and when he isn't making you come, little blossom, think of me because I will," he offered. "I have to go, dragons are getting to aggressive," he said as he disappeared leaving her in the snowy gardens alone.
"Oh Kami," she whispered as her fingers moved over her stomach, she wondered if he did this to her on purpose.
Year 839...
Akai Taiyō Castle...
Rin had the saddle bags set and a new saddle on A-Un, the dragon was rumbling happily as Sesshōmaru offered the beast some hay.
"You will want to travel to the south, then east, look for the mountain pass which passes through the other, that is the most direct path to the mortal realm," Odate appeared. Rin looked up to see the akita inuyōkai dressed in his armor again, his eyes assessing her as he pulled a fang. "When we meet again, Rin, I would like this back," he stated as he held up the weapon.
"I…" she blinked at the jokotō being handed to her. "I cannot accept this. It is yours."
"You will need it," he stated. "I would rather Kimi-sama's pup be protected with everything I can offer than nothing at all."
"I have Bakusaiga," she pointed out.
"And a fine, lethal fang it is, but this is more your size and not one anyone will expect you to carry," he explained. "It is not steeped in yōki but it sharper than a mortal sword."
"Thank you," she bowed slightly as she accepted it and then tied it to wrap around her body so the fang was against her back.
"I will see you again, but until then, stay safe, and I will look out for your lord," he promised her softly. Sesshōmaru's ears twitched at that as she accepted Odate's promise.
"Thank you, again," she murmured. "For everything, Odate-sama."
"Go, I will see you in Tsuzuki Castle, Sesshōmaru-sama," Odate promised with a small bow to the pup.
Sesshōmaru nodded before Rin put the pup onto the saddle. She swung up behind her lord before A-Un took to the skies, she wrapped an arm around Sesshōmaru as his mokomoko snaked around her waist. Odate followed.
"Guards! At the post!" he barked behind her.
"Will he…?" Sesshōmaru twisted a bit to peer behind her.
"Odate-sama is going to be fine," she murmured. "You will see him again."
"I liked him more than father," Sesshōmaru stated.
"Your father is not a good alpha, my lord," she murmured. "But your mother, and Odate-sama, they are. I like them more than your father."
Year 1581...
Zhēnzhū Gǎng Palace, Spirit World, China...
Sesshōmaru sat alone in the bathing hall, the steaming water was soothing on his muscles and mind as he closed his eyes. The last time he had been here had been with Rin, he could still remember the sheer volume of black which had floated around her because of her hair. Rin always seemed to have a lot of hair, it was strange remembering that about the woman when she had been a young lady when he had last seen her. Fifteen, fifteen years old, and he remembered the woman he had met.
There was a small sound which had him getting up as bathing attendants came near him. He snarled lowly which had all servants vacating the area as he grabbed his own towel and his own robe. Once he was clothed, he saw Chang'e walking towards him. Her eyes were wide as she assessed him.
"You have your Zhìháo's eyes," she smiled. "I did not get to interact with you much as a pup, not with that mortal running interference."
"Rin," he corrected.
"What?"
"My mortal's name is Rin, and you will address her as Rin-sama," he stated harshly.
"She's just a mortal," Chang'e sneered.
"And you nothing," he retorted as he finished straightening his robes.
"That is not a polite way to address your elder," she started.
"But it is the way to address my enemy," he countered as he turned to tower over her. "I will take my father's throne, but you will regret it. If you should ever threaten what is mine, or my mother I will end you."
"I'm immortal, a curse from the gods," she mused.
"You are a kami trapped in an immortal mortal body," he stated. "You will die."
"No one has been able to kill me."
"I killed Shishinki, servant of Izanami-kami, I killed the hanyō Naraku, and cut down the evil Magatsuhi. I am Inu no Taishō, the General of all InuYōkai Clans, Alpha of the Shikoku InuYōkai Clan, Alpha of the Shikoku InuYōkai Pack, and son of Kimi-sama, grandson of Shikoku-sama. Test me, Chang'e, I will destroy you," he growled and walked past her as he ignored the burning pain of the curse of Magatsuhi. Making his way to Rin and his' rooms he started getting dressed properly. He hated the flowing robes of his father's people, despised it. So he started by dressing as he normally did, his Clan's colors, and his mother's crest.
InuYasha appeared then. "This place is massive."
"How many guards?" he asked.
"Too many, despite the hole you punched in this place," InuYasha huffed.
"Not too many," he countered. He could eliminate them, but he would wait until after the coronation. Once he had the crown, he could obtain their loyalty and once he had that, Chang'e was going to be dead. He wanted her blood on his claws, if only because of the insults to his mate.
"What are you planning?"
"I'm going to take father's empire," he stated.
Year 839...
Akita InuYōkai Clan Territory...
Sesshōmaru stared the place where he saw the border between the yōkai and mortal realms, the mountains flitted between each other. He tightened his hold on Rin as he watched them racing for the border, he held his breath as he felt them slip between the worlds. They were in the mortal realm and she urged A-Un lower as they raced faster over the treetops of the forest.
"Rin?"
"Hai?"
"Where are we going?"
"Somewhere near Chōkaizan," she said.
"Where is that?"
"Somewhere close by if I remember correctly," she explained.
"You don't know?"
"I know where I'm going, my lord, not necessarily how to get there," she chuckled. "I learned it from my lord actually."
He nodded wryly as he leaned back against her. Rin's free arm wrapped around him to keep him secure against her.
"Will you stay?" he asked her.
"Until I get you to Kimi," she answered.
"Not forever."
"I'm always with you, even when I'm not," she assured him.
Sesshōmaru accepted that. "What did Odate-sama mean when he saw you again? Is he your lord?"
"I do not serve Odate-sama, but he… he understands what I must do, to a degree," she explained. "He's met mortals like me and bound to a fate like mine," she explained.
"Oh, like who?"
"Odate-sama said he knew an onna named Elizabeth 'Betty' Johnson," Rin answered.
"Elizabeth," he moved the name over his tongue carefully then looked up at Rin. "That's a weird name," he informed her.
"Very strange," she agreed.
20, February, 1994...
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, United States of America...
"You did," she gasped as she stood in her kitchen staring out at the ocean. "She's there!? We'll be on the first plane out! I'll get your father," she said. "Yes, we'll call when we land!"
Hanging up she nearly dropped the phone as her hands shook. "WILL!" she shouted.
"Nani?" her husband appeared.
"They found her, Rin, she's… they found her, she's at a hospital in Tokyo!" she smiled as the tears flooded her eyes, she stood there on unstable legs. Her husband's eyes went large as he trembled.
"They're… they're sure!?" her husband sputtered.
"Positive, they found our granddaughter!" she giggled in delight as he rushed her, his arms wrapping around her as he kissed her hard.
"We gotta pack, Betty!" he dropped her and ran, she ran to the phone to call her younger son's wife so she would come check the house.
"Ji-Su!" Betty shouted when the phone was answered. "They found Rin! She's in a hospital in Tokyo, William and I are flying out right now," she explained.
"Really!?"
"Yes! We'll call when we land, I need you to send the boys over to check on the dogs," she giggled in delight.
"Of course! This is great!" Ji-Su laughed in glee. "Oh, I'll tell Takehiro when he gets home!"
"Thank you!" Betty laughed as she hung up.
"Bets, we gotta go," Will shouted.
"Coming, had to get the boys to come take care of the dogs!" she said as she grabbed her coat and ran into the spitting rain. Never in her entire life was she so happy to return to Japan.
