Steed
It was an hour before dawn, when Rin snuck into the stables. Even in the dark, she could make out the form of the large two-headed dragon. She carried her lantern over to their stall and called out softly to the dragon. "Ah-Un...Ah-Un..."
Both heads turned to see her. She smiled as the dragon ambled over to her.
"We're going for a trip. Hang on a second; let me get your saddle."
Rin turned away from the beast, to gaze at the wall of mounted saddles. Looking around she found one that resembled the closest thing that she could remember from when she was a kid.
She reached up to gently drag the huge saddle down. A hand clamped down on her wrist, startling her. Reacting on impulse, Rin twisted her arm within the assailants grasp, then jerking her left wrist out of its hold, then rearing back with her right hand to punch the stranger in the face. A large hand caught her fist inches from her attacker's throat.
"Rin." Sesshoumaru's voice came to her.
Relief flooded her. "Sesshoumaru-sama! I'm sorry. I...I didn't mean to hit you."
He released her and eyed the massive saddle that she had been trying to get off the wall.
"You were taking my personal steed?"
"I...uh..." She sighed. She knew she could not lie to him. "Yes."
"Why?" he asked simply.
"I want to go with Kohaku-kun. I want to help."
The last thing he wanted to do was allow her to go with the slayer. Was she not happy at the palace? Did he not take care of her well enough? Could he rely on her to take care of herself? Would he be sending her to her death?
She had always done what he asked, even if it meant heartbreak. Now she stood before him with strong determination in her eyes. Could he refuse her?
He reached up and pulled Ah-Uh's saddle from the wall. The dragon waited eagerly while Sesshoumaru buckled the saddle to its back.
"Does this mean you won't stop me?" She asked.
Sesshoumaru turned and began to head back to the palace proper.
Stopping, he said, "Do as you wish."