Hello again! And welcome to one of my favorite chapters! -beams and bows lowly- Be prepared for a couple more characters, and some faint twists to the plot! Enjoy!

---

Forgotten

Chapter Thirteen: Nuisance

---

Glittering ice crystal structures float down to the earth slowly, gradually, dancing upon the soft breezes with a beautiful grace found only in nature. Impassive eyes of gold watch them fall with little interest. The days have gotten colder, and though he himself is far too superior to fall ill, having evolved past the drab weakness of succumbing to a simple cold of all things, he finds himself weary nonetheless. While he is easily able to handle such harsh weather, there is one who is not so capable...

"Hmm..." At the mere sound of the pensive noise, dark orange eyes flicker upwards to gaze at him in full attention. The short old hag smirks crookedly, the small gem in the center of her forehead glittering. He's worrying about something. Though his beautiful face hides any hint of emotion, he still feels; and her special ability, besides tampering with others' lives of course, is sensing others' emotions. Even this almighty Demon Lord, as impassive as he is, cannot hide his true feelings from the powerful empath.

"What troubles you, m'lord?" Her almost teasing voice is rather deep for a woman, but the shaky tone fits her weathered appearance rather well. The tall demon glances over at her only briefly, his golden eyes narrowing in faint disdain. No one questions him, especially not someone as lowly as this old witch. She only smiles crookedly at him, well aware of how annoyed she's making him. He never gives her an answer, however, finding his thoughts much more important than answering her foolish inquires. His worries are his own to deal with.

The temperature has dropped quite drastically over the last few days, and the snow fall has increased with the decrease in warmth. Already the landscape has turned into an endless white sea, blanketed in nearly three feet of snow. Any deeper, and the one on his mind is sure to fall ill quickly... Though his own needs always come first...after all - he cares for no one...the idea of taking a long rest keeps coming to mind. A close-by abandoned shrine or temple seems more his style, yet a cave would be better suited to his purpose. After all, a small enclosed room of rock is easier to heat with a fire than a lavishing palace would be. Golden eyes narrow in pure disgust. Since when does he prefer caves to the comfort of a temple?

Only coming up the impressive Lord's waist, the old hag peers up at him with a sly smirk. He's a complicated being, this dog-demon, and she loves trying to decipher complicated beings. After all, though he comes off as caring about none but himself and his own desires, his thoughts are on another. A certain little girl keeps intruding his mind, forcing his thoughts onto her instead. A certain little human girl, to be precise. The old witch gives a muffled cackle of amusement. The almighty Sesshomaru, vicious hater of humankind and their pitiful existence, is fretting over the safety and well-being of a young human child; how entertaining! The powerful youkai glances over, his cold eyes flashing with malice.

"It would be wise...to leave Lord Sesshomaru alone." His very tone is enough to send shivers down anyone's spine, but Haki-Kahu is a stubborn old hag who's not easily intimidated. She only smirks as the tall Demon Lord turns his cold gaze back to the equally chilling landscape. "You have a task to perform. I would suggest you leave, and fulfill your duty..."

"Or else I'll surely regret it." Rolling her orange eyes in playful annoyance, Haki grins and winks at the tall being, chuckling when she gets no response from him, not even a flicker of annoyance. His thoughts are back on the child again, though to any looking, it would seem he is thinking of his own matters once again. He pulls off the selfish 'I need no one' act so well. Pleased that she's beginning to get a glimpse of the true character of the Demon Lord, the old witch bows humbly. "Not to worry, m'lord. I will be certain to uphold my end of our little deal." He doesn't answer, but then again, she hadn't truly expected him to. Instead he continues to look out at the landscape, his golden gaze deadly serious and hauntingly focused.

The elderly witch smiles softly, a true smile, as she observes him carefully. With the breezes tugging on his long silver hair, sending the glittering strands dancing gracefully around his impressive frame, his striking outfit waving in the same breezes, and the moonlight playing over his entire form...he makes quite a picture. The focused expression of deep thought gracing his beautiful features and the misty cloud that slips from his lips every time he breathes only adds to his exhilarating majesty. Without even trying he's strikingly impressive. No wonder human woman finds him imposingly attractive while their men uneasily try to escape his cold glare or foolishly challenge him. Haki smirks, her orange eyes glittering in amusement. Part of her wonders if he even knows what an intense effect he has on demons and humans alike...and if he does, if he even cares. Humming softly, she bows her head in respect as she demonstrates another one of her special talents.

"Oh...m'lord...are you aware? The little one called 'Rin' has fallen ill..." He doesn't move, doesn't respond. The empath smiles softly, however, as faint worry and panic struggle to surface in the silent youkai. He turns slightly to look at her, his gaze colder than ever.

"...You were told to leave..." This time she does shiver involuntarily at the pure power behind his soft words. Yet she offers another crooked smile as she dips down in a more formal bow.

"Yes, m'lord." And with that Haki turns away, making her leave and allowing the impressive dog-demon to be alone once again...though she is quite certain he won't be on his own for long.

—

"Inuyasha...quiet...!" Whispering frantically, Kagome slaps her hand over the hanyou's mouth just in time to muffle another curse as it slips through his lips. He growls savagely, furious at his own clumsiness. It isn't a difficult task to merely walk through a door, but somehow he managed to screw it up, tripping into the room in the most unorthodox manner before landing hard on his knees, nearly spilling the bags of food from Kagome's mother.The miko stifles a giggle and removes her hand so that she may help him up. "That was rather graceful of you!" She teases as he scrambles back to his feet.

"Shut up, wench! At least I'm not nearly as big of a klutz as you are!" He snaps in annoyance, his fangs glittering, but his cheeks flushed. Grumbling, he places the bags of food upon the floor; his feet are freezing, and nearly numb. Even just walking is difficult, but he's not about to tell Kagome. Part of him stubbornly refuses to admit that he's feeling the harsh cold, as a full demon would have no trouble with it, and confessing that he is indeed suffering from the low temperature is just as bad as pronouncing himself weak. The main reason he won't say anything, however, lies not with his pride, but his concern for Kagome. All she needs is to worry even more...especially over him. He'd hate to make her fret...

"Oh sush! At least I didn't trip coming in the door...!" Giggling softly, she pulls gently on his hand and leads him over to the wall. "Si...oohhh..." She had almost told him to sit. He only blinks, too worn down to realize how close he came to tasting the floor. "Have a seat!" She insists, pointing down to her sleeping bag, which is lying where the hanyou normally rests. He narrows his eyes and crosses his arms, huffing faintly.

"Keh! Why should I?" He demands, keeping his voice as soft as she...so that they don't wake their peacefully sleeping friends...and growling despite himself. She may be the one he cares about more than anything...but he still doesn't like being told what to do! Smiling impishly, Kagome places her hands on her hips. He glares at her, annoyed at how big of a nuisance she can be.

"Because if you don't...I'll make you!" Leaning forward, she plucks at his necklace, smirking as she lets the strand of beads fall back into it's proper place. Inuyasha lets out an unhappy growl before folding his knees and plopping down on the sleeping bag with a faint 'thud', all the while cursing out a 'stupid rosary' and a certain time-traveling miko. Kagome giggles happily as she turns around to the blankets she had set on the floor just moments before the hanyou had made his graceless entrance into the cabin. She wouldn't have really 'sat' him...but he doesn't have to know that! "Right then! Just hold on a moment, kay?" He only blinks up at her, his anger slowly melting away as he watches her take a blanket and unfold it.

Moving silently, with a maternal grace that she's always possessed, she leans over and gently drapes the thick blanket upon the four snuggled together on the floor. Kirara gives a soft happy mew and wriggles deeper under the downy cover, her small frame naught but a slight lump under the fabric. Miroku, on the other hand, lets out a content sigh at the added warmth and pulls Sango closer to him. As fast asleep as he, she hums in pleasure and cuddles against his chest, seeking his presence even whilst sleeping. Shippo only yawns before settling down again, warmer than ever with the new blanket and the two humans on either side of him. Kagome smiles softly at the sight of them, all cuddled together, much like a true family.

"...Hey..." Giving a faint jump of surprise, she glances over her shoulder to spy Inuyasha, still seated where she told him to stay, with the other blanket resting besides him. Peering up at her in the calmest of manners, he reaches out a clawed hand; she merely blinks at him, startled by his invitation. He calmly keeps his eyes locked with hers and nods his head slightly. "Com'ere..." His tone is soft, welcoming...and extremely gentle. Blushing deeply, she hesitates for only a moment before reaching out, and gently sliding her hand into his open palm. He wraps his fingers around her own and gently pulls down, guiding her into his lap.

Her cheeks blaze an even darker shade of pink as she sits on his folded legs, and places her hands on his chest; his heart races under her fingertips, fluttering as fast as her own. She blinks in surprise; he is as nervous as she, despite his cool demeanor. Suddenly the blanket is draped over her shoulders, and she gives a faint gasp of surprise when he pulls her close, wrapping the downy cover even tighter around them. Still blushing deeply, but unable to help but smile bashfully, she snuggles against him, wrapping her arms around his neck as she rests her head on his shoulder.

"Warm enough?" He whispers softly, speaking quietly for more than the obvious reasons. Failing to notice that he's blushing nearly as darkly as she, Kagome nods and lets out a happy hum of contentment.

"Yes...you...?" He smirks and gives a nod, tilting his head down to bury his face in her hair. That glorious scent of hers graces his sensitive sense of smell, sending his heart into overdrive. He doesn't mind in the least.

"Yeah...I'm fine..." More than fine. This is a paradise of its own accord. Kagome shifts slightly in his arms, her slender form relaxing in his tender but protective hold as she quickly falls victim to somnolence. Just as drowsy as she, the hanyou stifles a yawn before nuzzling her neck again, greedily cherishing her scent, warmth, and very presence. Vaguely, in the far depths of his mind, he finds himself pleased beyond words and glowing with pride...She may be a nuisance at times...but she's all his.

---

"Ah...Un...Rin doesn't feel very well..." The two headed demonic beast lets out a low rumble at the weak whisper and turns both heads towards the little one curled up, leaning against its side. Ah nuzzles the young child's cheek, snorting softly as even it realizes that she's much warmer than normal. Giving a grunt of worry, Un turns its attention towards their surroundings. Jaken is gone for now, having left nearly a week ago for some 'family gathering', though his excuse seems rather questionable. Does the little toad-like imp even have a family? Suddenly Rin erupts into a fit of coughing, her tiny frame shaking with each harsh wheeze. Whimpering, she snuggles closer to the large beast, struggling to get warmer. Ah and Un curl up around the youth, and she reaches up to grab the soft mane gracing Un's neck. With a sigh she closes her eyes and shudders violently.

Her clothes are warm, as she's gained a few extra layers over the past week or so, picking up clothes where she could. Lord Sesshomaru had even given her money, impassively slipping a few coins into her hand before nodding towards the village, silently indicating that she visit the woman selling the thicker clothing. She had gladly done so, eager to appease him and thrilled to be allowed to go 'shopping'. Despite her added layers, however, she's still cold. Her entire body aches, as if she was forced to work weeks on end with no time to rest. Coughing weakly, she curls up into a tighter ball, trying to hold in as much heat as she can. The small grove is nearly void of snow, as the tall trees towering around it form a canopy that blocks the very sky from view, but they cannot stop the cold from seeping in.

Perhaps hours passed, or maybe only a few minutes, but suddenly Rin feels herself being lifted, up from the cold ground and into an aura of warmth. Confused, she arduously opens her eyes, panting for breath as she struggles to make sense of what is going on. The embrace around her tightens slightly, and she feels herself being lowered again. Blinking hazy eyes, dimmed with fever, she suddenly realizes what has happened. Lord Sesshomaru is seated on the cold ground, his back against a rather content An and Un; Rin, shivering violently, finds herself resting against his chest, his strong arm cradling her against him, with the warm ruff that she adores playing with wrapped around her as well, providing her warmth and a sense of absolute protection.

Letting out a weak gasp, she glances up at the impressive youkai only to find that he has his eyes closed, as if in rest. Confused, but undeniably thrilled, Rin smiles weakly and turns to cuddle against him. Closing her eyes, she lets out a soft sigh of contentment and relief. She had been frightened, lost in feverish memories of being abandoned and alone, yet she was determined not to give hope. She knew he'd come for her. He always does. Still shuddering, but now only from her illness rather than cold, she lets herself fall into a far less fretful sleep than before.

A single golden eye opens partway in order to gaze at the fevered child; there is no reason in the least for him to aid her through her illness. None. He isn't doing it to help her, or because he wants her better. Not at all. He could care less what happens to her. With a soft pensive thrum, he closes both eyes and allows himself to rest, his sensitive hearing listening for any imposing danger. However...should she die, Tensaiga would surely insist he bring her back to life, and that would just be a nuisance. The sick youth gives a weak cough, and he finds himself pulling her closer against him out of pure instinct. Yes...quite a nuisance indeed...

—

Oh my! -blushes and giggles sheepishly- I truly enjoyed typing that! Oh, how the plot begins to thicken! Soon, my dear readers, even more pieces will begin to fall into place! Thank you all for your wonderful reviews! Until next time, my friends! Je ne!