Hanako ran deep into the forest, her tears blinding her as the wind whipped her hair around her face. She had never run so far, so fast, yet now she only desired her own freedom.
I thought it was bad enough! Now I will be in a cage! No. Not a cage! I have been sentenced to death! Should the Lord ever realize what I am, I will be killed!
With a cry, she felt her foot catch on a stray root, and she fell forward. "Ah!" she gasped as she rolled and tumbled down the steep hill, unable to find her footing on the slippery terrain. Then just as suddenly, she collided into something, jarring her to a stop. She looked up, only to gasp as she gazed upon a handsome, yet cold face.
She was staring up at a man. A regal, and powerful looking man. His hair was long and white, and a purple crescent moon marked his forehead. His amber eyes looked down at her with disinterest, even a hint of disgust. His robes were fancy, and he wore a white fur shoulder cape, and she took in his armor and sword. Yet there was something off about this man. She sniffed, pricking her ears as she caught his scent.
With a cry of alarm, she leaped back, "Wh-who are you! What are you doing here demon!" she hissed, lashing her tail back and forth in anger.
The man simply looked at her, then down at a green imp. "Jaken..." his voice was emotionless. "Who is this half-breed who has touched me?"
"I-I don't know Master! Shall I destroy her?" The imp glared wickedly at Hanako. He raised his staff, the two heads entwined at the top. Facing her was the old man, and she took a step back, holding her claws up reflexively.
"Wait! How do you know I am a half-demon?" she asked, hoping to buy some time.
The man looked at her, his eyes glimmering with cold amusement, as if she was simply a toy to break, "Would it be that disgusting scent of your filthy blood in my nose, or those ears and tail that reveal your true nature?"
"Wh-what? How did you..." she reached up the grab her shawl, but her fingers only touched her ears. With a shriek, she realized that her ears were exposed, and the wind tickled the sensitive hair on them. "M-my shawl! I must have lost it while I was falling!" She looked back, gasping in horror as she saw her black shawl caught on a branch at the top of the hill. "Oh no! I cant return to the village unless I have my shawl!"
The man followed her gaze, sniffing in contempt as he looked at the shawl, "I guess you choose to hide yourself and live among humans?" He narrowed his eyes at her, "How pathetic. But it doesn't surprise me. You filthy half-breed simply can't help but love those weak humans."
Hanako whipped around and glared at him icily, "I love no one! I don't like humans! And I despise demons! Demons like you!" She pointed a claw at him, her tail lashing as she ripped it freely from her skirt.
The man suddenly moved. Or did he? Hanako wasn't sure as he suddenly appeared in front of her, glaring down at her with his gold tawny eyes. "That is what they always say. Then they turn around and fall in love with a human. Such pathetic creatures you half-breeds are. I might just take pity and let you live. For a price." He reached his left hand up and touched her cheek with his claws, a smirk on his lips.
"Hands off you creep!" Hanako smacked his hand away with as much force as she could muster under his stare. She felt a cold chill trickled up her back as she realized that he was looking at her in a strange yet familiar way. "And as for that price! Not a chance!" She shoved him away, backing up a few steps to put space between them.
The man was quiet, staring at her in shock as he looked at his hand, then his chest, "You have a feisty spirit. So does another half-breed I know. I just hope you aren't as difficult to kill as he is."
"How dare you lay a hand on Lord Sesshomaru! Lord! Master! Let me kill her! She is beneath you!" The imp shrieked and begged the man for permission, jumping up and down excitedly.
"Silence Jaken." the man, Sesshomaru, looked back at his servant, "I am beginning to think of letting her live. She is no threat. Perhaps since she has treated us so poorly, she can lend us shelter for the night..." He looked pointedly at Hanako.
"Uh.." she hesitated, "I only have one bed...and my home is small..." She blinked in confusion as she looked between them.
"Well," Sesshomaru sighed, "We have a young one that needs shelter. And a bath."
"I will not harbor any demon spawn!" Hanako hissed violently. She lost her aggressive stance once she laid eyes upon the small figure hiding behind the man's robes. "What is that? A human child? I suspect you are going to eat her right?"
The girl stared up at Hanako with wide, curious eyes, and she took a step toward her. The girl said nothing, but instead approached Hanako and held out her hand. Hanako flinched and sifted away, glaring at the girl with hostility.
"Make no mistake. Harm her, and I shall destroy you." Sesshomaru growled in a deep voice, yet his eyes were trained on the girl.
Fearing the demon man more than the girl, Hanako sighed and sat down, folding her legs and stuffing her arms in her sleeves, "Fine. I will let her sate her curiosity, but don't think for a second I will let you sate yours!" She gave him a glare filled with daggers as the girl inched closer. "What's her name?"
"I call her Rin. She doesn't talk much." Sesshomaru stood still, watching the girl carefully, in a way that Hanako could only describe as fatherly.
She looked back at the girl, her bottom lip poking out as she looked at her. The two females watched and studied each other in silence, sizing each other up. Finally, Hanako spoke, "Rin huh? I don't get how a little human like you could make a demon like him be so...soft."
Rin's eye widened and she looked back at Sesshomaru before turning around and giggling. as if in agreement. Hanako smiled and flicked her ear. "So you agree huh?" Rin nodded and stepped closer, smiling broadly.
Relaxing some, Hanako reached her tail around and tickled Rin's neck, causing the small girl to squeal and laugh. "What's the matter huh?" Hanako chuckled, "You're not ticklish are you?" Rin's only reply was her laughter as Hanako continued her furry assault on the poor girl.
Sesshomaru watched in silence, the corners of his mouth twitching upwards as he watched the half-demon make Rin laugh. The girl's squeals were happy, and something inside him made him feel gratitude towards the half-breed. They had been traveling for days, and Rin had grown tired and unhappy. Seeing her laugh was something that, even though he hid it so well from others, made him happy as well. The girl deserved better than what had happened to her.
The happy moment ended when everything went quiet as Rin lunged forward and hugged Hanako. Shocked and taken off guard, Hanako froze, her eyes wide as she stared blankly ahead. Rin, taking Hanako's lack of response as consent, crawled into her lap and rested her head against her breast. Hanako looked down, focusing on Rin as she whispered, "What is she doing? Why is she touching me like this?"
Sesshomaru walked over to them, gazing down in confusion at Rin's sudden attachment to the half-breed, "It seems she likes you. She is showing you affection." he explained quietly, sitting beside Hanako, yet his eyes were trained on Rin.
She likes me? What could that mean? I've never handled a kid in my life! so why does this little runt like me? Unless... Her eyes flew wide and she shoved the gril at Sesshomaru, "NO! NO WAY! I am NOT your mother! Ugh!" Hanako stood up and back away, brushing off her clothes and crossing her arms in defiance.
Rin looked up at Hanako, tears beginning to fill her eyes as she sniffled. Sesshomaru growled and looked up at Hanako, "How dare you?" He gently set the girl down and stood up to his full height, stepping closer until he was barely inches apart from Hanako. He grabbed her arm, squeezing hard, "You will apologize, and then you will take us back to your village and give us a place to rest. If you don't, I shall kill you." He whispered the last sentence in her ears, and she looked up at him in fear, nodding vigorously.
He shoved her at Rin, and Hanako fell to the ground. Looking up, she saw Rin gazing down at her, her eyes filled with hurt. Hanako sighed, feeling her own heart clench up at the sight of the girl's tears, "I..I am sorry. Please forgive me." she bowed her head in respect, her eyes downcast.
Soft hands touched her cheeks, lifting her head up. Hanako gazed into Rin's eyes, and the small girl smiled and hugged her again, letting her know she was forgiven. Hesitantly, Hanako reached around and hugged her back, sitting up on her knees as she held the child. With a grunt, she got to her feet, still holding the child to her, yet she readjusted as to hold her more comfortably and easily.
Rin looked up at the woman carrying her, and she smiled shyly. Hanako smiled back and blushed as she realized that she was carrying a child, like a mother. "So um...Rin? Would you like a nice place to sleep? I have a warm bed you can use, and my home has its own bath. Personally, I like taking baths in the springs around here. But when it is super cold, I use the one in my home. Would you like a bath?" she asked as she began walking up the hill, careful where she set her feet in case she slipped again.
She felt a strong hand on her back and she tensed, looking up sharply at Sesshomaru, "H-hey! What do you think you are doing!" She blushed deeper, every hair on her felt like a live wire, electricity coursing through them as she looked up at him.
"Making sure you don't fall and harm her. Or yourself." He replied coolly, and his hand went to the small of her back, causing her to squeak. He gave her an odd look and turned to the imp, "Jaken. fetch our host her...shawl." He ordered the imp.
"Yes Master! Right away!" The imp sped off, rushing to grab the shawl and returned with it in his hands. "Here you are Master!"
"Give it to her." He looked at Hanako's hands and rethought his order, "No, put it on her. She is currently preoccupied with her hands."
Hanako sighed and knelt, and Jaken obeyed his master, placing the shawl over her head and making sure it was straight before backing away, "I have done as you asked Lord Sesshomaru!"
"Very well Jaken." Sesshomaru watched as Hanako stood up again, moving back to his position. "Let us continue onward." He placed his hand on her waist and guided her forward.
Hanako blushed and squeaked, but she managed to put one foot in front of the other. Rin was busy playing with her hair, and Hanako sighed in defeat as she walked. Still, in the back of her mind, she didn't wish to return, and the thoughts caused her to halt once more.
Sesshomaru looked down at her, "What is the matter? Do you expect me to carry you?"
Hanako looked down, her eyes dark as she replied, "I don't want to go back...I can't..."
"Why is that? What reason would you have to want to leave your precious village?" Sesshomaru questioned, his eyes narrowing menacingly.
"The Lord of this region has sent out a request that each village sent him one beautiful maiden and should he choose one from the selection, he would make her his bride, and lavish the village in riches and fame as a reward." Hanako fought back tears, ashamed by her confession as she hugged Rin tighter to her, "I have been elected to go. But I can't! Once the Lord sees me and realizes what I am, he will have me killed!" She choked back a sob, her fear evident as she buried her face in Rin's hair, seeking comfort.
Sesshomaru gazed at her, and Rin turned to give him a pleading look. Narrowing his eyes, he said quietly, "So he has requested young maidens has he?" placed his hand tightened its grip on her waist, "What if you weren't a maiden?" He whispered in her ear, so softly that shivers raced down her spine.
Hanako gave him a withering glare, baring her fangs at him, "Not a chance you pervert! You're sick! You stay out of my robes!" She huffed and sulked, trudging onwards.
Sesshomaru was behind her, his tone light as he chuckled, "If you are implying that I would bed you, you are sorely mistaken. I would never mate with a half-breed such as yourself." He paused and stopped her, turning her around to face him, "I was saying, why not have a child?" He glanced pointedly at Rin.
Hanako, embarrassed by her assumption and hurt by his rejection of the thought, simply blushed and looked at Rin, "Oh...right..." She frowned, "But how do we do that?"
"Simply say you have been hiding her. I will act as her father, who has come to demand to see her, and you will make a scene which will cause the man who is sending you to hastily send another instead." Sesshomaru smiled, and Hanako felt her cheeks burn from the idea.
"So I pretend I am Rin's mother, and I have been hiding her from you?" She summarized, her footsteps quiet as she walked.
"Precisely." Sesshomaru nodded, his hand still wrapped around Hanako's waist.
"What a splendid plan Master! Simply brilliant!" Jaken gushed to the man, "Simply none can match the cunning of Lord Sesshomaru!"
Hanako narrowed her eyes and looked at the man, "He has called you 'Lord'. Why? Are you really so powerful?"
"How dare you question my Lord's great power! He is a King among demons!" Jaken ranted, his bulging yellow eyes staring at her menacingly.
"Silence Jaken." Sesshomaru sighed, "We will not speak ill to our generous hostess."
Jaken squeaked and nodded, "Y-yes Master! My humble apologies."
With a grunt, Sesshomaru turned back to Hanako, "Now shall we return to your little village?" he asked as he walked beside her.
Hanako sighed and nodded, "yes. We should reach the village by nightfall." She looked down as Rin yawned and nestled closer to her breast, and Hanako smiled softly. "She isn't scared by much...is she?"
"If I am honest, from my observations, Rin fears humans more than she does demons." Sesshomaru answered quietly.
"I won't ask why, but I am sure she has her reasons." Hanako sighed again and looked ahead. The sun was going down, and she felt a flash of concern as she walked. She sped up, her eyes wide as she reached the top of the hill and broke into a run, speeding through the forest. She held Rin tightly, making sure the small child was safe as she ran. She looked up as she felt Sesshomaru's strong presence beside her, and she relaxed a bit as they reached the edge of the forest.
"There it is." She paused at the edge of the tree line, looking out over the village, "My home is on the edge over there." She pointed at a cozy little hut at the far end of the village, nearest to the forest. With that she took off again, her footsteps silent as she streaked towards her home. Once she reached it, she opened the door and walked in, followed closely by Sesshomaru.
"Jaken." Sesshomaru began, "Stay on guard outside. Let me know if anyone approaches."
"Yes master! Right away sire!" Jaken rushed back out, disappearing into the night.
Hanako looked back at her bed, "Rin and you can sleep there once I give her a bath." She looks at him, hesitant "Make yourself at home." she said before slowly walking into the bathing room.
With a sigh, Hanako set the girl down and began to undress her, mindful of her personal areas. Rin looked at her with large trusting eyes. and Hanako bit her lip in frustration.
Why did I agree to this? I am not her mother, yet here I am taking care of her! She looked back into Rin's eyes and sighed, human are no, she is still just a child...and I am woman. half demon or no... She groaned as she picked Rin up again and placed her in the bath, and the girl smiled as she patiently looked around her. Sighing, Hanako set to work, washing the child carefully, scrubbing all of the dirt and grime from her skin, and washing her hair until it was free of mud and filth. After the final rinse, Hanako wrapped Rin up in a spare robe, making sure it covered her before carrying her back into the main room, where Sesshomaru waited for them. She set Rin down on the bed, and the small girl quickly fell asleep.
"I must say..." Sesshomaru began, his eyes trained once more on Rin's sleeping form, "You certainly know how to handle small children. I am surprised you aren't a mother already." He looked at her from where he sat against the wall on the far side of the hut.
Hanako removed her shawl and hissed at him, "I just haven't found the right guy! In truth, I don't think I want a husband or whatever. Kinda why I don't want this marriage to the Lord. Even if he accepted me for what I am, I would still have to lose my freedom. You cant cage what is meant to be free." she said softly, looking at her hands in sadness.
Sesshomaru gazed at her evenly, moving closer to her. Hanako felt her heart quicken, and she found herself staring into his eyes. His hand went up to touch her cheek, and she gulped, fear flashing through her when his claw pressed against her throat. "Don't fear. You have taken care of Rin, and though I loathe half-breeds, I am grateful for your hospitality. But tomorrow we shall repay your kindness, and we shall take our leave." he released her, returning back to his spot in the corner. "get some rest. You have a big day tomorrow." He smirked and closed his eyes, his breathing slowing down as he slept.
Hanako held her throat, her heart racing from adrenaline of his hand around her neck. What the hell am I doing? she scolded herself, He could have killed me! Why am I letting a demon sleep in my home? She sighed and looked at where Rin lay, and with tired, aching muscles, Hanako slid over beside her, laying next to her and closing her eyes in exhaustion.
I hope this plan works...but even if it does...I may still have to leave. Nobu Fujiwara will angry, and he will drive me away. I just hope I can find somewhere else to live...