Chapter notes:
"The greatest pain that comes from love is loving someone you can never love. It feels like reaching for a star. You know you'll never reach it, but you just got to keep trying."
"Loving someone is all about setting them free, letting them go. You will be happy when they find their happiness."
The Lily of the Valley signifies "The Return of Happiness"
Disclaimer: The depictions of the characters in this story are completely fictitious. In no way does this represent the views or the story arcs as envisaged by the original copyright owners of this franchise and its characters. The ownership if the characters and the original concept are sole properties of Rumiko Takahashi.
Chapter 18 – The sudden visit and the vanishing act
Rin wakes up by the feeling of a strong hand massaging her forehead. She parts her eyes slowly and blinks a couple of times to clear her blurry vision. She turns her head to the right and finds an arm resting on her pillow. She follows the arm which is attached to a shoulder and then a neck followed by Sesshoumaru's face. Rin smiles as her hazelnut eyes cross with the demon lord's warm golden orbs. His lips curl into a small smile as he whispers weakly.
"It's not dawn yet Rin, you shouldn't be up so early." The demon lord's hand brushes the girl's bangs and caresses one of her cheeks tenderly.
"No, its fine. I had slept enough." As she rewards her lord with another smile of assurance, the girl then lowers her gaze to find her son snuggled beneath her arms with his thumb nicely buried into his mouth. Rin chuckles at her son's childish behavior shaking her head lightly. She slowly rises to a sitting position and pulls her son's thumb out from his mouth.
"You're such a thumb sucker." She kisses on one of her son's cheeks. Sesshoumaru's hand tenderly strokes on his son's hair while watching the girl wipe the boy's thumb on her kimono sleeve. As he observes the boy's mouth partly searching for his thumb, a small thought crosses his mind.
"Who do you think that Aito resembles more, you or me?" Rin looks up to the demon lord and chuckles at his query. The Taiyoukai stares at the girl with an inquisitive mind.
"Even without all the features on Aito's face, he still resembles you my lord." Her fingers trace along the boy's forehead down to his chin.
"When I first held him in my arms, his cried out loudly and broke the silence in the forest to assure me that I had successfully delivered him alive. Those cute sunset puppy eyes parted a little along with his short silver white hair that resembled the powerful Taiyoukai of the west, I knew he'll grow up to be a strong man. Even if he is just a half demon; I will make him feel proud to be the son of Sesshoumaru." Her melancholy voice pierces through the demon lord's heart. Her smiles fade and her eyes glass over with unshed tears. This memory of a nightmarish chapter in the girl's life will never be forgotten.
Sesshoumaru reaches out his hand and firmly presses at a side of girl's face to comfort her. Rin gazes up to her lord with a bitter smile wearing on her face to assure that she is fine.
"Rin, half demon or not my blood flows in Aito's body and he is always be my proud son." The girl's lips inches towards a big smile as she nods in agreement.
The Taiyoukai lowers his body and gently presses his lips on the girl's. She's gasps and is taken aback with her large hazelnut eyes widened in shock. Immediately the demon lord's hand slips through one side of the girl's neck with his palm firmly resting at the back of her head. He pushes her head inwardly towards him and captures her sweet lips for another smooch. This time he has better control with his hand supporting at the back of his ward's head.
Rin's response is timid at first, but when the Taiyoukai leaves no room for the girl to break away she returns the kiss at the same pace as her lord's. As the Taiyoukai's tongue slowly thrusts into the shy girl's, both are drowning in their own heaven until both sides of their faces are smacked.
They break the kiss instantly to look down at their son stretching out his arms high up in the air for a yawn.
"Wrong time my son." Sesshoumaru whispers softly with slight disappointment. Rin elbows the demon lord as her eyes narrows with a warning glare. Aito's eyes blinks a couple of times before tilting his head up at the two lost adults who look rather stupefied.
"Lord Sesshoumaru! Mother!" The boy jumps onto his knees and throws his arms around Rin's waist. The sudden hug brings the girl back to reality after that passionate kiss with her lord. She returns the hug with a light smile at the kid's childish behavior while gently stroking at his back.
"How was your sleep my son?" She asks while the boy releases his arms and looks up at his mother's face.
"It was good." He makes a short reply and quickly turns away to take one of his mother's hands and observes carefully. Rubbing his hand carefully on the surface of the bandage the boy continues, "Mother, are you still in pain?"
Rin pats her son's messy hair with another free hand with her smile broadened. "No, I feel much better sweetie." and she kisses the boy's temple. Aito tries to be serious by reading his mother's face. His large sunset eyes rolling from left to right, up and down to figure out whether his mother is telling the truth. Satisfied with his observations, the boy's childish nature returns as he smiles toothily and nods happily.
Sesshoumaru cradles his son abruptly onto his lap causing the kid to gasp in surprise. The boy glances up and greets his lord excitedly.
"Good morning, my lord!" The demon lord merely nods with one of his hands stroking at the top of his son's head while Aito shuts his eyes off to enjoy the touch.
"Why are you up early child?" Aito looks up at his lord and blinks in confusion.
"But mother also up early, so why is she awake so early?" The Taiyoukai's eyes narrows at his son's inquiry. Rin on the other hand is grinning at her lord's reaction.
"Aito, you are not supposed to a ask question on top of mine, I expect an answer from you."
A moment of silence falls between the trio, the boy's gaze never leaves the demon lord's face as his eyes blink perplexed.
"Am I not supposed to wake up?" Rin almost chocks with Aito's question, Sesshoumaru is startled while the boy stares enthusiastically waiting for an answer.
"Of course you can wake up my son." Aito turns to face his mother as she explains, "What Lord Sesshoumaru means is errrm kids usually need longer sleep time than an adult, that's why we are curious."
Another moment of silence falls, obviously this is not a good answer but before the boy manages to raise another head eating inquiry, Rin quickly changes the topic to divert his attention away from the uncomfortable topic.
"Now tell me my little one, are you hungry?" Sesshoumaru stares at the girl in amazement. The fact that she's able to think quickly and change the topic to divert the kid's attention away is something he could never handle.
"Yes I am. Mother what do you want to eat? Fish? Chicken? Anything you want I will hunt for you except boar, Aito isn't strong enough to kill one." He rolls his puppy eyes to the Taiyoukai's side.
"I will get one for you if you want." The boy stretches his hands high up into the air with joy before throwing his arms around the dog demon's neck.
"Enough with the boar my dear, I want some fish for today." Upon hearing his mother's request, Aito releases his embrace around his lord's neck and jumps off from the bed.
"I will go and get the fish now." He answers excitedly and turns to head to the wooden door, but pauses at the side of the place where the green toad is resting.
"Aito," The boy cocks his head to the side and looks at his mother.
"You will go without master Jaken." The boy is startled by his mother's instruction. How could mother know what I intended to do? He thinks with his eyes widened.
"Are you listening at me? It is still early so let master Jaken sleep." Aito twitches his lips and nods unhappily. His eyes rolls to the Taiyoukai's face as he tries to send some pleading signals to get help.
Sesshoumaru captures his son's begging, he turns to Rin and before he could mouth a word the girl raises her hand up as a sign to stop her lord.
"No help from Lord Sesshoumaru, now go on to freshen yourself up without master Jaken." Rin warns seriously, quickly the boy nods and runs to the door but spares an unsatisfied glare at the toad who is slumbering off peacefully. I will keep a lot of work for Jaken. Aito smirks at his evil plan as he runs off excitedly to the river.
Sesshoumaru grabs Rin's hand and places it on his lap, another hand rests on top of the girl's hand.
"He just needs company Rin." His voice softens, it almost sounds like pleading. Rin sighs, she pulls the blanket away with another free hand and moves herself to the side of the bed with her legs touching the floor.
"I know my lord, but poor master Jaken shouldn't be the victim all the time. Aito has caused a lot of trouble and I feel pity for master Jaken. So I will go and company Aito." Her feet reaches for a pair of sandals and prepares to depart before a strong hand grips onto her right wrist and pulls her body towards the demon lord's awaiting arms.
Sesshoumaru leans closer to Rin until both of their faces are separated by only inches.
"Oh Rin." He tenderly whispers into the girl's ear.
"Yes?" Their gazes locked at each other for a moment before the demon lord leans even more closely with their noses caressing each other.
"Aito is not here now." The girl frowns.
"So?"
"So we should continue what we had started earlier." Before Rin is able to respond Sesshoumaru's lips captures the girl's as he kisses her passionately. She leans backward a little with the force of the kiss but manages to maintain her balance since the Taiyoukai's hands are supporting at her back.
Sesshomaru thrusts his tongue within before she could offer any resistance, with each blow delivered his kisses become deeper and his hold, tighter. Before long Rin surrenders and wraps her arms around the Taiyoukai's neck returning his passion.
While their tongues still dance, Sesshomaru subtly rakes his tongue across one of his fangs. His blood flows freely in his mouth and sucks the girl's tongue close to his fangs where he bites down gently allowing her blood to flow. As their blood join, they both purred in unison.
It is the need for air that forces the two to finally separate. Rin notices the blood around Sesshoumaru's lips, her hazelnut eyes narrows in concern as she raises her bandaged hand and wipes the blood away. The demon lord returns the same gesture and wipes the girl's lips with his claw fingers.
"Do not worry, this is just blood exchange. Neither of us hurt each other." The Taiyoukai presses his lips on her nose. The girl merely nods.
"Rin I need to go somewhere, should return before sun set." Rin snaps her head up and looks into her lord's warm golden orbs.
"Where will you be going?" She asks curiously.
"We need to prepare several things before travel." Rin looks down at her lord's answer, she is a bit worried at this moment.
"But, I have not th-..." The demon lord's claw finger immediately presses on the girl's lips, preventing her to speak further.
"You hardly have a choice Rin, for if you say no I would make you say yes." The girl blinks her widened eyes.
"How would you achieve that?" She asks in bewilderment. Sesshoumaru smirks and swiftly bends to pick the girl up in a bridal style and walks to the bed. Rin gasps as she struggles to free herself from the Taiyoukai.
"Wait, wait what are you doing my lord. Put me down!" Her voices turn out as a small scream and it pleases the demon lord. He lays the girl down on the bed and climbs on top of the girl. Totally unprepared for what the Taiyukai has done, Rin lays still and paralyzed.
Sesshoumaru takes the opportunity to kiss the startled girl at the side of her neck passionately. Rin feels the heat from her blush. Sesshoumaru stops to glance at the girl's face flushed in red like cherries.
"You look beautiful with those red cheeks." Sesshoumaru caresses his finger on one of the girl's cheeks. He observes the girl's lips curling into a small bitter sweet smile, unfortunately it fades shortly. She looks away but the Taiyoukai can distinctly smell the scent of tears and feels the sadness emanating from her body. Have I pushed her too much? He questions in his thought.
"Rin, all I need from you is to follow me; you never hesitated about it before especially when you were a child. Why now?" He inquires downhearted seeking for an answer. The girl turns with her shining hazelnut eyes drowning into the warm pitiful golden orbs.
"I never hesitate to follow you my lord, I just, ..." She sniffs harder and tries to hold the tears. "I fear." The demon lord is instantly pained by the words.
"Why do you allow fear to develop in my presence?" Sesshoumaru's voice softens, he sounds disappointed.
"But when you are not around?" She adds sadly. No response from the Taiyoukai.
I was not there for her 5 years ago when something happened in the castle. Someone must have forced her to leave me. I am the cause of her insecurity.
"I am here now Rin." He brushes the girl's bangs with his fingers and pulls a few strands to tucks them behind her ear.
"Come." Sesshoumaru helps Rin into a sitting position, moving to the edge of the bed he holds the girl's hands firmly while waiting for her to put the sandal on. He then wraps an arm around the fragile girl's waist and leads her to the wooden door.
Once the pair reach by the river, the demon lord takes his leave and reminds the duo to not wander too far off from the hut for safety reasons. Rin and Aito nod in agreement as the Taiyoukai leaps into the air, the boy waves his hands rapidly to say good bye.
When the sun appears above the horizon in the east, Rin and Aito have both freshened up and are ready for the hunt. Jaken jerks up from his sleep when the girl is about to leave the hut, he is told by the girl that the Taiyoukai is away to arrange several matters. The green kappa feels extremely downhearted for his lord has once again left him behind.
Reluctantly, the imp joins the girl and her son at the river. Aito feels extremely happy to catch fish in front of his mother. His improved skill has allowed him to catch quite a lot of fish and it will be stored for their afternoon meals as well. Rin smiles delightfully at the sight of her son jumping in triumph enjoying the hunt. Her lord is right, she should allow the boy to do more hunting, and it looks like it does make him a lot happier and stronger.
After about an hour and half has passed, the breakfast is ready and the trio have their food together. Aito is in much chatty mood and the green toad remains silent. When they finish their meals, Jaken is dragged by the boy to the nearby river to do a lot of cleaning. It goes exactly like his plans for the revenge while Rin shakes her head helplessly at her son's naughty behavior. She returns to the hut and technically arranges some clothes in the wooden wardrobe. Since they will start travelling, the girl thinks that she needs to make sure to pack enough clothes for her son.
While Rin is busy folding the clothes, her mind wanders at the thought of being able to travel again at her lord's side. What makes her rejoice even more is that the number of members has increased and she knows the boy is going to love all the places that they will visit. Her lips curl into a small blissful smile.
When all the clothes are folded neatly, the girl closes the wardrobe and walks to the nearby window. The morning is beautiful with light breezes cooling the surroundings under the strong sun shine. Birds are chirruping on the trees while butterflies spot circulate around some beautiful flowers that Rin had planted. Her smile falls, at the thought of leaving this small hut behind. Even though she has gone through many hardships in this village, this hut has been considered as her home ever since Aito came to this world.
The times that she has spent with Tsuyu and Akemi will become one of the most cherished memories in her life. Tsuyu always treats Rin like her own daughter while Akemi is fond of the girl like a real sister. I will never forget anyone in this village; I will definitely visit them often. The girl thinks as she takes a deep breath and leans at the side of the window.
While Rin is excited about the journey and slightly downhearted with the departure, fears play a strong part in this sudden decision. Although she did not literally say yes to her lord, the demon lord seems determined with his decision. The conversation took place before dawn but its freshly playing in her mind.
Will happiness return if I stay away from the West? Is Lord Sesshoumaru really willing to leave everything behind for me and Aito's sake? What if she finds out about this? Rin desperately shakes the thought away. She can't deny that her happiness is being held by this lady, but if Sesshoumaru chooses to stay away from his fortress, the girl thinks that she might have another chance to rebuild her own family.
More importantly, she has another problem that needs to be taken care off. Aito, the boy needs to know the truth about his father. There's no way she will start travelling without revealing this secret. But the question is how?
Rin rests both of her hands over her chest, she's trembles, she can't imagine her son's reaction when he gets to know about his long lost father. Although Aito admires Sesshoumaru, will he ever see the Taiyoukai as his father? Will the boy end up hating him? Or worse the kid could even hate his heartless mother, who is the culprit behind this separation.
The girl bits her inner lips with anxiety, she can't afford to lose her son, Aito is her only reason to live. But she too shouldn't be so selfish to run away from this issue, Sesshoumaru on the other hand has every right to tell the boy about the truth, but up until now he has never ever pressured the girl. He has never mentioned about this issue and only calls Aito as his son in front of the girl. My lord is really an understanding person and a gentlemen. He will never force me to anything out of my will. Guilt fills Rin's heart at the thought.
As the girl releases her hands away from her chest, she looks at the blood stain over the bandage. The mix blood between my lord and I. Rin smiles genuinely for no reason, it comes naturally and she can't explain it.
I wonder if this blood exchange holds the same significance as marking. Rin's mind drifts away and drowns in her own world.
Ryuuki has been wandering around the hut for quite sometime. He doesn't sense the demon lord's presence nor even Rin and Aito's. Could it be they are by the river? He braves himself and walks to the small hut. No sign of Aito too but he spots the wooden door ajar and thinks it might be a wise idea to first check the hut.
As he steps one foot into the hut, he spots the girl leaning at one of the windows. She seems too lost in her own thoughts and doesn't notice his presence. He wishes to knock the door but is overwhelmed by the sight of the girl; he then decides to observe her silently.
Rin, has her long dark raven hair cascading down past her waist. The light wind blowing has carried few strands of her hair towards the direction of the wind. Ryuuki feels the need to comb the beautiful hair with his fingers and bury his nose into her hair to take a whiff of her scent. I bet her hair will smell like those flowers she had planted. The leopard allows his eyes to scan the girl's slender body, she is thin but the curves are still visible. He just wishes to hug the girl from behind and kiss her cheeks.
Ryuuki looks away from Rin and lightly slaps on his face. He can never allow himself to do such a thing when the girl actively rejects his love. At this point his anger towards Sesshoumaru has risen. If only the dog didn't show up, Rin could have been my wife! While the leopard cusses in his thoughts he notices a bandaged hand waving in front of his eyes. He jerks up and sees that Rin is now standing in front of him and waving to get his attention.
"Master Ryuuki, are you alright?" Rin asks in concern. Ryuuki smiles with one of his hand scratching at the back of his head.
"You caught me off guard. I was thinking something else." The cat laughs whole heartedly while Rin chuckles at his statement.
That sweet innocent smile, she is really like an angel. It was this very smile that captured my heart. How could I live without seeing her again? Ryuuki discards the painful thought away.
"Rin, are you free now? Can we talk for awhile?" The girl nods and guides the leopard out of the hut. As they move closer to the river side, both Aito and Jaken's eyes are wide open by the presence of the cat.
"Good morning Aito." Ryuuki yells but the boy doesn't move. He looks rather astounded and Rin understands why her son reacts so.
"Aito, mother needs to talk to master Ryuuki, please do not wander too far off from this place. Promise?" Still remaining silent; the boy only inclines his head in agreement. Jaken too seems to have lost his voice. As the duo walks to another side of the river and settles down, Aito discreetly follows his mother.
"Hey kid, where are you going?" Aito pays no heed and continues shadowing them until he reaches at the nearby bushes and hides himself behind it. The green toad is instantly at the boy's side and yells.
"Hey kid, you can not eavesdrop, it is bad." Aito blinks at the toad, perplexed.
"What does eavesdropping mean?" Jaken glares at the boy in annoyance.
"It means you are not supposed to hear what they talk about without their permission." The boy puts a finger on his closed lips as a sign for the little kappa to be silent.
"Hey boy did you hear what I said? We can not do this." The imp yells furiously but is pulled forcefully by the Aito, who keeps toad at his side.
"You talk too loud Jaken, mother will know of our presence." The kid continues peeping his mother and the leopard demon while Jaken completely gives up at attempting to stop the boy. He will never listen anyway. The green toad murmurs.
Ryuuki chooses to rest under a giant tree, facing the river. He knows Rin loves the view of the river especially at night. The girl seats herself under the tree with the leopard demon joining close at her side. Aito and Jaken are hiding behind the bushes located right behind them, not too close but enough to listen to their conversation.
"How are your hands?" He asks worriedly.
"Not too bad, at least the pain has reduced compare to yesterday." She smiles while adjusting her kimono skirt. Ryuuki spots some blood stain on Rin's bandage, immediately his heart falls despondent.
"Rin, your hands are still bleeding." Rin looks down and checks her hand to find the blood stain that Ryuuki is referring too. It was the blood I wipe from Lord Sesshoumaru's mouth. The girl ponders over how to answer the man before him.
"Th-the blood belongs to... Aito, yes errr he bit his lip and bled and I wiped it with my hand." Ryuuki nods, even though the answer seems odd he knows that Rin is trying to make him feel less guilty.
Aito frowns at the back of the bushes; he touches his lips and feels no sign of pain. I don't remember that I bit my own lips till it bled. The boy scratches the side of his head curiously.
Ryuuki eyes observe the surroundings, he seems in search of something and it catches Rin's attention. But the girl knows what the leopard demon is looking for.
"Lord Sesshoumaru is away, he will be back before sun set." Ryuuki almost chocks at the statement. He turns and finds the girl covering her mouth and giggling.
"Ha ha you are smart as always Rin. So the dog is not here, no wonder I can sit here so peacefully without being attacked." At this point, the girl can't help but to let out a hearty laugh. The leopard demon eyes the girl mystified.
"Sorry master Ryuuki, I didn't mean to be rude, I just think that sometimes Lord Sesshoumaru and you act much like children, in fact more childish than Aito. He would call you leopard and you would call him dog. You two are really funny." Rin continues laughing while Ryuuki stares intently at the girl. He has never seen the girl laugh as merrily as this moment before.
"I have never seen you laugh like this before, you must be really happy to be with the dog." Rin stops her laughter at the leopard's comment, she then gazes down on her lap and smiles delightfully. The expression on her face is enough to make the cat demon jealous.
"Yes." A simple answer from the girl is enough to crush the leopard's heart. He begins to wonder, hasn't their relationship been improving in these four years?
"Rin." Ryuuki calls out in a rather gloomy tone.
"Yes?" She turns to look at the leopard demon, whose eyes are locked at the river and refuses to face his angel.
"Am I not good enough for you?" A stunned Rin's mouth parts open slightly. Her hazelnut eyes widen, startled by the sudden interrogation. The girl remains silent, not that she doesn't know how to answer but she is evaluating the impact of her words and wishes to not hurt her savior's heart.
"Master Ryuuki, you are such a kind hearted person, caring and a good man. But," She pauses; the leopard waits in anticipation to hear the next words. "You deserve a better girl."
The leopard demon turns swiftly at the fragile girl, his jaw drops and almost isn't able to find his voice to speak.
"What the hell are you saying Rin? Better girl? You are a beauty beyond comparison; any man would want your hand. You have a big heart and would sacrifice for anyone. So you are beyond better! Any man would be proud to have you by their side." He declares seriously.
"But you deserve to find a girl that loves you back with all her heart. I can't afford to do that, as my heart belongs to someone else." Her voice softens with her heart downcast. She has been trying to avoid this issue, hoping she won't wound the leopard. Rin knows Ryuuki had a crush on her ever since he saved them in the forest, but her heart is held by Sesshoumaru and there is no way she can even forget her lord. Aito's existence proves their relationship.
"I can wait for you! If the dog doesn't shows up, I have confidence to pursue you and bring Aito along to my tribe. I know about your devotion, but time is the best medicine. I have confidence that I can make you change your mind, and even if we have to stay forever without any physical intimacy, I wouldn't mind. All I want is for you to stay with me; it is your smile that encourages me and gives me strength to live on." The girl is completely startled by the leopard demon's statements. He has already planned my life this far? The thought has made the girl feel extremely guilty, if only she had insisted on rejecting him earlier; he wouldn't have to waste his time on her.
"I am so sorry master Ryuuki, please forgive me." Enough! He screams silently in his head, the more he asks the more she will break his heart, he would rather walk off with at least a dim light of hope left.
"So in these four years, have we not developed any relationship at all?" He adds painfully. Rin draws her legs up to her chest and embraces them, with her chin resting in between her knees.
"We have become much fonder of each other right? Together with Akemi Tsuyu san always treats us like her own kids." Ryuuki sighs disheartened. So we are literally only brother and sister. He shakes his head with his heart crushed with grief.
"So," His abrupt exclamation draws the girl's attention as she looks up at the leopard demon. "I hope I didn't disturb you with my sudden visit." He smiles towards the girl. Rin shakes her heads lightly indicating as a 'no'.
"Of course not, I have just folded some clothes and pretty much have nothing to do. Besides, even if you were not visiting me today, I would do so in a few days time." Ryuuki raises his eye brows in surprise.
"For what?" He asks curiously.
"To say good bye." The leopard demon's heart shatters into a million pieces. So she has decided, I wish I didn't know that. He sighs in disbelief that the girl he has known and loved for 4 years will soon disappear from his life.
"I wish to have known you earlier than the dog. So I would have the chance to win your heart." He smirks at the girl who's now eyeing him with slightly widened eyes. She then lets out of a loud burst of laughter and it confuses the cat.
"Then you will have to have known me before I turned 7." Ryuuki's jaw pops wide open with his eyes balls almost ready to pop out. Rin laughs at his reaction and explains what she means.
"I was only 7 years old when I met Lord Sesshoumaru in the forest." She uses her hand to cover her mouth for a light chuckle. The leopard is immobilized for a while before he too laughs out loud.
"Damn you dog," He continues another painful laugh as he admits defeat by the Tauiyoukai.
At the back of the duo behind the thick bushes, Aito almost falls asleep by the boring and confusing conversation while Jaken keeps yawning from time to time. Both are on the verge of losing interest in listening.
"I shall leave then before the dog returns and roasts me up." Ryuuki is on his feet and Rin too rises from the ground.
"Thank you for everything master Ryuuki, I will never forget you." She bows a little to show her respect but the leopard doesn't like that formality at all. He doesn't want to say good bye and he hates to hear all the thankful words from the girl. He let out a heavy sigh and nods. He too returns the bow. Both exchange smiles before the cat demon turns and prepares to leave. He stops short and something crosses his mind that he wishes to ask the girl. Ryuuki turns to face his angel once again.
"Rin, you know, I have watched Aito from the moment he wore diapers till he crawled, walked and spoke. Aito and I were pretty much fond of each other since I literally watched him growing up. But his unusual reaction in the forest yesterday somehow surprised me." The girl raises her eye brow bewildered.
"What has Aito done?" She is eager to know about what happen before Sesshoumaru's confrontation with Ryuuki.
"No, it is nothing related to what he has done, it is just that he wasn't looking quite happy to see me, somehow I felt him distance away from me and that we lost the bond. When Sesshoumaru appears, he instantly gets to his side and something is really bothering me in the boy's gaze towards the dog. I mean he can't be gaining all this closeness in just a month's time compared to me who has spent almost 4 years with the kid." Rin cocks her head to the side and stares at the river.
"Yes, he is very fond of Lord Sesshoumaru from their very first meeting, I was not too surprised by that." Her voice almost fades away together with the blowing wind. Ryuuki observes the girl intently; she looks rather uncertain with something. And since she mentioned about knowing the dog demon at the age of 7, it wouldn't be hard for the leopard demon to guess the connection between the kid and the Taiyoukai. He walks a closer to the girl and places his hands on the girl's shoulders. Rin gasps at the touch and looks up at Ryuuki.
"Tell me Rin, is Sesshoumaru Aito's father?" Rin is astounded by the unprepared question, while at the back of the bushes; both Jaken and Aito straighten their backs at this very interesting question. Both of them lean closer to get a better hearing.
The boy's heart starts pumping rapidly, his heart beat races and sweat is visible at the side of his face. The little kappa is no less, he is completely stunned and frozen, to think that Aito is the demon lord's son is something that will really annoy him. He couldn't have imagined what kind of life lies ahead for him if this boy is his young master. The green toad rolls his eyes at the boy's side and notices that he too is eager to know the answer. Given the kid's scent which is not matching his lord's, Jaken shakes his head and discards his earlier thought.
A short silence falls; everyone is awaiting on the girl to confess it. Tension slices through the air and she feels so uncomfortable.
"Yes, Aito is the son of the great dog demon Sesshoumaru." Everyone's eyes shoot wide open in extreme shock.
A startled Ryuuki takes in the revelation quite well, he nods a couple of times as if he is forcing himself to swallow the truth. On the other side behind the bushes, Aito falls on his back and sits on the grass, he can't concentrate on his surroundings now, and he thinks he has lost all his senses.
On the other hand, the imp's eyes are wide open in extreme shock. It looks like he has just seen a ghost. To think that the boy who has been bullying him for the past one month is the heir to the western land, is really a nightmare for the green toad. I will be forever haunted by the dogs. He gulps down in horror.
Ryuuki pats gently on Rin's shoulders for comfort. The girl smiles weakly indicating that she is fine with the revelation. Slowly, the leopard demon's hands slide down at the side of the girl's shoulders and pulling her to his chest.
Rin is flabbergasted; she immediately raises her hands over Ryuuki's chest and attempts on push him away but the leopard's hands wrap tightly around her back. Sensing the girl's struggles to break the embrace, the cat demon whispers into one of the girl's ears.
"Please, don't fight it Rin, please." He pleads softly. Rin stops struggling but not completely surrendering to the embrace. Ryuuki's chin rests on top of the girl's head and closes his eyes to enjoy this very last moment of them being together. He has never hugged the girl before; she never gave the chance as well.
A short minute's time passes, with the leopard making no attempt to release the girl. Rin doesn't feel comfortable as she forcefully breaks the embrace and releases herself. She stands few inches away from the cat demon and both exchange smiles.
"Rin, if you happen to find yourself in the same situation where you need a place to hide away from the dog, come to me. I will ensure your safety and promise that I will not force you to marry me." He smirks at his last statement, the girl chuckles and nods in acceptance.
"I will." Ryuuki sighs with relief at least the girl didn't reject his offer.
"Farewell my lovely angel." With that the leopard demon disappears into the forest. Rin smiles all the way until her savior's shadow fades then she turns and leaves.
As the girl walks past a few bushes, her eyes accidentally spots Jaken behind one of the bushes nearby. She is shocked and walks nearer to the green toad.
"Master Jaken! What are you doing here? Don't tell me that you have just been eavesdropping on my conversation with master Ryuuki. How can you do that?" Rin yells annoyingly and causes the little kappa to fall on his back and roll on the grass. He regains his balance and tries to explain.
"Hey this was not my idea girl, it was your son who wanted to do it, and I merely just followed because he dragged me along." The imp protests but his comments have staggered the girl.
"What? This was Aito's idea? But he is not even here now Master Jaken. Don't bluff!" The girl questions nervously, she is hoping her son wasn't here all this time.
"He is," When Jaken turns to his side, Aito is not there. His eyes widens in fury and cusses at the boy for leaving without alerting him.
"Damn you kid! He has escaped that's for sure, because he was here with me all the time listening to all your boring lovey dovey conversation until you talked about his father." The green toad stops abruptly. Crap! Jaken cusses, he has literally let his guard down and now the boy is missing!
Rin's jaw drops; she covers her open mouth with her hand and shakes her head in disbelief.
"Oh no, Aito ... He has heard about Lord Sesshoumaru, his father." She runs to the river and checks the surroundings. No sign of the kid nearby. The girl then quickly returns to the hut in the hopes of seeing her son there but when she reaches there with the imp, the hut is empty and Aito is no where to be found.
Rin knows that she can't afford to sit here and wait for Sesshoumaru's return. She has to do something before something bad might happen to her son.
"Master Jaken, I will have to search for Aito, can you stay behind and when Lord Sesshoumaru returns, tell him about Aito's disappearance? and I know he will be able to find us easily." The green toad is certainly not in favor with the girl's idea, there is no way he is going to let her wander outside of this area.
"No you silly girl, what if something happens to you while you search for the boy? Lord Sesshoumaru would kill me. You have to stay until my lord returns." Yells Jaken but Rin has had enough, her son's safety is the priority now and he is the only reason she lives, if something happens to her son she will never ever forgive herself. She turns to the little kappa and glares irately at the toad.
"I will not repeat myself again, you are to stay here and wait for Lord Sesshoumaru. Do you understand?" Rin instructs firmly as she sees the green toad fall on his knees with his head dropping to the ground.
"Yes my lady I will do as you wish." With that Rin smiles and nods to the imp before she turns and runs as fast as she can further down the village. She doesn't want to gamble on searching over at the kitchen or Tsuyu's house, her instincts tell her that the boy will not be there, he will have a hard time to accept the news and probably wishes to be alone.
My dear Aito, where have you gone? Please do not harm yourself, forgive me son.
Chapter end notes:
Another 2 weeks for an update, sorry for the wait and don't worry we are closing to the end. (^_^)
I dedicate this chapter to all Ryuuki's fans. Thank you for your understanding and accepted his acts as part of love. My very first OC and am glad everyone love him.
Specially thanks Divine Rose, Sfdmoment and elusivequeenbee. Without 3 of you, I wouldn't be able to complete this chapter and probably would have leave this story long back. I love you all. (^_^)
Next Chapter 19: My Guardian Angel, My father
Chapter 20: Forgiven and Reunion
Anonymous reviews reply:
Jolie: Hey dear Jolie, how are you doing? Thank you for liking the last scene. I was worried about Sesshoumaru in tears moment. I didn't want him to look weak ya know, he will never become weak just that to learn everything about the girl is something he can never bear to learn. Glad that you like it. Well there will be a little bit more dramas (rated sweet and fun drama) before the story end. Yes is about time for Aito to know about his father. Enjoy this chapter. (^_^)
Naala: Hey Naala, how are you doing? Glad to hear from you again. Thank you so much once again for your details review. You are absolutely a good reader. I am really proud of you and your observation throughout my story.
lol you're right about the scene in the anime. My Rin in my imagination is always a brave character, she fears nothing and even if she has to sacrifice her life she would want to do it for her loves one and that none other than her lord and her son. I am so glad that you're able to see Rin character in my story, I can only picture her cries in Sesshoumaru's arms, only him. :-) This is a great achievement and thanks for letting me know I did it. :-)
Rin is lovable and everyone sure loves the girl, I can never imagine anyone would hate the sweet girl except for something human can not accept. Such as, pregnancy without a husband and carrying a demon child. Just like what happened to Izayoi and Inuyasha. I bet though by now Sesshoumaru would understand about Inuyasha's feeling especially when he was a kid.
We will get to know about how Sesshouamru think about Ryuuki soon :-) I promise you that. Glad that you love the last dialogue, it is hard to write but am happy with the outcome. I will try to update as soon as I can and end this story :-)
I am gad that you're happy to read my chapters but rest assures that I am even happier to read your superb review. It just feels like you are really reading my mind and how I develop my character, awesome dear! Yes, coming up it is all about Aito! Stay tune and enjoy this chapter. Cheers!
Caraline fisher: Hey dear, thank you for yur review. How's life? Yes dear, Rin is always a type of sacrifice person right? I am glad you love the Rin in my story. (^_^) Hope you like this chapter. Cheers!