Merry Christmas!

Chapter 12: The Mission

"I need to get out of here, Kaede," Rin said leaning against the door frame to the balcony. The sun was high in the sky, beating its heat down on her flesh in a way that reminded her of the hot days back home.

"No, you need to get back in bed," Kaede snapped as she continued to sort and pack Rin's thing's into a trunk.

Wearing a simple white silk night gown, Rin stepped all the way onto the balcony, looking around the massive gardens below. They were beautiful, more beautiful than the ones back home. She would definitely miss the view she got here. But that was about all. Her decision to leave that morning took everyone by surprise, and by everyone she meant Kaede and her handmaids. She had not seen anyone else since her talk with Inuyasha the night before. His words worried her. He said that her attacker was from her own father's guard.

Impossible.

Why would her father want to kill her and why would he send one of his own men? It was just all around senseless. She did not think Inuyasha was lying. He had been sincere when he spoke to her. But there's obviously been some mistake. Rin wanted to see the body of her attacker. Kaede absolutely forbade it and forced her to be in bed the entire day, but Rin was adamant. She had to see the body and she would even if she had to sneak around to do it.

Asuka stepped onto the balcony bowing at the waist, her thick braid fell over her shoulder as her hands were hidden in her sleeves. She spoke in her soft voice. "Your highness, the Crown Prince is here to see you."

Rin frowned. She entered her chamber and Kaede was walking towards her with a light robe made of gold lace and sheer fabric. Rin easily slid into it and then slid her feet into a pair of gold slippers. She was confused. She did not expect a visit from Sesshomaru today, and he almost never showed up to her rooms without her expecting his visit before.

Rin suddenly felt very self-conscious. The last time Sesshomaru saw her she was recovering from her attack. Now with some rest and food Rin hoped she looked a little better, though she knew better. She rushed over to the mirror on her beside her vanity and did a quick once over. The thick plait that in her head looked messy with random curls popping out all over. Dark circles framed both of her eyes. The one on the left was still slightly swollen, as were Rin's pale lips. The bottom was split and scabbed over. The attacker's finger prints bruised her neck. Luckily her shoulder wound was bound and hidden away, but her hand was thickly bandaged.

Rin grimaced. She looked a mess. She looked like she had just survived death. Rin cracked a faint smile at the thought. Taking a deep breath she walked over to the screen door and waited of Kocho to slide it open. When she did, she was immediately greeted with Sesshomaru's form.

His look was apathetic, as always. He was dressed nicely in crisp white hakama pants and kimono. The haori he wore was white at the shoulders and slowly bled from light periwinkle to deep indigo. The familiar white fur was draped casually over one shoulder. He looked so regal. He was born to be a King. Rin could see why he was so important. Her stomach did an uncomfortable flip when she thought of her tasks given by Midoriko. One of them was getting this cold, hard, handsome yokai to somehow fall for her.

Rin swallowed and spoke almost in a rushed tone, "You did not tell me you were coming I would have dressed into something more appropriate. I apologize for coming before you in my sleep clothes."

His eyes lowered for only a second to take in the rest of her. "This is the most I have seen you dressed since you got here."

Rin was not sure if that was jab or not. She chose to ignore it and clasped her hands in front of her. "What can I do for you?"

"I came to see if you were in a better state since the last time I saw you." He walked around her surveying her. "You look better."

She waited for him to stop before her and spoke. "Thank you. I feel better."

"Hn." He spun on his heel and walked toward the center of the room. No longer wanting to stand, Rin sat on her couch and waited for him to speak. He clearly had something important to say to her. She leaned her elbow on the arm and rested her chin on her fist, watching him calmly.

"I have decided…" He finally said, coming to stand before her, looking down at her with serious eyes. "Due to the other night's incident it is no longer safe for you to be under regular guard protection, so until then I have assigned a personal bodyguard to you. That is until we know or certain where the assassination attempt came from."

Rin frowned slightly, but she was not upset. "A personal bodyguard seems a bit excessive to me. This could have been just a onetime thing."

"Understandable, but until we know for sure your safety cannot be compromised."

"What about the rest of your family? Surely the Crown Princess and your children are to have bodyguards as well. It may not be just me they are after."

"I have already thought of that. They are safe. In any case they are yokai, and are several times stronger than you."

Rin's face dropped. Did he really think her so weak? "Well… I suppose I should thank you –"

"Unnecessary," he cut her off. "As your husband it is my duty to keep you alive."

Rin nodded pressing her lips together. This conversation seemed so strange to her. Then again everything always felt a little strange with Sesshomaru. "In any case, thank you." She said standing.

His visit and their conversation topic reminded her of the speedy departure she planned on taking. Should she tell him of her plans to leave now or should she wait until she knew for certain she was leaving. Would she even be able to leave without his consent?

With a tight smile Rin stated, "Who is it, one of your best guards, I'm sure?"

"No. It is Inuyasha." His tone was flat.

He turned to exit her room when her voice stopped him. "Wait! Why Inuyasha?" She demanded confused. Why would a Prince like him ever agree to something of such low status?

"I determined that since he was the one who saved you, you would already be comfortable with him. In addition he is an exceptional fighter and I trust him with you."

"Surely he does not want to stand around minding me all day."

Sesshomaru did not respond. A short pause passed when the thought suddenly popped into Rin's head. "My attacker, did you already dispose of his body?"

"No. Why?"

Rin let out a relieved breath and twisted her mouth into a frown. "I wanted to see it. I was hoping to figure out what who might have sent him."

"The man had been mutilated in the face badly. I do not even think his own wife would have recognized him if he had one. Inuyasha showed no mercy."

Rin nodded a bit disappointedly, but not defeated. "I would still like to see it."

Sesshomaru nodded. "If it will make you feel better."

Rin smiled softly, minding her lip. "It would. Can you take me now?"

"Unfortunately not. I have other business to take care of. I'll have Inuyasha escort you."

never liked to spend very much time alone with her. He never liked spending any time with her. A tiny jab of disappointment shook her, but her smile did not falter. She merely nodded. "Understandable. Can he take me now?"

"If that is what you want."

She was going to see the body. That was good but she could not ignore the voice in her head that kept asking, well what next then? She supposed she would just focus of leaving. Though she was not certain, she was confident White Mountain was a start. Also, she was sure sitting around here was not getting her anywhere, except nearly killed. She needed to get away, and soon, like within the next few of days. That's when she remembered Inuyasha's role as the prodigal son, of sorts. If anything he may be the perfect person to help her get out of there.

"Where is Prince Inuyasha now?" She asked.

Sesshomaru gave her a blank stare. "He is right outside actually. He is giving us some… privacy." Rin nodded, lowering her head, she began to nibble on her bottom lip. The sharp pain caught her off guard, making her wince and touch it. Soothing it with her cool fingers. "I will send him on once I leave. You may talk to him then."

Rin looked up at Sesshomaru nodded. "That is fine, I was just curious. If that is all I must get back to…" She broke off uncomfortably.

As she got back to… plotting her escape…?

"Praying." She said quickly with a smile.

Sesshomaru arched a brow. "Praying?" Rin nodded. "You pray a lot. Perhaps it is wise that you go to become a priestess for your goddess." With that he left the room.

When Rin was sure he was gone she went back into her private chambers sliding the door shut behind her. All three of her servants were in the room patiently waiting for her to return.

"Is everything all right?" Kaede asked with a worried tone.

Rin nodded but her face remained expressionless. "We must prepare to travel," Rin told her old caregiver.

Kaede's old eyes widened slightly. "Is he sending you somewhere?"

"No, but I am leaving before someone tries to kill me again. We all are. But first, I am going to see the body of my attacker."

Kaede's face had a look Rin could not place. She looked nervous, then happy, suddenly worried and then calm. "Where do you plan on going? Back home?"

Rin shook her head. "To White Mountain. There are things that I must do." Rin turned to Asuka and Kocho, "After your days chores are done pack your things. I do not know when we will be leaving but I want you both ready at a moment's notice. I just need to send a letter to my father and brother…" Rin whispered quietly to herself.

Kaede's arms were crossed over her chest and she gave Rin a hard look. "What things is it that you must do?"

Rin looked at her with a guarded expression. She shifted her eyes to the two girls in the room. "Leave us, but send in Prince Inuyasha if he is out there."

The two bowed to her obediently before exiting the room. Kaede stepped closer to her. "Why would Prince Inuyasha be here?"

Rin went to the small alter and picked up her beds. "Prince Inuyasha has been appointed as my body guard," she told the old woman. When she turned to face her Kaede had her hands on her hips.

"Why?"

"Still not certain. Sesshomaru says it is because he trusts him and figured I would already be comfortable with him." Keade made a face at Rin. "What?"

"They are placing the second son of the King as the body guard to the Crown Prince's second wife. That is strange… I feel that there may be more going on here."

"I agree, which is why we need to leave."

The screen door slid open, attracting their attention and Inuyasha entered. He was dressed very casually in black and white. His long hair was fell straight down his back. He greeted them with a curt bow.

"Good morning, Prince Inuyasha," Rin greeted with a perfect curtsy.

"Just call me Inuyasha. You needed to see me?"

"Yes, both of you actually." She took a step back from Kaede. Her heart suddenly sped up as she realized she was finally going to tell someone her secret. She hoped this would go by well. She looked t Inuyasha, specifically the hanyo ears on his head and she remembered she was in a yokai's palace. Their conversation could be easily heard. She went over to the balcony and slid that door shut then shut the door connecting to the other room.

She went to sit in a pile of pillows in the floor by her bed where she sometimes sat and read. "Please join me. Both of you." Kaede sat beside her, looking serious. Inuyasha sat cross legged directly across from the women. He folded his arms in his sleeves.

Rin swallowed nervously as they both stared at her with expecting eyes. Kaede looked grave, almost anxious. Inuyasha seemed calm and attentive. She smiled slightly, hoping to reassure Kaede.

"Seeing as of right now, the both of you are the two people I trust the most, I must share something with you…" She held out the beads in her palm. "These beads were gifted to me when I arrived here. They were given to me by Mother Goddess Midoriko."

She looked between their two gazes. So far neither of them reacted. They were still listening. "She came to me, long before the wedding and told me many things. Things that I believe are the cause of my latest attack."

Kaede reached over and grabbed Rin's hands. Inuyasha leaned forward. "Tell us." Kaede encouraged.

"If I tell you this, you must not tell anyone. This information can only travel through the three of us, understood?" Kaede nodded but Inuyasha just continued to watch her with the same attentive look, only a little more serious.

Rin took a deep breath and told them, everything Midoriko told her. She told them about the Jewel of Souls and why she thought it was so imperative that she go to White Mountain. She left out the bit about Sesshomaru, feeling that part of the story should not be revealed yet.

"I wanted to wait a bit longer, to gather information, but if the enemy is already attacking me then they may already know of my mission, which is why we need to locate it as soon as possible."

Neither of them spoke for a while. Kaede looked as if she was having troubling absorbing all of it. Inuyasha just frowned as if he was in deep thought. "What are you to do with it once it is found?" He asked.

Rin pressed her lips together and thought. She did not want to lie but again, she felt she should keep Sesshomaru out of this for right now. "We protect it from the enemy."

"And who exactly is the enemy? All yokai?" His voice had an accusing edge to it.

"No, the people who want me dead and wish to free Magatsuhi." Rin said defensively.

Inuyasha snorted. "And what is so wrong with that? I think I like the idea of my people's god in charge."

It was Kaede's turn to snort. "They are no more your people than we are. You are not yokai." She snapped at him.

Rin shot Kaede a wide eyed look of disbelief. Did the old woman really just say that?

"And what's that supposed to mean?!"

"It means you are a half-breed and should show both sides of your blood proper reverence. While Magatsuhi created yokai, Midoriko created humans. Your mother is a daughter of the goddess, therefore making you a son. So show a little respect."

"I'll show you something that's for sure," he growled.

"You don't scare me, pup!"

"Enough," Rin said above their voices. She leaned closer to Inuyasha. "I know this does not sound ideal to you but I do need your help. You know the ways of the world, how to travel and get to where you need to go. Not to mention you're strong and I trust you. You saved my life."

"Yeah, and I expected to be rewarded, not forced into servitude." He rose to his feet. "The only reason I am doing this is because my father is certain it will break me in and make me slow down. I do not actually want to be doing this."

Rin clenched her jaw nervously. She had not expected this sudden outburst. Inuyasha did not seem like the type to lose his temper. "I- I am sorry… I just…"

"You just what," he interrupted crossing his hands over his chest. "You thought what? I may be half inuyokai but I will not just follow you around like some mindless puppy?"

Sitting up on her knees, desperate to make him hear her she pleaded, "No! Not at all. I just. I figured since you helped me –"

"I helped you because I knew if you died your father would be sailing for the West ready to slaughter us all. War will only bring us more trouble and I would be stuck fighting in some legion instead of trekking through the Ice Mountains of the north. I didn't do it because I wanted to save you, or because I felt sorry for you, or because even I liked you. Frankly I could care less about you or your stupid mission. I just got to keep you safe until your husband decides what to do with you, so let's just do each other a favor and stay out of each other's way."

With that he stalked out of the room, slamming the screen door shut. Rin was frozen in shock. Every word he said was so mean and… true. He did not care, not really. He did what he had to do to help his family. That is all. Now that he was stuck with her he probably regretted his actions. Blinking, breaking her from the moment Rin looked down squeezing the beads in her hand.

"That was not how I thought that would go?" She said.

Kaede got to her feet. "Never mind that fool, Rin! I believe you and I will help you with everything you need. Why did you take so long to tell me?"

Rin shook her head as she too stood up. "I was not sure when would be a good time." Rin regretted saying anything now. Her eyes widened and she looked into Kaede's with fear as a thought crossed her mind.

"What is it, child?" Kaede placed her hands on Rin's shoulders.

Tears filled Rin's eyes and she bit on her quivering bottom lip, ignoring the pain it brought. "What if he tells someone?! Keeping this a secret is of most importance."

Kaede pulled Rin into a hug and shushed her. "Don't worry about that. Right now we need to focus on getting out of here, remember?"

Rin nodded against her shoulder. Just like that, the little bit of hope Rin had was almost shattered, but Kaede's words kept her firm. They needed to leave the Western Kingdom and get to White Mountain. There Rin could at least get a start.

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The afternoon sun came through the small window, barely brightening Naraku's dim bedchamber. He stood in front of the fire pit reading a note sent from one of his spies. Behind him he could hear Abi standing from the bed and her cold feet padding across the wood planked floor to him. Her arms wound around his torso from behind and she hugged him, her cool naked flesh meeting the scarred tissue of his bare back.

"What has happened," she asked concerned in Naraku's demeanor.

"It seems your assassin has failed." He stated coldly not meeting her eyes.

"What do you mean?" She demanded.

With a sharp glare he replied, "The human princess still lives. She was to be killed the night before. It seems there was some interference from the hanyo prince, Inuyasha."

"What?!"

Naraku handed the letter over to her. She took it from him and read it herself. She hissed. "I knew I should have sent someone else! I did not want to send any yokai. They may be able to link our clans, so instead I hired a ningen."

Naraku turned to face her completely with a hard look in his eye. "The ningen bitch needs to die. And she needs to die now."

Abi backed away a little, looking away, briefly fearful of the half demon in front of her. Clearing her throat she walked to retrieve her clothing and dressed in the layers of kimonos slowly. With her back to him she asked "Why is her death so important?"

Naraku looked at her with an unreadable expression. He did not answer her immediately. To Abi, it seemed like he himself was not sure.

"She stands in the way of my plans."

"What plans? Everything we have planned is going accordingly. Manten and Hiten are waiting to strike when we give word, Ryukotsusei has gathered us much support in the outlands, and our spies have been spreading our cause in the streets, raising awareness. More and more yokai join us each day against the monarchy. We will be victorious and you will have everything you want."

"I will have succeeded but I will not have everything I want."

Abi finished tying her obi and began braiding her hair slowly sauntering towards Naraku. "I suppose that's the second phase of your plans. Tell me."

With cold hands Naraku reached up and stroked her face, staring deep into her eyes. They were strong, cold, and accented by a certain darkness that he understood very well. "I cannot yet tell you."

Abi frowned. "You don't trust me?"

He trusted no one. "It is not yet time for the other half of my plans to be revealed…"

A long silence filled the room as they stared at each other. Instead of arguing with him, Abi simply shrugged and finished gathering the remainder of her items. Naraku watched her go with appreciation. Moments like that made him proud he had agreed to make her his queen. She was a strong ally and matched him in wits. She was also submissive and knew when to hold her tongue like a proper lady should.

When she was all set to go she went over to Naraku and kissed him on the cheek. She looked him in the eye with a strong gaze. "The girl will die. I will make sure of it. There will be no more mistakes."

"That would be for your best. Now I have some business to attend to." Abi bowed respectfully and exited the room.

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The White Assassin stood at attention. It was ironic that he was known as the White Assassin because he always wore all black. Even now, he wore all black, with a mask over his face, leaving only his pink eyes exposed. Ghostly white skin surrounded them. His thick white mane was pulled back into a braid that stopped in the center of his back. On his hip was a sword, as well as a miniature crossbow.

He stood before the phoenix demoness who regarded him with a fiery hard gaze. She was beautiful, and of royal blood. Those were his favorites, but he never mixed business with pleasure. This woman was here to hire him. He could tell by the guarded look on her face. He was returning from a job when a messenger from her summoned him to her home. He had showed up unannounced though her bedroom window, right as she had gtten home.

"You responded quickly," she stated. She walked over to him and stood before him. Her lips quirked in a teasing smile. She stood a head taller than him, but he did not care. He could easily kill her at a moment's notice.

"I would like to commission you. The human princess who is second wife to the Crown Prince."

He did not show his surprise, but he was. Of all people why her? Not that he was actually going to ask. He was just curious. The look on the demoness' face told him there was something deeper behind it. This would be a dangerous job. Killing any member f aristocracy always prved to be a pain in the ass, but royals… this would not be easy, even if he was human, she had multiple forces on yokai o all strengths to protect her. If he was caught his punishment would exceed beyond torture.

"Five hundred thousand," he told her.

Her brows lifted at the amount of gold he wished to charge her for. "Very well. I will pay you half now and the rest once she is dead."

He was happy that she did not try to barter with him. It would have either ended in him leaving or killing her. "Agreed."

"It must be done quickly, and there can be no traces as to who did it."

"Naturally."

She nodded. "Good. She is recovering from a previous failed attack but I am sure you could get to her. After all, you are the best… If you would remain here, I'll go get your gold."

She left the room and he waited.

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Misho sat quietly as he watched his father go back and forth with his brothers. This was a recurring event. It seemed that they never agreed much on anything anymore. Whether it was Inuyasha's choice of lifestyle, or the human princess, none of them agreed on anything.

"There is absolutely no way she is leaving and that is final," the Inu no Taisho spoke ina calm voice.

"Father you are not listening," Inuyasha almost yelled in frustration. "I cannot protect her whin these walls. It's too confined. The enemy is going to know exactly where she is. The best thing is to move her."

"You just want her to leave so that you can leave. No, Inuyasha you have too stay here."

"Why do you insist on being so stubborn. This is not about me leaving, its about my ability to survive out in the open. If we keep moving it will be harder to track her." He turned t Sesshomaru hoping to appeal to his brother. "You know this is true, Brother. If we leave tonight I can have her somewhere safe by morning."

"The safest plae for her is here, under our protection," Sesshomaru stated flatly.

"Perhaps but she isn't under your protection she is under mine. And in order to protect her it is my belief that she should not be here. They will strike again..."

"And they will be stopped again," Inu no Taisho snapped.

Misho rolled his eyes. He could see that this argument would not be over soon. He stood and wordlessly left the room, heading for his own on the other side of the palace. When he entered his public chambers he was greeted with the pleasant sight of Yura fast asleep on one of his couches.

She woke immediately when he slid the door shut. She smiled sheepishly. "I didn't mean to fall asleep."

Misho shrugged. "I do not mind. What are you doing here?"

Yura sat up and sighed. "I just needed a break. Between Kagura and the new baby, I am very weary. I came to see you, and when I saw that you weren't here I decided to wait. I guess I fell asleep. I apologize."

Misho sat beside her and took one of her hands in his. "Do not apologize. I was actually very happy to see you."

She smiled sweetly and ran her hands through his short hair. "Did you have a good day?"

Misho shrugged. "Nothing really happened. I was supposed to be getting lessons from father but Inuyasha and Sesshomaru came and they all started arguing."

Yura scoffed. "Of course they are. What about now?"

"Princess Rin. Apparently she was almost killed by an assassin the other night but Inuyasha saved her."

Yura nodded. "I remember hearing about that. How awful for her."

"Sesshomaru made Inuyasha her personal guard for the time being until she is safe. Right now they are arguing about whether or not she should stay here. Inuyasha doesn't think it's safe."

An unfamiliar look crossed Yura's face. "What did the king say?" She asked carefully.

Oblivious to her change in demeanor Misho answered, "He said no, and Sesshomaru agreed. She's not going anywhere… It's so annoying, listening to them argue all of the time. Especially now. I hardly spend any time with father and the moment I get him for some time here they come to ruin the moment."

"Oh, Misho," she said in a sympathetic tone, wrapping her arms around his shoulder and kissing him on the neck and down his chest. "I am sure he will make it up to you."

The young hanyo prince scoffed. "Don't be so sure. With everything that's going on… I feel like I am slowly fading into the cracks…"

Yura studied him for a long time with a look he could not place. Yura smiled slowly as she eased off the couch and positioned herself between his legs. "Shall I make his highness feel better?"

A crooked smile appeared on his young face. "It would be nice to get a little attention from someone."

Yura giggled as she slowly undid the ties to his pants. Misho just leaned his head back and closed his eyes, preparing to enjoy the moment.