Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of its characters.
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Like My Master
By: Miyukyshan
Chapter Fourteen: Find a Way
The air was still except for the squalling of a small, human girl.
Rin clung desperately to Sayu's pants as her tears stained the dark fabric. "Why can't you take me with you?" she cried.
Sayu smiled and knelt. She ran her fingers through Rin's soft hair and pulled her close. "We will be gone a day, if that. Master Kaito will play lots of games with you while I'm away." Sayu shot the tiger demon a cheeky grin before whispering, "I bet he'll even let you braid his hair if you ask very nicely."
Rin sniffled and pulled back, a small smile on her face. "Really?"
Sayu looked up at the stunned man, giggling at the angry expression on his face. Kaito opened his mouth to refuse when Rin's angelic face turned to him. Her bottom lip stuck out in a pout and quivered with expert precision. Kaito sighed and placed his hand on her head.
"Fine, but no flowers."
Rin laughed and hugged his muscled thigh before dragging him off toward the gardens.
"Hey, I said no flowers!" Kaito protested as he allowed the small wisp of a girl to pull him along.
Rin looked back at Sayu and Sesshomaru and waved excitedly as she ran. "Bye Okaa-san! Bye Lord Sesshomaru! Come back soon."
Sayu laughed freely at the tiger demon's plight and turned to see Sesshomaru with an amused look on his face.
"He will not let you get away with that," Sesshomaru said.
"I'd like to see him try. I'll just sick Rin on him again," she said good-naturedly.
"Hn," Sesshomaru grunted.
"Shall we go?" Sayu asked as she began walking to the gates.
Sesshomaru held his hand out to her and she looked at it cautiously. She turned questioning eyes to him and heard him sigh.
"We will travel my way. It's faster."
Sayu's brows knitted together, forming a crease on her otherwise flawless face. "And what exactly is your way?" she asked. She could see the irritation in his eyes at being questioned and moved forward to take his hand.
Without a word Sesshomaru pulled her to his chest and wrapped his arms firmly around her body. Sayu shouted at the sudden movement and went to protest when they were engulfed in a bright light. She squeezed her eyes shut and clutched at his armor as they moved faster than she thought possible. A memory flooded back to her of doing this once before, but she was in such pain the speed didn't bother her. Sayu tried opening her eyes but black spots formed immediately and she decided to keep them closed. The half hour they flew seemed like an eternity to Sayu, but Sesshomaru eventually began to slow until they came to a halt and he glided gently back to the ground. Sayu fell out of his arms and landed softly on her hands and knees. Her head was spinning and when she finally gained her grip she spun on Sesshomaru.
"A little warning would have been nice!"
Sesshomaru smiled at her anger, unable to take her seriously as she tottered like a newborn calf. "You would not have come so willingly. Take a moment to rest," Sesshomaru said before taking his place against the nearest tree.
Sayu followed after him, though at a slower and less stable pace. She finally fell on her knees before him and cradled her spinning head in her hands. "Will I ever get used to that?" she asked.
Sesshomaru tilted his head. "As with anything, the more you do it the more you become accustomed."
Sayu lowered herself to the ground and stared up at the sky. She had no idea where they were, only that trees surrounded them on all sides. It was a peaceful place; the sound of birds and other forest creatures played like gentle music in her ears. "This place is so quiet," she whispered, more to herself than Sesshomaru.
"I come here often seeking council. Sometimes I linger more than I should."
Sayu rolled to her stomach and propped herself on her elbows. "Who is this friend we're going to see?"
"His name is Bokusenō. He's an ancient Magnolia tree and one of the wisest demons I know."
Sayu waited for more information, but it appeared her master was losing interest in talking. She sighed and stood, dusting herself off and smiling at the demon beneath her. "I'm ready."
Sesshomaru stood and moved into the trees, Sayu following soon after.
They walked through the thick forest for several minutes before the landscape started to thin out. Sayu still kept her distance from her master, a habit she formed after he complained about her stench the first few times they traveled. The air was thick and hot beneath the canopy of trees. Sunlight streamed in and created shafts of light that made the air glisten. She found herself staring at her master on more than one occasion, distracted by the glint the beams of light created when they reflected off his silver mane. They finally came to a clearing of sorts, though Sayu was confused by the lack of sunlight. It wasn't until she looked around Sesshomaru that she noticed the massive tree whose gigantic limbs created a sort of shelter over the clearing. Her eyes traveled up the trunk and she gasped at the enormity of the ancient tree. It stood alone in the center, nothing else able to grow in the shade beneath its lush canopy.
Sesshomaru glanced at her over his shoulder, but she was too distracted to see the small smirk on his lips. He came to a halt a few feet from the tree and Sayu sidled up beside him.
"Lord Sesshomaru?" she asked.
He ignored her and was about to call out to his old friend, but Bokusenō sensed their presence and a face materialized on the rough bark. The wrinkled creature blinked twice before smiling wryly.
"Sesshomaru, you ventured out to meet me long ago. What took you so long?" The demon's deep voice boomed and Sayu refrained from covering her ears.
Sesshomaru didn't seem bothered and he merely grinned. "Bokusenō, I'm sure you already know why my visit was delayed. The forest keeps no secrets from you."
Bokusenō laughed, a kind, gravelly sound, and turned his attention to Sayu. "Yes, I know what kept you. I'm relieved to see you in such good health after such a debacle. Come forward, let me see you."
Sayu stole a glance at Sesshomaru and moved forward so the ancient tree could inspect her. His old eyes looked her over, seeing her in a way she was never seen before. She felt as if his piercing gaze drove straight down to the depths of her being, seeing the beast that resided within. In response, her shackles hummed lightly.
"Interesting, what are you called?"
Sayu swallowed the lump in her throat and met his gaze. "I am Sayu."
"That is not your true name."
Sayu balked at the old demon and stumbled over her response. "It was the name given me by my first master. I don't remember my first name."
Bokusenō grunted in response before looking to Sesshomaru. "I know why you have come to me, but I don't think you'll like what I have to say."
Sesshomaru frowned and crossed his arms. "Is there nothing that can be done?"
Sayu watched, slightly irritated the two demons conversed as if she weren't even there. However, years of training kept her silent. Bokusenō seemed to sense her agitation and turned his attention back to her.
"Come closer. Let me have a look at those things."
Sayu walked until she was just a foot away and held her arm up for inspection. There was a deep groaning and Sayu looked up to see one of the smaller limbs slowly bending down. The tip of it hovered over the black metal on her wrist, hesitating. Something foreboding stirred in the pit of her stomach and she opened her mouth to protest, but the branch pressed forward. The instant Bokusenō made contact she was thrown back with such force the air left her lungs and her world went dark.
She woke to a voice calling her name and groaned. Persistent fingers ran over her face and she sluggishly batted them away. The voice continued, growing in fervor and Sayu tried to open her eyes. Two worried golden orbs peered down at her and everything came into focus. She pulled out of Sesshomaru's hold and put a hand to her aching head.
"What happened?" she croaked.
Sesshomaru only stared at her. She shook her head to try and dispel the dizziness and allowed him to help her to her feet.
"That is strong magic. Ancient, dark magic." Bokusenō's voice reminded her where she was and she looked at the tree demon. His eyes seemed sad.
"What happened?" she asked again.
"The magic repelled me, tried to stop me from finding answers. But it was not quick enough."
Bokusenō paused and Sesshomaru looked at him strangely. Sayu had the feeling the old tree demon was not one to stumble over his words. He didn't seem likely to continue and didn't until Sesshomaru urged him on.
"There is only one way to remove the curse."
Sayu's heart fluttered. She was so shocked she almost didn't hear his next words.
"It may prove too dangerous."
She didn't care. There was a way, and she'd do anything. Hope fluttered in her chest and she allowed herself to revel in it. All the years of searching and pain and there was a way out. There was a chance at freedom. Nothing could stop her, and as she looked up at Sesshomaru in a daze, she realized nothing would stop him either. He would help her. Bokusenō spoke again but she didn't hear him. Sesshomaru's face dropped the emotionless mask so carefully put in place and she stared in surprise as his mouth fell open and a flurry of emotions ran unchecked through his eyes. She glanced between him and Bokusenō in confusion.
"What?" she asked, frantic. "What did you just say?" She looked to Sesshomaru and he turned away from her.
The limbs above her quivered and her eyes flew to the old demon. He fixed her with a hard stare and when he spoke his words nearly made her sick.
"You must die."
Sayu kept her eyes shut tight as Sesshomaru flew them back to the castle. The arm around her waist seemed tighter than it was on their way to the old tree demon. It was a desperate, clinging hold, whether he did it intentionally or not, like he was trying to protect her from Bokusenō's chilling words. As much as she tried to shake them, and as quickly as Sesshomaru retreated from the clearing, they wouldn't leave her mind.
"You must die."
Sayu's mouth went dry at his words. Die? What did he mean? Sesshomaru recovered quicker than she did and immediately questioned him.
"The curse is too strong and can only be broken in death. I am sorry."
Sesshomaru's anger was swift and she watched in terror as his eyes bled red and the beautiful marks on his face became long and jagged. Bokusenō shouted for the enraged lord to return to himself just as his face began to elongate. She called out to him, the last words she was able to bring herself to speak, and that calmed him enough to halt his transformation. There wasn't much more that could be said after that, and she and Sesshomaru turned to take their leave. But the old tree demon's whispered words reached her ears before they could dissolve into Sesshomaru's strange light.
"I do not know what you could have done to deserve such a terrible curse, but take into consideration the possibilities before you unleash yourself onto the world."
She didn't know what there was to consider. She would never be freed and therefore didn't need to worry about what it was they would be releasing. What could the old tree hermit have been thinking? Being a slave for eternity was her fate, and she knew she wouldn't be with Sesshomaru forever. Rin was human, and eventually she would wither and die as all humans do. Sesshomaru might keep her for a while, but even he would tire of her and cast her aside. All the others did. And even if he didn't, she knew his future mate would not be inclined to keep her. The bond between master and slave was an intimate one that any female demon would be jealous of.
The thought of her precious Rin dying and her master mating with some demon woman seemed to make her fate all the worse. She suddenly felt like she was choking, smothered as she was by her master. The idea of him with any other woman made her sick and she couldn't stand to be near him. Panic settled in and she felt her entire body shake. Tears poured down her cheeks and she desperately shoved away from Sesshomaru, not thinking about their altitude or speed.
Not expecting her sudden violent reaction, Sesshomaru's arm slipped from her waist and she went hurdling toward the ground. Her body careened through the trees and she crashed into a grassy clearing. By the time she rolled to a stop her entire body was covered in dirt, grass stains and bruises. Sesshomaru landed near her and was about to shout at her for her stupidity when her keening whines reached his ears. Sayu lay curled in a ball on the grass, great heaving sobs wracking her body as she mourned her eventual loss.
Sesshomaru watched, at a loss for what to do. She remained on the ground and didn't even acknowledge his presence as he approached. When he reached out to touch her shoulder she flinched out of his grasp. Growling, the dog demon grabbed her by her shoulders and pulled her to her feet.
"Sayu!" he shouted, gently shaking her. Her hysterical crying made his chest hurt. He called her name again and she twisted away from him.
"Leave me be!" she shouted, not even caring it was her master she was speaking to so rudely.
"I will not, not until you've calmed down."
"There's nothing you can do. Just leave me," she whimpered.
Sesshomaru growled in frustration. There was one way to distract her. It was a cheap ploy, but she made it clear before her battle with Haru that she knew nothing else. "Fight me."
Sayu glared at him through red-rimmed eyes. Her face was wet and puffy from crying and Sesshomaru bit his tongue to keep from running to her and taking her in his arms. Sayu was a warrior, not some fragile woman.
"Are you out of your mind? I have no desire to fight." Even as she said it her fingers flexed, itching to strike. The shackles burned her wrists.
Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed. "I order you to fight me."
Sayu mimicked his expression. Without a second thought she launched herself forward, swinging her arms blindly in her rage and grief. Sesshomaru easily dodged and backhanded her with restrained force. It was still enough power to send her to the ground. Sayu looked up at him and growled, making him smirk.
There's my girl. He thought as her eyes became focused and calculating.
Sayu wiped the blood from her mouth and disappeared from sight. Sesshomaru jumped gracefully in the air to avoid her, chuckling at her predictable move.
"You will have to do better than that," he said.
Sayu smirked and grabbed his boot before he could phase away. Sesshomaru's eyes widened and before he had time to process his predicament he found himself thrown over her body where his back met soft ground. Sayu was on top of him in an instant, pinning his shoulders and settling her weight over his torso. She breathed heavily not from exertion, but from her overwhelming emotions. They stared in each other's eyes for several long moments, breathing in the other's scent and communicating without words.
Eventually, Sayu lifted herself away from him and settled at his side. She pulled her knees to her chest and rested her head against her arms. Sesshomaru sat up and gave in to his urge to pull her to him, careful to maneuver her around his armor. There was no one around to witness this small weakness, and he allowed himself the luxury of pressing her to him. Sayu did not protest.
Once safely nestled in her master's strong arms, Sayu released a shaky breath and curled her fingers into the soft folds of his shirt. "It's not fair," she whispered.
Sesshomaru tucked her head beneath his chin and sighed. "It never is."
A few tears escaped from her glistening black eyes and she didn't bother wiping them away. "I finally find something worth living for and in the end I will lose it all." She sniffled and pressed her nose to his neck, inhaling his masculine scent and letting it calm her. "Perhaps it's better this way. Besides, it's not like you can bring me back to life."
At her words Sesshomaru started. How could he have forgotten? Tenseiga.
As if the sword felt his intentions, it vibrated at his hip. He stood abruptly, dragging Sayu with him and causing her to cry out in protest.
"What is it?" she asked, looking for some hidden foe she may have missed.
Sesshomaru pulled her close again and gave her the barest of smiles. "I may have found a way." With those words he dissolved into a ball of light and they were racing back to the castle.
When they finally arrived at the castle, Sesshomaru stopped outside the gates to allow Sayu to compose herself. Tears dried, the couple entered and Kaito's presence was demanded in Sesshomaru's chambers at once. The dog demon kept silent regarding his plans, and Sayu fidgeted nervously as she sat at the small table that was set up in his large room. Kaito entered moments later, surprised at their quick return.
"I thought for sure you would be gone longer," he mused, watching Sesshomaru with a cautious eye.
"There was not much to say," Sayu responded when Sesshomaru did not.
Kaito seemed to deflate at her words and he sat quietly across from her. "I see, so the old hermit didn't know anything, either."
"On the contrary," Sesshomaru's baritone cut through the silent air and Sayu squashed down the tremor that rose from her stomach. "There is only one way to remove the curse."
Kaito immediately brightened. "That's wonderful," he said with enthusiasm. "What must be done?"
"I have to die." The words spilled out of her mouth before she could stop them. She focused her attention on the table and picked at a small splinter sticking out from the otherwise smooth surface. She could feel Kaito's gaze burning the top of her head. Warmth flooded her back and she knew her master came to stand behind her.
"Kaito, you know what this means?"
"Of course, Lord Sesshomaru. Tenseiga can be used to revive her."
"Tenseiga?"
In response, Sesshomaru removed one of the swords strapped to his hip and set it on the table. She stared at the seemingly unimpressive weapon and turned questioning eyes up to her master.
"This sword was gifted to me by my father. It was created from his fang, and it has the power to bring a soul back from the underworld."
Sayu looked back at the weapon with renewed interest. She knew weapons could be forged with special powers, but a sword that could bring someone back from the dead? It seemed unlikely.
"How is this possible?" she whispered as she studied the simple handle.
"Totosai is a gifted craftsman, if not a little... strange," Kaito said with a chuckle.
"Indeed," Sesshomaru said. "But it only works once. Rin has already been brought back by my blade, and it cannot be used for her again. That's why you were purchased."
Sayu's mouth dropped open and she looked at Sesshomaru with wide eyes. "Rin was brought back to life with this sword?"
"You never told her?" Kaito asked, just as surprised as Sayu.
Sesshomaru grunted and looked out the window on the other side of his room. Rin's mortality was not something he liked thinking about, and the fact that she was fortunate enough to be brought back not once, but twice, was upsetting. If anything happened to her again, she would be lost to him. He shook his head to clear his thoughts and turned back to his two companions. "Rin was mauled by wolves shortly after we met. I used the sword to test its abilities. You can guess the rest."
Sayu choked back a sob at the thought of her sweet Rin being attacked by wolves. She made a mental note to train harder to make sure nothing would happen to the little girl again. "So you at least know it works. But that still leaves one major problem."
Kaito and Sesshomaru looked at her expectantly.
Sayu sighed and rolled her eyes. "How exactly do you plan on killing me?"
The two demons looked at each other and Sesshomaru frowned.
"I don't like talking about this," Kaito grumbled.
Sesshomaru grunted his agreement and Sayu pounded her first on the table.
"It must be discussed! I cannot kill myself. I've tried on numerous occasions and the magic always prevented me." She looked at Sesshomaru and frowned. "You are my master and cannot kill me, either."
"If I intended to kill you, nothing would prevent me," he said stubbornly.
"This is no time for pride, Lord Sesshomaru. A previous master tried to kill me and the magic ended up destroying him before he could deal the finishing blow. I don't care how strong you are, it will kill you if you try."
Kaito scratched his chin and furrowed his brows. "How is this possible? It can't be that difficult to kill you."
Sayu sighed and rubbed her temples. "I'm not sure, either. It's as if the magic is aware of my intentions. It can sense what I'm trying to do and stop it."
"Then what do we do?" Kaito asked.
Sayu racked her brain for answers, thinking back to every moment she should have been killed. Sesshomaru sat beside her and his warmth distracted her.
"What about the punishment?" Sesshomaru asked.
Sayu looked at him and frowned.
"When you ignored the order Lady Amaya gave you and I found you with Rin, you were well on your way to death. Has the magic ever prevented you from dying from punishment it inflicts?"
Sayu stared at him as she thought back through all the years of her servitude. "I'm not sure. That time with Lady Amaya was the worst punishment I've ever had."
The look Sesshomaru gave her made chills run up her spine. She shook her head. "There's no way I can do that. The pain is too intense. I'm certain I would give in to any order before it came to my death."
"You didn't seem too likely to give in to Amaya," Sesshomaru said slowly. "What if I were to give you an order you would never be able to carry out?"
Sayu's eyes filled with tears as the memory of Rin's stricken face flashed in her mind. The little girl was so afraid when she came upon her screaming and writhing in her own blood. Sayu glanced down at her hands and played absentmindedly with her fingers. "There is only one order I will never follow," she whispered.
"Which is?" Kaito prodded.
Sayu raised her eyes to meet Sesshomaru's and set her jaw. "You have to order me to kill Rin."
Sesshomaru grunted and gave her a curt nod, seeming to expect this answer. Kaito seemed a little less supportive.
"You can't do that! You said yourself you never experienced anything close to what we're asking. How do you know you won't give in and do it?" he all but yelled.
Sayu sighed and looked at him. "I already thought of that. I'll need to be far from Rin when the command is issued. That way, if I do give in there's at least time for Lord Sesshomaru to rescind the order before I get to her. It might not even work since we're intentionally trying to kill me." Sayu chewed her lower lip and growled in frustration. "If this is what we do, it would be better if there was some way to restrain me. I don't know how strong I'll become at the end."
"I think I have an answer for that," Kaito said, a grin on his face despite the grave situation. He cast a nervous glance at Sesshomaru before leaning over the table toward Sayu. "I believe Sesshomaru's younger brother, Inuyasha, has among his group two priestesses and a monk. They are all very powerful and can be used to subdue you. I'm not sure how they would do it, but we can figure that out when we go to their village."
"Inuyasha will not be involved in this."
Sayu looked at Sesshomaru and frowned. "My Lord," she started slowly, "I think you understand when I say if we want to do this, we don't have much choice."
The stubborn demon studied her for several tense moments and gave her a curt nod. Kaito sighed and stood to excuse himself. "Rin wanted to know the instant you two were back. I think we've kept her waiting long enough."
Sayu nodded and followed Kaito out. She glanced back to see Sesshomaru with his back to her, staring out of the large window on the other side of the room. There was a strange disconnect between them, and she wondered for the first time in her life if breaking the curse was what she wanted.
Sesshomaru roamed the castle grounds in a daze. Only a few hours passed since he and Sayu returned, but it felt like years to him. Snippets of conversation from their meeting with Bokusenō played over and over in his mind. But it was the chilling last statement of the wise tree demon that haunted him the most.
"I do not know what you could have done to deserve such a terrible curse, but take into consideration the possibilities before you unleash yourself onto the world."
None of it made any sense to him. Sayu was a kind and caring woman, and despite her disastrous past he knew she would never willingly hurt an innocent person. But the curse was a mystery. She didn't know the details and they still didn't even know who placed the curse on her. There was no way of knowing if the black magic kept her darker demon side at bay. Sesshomaru growled in frustration. That was another piece of the puzzle that didn't make sense. He met her demon, and she didn't seem like some bloodthirsty monster. She knew him, and even loved him. A small smile tugged at his lips. Sesshomaru knew his slave cared for him deeply; he could feel it through their strange bond, and hearing that powerful demoness confess her love for him made his body tremble.
Sesshomaru brushed his bangs from his eyes and sighed. There was no way of knowing if the two women would be the same. Despite his continuous efforts to push her away, Sayu managed to worm her way into the very small circle of people he cared for. He loved her strength and stubbornness, though how she managed to maintain that particular trait as a poorly treated slave, he wasn't sure. He even loved her more vulnerable human side. Any pups she had would be cared for with the vicious protectiveness of a demoness, but also the loving and encouraging nature of a human. Sayu would be the perfect mixture of a human and demon mother, and he felt sorry for anyone who tried to harm their pups.
The strange turn of his thoughts brought him to a sudden halt in the gardens. Love? Our pups? He thought with a frown. No, he already made a vow to never love another woman as he did her. Sesshomaru clutched the fabric over his chest and snarled. The pain was still so raw. In the time she'd been dead a human would have found another, married and spawned, and then died. Time passed so quickly for humans, and they could move on with their lives at an almost unreasonable rate. The life of a demon passed almost painfully slow, and what had really been a century seemed more like a few months to him. Now he felt guilty for having these feelings for Sayu, like he was betraying her memory.
Don't disrespect her character. You know she would want you to move on and be happy. The thought came unbidden and he knew it was right. She was the most unselfish being he ever met, and with a soul so pure he at first thought he wasn't worthy of her. Time changed that, though. She changed him. And her death made him into the cold, callous creature he was today. But it doesn't have to be this way. He smiled and reached down to pluck a white iris from the ground. They were always her favorite. The petals brushed his sensitive nose and he inhaled the sweet scent.
Rin's laughter caught his attention and he looked up to see Sayu leaning against a thick trunk with the little girl cuddled in her lap. There was a variety of flowers on the ground and Rin was carefully picking up each one for Sayu's inspection. Sesshomaru's eyes softened at the sight. It was probably about time for the girl to begin learning the names of the flowers she adored so much. The stealthy demon made his way to them carefully, so as not to disturb them.
Yes, perhaps it is time to heal.
A/N: Oh my gosh so sorry about the lapse of time between updates. I moved to a new state and got a new job! Hopefully there won't be so much time between updates now. Hope you all enjoyed this chapter and thanks so much for the lovely reviews! You have no idea how much they brighten my day.
InuBakaGirl: Thank you so much! I am so happy to hear you enjoyed the chapter. Hopefully this one was good for you, too.
Nikki: Haha! You crack me up! And yes, you don't even know the depths of Amaya's craziness. Within the next few chapters you will find out though. We don't have too much longer to go, I think. Though it depends on how I plan on making Sayu deal with her other half... You'll have to wait and see!
BoundaryBreaker: Thank you so much! That's a compliment every writer wishes to hear. I'm so happy you've enjoyed my writing and I hate that I made you wait so long for an update. Hopefully it was worth the wait. Thanks for sticking with me!
Pfingston: Here it is! Hope you enjoyed. Thanks for the awesome review!
SweetXWhisper: Ah! Thanks! I am so flattered! Haha Itry really hard to outline and make everything flow so it all comes together neatly in the end. I also love details! Although I was criticized for that in college... Glad my readers appreciate my writing style. Thanks for the very inspiring review. I hope I didn't disappoint.
Nicole: Here you go! I am so glad you like my story. All writers dream their readers will enjoy their work, even if it is fanfiction. Thank you so much.
Neeky-chan: Thank you Neeky-chan. It's always a pleasure to have a review from you! I am also quite picky about which OC fanfictions I read. Thank you for your beautiful compliments and also pointing out the flaws! As nice as gushing compliments are, it's also good to have constructive criticism. And I feel that if someone is nice enough to leave a comment, I should take the time to respond. It's the least I can do for someone who reads my stories. I am having a lovely day and I hope you are staying warm during this colder-than-usual winter!
TiffTiger: Thank you so much for the well wishes! I had a great holiday and I hope you did, too. Thank you for your sweet comment and I hope you enjoyed this chapter, as overdue as it was...
DestinyRose09: Well hello there! I'm happy to have you reading my story. I must say I've been enjoying all yours as well. I don't know how you find the time to update so many stories all the time. I'm so jealous! Everyone reading these comments needs to visit DestinyRose09's page and read the stories! There's all kinds of Rin and Sesshomaru goodness! I'm on my way over there right now! Lol Thank you for the great reviews and, no worries! I have no intention of abandoning this story.