I do not own Inuyasha.
Where to now?
Rin hummed to herself in an effort to ease her nerves. It had been years ago, but she still recognized the route they took. Lord Sesshomaru had been on edge the past couple of days, not leaving her side for more than a few minutes at a time. This was not something Rin was used to, but she couldn't complain either. Jaken seemed to be tense as well. Rin had seen the imp pacing and muttering inaudibly to himself whenever they stopped to rest. She wanted to question Lord Sesshomaru about his decision to make the journey, but she was afraid of what he might say. Rin trusted him to keep her safe, it was just that… The memory of large teeth and cold shadows caused Rin pause. She knew that the place they were headed to could be dangerous for a human.
Sesshomaru halted suddenly and sniffed the air. While his face held no hint of concern, his thoughts sharpened their concentration on a particular odor. There were demons nearby and… human blood. After telling Rin and Jaken to wait, Sesshomaru pressed toward the highest concentration of scent. A few, small huts rested at the bottom of a narrow valley. Two demons clad in armor stood outside of the largest hut. One was tall, and covered in thick, dark fur. His eyes glowered menacingly at a small huddle of terrified humans. The other demon was female with long, red hair that swished at her waist, and pointed features revealing sharp teeth as she smiled at her companion.
The corner of Sesshomaru's lip twitched in irritation. Several of these small human camps bordered the demon city that was at the heart of the western territories. The Inu no Taisho had created a truce between the close human settlements and the city within that had been profitable to residing demons for purposes of trade as well as providing a barrier of protection from other humans who sought to enter and attack. From what Sesshomaru recalled, the settlements had been managed by hardier humans than what he now saw. The ones who cowered before these two lowly demons did not look like the strong warriors the truce had been forged with. Sesshomaru turned, about to leave, and then stopped. True, it was unlikely that this particular village was of any use, but the insult to his father's edict could not be ignored.
Sesshomaru had planned to reassert his position upon returning, and the opportunity to make a statement could prove useful. It would be nothing to slay one and allow the other to escape to spread his message; the heir to the Western Lands had returned. He would claim his title. Once any challengers were dispatched, and Sesshomaru was confident that his power was great enough now to manage it, his word would be indisputable. None could challenge his will in the Western Lands. Rin would finally be safe.
Rin held the small fruit in her hand out to Jaken. "Try it, Master Jaken. It's very sweet."
Jaken took the fruit. "I don't know how you can eat right now, Rin. Lord Sesshomaru is returning home and his home is no place for a weak human girl." Jaken took a bite of the fruit. "This is good! Anyway, the city will be dangerous for you. You must stay close by me so that I may protect you with my Staff of Two Heads. Lord Sesshomaru would be very cross with me if anything happened to you. Oh, I don't even want to think about it!" Jaken shuddered.
Rin smiled. "Stop worrying Master Jaken. I am not afraid."
"That is because you are a foolish girl. Lord Sesshomaru cannot always be looking after you. If he has chosen to take his title so soon, he may have his hands full enough with contenders. You will only get in the way. I have no doubt that Lord Sesshomaru will claim his birthright, but he cannot do that and watch over a silly girl!"
"Jaken." the smooth voice held a dangerous undertone.
"Lord Sesshomaru!" Jaken exclaimed, his lip trembling in anticipation of reprimand.
Rin frowned. What contenders did Sesshomaru have to face? From what she understood, he was the only true heir of his father's title. The only one Rin could even imagine was Lord Sesshomaru's half-brother Inuyasha, and she was fairly sure he wasn't interested. Despite her confusion, Rin was excited. She had believed that she would not live to see Sesshomaru rule. Now, that could change. Would she still travel on the road with him then? Would Lord Sesshomaru lead armies of demons like his father?
"Rin," Sesshomaru said, turning to her. "You must not wander. We will be entering the city soon. Do everything I say, and do not speak unless necessary. You will be a temptation to many."
Rin looked at Sesshomaru, her face worried but determined. "Yes, Lord Sesshomaru."
He closed the distance between them and placed his hand gently on her cheek. "I will not allow anyone to take you from me. If they try, they will die."
Rin's heart fluttered as Sesshomaru tilted his head down, and brushed his lips against hers. She had him, Lord Sesshomaru, and he would always be her protector. And now, she thought, he was even more than that.
Jaken watched the scene with growing apprehension. He would do all in his power to look after the girl. His very position might soon depend on it.