Rin grasped Ah-Uhn's reins with a tightly grasped fist, her knuckles white. The dragon stood easily beside her, not the least bit as bothered as she was by the sheer size of the Western Fortress, of which stood before her. The Fortress was surrounded by a thick stone wall that was thousands of feet, surrounding the castle, protecting it. Even from this point, she could see some of the magnificent, carefully built Japanese palaces, and she wanted to cry at the beauty of them. It looked like the pictures she'd seen in travel books. Now she understood why people aimed for Japan sometimes.
Sesshomaru impatiently looked at her sharply before starting towards it. Rin trailed behind him, careful not to end up under Ah-Uhn's feet. His heavy body weight would squash her flat in an instant! As they walked, he spoke firmly to Rin. "Do not wander off once Ah-Uhn is in the stables. Is that clear, human?"
"Yes, oh great one," Rin muttered sarcastically, earning a growl in response. She rolled her eyes and rubbed one of Ah-Uhn's heads when he rested a chin on her shoulder. They soon came up to a gate, where two demons stood guard, both wearing different armor though of a similar style. And both of them, in some way, bore the symbol that decorated Sesshomaru's kimono sleeves: a white flower encased within a hexagon. One demon wore it on an earring. The other had it emblazoned decoratively on his armor.
"Welcome home, Lord Sesshomaru," the one with the earring said smoothly, voice deep yet not aggressive as he looked curiously at Rin, who cowered nervously against Ah-Uhn. The demon's eyes flickered uncertainly to the few other guards.
"Lyaringu," Sesshomaru greeted quietly, then said sharply, "You are to come with me." He addressed the demon with the decorative armor. "Yoroi, take Ah-Uhn to the stables to rest with the other mounts. On your way there, send Ippan to me."
"Of course, Lord Sesshomaru," Yoroi replied, bowing respectfully before gently taking Ah-Uhn's reins from Rin. He gave a surprisingly friendly smile before leading the unhappy dragon creature away. Her comfort gone, Rin hugged herself.
Sesshomaru waited until another demon had come and he'd ordered it to choose new guards for the gates before waving for Lyaringu and Rin to follow him further into the enclosed fortress. As they walked, Rin looked around, taking in the sights. There was more than just the Fortress itself and stables; there were a few storage sheds and what appeared to be places that housed the soldiers living there. So the army doesn't sleep in the same place as the boss...
"Err, Lord Sesshomaru?" Lyaringu said tentatively, glancing warily at Rin. "May I ask why you have brought a human into the Western Fortress?" A frown crossed his face and Rin sighed. He must have recognized the fact that she looked like the Rin he'd most likely known.
"It is none of your concern," Sesshomaru growled, "You will watch over her as Mother has no doubt sent Jaken on an errand." He paused. "I need to speak with her. You will take the human girl to an empty room near my own and keep her there. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru," Lyaringu sighed, bowing respectfully to the dog demon before turning to smile faintly at Rin. "This way, Lady...?"
Feeling slightly awkward, Rin said quietly, "I'm, uh, Karin Bane. You can call me Rin." Shock crossed his face and Rin forced herself to smile at the demon. "I know it's weird. If you prefer, you don't have to call me Rin. Karin is fine, too."
"No, no," Lyaringu hurried to say, glancing nervously at the Sesshomaru's back as he walked away. "Lady Rin is fine. It just surprised me. Err, you look much like our lord's previous ward..."
"I am the reincarnation of Rin," Rin said firmly, "At least, that's what Kagome said." She smiled brightly at him. "I'm sorry if I offend you in any way. I'm kind of not native to Japan, or this area in particular. If you could help me so I don't end up upsetting anyone, that would be great."
Lyaringu relaxed, beaming back at her and seeming much younger as his green eyes lit up. His unnatural purple hair shifted in the wind, and Rin curiously studied it. "I'm Lyaringu, a soldier under Lord Sesshomaru's command," he said proudly. "You can call me Ringu if it's easier."
"Ringu it is then," Rin agreed easily, tilting her head. "Um, can I ask what kind of demon you are?"
Ringu proudly raised his chin. "I am one of the more powerful ogre demons. I don't have their ugly looks, however, thank the gods." Rin chuckled and Ringu gave her a grin before waving her forward, "This way, Lady Rin."
"You don't have to call me "Lady Rin", Ringu," Rin protested. "I'm not a lady, I'm just some human who was dumped on Sesshomaru because people couldn't handle whatever's weird about me. According to Sesshomaru's brother, I have something weird that makes all of the demons go nuts."
"I noticed," Ringu admitted, "But it's not as effective towards me. I have weaker senses than most other demons and I do not find myself interested in devouring pretty women." Rin flushed at the charming look he gave her.
"The Western Fortress is beautiful," she commented as they walked down a corridor, turning sharply around a corner every now and then. Finally, the pair came to a stop at a sliding shoji door. Ringu opened it for her, then gently nudged her inside. Rin studied the room with wide eyes, taking in the carefully chosen decoration. But along with the decorations, there were dead and dried flowers, parchment filled with a child's drawings in ink.
"I didn't know where else to take you," Ringu admitted. "So I thought bringing you to the little human's room would be best." He spoke quietly, voice mournful at the memory of the young ward that had run fearlessly among the demon guards of the castle. "No doubt Lady Kimi will come to speak with you before Lord Sesshomaru has a chance to come back, so. Is this alright?"
"It's perfect," Rin reassured, smiling brightly though her eyes held a nervous look. So long as they didn't start thinking of her as the other Rin, there would be no problems. Ringu bowed respectfully to the young woman, startling her.
"I will be outside the doors. If you should need anything, call for me," Ringu instructed before sliding out of the room and closing the doors behind him. Rin breathed out a small sigh and ran her fingers nervously through her hair.
Her life had definitely taken a weird turn. Bored, she began to search through the room, finding a few scrolls with stories of demons on them. Curious, Rin settled down in the center of the room after tugging the chest that held them with her. She reached in, choosing a scroll at random, and then opened it, relieved that she could read the kanji before her eyes.
And then she began to read. It was the story of a dog demon and a human princess. She recognized the names quickly. It was the story of Inutaisho and Izayoi, Inuyasha's mother and Sesshomaru's and Inuyasha's mutual father. Interest spiking, she began to read.
She was still reading a few hours later when the door was suddenly thrown open. Rin screamed in surprise, having been fully invested in one of the many scrolls that had been spread out around her and missed Ringu's warning that she had a visitor. Pressing a hand to her heart, she stared up at the equally surprised silver haired woman, whose golden eyes were wide with shock. Delicate stripes decorated each cheek just below her eyes, a crescent moon in the center of her forehead. She wore a fluffy pelt over her kimono. "I came to greet the woman my son brought home," she said, "And I am scared in the comfort of my home! Heavens, human, you frightened me."
For some reason, Rin found that incredibly amusing. Giggling to herself, she stood swiftly after setting aside her scroll and bowed respectfully to the demoness as Ringu had done to her. Said ogre was peeking in with an amused look on his face. "I apologize, it was not my intent to scare anyone. If it is any consolation, you scared me just as much as I scared you," Rin said earnestly.
The demoness raised her chin proudly. "...I like you, you will do if my son is so intent on mating you. Even if you are, sadly, human."
Shock made Rin's eyes snap wide as she choked out, "E-excuse me?! I...I don't...what?"
"Forgive me, I forget that humans have no knowledge of demons' terms." The demoness nodded to herself thoughtfully. "I am Kimi, mother to Sesshomaru and Lady of the West until he chooses a mate for himself." She tilted her head. "I was not fond of humans when his ward showed up. Especially not after...past occurences, but that is alright. If you can scare one such as myself, then you would do well at keeping the soldiers in line." She wrinkled her nose. "There would be, however, an issue with that psychotic scent of yours of course..."
"Wh-what?!" Rin's eyes couldn't get any wider than they already were. She looked a mixture of shock and terrified. "I, uh, Lady Kimi, I'm not...he's just protecting me. Making sure I don't get eaten and stuff. I don't intend on...marrying the guy."
Kimi frowned, her gaze transforming from one of hesitant eagerness and thought, to a surprised and disappointed look. "Oh," she sighed, "I'd been so hopeful...nevertheless, I'm sure it's onlay a matter of time." Kimi clasped her hands together happily. "I do so want grandpups with ears like the half-demon's. As much as I dislike him and his mother, I love the ears."
"Uh..." This woman was crazy! "I don't intend on anything like that, Lady Kimi," Rin said honestly, "I just kind of want to get home somehow." She'd figure out how, she was sure. Just not at the moment.
Kimi huffed. "So you say. Your previous incarnation wouldn't stay away and neither will you. Except this time you can make yourself useful. RINGU!"
Ringu peeked his head nervously into the room. "Yes, Lady Kimi?" he questioned warily. It was obvious he was already fearing the demoness's demands. "What can I do for you?"
Kimi swept her gaze over Rin's yukata. "Get Kokoro. I want this girl in proper clothing if she's staying with us for the time being. I don't want her dressed like a mere commoner. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Lady Kimi," Ringu sighed, bowing to her before slipping away. He returned a few moments later with a demoness with piercing green eyes and midnight black hair. She wore a simple kimono, nothing like the fancy one Kimi wore, but she was by far one of the most beautiful that Rin had ever seen. When she spoke, her voice rang out like bells. "You called, Lady Kimi?"
"Dress...what's your name?"
"Um, Karin," Rin answered. She didn't want to see the demoness's face should Kimi hear what she called herself.
"Yes, yes, dress Karin here in some proper clothing. I don't need a peasant in my fortress." Without another word, Kimi ducked out of the door, calling out behind her, "As soon as she has been dressed like a lady, bring her to me so that I may look. If Sesshomaru comes looking for her, he doesn't get to see her."
"Yes, Lady Kimi," Kokoro said with an amused look on her face. She smiled charmingly at Rin. "You must be the Lady Rin I've heard rumors of. The woman with the strange scent." She wrinkled her nose. "I will agree with those rumors. Your scent is hard to resist. I am Kokoro, one of Lady Kimi's personal servants, and a crane demon."
The crane smiled at Rin and Rin found herself smiling brightly in return. She had a feeling they would be good friends. "Well," Kokoro said with a cheerful look. "Let's get you out of those clothes and into something a bit more proper for a woman staying at the Western Fortress..." She circled Rin with a piercing eye, more like a hawk than a crane. "Alright, perhaps we can give you something similar to Lord Sesshomaru's...yes, that will do. After making sure Ringu had slid the door shut, she tugged at Rin's clothing until it had been removed. Rin flushed slightly, crossing her arms uncomfortably. Yes, she'd shared bathrooms in high school with bitchy girls, but she didn't like this. Being unclothed by someone else and having her form eyed critically? Not something many women enjoyed.
Kokoro folded the old yukata neatly before digging around in another chest she'd pulled out. "Ah!" she cried suddenly, pulling out some red and white cloth, holding it up to see. "Yes, this will do," she said cheerfully. She pulled out a long, yukata-looking piece of clothing. She paused at Rin's confused look. "...you're not from our lands," she mused. "Do they wear different clothing where you're from?"
"Yes," Rin admitted with a sigh. "I don't have a clue what any of this is..."
"Here, I'll teach you," Kokoro said reassuringly. "This," she held up the clothing she held. "This is a nagajuban. You'll be wearing it beneath your kimono...it looks like your breasts are already bound, so we need not worry about that..." Kokoro continued to drawl on and on about the different kinds of clothing as she helped dress Rin, putting her in so many layers of it that Rin thought she couldn't stand anymore from the sheer weight. Finally, she finished.
"You look wonderful," Kokoro cooed, looking proud of her work. Rin looked down at herself, taking in the multiple colors and the top layer, which was a long red and white pieces that trailed out in every direction. Sleeves nearly brushing her knees and a trail of cloth behind her, Rin sighed.
"This is bothersome," Rin grumbled to the crane. "It's too heavy."
"You'll get used to it," she answered, waving Rin's concerns off. "Come now, we must do your hair." She gently began to brush and fix Rin's hair into a certain style, humming as she tucked some kind of pins into it. Giggling, the crane whispered, "Lady Kimi wants Lord Sesshomaru to notice. I'm sure we'll succeed at that."
"I don't want him to notice though," Rin complained, beginning to shrug off the top layer. But she stopped at the dangerous look Kokoro shot her. Returning it to where it belonged on her body, Rin glowered with a pout on her face, following Kokoro out of the room. Ringu blinked when they passed him. "No comment," Rin threatened, "You say a single word and I'll murder you in your sleep."
Not taking the threat seriously, Ringu smirked and bowed his head. "You look as lovely as Lady Kimi, Lady Rin."
Uncertain as to whether or not she should take that as a compliment, Rin huffed and crossed her arms. The odd trio made their way through the Western Fortress to where Kimi apparently remained most of the time; every now and then, a servant would glare or right out stare at Rin and in response, they'd receive a growl from Ringu, a glare from Kokoro, or even an arched eyebrow from Rin, as if she was challenging them to complain about her presence there.
"Oh, you look adorable," Kimi announced cheerfully upon seeing the young human woman. She practically waltzed over, slapping her palms over Rin's cheeks and tilting her head this way and that to examine her fully. "Yes, this'll do for your stay here. Can't have a commoner being shown off to the others..."
"Others, my lady?" Ringu said uncertainly.
"Oh, it was just decided," Kimi sighed, releasing Rin. When her back was turned, Rin poked her tongue out at her, but Kimi must have sensed it because she simply reached back and lightly flicked Rin's forehead. "The Four need to come together for a meeting to meet, and the other three decided that it was time they met here."
"Um," Rin said nervously, "What do you mean by the Four...?"
Ringu was willing to explain to her. "The Four are the four demon lords in charge of these lands," he told her, "Lord Sesshomaru is the Lord of the West, Lord Unarigoe is of the North, Lord Reigitadashi would be of the South, and finally, there's Lady Mizumi of the East."
Rin's head swam with all of this new found information, and she hesitated before saying meekly, "I...I have to be around when they all show up?" Surely they would let her leave until this meeting was over? If her scent affected even the Lady of the West...
"Nonsense," Kimi said, waving her concerns off with a sharp look of her golden eyes, putting a halt to any and all protests from the young woman. "Now. Kokoro, you are to teach her all that she must know of how a lady behaves in the presence of lords that are not her own. Sesshomaru will no doubt want to make sure she isn't harmed later no matter what he says to me, so let her see him when he shows up."
"Of course, my lady," Kokoro murmured, bowing her head. "May we have Ringu join us for the next few days? He can assist us in teaching how to behave around a demon lord when he eats..."
"Naturally, you may accompany them, Ringu. I will let Ippan know that he has no need to assign you for any work until the meeting has ended in a few days." Kimi turned and pranced off without another word, her eyes amused.
"My lady plans something," Ringu sighed quietly, shaking his head with a roll of his eyes. "Lord Sesshomaru doesn't like when she goes into her planning mood. He will converse sharply with her later."
"I hope so. Maybe he can convince Lady Kimi that a human may not be allowed around Lord Unarigoe..." Kokoro nervously looked at the slightly offended Rin. "It's not any fault of yours, Lady Rin. Lord Unarigoe is a wolf demon, and his kind are very well known for devouring humans. Lord Sesshomaru originally revived the first Lady Rin when she was killed by demon wolves. Tensions have been...rough between the western and northern demons since. There are rumors that he serves humans for supper."
Rin shuddered at the thought. "Disgusting," she muttered, making Kokoro throw her head back in laughter.
"Yes, I will agree with that. Ringu, did you ever have a taste of human flesh?" Kokoro sounded genuinely curious, though not over whether or not it had tasted good. She was more so curious to know if he'd eaten a mortal or not. Rin, however, didn't look the least bit interested in such questions.
"Once," Ringu admitted, "I didn't like it though. It was kind of...gross." He wrinkled his nose. "Human peasants don't bathe very much."
Rin slapped her hands over her ears. "Okay! Human is done with this conversation! Can we go get started on whatever we're supposed to be doing?"
Kokoro laughed as she and Ringu exchanged amused looks and led Rin away.
Growling quietly in his irritation that Jaken had indeed been sent off on some errand by Kimi, Sesshomaru turned the corner of a corridor and slowly made his way after the scent of Rin. Preparations for the meeting that was to occur in two days had already been finished with the efficiency that only his mother's servants could show.
To put his temper at the moment lightly, he was angry. He would have to keep Rin out of sight, make sure that Unarigoe didn't smell her. He got along badly with the wolf demon as it was, he didn't want to add a "tasty piece of mortal flesh" to the mix.
He paused when his mother brushed past him without a single word. It wasn't often that Kimi didn't greet him with some kind of ridiculous comment about his love for humans or his likeness to his father, both things he didn't appreciate. But here she was, ignoring him as she made her way towards the room he'd come from. The kitchens were on the way; perhaps his mother wanted to speak with the servants in there.
He paused when he realized where Rin's scent was heading, and anger bubbled up in him. He had ordered Ringu to deliver the human girl to an empty room, not to Rin's! Furious, his face darkened by an enraged scowl, he stormed over to the shoji door and slammed it open...only to be met by something he hadn't expected.
Rin's gaze snapped up to his. "Oh," she said faintly, "Hello, Lord Sesshomaru." She paused, glancing to Kokoro for reassurance. "That was correct, right?"
"Yes," Kokoro replied, praising the human. "You did well, Lady Rin."
Much to Sesshomaru's surprise, the woman was dressed in nicer clothing that she had been when they'd arrived. She looked like nobility. Fairly attractive nobility, though the dog demon would never admit it. And, by the looks of it, his mother had already set to work on Rin's training. A good thing if she was to be around the demon lords and lady that would be coming within the next few days.
Forcing himself to ignore her, he glared icily at Ringu. "Why is she in this room, Lyaringu?" he gritted out.
Ringu opened his mouth to respond, but Kokoro cut in, frowning. "We thought it would be better for Lady Rin, Lord Sesshomaru. She's more comfortable in this room. Does it not satisfy your wishes? The room was empty and I doubt the young Lady Rin would have wanted it to remain so..."
Sesshomaru's temper flared at the mention of his Rin. And the present Rin, sensing his anger, suddenly flinched away, taking a nervous step back. This, for whatever reason, upset the dog demon. Did he scare her that much...? Growling, he gave Kokoro a dirty look. "Make sure she is prepared to handle herself in more than just manners. Unarigoe will be coming. I want her trained to use her weapon."
"I will to see to her training personally, Lord Sesshomaru," Ringu promised, meeting Sesshomaru's steely gaze with surprising firmness. "No harm will come to Lady Rin while the Four are here.'
Sesshomaru merely gave a curt nod and left.
"He never hangs around," Kokoro sighed, shaking her head before forcing Rin to straighten her back. "He often hung around the previous Lady Rin."
Rin let a brief look of sadness cross her face. So she was being compared to the other Rin, even by servants who hadn't been as close to her as the lord of the place had been. Ignoring her hurt emotions, she let her gaze become icy. "Good for him. But I'm here now, and I plan on going home, so it's probably a good thing he's not...hanging around." All she needed was a way home and she'd leave; she was more than happy to get out of the dog demon's hair.
"Lady Rin?"
"I'm fine," Rin reassured, looking longingly at the scrolls that were still littering the floor. Kokoro followed her gaze, then smiled. "Ringu and I will return later. We have duties to finish up before we get serious about your training." She bowed respectfully, then ushered Ringu out with a stern look on her face when the demon protested.
Rin sighed to herself when the door was slid shut, settling down and carefully arranging the bothersome cloth around her body. She pulled the scroll she'd been reading back into her lap. "This is frustrating," she mumbled, returning to her reading.
It was three scrolls later, that she blinked in surprise and raised the scroll closer to her face to examine the kanji written on it. Excitement fluttered through her and she grinned. Perhaps, she thought, these scrolls had been left for more than entertainment. She'd just finished the story of a Japanese woman who claimed to have traveled from her home in a palace to a strange place full of high buildings, strange moving colorful boxes, and people dressed in indecent clothing, all watching her curiously and calling her a "cosplayer" whatever one of those may be. The woman had searched high and low for a way to return home, and had found it in the way of an ancient item, an hour glass purchased from some strange demon.
One that was now supposedly kept within a building known as the Western Fortress. If she could find that hour glass, she thought, perhaps she could get home... Determined, Rin quickly finished skimming through the scroll, then set it aside and stood quickly, heading for the shoji door. She didn't want to get on any bad terms with Kokoro or Ringu, or piss off any of the nobility there, so she went to the lord himself. Or at least, she tried.
Within seconds of leaving her room, Rin was hopelessly lost in the Western Fortress. Frustratingly desperate, she searched for anyone who might be willing to help her, but nobody was in sight. Other than Ringu and Kokoro, it was like she was being avoided...
She huffed. "Damn it all," she muttered under her breath in a temper, storming down another corridor. She rounded a corner...only to run straight into a nervous looking Ringu. She jumped with a shocked look on her face. "Ringu!"
"Ah, there you are, Lady Rin." Ringu looked relieved. "I was searching for you. I finished with what needed to be done and came back to check on you, but you were already gone. What are you doing wandering about without an escort? It's dangerous for you to do so."
"I found something," Rin admitted, "I wanted to get to it, but I ended up lost."
"I can help you get it depending on what it is," Ringu offered thoughtfully. "There are certain areas that only Lord Sesshomaru or Lady Kimi are allowed to enter. Not even Master Jaken is allowed into them."
"If that's the case, then we'll have to find Se- Lord Sesshomaru," Rin paused to correct herself, "Because I need it to try and get home." Ringu looked uncertain at that and the young woman frowned. "What? What is it?"
Ringu hesitated for a brief moment before answering with a nervous look upon his face. "Err, I apologize, Lady Rin. But you can't just necessarily leave. With your...scent and the fact that many demons will soon be aware of your association with Lord Sesshomaru, it won't be long before a demon or even human attempts to destroy you."
"Let them try," Rin scoffed. "My home's in another time period as far as I know. I think I'll be safe-"
"You belong to Lord Sesshomaru," Ringu interrupted, speaking bluntly. "I'm sorry, Lady Rin, but that's how the dog demons work. He brought you here. So you're Lord Sesshomaru's human and will be called as such. And you won't be able to leave unless Lord Sesshomaru says you may. I can't let you."
Rin's jaw dropped. In an absolute and sudden fury, she glared at him, crossing her arms. "Fuck off," she snarled, her temper flaring as wildly as her despair over the fact that she wasn't allowed to return home. Ringu's head jerked back in surprise and she gave him an even darker glare. "I can find my way back to my room on my own, Ringu."
He looked ready to protest, but her glare made him think twice. Rin's glare matched Sesshomaru's in intensity, and it terrified him, though he wouldn't admit it. Deciding that perhaps fetching Sesshomaru would be a better bet, he bowed respectfully, murmuring apologetically, "Yes, Lady Rin." Without another word, he slipped away.
Rin glared after him for a few more moments before turning away, refusing to let the tears show. She had to find a way home. Before those other demons got there. She didn't want to have to worry about looking over her shoulder for demons every second... well, that applied to just about everything in the Western Fortress, didn't it?
She headed back the way she'd originally come, not positive if it was the right way. She was hopelessly lost, and now she definitely wouldn't be wanting help getting to where she'd prefer to go. Her next choice was to ask Kimi, as she doubted Sesshomaru would let her near any place as important as the treasury of the Fortress...
Golden eyes were suddenly staring piercingly into hers, and Rin gasped, cursing mentally in a string of words that would have earned her a smack to the back of her head from her mother. "Where," Sesshomaru said icily, "Are you going?"
Rin threw her arms in the air, nearly smacking him by accident though she didn't seem to notice when he jerked back with a small growl. "Obviously nowhere since the traitor ran off and tattled, now am I?" She scowled furiously, not daring to glare at Sesshomaru just yet. She was getting close, though, that was for sure.
Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. "What exactly is it that you need from my treasury, human?"
She met his gaze without hesitation, not caring when he tensed and straightened so that he towered over her petite form even more than before. "I found a way that might get me home," she said bluntly, "And I figured rather than being in the way as a useless human among demons, it'd be better for me to leave. I thought you'd agree since I'm just a reminder of someone you'd rather have here."
Sesshomaru's eyes widened fractionally with anger for a moment, then narrowed irritably. "You do not decide what I want, woman." A slim clawed hand darted out and wrapped tightly around her arm in a bruising grasp, making her wince as she was dragged down the corridor. Unable to do much else, Rin fought against him, furious.
"Let me go," she spat, even going so far as to kick irritably at his legs and feet, even aiming a bit higher at one point. Enraged, she finally just twisted and did as she'd seen some children do: she bit him.
It must haved shocked Sesshomaru into silence because he froze, nearly sending her sprawling when she slammed into him. He stared at her with surprise for a few seconds, then narrowed his eyes into slits. Rin knew immediately that she was in serious trouble. And she was correct. With no remorse, the dog demon and Lord of the West used the hand that wasn't grasping her arm to twist in her hair and slam her into the wall. She flinched away, ignoring the pain in her head when it bounced off of stone. His golden eyes had bled red by the time his face was at eye level with hers, fury underlining his words. "How dare you, a mere human woman, lay teeth on me. I should kill you where you stand despite giving my word to the half-breed."
"Then do it," Rin spat in his face. She was sick and tired of having to do as she was told. Even if this man was the Lord of the freaking West, she wasn't included in his territory! She was from somewhere far different! "If I can't go home, then I don't want to be here, forced to deal with monsters like you."
...yep, Rin decided, she was suicidal.
Sesshomaru curled a lip, looking even more pissed if that was possible. Angry, he removed his other hand from her arm, instead letting it lightly skim across her throat, claws pricking the pale flesh, where scabs from the previous time still remained. "You," he hissed in her ear, "Are a mere human. And you will do as I say."
"...no," Rin retorted, twisting her head sharply to attempt and butt it against his. He jerked back with a frustrated growl, but Rin met his stubborn anger with her own. "I'm not someone you can boss around just because I'm human." Enraged brown met icy cold molten gold, and there was a heartbeat of silence. Rin squirmed, attempting to free herself, kicking at him again. He ignored her, instead just leaning further towards her, putting more pressure on her throat.
After a few moments, Rin came up with a plan that she had no doubts about when it came to failing. There was no way it would work, but it might piss him off enough to convince him to let her go home. She went limp, dropping her gaze as she'd seen wolves and dogs do on TV when submitting. And he seemed to believe her, because a surprising chuckle escaped him, a smug look on his face when he released her.
Rin gave him a few seconds of triumph.
And then she bolted.
The look on his face was worth the pain that was going to come soon. Sesshomaru stared after her for a few moments, a low growl slowly building into a thunderous snarl as he started after her. Rin giggled to herself, smug at the fact that she'd managed to somehow trick the Lord of the West. A servant eyed her as she ran past, then seemed to realize what was happening, because she squeaked and fled the area.
And then she ran smack into someone. Rin rebounded off of them with a gasp, her eyes snapping wide as the equally surprised demon looked down at her with shock written across his face before vanishing into a look of confusion. "What," the demon murmured, drawing himself up to his full height, "Is a human doing in the Western Fortress?"
"Um," Rin stammered, nervously biting her lip.
And then Sesshomaru was there. He gave Rin a dark look that promised violence at a later time before turning a cool gaze onto the new demon. "Reigitadashi," he greeted icily, "You are here a few days early. I sent out my messengers when the sun was at his highest, yet even they cannot reach you that quickly. Why are you here?"
Reigitadashi chuckled, and Rin cringed when she realized just who he was. She'd been told. Reigitadashi, Lord of the South. "I was already coming to speak with you. I apologize for not sending notice, Sesshomaru." As he shifted his weight, Rin noticed a slight shimmering along some of the skin that was shown and she realized with wide eyes that he was a snake demon. His eyes were that of a snake, too, along with scales that dotted him every now and then.
Curious, Reigitadashi eyed Rin. "Who is this human that is allowed to wander the Fortress? Dinner, perhaps?"
Rin froze, and Sesshomaru easily replied, gaze hard and daring the southern demon lord to try anything as he growled, "A pet."
"Ah, found another human pet then, hm?" Reigitadashi smirked, laughing softly. "No worries, I will not eat your little human. She's a pretty little one, however. Even half-demon children wouldn't be a problem with one such as her." The dark look that thundered across Sesshomaru's face made him roll his eyes. "I won't touch her if that's what you want. Make sure Unarigoe knows that when he arrives, though. Got it? He'll take her with him if he feels the need, even with Koga there."
"Do you think I am unknowing as to what I am doing?" Sesshomaru challenged with a low growl. "I am well aware of the danger that comes with Unarigoe." Exasperated and impatient to get on to dealing with the bothersome yet frightened and irritated human, he said, "I will speak with you momentarily. You may escort yourself to where we will be meeting with the others in a few days time. I'm sure Mother will be along shortly to occupy you until I am unable to join you."
Reigitadashi grinned. "Ah, off to punish the pet are we?"
Sesshomaru gave him a dirty look. "Not in the way you undoubtedly thing, Reigitadashi." His hand darted forward to lock around Rin's arm when she tensed, ready to attempt and run again. "If you will excuse us..." Without another word, he began dragging Rin away. Reigitadashi chuckled, watching after them with an amused look on his face. The human, he'd noted, smelled more than just a little tempting.
Sesshomaru was in for the time of his life trying to keep the impulsive wolf demon lord off of her.
"Ow!" Rin yelped as Sesshomaru nearly threw her into her room. She whipped around to face him, not the least bit surprised when she discovered his face inches from hers. The darkened, thunderous look that close to her face frightened her briefly, but she shook her fear off. Nothing to be scared of. He wouldn't hurt her...would he?
"You are a useless, impulsive, untrained human woman," he spat, towering above her, Rin wincing at each insult. "If you remove yourself from this room once again, you will receive more than just a few bruises." That was referring to the bruise that was already forming on her arm from his grip. "I will hand you over to Unarigoe, who has no problems eating humans such as yourself. Is this clear, woman?"
"Yes," Rin muttered with a pout on her face. Not. She'd sneak out as soon as he was gone. And this time, Reigitadashi was there to keep him occupied while she wandered around.
Smelling the lie, Sesshomaru bared his teeth, eyes flashing red. She cringed, dropping her gaze to the ground instinctively. Sure she'd listen now, he straightened and spun away, slipping out of the room.
Rin muffled a scream of frustration with her sleeve, not hesitating to throw herself dramatically upon the floor, surrounded by the scrolls that had yet to be put away. She couldn't stay here, did anyone else seem to care or notice this?! She had family to get home to! They thought she was dead at the moment, no doubt about that...
The thought made her sink her teeth into her lower lip and she screwed her eyes shut as frustrated tears appeared. She wanted to go home. She wanted to get away from the crazed man-eating demons that longed to hunt her down and devour her, away from the irritating Lord of the West that labeled her as less than a pet despite his words to Reigitadashi, away from the politics of demons.
Grumbling to herself, she didn't bother to look up when the door slid open again and Kimi stepped in. Ignoring Rin's lack of greeting, Kimi said curiously, "I heard you were attempting to get to our treasury."
Rin cracked an eye open to peer at her. "Yes, I was."
"For what and what reason?"
"For something that may let me get home," Rin retorted, waving at the scrolls around her, unsure of which held the information needed. "A woman, a princess, recorded her adventures of a world that sounded much like mine after tipping over an hour glass. I just wanted to see if it was in your treasury like the scrolls says it is."
"And my son won't take you...let me," Kimi said, clasping her hands eagerly together. "I wish to see this world of yours if possible. Though do not be afraid to tell me if I cannot. I am merely curious. I do not wish to cause problems." The look on Rin's face made the Lady of the West throw her head back and laugh, the sound ringing out through the air in a charming way.
"I-I don't think you can join me," Rin admitted. "It only mentioned one person using it..." And she didn't plan to come back, that was for sure.
For the first time since arriving, home seemed like a true possibility.
The problem, Rin realized as she hurried to follow Kimi out of the room, would be getting into the treasury without Sesshomaru finding out.
A/N
And...Rin has found a possible way home! Yay! Gotta love Kimi for some reason. I don't know why I like her so much...
Names, Meanings, etc.
Lyaringu (Earring) - 200+ Years Old - One of Sesshomaru's men and soldier hired to protect Rin, an ogre demon
Yoroi (Armor) - 300+ Years Old - One of Sesshomaru's men, a tortoise demon
Ippan (General) - 700+ Years Old - Sesshomar's second in command, in charge of the soldiers that make up the armies, a lesser (black) dog demon
Kokoro (Heart) - 100+ Years Old - A maid that works at the Western Fortress, a favorite of Kimi's, a cougar demon
Unarigoe (Snarl) - 500+ Years Old - Lord of the North, father to Koga, well known for his love of human flesh, a wolf demon
Reigitadashi (Courteous) - 600+ Years Old - Lord of the South, a snake demon
Mizuki (Lake) - 200+ Years Old - Lady of the East, a koi demon
Reviews
ayamechin: The longer than chapters, the better, yes? As for messing with them, that shall be done. Evilly. lol
dragonroses: Again, thank you! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
MrsMagnusB: Hm...now that I think about it, I wonder if his personality in my eyes is based off of at least of my dogs... seems like that happens often when concerning them... XD
Leonhart9: Here you are! XD