Rin paused in what she was reading on the scroll that had been spread across her lap to lift her brown eyes when shouting people ran past her doors, curious. "What the hell's going on now?" she muttered, shoving the scroll from her lap with a soft sigh. She'd been reading about the dog demon lord and the human princess again...she liked the story despite Sesshomaru's hatred of it. She was more than aware of who the resulting half-demon was.
And then Amai popped into her room, her small figure quivering in desperate excitement, her golden eyes sparkling. "Rin! Rin! My papa's here! He's come back, come on!" She grabbed Rin's hand after she'd joined the young half-demon at the door and then proceeded to practically drag her through the corridors of the Fortress. Kokoro laughed when they passed her, and Rin found a rather silly grin was appearing on her face.
"Hold up, Amai, my legs are longer than yours, though not longer than anyone else's." Rin scooped her up, hugging her briefly before walking speedily through the Western Fortress, making her way towards where she knew Ringu and Inuyasha would be coming in. "Remember what your mother told you a few days ago?"
"Papa is hurt," Amai recited confidently. "We need to be careful."
"Good," Rin responded, smiling at the young half-demon. She'd grown even fonder of Amai than before during her stay. Quite a few days had passed since she'd been bandaging the irritably dog demon lord, and she found herself seeing him only rarely. She must have upset him in some way, she thought as they exited the Fortress and stepped into the courtyard.
But, it turned out, this was one of the rare occasions as of recently that she was able to see him, as he was standing there outside, his golden eyes sharp, beside Kimi. Kimi was mumbling to him about something, but Rin recognized the gleam in her eyes. She got that gleam every time she saw Amai or Saisho's ears, which meant she was looking forward to seeing Inuyasha's. Kagome was there, too, standing anxiously beside Surudoi with Saisho gently grasping one of her hands. Both looked just as eager to see the approaching man, Kagome more so than her son.
Rin set Amai down, watching as she ran to join her family, then moved to stand beside Kimi and Sesshomaru. "Do you know how far away they are?" she asked, addressing the narrow-eyed Sesshomaru.
Sesshomaru's eyes didn't leave the gates and Rin glared at him for it. "The half-breed is approaching from the edge of the trees. He will arrive momentarily," he said simply. Kimi smiled slightly, hiding it behind her sleeve, and Rin shot her an irritable look.
And then, Amai grinned and tore free of her mother, darting forward. Sesshomaru gave a growl of disapproval when she slipped out of the gates, ignoring the guards that stood there with uncertain looks. She disappeared, only to reappear a few moments later, hand in hand with an older and familiar silver-haired half-demon.
Kagome's lips spread into a huge smile, and she took a few steps forward, eager. Saisho whined impatiently, his own small face lit up happily. The second he'd stepped through the gates, Ringu close behind, both were there. Inuyasha gently shook off Amai's hand to pull his mate close to him, burying his face in her hair with a rumble. "Kagome," he rasped.
Kagome gave a shaky laugh, her hands gripping the red cloth he wore tightly. "Idiot," she mumbled, "Don't do that again..." She gently tapped around on his chest until he winced. "We'll have Chiryoshi look those over so long as you don't attempt to bite her head off - your ear! Oh, no!" Ignoring his yelp, she forced his head down so she could examine the missing silver ear, replaced by a ragged nub.
"Oi!" he snapped, growling now. "Watch it! That hurts!"
Saisho and Amai, now standing beside each other, grinned and stifled their snickers, more than aware of their mother's love for his ears.
Rin watched with a slight smile on her face, eyes gleaming with amusement. Despite her exclamation, Kagome was relieved, that much was obvious, as were her children. She watched for a few more moments, then turned away, aware of Sesshomaru's sharp eyes watching her. "Must be nice," she muttered, starting for the Fortress. A mournful black mood had taken over her for the time being.
She'd never get to experience such a thing ever again. She, unlike everyone else here, was stuck in a time where she had no family.
And with that, Rin disappeared into the Fortress.
Scowling to herself, Rin kicked impatiently at the ground, looking particularly childish as she did so. This was ridiculous, she found herself thinking. Honestly! How long does it take to tell Kimi to make sure nobody steps out of line? She'd already said her goodbyes to Kokoro, Surudoi, and the rest of the permanent residents, along with the temporary four, who had all almost healed by this point. Three days had passed since Inuyasha had arrived, and Rin was more than aware of the edginess of his demon side reappearing.
Not cool when there was a fiercely protective dog demon lord breathing over her shoulder every time they were around her. She'd honestly thought there was going to be a fight the previous day, when Inuyasha had snapped something in her direction about leaving. Sesshomaru, who'd apparently overheard, had been there in a mere moment, growling and spitting words in a vicious manner at his half-brother in a language the confused human couldn't understand.
Apparently it would do him good for her to leave. Still, it stung. She liked the half-demon and assumed he'd been fond of the previous Rin. But apparently that hadn't been gifted to her.
At least they'd be gone by the time they came back.
And to top it all off, she'd had the witch visit her again. Majo hadn't been patient and had told her sharply to be wary of the demons on this trip she was taking. Rin hadn't exactly told Sesshomaru yet, as she didn't want to lose her head for not telling him sooner, but she'd have to eventually, she knew.
Finally, Sesshomaru stepped from the room and joined Rin, his gaze darting to her for a brief moment. "You have the possessions Kokoro supplied you with?"
"Yep." Rin held up the bag that had been shoved into her hands earlier in the day. She'd already checked through it; it had been filled with food - for her, Kokoro had explained, Sesshomaru would be fine with the prey in the area - and two spare kimonos. Rin held her Jihibukai in her spare hand, her grip loose on it. Sesshomaru hadn't protested her bringing the demonic weapon this time, and his lack of protests had startled her. Then again, she wasn't oblivious to the differences in his armor and the fact that he carried both swords at his hip.
Apparently, they were heading through some dangerous territory. Not something she was looking forward to.
"Then we will take our leave." Sesshomaru stepped forward, and Rin followed, folding her arms with a small sigh. This was going to be a long journey, though she was relieved they weren't in the northern lands. That would have been even longer. Thank the heavens above that he was allowing her to take Ah-Uhn with them.
They exited out of the Fortress's main entrance, and Sesshomaru waited outside of the stables as she hurried to pull the already waiting Ah-Uhn out. He followed eagerly, and the stable-hand that trailed them out hurriedly attached the Jihibukai to Ah-Uhn's saddle when Sesshomaru growled at him to do so. He made sure Rin was watching as he did so, instructing her on how to do it herself, then scampered back to the safety of the stables.
"You're being quite rude," Rin mused, then gasped when Sesshomaru suddenly lifted her onto the dragon-like creature's back. Ah-Uhn didn't even bat a single eye, though she blinked herself to try and regain her sense of balance. Though she was grateful for his assistance, she shot him a look and snapped, "Make sure you ask before you move me, if you don't mind!"
Sesshomaru eyed her coolly. "It is not my concern to ask your opinion on anything, woman."
Rin's dark eyes darkened even further. So he was back to being a jerk again then? What had she done this time? Sniffing, she told Ah-Uhn to follow him, and then allowed her mind to wander as Ah-Uhn purred and did as he was told, trailing just behind the demon lord.
And, as Rin dozed, lost in thought, she realized she felt a feeling of deja vu, though it was slightly ruined by a lack of a toad-like demon, who had been replaced by Ringu. The ogre demon had been waiting for them by the gates that led to the Western Fortress, and Rin felt a flash of happiness over the fact that he'd be accompanying them.
At least one of her companions - no, she corrected, glancing down at Ah-Uhn, two of them - were willing to be friendly. As the small group fell into a peaceful walk, Ringu strode alongside Ah-Uh, playfully teasing Rin and chatting with her about minor things, such as the latest gossip of the Fortress or a few tips on how to wield her Jihibukai.
As she chatted with him, Rin found her dark eyes drifting to Sesshomaru every now and then. Just to check on him, she told herself, and to make sure they were still with him, but she had other reasons, too. She was concerned. It had been a while since he'd been so rude to her...had she offended him somehow as of late? She didn't remember even encountering him for more than a few moments at a time...
"Lady Rin?" Ringu questioned, gently prodding her verbally when she didn't respond to something he said. "Are you alright?"
Rin's gaze snapped back onto him as Sesshomaru spared a look over his shoulder, his eyes irritable slits. "I'm fine," she reassured hastily, flushing slightly under the Western Lord's gaze. She pretended not to notice, instead smiling brightly at Ringu. "Just lost in thought."
"...right," Ringu murmured. He looked as if he didn't believe her, but he didn't push, instead letting an elbow rest against the hilt of the sword sheathed at his hip. He patted Ah-Uhn's shoulder with his free hand, grinning up at Rin. "Are you aware that I was present for this one's birth?"
Rin's attention was caught immediately. "Really?"
Ringu nodded proudly. "Yes. He's the pride of the Western Lands...mount-wise, anyhow," he added, glancing at Sesshomaru's back. "He's the fastest and strongest of all of the animals in the Western Fortress' stables, my lady. And he's very picky about who he allows upon his back - unless Lord Sesshomaru orders him otherwise. That he likes you so much is a miracle."
Rin giggled at the ogre demon's eagerness about the matter, her dark eyes amused as she listened to him talk. "Is that so?" she murmured, patting one of the heads' necks. Ah-Uhn gave a happy sound, twisting a head around to brush a muzzled nose against her. She studied the intricate metal muzzle. "Why is he wearing these?"
"For show," Ringu said with a shrug. "He's wearing his best saddle, too...we can't show up looking like a bunch of commoners, you know. It'd be an insult to Lord Reigitadashi."
Rin nodded to show that she understood, touching the bag she'd brought with her. "That's why there's a heavy fancy kimono shoved in here," she muttered with a furrowed brow. Sighing heavily at the thought of putting the cloth back on, Rin pushed some loose hair out of her face and settled in for the long ride.
They'd been walking for a few hours, Sesshomaru not saying a single word in all of that time, when Rin's stomach spoke up, deciding it was time for her at least to eat. Her cheeks flamed red as Ringu chuckled, his green eyes sparkling with amusement. "Hungry, Lady Rin?"
"Shush," she hushed. "We can keep going, I'll just eat on the way." She dug in her bag, pulling out an apple with a soft look on her face at the sight. She'd always loved apples...it had been something she'd enjoyed eating many times with her family...
Her smile faded. What was her family thinking? It had been so, so long since she'd seen them. Months. Did they miss her? She knew they considered her dead in the future - Kagome's family had told her as much. But...still...
Curiosity filled her when there was a chilly breeze washing over her. "Ringu?" she asked, frowning, knowing that Sesshomaru wouldn't answer the question she had. His eyes snapped up to her. "How close are we to the first snow?" She'd heard Kokoro and Chiryoshi worrying over it not too long ago, and she was curious.
"Not too far off," he mused, shifting his arms so that they were crossed across his chest. His emerald eyes sparkled with amusement when he noticed her shiver, digging around for some blanket that had been packed for her. "A few days at the most...Lord Sesshomaru's nose would be far more accurate than my guess, though."
"Sesshomaru?" Rin urged, speaking to him for the first time in a while. "Do you know when-"
"Three days from now, before we reach the Southern Castle," he growled without looking at her, his voice sharp and clipped.
Rin scowled, glaring at him with sharp dark eyes. She paused to stick her tongue out at him, ignoring the snarl that left his lips in response, and then turned her attention back on the wide-eyed Ringu. "I should have packed warmer things," she sighed, shaking her head. "It's going to be freezing, I know it is...I don't even have a coat..."
Ringu's brow furrowed. "Lady Rin, may I ask what a coat is?"
Rin giggled. "I forgot for a moment that you don't have those...it's just a piece of clothing that keeps you warm in the winter. Trust me, it's preferable compared to what you guys probably have."
"Demons don't require..."coats"," Ringu said with a shrug, tilting his head. "We don't feel the cold as much."
"Lucky," Rin sighed, shaking her head before taking another bite out of her apple. It gave a soft crunch, and Ah-Uhn snorted softly, a head twisting back to sniff at what she was eating. "Mine," she told him, pushing his head away with a giggle. Ah-Uhn whined a soft protest, but a sharp growl from Sesshomaru had him facing forward again.
Again, Rin stuck her tongue out at the Western Lord's back, then gave a heavy sigh.
This was going to be a long trip.
Her dark eyes were drooping shut, the blanket huddled tightly around her as she tried to squint through the darkness. Night had fallen who knew how long ago and not only was she could, tired, and hungry, but she knew without a doubt that there was something following them. Maybe it was the way that her Jihibukai had begun to spark up, or the way that Sesshomaru had glanced over his shoulder his gaze searching the trees, but she knew that there was something after them.
"Lord Sesshomaru," Ringu said quietly, his voice hushed as he tried to remain quiet. That confirmed Rin's thoughts, as she knew that it was rare that the ogre kept his voice low. She'd known him for long enough that she knew he didn't do it often. "Would you like me to see to the problem?"
Sesshomaru took a moment, his step not faltering as he walked. He glanced at the human girl accompanying them, taking in her exhausted appearance. "...go," he ordered, and Ringu practically melted into the darkness, looking eager to do so.
Ah-Uhn shook a head, looking anxious as he twisted to check on Rin. Rin patted his nose reassuringly, smiling faintly even as she trembled. "I'm alright," she told the dragon-like creature.
Sesshomaru growled softly. "Ringu has engaged the enemy in battle," was all he said, earning a frown from Rin.
"Great," she sighed. "I'm already attracting the demons then?" She wasn't stupid. She knew the strange scent that drove Inuyasha into a full demon state and had brought dozens of other attackers was already setting to work on getting them into trouble.
"Hn," Sesshomaru murmured. The Lord of the West stopped suddenly, turning on his heel, Bakusaiga drawn in a smooth motion - just as something came charging out of the trees, bellowing viciously. The bear demon moved to swipe Sesshomaru aside - and then collapsed, shaking the ground beneath its body, when the sword pierced its body, sending dangerous demonic energy cackling through it and tearing it from the inside out. Irritated, Sesshomaru turned a glare onto Ringu, who came hurrying back into view, his sword dripping blood. "I brought you to assist in defending my human, Lyaringu. Not to chase the demons her way."
Ringu looked utterly bewildered as he answered, "I killed one though. I didn't realize there were two of them, my lord." He nodded in the direction he'd disappeared in. "There was one stalking us from the bushes not too far back."
"Great," Rin bit out sarcastically. "So they're coming from all directions."
Sesshomaru shot her a look. "As demons tend to do."
She stuck her tongue out at him a third time, earning a murderous look from the silver-haired demon. Pretending she didn't notice, Rin rested her forehead against Ah-Uhn's neck. "Look, can we stop somewhere? Unlike you people, I can't keep going forever, and I'm tired."
"We can't just stop and sleep in the middle of the forest, Lady Rin," Ringu said carefully, wiping the blood on his sword off in the grass beneath his feet. "It's far too dangerous for you out here. We could be attacked at any time."
"Is there a village nearby?"
"You are not," Sesshomaru sighed in annoyance, "Sleeping in a human village."
"Well, I can't sleep on Ah-Uhn - no offense, big guy." She patted the right head's neck affectionately, and Ah-Uhn purred softly to reassure her she knew he meant no offense. "And if we're go under a major attack, I can't fight anyone off when I'm tripping over my own feet from exhaustion."
"Then you will not be participating in any major battles," Sesshomaru said simply before starting forward again, flicking a bit of blood from Bakusaiga before sheathing it smoothly. Ringu fought the urge to grin at the look on Rin's face.
And then the human girl slithered off of Ah-Uhn's back, ignored the body of the demon Sesshomaru had killed, and simply started walking, her face set in an angry expression. "Well I'm walking then, because it's cold." She paused to kick off the sandal-like shoes she'd been dressed in earlier in the day, tucking them safely into the bag that hung from Ah-Uhn's saddle. "And humans keep warm when they're moving. So shoot me if you don't like it."
Confusion flashed across Ringu's face. "...okay?"
Sesshomaru glared at her for a final moment, then bit out, "Then continue forward. I plan to reach Reigitadashi's home within three days by the very latest, avoiding the first snow."
"...you do realize that's seriously far away," Ringu said bluntly, then added hastily when Sesshomaru snarled in his direction, "Sorry, sorry. We'll try and make it. If need be, I'm sure Ah-Uhn can figure out how to make Lady Rin comfortable if she wishes to sleep upon his back."
The night went by quickly and by the time dawn came, Rin was practically dead on her feet. She kept tripping, nearly falling forward onto her face multiple times. Ringu stuck close to her side, keeping a decent amount of space between them after receiving a furious look from Sesshomaru. The ogre demon kept silent as they walked, his gaze darting to check on Rin every now and then.
Rin finally gave a sigh. And just as the sun rose over the horizon, she turned to Ringu and grumbled, "Can you help me back up onto Ah-Uhn?"
"Of course, my lady," Ringu said pleasantly. Before he could lightly grab the young woman by her waist and lift her up, however, he became aware of a sharp glare that was being sent his way. "Or, perhaps, you'd be willing to allow Lord Sesshomaru to do so, Lady Rin? I don't believe you wish to be getting blood on you, even if it is dried." He indicated a patch of dried blood that decorated his sleeve.
Rin sighed. "Alright, then - oof! Do you mind giving a simple warning before you do that?" She shot a look at Sesshomaru who met her gaze evenly, narrowing his eyes before turning away. Grumbling, Rin adjusted herself on Ah-Uhn's back, and the dragon creature twisted a head back to gently nose at her, making sure she was okay. Muttering a soft thanks, Rin fell silent, running her hands over the scales on one of Ah-Uhn's necks.
The two-headed creature purred its approval at her touch, a head twisting to touch her hand with a muzzled nose before returning its attention ahead of them. Ringu smiled at the sight, entertained by the rather large smile that crossed Rin's face. She adored Ah-Uhn, he'd noticed, and he was glad that there was someone who could risk defying Sesshomaru without the threat of immediate death or banishment.
He paused when he caught sight of the human girl's feet. "Lord Sesshomaru," he began with care, his eyes darting to the dog demon. Sesshomaru continued forward, but the way his head turned just barely told the ogre demon that his lord was listening to what he had to say. "Lady Rin's feet are blistered abd bruised...perhaps we can stop for a few moments to allow her to bandage them?"
He didn't dare suggest that he be the one to do it.
Sesshomaru paused briefly to spare a glance at Rin's aching feet, and then noted the way she was deterinedly looking away with a slight pout on her face before clenching his jaw. A muscle ticked in his cheek as he growled viciously, "Fine. See to it that her wounds are cared for and that she's eaten, and then we will continue on our way."
"Thank you," Rin practically whimpered as she simply twisted in the saddle, tossing her leg over the side so that she was facing Ringu. She remained on Ah-Uhn's back, not daring to slip off when she'd just been put on the mount. She dug out another apple before tossing the bag to Ringu, and Ringu dug through it in search of a few medicinal supplies that Chiryoshi had thrown in.
"May I?" he requested, holding up some makeshift bandaging and a paste. "It seems that Chiryoshi was expecting something like this, Lady Rin."
"Smart," she muttered before nodding, taking a large bite out of her apple. She fought the urge to giggle and laugh when he accidentally tickled her in his work, forcing herself to not look in Sesshomaru's direction every few moments. She didn't have to; she could feel the deadly glare on her back.
The Lord of the West was clearly not happy with the situation, and she didn't want to make that anger worse than it already was.
She'd just finished her apple and had tossed the core over her shoulder when Ringu finished tying the bandages with a determined look. He pulled back then, satisfied with his work as he explained, "Part of our training is minor caring for injuries and such. Wrapping wounds is easy."
"That's a smart skill to have," Rin hummed. She fixed herself so that she was back in the saddle properly, and then easily leaned back until her head rested against Ah-Uhn's scaled hide. "We can go now, your Highness," she said with a tired tone, waving at Sesshomaru with one hand. It dropped as he growled at her, brushing against the Jihibukai with her fingertips. The weapon pulsed, offering what comfort it could to the tired girl as they all started forward again.
Rin was asleep only moments later, when Sesshomaru peered over his shoulder to check on those accompanying him. Ringu was the only one who saw him do so, and the ogre looked away to hide his smirk.
No matter what his Lord said, he clearly was concerned for the girl.
In more ways than one.
It was a day into their speedy travels that the first snow came.
Rin was on her own feet, ignoring the demands that came from both demons that she return to Ah-Uhn's saddle to keep her feet from getting injured further, whent the snowflakes began to fall. She laughed in her excitement, sticking her tongue out to catch them.
"Lady Rin," Ringu asked when he paused to breathe after pleading that she get back on Ah-Uhn. "What are you doing?"
"What does it look like?" she retorted before sticking her tongue back out, smirking proudly when she caught one on her tongue. "Try it, Ringu, it's fun. They like to avoid your tongue."
Ringu flushed. "Lady Rin," he began, but a growl only he heard stopped him. He glanced over to the dog demon who'd made it, and was startled to find that Sesshomaru was watching Rin dance around with a look of what might have been amusement on his face.
Would you look at that, Ringu thought drily. My lord is allowing Lady Rin to have some fun.
"Come on, Ringu!" Rin repeated, then yelped with a good natured scowl when a snowflake landed in her eye. She rubbed at it, and then went right back to what she had been doing.
"I apologize, my lady," Ringu sighed, "But I am not one for frolicking in the snow."
In fact, he rather disliked the cold, wet substance falling from the sky, pretending to be harmless. It killed dozens throughout human communities and sometimes created war that demons felt drawn to. Meaning that the winter became a busy time for those protecting their territory.
Which meant busy time for he and the rest of the Western Fortress was coming.
"I thought it was supposed to come two days from now," Rin said suddenly, glancing at Sesshomaru. "That's what you said."
Sesshomaru gave a small glare at the question before saying curtly, "I spoke such words at the time you asked. Weather changes as quickly as anything else. I may be Lord of the West, woman, but I hold no control over when the first snow arrives."
"Okay, okay." Rin rolled her eyes and then hopped back over to Ah-Uhn, deciding that she'd had enough of the snow. The dragon-like animal dropped one of its massive head to touch her shoulder with a muzzle, and Rin cooed a little before somehow scrambling onto his back by herself. A foot brushed against her weapon, and the aura flared, but then fell silent.
"Let's go!" the human woman decided, shivering slightly.
It was in that moment that Ringu realized that Rin was a human, and that she was not built for such cold. He glanced at Sesshomaru with a sigh. "Lord Sesshomaru, perhaps it is best that we hurry? Lady Rin does not appear to have proper clothing for such weather, and it would not do well for her to freeze to death because we took our time."
"Hn." Sesshomaru studied Rin for a few brief moments before muttering, "We will arrive in two days. Rin will live." Without another word, he started forward, and Ringu hid a snicker when he noticed that the dog demon was moving a slight bit faster than he had been until this point.
No one else seemed to notice. Ah-Uhn might have, but Ringu decided not to comment on it at the risk of losing his head. The ogre demon kept a piercing look out for any other demons that might appear and try to take the human woman's life due to the strange drawing she had on demons, but none came, and Ringu assumed it was because they knew better than to even think of challenging Sesshomaru.
It wasn't long before he realized that he'd been dead wrong.
The demons hadn't stayed away because they were avoiding the powerful Lord of the West, who was known for being merciless when it came to using his Bakusaiga and defending his territory.
They were avoiding the strange dark aura that came from a woman that had stepped out of the shrubbery only moments before. A low growl thundered deep in Sesshomaru's throat as he glared at her, and Ah-Uhn stepped back with a nervous sound, seeking Ringu and then Sesshomaru's attention for a clue as to what he was supposed to do. Ringu let a hand brush against his weapon in preparation should a fight break out.
He had one purpose and one purpose only.
Protect the Lady Rin.
Who didn't seem to think the same way because she slid from Ah-Uhn's back with a determined look, her Jihibukai in her shaking hand as she spoke. "You're Majo."
The demonic witch's lips curved into a dry smirk as she spoke clearly, "Karin Bane. Sesshomaru. It has been some time. I hear that Mizuki's not exactly the most pleasant of characters as of now? And what do you plan to accomplish with your speaking with Lord Reigitadashi?"
Ringu was astonished; this was the demonic witch?
Rin was anything but pleased, her gaze narrowed suspiciously. "What do you want," she demanded cautiously. Sesshomaru didn't move, simply resting a hand on the hilt of Bakusaiga. Neither she nor Majo had met in person. Sesshomaru, yes. But not her.
"What I've always wanted." Majo looked away in contemplation. "Peace. Peace is so hard to attain here. Oh, put your weapon down, human, I'm not here to kill anyone just yet. I am simply passing through on my way towards the east. I intend to speak to Mizuki. She's turned into quite the pest, stalking my every move. I can't believe I taught that child anything."
Sesshomaru's golden eyes became piercing with anger. Bakusaiga was suddenly drawn, and Rin jumped when its energy cackled around it. "You are allied with Mizuki if you have taught her anything, whether it be when she was a child or now."
Majo's grin became wicked, and the witch hummed back, "You are merely looking for an excuse to kill me so that you may protect your precious little human. You cannot break your own laws, for if you do, why should anyone else follow them?" She waved him off, unconcerned, and simply started forward. She strode between Ringu and Rin, who instinctively recoiled in Sesshomaru's direction. The Lord of the West slid between she and Majo with ease, gaze never leaving her.
Ringu recognized it in Sesshomaru's motion. The witch put him on edge. Sesshomaru, the great Lord of the West, was nervous about Majo, which in turn made Ringu wary. He could tell that her power was great, that she could do anything she wanted almost to sabotage their journey, but she simply paused to smile over her shoulder at Rin.
"Our fates are intertwined, Lady Karin Bane," she purred, wiggling her fingers in a farewell. "I hope to see you again some day, whether it be tomorrow or fifty years from now. Either way...it will be your last day, the one of which you see me again."
And then Majo was gone, slipping into the forest without so much as a backwards look towards the irritable dog demon.
Rin shivered, more so from fear than the cold wind that suddenly washed over the travelers. "Great," she grumbled finally, her voice choked. "So a bunch of demons would like to slaughter me and a crazy witch lady has lost her freaking mind when it comes to fate. Lovely. Can we go now?"
Sesshomaru sheathed his sword in a smooth motion and without so much as a warning, he'd suddenly lifted the shocked woman into the air and had taken the steps necessary to deposit her on Ah-Uhn's back.
She squeaked in surprise when a claw nicked her through her clothes, and Sesshomaru studied the red that suddenly dotted the tip of his finger before flicking it away with a snarl of disgust. "Move."
They didn't look back.
Rin was a mess by the time they arrived at the home of Reigitadashi a few days later. Snow had delayed them, and while she had managed to dress herself in the formal clothes, Sesshomaru's nimble claws reluctantly adjusting them so that they were properly worn, her hair was pulled out of her face in a simple way, her nose runny.
Not that the Lord of the South cared.
He looked pleased to see them as he appeared. "Greetings, Sesshomaru, Lyaringu...still working with the dogs?"
Sesshomaru growled unhappily at that, something he was fond of doing nowadays, Rin noticed faintly. That was followed by a simple grin on Ringu's part as he respectfully bowed. His feshly cleaned armor gleamed. "Of course. I would never think of betraying those who allow me to protect them."
Reigitadashi inclined his head to show that he respected the demon's words before turning an incredibly wide smile on Rin. Rin raised her chin, aware that she wasn't at her best and was shivering slightly despite having come into a warmer building, where fires were keeping people warm. "And the lovely Lady Rin. It is an honor to meet with you again."
Rin's hand tightened just fractionally on the Jihibukai when he bowed to her. She wasn't anywhere near nobility, and even if she was American, she knew better. He was not supposed to bow to her in such a way. Something was off about all of this.
She was more than grateful she'd been allowed her weapon.
"You allowed your human to get ill," Reigitadashi tsked, looking disappointed when Rin suddenly coughed and sniffed loudly, unable to help herself. She flushed when Sesshomaru turned his head to give her a furious look.
"Humans are rather weak in regards to such things," was all the dog demon stated.
Rin decided not to comment on the fact that he hadn't let her stop in a human village to pick up some warmer clothing, instead clearing her throat free of the congestion. Ringu cast her a sympathetic look but said nothing, knowing better than to speak unless spoken, too, and relieved that Rin seemed to have caught onto the rule as well. It was one thing to speak out of turn to Sesshomaru or Kimi for Rin.
It was a death wish to do so to even one as relaxed as the Southern Lord.
"You requested words," Sesshomaru began, but Reigitadashi cut him off with a wave of his hand.
"And words we will have," he decided. "We'll cover the basics for now. There's no need to rush things, I fully intend to talk things through thoroughly, if you don't mind. What I want will require a lot of bargaining on my side, I think. Come." He beckoned them forward, and said with a smile, "Tanken will take Lyaringu to where he will be staying. My favorite, Asashin, will take Lady Rin to her own quarters. Have no worries, Sesshomaru, the room prepared for you is not too far from hers. I knew you'd want to be close."
"Hn," was all Sesshomaru said before ordering, "Follow them. Don't bother taking my soldier to his place of rest quite yet, however. Remain with Rin until I return, Lyaringu."
"Of course," Ringu agreed, bowing his head in respect to Sesshomaru and grateful that he only had to follow Sesshomaru's orders. He smiled at the clearly relieved Rin. "Shall we, Lady Rin?"
"Yes," she coughed into her sleeve with a grimace. Her chest ached with each cough, and Rhith would bet a thousand times over that she'd caught either a nasty cold or pneumonia. Stupid Sesshomaru.
She didn't dare say it out loud.
She'd explain precisely why humans needed warm clothing later.
"I'm in need of a nap," Rin sighed as they followed behind the pair that would take them to their quarters. They were twins, she noticed, identical in appearance despite that one was a girl and one was a boy. Interesting. Never saw that back home.
"Yes, well, you wouldn't if you weren't sick." Ringu gave a dry smile, watching as Rin glanced anxiously over her shoulder back at the demon lord that watched her with burning golden eyes. As much as Sesshomaru pretended, he knew that the dog demon cared for the human girl and worried that she'd get herself hurt or worse.
"I'll be having a word with him about that," Rin said darkly.
"Human pets," said the girl, Asashin, suddenly. She turned a pair of piercing green eyes on Rin, smiling coldly.
"Have no reason to bother their masters," finished Tanken with a purr, looking just as icy.
Rin jumped, her eyes wide, and Ringu chuckled and explained in her ear, "Those two are some kind of snow demon, Lady Rin. These demons in particular are known for their lacking hearts."
"Our hearts," Tanken said.
"Are none of your concern." Asashin turned her face forward again.
Rin guessed them to be about eight years old at the most, and felt sympathy for the lack of sheer joy they had for their lives.
They arrived at the area that they'd be staying in and Ringu pulled Rin in gently, dismissing the two snow demons, who bowed and left. He made her stand by the door with the Jihibukai as he searched the room for any sign of danger. "Better safe than sorry, my lady," he told her when she gave him a questioning look, "You never know who will be after your life."
Rin shivered at that but quietly mumbled her agreement. Finally, Ringu declared it safe, and the human woman groaned in relief, making her way to the awaiting futon. She dropped down onto it, wincing in disappointment.
She missed fluffy mattresses and their ability to make you feel like you were on cloud nine.
"Thank you, Ringu, you can do your guard thingy now," she told him, making him laugh and bow before exiting the room.
Alone, Rin flopped down backwards, hair falling out of its tie and spreading around her. She closed her eyes with a tired groan before coughing a few times, ignoring the tightened pain in her chest as she did so.
Angry with Sesshomaru and his reluctance to entrust her in a human village for two seconds to purchase something warmer, Rin yawned and made herself comfortable.
It was ages before Ringu suddenly peeked in, awakening the drowsy girl to report, "Lord Sesshomaru has returned, Lady Rin."
Rin hurried to sit up, shoving her dark hair out of her face with a thick yawn. "Kay. I'm ready." She snickered to herself, thinking of the phrase that it was so similar to from back in America before smoothing the smile away form her face, expecting Sesshomaru to be in a bad mood.
He wasn't in a bad mood when he strode in, casting a look at Ringu for delaying him in even the slightest.
No, a bad mood was a bad way of putting it.
Rin didn't think he'd even been this full of rage when she'd introduced herself as Rin, the strange doppleganger of his dead ward.
She had no words to describe the look on his face.
Cautious of how she spoke now and not wanting to lose a limb, she questioned, "I take it that Lord Reigitadashi suggested something that you did not approve of?"
Sesshomaru took a calming breathe before suddenly snarling viciously, eyes flashing red for the briefest of moments. Rin barely flinched, amused with herself over the fact that she could handle a snarling demon's anger better than she could most social situations.
"Reigitadashi has offered to place his men under my control," Sesshomaru growled in a thunderous tone. "In exchange for allowing him to claim my "human pet" as a member of his harem."
Rin stared blankly, and then blanched with a look of horror forming in her eyes. "You said no of course?!"
Sesshomaru scowled at her, barking, "Do you take me for a common human, woman? As if I'd relinquish what is mine to a snake." He curled a lip in disgust. "Does Reigitadashi take me for a fool?"
This "tantrum", as Rin labeled it a moment later, continued for quite some time, and Rin could have sworn she'd heard her personal guard laughing under his breath and earning himself an extra furious snarl.
Yet she couldn't help but appreciate it.
At least she wouldn't be servicing the Southern Lord anytime soon.
A/N
After almost a year of waiting...I'm happy to present a chapter of Illusions of the Past! I apologize for the wait and thank you for your patience!
Names, Meanings, etc.
Tanken (dagger) - 80 Years Old - One of Reigitadashi's favored servants, brother to Asashin, a snow demon
Asashin (assassin) - 80 Years Old - One of Reigitadashi's favored servants, sister to Tanken, a snow demon