Chapter Thirteen
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I totally forgot that I had finished this chapter. Well, this is my Christmas gift to you all. Enjoy!
My phone alarm went off at its usual time for me to wake up at six in the morning. It was a new school week in November and would be a long one at that. I had several tests before the release for labor thanksgiving and I spent the whole night studying till midnight. I couldn't wait for them to be over with. I miss having a full night of sleep, but I don't want to risk failing these tests. I know that I am smart, but failing was another big fear of mine.
To keep my mind focused I did my usual routine of getting ready for school in the morning: my daily shower, waking up Tashi, and prepping our breakfast and lunch. This morning, after I dressed for school, I opened the living room curtain to find heavy thick fog. Well, there goes my morning, but I put it off since I was used to seeing fog back home, and I went back to getting things ready for school. I made leftovers for our lunch since it was enough to feed two people: rice, beef, and mixed veggies, including fresh sliced fruit.
In the process of making everything, Tashi came out to the front room, cheerful as ever. "Morning, Rin. Wow! Man is it foggy out! Is school delayed?" He was at the front window looking out, cupping his hands on the glass. "It kind of looks like that old classic movie The Fog."
"Morning, Tashi. No, school is still on time. We'll leave extra early since it's this bad out." I looked up at the window and I totally agree with him! But evil creatures from that movie don't exist. Breakfast is done if you want to take a seat."
"Awesome, I'm hungry!" I placed down an egg roll and a cup of hot tea. "Thanks Rin." He took a small bite, and I knew he was in heaven. "So delicious. Rin, don't be a famous photographer, become a chef!"
"You're welcome, and Haha. I appreciate that very much, but photography is my passion," I smiled his way. "Now eat up, we'll be leaving after I do the dishes."
"Okay. Did you sleep well?" He took another bite of his steaming breakfast.
"Kind of. I was up late studying for the test today." It was a history test, which shouldn't be too hard.
"Man, do you think it will be that hard?"
"No, at least it shouldn't." What would make it hard is if it was something they didn't teach us yet. To change the subject, "are you excited for the game this weekend?"
"Yes! I'm not sure who we're going against," he explained, taking a sip of his almost finished tea. "But I believe they are coming from a different town."
"Oh! That's interesting." I wonder what town that will be? I couldn't wait to see the game and I'll be sure to cheer for him.
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The fog had grown so thick that you could hardly see anything in front of you. It would be like finding a needle in a haystack to walk the streets of Kagoshima. I didn't want to rush both Tashi and me to school, risking accidentally walking into the street, and becoming a victim of a hit and run again. If that were to happen mom and dad would be driving us to school until we both graduate universities.
"Hey Rin, are we going to be late for school? It's so hard to see. Even a knife wouldn't cut through this." If we are late, then so be it. I'm not risking our lives over fog.
"We'll be fine, Tashi. I'll explain to the office why we are running late. If they have a problem with that then they can call mom and dad." I'm surprised they didn't delay us a few hours this morning. Usually, they would. When I looked around there was no one in sight and even cars. "Strange that it's just us on the sidewalk." Kind of spooky, but we have nothing to fear.
"I agree, Rin. It's like we are the only ones here, but I thought Sesshomaru was walking with us?"
"Sesshomaru is not in town. He left for his senior class trip last night, remember?" I smiled down at my favorite brother.
"Oh, right! I forgot." Tashi is still not awake.
"Do you want to go to the park after school?" I've been meaning to take him for some time.
"Hey Rin, I have a better idea," he stopped walking, faced me with the biggest grin on his face.
"What's that, Tashi?" I wonder what he's thinking.
"Let's skip school and go to the park now!" Tashi instantly let go of my hand, ran ahead of me through the thick fog, and disappeared.
My eyes dilated in fear. "Tashi! Tashi, Come back!" I bolted right after him. He knows better not to run from my sight. "Tashi!" I called for him again. "Damn this fog. If it weren't for this, I could find Tashi quickly."
I ran and ran for several minutes and not caring my legs were growing tired. "Tashi!" I called for him again.
"Over here!" His voice was now behind me. Did I pass the park?
I ran back the way I came and finally could see the outline of the park sign. When I get to Tashi, I'm going to have to give him a serious talk. I stepped through the gate and the fog began to fade away and my heart dropped into my stomach. I wasn't at the park near Tashi's school. "What is going on?" I was in the forest of Yamanashi instead of Kagoshima. How? How did I wind up here? It's impossible! A lump built up on my throat and I badly wanted to swallow it, but I couldn't.
"T… T… Tashi?" Tremors were building up throughout my body as I slowly stepped forward, watching every angle around me. "Tashi?" I need to find him fast.
"Rin," his voice called for me up ahead.
"Tashi!" I swallowed that lump and ran ahead. "Tashi! You're in so much trouble."
"Rin, come here, I found something awesome!" He doesn't seem upset about the issue. He could get grounded for this. "Hurry!" I moved my legs as fast as I could, when I could see Tashi right up ahead. "Down there," he pointed down a hill and then ran down himself.
"Tashi!" What the heck is he after? When I reached the spot he ran down, I turned, and froze in place. My hand went to my mouth to stop me from screaming. I was staring down at the bodies of my family in the same exact place I saw that elderly demon getting killed. They were killed execution style. No! This can't be! My family was dead!
My knees gave out and slammed into the ground. My tears dripped down my cheeks. The ones who were after me, came for my family instead. The fear that I dreaded the most. This was their plan from the very beginning. In order to get to me, they would come for my parents, and brother first. Why didn't they just take me instead?
I hid my eyes in my hands for a moment as the sound of someone coming up behind me could be heard. I removed my hands and turned to see a tall dark shadow coming towards me. "We meet again, my dear, and you probably thought we would never find you. Well, it wasn't hard at all." The man stepped out and it was the same one who killed the elderly demon. His long black back braid swung back and forth with each step he took. I thought he was in jail! In his right hand was a black handgun. The same one I watched him use months ago. No! I cannot let him kill me. I jumped up and ran, leaving my family behind. "Come back here!" He fired a bullet right at me and missed.
Sweat dripped down my face. I was now running for my life as he followed behind. Another bullet was fired at me and just missed the side of my face by an inch. I knew I was doomed any second. I knew I wouldn't be able to outrun him for long, but I didn't want to die this way. The only way to escape this mad man was to… I heard the sound of waves crashing up ahead. Am I now on the island of Yakushima? I don't understand what's going on.
When I left the forest path, I found myself in the exact place from where I was thrown not long ago. Forgetting about the man coming for me, I cautiously walked towards the cliff's edge, and looked down. Below me was the sea. It was dark, eerie, cold, and not inviting. Is this the path to save myself? Or is this where I'll meet my fate with death?
The running from behind came to a halt and I turned to face him. "So, it seems you have nowhere else to hide!" He seethed through his teeth. "You've caused me a lot of trouble to escape prison and now I'm going to finish by taking your life."
"Please, don't! I have so much to live for. I'm only sixteen." I don't want my life to end over something that wasn't my fault.
"No!" He clicked the gun into place ready to pull the trigger any second. "Any last words?"
I could only think of someone I wanted to be with me. Someone I knew that would protect me from harm. "SESSHOMARU, SAVE ME!" I screamed. The bang from the gun shot towards me, followed by a bright light.
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Heavy rain and thunder crashed outside my bedroom in the middle of the night. The terrifying sound caused me to jolt up from my bed, with my heart palpitating from the terrifying storm, and my body trembling with fear. "It was just a dream," more of a nightmare from what happened. My tears poured from my eyes, pulled my legs against my chest, and hid my face. My worst fear happened in my dreams. A dream that I'm glad was over and not true.
Another clash of thunder erupted, and my bedroom door slammed open, causing me to jump, and almost fall off my bed. In seconds I looked up to find Tashi, crying too, and holding the hem of his pajama button down top. The storm again had awoken him from a dead sleep. "Rin," he cried through his tears.
I did the same thing again, scooted the closest to the wall and patted my bed for him to join me. He did just that and wrapped his arms around me. This was something we both needed. To hold each other, "shh, I've got you," I cried in a hush tone.
"Rin, are you okay?" I felt his thumb wipe a tear away. "What did you dream of?" I just shook my head no. He can't know what happened. I know he'll freak out if told him that he was killed, along with mom, and dad. "Please, Rin!" No, I can't. He'll hold on to me and won't leave my site. "Rin, I heard you scream Sesshomaru to save you. Please tell me what happened!" I actually screamed his name!
"You… you heard me?"
"Yeah. Rin, please tell me! I promise that I won't be upset." Tashi will be upset.
"If… if I tell you, you cannot tell mom and dad. Promise?" He's always good at keeping his word.
"I promise, Rin." I took his small hand in mine, took a quick breath, and explained what occurred during my nightmare. Tashi's eyes expanded wide when he heard what I had said, and they began to fill with buckets of tears. He let go of my hand and threw his arms around me. "Rin, I would never run from you, and you know that."
"I know, it just felt so real Tashi, and I truly thought I lost you all." I don't know what I would do if I actually lost my family to the ones who wanted me. Would I give myself over for them to kill me? Or do I go into hiding again and never see and speak to Sesshomaru ever again? I didn't even want to think of that right now. Tashi and my parents were alive and all that mattered right now.
To get my mind off that horrible nightmare, I went and made hot tea for the two of us. We both needed relaxation from the fresh herbs that grew in dad's garden. Tonight, we both will enjoy a relaxing movie, even though it's a school night, and fall asleep, keeping each other close and safe.
Yamanashi, the pear mountains of Japan, a fruit kingdom. An area known for producing more grapes, peaches, and plums than anywhere else in Japan. The smells paired together well. The leaves have changed from green to amber. Fall has set in. Though I don't understand why Rin never wants to return here ever again. The town is a beauty not like back home. You are not far from the forest parks and the city here. I hope she tells me one day and I can bring her back here to help forget the past and start a new chapter that doesn't plague her. Only if she allows me.
We arrived here early in the morning, and I only got a few hours rest on the bus. We were staying at a reserve between the city and the park that I plan to walk about here shortly. Hopefully alone. But I don't see that happening.
On the trip here, Muso, and Naraku kept texting me in the stupid text group they created again and asking me about my last trip I went with Rin. They somehow found out we slept beside each other that night. The same night I found out that Rin was part half-demon which they don't know about. Not sure who told them because I didn't sense anyone around us that night either. This trip was weeks ago, and they won't drop the subject. It got too much for me with all that shit they were asking that I had to shut my phone off. I will turn it back on later. I wanted to message Rin that arrived safely. I would do it now, but I knew she would be getting ready for school, though I should tell her to have a good day, and good luck with finals.
I remained awake, while others turned into more sleep after we arrived. I decided since I wasn't tired, I would get an early morning walk in. Plus, I had to share a room with Muso and Naraku and I didn't want to deal with their bullshit at this time. Plus, they were both snoring away. Even if I wore ear plugs, I could still hear them. I wanted to explore Rin's hometown. Her hometown I still want to know why she dislikes it here.
It was quiet in the countryside. A few people were awake, doing a typical morning walk like me. I noticed some high school students wearing typical daywear clothing for school instead of the uniform. Makes me wonder if Rin's school wear was like this. If she did, she was very lucky.
At a crosswalk, I decided I was going to cross, since there was a path that led through the forest by single family homes spread apart. It was also next to a small high school. Some high school students waited to be allowed to cross for their destination.
"Satsuki, I wonder how Tomiko is doing?" A girl who looked like some sort of demon spoke to her human friend.
"Same here, Sōten," she returned with an answer to her demon friend.
"I don't understand why she and her family had to move away all of a sudden. She never got the chance to tell us why or say goodbye. I hope she contacts us soon! It's been several months now."
"Yes, I agree. I tried to call her after she moved, but her number has been changed."
"Do you think it has to do with the murder that happened out in the forest?" Murder? "Do you think she saw the elderly welder demon, Totosai, get killed at the old stone bridge, and that's why she and her family had to leave all of sudden?"
"I don't know. But Tomiko could have. Remember it was also after that day she and her family had to leave abruptly." Weird? But it's impossible. Could it? No, they don't have the same name. Plus, there have to be several girls in this town that love photography. But what are the chances for someone to move out of nowhere and not tell you why they had to move?
"I do… I hope she is doing well wherever she is."
"I hope so, too! Maybe when she finally contacts us, we can go and visit her."
"Yes! Most definitely, though we'll have to take the depot bus. Hopefully our parents won't mind."
"I'm sure they'll be fine with it. She has been our best friend since she moved here from Tokyo. Man, one thing after another, being abandoned as a newborn. She can't catch a break." No, definitely impossible. I've heard plenty of cases of newborns being abandoned. They never mentioned if their friend was left at a depot.
"Yeah, I just hope things get better for her wherever Tomiko is and she's having an amazing time."
"Same, but I wonder if Tomiko keeps her distance every few months with that odd pain she gets in her arms and refuses to see friends?" …
"I was just thinking that! I remember Tomiko's parents telling us she was just going through a growth spurt and would see us the following day. Seemed more than a growth spurt, Satsuki. I think Tomiko is afraid to tell us much more about herself and she shouldn't. We are her best friends, and she could always come to us when she wanted, day or night," the small petite demon explained.
"Sóten, you are so right! … Oh! Hello," the human turned around to face me. "I don't think we've seen you around here before. Are you new to our town?" The demon girl turned to face me too.
"Only visiting. Pardon me for asking, but what murder did you speak of a moment ago to your friend?" I don't remember hearing about a murder in the past few months in the news.
"Oh! Yes, of course. An elderly demon, who went by the name Totosai, was killed by a man for some unknown reason just through the woods there," she pointed in the direction of the path I was planning to take. "We believe a good friend of ours witnessed the crime unfold when she went out taking photos one day."
The crossing guard allowed us to cross the street, but the three of us remained where we stood. "Does it get talked about often?"
"Not as much as when it happened. There's also speculation that the man who killed the elderly demon had an older brother or uncle who committed a crime I think about ten years ago in another city on the other side of Japan. I think the city is called Kagoshima." My eyes grew wide hearing my now hometown. Is there a connection between the two crimes? "I'm sorry, but we're going to be late for school."
"It's quite alright. I thank you for your time." I thanked them when we were allowed to cross the street again.
"Anytime," they waved and headed towards their school while I headed for the path.
I walked through the forest path, found an empty bench, pulled out my phone, and typed in the murder that took place here. A lot of articles popped up and I started with the first one the day after it occurred. It explained that the elder demon refused to weld a massive sword that could cause mass destruction, and when he was confronted and still refused to create the weapon, he was gunned down. It was also at the time that a passerby witnessed the crime unfold and took photos just seconds before the elder demon was killed.
The way those girls spoke earlier about their friend who left without a word, also describes Rin: doesn't explain why they had to move, though she stated that her parents got a better job offer, pain that comes on all of the sudden every few months, hides away for a day, and not wanting to spend time with friends and much more. Could there be a connection between them? Is Rin really who she says she is?
As I sat here trying to put this mysterious puzzle together, "there you are, Sesshomaru!" Damn it!
Muso and Naraku appeared through the trees, walking side by side with each other. "Yeah, why did you leave as quickly as we got here?" Naraku pulled out a cigarette and lit it. Typical of him to do that here.
Muso held a handout a handout for one and lit that too. "Thanks dude."
"I came out here because I wanted to." It's really none of their business why I came out here. "Why are you out here? Also, you shouldn't be smoking out here either!" They were snoring away that wouldn't wake the dead.
"Because we woke up and decided to stretch our legs. Plus, they don't allow smoking at our place of stay and you know how the teachers are if they catch us smoking." Naraku inhaled and released. Yeah, you would both be suspended, which I'm surprised hasn't happened.
"We tried to get the girls to come after they woke up, but they would rather stay in town, and do sightseeing there, plus do their shopping when the stores open." Then why not stay with them. "Hey, isn't this the area where a murder took place? We should totally go to the scene of the crime and take a look!"
"What murder?" Muso is so dense when it comes to real life. He's still the typical dude who looks at himself in a mirror he comes about. His looks are always on his mind instead of his studies.
Might as well tell him since he'll forget within a day. "An elderly demon was murdered not far from here a few months ago and sources say that a person captured the crime on camera.
"What! Really?" He seems intrigued, but I highly doubt that.
"Yes." I hope they leave soon. I want to be alone.
"Let's go find the crime scene!" He charged around us, eager to find the exact spot. There was no point to stop him. Once Muso has a set goal in mind, he'll only stop when he sees that goal.
I followed behind, with Naraku by my side, "by an old stone bridge." I wish they would both just turn around and go back. There was no point of them being here to begin with. I guess I have to deal with it for now. But I will come back at another time when they're finally with their girlfriends.
I sent Rin a message to let her know I arrived safely and to have a good day. I hope her day goes well because the last day that I saw her, she looked nervous with the test she would soon be taking. I told her to not let that fear get the best of her and to take each question a little at a time.
"So, Sesshomaru, what really happened at the island with you and her?" It's not their business.
"Nothing happened between us." Why do this think I whisked Rin away to fuck her? That's something they would do with their girlfriends.
"Oh, come on! Why else would you sneak off with your girlfriend to an island far from home?" What I would give to punch some faces in.
"Yeah, What Naraku said." I just ignored their questions.
I remained silent when we found the old stone bridge. Yellow tape that was once hung up laid up on the forest floor, with dead dried leaves laying upon it. On the old stone bridge, you could see remnants of dry blood from the crime that took place months ago. An elderly demon who shouldn't have been killed over a weapon.
"So, this is where the killing took place? What an odd place to be killed. But, then again, it is the country, and a place to commit a crime away from the public eye." What a stupid way to say that, Muso. "Alright, this place is giving me a headache. Want to head back, Naraku?
"Yeah." He pulled out another lung cancer stick from its pack, handing one to Muso, and lighting it once again. "Are you coming, Sesshomaru?"
"No," I want to stay a bit longer.
"Suit yourself." They left from the direction we came.
"Finally!" I thought they would never leave. "Is Tsukuyomaru's killer really related to the killer of this town?" What are the odds? I remember being there at the sentencing. Though I was young, I remember the huge family of Tsukuyomaru's killer all sitting there, some heartbroken, but mostly angry that their family member was going to prison on a death sentence. The killer's name was Mukotsu Yōhei.
I decided to do some more digging on this killer. I don't remember if I read the name of the man that took the life of the elderly man. I went back to the same article and read that the man's name is Bankotsu Yōhei. It stated that he was the great nephew to Mukotsu Yōhei and found him to be a big inspiration on taking the lives of others… Hard shivers went down my spine that I want to transform into my true form. But I need to calm my nerves as I do not need to go on all fours right now. Did… I'm going hold on hope the girl that saw this crime is not Rin. Did she get chased after taking the photo? So many questions left unanswered.
As I stood there, I felt my phone buzz to see Rin had replied back. She told me she had just left for school with her brother Tashi and that she was still nervous for the rest but would take the questions one at a time. She told me to have a good day and that she would message me when school let out.
How badly I wanted to ask her the questions that plague my mind of this heinous crime, but I replied by telling her that I would wait for her text. I also told her to tell Tashi to have a good day too. "I'll wait to ask questions when we're alone again." Possibly after when she goes and sees father about finding her birth mother.
JennyCrum: Before I reply to your multiple comments, I just wanted to say thank you for being patient while FF went through an email issue. That's why I haven't posted on this site since September. I am posting on AO3 too if you read on there. It was a long wait till I saw the updates from others that emails were working again. Now, on to the reviews.
- Yes! He finally broke up with Sara. She was holding him back so much.
- You'll have to continue to read to see if she slips. What do you think her secret is though? Sesshomaru is very observant. He has such a keen sense with everything around him. Do you think he'll find out her secret?
- They are cute together. Sesshomaru is very kind towards them both, including her younger brother. If they do appear again, you know for sure Sesshomaru won't allow anyone to come near Rin and harm her.
- Yep, Sesshomaru does have a sweet side. Plus, Tashi is in good hands.
- Was that shocking to see Rin going through a stage no one knows about? What truth do you think that will be? Have you figured out the clues?
- Sesshomaru is very attentive, loving, and caring. Though Rin still does not accept her other half, only she, and her family know about it. Do you think she'll eventually accept that she's part half demon? Who do you think her birth mother is? Plus, why do you think she only transforms every three months or so?
- It's great they can talk about themselves being who they are, though Rin still won't accept she's a half demon. If and when they find her birth mother, how do you think it will go between them after sixteen years?
05csomoragnes11: I have not given up. I just took a break to give myself a rest. Plus, I do work 5-6 days depending if I work a weekend and have to focus on that. I plan to write more as I am right now. There are days I just need to let my mind rest. I'm happy to see that you're enjoying this story as much as I am. I know it's taking a while to write each chapter, but I want to make sure that it flows well. I appreciate that you see a lot of potential in me, and it makes me want to write even more. I do hope to have this chapter up just in time for thanksgiving as a gift to everyone. That now makes me want to write another AU story of Sesshomaru and Rin's first Christmas together. I will not give up and will continue to write. Thank you for standing by and patiently waiting.
- I repeat, I will not give up on this story! It will definitely be a big bang! Sara's family is unreal, right? Sesshomaru and his family are totally the opposite from her family. You'll have to keep reading to see if they have truly given up on him. Sara's father is a character I must say. Have you figured out the clues from this new chapter? Who do you think Rin's mother is? What about her father?
JennyCrum and 05csomoragnes11: I've updated Daisuki for a few errors and added a new chapter. Please check it out.
