Bound by Privilege
This story is not for profit. It is purely fanfiction. I don't claim any ownership of the manga or anime Inuyasha, Yashahime, the original stories, or the characters created by Rumiko Takahashi or Takashi Shiina.
Chapter 21
The mirror reflected his mother's image as she pulled the pins from her hair only to braid it loosely and let it hang over her shoulder. She smiled at six years of his young life as he bounced on each foot, happily finishing the cupcake. Grabbing a book from the nightstand, his mother handed it to him as he stretched out on the bed. He'd studied her movements to the door peeking out. Satisfied, she'd closed it quietly. She'd kissed his forehead and told him to close his eyes. They'd counted together to ten and reminded him to never tell a soul about her next actions. She gestured for him to start reading. She'd listened intently even as she pulled the rug back exposing the boards from the floor. Reaching underneath the bed, Sesshoumaru heard her divide her attention as he continued to read and she reacted accordingly to the characters, curious of their next adventures to keep her son going. Sitting up, she positioned the book higher in his hands. Even so, he'd peered over the top watching her hands maneuver the cash quickly. "Keep going, darling. What happens next?" His mother's voice was calm as she reached up to turn the page hoping to avert his curiosity. He continued as the adventures of the little puppy and his elephant friend escalated into a race. His mother's laughter reminded him that she was enjoying his particular narration of this story. Before long, he'd reached the end of the book and she'd slid the box back under the boards, replaced them, and pulled the rug to its original place. He knew enough not to ask about this task. She'd explained that it was something that he would understand when he was older, and he would have to keep the task a secret for their safety. His mother joined him sitting on the bed and pulling him to her in a hug. She'd turned to another story and read, the adventures of the little puppy and his mother's quiet steady voice lulling his eyes closed. Feeling himself being carried, he tried to prolong this night.
"Can I read another one?"
"It's already past your bedtime." His mother tapped his nose as his yawn grew.
"I...wanted to...wait for Dad."
"I know. But, the fights can go pretty late into the night. You need your sleep. He'll come see you as soon he's back. Just like he always does."
He shuffled down underneath the covers as his mother nuzzled his cheek and left him to his room to sleep. He'd done his best to stay awake, sleep beckoning him before waking again to voices. He kept to the right of the hallway, doing his best to avoid the visuals of the portraits above and the men who lined the hall. Something about these portraits of Takemaru's long-gone family members frightened him. Maybe it was the way he felt like the eyes watched him or the frowns plastered among the faces when they were supposed to be smiling. Only one was bearable among them. A snapshot, he decided, wasn't so old. The woman smiled with her eyes closed, enjoying the scent of the bouquet in her hands.
"Why would you put up a barrier?! I already had the fight won. That demon wouldn't have been able to land a blow had you not done that!"
"Toga, the audience wanted a show. I had to give them their money's worth. You were going to win in record time."
"You act like you're betting against me. A win is a win, no matter how short or long the fight is. You double your money and I get to be back home with my family. What's so wrong about that?"
"Nothing, I suppose."
"Then let's keep it that way."
Takemaru looked over his shoulder as he smirked.
"Would you like to see your father fight Sesshoumaru?"
"..."
He gave a wide birth around Takemaru, refusing to respond. He was grateful that his father beckoned and hugged him, picking him up as he did so.
"Now, there's an idea. The next fight should be a family affair."
"What are you talking about?"
"Sesshoumaru should come along."
"Are you a fool? He's a six-year-old child."
"Don't worry. Satomi is coming too. The way I see it, you get to take your time in the Ring, I get to triple my money, and you get to spend time with your family. It's all a win, right?"
"I'm not letting him watch that kind of fight."
"You let him watch, or you and your pretty wife can send each other postcards when I trade her to another team. Your decision. Have a good night."
His father's expression was worrying following Takemaru out of the room.
"He's going to trade mom?"
His father's expression shifted quickly.
"Not to worry Sesshoumaru. You waited up for me, huh?"
He nodded, smiling as his father chuckled at his determination to fight a good night's sleep on his behalf.
"Oh, what is this? My pup's lost a fang! Does your mother know about this?"
He giggled, as he nodded. "We made cupcakes to celebrate!"
"Well, no wonder my little snaggletoothed pup is still awake. No more losing fangs for you."
He shook his head, "Mom says it's because I'm getting older."
"I guess I can't keep that from happening."
"I'm gonna get as big and strong as you!"
"Of course you are!"
...
He recognized the box in his father's hands. It was the same one that his mother would always pull from under the bed. His father removed the cash from its contents.
"Here. Take it. Your mother and I have been saving up for a while. We knew eventually this day would come. It's not much but it should last for a few months, maybe a little longer if you're willing to make it stretch."
"Thanks." Sesshoumaru took the money his father handed to him placing it in the bag he slung over his shoulder.
"You remember what we've taught you?"
"Yes. Don't let anyone convince me to register. Go unnoticed. Steer clear of the wealthier neighborhoods. The security is always tighter and they look for any reason to arrest a rogue demon. No matter how hungry I get, I won't break in and I won't steal. If I do get arrested, I won't struggle or fight. I'll be less likely to be held for long. I need to try to find a shelter. I did well with my homeschooling so I can try to find a job. Not many will hire me but there's always a chance. Not all of the humans are like Takemaru."
His father nodded hearing his son repeat the words that he and his mother ingrained in him.
"And, if no one hires you?"
"Then I make it work. I know enough. I can survive and live the rest of my life...without you or mom..." He shuddered at the thought, reciting it to convince himself until trailing off. Maybe any other teenager, under different circumstances would have jumped at the chance to leave their parents, but these weren't those circumstances, and the apprehension was only magnified by an uncaring society. What he was convinced of, was that no matter how much he repeated it, he couldn't make it true.
"Listen to me..."
He searched his father's face giving him his full attention.
"You're old enough now that Takemaru would start taking you into fights. He may have agreed to this deal to let you go but the last thing I want him to do is get any ideas that you're so attached to us that you don't want to leave. If he thinks that, he'll draw you back in and I can't get you out if you're registered like your mother and me. Trust me, you don't want this. Every time I step into those Rings, I have to trust Takemaru with my life and I regret that decision. But, out of that decision, the silver lining was your mother and you and I could never regret this family. Whatever you do...don't come back here. Do you understand me?"
"..." He was sure he heard his mother's heart breaking, an unintelligible sound from her voice that she choked down as she looked at his father. Her chest heaved and she turned not wanting to contradict his father's instructions.
"Sesshoumaru, don't..." His father shook his head, telling him that he hesitated to believe his own words, and yet he stood in them.
He nodded looking down to hide the emotions, the knot in his throat rising. He knew that it was for his safety, but the thought of never seeing his parents again was a pain he hadn't anticipated. For years his father and mother did what they could to prepare him, but no amount of preparation held a candle to this. He'd hugged his mother as silent tears continued to flow, staining her cheeks. His father's embrace was strong. It was always his safe space. His father's laughter always made the best even out of the worst situations. There wasn't anything too difficult for this man to overcome. The memories and forcing himself to retain every feature of his parents' faces, their scents, and their voices only dug deeper into his soul, and he'd buried his face into his father's shoulder. He was grateful the elder hadn't let him go yet, his arms tightening around him. Even as a teen, he felt like that little boy again waiting for his father's arrival, the joy of seeing him and just being close was everything. Now, he was about to lose that and like his mother, he felt the weight of it wrenching him apart.
"You're going to be okay. We'll meet again."
...
Rin felt the breeze of the summer night enter the bedroom. She'd come to expect Sesshoumaru's presence as she reached back. Startled, her hand did not land on him, Rin realized that she was alone. Her mind raced and she trembled at the concept of Sesshoumaru doing the unthinkable. Did he go back to challenge Takemaru and Kirinmaru without her? She sat up, trying to collect her thoughts, and let her eyes adjust to the darkness with the help of the moonlight. She searched the room quickly, her heart rate diving and bringing back peace of mind. His silhouette was highlighted by the moonlight. Sesshoumaru stood on the balcony as he stared up at the moon. Rin was sure he was waiting for it to speak back as he listened intently. Rin rested her arms on her knees wondering if Sesshoumaru would ever receive the response he hoped for. Since confronting Takemaru at the mansion and agreeing to the fight, Sesshoumaru remained unsettled. At times, lost in thoughts or memories. She couldn't blame him. The time Takemaru agreed on to prepare for a fight that would determine the rest of his life was hardly anything to take lightly. Sesshoumaru's heavy sigh as he dropped his head prompted her. He would never ask it but the reserved request for her presence was unmistakeable. She'd moved quietly sliding her arms around his waist and resting her head against his back. His hand gripped hers, grounding himself among the recollections.
"I'm not going to ask if you're okay because I know that you're not. Nothing about this is okay. And you'll never have to be afraid to let me know that."
His jaw clenched, and the burn in his throat increased. The few tears that slipped down his cheek were masked by the warmth of Rin's hand as he turned to face her. He quieted the breaths, preventing them from shuddering at the memories. He hadn't meant to wake her and yet he was glad that she was there. He wondered how she could stand by him, and defend him when she would gain nothing at the risk of losing everything. He was sure there was something magnificent about this woman who refused to let him go. The strength of her heart had to be greater than anything he would be able to physically attain.
"My parents did everything that they could and it still wasn't enough. Win or lose, Takemaru is not going to stop."
"Then, neither can we. Your parents' efforts are not lost. Takemaru doesn't have you yet, and he won't."
The spark of determination in her eyes lit a fire anew and Sesshoumaru was fueled by Rin's unwavering positivity and confidence. He wouldn't wait for the moon to give him an answer when he already had one.
A/N: I realize this chapter is a step back but it has its purpose in the grand scheme of things. I hope to update again soon! Thanks!