Chapter Fourteen
The man behind the same computer threw a clear glass of scotch across the room, frustrated that she still hasn't been found. "How has no one found her yet?" He threw the whole bottle this time. "Have all the cities been checked?" Mr. Asano was on the verge of throwing any object he could get his hands on at anything and anyone.
"Almost, Mr. Asano. We're working our way down and Tokyo will be our next trip soon. We just don't want to make the police in this town think we're up to something," a member of his group creepily smirked and rubbed a clay bottle clean.
"How long will that be, Suikotsu?" Asano demanded out loud.
Suikotsu didn't blink and kept calm. "A month, or after the new year at most, but while we wait, I will prepare a potion recipe, left by Mukotsu, that will knock her unconscious when we get our hands on her. It will keep her in that state for several hours." Suikotsu was next in line, after his elder brother, Bankotsu, was arrested months prior for murder, and he was a scary man at that. Fire was a major passion of his and he would use it on anyone who got in his way.
"You have till after the new year to find her. If she isn't found by noon on the last day in January, hell will happen," his blue eyes become heavy of a devious plan in mind.
I laid in my bed, looking up towards the ceiling, waiting to be called down for dinner. Tomorrow I'll be heading into the city with dad, meeting with Sesshomaru's father, Inu no Taisho, and hopefully he'll be able to track down and find my birth mother. I know the process could take time, but Sesshomaru told me that his father can find people a lot quicker than most private investigators today. I believe it. I'm just wondering if I have to tell him about my demon nights to help with the investigation. Part of me believes I might have to and the other part of me is scared. I'm still not ready for that secret truth to be revealed to anyone else.
Soft pitter patter of feet came up the stairs and down the hallway, with a soft knock at the door. "Rin," it was mom. She opened the door and had a gentle look on her face as she came in. "Dinner is almost ready. Oh! Did I wake you?"
"No, I was… just a lot on my mind," she knows what I'm talking about. I sat up as she came and joined me on the bed.
"Are you nervous about tomorrow?" I was.
"Yes, but I know it's best to finally know who my birth mother is and maybe my birth father. I'm just scared that I'll have to tell Sesshomaru's father that I become a half demon every few months." I really don't want anyone else to know.
"Rin," she cupped my cheek. "My darling, you have nothing to fear about telling Toga about your demon nights. A lot of others go through the same thing as you, tell people about themselves, and go about their day like nothing. But I understand what you're thinking. I've heard and read stories about yori no tori and the price to capture one. I hope that never happens to you." I never told my parents what happened when I went away for a week on the island.
"Same here. I would hate to be a prize for someone's next paycheck." Which almost happened to me.
"You won't, Rin. Your father would then have a serious lecture with them about coming after his precious daughter."
"Mom!" She busted out laughing. It is true. I am his only daughter.
"Haha, heck I bet Sesshomaru would do the same." If she only knew he already has. She picked up my hand with his gift on my finger and wrist. "I can't believe you're in a relationship. It's good to see you to be with someone who cares for you besides us. A guy with amazing talent." She continued to smile at me. "Anyways Rin, let's go have dinner. You need a good night's rest after you eat for tomorrow." I have a feeling it will be a long night.
"True. I just hope that I can sleep through the night."
Father and I left a few hours earlier on Friday morning than we had planned. We stopped at a local diner near where Sesshomaru's father worked to have one of our rare father daughter outings and just talk about anything. I know we'll talk about everything that will happen today in the hopes we can find my birth mother. "You okay, Princess?"
I was looking out the side window as tiny streams of rain drops ran down the large glass window. "Yeah." I turned my attention to him, "please don't call me princess in front of everyone today." It's really embarrassing. I had the plastic menu in my hands deciding what to have to eat. It was breakfast time, and the fluffy pancakes were calling for me. It felt like forever since I've had them.
"Haha, I won't," he reached over the table and patted my head. "Rin, I know it still doesn't feel real that you are finally going to get the answers you're looking for, but it's good to get this chapter started, and completed. Hopefully you can start a new one and maybe have a relationship to grow with your mother when she is found."
"But what if and when she is found she doesn't want anything to do with me?" I hope she does, and we can sit down, talk, and grow a bond for years to come.
"Only time will tell, and your mother and I will have your back my dear." I know they will. You're my family and if she wants nothing to do with me, I will be okay. I was raised by two loving people, who will always love me.
A little tear drop fell from my eye, "thanks daddy." I will never call him that in front of others. Especially Sesshomaru.
"Anytime dear." He grabbed my hand and just held it. "Now, what does my darling daughter want for breakfast?"
My phone's alarm blared to wake me up early this Friday morning. Usually I'm waking up for school, but instead I'm waking up to head over to my father's place of work where Rin and her father would be meeting him in hopes he could find her birth mother. The day she held off for the longest time was about to come to an end. I have hopes that father will be able to track her down and Rin and her mother can have a relationship and catch up with each other. I just hope it doesn't turn the other way around and she denies her.
I was beyond tired as I came home late last night from Yamanashi. But I promised to be there for Rin. I wanted to hear what father had to say to her and her father. I know he'll ask them both all sorts of questions, but part of me wonders if Rin will tell father that she isn't all human. She was a half-demon that turns into a yori no tori every so often. I still don't understand why though and neither does she. Could it have to do something with her birth mother or possibly her birth father? Only DNA testing will determine that.
I got ready for the day and made my way downstairs to breakfast already made and placed on the kitchen table. I wasn't the one to eat in the morning, but today I'll make an exception. I needed the energy after only getting four hours of sleep. "Good morning, Sesshomaru," Izayoi placed a hot cup of tea down on the table in front of me.
"Morning," though I'm not a morning greeter, I did anyway. "Father leave already?"
"Yes, he wanted to be at work a bit early so he could get Rin's paperwork started." She placed another cup of tea down, walked into the hallway, and looked up the stairs, "Inuyasha, it's time to come down to eat."
"Kay," I heard him shout from upstairs. He was down in a matter of two minutes. "Yo! Why are you up? Didn't you just get home at midnight?" He took a seat and began to eat her a meal.
"Yes, but I have a busy morning." A long day to be exact. I have a dive practice meet up when I get done at my father's place of work. I had to make up for the week I had missed. Then after I wasn't sure. Maybe ask Rin if there was anything she wanted to do.
When Izayoi placed her own teacup down and took her seat, "how was Yamanashi?"
Though it was too early for all sorts of questions, I'll just answer them now so I wouldn't have to later. "It was good. Visited almost everything there that I could."
The air was clean and fresh. The forest is where I spent most of my time away. The smell of wet due sends the good chills down my spine. I can see why Rin enjoys this type of nature, but I still don't understand why she doesn't want to go back there or talk about this place. But I won't overstep it and ask anymore. I let her explain when she is ready. But I won't tell them about one place I visited. The site a murder took hold months ago. A murder… a murder… No, Rin can't possibly have seen this murder. Those girls back in Yamanashi said a different girl's name… although, there have been stories of people who have witnessed heinous crimes and have to go in what is called the witness protection program. A program that makes you change your identity and start a new life somewhere else. I'm still holding out hope that Rin is who she said she is.
Coming out of my thoughts, I explained more about my trip to them when I realized the time, excused myself, and left. Rin and her father should be at my father's business around the time I should arrive. I sent her a text that I was on my way. She replied back saying she would see me soon and that she was about to finish breakfast with her father at a diner where we are to meet.
Even though I got back early this morning, I already want to get away again. Possibly this evening. We had our next time off from school, due to another pipe burst, and I don't want to have to be here and deal with swim practice. Plus, I want to keep my distance from Naraku and Muso, since they were both caught smoking, sneaking around after curfew, and suspended for breaking the rules.
The only one I wanted to get away with was Rin. I also have an idea where we can go. A place I know that she would like to visit. I'll ask her if we can step away for a minute or two to talk. If she says yes, I won't have time to slack off when I get out of swim practice later.
Breakfast was good, but nothing beats my father's homemade stuffed pancakes, fluffy eggs stuffed with mushrooms, green onions, sausage, and a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice. Including hot tea of herbs from dad's garden and pressed coffee of freshly grind coffee beans. Thinking of all that stuff makes me think I'm like a pregnant person who craves so much even though I am not pregnant.
After breakfast, we stopped back at the car to grab the bag that contained the jacket I was found in sixteen years ago. Sesshomaru's father would need it to help make my case go quickly. The dry blood could be extracted from the material and put through a process with hopes her name would pop up in the system. Hopefully there are some hair follicles too. "Nervous sweety?" Dad grabbed my hand that held Sesshomaru's gift as we walked towards the building. Of course, dad can sense I was feeling this way since he was a full demon.
"A little. The only thing that might help make me feel better is taking photos somewhere I haven't visited yet." Maybe Sesshomaru and I could hang out after this meeting with his father is over. "Maybe a place within the city."
"That would help my dear. It's the weekend so why not spend some time out of the city?"
"I can't believe how relaxed you are after everything…" That big fear I'm being watched will never go away until they are all caught. "Dad, how are you and mom okay with me going away for days at a time with no parental supervision?"
"Rin, I know. Your mother and I just hate to see you kept up in a place that doesn't feel like home to you. We want what's best for you and being away for a few days is okay with us. Even if it is a week's vacation. Sesshomaru is a daiyoukai. A kind that is said to be the strongest of all demons. Their kind is known for their loyalty, protection, and more." Dad really would have made an amazing history teacher. "Since your school had another pipe burst, why don't you go to the town of Karuizawa with Sesshomaru!" No! No!
"Dad! That's two hours from Yamanashi!" He should know better. "Can you think of somewhere else? Maybe a place that snows?" A place that snows would bring me comfort.
"Sorry, dear. I wasn't thinking. Mmh, if you want to go somewhere that snows, then I suggest Akita, Japan. But the temps wouldn't be cold enough to snow," he placed a hand to his chin. I know he's thinking of a place I would enjoy. "How about the island of Shikoku? It's nowhere near Yamanashi." I'll take it.
I've heard of the island, but I don't know anything about it. "Do you travel by boat?" If it's an island, then we wouldn't be able to stay there long.
"No, by train."
"Oh!" I haven't been on a train in some time.
"Yeah, that would mean you would have to leave tonight. The last train usually leaves close to ten. I'll send your mother a text to pack your bags. Only if you want to go?"
"Um, well… let me see if Sesshomaru isn't busy all next week." He sometimes gets unexpected practice meetups. Plus, he does have another competition coming up here soon. A competition that I planned to attend with my family.
"Why not ask him now!" What? I looked up ahead to find Sesshomaru was already here, waiting by the doors of his father's workplace. This was my first time seeing him after his senior trip. He had just gotten back early this morning and I could see in his eyes how tired he looked. Though he was supposed to come back this weekend, he decided to come back a few days early. "Good morning, Sesshomaru." My father greeted him before I could.
"Mr. Agawa," Sesshomaru held his hand out for my father. "Rin," he said my name pleasantly. I smiled at him. We talked in the past about not showing affection in front of our parents. "My father is waiting for us in his office. Shall we all head inside?"
"Yes, of course." It's time, Rin. It's time to find out who your mother is. When we walked inside, "how was your trip to Yamanashi?" I heard my father ask.
"It was good. Explored everything that I could, including the forest. Saw a bunch of wildlife too." Something I miss, but won't ever see again until… I can't think of that at this time. I need to stay positive.
"That's good to hear. Did Rin ever tell you about the bears we saw?" Dad really enjoyed that day.
"Yes, Rin mentioned it that day we visited Yakushima for the first time. The rare brown bear with her cubs if I remember correctly. She said it was after you both had your slight accident jumping boulders."
"Haha, yes. Boy that was a day," even though that day was scary, dad still will cherish it. "You got to go with us sometime."
"Just let me know and I'll join you." Dad would have to do some research where he could do that.
Toga's office was on the top floor, in a medium sized room that overlooked the back of the city. When we took our seats at his desk after we greeted his father again, "Rin, I was informed you're in search of your birth mother? Is that correct?"
"Yes," I was still nervous, but I had to get through this. "She abandoned me at birth sixteen years ago in a metro station bathroom in Tokyo and I wanted to get my answers of why she did what she did." I pulled out the jacket, "I was found in this jacket, and I was hoping that the blood could be used to help track her faster." With today's technology, it should work.
He took the jacket within his hands. "Ah! I remember hearing that story on the news. I had just started my career as a private investigator at a local office not too far from that exact station," I forgot that they originally lived in Tokyo after Izayoi told me she used to teach there. "I would never imagine that I would be helping the same girl who was found." It looked as if he was very excited to work on this case. "Is there anything else you have from that day or anything else I should know about?"
"Not from that day… but at… when I was six years old… I discovered that I wasn't all human. I learnt from a doctor that I was a half-demon," I watched him look at me confused. "I learnt that day that I was a yori no tori."
He still looked at me shocked, "how often do you change? Because please excuse me if this is too much, but you do not smell of a half-demon, Rin." I get what he means by his question. I don't understand either.
"That's where I'm also confused, and I change every three months or so. The pain starts out in the morning in my arms, and I change into my demon form when the moon comes out." I'm starting to feel a small slight sting in my arms as I speak. I won't let anyone know what I'm feeling. If Sesshomaru and I leave tonight, and we take a train, I want us to have a private room so no one else can see me transform, but Sesshomaru. "I only stay in that form for the night." He's the second demon to know of my true self.
"I see," he wrote down what I said. "When was the last time you transformed?" Do I tell him?
"Umm… when we went to the island that week the pipe burst at school." I still believe that I am a hideous creature. A creature that should never be seen at night. A creature that belongs in a circus sideshow for others to laugh and point at and throw their food and drinks at me. "I hid, with the fear that I'll be seen by others, except Sesshomaru."
"I made sure Rin was out of everyone's view after she told me about herself. It took her till nightfall to explain what was going on with the pain she had earlier that day. Surprised she could fly when she felt there were others coming towards us."
"You can fly as a half-demon?" That shocked his father.
"Only in my transformation. I don't know if I have any other forms of power because I never tried… I also have the capability of telekinesis in my demon form." I think I do have the capability to use my telekinesis in my human form, but never tried. I don't think I want to even try.
"Oh! You should have seen that night when those birds came and scared not just my wife, but me too. Rin, on the other hand, wasn't scared and allowed them to rest along her arm like a typical tropical bird. She told us they weren't after to hurt us, but we're investigating what spiritual power Rin had on her. Do you think her birth mother is the yori no tori carrier?"
"Well, I have heard most yori no tori are female, and on very rare occasions a male will come along, so most likely her mother is where she gets her demon traits from. Her birth father is a mystery though. Rin should be looking and smelling like a half-demon, but she sits before me as a human girl. So, whatever her father is, that is where Rin is getting her traits from that keeps her in human form longer and turning demon every so often." So, my father's traits are why I'm human longer than my demon form.
"Do you have a reason why that is?" I hope he does.
"Well, I would like to order a swab from her mouth here soon. I have a team here that can do that, and I would like for you to leave that jacket here with me so my team could extract the blood from that."
I have no problem with both, "okay. Do you know how long it will take?" I hope not long.
"It depends, but I've had test results come back within a few days," that amount of time is not bad. I thought it would take longer. "Is there anything else you would like to ask me? Or that I need to know?"
"Umm… will this test determine just my birth mother? Or will it bring up test results of my birth father?" After the way he explained things, I hope it does, and we'll know why I stay human longer.
"Both, I will have you put down for the autosomal DNA test. It's done from either a mouth swab, spit, and blood." I could do either, though I'm not a fan of needles after all that testing I did as a kid.
"Okay." Toga brought us to a floor that did the lab testing and they just did a mouth swab. It felt weird and I felt like I was going to gag. I should have done the spit, but I find that very gross.
When that was said and done, the three of us said goodbye to Sesshomaru's father, and we made our way back outside. Father left me and Sesshomaru to talk for a bit and went to the car. When the coast was clear, he suddenly pulled me into an embrace, and laced his hips with mine. A kiss he's been deairing and missing for almost a week. Honestly, me too. Both his hands held each side of my face. A way a guy would treat a girl that he deeply loves. But how long will this last until those who want to hunt me down come to this city?
Sesshomaru released a growl like this kiss turned him on, "Rin," he kissed my lips again. "How are you feeling now?"
"Better that I can put this chapter behind me soon." I just need to wait for my birth mother and I to meet face to face. "How are you feeling?" When I looked into his eyes, they showed how tired he was. Dark circles rested under his golden irises. He needed rest. He needed to sleep. Honestly, so did I.
"Tired, but I'll be alright. So, did you want to go to Shikoku for a week getaway?" He heard the conversation!
"I'm not sure… My father made the suggestion because he doesn't like seeing me this upset and stuck in a place that doesn't feel like home to me," my arms were around his shoulders now. "A week's getaway does sound good right now."
"I do need another week away from my senior trip. If you want to go, do you want to leave tonight or tomorrow?" He doesn't mind going after just coming home early this morning!
"Umm…" if I do go, it will help keep my mind off everything and make the days go by fast. "Okay, what time tonight or tomorrow if we take the train?"
Sesshomaru pulled out his phone I guess to check the time, "the earliest train leaves at seven-thirty tomorrow morning. Then there is one that leaves at nine-thirty for tonight. The ride would take almost fifteen hours." That's a long ride. "I think we can make it to the latest ride tonight, so if you don't mind that?"
"I'm okay with that, but where would we stay when we arrive?" I know this is last minute and would there be any places we could stay that won't be expensive?
"My father owns a villa we could stay at. We just have to get the cold necessities when we get there," that's good to know. I could get dry foods and pack them in a cooler.
I do need to tell him I'll be transforming tonight. "Sesshomaru, the train that we take tonight, can we make sure we get a private cabin?" I hope he could read what my eyes read.
"I don't see a problem with that… are you in pain?" He lifted my right hand, massaging my wrist. The heat from his hands helped linger the pain.
"Right now, yes. The heat from your hands is resting the pain. I didn't think I would be transforming this soon." It wasn't that long ago when I last transformed.
"If you want to leave sooner than this evening, we can do that. I want your safety to be my first priority." It's just like my father said, daiyoukai, just like Sesshomaru, are known to be loyal, protective, and more to the one they cherish most. "I have to get to diving practice here soon. I'll message you when I get done."
"Sure," he kissed me again and we parted ways. When I got into the car, "we leave later this afternoon, father. He's going to dive practice now."
"Do you want to get some dry food for your trip?" We were on the road when he asked that.
"Sure," Sesshomaru and I can get the cold foods when we get to our destination. I should tell him we're leaving much sooner than we had both planned. "Dad, the reason we're leaving this afternoon is because I'll be transforming this evening."
"It's okay. Message mom and have her start packing your bag, that way when we get done at the store, you'll be all set to go." I sent the message to Mom and she asked what I would like packed. I told winter and comfy clothes. Including my snowshoes. Couldn't go without them. "So, do you want me to look at places for you both to stay?"
"No, Sesshomaru's family has a villa that we can stay at." I've never met anyone who owned two homes before. "I promise nothing will happen."
"Bahaha, Rin. You're a character. You know we trust you, right?" Of course.
"Yes." I am nowhere ready for sex.
We were at the light before our destination of the grocery store, "we do trust you, princess. With all that's going on, we want you to still have the life every teenager should have, just not the sexual relationship…" Okay, this subject needs to be dropped.
"Okay, dad. I know. Can we drop that subject?" I'm totally done with it. "Please?"
"Well, we've been meaning to give you the talk since that first night you went on a date with, Sesshomaru." Ugh.
"I know not to go all the way with him, dad. Do I look like someone who wants to become a mom at my age? School is my main focus even more now that I'm trying to get a scholarship." I really want to drop the subject. "Can we talk about something else?"
"Good girl, and yes. What would you like to talk about?"
I got out of diving practice later than I wanted to and I only had a little over an hour to get my belongings packed up. I sent Rin a text that it would be best to meet me at the train station. Thankfully I didn't drive, and I'll fly back home much quicker.
Rin replied back within seconds. She said she agreed that she stopped, and got some dried foods, and that she'll see me here soon. I told her to give me an hour to pack, and I'll be set to go. Since she got the dry food, I will get the cold ones when we get to our destination tomorrow afternoon. But I will get us something to eat here soon or the ride over. I know once we are in our cabin on the train, Rin will not want to leave it. Though I will make sure we get one near the bathroom just in case.
I arrived home to find my father already here. "Ah! Sesshomaru, can we talk for a moment?"
"Can it wait? I need to pack a bag for a week." I don't have time to dawdled.
"Just a few minutes. I want to speak to you about your girlfriend, Rin." He knows better to not give me this sex talk again after my first relationship with Sara.
"Five minutes." That's all the time I have. We went to his personal study, sat at his desk. "What of Rin do you have to speak about?"
"You both have gone on some trips more than usual lately and…" I raised a hand his way.
"If this is going to that damn sex talk again, Rin and I are nowhere going in that direction." I would never take her virginity at this time. Plus, I would never disregard another demon's daughter. One who is most equal to me. "Plus, Rin and I haven't gone on many trips. I just got back early from this school trip, and I'm going on another one to get my mind off some things. Rin is going because she needs some time away herself." I should tell him, "Rin is already showing signs she'll be transforming tonight, and I don't want to keep her waiting till she's in her true form."
"Sesshomaru, just hear me out. You gave Rin the gift, something that you didn't give Sara, and when you give the one that special gift, it always leads to getting away with your destined mate to have sex." It won't happen. Rin is my destined mate, but I will not deflower her this soon.
"You do realize I can handle myself, and not try to take what's hers? This is my second time taking Rin away for a week. Nothing will happen between the both of us, I promise." I can't believe he is giving me this damn lecture. "Don't be paying Inuyasha to come check up on us like last time."
"As your father it's my job to do what's right and if things happen… Do you have condoms at least?" I'm done with this conversation. Yes, I have them, but I have no plans on having sex. I may have had dreams of us doing it, along the grains of warm, and cool sand, on the island of Yakushima. That was after I found out she was a half-demon… If I keep thinking of that dream… "I need to finish packing."
"Sesshomaru?"
"Yes, I have them! Okay! But I have no plans to have sex at this time! I'm done with this conversation and I'm going to my room." I cannot believe my father. I thought he was going to say his lab team found out who her birth parents were already, but no, he had to give me that damn sex talk I already knew about and now my mind is thinking of the sex dream I've had of Rin and myself.
Did I enjoy the dream, yes. Am I going to make that dream come to life? No!
I did whatever I could do to keep my mind off that dream, getting my packing done. I took out the ones I wore from Rin's hometown, threw them into the hamper, and grabbed new ones that would fit perfectly for the snowy weather we'll have while we're away. I know the first day that we're there, we'll just mainly focus on settling in and getting the cold foods. Then the next several days we'll do whatever we can. I wonder if Rin will want to go snow tubing. I have a feeling that she will.
Putting the last few things into my bag, a thought crossed my mind, "I think it's time that I show Rin my true form." The same form that I can turn into if something angers me. I know nothing will happen to Rin, but I just need her to see what I truly look like if something like that were to ever occur, and she knew not to fear my presence when I came to her rescue. The ones to fear me are those who want to haunt her demon form. If I had been there when those drunks attacked her on the cliff, I would have shown my true form then and there and waited for the park rangers to escort the men off the island.
I cleared my mind from that day, gathered what would be taking with me, and left my room. I could hear Inuyasha gaming away on his computer, father and Izayoi were in the kitchen talking as she was preparing whatever she wanted to make for dinner that I would not be a part of.
As I reached the foyer floor, "Sesshomaru, can you come here please!" I heard my father calling for me. Damn, I need to get going.
I left my stuff in the foyer and made my way into the kitchen, "yes?"
"Take a seat, this won't take long." Damn it. I did as I was told and took a seat at my usual spot. "You have everything that you will need?"
"Yes," I know that's not why he had me come sit down.
"I want to go over some ground rules while you are at our other house; you and Rin have to sleep in separate rooms during the stay." Planned on it. "You must keep the house in one piece. No parties for one," I'm not the one you would need to worry about throwing parties, father. "Keep the temperature at the minimum and if you need more heat, you may light a fire."
"Is there anything else?" First the sex talk to me, now this.
"Yes, Sesshomaru. What would you and Rin like to eat for dinner for your trip over?" Izayoi turned around, mixing something that smelled like raw chicken in a bowl. "I can make some sandwiches for you two."
"No, thank you. I'm grabbing something at the store near the station."
"No, problem. I hope you two have an amazing time." Izayoi is the complete opposite father.
"Am I free to go?" I turned to my father waiting for his answer.
"Yes. Remember the rules." I nodded and left for the foyer. I sent Rin a text that I was leaving now and I would see her soon.
"Rin, is there anything else that you would like to take with you?" Mom was helping me grab the last few items that I might take with me, while dad was preparing the herbs I will want through the week. Mostly for tea.
"Umm…" I looked at the pile of my belongings along my bed; all sorts of clothes, shoes, camera, batteries, toiletry bag, and whatever else mom thought I would need. "Looks like everything that I'll need is here… oh!" I went to my closet, where I had something brand new that was never opened rested.
"What are you grabbing, Rin?" Mom was right behind me.
Since I was young, instead of using sleds, I always used large blow-up pool toys to sled down on snow. "My penguin." It was like the one I used to use. "I want to relive a memory of going down our sled hill again." It was the same type that went down on its belly.
"Haha, do you plan to race Sesshomaru?" Never thought of that. It never occurred to me if he would get out in the snow or not.
"Not sure… ow!" I dropped my penguin and gripped my wrist. "Why is this happening so soon again?"
Mom was right there smoothing my arms to ease the pain. "I'm not sure, Rin. Maybe since you're becoming an adult soon and still growing, you could be seeing this more frequently." I hope not.
"I really don't want this to happen." It was this point I wished they created a pill to stop this from happening, but there isn't. When the pain subsided, "I'm going to finish packing."
"Rin, I know it's still hard for you to accept that you're a half-demon, but you are probably one of a kind, one that everyone will want to be friends with." Or more of an attraction show that was trying to sell my photos online. "Just remember that you are very special to us, and we will always be there for you no matter what."
"I still find it hard to accept what I am." I sat down on the edge of my bed, holding my wrist that was throbbing, "back home, I still believe Sōten and Satsuki would think I was a horrendous creature."
"Rin, don't you say such things like that ever again! You are not horrendous by any means. You are absolutely beautiful, inside, and out. A beauty like no other. Your friends, Sōten and Satsuki, would never say such words about you. You were their best friend. You three had a friendship that could never be broken. A friendship that would never turn their backs on one another because of a unique ability. What do you think they both would say to you right now if they knew you were a very special half-demon?" This lecture from mom was a lot to take in.
"I don't know." I don't know how to answer.
"Yes, you do, Rin. Now, please tell me the right answer!"
I closed my eyes and pictured them both here with me right now in my bedroom. I imagined that I was in my true form, allowing them to feel my arms of the stone like material, asking me all sorts of questions about myself, the powers that I have, and more. Then I pictured looking at their faces, they had the look of concern, and why I didn't tell them when I should have. Then… then they would hug me, tell me how special I am to them, and accept that I am a half-demon. It would be after that conversation we would have a sleepover and stay up till dawn talking about everything and plan our next adventure.
"Rin?" When I looked at mom, I had my answer.
"They would love me no matter what..." I allowed my tears to fall, hiding my face once again. "I miss them so much, mom." I really did. "I could never imagine having other friends like them. We all acted like sisters together, when we weren't even related. They were my friends, and I kept my biggest secret about myself from them. I want to tell them." Because of the circumstances that I am in, I cannot make any contact with them until I no longer have to live in fear.
Mom's arms were around me, pulling me against her, "it may not happen now, tomorrow, or next week, but I promise, my darling, I promise that you will see them again." I hope she is right. "I will still understand, including your father, about staying out of the public eye when you travel with Sesshomaru."
I do, "thank you, mom." As I wiped my tears away, "I should finish packing. I promised I would be meeting Sesshomaru in half an hour."
"Anytime dear." With moms help, I got my rolling suitcase packed, with everything else I had to bring inside. "Is that everything?"
Not everything, "almost." I grabbed my cotton jacket that would be comfortable wearing over my arms when I turn and my dark sunglasses to hide away my bright red eyes. I would only keep them off when Sesshomaru and I sleep in a private cabin on the train. One that held two beds for each of us to use. "That should be it."
"Okay," while I was away again, my family was planning to take Tashi to an indoor theme park tomorrow in the next town over. I know they'll all have an amazing time. I know it has everything you would find at a regular outdoor theme park. "I hope you and Sesshomaru have a really good time and I hope that you can get as many photos as you can. Maybe you'll see some wildlife to add to your photo collection."
Though I wasn't feeling myself with the pain that I was having, I had to smile at mom's comment. "I hope so too." I don't know what wildlife resides there, but I know Sesshomaru would know.
By the time we had gotten to the train station Rin had already changed into her half-demon form. The sun was still out, and she was covered up with a cotton jacket and thick black sunglasses covering her eyes. I know she had to be extremely hot in that jacket and couldn't wait to remove it when we got inside our cabin. It's strange that she changed this soon! "I'm so overheated in this jacket."
"Are you able to hold out until we get inside our cabin?"
"Yes, I still don't understand why it's happening this soon and not later." It really doesn't make sense to me either. "Is there anything you'll need before we board?" We only had about five minutes till our train was to arrive.
"No, I have what I need here." She had her rolling suitcase and a cooler with dry goods. "I stopped at the convenience store and got myself a bottle of iced tea. Do you need anything?"
"No, I have everything that I will need with me too." I too stopped and got myself something, plus a bottle of water. Rin and I agreed over text that buying something to eat for the trip would be cheaper. There is no way I'm paying for what they serve on the train as it's way overpriced.
"Okay." We had a long ride ahead of us. Part of that time will be spent in our cabin. I know we'll talk for the most part, and if she asks about my trip, I'll tell her about it.
The train arrived on time and we both boarded. Our cabin was in the back and the closest to the bathroom that we could get. Once inside, with the door finally shut, Rin removed her jacket and glasses, "finally," placing them onto the bunk, taking a seat. I walked over and closed the curtain to the window of our cabin since people could see in here.
"Thank you." She knows why I did that. When I looked back to where she was, she was laying down along the bed, an arm covering her eyes, and her shoes resting on the floor. I wonder if she got much rest last night.
I sat beside her, rubbing her forearm that rested along the bed. "Are you in any pain?" She didn't flinch at my touch.
"No," I moved my hand to hers. She still didn't flinch. "They still feel the same, just uncomfortable. I don't think I'll ever get used to this." She lifted her arm to see the cast-like stone with her other arm. "I just wished this didn't have to happen to me."
"Remember that you're unique, Rin, and I'm glad I have met someone as remarkable as you." I looked into her red eyes, as they looked into mine, and they read the opposite of what I said. "Don't think negatively of yourself. From now on, think positive." I kissed her lips tenderly for a moment.
"It's hard to find things positive about this, Sesshomaru…" She sat up and put her feet to the floor. "The only positive thing that comes from it is detecting demon birds."
I kind of smirked at her comment. At least she's trying. "It's a start. Do you sense any now?"
She shook her head, "not yet. It's still light out. They don't care for cities. They prefer quiet forest areas. Like the place we are heading to now." She rested against my shoulder. I could tell she needed some rest.
"Would you like to get some rest?"
"For a few minutes."
"Rest as long as you need."
"Okay," I kissed her lips again, then pulled back the curtain to give her privacy as she slept.
.
.
.
.
I was in the midst of a book that I brought since I couldn't sleep, when I heard heavy panting, and a hint of crying a few feet from me. From the way it was coming from, it had to be Rin. Is she in the midst of a nightmare?
As I turned my head, "SESSHOMARU, SAVE ME!" She screamed in a high-pitched voice.
I literally jumped out of bed, flipped the lights on, threw back the blackout curtain, found Rin gripping her pillow, and her bed as she slept and cried at the same time. Sweat was drenched all over her face and pillow. Her breathing began to get heavy, like she couldn't breathe, and her teeth clenched down hard. I knew I had to wake her up now! I moved my hand to her shoulder and shook her hard. "RIN, WAKE UP!" I spoke as loud as I could. She didn't hear me. "RIN, WAKE UP, YOU'RE DREAMING." More of a nightmare the way it looked.
Her same red eyes popped open, she shot up fast, and threw her arms around my shoulder, soaking my shirt with her hot tears. "Sesshomaru, what… what time is it?"
It was after midnight, but that didn't matter right now. "Rin, what were you dreaming of just now?" I hope she tells me.
She just shook her head back and forth, "I… I can't remember."
I huffed, "you screamed for me to save you. Do you at least remember that?"
She paused for a minute. Hopefully she remembers that at least. "No, I don't remember." She still held on to me shaking.
"Why are you shaking then?" There has to be a reason why!
"I… don't know why I'm shaking." She won't come clean, no matter how many questions I ask her. "I… I think I'm just cold, Sesshomaru."
This isn't the type of shaking you get from when you are cold. Plus, there is no way she is cold because she's sweating profusely, and her visible skin is warm to the touch. She is already in her demon form still. Is this possibly a new sign that she will remain in this form?
I took her word for account and wrapped her jacket around her shoulders. "What time is it?"
I grabbed my phone, "it's five minutes to twelve." We were still a long way from our destination. "Here," she had a bottle of water by her bedside, "drink some water."
She took the bottle along with a few small sips, "I'm sorry. Did I wake you?"
I sat beside her, "you don't have to apologize and no. I haven't been to sleep yet. I've been reading." I will rest soon after I know she is okay.
"Oh." Rin looks like she will fall back to keep very soon.
"Can I get you anything?"
"No, I'll be okay."
I cannot tell Sesshomaru of my dream. I can't tell him that I saw myself almost being killed by those who want me dead back in my old hometown. I saw myself by the old stone bridge, bounded with rope, and my mouth covered to muffle my screams. My family was there too, but alive this time, bound with the same rope, mouths covered, watching me with a barrel of a gun aimed at my head. The horror in their eyes, seeing me there, with seconds left of life, and no saving to come for me…
Coming back to reality, "I'll be okay, I promise." I hate lying to him. I hate that I have to keep my deepest, darkest, secret from someone that's caring to me. Someone who has jumped in when trouble came before me. Someone who gives positive advice when I don't feel positive about myself. I know I should start feeling positive… maybe I will when I finally meet who my mother is. I'll have to think about that one.
I needed to splash my face with some cold water. "I'll be right back." Five minutes was all I needed.
"Take your time," Sesshomaru moved back over to his bed. I got to my feet, grabbed my sunglasses, and zipped myself up into my jacket which already was causing me to sweat.
After slipping my shoes on, I left for the bathroom which was a few doors down. As I walked down the hall, I could sense night birds not too far off, and I knew they were coming this way because they could feel my presence. They weren't going to cause harm and were just as curious as last time.
I stepped into the bathroom, got the cold water running, and removed my jacket and sunglasses. A few minutes cooling my face down was all I needed. When I looked at myself within the mirror, all I saw was a creature. So many years of dealing with turning into a phoenix daiyoukai only at night every several months and now I'm turning into again not even a month later.
Part of me wants to read up on phoenix daiyoukai and what comes about when one experiences what I go through as a half-demon. But the other part keeps telling me no and that it wasn't worth it. "I have to think long and hard about that," I told myself as I scooped up water into my hands and splashed my face several times. The cooling helped a bit, but not enough that a shower would do.
I left from there, shielded behind my glasses and jacket, and made my way back to the cabin. In my peripheral vision, I saw a demon bird fly up by the widow I went by, going the same speed, and looking at me. He was a mature adult, about six years old, out looking for a midnight snack, which was typical wildlife.
With my telekinesis I could hear his thoughts. He was telling me good evening, that he was out hunting, and if I was hungry. I wasn't. I replied back with my mind that I unfortunately don't eat wildlife like he does. He apologized, bid me goodnight, and went about his merry way. I watched him fly off into the distance and also saw many more phoenix daiyoukai.
When I walked back into the cabin, I found Sesshomaru sitting upon his bed, and looking down at his hands. As he looked up, all I could see was a question on his mind. "Rin, can I ask you something?"
I took a seat on my bed, facing him, "sure."
What does he have to ask me? "Did you hear about a murder that happened when you lived in Yamanashi?"
Finally, after so many months, I finally updated this chapter. It's been a long-awaited wait. I was going to plan to write the trip within this chapter, but I will do that within the next chapter.
Jenny Crum: That's so cool. I've actually never seen criminal minds. How do you see the future take hold when everything falls into place?
05csomoragnes11: Yes, good work requires time, just like now. Seven months to be exact. I think those seven months were what I needed. Right? I was chewing through my teeth when I wrote that scene. I pictured myself in that scenario as if I were Rin, and waking up and realizing it was a dream. Honestly, I think we all have been in Rin's shoes with nightmares and waking up realizing it was all a dream. I had one happen the other night of me dreaming of a skin walker/zombie… yeah, that shit was scary. When I tried to go back to sleep, I would see the monster again.
You'll have to keep reading to find out who Rin's mother is. My goal is the next chapter with their trip. Sara's father is not Rin's father. Someone else is. You'll find out who he is later on too. I hope people are surprised when they find out who that is.