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, the original story, or the characters created by Rumiko Takahashi.

Chapter 20

The quiet of the room let Rin's thoughts wander. After Sesshoumaru revealed their situation to Inuyasha and Kagome it had left them in an odd state. Inuyasha's reaction was nothing short of quick-tempered bringing him back to a place before meeting Kagome and her family when he'd spent time on Naraku's team. Rin hadn't anticipated Sesshoumaru feeding off of his brother's energy revealing how intrusive the thought was of being rid of Takemaru. He knew his chance would never be the same avoiding law enforcement all the time and removing her from his life. Still, Sesshoumaru's every interaction with Takemaru was getting harder. The threat of her getting injured or killed was a nightmare. While Rin was glad that she and Sesshoumaru didn't have to shoulder the burden alone it was all that they had for Inuyasha and Kagome to know. Kagome revealed that there was a recent rumor running about Suikotsu's team. The handler was apparently coming apart at the seams, completely unstable, and Takemaru was taking advantage. At the moment, there wasn't much else that Kagome and Inuyasha could do. Headed to a scheduled fight, the two of them left on a hopeful note that they would figure something out once they returned. In his way, Inuyasha had asked his brother not to do anything reckless until he got back. Rin was sure he just wanted in on the action, but if it would remind Sesshoumaru to think twice, she gladly welcomed it.

The gentle hum of music in the background left Rin swaying side to side as she closed her eyes hearing the words of the chorus. Mouthing the lyrics that would come next she adjusted the headphones over her ears and let the silence of the walls surrounding her, transport her into a different time and space. Knowing the cue by heart, her lips parted and the lyrics flowed. She hadn't had to look far for her inspiration for the song. She'd written it without hesitation, taking her every moment with Sesshoumaru to heart. Feeling out every emotion from hesitations, fear of loss, curiosity, love, and determination to never let them fail.

The music started and Rin's vocals were smooth, her voice carrying commanding attention as Sesshoumaru turned to her. Her eyes were closed and she seemed to be reliving the words. Her hands reaching up to the microphone without touching it. What was more alluring was the lyrics that told a familiar story. One that the two of them shared and every ounce of those feelings poured out from her chest. Some moments built up in the song that he wasn't sure she would hold, her stature small, and yet her voice was greater. Rin knew the limits of her vocal range. She'd written the song after all, but she didn't shy away from challenging herself. It was a similarity that they held with one another, never to back away and to overcome even when the odds were against them. Rin was a true master at her craft. He found it interesting as Rin and the producer swapped ideas, running parts of the song back and trying it different ways until they were both happy with the sound.

The buzz of his phone alerted him to Jaken's request to know what Rin wanted for dinner. No matter what the situation, Jaken always sent him this text when he was sure he could've just asked Rin directly. Sesshoumaru suspected there was something behind the little demon's request. It was likely a stretch to imagine that Jaken was warming up to him and even more unbelievable that this was a roundabout way of checking in. He would settle for it being Jaken's way of trying to earn points with Rin in showing that he was making some effort to care. As if on cue, she and the producer agreed to take a break and meet back in an hour.

Rin hadn't cared that the producer barely made his way out of the room giving Sesshoumaru a quick peck on the cheek as she joined him, wrapping her arms around him and snuggling to his side on the couch in the studio.

"Did you like the song?"

"Yeah. It sounds like us."

"Good. So, what do you want to eat?"

"..."

Rin pushed back the involuntary smile creeping up as Sesshoumaru's side eye gripped her and she knew that he was no longer on the same page about dinner.

"What am I going to do with you?"

"You created this monster."

Rin couldn't fight the upturn of the corners of her mouth as she felt the rise of Sesshoumaru's chest and she quickly responded. "Dessert is after dinner."

"Extra fluff and added sugar inclusive?"

"Only for you."

"I look forward to it."

"You are not scheduling that on my phone!"

Rin laughed cursing her height to grab the phone Sesshoumaru pulled from her back pocket. She was sure he was enjoying her climbing him as he leaned back to keep it out of her reach. Unsuccessful, she spotted an exposed weakness as her nails found their target reaching underneath his shirt, scratching at his abdomen enough to elicit a response.

"Rin...!"

Sesshoumaru damned the back of the couch preventing him from turning out of her reach and quickly placed the phone back in Rin's hands, focused solely on protecting his side and preventing those nerve impulses from shooting down his spine that would reflexively end in a literal knee-jerk reaction.

"Success!" Rin was sure she'd heard him vocalize more than her name during the well-placed touch.

"You're beautiful, but you fight dirty."

"You haven't seen anything, yet." She would always love that smile in his eyes. It was his best-kept secret between them as he brought her closer to kiss her.

Hearing her stomach grumble, Sesshoumaru listened to Rin order a salad. He tried not to let the bias slip in. He'd spent six years hungry and of all the options available, this level of wealth seemed to have a penchant toward a plate of light fare. Sesshoumaru was sure he knew her well enough to order the salad and extra of whatever he was getting to share it. It was dawning on him why Jaken had delegated this task to him. Rin hadn't been hangry with the little assistance since.

The sunset gave way to the darkness as Rin looped her arm in Sesshoumaru's. The top of the parking deck was her own reserved space. Jaken's grumbling behind them reminded her that they'd stayed later at the studio than planned but the fights had put her farther behind schedule than she'd wanted and she was attempting to make up the time.

The moonlight was covered by clouds and Sesshoumaru could smell rain in the air. Even so, the gust of wind was uncharacteristic and Rin felt it too. Their steps toward her car were halted. Rin didn't have time for any sound to leave her as Sesshoumaru grabbed her and jumped backward. Her assistant hadn't been so lucky, tumbling to the side as a demon landed exactly in the spot where she and Sesshoumaru were located only a second ago.

"Sesshoumaru, long time no see. Miss Luna, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed recognizing the scent of the demon. It was the same one that lingered in Rin's condo after the break-in. But he recognized it from somewhere else now. How could he forget those features? The green eyes the two blue markings on the side of his face that stretched from his chin to just underneath his eyes, the dark auburn of his hair that appeared untamed and curling at all directions. Kirinmaru. This demon was the same one who was supposed to be on Suikotsu's team. Sesshoumaru gritted his teeth in anger as Kirinmaru smirked and made his way toward them.

"Easy, Sesshoumaru. I just came to request your presence is all."

"What do you have to do with Takemaru?"

Kirinmaru nodded, "He wants a deal."

"With Takemaru, there's no such thing as a deal."

"He figured you might say that. So, we can do this the easy way or the hard way."

Rin could feel Sesshoumaru's aura rising as she moved back in his step. He was readying himself to fight even as she swallowed hearing the snap of Kirinmaru's fingers. She suddenly wished the top of the parking deck hadn't left them so exposed. She'd counted as four other demons appeared, surrounding them. Even for Sesshoumaru, this was beyond an unfair fight. They weren't in the Rings and she would only serve as a hindrance.

"Sesshoumaru, come on. Don't be so stubborn. Let me paint the picture for you. I'll force you to attack me. You'll step away from Luna and Koga will join in our fight. That still leaves three wolves against a miniature purified demon and a human. The wolves will take hold of Luna. Hopefully, they won't hurt her and you still won't have a choice but to make chase only to deposit the two of you in front of Takemaru anyway. I assure you, all Takemaru wants is a chat, so make this easy. No one wants attention, the media exposing the Lovely Luna with a bunch of rowdy demons."

Sesshoumaru searched them out contemplating his chances. Ginta and Hakkaku would be easy to take down. Yawaragi was stronger than the two of them but would be an annoying obstacle. Koga, on the other hand, would be a challenge and Kirinmaru was deadly. As much as Sesshoumaru hated to admit it, Rin would end up being left to her defenses no matter how close he tried to stay and Jaken was currently too dazed to be of any help.

"Fine. Rin stays here and out of this."

"Sesshoumaru..." A feeling of dread washed over her as drops of rain landed on her cheeks.

"Takemaru wants you and your handler."

...

Rin shook away the pangs of guilt leaving Jaken behind but it would be to his benefit to recover back at the studio and at least be out of harm's way. She brushed the strands of her hair back from her face taking in the sight of a grand mansion. Its whereabouts were secluded among the forest as she watched Kirinmaru and The Wolves ascend the steps. The dark made it harder for her eyes to discern but she was sure the band on Kirinmaru's wrist had changed colors from a teal to dark blue. The bands were meant to purify and yet she realized that all of Takemaru's wolves were able to use their full power. She wondered if this was the same hack they used in unsanctioned fights.

Sesshoumaru recognized this place that brought about unwelcome memories. Takemaru's condo was easy access to any dealings in the city but this was a place that he'd unfortunately also called home. A vast stretch of the hallway led them past portraits of family members likely dating back to the feudal era. Rin's whisper broke into the memories.

"Why are there so many humans with handler's bands?"

Sesshoumaru counted them down the hallway. A total of ten, and more were likely spread throughout the mansion.

"Takemaru looks at all of this like a mind game and he loves a challenge. Even so, his evil is not hampered by idiocy. He has multiple demons on the team and this level of backup allows him to sleep without an eye open."

Rin suddenly felt small entering a large sitting room. Kirinmaru's affectionate gesture of placing his hand on the head of a young girl sitting at the base of the steps had not gone unnoticed. The little girl's smile widened and Rin was sure she held a resemblance to the older demon. Another female demon descended the stairs but stopped just short of the last step where the young girl sat and nodded to him. Her silver-gray strands were pulled into a bun. Her green eyes matched Kirinmaru's and the young girl's. The grey dress seemed to match the mood of the room and the clouds outside. The rest of the wolves disappeared into the back of the room but their presence was not forgotten.

Footsteps echoed against the hardwood floors that creaked with each step. A pin's drop would have been the equivalent of the shock of a boulder against the otherwise quiet as Takemaru entered the room. Sesshoumaru watched Ayame peel from Takemaru's side as he directed her opposite of the rest of the wolves. The female wolf demon was no threat to him but it was difficult to ignore his senses to attack Takemaru understanding where that threat was directed. Sesshoumaru searched the scents in the room questioning where his lead wolf, Sounga was located. Had Kirinmaru replaced him? Sesshoumaru's attempt to stand in this human's presence unbothered took a level of calm that was already undone by being summoned here in the first place. He steadied with Rin's hand touching his wrist.

"Miss Luna, welcome! Sesshoumaru, I am glad you've finally decided to grace me with your presence."

"..." Sesshoumaru bit back a show of fangs at the handler's mockery.

"I'd love to have a conversation. Simply handler to handler."

"Takemaru, your dealings are with me. Not with her."

"Oh but on the contrary Sesshoumaru. I kindly requested your presence and you refused. You are in debt to me, yet you decided to get another handler involved. The way that I see it, you've placed the control and the responsibility into her hands. So, Miss Luna..."

Takemaru's eyes narrowed as Sesshoumaru remained unmoving, blocking his access to Rin.

Rin tensed at the gesture of the snap of Takemaru's fingers. It was the same one Kirinmaru used to summon the wolves and it did the same here. She'd guessed Sesshoumaru's rise in aura had prompted this and Kirinmaru had joined Takemaru at his side. The next few actions were faster than her eyes were able to follow. Sesshoumaru and Kirinmaru had clawed grasps at each other's throats. Koga's hold kept Sesshoumaru's other arm behind his back. The female wolf demon's person threatened hers. She hadn't had to raise claws to her. It was clear that any sudden movement would not be a smart decision. Sesshoumaru gritted his teeth in anger as Kirinmaru smirked, waiting as Takemaru decided what he wanted to do.

"Kirinmaru, my wolves, and Sesshoumaru can keep themselves entertained briefly while we have a more civil discussion Miss Luna."

"Don't trust anything he says."

"Quiet, Sesshoumaru. Let the handlers do the talking."

Rin sat cautiously on the chair across from Takemaru, attempting to keep her expression neutral. The difficulty left her nearly pursing her lips even as she'd tried to relax the tension. Takemaru didn't mask his ego, spreading himself to take up the entirety of the chair. It was the kind of gesture that would make bile rise to any self-respecting woman's throat. The power and money had gone far beyond this man's head. Rin eyed the handler's band around Takemaru's wrist. It was the same with the other humans. It was never meant to be worn outside of the ring and yet she was sure he thought himself a king and these demons under his control his loyal subjects.

"What is Sesshoumaru worth to you?"

"Your question is invalid."

"Truly, you love him? Every fighter has a price."

"And if he doesn't, then what?"

Takemaru chuckled, attempting to size her up. Rin was aware he was taking his time to try to find a crack, a crevice for any leeway.

"It wouldn't do well for Luna to be involved in such an awful world. If Sesshoumaru's debt is revealed, the media will turn against you. I love how he willfully omitted such dealings from your lovely little interview. Why not remove yourself from this problem? Be done with him."

Rin bit back cursing as Takemaru gestured toward Sesshoumaru.

"The only problem here is you."

Takemaru sighed, shaking his head as he laced his fingers together. The smirk never left his face.

"Then, you're free to leave. He stays."

"You can't do that."

"Watch me."

Rin could feel the blood suddenly draining from her face as Takemaru stood, the gesture as each of the Wolves surrounded Sesshoumaru.

"No!"

"..."

"This is about the money for you right?!"

"You're speaking like a handler now. I'm listening."

"I want this over. No more coming after us. I'll pay the debt. Whatever you want. Let him go."

"Rin, don't."

"Hm...I like the thought. But, life would be quite boring. There's no challenge in that. No. A duel."

"A duel?"

"Among the rings. The weapon of my choice is my strongest, my new lead, and the first among the top ten. Kirinmaru. I assume your weapon of choice would be Sesshoumaru. It would be a fight among fights! If you win, you get exactly what you want. Sesshoumaru's debt will be erased and I forget you ever existed. But if you lose, Sesshoumaru becomes a member of my team forever."

"I can't make that deal. You can have half of my assets if we lose. It would be exponentially more than what you would ever make in the Rings from him and it would pay off his debt."

"Unfortunately, those are terms I won't accept."

Rin tried to avoid Sesshoumaru's eyes but she was drawn to them. She saw him nod against Kirinmaru's grasp. In all of this time, neither demon had let up. She would have to trust that given the situation it was the best option that they had. It was what Satomi had alerted them to prepare for and now they would have to prove themselves. The stakes were too high not to be ready.

"Deal."

A/N: More to come! Appreciation as always for reviewing!