Chapter 17 - The Gift

The next period of time was peaceful for the small traveling group. Sesshomaru began to believe, that the most severe threats had temporarily passed from the mainland. Perhaps they would be able to appreciate some quiet.

In a casual manner, they moved back toward the Mushashi region. Sesshomaru kept them close to the rivers and streams that ran along the base or valleys of the mountains. Provision for Rin always in the back of his mind. He was aware that her human body needed constant nutrition to ensure she remained healthy and grew to be strong.

Additionally he was mindful to skirt around known breeding grounds for other demons. Not an action he would have ever considered before Rin came into his life. Unnecessary risk, was pointless. Though, on the rare occasion that they did meet some rogue demon, any slightest hint of aggression drew an instant and efficient end to their lives. Jaken, Sesshomaru was certain, had noted the additional precautions that his master took. Wisely, the imp made no comment on it though.

Rin seemed blissfully unaware, and reveled in the journey. Often she stopped to pick flowers, or select stones she believed were rare and beautiful. Sesshomaru would examine anything she offered him, with interest, but rarely with comment. Rin so often read him his thoughts so clearly, better than he could articulate. It seemed superfluous to fill the air between them with unnecessary words.

It was evening, on their fifth day after leaving Yakushima, that Rin skipped up beside Sesshomaru, fairly glowing with excitement. He was leading them toward a sheltered place at the base of mount Aka, Rin had been trailing behind for the last few hours. Singing to herself, chasing fireflies and stopping to look at things on the ground that caught her interest. Jaken sat on A-un, half dozing in the saddle.

"Lord Sesshomaru." She said, her voice coming from somewhere down by the right sleeve of his hakimono. Shifting, he turned to look around the fur of his mokomoko. When his face became visible to her, Rin's smile widened and she held up her closed palm.

This was one of their ongoing interactions. He stopped, as usual, to turn and examine whatever it was she held out to him. Behind them A-un stopped as well.

Rin shook her head when he stopped, "It's for you!" She held her closed fist out to him insistently.

Curious, he leaned toward her ever so slightly. This was new. She hadn't given him anything, since the sprig of lilac — something he hadn't yet been able to discard. It was silly, sentimental and human to keep such trinkets. But, gifts seemed to be important to Rin. Small things with great meaning.

Lifting his hand, Sesshomaru extended it to her, palm up. Smiling up at him, Rin dropped something smooth in his upturned palm.

Her voice dropped to a hushed whisper and she dropped her eyes to his boots. "I found it a few days ago. It reminds me…" she stopped and cast a shy glance up at him. "I thought you could keep it to remember me. Always."

Confused, Sesshomaru's eyebrows drew together. Remember her? What on earth was she talking about? Briefly, he considered opening his mind, to divine her thoughts more clearly. But… there was no telling what could happen once the path between their minds was opened willingly. Sesshomaru had no intention of furthering the damage he may have done with the Kizuna.

Was… she speaking about her own death? Rin was far too young to be thinking such dark thoughts. Suddenly he felt a tightening pain in his chest. Then again, she had already died once. Perhaps he misjudged her happy innocence — perhaps she battled dark thoughts too.

"You're being silly, Rin." He admonished, his voice gentle.

"Will you keep it?" She insisted, grabbing his sleeve.

For a heartbeat he was silent, watching the hopeful look in her eyes, the moon reflecting in their dark depths. Slowly, he nodded. Satisfied, her smile returned and she released her hold on his sleeve, without another word she skipped back to A-un.

For a moment he watched her dark head dip between the shadows, as she climbed up onto A-un behind Jaken. Then, he opened his palm to look at what she had left there. It was a stone, it's surface worn smooth by the river. It was a soft color green, probably a natural variation of jade. It was shaped in an angular semi circle, similar to a half moon. He stared at it silently. Something about what she said disturbed him. What did she think was going to happen to her?

Sesshomaru closed his hand around the cool surface of the stone, pressing it into his palm. Nothing was going to happen to Rin. Certainly, he could ensure that.

A faint scent drew his attention. Closing his eyes, Sesshomaru tipped his nose to the breeze. It wasn't a familiar scent, but it was definitely a demon. His gold eyes opened, narrowing as he stared out across the expanse of the stream nearby and the woods beyond that. Whatever it was, was approaching intentionally. Any demon would have scented him, which should have been enough to turn them to another path.

"Jaken."

There was a warbling sound, followed by a thud. Sputtering, Jaken hauled himself to his feet from where he had fallen off of the dragon, and hurried to his master's side.

"Yes my Lord?"

"Take Rin to the cave at the base of the mountain. Put up a barrier and wait for me to return."

"Wha—— why my Lord?! What ever is the matter??? Shouldn't I be there to help assist you?"

Sesshomaru turned his gaze to the imp at his side, narrowing his eyes. "Do as I say."

"Ahh! Y-yes m Lord! I'm going!" Jaken hurried to A-un and scrambled back up to the saddle. "Get up you beast!" The dragon responded instantly, leaping into the air with its powerful legs.

"Lord Sesshomaru!" Cried Rin, her voice lost in the swirling torrents of wind around A-un.

The yokai leapt into the sky himself, going the exact opposite direction as his companions. Whoever was hunting him, would not find Rin and Jaken, he would lead them away before risking an encounter.

Still holding the stone in one hand, he tucked it into the hidden pouch inside his hakimono for safekeeping.

It wasn't long until he smelled the shift of his pursuer, angling to follow his scent, instead of the dragon and its passengers.

Good. A brief smirk tilted his lips. Now, let's see who you are.

Sesshomaru's eyes swept the landscape below, hunting for just the right place for a battle. Behind him, the moon was finally rising. It was full, and so large it appeared to be close enough to touch. Finally he found a suitable place at the edge of some woods, where hundreds of lilypads covered an expanse water. Landing in the moonlight, he took a breath and waited. It would not be long.