Chapter 50 - Rest

I'll always want you Lord Sesshomaru. Rin's whispered words continued to dance around his in thoughts. Much as, he realized, she seemed to dance in his very heart.

How is it possible? For me to care so greatly for such a fragile being? Sesshomaru's gold eyes shifted down to where Rin walked by his right side. He could feel the peaceful joy emanating from her. She was happy, simply walking and holding his hand. Something inside his chest thudded painfully, as he looked down to where her small hand fit in his sword calloused fingers. It was an indulgence he couldn't allow… he shouldn't have allowed in the first place. But she'd almost died — he felt the necessity to remind himself that she was alive. Holding her hand helped solidify that reality. He found himself loathing that he needed to release her and return to the reality of their different worlds.

Father… did you struggle like this? Knowing Izayoi could not be part of your world? That she belonged with her kind? That someday… you'd have to surrender her, back to her world? He felt the infinitesimal tightening of his fingers around her hand. She belongs with me. Yet… she is not mine to claim. The war of his mind only intensified his angst and confusion.

The adrenaline was finally beginning to wane from his system. With it, came exhaustion. The battle with Naraku had taken more energy than he had thought. He'd used a significant portion of his reserves, preventing that filth from absorbing him. Sesshomaru let out a heavy breath, feeling less pressure to remain stoic, with only Rin near.

Gently, Rin patted his arm with her free hand. "I'm safe now." She promised, as if guessing the direction of his thoughts. Her dark eyes met his, and seemed to gaze directly into his soul. "Can we go back to the hut in the Musashi province my Lord?" For a moment he was silent, watching her, a smile tilted her lips and softened her brown eyes.

How does she know exactly what I need? Faintly, he nodded. She should rest too. Perhaps taking some time off from travel, would be beneficial.Exhaustion and angst had taken their toll on his mind. There were so many things he wanted to say. She should understand how intensely he cared for her. Shouldn't she? How intensely, and selfishly, he desired her to remain part of his life.

"Rin…"

"Lord Sesshomaruuuuu!"

Jaken's cry brought him back to reality. The yokai blinked, then looked away. Rin seemed to understand, she squeezed his hand, and carefully withdrew her fingers before Jaken came into view. In a quiet demure shift, she walked behind Sesshomaru, moving back to her unspoken place on his left side. The green imp came hopping through the grass, out of breath and dragging A-un behind him.

"Lord Sesshomaru! Why did you leave without me again— RIN!" Jaken stopped mid-step and dropped A-un's reins, and raced over to where the girl stood. "You're alive!"

Rin smiled, "Hello Master Jaken. Yes… Lord Sesshomaru came to rescue me." Sesshomaru felt, rather than saw Rin cast a warm glance up at him.

Tears filled Jaken's eyes, making them odd and wobbly. "We were so worried! Weren't we Lord Sesshomaru? I thought I'd never see you again, when Kagura took off with you like that… the evil wench."

"We're going to go to the Musashi hut Master Jaken!" Rin declared. "Lord Sesshomaru said it was okay for us to go and take some time to rest."

Jaken blinked and looked up at his master, whose eyes were on the horizon. "He did?"

"Yes!" Rin exclaimed moving toward A-un, who greeted the girl with a rumbling sound. "Ahh, A-un, I missed you too." The beast ruffled her hair with his hot breath. Somehow, it didn't inspire jealousy this time in the yokai lord, with the memory of her warm hand in his still fresh in his mind.

"Let us go." Sesshomaru said quietly, turning. They weren't far from the Musashi hut. Everyone fell into place behind him, as he directed the group toward their hideaway.

Naraku will have to be dealt with. He's a more cunning foe than I'd previously imagined. He will pay for the anguish and terror that has he caused. Sesshomaru glanced to his side, ensuring again that Rin was there. I'll have to hunt him, and eliminate him, soon. If I don't, he will come for her again.