Alone.
Her laughter was pure and beautiful. It spilled from pale pink lips as small pudgy fingers curled around the porcelain horse. With girlish delight the ivory haired child spun in circles, dancing with the piece with exquisite delight. Adrenaline coursed through her veins because it was forbidden. She was never allowed to touch the antiques... she was never allowed to touch anything. Her keepers gave her a small collection of toys, utensils, plates, furniture and other artifacts that were uniquely hers but everything else she wasn't allowed to touch. But now her keepers were gone and the doors, the gates were left open and this beautiful horse was something she'd always admired... so she danced. Laughing, playing, giggling, spinning like she'd never had a care in the world, like she'd never known sadness or isolation.
Isolation.
Her laughter slowed to a soft hiccup and her smile slowly faded as the porcelain began to creak. It was almost inaudible at first but then miniscule cracks began to branch and spread across the beautiful horse. Her eyes flickered, her fingers moved and a stream of panicked murmurs fled from her tongue as she desperately tried to quell the panic building up inside of her. She didn't mean too, it wasn't her fault! The horse began to splinter, the porcelain unable to handle the rapidly dropping temperature. She pleaded, whimpering for the horse to stop but it wouldn't matter, it never mattered, this was why she had special things, this was why her keepers forbade her from leaving and touching the things that weren't hers. She jumped as the chamber door burst open and with wide blue eyes she starred at the furious face of her keepers. The leader opened his mouth to speak, but he was cut off by the sound of the horse exploding.
Prisoner.
The child screamed, jumping back as shrapnel shards of the porcelain tore into her face, her flesh, her body. Pain radiated from the wounds, warm blood sliding down her flesh and she dropped to her knees in shock. Her keepers were speaking, their voices reaching her subconscious but not piercing through the fog of her mind. She lifted her hands and they were shredded, gouged by the miniscule pieces of porcelain. Whimpers fled her tongue and panic seized her frail body. Shakily she looked up but all she saw was the gleam of metal weapons and the anger she could almost see radiating off her keepers. She trembled, shaking, scared, angry and cold. So very, very cold. Jumping up the small girl jerked back, she didn't want to be punished, she didn't want to be hurt. It wasn't fair, it wasn't her fault. She didn't mean to... but they were closing in just as the blood began to really ooze down her face.
Lonely.
Her eyes flickered, haunted and afraid but they came ever closer, charging her until the panic elicited a scream. She shook her head, covering her ears and dropped to her knees. The sound echoed, it splintered, it cracked the fragmented reality around them. The ear piercing sound of that shriek drew upon the curse of her soul and it was drowned out by the agonized cries of her keepers and then... everything was silent. No footsteps, no cruel words, no harsh sneers, just silence. Her shaking hands fell away from her ears and she trembled harder. Alone. Gone, Abandoned. Cold. A broken sob slid from her tongue and she collapsed, crying in the bitter chill of her empty prison.
Alone.
Sweet, childish and innocent Rin's laughter beckoned the attention of every demon within the Western Lord's castle as she raced through the gardens. Most peered at her with fondness and a short few with poorly concealed disdain but none would dare attack her. The human girl, now turned woman was the small glimmer of kindness in Sesshomaru's monotonous eyes. She was guarded, fiercely protected and clearly the most prized possession of the demon lord. Pity befell the wretch who dared an attempt to extinguish her. The courtyard, once plain but well kept, was now exploding with every kind of wildflower known to exist. Purples, blues, reds, oranges, yellows, pinks... they tangled in an impossible web that Rin somehow brought order too. Sesshomaru had given it to her as a safe haven, something she could make as her own. It was her sole responsibility and Rin had transformed the dull gardens into a wonderland of beauty. It was here that she spent her free time. The finest silks adorned her, her hair was held back by only the most ornate of clips and while she looked every bit of a princess... her kimono was hiked up around her knees as she gleefully played a game of tag with A-Un. She giggled, laughed and dodged the mighty dragon as it pounced time and time again. She was in love with this beast, in love with the castle and in love with the demon who commanded it. She'd accepted such things years ago and now found contentment in merely sharing all three. She was a human, she'd never possess any of the demon or his heart but he allowed her to remain and Rin found contentment in that.
"My lady." An all too familiar voice dragged her out of her thoughts and she quickly skidded to a halt, dropping the kimono so it fell properly before turning to face the man who interrupted her play. A-Un came to a halt at her back, both unmuzzled heads dropping to rest protectively on her shoulders. Despite the fact that the dragon was Sesshomaru's mount, it was Rin who came to feed him treats, it was Rin who removed him from the stables to see the fresh air and it was Rin who stole him away for pleasure rides through the skies. With a soft giggle Rin awarded his protectiveness by lifting both hands to lightly scratch at the sides of both snouts. A-Un purred his pleasure, nuzzling her affectionately.
"Hanatori-sama!" Rin greeted him with a beaming smile and a proper bow. "Is it dinnertime already?" Rin's chocolate eyes radiated with life as she greeted the castle's head chef properly. The chef in question smiled adoringly, shifting his weight and scratching the back of his head sheepishly.
"Ah... Rin, how many times must I tell you to call me Aiko? Your stature is above mine my Lady, it is I who should be adding honorifics to your name." Aiko answered with a smile and a flustered blush. He had taken a liking to the little human girl ever since Sesshomaru had first brought her to the castle and it seemed the feeling was mutual. It wasn't uncommon to find her aiding him in whatever concoction he was cooking. Rin enjoyed meeting and attempting to befriend nearly everyone who lived here. From the maids to the guards to the honored guests who ventured here from far away. Hell... she'd made a pen pal out of the demon lord of the North. The old tiger demon practically treated her like a daughter whenever he came to visit and all but demanded to sit near here at the dinner table. Human or no, Rin seemed to capture more than just the heart of their Lord Sesshomaru.
"As many times as it takes for you to call me Rin instead of Lady. Save the titles for when propriety demands them, when we've got no one to impress I much enjoy just being Rin." The woman beamed, the smile causing her eyes to nearly glow and Aiko couldn't help but to return the gesture. "Now why have you come Aiko? Surely it couldn't be to simply scold my lack of social etiquette?" Now her eyes twinkled, sparkling with just a hint of mischief. She'd been tutored and trained by only the best scholars and her knowledge of history, the lands, economics, demons and so much more far exceeded that of most demons let alone any human.
"Ah yes... dinner will be ready in an hour, I was hoping you'd take the honor of informing Sesshomaru? I can't leave the roast for long." A pause and a soft smile. "Unless of course you'd prefer me to do it my Lady. Then I will leave Mikuzuki in charge." Aiko's face was the picture of innocence, but Rin's reaction nearly threatened to break that carefully laid facade. It was obvious to everyone that the woman was all but smitten with the Lord of the West and to some degree it was obvious that Sesshomaru loved her. Aiko wanted nothing more than to see the both of them happy but he understood the hesitations. All he could do without invoking wrath or ruin was to simply offer a little push in the right direction.
"It's no trouble at all Aiko! I'd be honored to help. A-Un and I will go retrieve him now! Thank you Aiko!" her eyes sparkled, her heart raced and without any more hesitation, she mounted the dragon like she was headed to battle and invoked him to fly. The powerful beast rumbled and took to the skies. Rin never passed up an opportunity to see Sesshomaru... even if it was a simple errand that brought her to him. She waved happily down at the head chef who returned the gesture before slipping back inside the castle. He did actually have a feast to finish after all.
Rin held tight to A-Un and trusted the dragon to find and follow the scent of his master. While she'd always been gifted with the uncanny ability to read Sesshomaru and the moods he was in, she lacked the demonic senses to actually find him. She knew the dragon wouldn't fail her though and with a smile she took to humming the song she'd crafted as a child, passing the time and willing her heart to settle. It didn't take A-Un long and sooner rather than later he was descending from the sky, bounding happily towards his Master.
Sesshomaru paused on his patrol around the border of his lands and turned, golden eyes piercing as he gazed upon his favorite mount and the frail human girl who rode him without fear. With Naraku destroyed, Sesshomaru had little reason to leave the castle as often as he once had, but he still partook in border patrols. It was wise for him to remain alert and ready should trouble ever arise. He refused to be caught unaware by some pitiful would-be usurper.
"Lord Sesshomaru!" Rin's melodic voice was soothing to his ears and his attention fully shifted, pinning her with the full brunt of his attention. It made most demons cower, but Rin merely brightened. Her smile expanded until gleeful laughter poured from her tongue. Did just his mere presence cause such delight in the girl? It was humbling in an odd way. He was usually not a presence one wanted in their immediate area. " I trust your patrol has gone well? No sign of danger I hope. Hanatori-sama is nearly finished preparing dinner, would you like to join us?" Rin's eyes were hopeful, almost imploring him to say yes. It was amazing to him how something as simple as dinner could inspire such emotions in her.
"Uneventful. It seems with Naraku gone no demon is courageous enough to breach this Sesshomaru's land." He never held back from discussing such things with Rin. She'd insisted on being educated in battle tactics and now he used her more as a sound board to bounce ideas off of. Her perspective was new and fresh. She'd been trained well. "Why is it you have come instead of Aiko?" Sesshomaru's low and monotonous voice implored her to answer and Rin took the moment to slide from A-Un's back before she gracefully bowed. She always treated him with the highest measure of respect and while he'd insisted that such things weren't necessary when they were alone, she still preformed them. It bothered Sesshomaru to a small degree. With anyone else he expected and demanded the displays of submission and respect but with Rin... he wanted her to feel comfortable with him. Familiar. Close. She was precious to both him and the canine that lurked within his soul in a way he could not explain.
"Of course they are fearful. No one is stronger than you Lord Sesshomaru." Rin beamed, her dark eyes glittering with the awe she held for the dog demon. She admired him, she trusted him, she believed in him and how could she not? How many times had he saved her life? "Hanatori-san tasked me with the honor since the meal required his attention." Rin spoke honestly, boldly drawing closer to her Lord. "I would have asked for the task, even if it wasn't offered. I enjoy spending time with you Lord Sesshomaru." Her eyes glittered with such pure and genuine honesty, she adored him, anyone with half a brain could see that, but it always caught him off guard when she was so bold with her confessions. Sesshomaru never could grasp how she lived with that much emotion. The canine spirit within him rumbled, settling and allowing a wave of contentment to overtake him. Her mere presence had the power to soothe his demonic side and the canine all but purred when she admitted her enjoyment of his company. He realized he'd been quiet too long when her eyes flickered to Sesshomaru's right as she caught sight of the wild flowers that grew just out of reach. Sesshomaru followed her gaze, the smallest of smiles curling his mouth.
"I see... go on Rin. We can afford to be late to dinner this once." Sesshomaru rumbled quietly.
"Thank you Lord Sesshomaru! I want a few of these for the garden, and maybe a crown for A-Un!" With a soft cheer of delight the dark haired woman darted towards the flowers, gathering several and braiding them into delicate circles. True to her word, she returned to A-Un, decorating each of his heads and humorously, the mighty dragon pranced as though the additions held true significance. Rin laughed at his antics and Sesshomaru wondered if the beast pranced because of the crown or simply to draw the delight of this little human. She was light in this land of darkness. She always had been. She was nearing her twentieth year and many of his vassals had requested her hand in marriage but Sesshomaru was not yet ready to let her go. The thought threatened to shatter the contentment he found in watching her as the canine bristled and growled.
"Rin. Come." His words were a command and she instantly obeyed. Nodding her head and tucking the rest of the flowers in the sash along her kimono she mounted the dragon with ease, sitting patient and waiting for Sesshomaru to slide behind her. The dragon took to the skies and Rin slowly eased just the barest hint of her weight against Sesshomaru's chest. She lived for these moments, these quiet gifts of peace when it was just her and Sesshomaru. She loved him, she always had and even if these little moments of simple peace were all she got... than it would be enough. Sesshomaru rumbled softly, the sound vibrating his chest and without warning his right arm wound around her waist and dragged her back to fully press against him. He would say that it was merely to ensure her balance but the Taiyoukai was growing tired of lying to himself. He wasn't sure when or how this frail human had come to mean so much to him, but her sun kissed skin and that radiant smile had the power to bring him to his knees... she just didn't know it.
It was so cold and yet no fire burned in the fireplace to stave off the chill. The ancient stones, sturdier than any iron did little to stave off the plummeting temperatures but the beasts that lurked within hardly noticed. They roared and snapped, battling each other, dueling and training to prepare for wars that may never come but should their Master ever call upon them, they would be ready. Claws scraped against snow covered stone, bodies smashed into walls contrived of frigid ice. The winds hollowed, whistling through the cracks but the creatures never stopped. They weren't always dueling of course, sometimes they paused to search for food or to leave small remnants of their Master around the world, but no one found the little artifacts or at least... no one used them correctly.
It could have been days or centuries that they'd remained here in this dormant state but it didn't matter. One day another soul would call upon them and one day the world would remember her once again. Everything fell silent as disembodied words echoed through the castle. The creatures stopped their fighting, the shouts and cheers died off and the only sound was of their Master breathing. "Will she say the words?" The voice, deep and gravelly erupted from one of the creatures as an excited hush settled over the group. "She must!" Another chimed in, nearly vibrating with energy and adrenaline. "Say the words! Say them now!" Excited babble echoed through the group before they settled, desperately trying to remain quiet, hoping that the girl... whoever she was, would continue.
Rin sighed, pulling her hair from the collar of her sleeping yukata with a soft sigh. Dinner had been largely uneventful and she'd taken her place at Sesshomaru's left. While the food had been divine and the company her absolute favorite, she always hated saying goodnight, it meant another day that she would age. Would Sesshomaru still adore her when she was old? When her belly protruded outward and wrinkles adorned her hands and face? The thought sent a shiver down her back. Would she even be permitted a place in his castle when such ugliness befell her? She frowned. She shouldn't think of such things. She belonged to Sesshomaru, she knew he cared enough about her to always take care of her, but she never wished to become a burden.
She finished withdrawing the pins from her hair and turned to retire to her bed when her tones kicked a small round object near the corner of her vanity. She gasped, taken aback by the small jingle that the trinket made and blinked owlishly down at the small... was that a copper bell? It was dull and horribly worn having lost it's varnish and paint some time ago. Rin knew that she possessed no such object so where had it come from? She hesitated, uncertain if she should touch the small object or not. Something about it didn't sit right with her. Nibbling her bottom lip nervously she carefully scooped it up with the sleeve of her yukata. The small bell jingled, rolling harmlessly in her palm. It didn't seem like a trick but that still didn't explain had it had gotten into her room. She glanced around, double checking all of the places where it could be possible for someone to hide before she returned her gaze to the old and worn bell.
Was that writing etched into the top of the bell? It was ancient and old, but Rin could decipher it.
"Through dangers and hardships wishes dangle on wires, speak to the winds and confess your desires." Rin murmured, her frown deepening at the odd and cryptic words. She turned the bell, rolling it over in her hands but the object did nothing, it held no demonic power nor celestial grace. It was just... a very old bell. She glanced towards the door, unwilling to trouble Sesshomaru with such a simple thing so late in the evening, perhaps in the morning she would tell him about the strange object and implore who was allowed into her private chambers. It would certainly give her an excuse to go and see him. A secret smile stole across her face and she ventured towards her balcony, the little bell still clasped between her fingers. Rin peered up at the heavens, enjoying the cloudless sky and gazing up at the stars.
"Finish it! Say the words!" The creatures bellowed, screaming and snarling as the tensions rose. The air became hostile, almost sinister with the aura that was steadily building. They could feel their Master stirring, her own aura increasing in tenacity and volume. It succeeded in settling them but only just. Her svelte form would soon be upon them and they would be graced by her presence. The sound of her footsteps trumped even that of the girl who had spoken and as the chamber doors splayed open and she stepped into the room, the creatures bowed. They didn't gaze upon her, not yet. They would reward themselves only when the words were spoken. Only when the ritual was complete. "She will say the words! We know it!" One of the creatures whimpered, pleasured by their Master's mere appearance. Her hum filled the air and it died only when the girls voice returned.
The stars were beautiful, her very favorite view but they dulled in comparison to the man she loved. No... the demon she loved. Subconsciously her fingers tightened on the little bell. "Speak my desires huh?" She murmured, drawing her gaze away from the sky to peer down at the strange object she held. "I desire to live and die serving my Lord Sesshomaru. He is the only friend I've ever known, my protector, my savior and I love him. Even if he will never return these feelings I desire to remain at his side. Nothing more and nothing less." She whispered softly, a secret to the evening wind and the small brass bell that had so curiously found it's way into her room. She remained outside for a moment longer but the temperature seemed to be dropping and after a moment she quietly returned to the warmth and comfort of her private quarters.
Dropping the bell upon her vanity she quickly crawled beneath the covers. Her sleep came easily and peaceful, her mind dredging up old memories of braiding flowers into Sesshomaru's hair.
Silence. The words were spoken. They were called upon, they were needed. In pure silence every creature slowly lifted its skull to peer at their Master. She was perfection. Beauty unrivaled. Brilliantly white cloth draped elegantly over her body and was only broken up by elaborately carved silver armor that covered her chest, her back and part of her thighs. What little flesh was left uncovered was porcelain, blemished only by powder blue lines that covered her flesh in intricate whirls and swirls. Her face was the only part of her left untouched. Pale pink lips, ivory hair, eyes of molten sapphire and of course the two massive horns that erupted from her forehead only to curl backwards over her skull like a rams horn. She gazed at her creatures, her beloved pets and harshly whipped one hand through the air. The massive doors to the ominous castle crashed open and the landscape, the once desolate and frozen lands changed to the grassy forest of the Western Lands. The creatures growled, their snarls and snaps of anticipation echoing through the castle but not one of them moved. Not a single one leapt from their formation... not until they had permission.
"Go. Bring her home. She desires and we will grant her wish." Her voice was powerful but quiet. She'd never needed obnoxious noise to assert her dominance. Her precious pets roared, the tenacity of the noise shaking the very foundation of her castle before they lunged, propelling into a ferocious run with a deafening howl. They had never failed their Master... and they wouldn't start now.